Finding the Good in Sonic Forces

This game has been beaten into the ground by both critics and fans, but Five Years Later, I think it's time to give it a second chance. Maybe Sonic Forces has more to offer than we initially thought.
0:00 - Intro
1:13 - Visuals
5:03 - Sonic
6:50 - Avatar
11:35 - Classic Sonic Rant
13:28 - Story
16:45 - Music
21:35 - Outro
(Updated Thoughts 8/5/23)
Keep in mind I am playing Devil’s Advocate in this video, this is not a review. Despite the bit of praise I had I still don’t think Forces is a good game.
Don’t let that take away from how much you enjoyed forces, I just want it to be known that just because I tried to look at it from a more positive angle doesn’t mean I think it’s a quality product.
But again this was about finding the good in sonic forces, not tearing it down for the 100th time, so the video stays true to its name, I just wanted to clarify my stance.
Music Used (In order of appearance)
This is Our World - A New Hero
Theme of the Resistance
Sunset Heights
Luminous Forest
Egg Gate
Justice - Park Avenue
This is Who You Are
Death Egg
Cutscene - Infinite
Cutscene - Sun of Despair
Taking It Back
Fist Bump
Luminous Forest
Moonlight Battlefield
Faded Hills
Battle with Egg Dragoon MK. II
Battle with Mega Death Egg Robot
Cutscene - New Journeys
Finding the Good in Sonic Forces Five Years Later
Sonic Forces Review
Sonic Forces Retrospective
Sonic Movie
Sonic
You can't understand how hyped I am for Sonic Frontiers.
#sonicforces #sonic #sonicthehedgehog

[@Whozl8]

I was 7 when I played the game and I thought this was the peak of video games

[@Romanode_]

I would’ve too lol

[@Imlewtrollerbob]

We are the same person hue

[@TheBlackFelinefromtheend]

Bro that’s what I thought when I was 10 dawg. My only disappointment was no super sonic boss fight at the end.

[@RudraPatel-vr4ke]

Same

[@TRG_R17]

Reply 5

[@oscarnavarrete3557]

The best thing about Sonic Forces imo is the fact that the avatar exists. I would love for them to make an appearance in a future game or at least hold the same idea. Sonic has become such an icon and has had such a legendary community I think having a customizable feature is perfect for the franchise. The avatar I think also leads into a lot of the creativity present within IDW, since now that the avatar exists new characters can be added and created without it feeling too weird or odd. IDW also taking place in a post forces world allows for a lot of good world building and elements put into play, like the Wispons! All in all, as terrible as forces was, I think it allows the future of sonic to actually look brighter in a weird way

[@Romanode_]

The avatar was definitely a highlight, it’s one of the only unique parts of the game.

[@rickyrackey7930]

@@Romanode_I’m gonna make my Avatar the next Beef Testosterone. (If you are a Cr1tikal fan, you would understand.)

[@legitarandomguy]

​@@Romanode_you can get a free sanic shirt

[@AA-qx4hu]

The avatar is a good idea and features

[@Natsuki_Kat]

This dude is criminally underrated

[@Romanode_]

Appreciate you 🫡

[@HeyNitroNova]

fr

[@boyaboya9576]

I just want to say that you are my hero! This game is insanely fun, and it seems like you are the only one who agrees! Join me for #forces 2 and #forces love

[@gokuthemonkey385]

W man

[@Yoshistar238]

spoke the truth

[@FutureFoxyOfficial]

I'm so glad to hear that other people like forces too, I actually really liked it

[@How-dare-you-diss-my-cheese]

Me too

[@dapperfan44]

I liked it and called it a "decent, yet ultimately underwhelming time that is fun while it lasts." It got so much extra hate than it should have.

[@mattiasolsson1523]

Its not bad, only disapointed. Better than Sonic 06 right?

[@datgamerian]

@@mattiasolsson1523Sonic 06 is not a bad game, per se. It's a rushed game and the reason people consider it bad is just for 1. the kiss and 2. the bugs, the latter having been fixed with Project 06

[@leonlabtv9564]

Same

[@rowanheydorn6811]

I know I might be biased but sonic forces was my first boost game. I love going through the levels, listening to the music, and so so much more. It may not be perfect. But its good

[@DoodlezYT1223]

I just think it needs some more boss fight design

[@Emery_Pallas]

Its my first one too (Unless 3DS Sonic Generations counts), It's definitely not the worst game I've played (which funnily enough, is its WiiU predecessor Sonic lost world) but I don't remember having much fun with it beyond trying to mess up the boost. More power to you for liking it but I cannot see it being good beyond the music and perhaps a couple of stages (I remember really liking that river one) Maybe its because I was a bit too old for it, maybe it was Mario Odyssey, maybe it's my own excessive library of 2d platformers, but going through Sonic Forces feels like a cheap, barebones platformer wearing the skin of a concept much greater then it seems capable of achieving (with really short levels that don't feel like they go anywhere, copy paste boss fight design, a weird lack of boss fights at the end of important sections (The Death egg exploding without a boss or an escape level is the standout example, any setpeice would do), copy pasted bonus level design, a poorly toned and contradictory story with key concepts left to minor background visuals and throwaway dialogue, and just overall a feeling of poor quality which just oozes from it in a way Sonic Lost World never manages to achieve (though in Lost World's case it just removes any ironic enjoyment, which Forces at least has)). Also I note again, I dont want to devalue you're enjoyment of Sonic Forces, this is just how i feel about the game a

[@ld-service8534]

Classic Sonic exist here because of the Good Ending in Sonic Mania.

