A preview video for Sonic Frontiers shows off a new Cyber Space level that some fans had noticed shared a similar layout to a previous title, Sonic Adventure 2. The debut of Sonic Frontiers is on the horizon, as there is only a little over a week before the game's launch. During the month of October, fans received plenty of last-minute information about the game and its premise. This includes a prequel comic for Sonic Frontiers, a short showcase of the game's music, along with plenty of gameplay preview videos.
Several media outlets, YouTubers, and other figures recently got the chance to have an extended playtime session with the game, with many videos and screenshots regarding the game being released. This includes gameplay of Sonic Frontiers' combat, exploration of the Starfall Islands, and other noteworthy elements. One of these widely discussed elements is the game's Cyber Space levels; optional stages that are similar to the boost-centric gameplay of games like Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Generations. One video from IGN however showcases this stage and reveals how it takes inspiration from another beloved game in the franchise, Sonic Adventure 2.
This Cyber Space level for Sonic Frontiers seems to be inspired by Sky Rail, one of Shadow the Hedgehog's levels from the Dark Story of Sonic Adventure 2. It starts with Sonic grinding down a rail, much like the opening of Sky Rail, before speeding ahead to find spring-propellor like platforms that help Sonic get to higher places. This is further emphasized with the usage of rails to travel around the area, and there are even spots where Sonic can perform the Light-Speed Dash technique to travel across giant gaps thanks to a trail of rings.
With this Cyber Space level in particular reusing a layout from Sonic Adventure 2, it places more emphasis on platforming rather than speeding ahead like in Sonic Generations or Sonic Forces. Some fans recognized the layout immediately, with some glad Frontiers isn't pulling from just the boost-centric games but from other 3D games like Sonic Adventure 2.
This part of the game has consistently been a point of consternation among fans when discussing the game. There's one camp that believes the reused layouts for Sonic Frontiers are a good idea, where the recycled design, the new aesthetics, music, and intentional usage convey a narrative utilizing Sonic's memories and somewhat new experiences. Others believe that reusing these layouts is to its detriment, along with how the only stage aesthetics are going to be ones that fans have felt have worn out their welcome in games like the aforementioned Generations and Forces. Fans will have to see if these concerns are valid when Frontiers launches this November.
Sonic Frontiers will launch on November 8 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.