A few charming points keep it from being terrible

User Rating: 7 | Sonic Forces PC

Sonic Forces is not a good game. When you boil it down, it's pretty much just a semi-mediocre platformer. A few things save it, however, from being a 'bad' game.

The level design is iffy, the gameplay isn't consistent, and you still suffer from unfair deaths. If you're a Sonic fan, however, there is still some enjoyment to be found.

The first success is the concept. The story isn't all that bad; the execution wasn't perfect, but the general premise works well (aside from a few awkward tone clashes like Sonic being 'tortured'). Bringing you in as a customizable Rookie is fun, especially as you add more options to your wardrobe (both gameplay and aesthetic wise). It's a very solid concept and the story is also better than most sonic games (being on the front of a losing resistance, with Sonic captured). Also the game boasts a somewhat interesting villain and very real stakes that make you feel invested for your digital furry friends. Interestingly enough, the soundtrack is also really good. A bit random to mention, but it's a notch up from recent sonic games, and should be commended.

Aside from these points, however, as previously mentioned, the game just isn't that good. The level design is just plain sloppy, hackneyed, or rushed. Most of the time you feel like you aren't really doing anything, so it's a big step backwards from Sonic Generations, which actually made you feel like the level was somewhat skill dependent. I really have no idea what the developers were thinking because of just how much a drop in quality these levels were in comparison to older sonic games. There are 'more' levels, but quantity does not equal quality. (Actually, even though there are 'more' levels than Generations, the levels are a lot shorter, so it doesn't even win in the 'quantity' department). Sonic Generations was a much better game with better controls and better boss battles.

All in all, if you're not a Sonic fan, there is close to zero reason to play game. As a sonic fan, picking it in the bargain bin isn't a terrible idea just for the game's fun novel points. As a Sonic fan, the game sits at around a 6.7/10, but objectively, it's much more around a 5 or a 6.