[@Emery_Pallas]

it's sort of the other way around. The good ending of sonic mania exists because Classic sonic exists here

[@breninho353]

just finished this game today, it's far from perfect but I still had quite a lot of fun

[@Romanode_]

Aye i'm glad to hear that!

[@ugondleopaquecreations]

For me, My feelings with Forces are mixed primarily because this was a game with a lot of potential conceptually. The simple concept of "Eggman finally wins" to celebrate Sonic's 25th Anniversary needed to be executed to near perfection and seeing how they missed so badly, its hard to not feel some type of way towards it. It was a game that could've joined the spotlight of Breath of the Wild and Mario Odyssey, and in terms of Sonic, could've been the biggest thing to happen to the hedgehog since his inception but they missed. With that said, you highlighted great things, some undeniably great, about Forces and what it managed to do right. Despite its expectations, the argument that "it's the perfect Sonic game for newcomers//A Little Sonic fan's dream game" honestly made me reconsider the way I perceived the title. You've got the characters (excl. Classic Sonic), a short game, the character maker-- so it makes sense for it to be seen that way. Great video as always, and I wish you a fun time tomorrow as we all set out on a new frontier :)

[@Romanode_]

Glad you enjoyed! And yeah I’m quite literally fueled by Sonic Frontiers hype rn, I really hope it’s good.

[@gabeheartz13saravia97]

@@Romanode_ I think the whole "Take back the World" theme of the game is similar to the core concepts of the "1993 Sonic the Hedgehog Saturday Morning Animated Television Series" (SatAM), which more or less served as the partial basis of the 2 Sonic Comic Series by Archie Comic Publications and Egmont Fleetway Editions, so I think that those cartoons and comics also served as the inspiration for this game! The Resistance also seems to be partially based on the concept of the Freedom Fighters from both the comics and the SatAM Series they were based off of! (it’s a shame that they never introduced the characters from the archie sonic comics!)

[@dapperfan44]

OP I said the same thing when I originally beat the game-that while it was underwhelming, that difficulty-wise it would be a great Sonic game for people who never played a Sonic game before or were usually bad at Sonic games.

[@3myr08]

Yeah I think you summed up the story perfectly. It’s SO good for an 8 or 9 year old who’s getting introduced to Sonic but still a pretty good and simple story for more grown up fans of Sonic. Personally that’s why I loved the story so much. I played Forces when I was like 8 or 9 exactly lol so that game really did come out at the perfect time for me. And it was basically my first Sonic game so yeah. Also about the gameplay, I don’t think it’s good just for kids who are getting into the Sonic franchise but also is good because it’s the game which makes you feel the most like Sonic, just blasting through enemies at insane speeds is just so thrilling to do lol.

[@ashooaway]

What's interesting is you had the courage to take an alternative take on this game. And akin to what people have done since 2021 about Sonic 06 in about a decade's time; we'll find more fans who will sing this games praises and it'll be attributed to this video well done. I'm proud for having the courage to shine a light on what most people find bad. One's man's trash is another man's treasure

[@SkyDeoProductions]

This video has a disgustingly low amount of views for how well it was made

[@Romanode_]

Thank you!

[@clairemcdaid4310]

If I were to guess why it’s because so many people now treat forces almost like 06 where they won’t accept anything about the game is good. (which I don’t really even care for the game I think it’s just ok) kind of similar to the people who write off p06 because it’s built off sonic 06

[@tabbywarrior]

3:07 fun fact, Eggman built all the post-lost world stuff with the Phantom Ruby, according to the comics. He made all of the fortress and the chemical plant and his giant robots using robots that he created using the Phantom Ruby, which is for example, why Sonic stops dead in his tracked when hitting an enemy rather than Badnik bouncing; they're so durable.

[@Romanode_]

That’s interesting

[@Vivigreeny25]

14:36 oh thank GOD this was a universal experience Anyways, THRILLED to see someone shed some light on the music. Only issues I have with it are the classic Sonic tracks and the lack of Fist Bump in the final boss music.

[@paulwilliams5949]

I think it's good for speedruns

[@dymaz6282]

**LOL**

[@Sonicdudestfu]

I have speed ran this and I have beat in 17:42.23

[@TrollerGuy7]

yeah it’s a really good game for speed running I beat it in like 30 minutes

[@Ethan_knox]

Please level 25 is literally hell

[@sketchy275]

Maybe the good in sonic forces is the friends we made along the way. Very good video btw. Sketch approved👍 pretty underrated

[@ForgetfulPlayerNr03]

13:12 This is one of my main gripes with Classic Sonic (at least story related) because having Classic Sonic being from a different dimension isn't that crazy after the whole Time Eater and Phantomy Ruby sheningans but they couldn't do anything with it and explore the idea Also I'll give you a good thing about Classic Sonic: his levels actually feel like actual levels and you can gain speed now while rolling now which is nice

[@Romanode_]

Do you gain speed when rolling down hills? I never noticed that.

