Sonic Forces

{{For|the mobile tie-in originally called Sonic Forces: Speed Battle|Sonic Dash#Sequels}}

{{Infobox video game

| title = Sonic Forces

| image = SonicForcesArtwork.jpg

| caption = Sonic Forces Box art

| developer = Sonic Team{{efn|Ported to Windows by Sega Hardlight}}

| publisher = Sega

| series = Sonic the Hedgehog

| engine =

| platforms = {{unbulleted list|Nintendo Switch|PlayStation 4|Windows|Xbox One}}

| released = {{Video game release|WW|November 7, 2017|JP|November 9, 2017}}

| genre = Platform

| modes = Single-player

| director = Morio Kishimoto

| producer = {{unbulleted list|Shun Nakamura|Takashi Iizuka}}

| designer = {{unbulleted list|Morio Kishimoto|Jyunpei Ootsu|Takayuki Okada}}

| programmer = Hiroki Tokunaga

| artist = {{unbulleted list|Yoshitaka Miura|Sachiko Kawamura}}

| writer = {{unbulleted list|Eitaro Toyoda|Makoto Goya|Ken Pontac|Warren Graff}}

| composer = {{unbulleted list|Tomoya Ohtani|Naofumi Hataya|Kenichi Tokoi|Takahito Eguchi}}

}}

{{nihongo foot|Sonic Forces|ソニックフォース|Sonikku Fōsu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2017 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. It was produced in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. The plot focuses on Sonic the Hedgehog joining a resistance movement formed by his friends, alongside its rookie and his misplaced past self. Together, they must stop Doctor Eggman, who has conquered most of the world alongside Infinite, his newest lackey who has been empowered by the Phantom Ruby. It features three gameplay modes: "Classic", side-scrolling gameplay similar to the original Sega Genesis Sonic games, "Modern", 3D gameplay similar to Sonic Unleashed (2008) and Sonic Colors (2010), and a mode featuring the "Avatar", the player's custom character.

Development of Sonic Forces began after the release of Sonic Lost World in 2013. With the game's title chosen to signify its themes of power and teamwork, it was intended to have a darker tone compared to previous entries in the franchise and the character creation system was inspired by Sonic fan art the developers had come across over the years. The game was primarily developed by staff who had worked on Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations (2011), using an updated version of the Hedgehog Engine, used in Sonic Unleashed and Generations. It was announced, alongside Sonic Mania, under the working title of Project Sonic 2017 during the Sonic 25th anniversary event at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con. The development of Sonic Forces, including the plot, was influenced by Sonic Mania.

Sonic Forces was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows and Xbox One in November 2017. The game received mixed reviews from critics. They praised its presentation, music, voice acting, character creation system, and the Modern Sonic gameplay, but criticized the plot, overly automated level design and gameplay, technical problems, short length, and the inclusion of Classic Sonic. Many critics called it a disappointment in the wake of the positively received Sonic Mania, released earlier that year. The critical feedback influenced the development of the Sonic series' next entry, Sonic Frontiers (2022).

Gameplay

File:Sonic Forces Original Hero Gameplay.jpg

Sonic Forces is an action-adventure platform game similar in gameplay and style to prior Sonic the Hedgehog games. The player's goal is to liberate the world from the newly established reign of Doctor Eggman. The game features three playable characters: two variants of Sonic the Hedgehog ("Classic" and "Modern") and the "Avatar" (the player's custom character). Each has unique abilities and attributes: Classic Sonic is restricted to side-scrolling gameplay reminiscent of the Sega Genesis Sonic games and can perform a spin dash on the ground and a drop dash in mid-air to gain speed. Modern Sonic's gameplay follows a similar style to Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colors: he can double jump, perform a homing attack on enemies, springs, and grappling hooks, and a speed boost by collecting White Wisps. The Avatar is created from a base of seven animal types, which each possess a unique ability; they also wield a grappling hook and can equip weapons known as Wispons, including flamethrowers, whips, and hammers. Depending on the Wispon, Avatars can use temporary abilities by collecting a corresponding Wisp type.{{cite web|last1=Dornbush|first1=Jonathon|title=Sonic Forces Character Creation Feature Announced|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/16/sonic-forces-character-creation-feature-mode-announced|website=IGN|date=May 16, 2017|access-date=May 16, 2017|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522105450/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/16/sonic-forces-character-creation-feature-mode-announced|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Sonic Forces' non-Sonic stages might be its best|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/16/15813036/sonic-forces-hero-characters-gameplay-avatar-stages-e3-2017|website=Polygon|date=June 16, 2017|access-date=July 21, 2017|archive-date=June 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610131940/https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/16/15813036/sonic-forces-hero-characters-gameplay-avatar-stages-e3-2017|url-status=live}} Certain parts see players controlling both Modern Sonic and the Avatar, switching between them as necessary, similar to Sonic Heroes.

