The Hedgehog 2 Engine Looks Stunning
Running on the new Hedgehog 2 engine, Sega’s upcoming Sonic Forces is the most graphically accomplished Sonic game ever made. Watching a hands-off behind-closed-doors gameplay presentation at EGX Rezzed in London, we were able to get a much closer look at the detail that has gone into its design. Slowing gameplay to a halt and panning around the level, product manager Jim Dyer explained that Forces boasts a level of fidelity never before seen in a Sonic game. Features such as real-time water reflections, particle effects, and vibrant lighting certainly bring 3D Sonic into the current generation.
Dyer also made special mention of obstacles such as cones having their own special physics, reacting realistically in a manner one wouldn’t normally expect to see in a fast-paced 3D platformer. We were told that the concept designing a Sonic game with such a high level of detail wasn’t just about making it current-gen worthy though, it was about building an immersive world.
Wisps Are Back, Levels Feature Multiple Paths
With regards to how Sonic handles in Forces, expect the nuance of controls to feel similar to Generations. Although we did not go hands-on during the presentation, the directional movement appeared unchanged, with conventional controls and lane switching a returning feature.
Speaking of returning features, wisps are back, giving Sonic an extra boost of speed at allocated points throughout the level. Wisps were a divisive feature of Generations, with some players feeling that the boost added to the intensity of the experience, while others believe Sonic’s speed should be an ever present feature. Notably, boost was somewhat criticized as it largely controlled when and where Sonic was quick, dictating when there would be moments of slow platforming, or attacking enemies. It essentially felt stifling. What we can say in response to that is there are certainly many different paths and layers to levels from what we saw.
Alternative routes and paths can be accessed via the grappling hook and by chaining together attacks, which is an offensive attack that’s also present in Forces. Railing grinding, too, saw Sonic either reach unseen areas or avoid them altogether for an even quicker level run-through.
Red Stars, as seen in the game’s logo, also appear scattered throughout levels as a collectable. We assume these form a collection achievement.
Three Play Styles, Including New “Hero Mode”
As in other 3D Sonic games such as Generations and Colors, Sonic Forces will feature Modern and Classic modes, complemented by the all-new “Hero Mode”. As a result, Sonic Forces boasts some of the most varied gameplay ever seen in a 3D Sonic game.
Hero Mode is a character creation mode where players will be able to customize their very own Sonic design from the ground up. Not only will players be able to hone to its visual design, they will also be able to equip their character with a unique Wispon — elemental wisp- powered weapons with individual effects.
Wisps are still present in the third play style, but instead of facilitating extra speed, in Hero mode, their collection fills an orange gauge in the bottom left-hand corner which powers the equipped wispon weapon. Wispons have a dual functionality in that they can be used both for attack and also to facilitate traversal to different platforms.
Speaking to Sega Europe product manager Jim Dyer, we were told that Hero characters have been designed with the community in mind: “The Sonic community is vast and awesome. A lot of guys make their own fanfiction with characters they create, and this is the first time that you will be able to do that in a Sonic game.”
Dyer’s own design was a Fox-looking character wielding a flame wisp called Burst. Burst was used like a flamethrower in offense, but was also able to be charged by holding triangle on PS4 to push the character around the level. We didn’t see any other wispons in action but Dyer told us that we can expect other elemental types such as electrical wispons available in the full game.
In total, there are seven character types that players can use as a base for their design. Each of these comes with their own special ability:
- Bear — homing attack
- Bird — double jump ability
- Wolf — Attacks rings when near
- Rabbit — Longer invincible time after taking damage
- Hedgehog — Collects rings when getting damaged
- Cat — Keeps one ring after being hit
- Dog — Restarts with five rings after the player dies
Importantly, when asked whether character designs and wisps were just reskinned assets, Dyer assured us that customization was deep and varied. He went on to suggest that Hero Mode characters differing abilities would offer completely separate gameplay experiences. Sonic, we were told, cannot access certain areas in levels that Hero Mode characters will be able to traverse to using a wispon.
Story Details
We don’t have many details on the story in Sonic Forces as yet. What were told at EGX, however, was that Dr Eggman Robotnik had devastated Sonic’s world and caused total destruction. Indeed, that would seem to be the case based on the level we witnessed — a longer playthrough of the same level seen in the trailer tease.
Jim Dyer commented that the tone of the level was darker than what is typically seen in Sonic games. The level seen in the tease is not the start of the game but later on in Sonic’s adventure. We were told to “asssume Robotnik has won. The world has been destroyed, everything has gone to pot and it is up to Sonic and his friends to sort things out and do what they do best.”
Later revealed footage of the Classic Sonic mode via YouTube noted that Green Hill Zone looked more desolate: “Classic Sonic discovers Green Hill Zone is looking more dry and sandy under Eggman’s rule, from the heavy desertification caused by his industries.” This is consistent with the premise that Dr Robotnik has blighted the world and that Sonic will seek to overthrow his control across all three playstyles.
When and Where Can You Play it?
Unfortunately, though we did press for further clarification, a firm release date for Sonic Forces was not disclosed in our discussion with Sega Europe at EGX Rezzed. What we do know is that the game is scheduled for release this holiday season. With regards to platforms, Sonic Forces will be available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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