[@DavidBlaiseSGaela]

Yeah when you go down slopes while running you pick up speed but when you rolled down a slope as a ball you dont pick up speed forces is the total opposite you cant get more speed by going down slopes but going down a slope in a ball does

[@whisper_ishere518]

The ultimate Generations classic Sonic, just add the forces roll and drop dash

[@CaptainLongbone]

They could've just said that he's from an alternate timeline. It would've allowed them to release more classic sonic games without messing with the main continuity and they would've completely avoided the retcon, as sonic and eggman knowing about future events is bound to change everything anyway.

[@DJ_3592]

He's from the second dimension

[@Nitrooncrack]

Sonic Team wanted to make something big and I dont think anything else captures those feelings besides Sunset heights, Fist bump, and Infinites theme song.

[@Gyrokun]

The Light of Hope too

[@gameman5804]

Sunset Heights is up there as one of the most interesting settings in Sonic. Like it’s up there with Kingdom Valley in terms of being iconic.

[@AlvinPlayz997]

Personally, I like Forces. It's actually 1 of my favourite Sonic games alongside Mania and 3&K

[@GreekoSerbBall]

honestly I was 8 when this game was released, this was literally my favourite game and I replayed it like 27 times and I creid when classic sonic disappeared

[@Riderssonichoverboardisepik]

THIS VIDEO IS ILLEGALLY UNDERRATED BECAUSE I kinda liked forces because I ignored the janky controls

[@IronTrickster]

I really love the music of Forces (except Classic Sonic's) and i often listen to it when i'm reading the IDW comics it cause it fits really well, i've been especially listening to Arsenal Pyramid when i read the Eggperial City storyline

[@Romanode_]

Literally SAME, the music fits so well, especially the menu music.

[@snfn1562]

I like to think eggmans time is mostly spent having panel board meetings delegating tasks to robots so he can keep his shit running

[@jacobmanion4440]

Thank you for going through this game ❤

[@djsklb]

Amazing video !!

[@Megaclaw54]

I have nothing bad to say about forces actually…yeah I understand a lot of why everyone hate it…but it was one of the phew games that I can actually still replay, Idk why but I just like to replay forces, the bosses are alright, but the metal sonic battle is my fav….the music…THE MUSIC IS AWESOME!!! Here are some songs that I love with a huge passion: Fist bump is still a masterpiece of a song to this day, the guitar and the voice is just to hard to dislike Sunset heights has a drums which is cool, but in the beginning…is just flat out cool Battle with metal sonic is by far I think super robotic which fits him perfectly And the death egg robot phase 3 is just…..(insert chef kiss here) it’s just awesome It’s hard for me to dislike this game. Also thx for looking and finding good stuff of sonic forces, I have mad respect for you❤ You got a liker and a subscriber❤

[@AphidCell]

You almost got me there with the first drill impressions. It is my favorite too!

[@mileskintnermusic7349]

Thank you for bringing up the music. I absolutely LOVE the soundtrack for this game.

[@arrowlovesart]

Bro when I peeled back to take a look at the views on this video I was fuckin' shocked. Only 7k views?! This video is so well made, not to mention funny and genuinely informative- Hope more people find this!

[@Romanode_]

Thank you! Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@dilto456]

GG that the vid what did i need from a while

[@melanierightonthebutt4483]

that’s actually a really good video also sonic forces is fun to me i enjoyed it a lot lol

[@rainbowsonic5501]

One aspect I think you missed about why Sonic Forces can be a great game is the Red Rings. Yes you can finish some Sonic Forces level by simply dashing forward, but if you want to find all the red rings, that is simply not an option. And to find them, you will need to restart the levels many times and see the alternate paths offered. It honestly saved the game for me. Finding all the red rings was a perfect challenge that just helped most levels shine. Some levels are actually quite deep when you start to dig around for secret paths! And I just wanted to say that Sonic Forces has my favorite Sonic OST and that is saying something since I pretty much like them all. It's just so different and amazing! It grew on me like crazy and now I keep going back to it and listing to these songs while I work. It motivate me like nothing else! I do agree however, that the game would just be better if they removed classic Sonic. There is not much to really like in most of these levels, except maybe to find the red rings. They are ok at best.

[@gechoman44iwantahippo]

Personally, I like Forces, but I do think it’s way too short

[@TheGamerFreddie]

I find it interesting that you didn't cover the Shadow levels. Otherwise, yeah this video is amazing, and I agree with most of the things you said (heavy disagree on the Drill and Hover Wispons, also that is not how I thought one would pronounce "Wispon", so I had an interesting reaction when I first heard it lmaoo). Keep up the good work!

[@Romanode_]

Man I should’ve covered Shadow, it’s definitely a cool inclusion. Even if he’s just a reskin it’s great to play as him. Episode Shadow ain’t too bad either.

[@rickberny1424]

Bruv the video was awesome, keep up the work, you should do a similar thing to colors ultimate, I have no idea how the community precieves that game but I wanna hear yours

[@Romanode_]

Thank you! Fun fact this video was originally a comparison between Forces and Colors, showing that they had more in common than people thought. So yeah I could definitely do something like that in the future.