The game is split into several themed levels, some of which are based on locations from past games, such as Green Hill Zone.{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Sonic fans are getting a little tired of Green Hill Zone|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/26/15435090/sonic-forces-green-hill-zone-gameplay|website=Polygon|date=April 26, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=May 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519103145/https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/26/15435090/sonic-forces-green-hill-zone-gameplay|url-status=live}} Players must complete each level while fighting waves of enemies, and (with the exception of Classic Sonic) seamlessly shift from side-scrolling to third-person perspectives. Stages are filled with features such as spring boards, rails, and boost pads, and obstacles such as spikes, bottomless pits, and robots. Scattered around levels are golden rings, which serve as a form of health: rings protect players from damage caused by robots or other hazards, though they lose their rings upon being hit; being hit with no rings kills the player. The game does not use a traditional life system, instead deducting from the player's score depending on the number of deaths.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/sonic-forces-impressions-great-when-it-sticks-to-its-r-1796106738|title=Sonic Forces Impressions: Great When It Sticks To Its Roots|last1=Alexandria|first1=Heather|website=Kotaku|date=June 14, 2017|access-date=June 16, 2017|archive-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617194913/http://kotaku.com/sonic-forces-impressions-great-when-it-sticks-to-its-r-1796106738|url-status=live}} Players are given a grade dependent on their performance; an "S" rank is the best and a "C" is the worst. Certain levels feature a boss, which must be defeated in order to proceed. Bonus levels can be unlocked by collecting Red Rings hidden in most stages and players may occasionally receive SOS Missions, tasking them with replaying levels with a specific objective.{{cite web|last1=D'Argenio|first1=Angelo|title=Review: Sonic Forces is a half-finished disappointment of a game|url=https://www.gamecrate.com/reviews/review-sonic-forces-half-finished-disappointment-sonic-game/17488|website=GameCrate|access-date=December 2, 2017|archive-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202203137/https://www.gamecrate.com/reviews/review-sonic-forces-half-finished-disappointment-sonic-game/17488|url-status=live}}

Plot

Doctor Eggman attacks a city and Sonic sets out to stop him. Upon arriving, he is attacked by Infinite, a mercenary empowered by the Phantom Ruby.{{efn|name=sm|As seen in Sonic Mania}} Infinite defeats Sonic, who is taken prisoner aboard the Death Egg. Without Sonic to stop him further, Eggman, with the help of his robots, Infinite, Shadow the Hedgehog, Chaos, Zavok and Metal Sonic, manages to conquer the world within six months. Knuckles the Echidna forms a resistance movement with Tails, the Chaotix, Amy Rose, Silver the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat and a survivor of Eggman's attack who is only referred to as "Rookie". Knuckles discovers Sonic's whereabouts and the Rookie steals a space shuttle, breaks into the Death Egg and rescues Sonic. Back in the city, Tails is attacked by Chaos, but is saved by Classic Sonic, who has become marooned in the present by the Phantom Ruby's power.{{efn|name=sm}} The duo set out to spy on Eggman, learning about the Phantom Ruby and that Eggman has an endgame that will dispose of the resistance upon taking effect in three days.

Meanwhile, Sonic encounters Shadow, who reveals that the Shadow following Eggman is an illusionary doppelgänger created by Infinite, as are the other villains serving him, and that limitless numbers of them can be created to bolster Eggman's army. Tails infiltrates Eggman's computer network and finds the Phantom Ruby's weakness: the gemstone is directly powered by the Death Egg and will be rendered useless without it. While the Rookie stages a diversion, the Death Egg is destroyed by Classic Sonic. Believing they have the upper hand, the resistance attacks the Eggman Empire's capital, Metropolis. However, Eggman has a backup power source hidden in his empire's fortress, and as the resistance make their final charge toward it, he has Infinite enact his endgame: creating an asteroid-like second sun over the planet that will eliminate everything in its path upon impact. Thinking fast, the Rookie uses a prototype Phantom Ruby they had recovered to dispel the sun, saving the heroes. Sonic and the Rookie then battle Infinite and defeat him, but Eggman unveils yet another backup plan, moving the Phantom Ruby into his own Death Egg Robot and fighting the resistance directly. Working together, the Sonics and the Rookie defeat Eggman, leaving the doctor's whereabouts unknown. With the Phantom Ruby neutralized, all of Infinite's doppelgängers cease existing, Classic Sonic is returned to his proper time period, the Resistance disbands and Modern Sonic and his friends set out to restore the world to its former glory while the Rookie leaves to find their own way.

