Summary
Sonic Dream Teamhas only been on Apple Arcade for a short while and it’s already made a name for itself withSonicfans. Developed by Sega Hardlight, the mobile game was originally controversial among potential players for being exclusive to Apple devices. While there may be somehope thatSonic Dream Teamwill go to consolesand PC, it’s still quite a ways off as the exclusivity period will likely last for the next three years. For those who don’t have the means to playDream Team, the wait may seem a bit painful as other players enjoy the level design and platforming.
Waiting to see ifSonic Dream Teamwill leave Apple Arcadeand go to other platforms is made even harder as the mobile game has a rather sizable character roster, starring two characters that tend to sit on the sidelines. On top of featuring a simplistic but fun story with mechanics that take advantage of the momentum and players' memory,Sonic Dream Teambrings back interchangeable cutscenes, which is an interesting returning feature afterSonic Frontiers' DLC.
Sonic Adventure Fans Are Being Given a Light of Hope By Sonic Dream Team and Sonic Frontiers
What Sonic Frontiers Established For Future Sonic Games
BeforeSonic Dream Teamwas even revealed,Sonic Frontierswas released at nearly the end of 2022, and it completely changed the game. Introducing the new open-zone formula said to be the “foundation” of futureSonictitles,Frontiersbrought with it a story full of self-discovery for the blue hedgehog’s friends. The game eventually ends with the group saying they’re going to go on their own separate journeys, making players thinkSonic Frontiers' sequel will have multiple storylines like aSonic Adventuregame would.
The Return of Playable Characters and Differing Cutscenes in Sonic Games
This tease of new character-driven narratives was inFrontiers' base game, which meant fans were in for a surprise asnew playable characters DLC forSonic Frontierswas announced just barely under a month after release. This content allowed fans to play as Tails, Knuckles, and Amy alongside Sonic completely for free. This would later be revealed to be yet another new initiative for the series as Sonic Team would choose to aim for multiple playable characters in future titles.
Continuing this trend isSonic Dream Team, which not only offers playable characters, but raises the total options from four to six. Rouge and Cream are given the chance to shine against the four main cast members in a proper platforming adventure for the first time in years, andCream and Cheese in particular are importantto the overall story. However,Sonic Dream Teamonce again adds something new in the form of cutscenes that change depending on the player’s choice, a feature not seen inSonicgames sinceSonic Adventure.
What Sonic Frontiers and Sonic Dream Team Teasing Sonic Adventure Features Means
WhileSonic Dream Team’s cutscenes that depend on who fans play as don’t change the overall story, theresemblance toSonic Adventureis hard to ignore as its own differing cutscenes simply showed the narrative from a different perspective each time. It’s an interesting inclusion that, with these games launching one after another, seems to suggest a pattern.
Nothing is known for sure just yet, but it could be possible thatSonic Dream TeamandSonic Frontiersare purposefully leaning closer and closer to theSonic Adventuretitles to test the waters and see if old features that the two classic games are known for are still welcome in more modern releases. If this is the case, then this trend should certainly continue, especially as both games have been very well received by fans so far.AsSonic Adventure 3is still on the wishlistfor many, Sonic Team may want to see enough support before taking the plunge at last.
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.