[@terminalvelocityrunner2202]

For the drill Wispon, you had me in the first half, NGL. Love this video. It brings more light to a game that definitely isn’t incredible compared to other installments, but isn’t anywhere as awful as others. It gets an unreasonable amount of hate thrown at it, so really, thank you. The one nitpick I have is a really minor one. Mor Tar canyon? It’s Mortar canyon. Like the explosive? I love explosives, so hearing the name of one of the best stages in the game butchered made me actually take internal damage. I felt something lurch in my chest, lol.

[@Romanode_]

Lol my bad, I have a history of mispronouncing stuff.

[@slateoffate9812]

16:54 I did used to have an idea for a Sonic villain: Toxin the Scorpion. Sonic's about freedom in life, Eggman's about control, and Toxin... is about ableism and misery. He's a "survivor of the fittest, how dare these nobodies believe themselves worthy of happiness," type of bad guy.

[@Romanode_]

I could see that showing up in the comics

[@slateoffate9812]

@@Romanode_ Eh. His power set was basically water bending, but poisonous sludge instead of water. His home would be some place called the Forest of Death, where literally everything is hostile. I imagined he'd appear in a game where all the stages are based on hostile aspects of Nature. Green Hill expy? Plants whose surfaces are lined with stomach acid. Desert stage? Ring draining heat. Water stage? Abyssal plain ocean base where the water pressure is lethal, and the airlock just broke. Sky stage? Taking a page from xkcd; high altitude where the winds are so strong that if you fall you risk turning into exciting new forms of matter. Don't really think he's IDW material. At the same time, I don't have a personal Sonic oc. Not particularly drawn to any specific animal, and my favorite color is royal blue, so that's also a problem.

[@Javi_wear_0224]

I was mixed cause I thought the level design was not only basic but broken at times especially in those water slide levels. Yet I can’t say that my ears weren’t creaming to the good chunk of an ost this game has. Seriously Aqua Road, Infinite theme (played by dangerkids btw), Chemical Plant all these had such good songs that I couldn’t get rid off even when I was cleaning out my playlist on liked tracks on soundcloud I couldn’t remove a handful of the forces tracks that I had liked.

[@lillydoodle6195]

Amazing video! Good to see some people can find enjoyment in forces

[@wild6886]

The avatar was easily the best thing from the game, and I wish someday we'd get a spin-off game soley as them. I also thought the challenges despite no 100% completion reward, made it fun to come back to and I feel most of my enjoyment from the game stems from it.

[@MephilesEpicFan]

1:33 FINALLY SOMEONE NOTICE THE ASTEROIDS 😭😭😭😭

[@lasercraft32]

The thing I hated about the Avatar is how janky they are to play. For a game focused ENTIRELY on moving fast and speeding through levels, the Avatar has an awful lot of abilities that just flat out halt or slow all of your momentum. The homing attack makes you stall after you hit an enemy and you can't really move again till you land on the ground. The whip thing (which has no explanation as to why they have it btw) could have been like Spiderman, with free-flowing acrobatic swings and jumps, but instead it feels stiff and often times (once again) slows your momentum quite a bit, even if its not as bad as the homing attack. The fact that they still have awkward acceleration like Sonic, but without a double jump (unless you use the bird) and without an air boost just feels off.

[@Romanode_]

Gameplay wise the avatar is definitely lacking--like the other playstyles. It’s the wispons and character creator that interests me most.

[@Cerisekiwi5030]

I have trouble controlling the characters too but that just me every sonic game 😅 so I’m just terrible at playing the games 😂

[@lasercraft32]

@@Cerisekiwi5030 I'm not talking about a "skill issue" though. Even if you play them correctly, the Avatar feels clunky. Its just how they're designed.

[@lasercraft32]

@@Romanode_ Yes the customizability is great. Imagine if they were customizable, AND fun to play! So much missed potential.

[@jeremiahscott2032]

One immediate good thing about all Sonic games: the music😂😂😂 I didn’t really like the controls, but able to blitz through most levels were fun. Also double boost moments are so hype

[@sodadour]

To me, I’d say forces is a good game. I really enjoyed the game and still play it til this day. nice video btw.

[@samuelrodriguez6379]

I still play as well and nice video

[@NormalBricks]

The music is probably the best thing about this game

[@mattiasolsson1523]

Sonic forces has a great soundtrack and some stages ad some replay value, believe me because those good parts made me play the game even more.

[@bonusmemez2739]

Raid the Rabbit is the best rabbit in the Sonic series I love his tired face so much and his fancy tux

[@grov71]

For me, Sonic forces is my favorite sonic game. I know that it feels unfinished, classic Sonic is unnecessary, some level design is very simplistic, it's very short etc. But i really enjoy it. It has great graphics, modern sonic levels are really great (except for the jungle level, it's not bad though) and the wispon mechanic was fun. It's also very fun to Speedrun. The game is definitely overhated and i think it's a solid 6/10, but i personally enjoy it more than that

[@Romanode_]

I’m glad you could enjoy it despite its flaws, I’d probably give it a 6 too.

[@lorigayeallen522]

Donkt you dare say that about classic sonic!

[@samanthamurray9300]

To answer your question about eggmans fortress and such is because after the first level it skips to after Eggman took over everything so no one can stop him from anything

[@NameTaag0019]

Infinite is the 144p version of Mephiles

[@Romanode_]

💀

[@passingrando6457]

Nah, Infinite is better than Mephiles. Did Mephiles have his theme song done by an unironic _Linkin Park cover band?_ No, he did not. Ergo, Infinite's edginess is funnier.

