Sonic Frontiers’ Cyber Space Dimension Features Traditional Platforming Stages

Sonic Frontiers’ “open zone” format has been the centerpiece of discussion, and for a good reason. Sonic fans will love the open-world setting that Sonic is dropped in. It gives them a bigger space to play in and allows them to move fast. Frontiers also features standard platforming levels that can be found in unlocked areas called Cyber Space. This is good news for traditionalists. I got to play one of these stages during my demo during Summer Game Fest Play Days a couple of weeks ago to get a handle on how these self-contained levels compliment Frontiers’ exploration-heavy gameplay. 

This was taken during the Nintendo Direct Mini today, as we explored the open world (which is also covered in my). previous previewPortal Gears are special, unique items that I found in my travels. Solving puzzles, completing various challenges and other ways to obtain the gears in Starfall Islands is how you can get them. Presenting them at stone landmarks resembling a throne establishes a connection to the Cyber Space, a digital dimension Sega describes as a “game within a game.” Cyber Space treats players to fast-paced platforming stages fans of 3D Sonic games will be intimately familiar with, providing a more focused diversion to open zone wandering.  

Fans would be proud to know that the futuristic platform I saw featured similar platforming techniques. While sprinting down the linear path, I used my homing to bounce on the objects and then surfed the rails, until I finally reached the end. Completing a Cyber Space level rewards Vault Keys used to unlock new areas throughout Starfall Islands. This particular Cyber Space stage didn’t offer anything 3D Sonic veterans haven’t seen before. Still, Frontiers’ improved controls meant that it at least played a bit better than the Hedgehog’s recent outings. If nothing else, Cyber Space gives fans pockets of familiarity while providing another diversion in Frontiers’ world, which may assuage some fans’ concern about the game’s perceived lack of activities.

Sonic Frontiers is now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 4. It will also be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and PC in the fall.