Sonic Forces takes the classic blue blur and throws him into a competitive online sprint. It's a fast-paced runner where you race against real players in real-time. The controls are simple—swipe to dodge, jump, or slide—and the tracks are filled with power-ups, traps, and shortcuts. Each race lasts around 30-40 seconds, so it never drags.
It stands out from other runners because it isn't just about surviving—it's about beating others to the finish line. There's a strong push to unlock characters with different stats and abilities, so it stays interesting beyond just Sonic. You get rings, win races, open loot boxes, and use the cards inside to level up your runners. That grind can be a bit much, but the loop is addictive.
The visuals are sharp. Levels are colorful and fast, the frame rate holds up well, and the animations are smooth. Using a good phone makes the experience seamless. The music is energetic, though it repeats often. There's no real story—just a lineup of races—but it works. It's meant to be played in short bursts, and it does that well.
You can race as Sonic, Knuckles, Amy, Tails, and several other characters, including villains like Shadow and Metal Sonic. Each has its stats for speed, acceleration, strength, and unique moves. Races are always 4-player PvP, and matching is usually quick. Sometimes, you're mismatched with a stronger opponent, which can feel frustrating, especially if their character is higher.
The free-to-play system is acceptable, but expect wait times unless you're willing to spend money. Chests take hours to unlock, and card drops are random. There's no offline mode—if you're not connected, you can't play. It's hard to stop playing when everything is working and you're in the zone.
Step 1: Open the game and tap to begin. You'll be racing against other players or AI in real time.
Step 2: Swipe left or right to switch lanes, up to jump, and down to slide under obstacles.
Step 3: Collect rings as you run. They act as a buffer—getting hit makes you drop rings instead of losing the race.
Step 4: Use the red attack icons to unleash special moves, such as fireballs or homing attacks. Timing matters—hit rivals to slow them down.
Step 5: Avoid spikes, gaps, and moving obstacles. Falling behind or getting knocked out too much can cost you the race.
Step 6: Pick up power-ups along the track. These might boost your speed or help you defend against rival attacks.
Step 7: Finish the race in the top spots to gain trophies. Losing races can drop your trophy count.
Step 8: Use earned trophies to unlock new characters. Each character has different stats and abilities.
Step 9: Practice tracks to learn where traps and boosts appear. Memorizing the layout helps you time your moves effectively.
Step 10: Check the events tab. Competing in events can earn rare characters and large rewards.