[@beegsoder]

I don't hate the game, but I love it because of the good stuff of Forces. Thank the lord that I found a person thinks the same thing.

[@littlekidgamer29]

When I first played sonic games, I asked my day before school to buy me a sonic game. Originally, I asked for sonic mania, but it was very expensive at the time, sonic forces were on sale, so my dad bought it for me. I never knew how much hate was towards this game as I would spend every day sitting in my room playing this amazing game. Once I learned how much people hated this game, I got really angry. Knowing that sonic frontiers is basically sonic forces 2.0 and has 0 hate. Meanwhile sonic forces have a lot of hate. They are basically the same game. I really loved the fact you could change your character; I remember screaming in excitement when I unlocked this cool gachet for my character. I loved the music; I would sing along to it every time I got the chance to. Overall 8.5/10 (First boost game)

[@ShaggyGaming69]

There is actually a Canon explanation for the wisp thing in a now deleted Sonic mobile game "Sonic Runners," and its not that surprising either The wisps, after visiting Sonic's planet, liked it so much they decided to stay on it

[@Romanode_]

That makes sense I guess, I wish it was explained in a mainline game though.

[@WoxyBoxy]

I’ve always loved how much is going on in the background in Forces’ levels. It really sells the idea that these are actual locations with things happening, and not just random platforming stages. I think in this regard it’s really only rivaled by the modern DKC games.

[@mrpro538]

I love this game and unironically think it's pretty great. Every time I play it it's a lot of fun. It's still the weakest of the boost quadrilogy, but they're all some of my favourite Sonic games

[@gojithecringe]

Also, regarding the who debacle over Classic Sonic being from alternate dimension, i think Time Eaters influence when he got the guy into White void might create 2 timelines, with the first going as usual with Adventure, Heroes ect, and the second one is Mania. Just my thoughts.

[@Romanode_]

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking too, that or Tails sees the past as a different timeline/alternate dimension.

[@lorigayeallen522]

Ok this is gonna sound crazy but I can,t take this anymore so i,m just gonna say it. Classic sonic is from both a timeline and a dimension, now before you take out your torches and pitchforks, according to tailstube, classic sonic,s home is in another dimension and a alternative reality from sonic,s current world in the multiverse, classic sonic,s world is the past version of modern sonic,s world and is in another timeline. (Search it up on Google if you don,t believe me.)

[@ThatguyUkn0wfr0mS0mewhere]

Dude I was literally about comment how I actually liked the story when I was younger before you brought up the point. Despite being a younger less mature audience, I’m sure kids like me would’ve felt like those kids who grew up with Sonic Adventure. But seriously having SA2 level story would’ve been amazing had it not been wasted.

[@lasercraft32]

The music is DEFINITELY underrated.

[@Yoshistar238]

it gets an unfair amount of hate... exept for classic sonic. that soundtrack can rest in hell.

[@user-vo4ks8lj3g]

One of the best things is the music

[@wafflehead9231]

With the music, you can’t forget Infinites Theme(s), his main theme and the battle remixes absolutely slap.

[@VelocityPlayz2100]

This is the first sonic game and video game I ever played

[@AA-qx4hu]

I like sonic forces because it has so much fast gameplay combined with action and it’s music does so well in reminding you that you’re part of the uprising

[@itssufyxd1486]

It is so good that someone finally gets the good out of this game, everybody says it’s trash, but I say not everything

[@JJ_mike]

Sonic forces was my first sonic game I played and I loved it

[@Romanode_]

I’m glad bro, we need more positivity in this community.

[@DSK_Terrence_Official]

Its Ok for me, it was my Covid-19 Game along with Sonic Mania, I went back to it a few times, and now, it’s a ok game for me. They should’ve given Classic Sonic his homing attack, like you could when you collected all the red star rings in Sonic Gens

[@L1NK1SH]

I love Forces and chemical plant was my fav level in sonic 2 and I was ECSTATIC when it was in this game

[@FirestoneAnimation]

An interesting thing that could've been done with the Wispons is if it was Tails that invented them after sending a distress call to the home of the wisps for a desperate last attempt. Some get captured on the way and they'd have to free the wisps to get their help. Also if they took the Open Zone idea from Frontiers and chucked it into Forces, it could've improved greatly especially since the entire world would be in danger. They could go to old game locations like '06 or Unleashed in search for the Emeralds since we know from Mania, the Phantom Ruby can match the chaotic power of the Emeralds. Another great change to Forces would be replacing Zavok with someone like Mephiles or something. One VERY important change I'd love to Infinite especially (just a personal nitpick) is less voicelines. He monologs a lot and making him a bit more quiet would make him more threatening as he's seeing you as nothing more but another citizen ready to be destroyed. It's quiet villains that give me chills. Also for some reason, listening to the dialog in Mortyr Canyon gave me goosebumps like if I slowed down, I'd lose immediately.

[@Romanode_]

Agree with most of this but idk about replacing Zavok with Mephiles, as far as everybody knows Mephiles doesn’t exist.

[@FirestoneAnimation]

@@Romanode_ Ah right. Forgot the whole time reset stuff. But we definitely need a different enemy than Zavok. He just felt so... out of place.