=Episode Shadow=

The DLC pack Episode Shadow serves as a prequel to the story, one month before the main plot begins. Shadow heads into the city towards enemy territory on Rouge's command, but E-123 Omega ends up causing chaos despite the fact that the mission is meant to be recon. As Shadow goes on, Omega starts getting confused, with his sensors becoming disabled, and his mind being corrupted before going silent. It is later revealed that Omega was badly damaged by Infinite, whom Shadow does not recognize. To help him remember, Infinite sends Shadow through a flashback of when Shadow had invaded Eggman's base.

The leader of the Jackal Squad mercenary group, the rest of which were taken out by Shadow beforehand, is commanded by Eggman to eliminate Shadow. However, his efforts are futile against Shadow, who easily thrashes him to the side, insults his weakness and leaves. Unable to handle the pain of being called "weak", he covers up his past and gains the power he uses now from the Phantom Ruby, rechristening himself as Infinite. After Infinite snaps Shadow out of the flashback, Shadow is transported to Green Hill Zone, where Infinite demonstrates his ability to manipulate people's minds by making Shadow think Rouge is talking nonsense to him and Omega is still alive and active, making him realize Infinite's capabilities.

Development

Development of Sonic Forces began shortly after the completion of Sonic Lost World (2013) under the codename Project Sonic 2017. It was developed alongside Sonic Mania.{{cite magazine|title=Interview with Takashi Iizuka|magazine=Famitsu|date=April 2017|language=ja}} It was developed by Sonic Team; the majority of the staff had previously developed Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations (which followed a similar premise).{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=Project Sonic 2017 Confirmed for Nintendo NX Release|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/project_sonic_2017_confirmed_for_nintendo_nx_release|website=Nintendo Life|date=July 23, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-date=November 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065752/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/project_sonic_2017_confirmed_for_nintendo_nx_release|url-status=live}} The game was directed by Morio Kishimoto, who previously directed the console versions of Sonic Colors and Lost World. The game was produced in commemoration of the series' twenty-fifth anniversary and the title was chosen to signify its themes of power, teamwork and armies.

The game was intended to give a darker perspective to the world of Sonic, in contrast to the fantasy-based themes of previous entries, and expand upon the modern-style gameplay from Unleashed and Colors.{{cite magazine|last1=Wallace|first1=Kimberly|title=Sonic Forces Producer Discusses Changes To Ring System And Darker World|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/10/05/sonic-forces-producer-discusses-changes-to-ring-system-and-darker-world.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006093159/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/10/05/sonic-forces-producer-discusses-changes-to-ring-system-and-darker-world.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=October 6, 2017|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=December 3, 2017}} To create this, the developers designed levels to seem desolate and more realistic.{{cite web|title=第1回背景デザインアートディレクター三浦義貴|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/sonicforces/column/20171117_001492/|website=Sonic Channel|publisher=Sega|access-date=December 3, 2017|language=ja|archive-date=December 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204061412/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/sonicforces/column/20171117_001492/|url-status=dead}} In programming the game, the development team used the Hedgehog Engine 2, an updated version of the game engine used in Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Generations.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/03/17/sonic-forces-extended-gameplay-reveal-demo.aspx | title=A Longer Look at Modern Sonic - Sonic Forces - PlayStation 4 | magazine=Game Informer | first=Brian | last=Shea | date=March 17, 2017 | access-date=March 20, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318192455/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/03/17/sonic-forces-extended-gameplay-reveal-demo.aspx | archive-date=March 18, 2017 | df=mdy-all }} The gameplay was mostly modeled off Unleashed{{'}}s, with elements from Colors and Generations. With the updated software, the first locations designed were the urban levels, which served as a reference for other stages. Sonic Team sought to make the levels unique and contrasting and various level ideas were suggested during development; one example was a prison in Green Hill. At one point in development, the series' traditional ring-based health system was abandoned to balance the game's difficulty, and for designing the Classic levels, the team looked to Generations and Mania as a reference.

Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka explained that for years, he had seen many fan-made characters and wanted to give players the opportunity to play as their own. The team was given freedom to create the animal and customization mechanics. According to producer Shun Nakamura, the system was intended to modify existing characters rather than use the complex mechanics of series such as Fallout, so the characters would still feel like a part of the Sonic universe.{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Sonic Forces' Custom Hero mode might not be the wish fulfillment you want|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/25/16338202/sonic-forces-custom-heroes-original-characters|website=Polygon|date=September 25, 2017|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227184902/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/25/16338202/sonic-forces-custom-heroes-original-characters|url-status=live}} Though Sonic Mania entered development years later than Forces, it affected the development; the games have connected plots, and Mania was envisioned to excite fans for Forces.{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Martin|title=Sonic Mania and its impact on the future of the Sonic series|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-23-sonic-mania-and-its-impact-on-the-future-of-the-sonic-series|newspaper=Eurogamer.net|date=October 23, 2017|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=October 30, 2017|archive-date=October 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029014318/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-23-sonic-mania-and-its-impact-on-the-future-of-the-sonic-series|url-status=live}}

