Geek Review: Sonic Dream Team

The very definition of a good Sonic game is a thrilling digital playground where players can zip around with unstoppable energy. The worst, however, is cluttered with frustrating interruptions. Speed isn’t just desirable in Sonic games; it’s essential.

Sonic Dream Team, the latest 3D platformer and Apple Arcade exclusive, nails this concept. Developed by Sega Hardlight, known for the enduring mobile game Sonic Dash, this game thrives on unbroken momentum. Players constantly boost, slide, and battle, embodying the series’ much-needed dynamism.

This game represents a smart evolution in the Sonic series. It skillfully avoids the pitfalls of radical reinvention or leaning too heavily on nostalgia. Instead, it presents a well-crafted 3D platforming adventure that positions Sega Hardlight as a strong contender to lead Sonic’s future endeavours.

Sonic games on iOS aren’t new. From the classic iPod version to various iPhone and iPad adaptations, including  Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and Sonic Dash, Sonic has been a swift iOS entrant, with Sonic Dream Team emerging as a unique entry. While previous releases have been cross platform, this original game is an exclusive, fully-fledged 3D Sonic adventure, marking a departure from typical free-to-play models that offer in-game purchases.

It leans towards the Boost Sonic gameplay style, where it combines high-speed action with strategic level design, marking a fitting choice for the mobile platform. Naturally, the story is simple – stopEggman’s latest scheme for world domination and the narrative unfolds through simple cutscenes, focusing on the mysterious disappearance of Cream and Cheese as Sonic teams up with Amy Rose and a new character, Ariem, to thwart Eggman’s plans and rescue their friends in this dreamlike adventure.

Gameplay-wise, Sonic Dream Team echoes Sonic Adventure with its short but packed stages, reminiscent of Super Mario 64 in their design. It introduces additional objectives and challenges that encourage strategic exploration and replayability. Moreover, the inclusion of Tails’ Challenges introduces a weekly competitive aspect, keeping the gameplay experience dynamic, although some challenges may feel familiar to those in the main storyline. These stages encourage exploration and multiple playthroughs, providing a varied, if not often times repetitive experience. 

Players gradually unlock six characters, each offering unique gameplay styles. Sonic and Rose, the initial characters, provide classic Sonic gameplay, filled with high-speed action and thrilling stage navigation. Tails and Cream offer flight mechanics, while Knuckles and Rouge introduce gliding and wall climbing, adding strategic layers to the game’s platforming.

The mobile controls are snappy and intuitive on the iPhone 14 Plus, allowing for seamless transitions between actions, a crucial aspect of Sonic gameplay. An added layer of excitement comes from the boost meter, empowering players to maintain momentum and zip through levels with incredible speed, making it perfectly suited for mobile gaming.

Sega Hardlight’s expertise in platforming is evident in Sonic Dream Team. The game features twelve main and four boss stages, each intricately designed to echo classics like Sonic Heroes. Despite their linear nature, these levels are rich with branching paths and numerous hidden collectibles, enticing players to revisit stages and have a multi-layered experience. 

While Sonic Dream Team boasts console-grade visuals, an ear-pleasing soundtrack, and a full-effort production, its brevity stands as its primary weakness. The main story is brief and can be completed within four hours at most, offering a quick play that leaves players wanting more. The bosses, while visually impressive, lack challenge, and the story feels abruptly cut short. The levels can also feel repetitive after multiple plays. Future updates could potentially bolster the content, but for now, Sonic Dream Team feels like a tantalising appetiser rather than a satisfying main course.

While Sonic Dream Team might not be the best Sonic game ever, its resemblance to Sonic Adventures and stunning graphics offer a nostalgic and visually appealing experience. The story, conveyed through motion comic cutscenes, is compelling and enhanced by full voice acting, catchy tunes, and a vibrant cartoon art style.

Sonic Dream Team stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a beloved franchise is treated with care and innovation. It successfully navigates the delicate balance of staying true to the Sonic legacy while introducing fresh gameplay elements. The game’s vibrant presentation, engaging level design, and intuitive controls make it a standout title in the Sonic series, especially in the context of mobile gaming.

Overall, Sonic Dream Team encapsulates the joy and excitement that Sonic games are known for, while also opening up avenues for future growth and development. In a landscape where Sonic games have seen varied success, Sonic Dream Team stands out as a beacon of what the franchise can achieve, leaving fans hopeful for what’s next on Sonic‘s horizon.