[@morkriger]

I have always love Sonic Forces since the first minute, and after replaying the classics on Sonic Origins I've come to appreciate the level design quite more. Sure, it has ideas that could have been better executed and was designed by a small rookie team, but I like everything that is good in it so much that for me it still is a wonderful experience. I and have "platinumed" the game, so I am well aware of what I'm saying.

[@Romanode_]

What about the classics made you appreciate Forces level design? Just out of curiosity.

[@bandicootsauce4569]

This game is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me - mostly because of the soundtrack.

[@SilentGlaceon94]

Even though Sonic Forces isn't the best Sonic game, let alone my personal favorite, I had a lot of fun playing it. The avatar levels were the highlight of the game, and the level of customization is pretty fun too. I kinda wish they stuck with just modern Sonic and the Avatar as the only ones fighting Eggman and Infinite instead.

[@akiro7640]

16:03 thats like a great idea, and also. Based on whay i remember on this game, whats the purpose of this game being an online game?

[@SolusTrionReborn]

The game soundtrack for me is real good especially when you and sonic team up in that scene the theme slaps

[@luigi4life565]

Great video! Also does anyone know what the sound effect at 12:22 is called

[@Romanode_]

Thanks! And that’s some Fnaf 2 sound effect

[@PAHG2]

Something I don't see anyone talk about is how the synth in Sonic's tracks is the same synth used for Eggmanland from Sonic Unleashed. Also, fun fact, Classic Sonic's tracks were made using a real Genesis sound chip. I think that's pretty cool :))

[@ballinn0430]

That's a thing that even great explorers struggle to find.

[@limespots]

I'd say in addition to you said about Forces, the story in question is actually really good when you think about it. The idea of a villain like Infinite being driven due to a need to be more powerful because of something petty is a REALLY interesting idea, it's just the writing did not execute it all that well and I'll pin that blame on the fact of the writers being the Meta Era writers, and also that this game did not get enough time to be properly developed (if I remember correctly, most of its development was spent being able to run and function on the big consoles of that time) Having a game that breaks a MAJOR SONIC MANDATE and having it stand out on the fact they had to let Eggman win when it's a mandate that Sonic can't lose that even IDW has to currently abide by is also extremely major. IDW comics REALLY expands on Forces and how great it actually is when you hand it to the right people Because of Forces being the game where they were allowed to start experimenting, it means that there is hope for the franchise's future, as seen with how we've seen Ian Flynn handle the English script of Frontiers, as well as Frontiers itself

[@l-kanal2770]

It was one of my first sonic games so i like it

[@skeLPCgamez]

I am 100% with you too on the good of the game, though I also 100% agree with every criticism that the game deserved from the fans and critics alike. It makes you wonder what went so, so wrong with the development of the game? Three level designers only? Yikes. I’m so glad Frontiers actually built from Forces and fixed many of the complaints that people had back then. To be fair, honestly this game TONE wise was a STEP in the right direction compared to Colours, Gens and LW which were child like. We didn’t reach more of that potential till Frontiers five years later, but Forces felt like it was setting the foundation once again. Many of the assets from Forces have been re-used in Frontiers. The three reasons for me why I keep coming back to this game are; Memories, Experience and Soundtrack. Those three reasons also are what make me deeply fond of this game in spite of still admitting it's inherent flaws that are impossible to miss. *Memories* - I was in my final senior year of high school, played Forces Speed Battle when it came out in October to prepare myself for the real deal. I was on the hype train since the reveal in 2016 and the journey with the marketing (arguably still brutally misleading with what we got) to getting there was one I'll never forget. I graduated in Mid-November and remembered being so keen despite the mixed reviews to play the game (which I got my hands on it for Christmas 2017). 2017 is my favourite year of all time that I always look back very fondly upon. *Experience* - the reviews did not detract me from hating the game, but I fully sympathised and felt disappointed after hearing it's shortcomings and eventually playing through it a month and a half later. I didn't really return to the game after the end of 2018 for a solid year and a half until the pandemic was in full effect, mid year 2020 (from July until December) because I was so tired of the constant hatred and bashing on Forces (justified of course, cause it made me sad how much the game missed it's true potential). This was the first Sonic Game I ended up 100%'ing. However, it never made me completely hate the game where I couldn't return to it. The thing is from day one, Forces concepts and ideas are what made me wished it would've been my ideal envisioned sonic game (which I'm glad IDW comics take place after Forces hypothetically) but it's extremely tragic, much like 06 where I also loved that game inspite of being a failure where both were poorly rushed and fall really flat in execution. Both games suffer from that same syndrome of incredible ideas, but poor execution (all be it, yes 06 is still more creative than Forces) but you could see there was still LOADS of potential in the game. The incredible environments of how big Forces' stages go incredibly underutilised for just background geometry. It's a more cinematic approach to Sonic compared to prior games, but how it presented itself paired with the soundtrack kept me coming back to it in spite of its cruel mediocrity and linearity in gameplay which goes into my third point... *Soundtrack* - Yes, dubstep. Excessive synth, I understand that but Forces soundtrack is consistent with the tone of the game emphasizing the devastation Eggman has created. I loved it though from day one and it's my favourite in the entire series (aside from one track, Faded Hills which is awful) but personally the soundtrack ranges from either good - incredibly amazing for me. I'm beyond glad the modding community finally gave it somewhat justice of what Forces could've truly been. Forces Re-Imagined and Overclocked are superb mods. Like man. The new Arsenal Pyramid, Sunset Heights and Aqua Road that came out at SHC 2022, that’s what I had hoped the stage would originally be prior to the game coming out. Forces while it didn't end up to be my favourite game in the series, definitely was my favourite in terms of the CONCEPTS, THEME, SOUNDTRACK and IDEAS it tried to PRESENT and go forth with.

