Summary
2023 has beenSonic the Hedgehog’s strongest year in a while. BetweenSonic Frontiers’ post-launch support and theSonic Primeshow continuing to roll out, there’s something for every corner of the fanbase. Most recently,Sonic Superstarswas released with a modern twist onSonic’s classic 2D platforming, and soon a new 3D platformer by the name ofSonic Dream Teamwill also come out. In a bold move for the franchise,Sonic Dream Teamis an Apple Arcade exclusive, which is only the first part of what makes it so unique.
As a canon entry with Ian Flynn on the writing team,Sonic Dream Teamis an exciting prospect for many, with most complaints currently leveled at its exclusivity to Apple Arcade’s service.Sonic Dream TeamseesSonic and some of his old friends, as well as a newcomer named Ariem, trying to stop Dr. Eggman from using a device called The Reverie to manifest his tyrannical dreams into reality. With its June 14, 2025, release date only five weeks after its announcement, the time between them has been full of previews detailing what features players can expect after they get their hands on the fast-approachingSonic Dream Team.
Sonic Dream Team Is Bigger Than It Looks
Up front, Sega and Sega HARDlight have explained much ofSonic Dream Team’s structure. The title includes twelve levels across four worlds, with each world concluding with a boss. Levels are further divided into missions similar to thosefromSonic Adventure 1and2, and completing them awards orbs that unlock new levels similar to Stars inSuper Mario 64. ASonic Dream Teamdeveloper actually namedSuper Mario Sunshineas an inspiration, in addition toTony Hawk’s Pro Skater. To keep the many level playthroughs feeling fresh,Sonic Dream Teamdeploys its titular team of heroes.
Each of these characters fits into one of three play styles designed around Sonic’s traditional boosting, Tails’ flight, and Knuckles’ gliding and wall-climbing. While Cream and Rouge already paralleled Tails and Knuckles in otherSonicgames, it’s a pleasant surprise to seeAmy Rose finally keep pace with Sonicin a mainline Boost entry.
Other gameplay differences between each style’s users are unknown, though Sonic and Tails may need something extra in their kits if Amy and Cream still have the Piko Piko Hammer and Cheese the Chao.
The Classic 3D Sonic Experience Is Preserved By Sonic Dream Team
The level design inSonic Dream Teamcompliments the return of some of Sonic’s rarer playable friends nicely. Previews paint the game’s levels as wider than modernSonictitles, with open rooms being commonplace. It also sounds like the transitions between 3D and 2D that have been around sinceSonic Unleashedmay have finally gone away, replaced with multiple paths that each gameplay style can take advantage of.
With howSonic Superstarsalso broke series traditionsrecently, it’s nice to seeSonicexperiment with its design trends even during throwbacks. Combined with level objectives and the especially bright and cartoonish visuals, it’s not hard to see why comparisons toSuper Mario Sunshinewere drawn.
With either touch controls or a controller on the various devices that support Apple Arcade, players can make their way through the rail grinding, bounce pads, wall running, and various other attractions offered bySonic Dream Team. On the way, they can explore side paths to find hidden collectibles like red stars and,furtheringSonic Dream Team’sSuper Mario Sunshineparallels, blue coins.
These may have something to do with collectibleSoniccharacter toys that were teased as well. AlthoughSonic Dream Teamsounds like a compact experience, that fits its launch platform well and hopefully it can migrate to consoles and PC at a later date with some extra enhancements.