Recurring series writers Ken Pontac and Warren Graff contributed to the English script.{{cite web|author1=Sato|title=Project Sonic 2017 Revealed As Sonic Forces, Here's Its First Footage And Details|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/03/17/project-sonic-2017-revealed-sonic-forces-heres-first-footage-details/|website=Siliconera|date=March 17, 2017|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505005827/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/03/17/project-sonic-2017-revealed-sonic-forces-heres-first-footage-details/|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet|user=warrengraff|last=Graff|first=Warren|title=Just a game I wrote, no big deal.|number=864507805331476480|date=May 16, 2017}}File:Hoobastank.jpg The soundtrack was primarily composed by series sound director Tomoya Ohtani and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, with additional music from Naofumi Hataya, Kenichi Tokoi, and Takahito Eguchi. The theme song, "Fist Bump", was written by Ohtani and features lyrics written and performed by Doug Robb of the American rock band Hoobastank.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/6/15929400/sonic-forces-main-theme-song-hoobastank |title=Sonic Forces recruits Hoobastank for its perfectly on-brand theme song |last=Frank |first=Allegra |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=July 6, 2017 |access-date=July 6, 2017 |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904152334/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/6/15929400/sonic-forces-main-theme-song-hoobastank |url-status=live }} Ohtani wrote Infinite's theme, which was performed by Tyler Smyth and Andy Bane of the band DangerKids.{{cite web|author1=Sega|title=Sonic Forces OST - Theme of Infinite|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKjOJuPjiu4|website=YouTube|date=July 20, 2017 |access-date=December 2, 2017|archive-date=November 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130165250/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKjOJuPjiu4|url-status=live}} Arrangements of tracks from Sonic CD (1993), Sonic Adventure 2 (2001), Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) and Sonic Lost World (2013) were used.{{cite magazine|last1=Shea|first1=Brian|title=New Tag Mechanic Stirs Up Sonic Heroes Memories|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/08/24/sonic-forces-new-tag-mechanic-sonic-heroes.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827151340/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/08/24/sonic-forces-new-tag-mechanic-sonic-heroes.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=August 27, 2017|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=December 2, 2017}}{{cite video game|title=Sonic Forces|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=November 7, 2017|level=Episode Shadow (DLC)}} A three-disc official soundtrack, Sonic Forces Original Soundtrack – A Hero Will Rise, was released in Japan by Sega's music label Wave Master on December 13, 2017.{{cite web|title=「ソニックフォース」，全楽曲を収録したサントラとボーカル曲を収録したアルバムが12月13日発売|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/350/G035072/20171012044/|website=4gamer|access-date=October 16, 2017|language=ja|archive-date=October 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017042325/http://www.4gamer.net/games/350/G035072/20171012044/|url-status=live}}

