Summary
Sonic Team had told fans that players could expect 2023 to be the “round two” of what 2022 was in terms ofSoniccontent, and the year has certainly delivered withSonic Frontiersholding the charge on the Modern Sonic front. One of the biggest aspects of this marketing plan is the release ofSonic Frontiers' 2023 DLC, which was officially fully released back on September 28. Across three updates,Sonicfans could look forward toFrontiersadding new features and improvements throughout the first year after launch.
In terms of DLC for aSonicgame, the approach used forFrontierswas unique. Despite the fact thatSonic Frontierswas practically calling for expansive DLC, already a first for the series, each of the three updates were completely free for all players. As these updates added new challenging modes, new abilities such as the Spin Dash to unlock, and even made Tails, Knuckles, and Amy playable alongside an entirely new ending, it may seem like these free DLC packs left money on the table. However, this decision helped benefitSonic Frontiersextensively.
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Sonic Frontiers' Success Spells Great News for the Open-Zone Formula
How Sonic Frontiers Sped Through Series Records Within Months
When the original DLC roadmap forSonic Frontierswas revealed, players were both confused yet excited about what was on the list of upcoming features. The sheer fact that the third update was bringingnew playable characters toSonic Frontierswas enough to make the announcement trend on social media, and that was only elevated by the fact that this announcement came with the fact that everything would be free updates at no extra cost. Sales numbers quickly proved that the DLC was a great move on Sega’s part.
Now that players are aware of exactly what each DLC pack offers functionally, as well in terms of quality of life improvements, such as giving players the power to remove Sonic’s jump acceleration, it’s stunning that there was no additional price tag added. However, fans caught on and easily bought the game for themselves following positive fan reception to join in on the DLC as soon as it arrived, and Sega announcedSonic Frontiershad become the best-selling 3DSonicgameshortly after the first update was released, just five months after launch.
Sonic Frontiers Shows Sonic Team’s Commitment
One of the more interesting things that continues to makeSonic Frontiersstand out is how the third update almost directly takes player feedback into account. While the game sits as a rather favorable title in the franchise among fans, many agreed thatSonic Frontiershad its flaws. Some die-hard players in particular thought that the ending of the game was the section that needed the most changes, namelyFrontiers' final bosses, and these opinions were brought directly to the game’s director on social media, which can be seen inFrontiers' The Final Horizon expansion.
After the final battle against Supreme and The End in the base game was considered out of place and too easy by these same fans, new trial and battles in the “Another Story” addition almost tell these players to be careful what they wish for.Sonic Frontiers' third updatehas been described as beingDark Soullevels of hard. It may be shocking, but as the game’s new ending ends up saving Sage from her tragic fate, the reward is very much worth the struggle.
From the very beginning when it was originally announced, the confidence from Sonic Team and Sega was palpable.Sonic Frontierswas delayed for the sake of quality, and now that the game’s post-launch content has wrapped up, the potential in the open-zone formula is especially apparent. AsFrontiersaims to be the “foundation” of the next ten years ofSonicgames to come, with new lore and an extended playable cast behind them, the mainlineSonicgames couldn’t be in a more promising spot for its future.
Sonic Frontiers
WHERE TO PLAY
Worlds are colliding in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest high-speed adventure! In search of the missing Chaos emeralds, Sonic becomes stranded on an ancient island teeming with unusual creatures. Battle hordes of powerful enemies as you explore a breathtaking world of action, adventure, and mystery. Accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high-velocity, open-zone platforming freedom as you race across the five massive Starfall Islands. Jump into adventure, wield the power of the Ancients, and fight to stop these new mysterious foes.Become Sonic and journey to uncover the mysteries of the remains of an ancient civilization plagued by robotic hordes. With nothing but a handful of questions and a disembodied voice to guide you, set out to save your friends and the enigmatic inhabitants of the Starfall Islands from a colossal, mechanized threat.
