During the 20th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, the blue speedster’s positivity and heroism were a coping mechanism for me throughout the worst high school year of my life. During my first year of college, I continued to support his legacy by playing a few Sonic games on my fourth-generation iPod Touch, including a considerably less playable version of Sonic Dash and the remake of Sonic Jump. Over a decade later, Sonic Rumble has been announced within a rather captivating announcement trailer.
That begins with a vague reminder of Amiibo figures. You may be thinking, “ANOTHER Sonic the Hedgehog game for modern mobile devices after the release of Sonic Dream Team?!”. Well, I understand that mobile gaming may not be up every gamer’s alley, considering how questionable some mobile games have been with some outraged microtransactions and so on, but let us hold no bias as we discuss what Sonic Rumble will have to offer and there can still have some competence in mobile game designing as Pokémon GO has been rediscovered after some notable updates. As the force is with the Fall Guys within yet another crossover event that also goes for all four gameplay modes of Fortnite, there is some potential regarding an upcoming party game starring Sonic, his friends and some of his foes.
And of course, another notable example of highly competent mobile game design would be Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, which is still going strong with new seasonal and monthly events. How can Sonic Rumble be another?
Aside from the chibi animation style that provides some individuality for the game, the gameplay looks quite chaotic and reminds me of a round of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, as well as Sonic Dash due to the usual obstacles and ring gatherings. There also appear to be some side-scrolling sections, like in Sonic Superstars for a little nostalgia’s sake. The maximum of players able to compete against one another is thirty-two, which is four times as crazy and ambitious as the eight-player mode in Puyo POP Fever. Apparently, rings can be gathered throughout the course as currency for more customisation options, which sounds like a pretty clichéd rewards system but can still feel rewarding, nonetheless. It looks like some of these options will include Sonic and Shadow’s pirate outfits from an event in Sonic Dash back in 2021 during the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Dressing up Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, or any other playable character is not as big and creative as the avatar customisation in Sonic Forces, but it can still provide some personalisation for a Sonic supporter to an extent. As menacing as the Joker will be in MultiVersus, there ought to be some explanation for the mysterious toy world created by Dr. Eggman, as diabolical as he can be.
The “chibi” factor in this upcoming title is not as striking as the art style of Sonic & Friends but still adorable.
Surely, the Angry Birds will make special guest appearances in the game for a limited time, considering how there was a Sonic Dash-themed event in Angry Birds Epic, along with how I recall playing as Red and Chuck in Sonic Dash around that time and the rights to Rovio were bought by SEGA nearly a year ago.
The beta testing for Sonic Rumble is yet to open to ensure what can be considered more passable than Sonic R. After the testing, Sonic Rumble will get a new party started on iOS and Android this Winter, possibly in December as a conclusion to an ambitious year for the Sonic the Hedgehog series, especially Shadow the Hedgehog’s big highlights in Sonic X Shadow Generations that will show his side of a story of Sonic Generations and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 that shall retell his origins as he is voiced by Keanu Reeves. And yes, it would be important for the development crew to act upon feedback, even after the best testing and launch as subtitles in many languages were eventually added to the cutscenes in Spyro Reignited Trilogy alongside the option to turn the toggle motion blur on or off being added to the gameplay to make the game more accessible in certain areas. Even as a former fan of the speedy blue rodent, I am glad if you currently consider him a coping mechanism for you during some difficult times, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Aside from the blue speedster’s cred in mobile gaming, rumour has it that a direct sequel to Sonic Frontiers is in development. If that is the case, then the open-world formula ought to be enriched with perhaps a multiplayer mode featuring the ultimate lifeform as Player 2, so that he will know how Luigi feels. In the meantime, rugby fans can either be on Team Sonic or Team Shadow with a new rugby attire range from Phenom Elite.
I wish all the volunteers of the beta testing for Sonic Rumble the best!