Release

Sonic Forces was announced alongside Sonic Mania under its codename during a twenty-fifth series anniversary event held by Sega at San Diego Comic-Con on July 22, 2016.{{cite web | url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/23/12261960/project-sonic-coming-to-nintendo-nx-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc-in-2017 | title='Project Sonic' coming to Nintendo NX, PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2017 | work=Polygon | publisher=Vox Media | first=Michael | last=McWhertor | date=July 23, 2016 | access-date=September 17, 2016 | archive-date=March 23, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323233602/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/23/12261960/project-sonic-coming-to-nintendo-nx-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc-in-2017 | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/07/26/sonic-retro-throwback-generations/|title=SEGA confirms two new Sonic games, a retro-throwback and a Sonic Generations sequel|last=Duwell|first=Ron|date=July 26, 2016|work=TechnoBuffalo|access-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913145430/http://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/07/26/sonic-retro-throwback-generations/|archive-date=September 13, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/07/23/project-sonic-out-holiday-2017-for-pc-nx-ps4-xbox-one-watch-the-reveal-trailer-here/|title=Project Sonic out holiday 2017 for PC, NX, PS4, Xbox One – watch the reveal trailer here|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|date=July 23, 2016|work=VG247|access-date=September 17, 2016|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420214403/https://www.vg247.com/2016/07/23/project-sonic-out-holiday-2017-for-pc-nx-ps4-xbox-one-watch-the-reveal-trailer-here/|url-status=live}} The presence of both Classic and Modern Sonic in the initial teaser trailer led some journalists to believe it was a sequel to Sonic Generations,{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/and-this-is-basically-sonic-generations-2-1784169174 | title=And This Is Basically Sonic Generations 2 | work=Kotaku | publisher=Univision Communications | first=Mike | last=Fahey | date=July 23, 2016 | access-date=September 17, 2016 | archive-date=July 28, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728114105/http://kotaku.com/and-this-is-basically-sonic-generations-2-1784169174 | url-status=live }} but Iizuka clarified that it was a separate game.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/it-sure-looks-like-sega-is-making-a-new-sonic-generations-376598.phtml|title=It sure looks like Sega is making a new Sonic Generations|website=Destructoid|date=July 23, 2016|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=February 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228082612/https://www.destructoid.com/it-sure-looks-like-sega-is-making-a-new-sonic-generations-376598.phtml|url-status=live}} The game was released worldwide on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in November 2017.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-making-a-triumphant-return-to-3d-this-time-for-real/|title=Sonic the Hedgehog making a triumphant return to 3D—this time for real|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media|first=Nick|last=Plessas|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929020247/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-making-a-triumphant-return-to-3d-this-time-for-real/|archive-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author1=Sato|title=Sonic Forces Releases November 9 In Japan, New Screenshots Show More Of The Avatar|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/08/24/sonic-forces-releases-november-9-japan-new-screenshots-show-avatar/|website=Siliconera|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824220753/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/08/24/sonic-forces-releases-november-9-japan-new-screenshots-show-avatar/|url-status=live}} Prior to the game's launch, Sega released a four-part prequel comic written and drawn by Ian Flynn and Adam Bryce Thomas, who previously worked on Archie Comics' Sonic the Hedgehog series.{{cite web|author=Jenni|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/10/12/sonic-forces-free-comics-first-chapter-released/|title=Sonic Forces Free Comic's First Chapter Released|website=Siliconera|date=October 12, 2017|access-date=October 26, 2017|archive-date=October 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026214905/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/10/12/sonic-forces-free-comics-first-chapter-released/|url-status=live}} A bonus edition was released containing controller skins and downloadable clothing items for the Avatar based on other Sega games, such as Jet Set Radio, Puyo Puyo, and Persona 5.{{cite tweet|user=sonic_hedgehog|number=903271303485898752|title=Sonic Forces arrives Nov. 7! The physical Bonus edition is available now for Pre-Order, and includes a controller skin + SEGA/Atlus outfits!|date=August 31, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Osborn|first1=Alex|title=Sonic Forces Release Date Announced, Persona 5 Outfit Available as Preorder Bonus|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/31/sonic-forces-release-date-announced-persona-5-outfit-available-as-preorder-bonus|website=IGN|date=August 31, 2017|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831212826/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/31/sonic-forces-release-date-announced-persona-5-outfit-available-as-preorder-bonus|url-status=live}}

A tie-in racing game for iOS and Android devices, Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, was released in select regions in September 2017.{{cite web|last1=Nelson|first1=Jared|title=Sega Soft-Launches 'Sonic Forces: Speed Battle' in the Philippines App Store|url=http://toucharcade.com/2017/09/12/sonic-forces-speed-battle-soft-launch/|website=TouchArcade|date=September 12, 2017 |access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914012439/http://toucharcade.com/2017/09/12/sonic-forces-speed-battle-soft-launch/|url-status=live}} After the game's release, several updates featuring new content were released, such as an in-game shirt for the Avatar featuring "Sanic", an internet meme of a poorly drawn Sonic, and the ability to transform into Super Sonic.{{cite web|last1=Wong|first1=Alistair|title=Sonic Forces Patch Datamine: Includes "Sanic" T-Shirt, Super Sonic Transformation|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/11/12/sonic-forces-patch-datamine-includes-sanic-t-shirt-super-sonic-transformation/|website=Siliconera|access-date=December 9, 2017|date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=December 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071623/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/11/12/sonic-forces-patch-datamine-includes-sanic-t-shirt-super-sonic-transformation/|url-status=live}} The Super Sonic DLC was released for free, but was initially planned as paid DLC.{{Cite news|url=https://www.destructoid.com/sonic-forces-super-sonic-dlc-to-be-free-permanently-484374.phtml|title=Sonic Forces' Super Sonic DLC to be free permanently|work=destructoid|access-date=2018-01-26|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428002140/https://www.destructoid.com/sonic-forces-super-sonic-dlc-to-be-free-permanently-484374.phtml|url-status=live}} In March 2020, Sonic Forces (along with Shadow of the Colossus) became available as a free PS4 game for PlayStation Plus subscribers.{{cite news |last1=Wales |first1=Matt |title=Shadow of the Colossus, Sonic Forces are March's PlayStation Plus games |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-02-26-shadow-of-the-colossus-sonic-forces-are-marchs-playstation-plus-games |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=Eurogamer |date=26 February 2020 |archive-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315064652/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-02-26-shadow-of-the-colossus-sonic-forces-are-marchs-playstation-plus-games |url-status=live }}

=''Episode Shadow''=

File:Episode Shadow gameplay.jpg as the playable character.]]

