What 2022 open-zone Sonic game is set on the Starfall Islands?

Sonic Frontiers is the 2022 open-zone Sonic game set on the Starfall Islands. It follows Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Knuckles after they are drawn into a mysterious phenomenon surrounding the islands and their ancient ruins.

Unlike the series’ traditional linear stages, Frontiers lets Sonic roam large open areas with forests, deserts, fields, ruins, puzzles, enemies, and platforming routes. The game calls this structure “open-zone,” emphasizing that the islands are broad explorable spaces while still containing distinct challenges and Cyber Space stages modeled after more familiar Sonic level designs.

Sonic’s main objectives include collecting Chaos Emeralds, rescuing his friends, investigating the islands’ secrets, and battling enormous Guardian enemies and Titans. New mechanics include combat upgrades, wall-running, and the Cyloop, which creates a glowing trail around objects or enemies. The story also introduces Cyber Space, an artificial dimension connected to the islands.

Sega originally planned the game for 2021, to coincide with Sonic’s 30th anniversary, but delayed it for quality control. It ultimately launched on November 8, 2022, across Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows platforms.