[@Romanode_]

I think the failure of boom resulted in massive budget cuts for the franchise, including Forces. That’s why it’s the way it is. The reviews really turned me away from the game, I didn’t play it till 2020 but I remember being really hyped for it up till release, the concept is still really great and has a lot of potential. Even if it didn’t hit that potential, as you say there’s a lot of good here that shouldn’t go overlooked.

[@agentspongebob6953]

I think it was cannon that they just stayed in the universe sonic was in just because sonic saved them

[@sprintyt4405]

Honestly the only thing I would add to the avatar would be the option to voice your own character. Basically where you would record yourself reading lines for your avatar

[@Romanode_]

That would be some next level stuff

[@duckytheduckster0]

Wouldn't that spoil the game for you ahead of time?

[@Romanode_]

@@duckytheduckster0 Depends how far they go with it, if they only had you voice the grunts it’d be fine.

[@lasercraft32]

That's kinda wayyy too ambitious, and would also lead to a bunch of people either terribly acting their character, messing up the lines, or just straight up spouting profanity... it would also ruin the "immersion" of the game, I guess... and spoil a lot of plot points you would otherwise learn in those cutscenes.

[@joshkittrell914]

Music and the existence of the custom character were amazing in this game, and when I saw the gameplay trailer, I thought it would be a sequel to Sonic Generations (my personal favorite). Edit: also wisps were awesome and nothing will change my mind.

[@M4r10br05glaxy]

How are people even gonna think that Sonic forces is worse than Sonic 06 .-. Well, I actually like Forces a lot, I don’t know why everyone hates this game, it’s actually greater than many Sonic games.

[@TheJadeFist]

I know it's kinda bad, but I enjoy the hammer weapon, and it gives you that jumping spinning attack that makes it fun to use.

[@WanderfromSOTC]

You arw so underrated

[@Sonic-Dx]

17:25 Say what you want about forces but the main theme fist-bump slaps harder than my dads belt

[@slateoffate9812]

Idea for a hypothetical ambitious Remake, a Reimagining. Gameplay: While Classic Sonic is still around, the Avatar is remade into multiple existing characters, each reflecting one of the Wispons, which the Avatar CAN equip, but doesn't necessarily need to. Dual Grappling Hooks would make the better default if you ask me. Oh, and in the first stage, Sonic uses Rings to boost, not Wisps. It starts with Sonic running through a perfectly lively Green Hill, not a speck of Sand in sight. When he arrives in Sunset City, Tails is fending off the robots, but is noticeably weakened, possibly injured. Sonic is defeated. Fade to black. Stage 2: Sky Sanctuary Character: Silver, playing like the hover wispon. Stage 3: Mystic Ruins Character: Tag Team; Knuckles, Drill, and Silver. Their wispon buttons oppose each other. This is basically that one promotional comic with Chaos. Then, you get the option between two different stories; Resistance Mode, and Solo Mode, featuring Tails, Classic Sonic, and Omega. Omega is Burst, while Tails remains unplayable, setting up Frontiers. I'll start with Solo Mode. We start with a glitchy portal opening in the now desolate and sandy Green Hill. A silhouette briefy emerges and dashes off(this is Shadow). Shortly after, the portal starts turning white, and Classic Sonic emerges from the portal: Solo Stage 1: Classic Sonic, Green Hill Arriving in the City, Classic Sonic notices Tails moving the deactivated Omega from Green Hill to some secret area. Tails... doesn't look good. He's been fighting a war of attrition by himself for six months and life hasn't been kind. He's clearly exhausted, too tired to do anything but panic when Chaos appears. Solo Boss 1: Classic Sonic vs. Chaos Excited to have a Sonic on his side, Tails requests he secure the path to his bunker so he can repair Omega. Solo Stage 2: Sunset Heights, Classic Sonic Succeeding, Tails as the leader guides Team... Team Sonic, he declares, clearly still in emotional turmoil, back to Green Hill and, more importantly, Arsenal Pyramid. Tails only just managed to get Omega out of there, so he couldn't get the intel he wanted. Solo Stage 3: Omega, Sunset Heights Solo Stage 4: Green Hill, Tails They're caught by Eggman within the Pyramid, who uses the Egg Dragoon to chase them out into the more open sand wastes. You know the rest, minus Tails learning Sonic is alive. Solo Boss 2: Classic Sonic Vs. Egg Dragoon Now in safety, Tails contemplates the Phantom Ruby Infinite mentioned. "Didn't... Eggman already use that one time? It created rifts in space, I think. We need to learn more." They head to next Eggman base Tails and Omega know of. Solo Stage 5: Mystic Casino, Classic Sonic Solo Boss 3: A very VERY angry snek, Classic Sonic They run into the Avatar, and Solo Mode ends. You create your avatar and we get introduced to the Resistance, though that cutscene is written much better. Rouge reveals Sonic imprisoned on the Death Egg, and the Resistance plans to steal a ship from Chemical Plant. Resistance Stage 1: Chemical Plant Tag Team Mode: Avatar and Espio(Asteroid, also making up for Avatar not yet having a wispon) Resistance Stage 2: Death Egg, Avatar Zavok explains Sonic hasn't been tortured to keep his hope alive so Eggman can crush it in one fell swoop. Resistance Boss 1: Sonic vs. Zavok R Stage 2: Death Egg, Sonic Sonic saves Avatar, but is noticeably worse for wear. Rouge comments they didn't expect the Death Egg to hold so many prisoners. She decides she'll evacuate everyone, while Avatar gets Sonic to safety. R Stage 3: Death Egg Tag Team: Avatar and Sonic Sorry, I'm out of brainstorming juice.