Episode Shadow is free downloadable content (DLC) for Sonic Forces that launched alongside the game.{{cite web|author1=Jenni|title=Sonic Forces' Episode Shadow Add-on Will Be Free At Launch|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/09/19/sonic-forces-episode-shadow-add-will-free-launch/|website=Siliconera|date=September 19, 2017|publisher=Curse|access-date=October 30, 2017|archive-date=October 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023101307/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/09/19/sonic-forces-episode-shadow-add-will-free-launch/|url-status=live}} The story acts as a prequel, focuses on Shadow the Hedgehog and his friends Rouge the Bat and E-123 Omega, and explores the origins of Infinite. Players control Shadow, who handles similarly to Modern Sonic but has unique abilities such as the ability to perform a chain of homing attacks in rapid succession.{{cite web|author1=Sonic Team|author2=Sega|title=Sonic Forces - Episode Shadow Gameplay|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr1HBT0zzYc|website=YouTube|date=September 19, 2017 |publisher=Alphabet|access-date=October 30, 2017|archive-date=November 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101011410/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr1HBT0zzYc&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}} The pack adds three original levels to the game, and the ability to play as Shadow in most of Modern Sonic's stages.{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=Shadow to be Playable in Free 'Episode Shadow' DLC for Sonic Forces|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/09/shadow_to_be_playable_in_free_episode_shadow_dlc_for_sonic_forces|website=Nintendo Life|date=September 19, 2017|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=October 30, 2017|archive-date=October 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023224458/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/09/shadow_to_be_playable_in_free_episode_shadow_dlc_for_sonic_forces|url-status=live}} According to Nakamura, Sonic Team created Episode Shadow to appeal to fans of older games in the series, such as Sonic Adventure (1998). It was the first time that Shadow was a playable character in a mainline Sonic game since Sonic the Hedgehog (2006),{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Shadow is playable in Sonic Forces DLC|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/19/16333322/episode-shadow-playable-sonic-forces-dlc|website=Polygon|date=September 19, 2017|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=October 30, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121913/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/19/16333322/episode-shadow-playable-sonic-forces-dlc|url-status=live}} with some critics writing that it was much more difficult than the main game.{{cite magazine|last1=Shea|first1=Brian|title=Free Day One DLC Adds Shadow As Playable Character|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/09/19/free-day-one-dlc-adds-shadow-as-playable-character-sonic-forces.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922181425/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/09/19/free-day-one-dlc-adds-shadow-as-playable-character-sonic-forces.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=September 22, 2017|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|access-date=October 30, 2017}}

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PC: 56/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-forces/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Sonic Forces for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112155215/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/sonic-forces |url-status=live }}
NS: 57/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-forces/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Sonic Forces for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203202039/http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/sonic-forces |url-status=live }}
PS4: 57/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-forces/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Sonic Forces for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116220326/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/sonic-forces |url-status=live }}
XONE: 62/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-forces/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Sonic Forces for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-date=November 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121064727/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/sonic-forces |url-status=live }}

| OC = 14% recommend{{cite web |title=Sonic Forces Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/4793/sonic-forces |website=OpenCritic |access-date=6 October 2024 |language=en |date=8 November 2017}}

| Destruct = NS: 5.5/10{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=November 7, 2017 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-forces-471431.phtml |title=Review: Sonic Forces |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203174156/https://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-forces-471431.phtml |url-status=live }}

| EZA = PS4: 2.5/5{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Ben|url=https://easyallies.com/#!/review/sonic-forces|title=Review: Sonic Forces|work=Easy Allies|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924174639/https://easyallies.com/#!/review/sonic-forces|url-status=live}}

| EGM = PS4: 3/5{{Cite magazine|last=Slead|first=Evan|url=https://egmnow.com/sonic-forces-review/|title=Sonic Forces review|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media, LLC|date=November 13, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2022}}

| Fam = 35/40{{cite magazine|title=Sonic Forces review|magazine=Famitsu|date=October 2017|issue=1509}}

| GI = XONE: 6.5/10{{cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=November 8, 2017 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/xboxone/archive/2017/11/08/sonic-forces-game-informer-review.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109082532/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/xboxone/archive/2017/11/08/sonic-forces-game-informer-review.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |title=Running A Familiar Route - Sonic Forces - Xbox One |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=November 8, 2017}}

| GSpot = 5/10{{cite web |last=Espineli |first=Matt |date=November 10, 2017 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-forces-review/1900-6416808/ |title=Sonic Forces Review |publisher=November 10, 2017 |access-date=June 11, 2019 |archive-date=November 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123174646/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-forces-review/1900-6416808/ |url-status=live }}

| GRadar = PS4: 2.5/5{{cite web |last=Andrews |first=Stuart |date=November 8, 2017 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-forces-review/ |title=Sonic Forces review: 'A short game of short levels, yet desperately short of real ideas' |publisher=GamesRadar+ |access-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108212005/http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-forces-review/ |url-status=live }}

| HCG = PS4: 3.5/5{{Cite web|last=LeClair|first=Kyle|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-sonic-forces/278655/|title=Review: Sonic Forces|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301042122/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-sonic-forces/278655/|url-status=live}}

| IGN = 6.9/10{{cite web |last=Kemps |first=Heidi |date=November 10, 2017 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/11/11/sonic-forces-review |title=Sonic Forces Review |publisher=IGN |access-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014212117/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/11/11/sonic-forces-review |url-status=live }}

| NLife = NS: 6/10{{cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=November 8, 2017 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/sonic_forces |title=Sonic Forces Review - Switch |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124041227/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/sonic_forces |url-status=live }}

| PCGUS = PC: 50/100{{Cite web|last=Kelly|first=Andy|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/sonic-forces-review/|title=Sonic Forces review|work=PC Gamer|publisher=Future plc|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301042122/https://www.pcgamer.com/sonic-forces-review/|url-status=live}}

| Poly = 5/10{{cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=November 5, 2017 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/5/16609838/sonic-forces-review |title=Sonic Forces review |website=Polygon |access-date=November 5, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112231746/https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/5/16609838/sonic-forces-review |url-status=live }}

| PSQ = PS4: 4/10{{Cite web|last=Tailby|first=Stephen|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/sonic_forces|title=Sonic Forces Review (PS4)|work=Push Square|date=February 26, 2020|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301042122/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/sonic_forces|url-status=live}}

}}

Sonic Forces received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.

Writing for Polygon, Jeremy Parish praised the game's visuals and character customization, but criticized its repetitive boss fights and argued the game did not advance the series' design. Parish disliked the ranking system, which rewards players for completing stages quickly rather than exploring them for collectibles, and dismissed the tag team sections as "under-developed" because players would prefer to use Modern Sonic whenever the Avatar was not required. The four reviewers of Famitsu were more positive, praising the character creation system, story, and soundtrack. Heidi Kemps, reviewing Forces for IGN, faulted elements of the game's level design, indicating that "unfair-feeling traps" recurred intermittently and that the levels were relatively short and underdeveloped. In contrast to Parish, Kemps enjoyed the "quite strong" bosses, particularly one fought "among the winding coils of a giant snake," although she wished they were more plentiful. Kemps cited the game's "goofy charm" as preventing her from being "too disappointed" by it.

The level design received divisive responses while Classic Sonic's presence received a mediocre reception. Kotaku{{'s}} Heather Alexandra wrote that Modern Sonic's gameplay was "visually dynamic" and "the most fun", but heavily automated and shallow, whereas Classic Sonic delivered a solid but unremarkable platforming experience that compared unfavorably to the more inventive Sonic Mania. Alexandra panned the Avatar stages as "disjointed and confused" due to a lack of flow and an excessive reliance on trial and error. Overall, they described Forces as fun despite a lack of polish and complimented its "infectious energy and excitement".{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/sonic-forces-the-kotaku-review-1820261612|title=Sonic Forces: The Kotaku Review|last1=Alexandra|first1=Heather|website=Kotaku|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2017|archive-date=January 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131205955/https://kotaku.com/sonic-forces-the-kotaku-review-1820261612|url-status=live}} Game Informer{{'}}s Brian Shea similarly regarded the game as a "fun adventure" and considered its controls and level design to be the best of any 3D Sonic entry, but concluded: "3D Sonic games still aren't to where they should be after such a long time of iteration and experimentation". Shea called Classic Sonic the worst of the three playable characters due to poor physics that failed to emulate those of the original 2D Sonic games. Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw of The Escapist panned it for not exploring the potential of its ideas and lambasted the story for its attempt at a more mature tone. He later ranked it the second worst game of 2017.{{cite magazine |last=Croshaw |first=Ben |date=November 29, 2017 |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/117157-Yahtzee-Reviews-Sonic-Forces |title=ZERO PUNCTUATION Sonic Forces |magazine=The Escapist |access-date=December 16, 2017 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216013305/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/117157-Yahtzee-Reviews-Sonic-Forces |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |author=Escapist |date=January 10, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He0lWIDGutc |title=Best, worst, and blandest games of 2017 (Zero Punctuation) |publisher=YouTube |access-date=March 25, 2018 |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331130634/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He0lWIDGutc |url-status=live }} Several critics considered Sonic Forces a disappointment in the wake of the positively received Mania.