[@hyperunboxing9304]

If I was a filmmaker, I would make a movie about this game but with a beautiful story instead of ugly

[@gracekim25]

I appreciate this video’s existence given the game isn’t all bad and i do think the hate is a bit of a overreaction 😅 yeah it’s not perfect but you know 🤷‍♀️ that’s why I’m doing a rewrite fanfic style 12.7.23

[@germanname1990]

I remember there was this one person who told to Forces' admirerers, "Admit it, liars. You say you like the game. You just don't want to admit that you don't. There is nothing at all to like about this game." You know, it's unfortunate that there are many people out there who refuse to accept anything between a hundred percent and nothing. It's just as unfortunate that people compare Sonic Forces to every game in the Sonic series such as Sonic 2006 and will even go as far as to bash something if it has anything to do with Sonic Forces as you stated. With all that being said, I'm comforted whenever I see someone who has admiration for the game as they help prove to me that I'm not alone in having so much admiration for it. I understand Forces could've had more to offer. For instance, on the PS4, Xbox ONE, and Steam versions, you get a trophy for the Silver Moon Rings while on the Switch version you get nothing, at least apart from bonus points. It would've been nice if they had extra clothes for your avatar. Even so, for what it has, I honestly still enjoy it even now, more than five and a half years after its release. One of my favorite aspects of Sonic Forces is the custom character feature. It allows fans to not only create new characters, but it also allows fans to put their own fan characters into the game. Six months before Forces was released, over at DeviantArt, I adopted a red fox named Lisa, someone I had actually known for several years at that point. Lisa is known for her vibrant personality and her sunny smile. She's more than just a Sonic fan character. She's become like a spiritual sister to me, enjoying the good times with me such as an April 2022 Bon Jovi concert I went to and helping me get through bad times such as the pandemic. Just days after adopting her, I learned about Forces' custom character feature, and I instantly thought Lisa would be perfect to put into this game. Weeks after getting the game, I beat the final boss, and I was introduced to what is still my favorite song in the entire franchise, The Light of Hope. The first time I listened to it, I felt that song was written just for me. I had gone through some hard times yet somehow recovered. In addition, 2017 was one of the best years I ever had. Whenever I listen to this song, I envision Lisa singing this song to me. Lisa is indeed my Light of Hope.

[@gabrielbrown1855]

Infinite’s theme was the best in my opinion because I was surprised Tyler Smyth would be interested to do a Sonic song along with Andy Bane, they killed it on his theme

[@frthoimbulltherandompokemonguy]

I loved this game-

[@ShiriaruKitaOld]

I was taught by the internet to hate this game and learnt to completely ignore it. I always read the bad but never the good so I never thought about giving it a chance till I watched this video. I wanna give it a chance now since I'm in an odd sonic mood and there aren't many options on pc. Maybe even mod it to either make it better or to spice things up a bit. They definitely put a lot of work in the game, but it was definitely not enough. I do still appreciate what's in it and I think I'll do more when I play it

[@Romanode_]

If you can I’d find a mod that fixes the acceleration, that small change will make the experience a whole lot better.

[@Flare8295]

The fact that the music for Forces is the most criticized thing in the game is honestly saying something about humanity altogether

[@ExplodingRakkoon]

Soundtrack is great

[@unspeakableflame420]

3:48 that concept art tho

[@TheJadeFist]

The Asteroid weapon is a little rapid fire pistol, it's great to use, it's special ability isn't all that useful though. But it shreds bosses so fast.

[@masterofgamesbrian7058]

If Sonic Team ever adds custom avatars in a future game, i would like more customizable options, like quill size for the hedgehogs or body and limb size for each animal.

[@jacobblakely2224]

When i was younger, I played the OG Sonic Colors on my 3ds... And then stopped playing Sonic. Fast forward about 6 years and i get Sonic Forces at Christmas, even though it wasn't on my list. Yes Yes, 1000x best game I'd played at that point. I didn't care about the writing or the gameplay, it was FUN. Like you Said, Sonic Forces is a gateway game. I am now a hardcore Sonic fan. I just unlocked Extreme difficulty in Sonic Frontiers.

[@ShoukerX]

19:07 Yeah, actually one of my favorite songs in the game its Classic sonic's Death egg, it just really cool and if you don't like the instrumentation you can always listen to a remix.

[@Yoshistar238]

5:17 bro fumbled with that word 😂

[@turtleghostx3355]

Imagine dashing with drill and then switching immediately to burst and start flying🤩