John Linneman of Eurogamer found that Forces was well-optimized for PlayStation 4, with no noticeable improvement when played on a PlayStation 4 Pro, whereas the Xbox One version was "slightly more responsive" but marred by screen tearing and inferior resolution. He felt that playing on Xbox One X provided the best overall experience, albeit with some "unwelcome inconsistency" caused by occasional changes in resolution, framerate.{{cite news|last1=Linneman|first1=John|title=Sonic Forces focuses on PS4 with clear issues on other systems|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-sonic-forces-focuses-on-ps4-with-clear-issues-elsewhere|newspaper=Eurogamer.net|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107200558/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-sonic-forces-focuses-on-ps4-with-clear-issues-elsewhere|url-status=live}} The Windows version received criticism for problems related to its uneven performance and frequent crashes; Sega released a patch on launch day that fixed some of the problems.{{cite web|last1=Glagowski|first1=Peter|title=PSA: Sonic Forces' PC port is a hot mess|url=https://www.destructoid.com/psa-sonic-forces-pc-port-is-a-hot-mess-471461.phtml|website=Destructoid|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108001229/https://www.destructoid.com/psa-sonic-forces-pc-port-is-a-hot-mess-471461.phtml|url-status=live}}

= Sales =

In the United Kingdom, Sonic Forces debuted at fifth place on the all-formats chart.{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=Sonic Forces on Switch Has Solid UK Launch as DOOM Moves Up the Charts|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/11/sonic_forces_on_switch_has_solid_uk_launch_as_doom_moves_up_the_charts|website=Nintendo Life|date=November 13, 2017|access-date=November 23, 2017|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023090637/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/11/sonic_forces_on_switch_has_solid_uk_launch_as_doom_moves_up_the_charts|url-status=live}} In Japan, the PS4 version debuted at 10th place with 5,938 physical sales and the Switch version debuted at 14th place with 4,686 physical sales, adding up to 10,624 physical units sold in its first week.{{cite news |last1=Whitehead |first1=Thomas |title=Sonic Forces Struggles in Japan as Super Mario Odyssey and Switch Lead Charts |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/11/sonic_forces_struggles_in_japan_as_super_mario_odyssey_and_switch_lead_charts |access-date=17 April 2020 |work=Nintendo Life |date=15 November 2017 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023171204/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/11/sonic_forces_struggles_in_japan_as_super_mario_odyssey_and_switch_lead_charts |url-status=live }} Sega stated in a February 2018 financial report that the game "performed strongly".{{cite web |title=FY Ending March 2018 3rd Quarter Results Presentation |url=https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/settlement/2018/20180207_3q_siryo_e_final.pdf |website=Sega Sammy Holdings |date=February 7, 2018 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031758/https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/settlement/2018/20180207_3q_siryo_e_final.pdf |url-status=live }}

Legacy

The critical feedback that Sonic Forces received heavily influenced the development of the subsequent game in the series, Sonic Frontiers (2022). Kishimoto acknowledged the lackluster reception and concluded that Sonic Team's method of designing levels that originated in Sonic Unleashed would no longer satisfy fans. The open-world Frontiers was designed to be lengthy, with an emphasis on exploration, puzzles and combat to address the criticism that Forces received for its short length.{{cite magazine|title=How Sonic Frontiers' Open Zone And Cyber Space Evolve The Franchise|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/07/11/how-sonic-frontiers-open-zone-and-cyber-space-evolve-the-franchise|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711214002/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/07/11/how-sonic-frontiers-open-zone-and-cyber-space-evolve-the-franchise|url-status=live|archive-date=July 11, 2022|last=Shea|first=Brian|magazine=Game Informer|date=July 11, 2022|access-date=July 11, 2022}} The story of Forces influenced the plot of IDW Publishing's Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series, with its narrative beginning shortly after the game's events.{{cite web | url=https://www.gamesradar.com/what-the-new-sonic-the-hedgehog-comic-pulls-from-the-blue-blurs-history-and-what-it-leaves-behind/ | title=What the new Sonic the Hedgehog comic pulls from the blue blur's history, and what it leaves behind | date=February 16, 2018 | access-date=November 6, 2022 | archive-date=December 29, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229204635/https://www.gamesradar.com/what-the-new-sonic-the-hedgehog-comic-pulls-from-the-blue-blurs-history-and-what-it-leaves-behind/ | url-status=live }} Music from the game would appear in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and the Sunset Heights level would later be remade in Shadow Generations.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N-64Uzx2ac |title=SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS - Doom Powers Trailer |date=2024-08-20 |last=Sonic the Hedgehog |access-date=2024-08-21 |via=YouTube}}