Sonic Horizons

Sonic Horizons (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ：ホライズンズ In Japan) is a 3D action platformer developed by Sega and released for all major consoles including the PC, Xbox Nexus, Playstation 6, and Nintendo Universe. Sonic Horizons recieved critical acclaim from gamers and critics alike. With the game being a 8/10 on IGN and a 8.6 on Metacritic. The game would go on to inspire the next Sonic title, that being "Sonic The Hedgehog (27')" and was the last game in the "Sonic Legacy Era" of Sega's long-lasting franchise. There was also a 5 part comic series developed alongside Sonic the Hedgehog Horizons 
==PLOT==
===PLOT STRUCTURE===
The story is told through various comic strips that are motionless, similar to the Wii Exclusive storybook titles such as Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic and the Black Knight. With background music in the background developed by Sega Sound Team
===OVERALL STORY===
After the events of Sonic Adventure 3, Eggman winds up back at his labatory in Eggperial City. Accompanied by his daughter Sage and his robotic henchmen. Eggman begins cracking back down on creating a new plan to destroy that pesky hedgehog once and for all. Finally coming across a pristine emerald titled the Space Emerald, An emerald said to house all power in the Universe. Eggman begins building a new Death-Egg almost instantanously in order to finally rid the world of Sonic, and the world in general. Launching his Death-Egg MK.III into the stratosphere. 
===SONIC'S STORY===
After defeating Eggman, Sonic returns to Floral Forest Village to reunite with his fellow freedom fighters and Gmeral. Who helped him face Eggman and sent him packing, Sonic decides to take a small break. Hanging out with Tails in spagonia, Finally, three months after Eggman seemingly went missing. Knuckles calls Sonic from the north of Eggperial City, Telling him that Eggman has unleashed a death-egg into orbit. And that this one might not be so easy to get rid of.
====FLORAL PANIC====
Arriving into Floral Panic, Sonic is greeted by Tails. Who explains that the Death-Egg has suddenly been launched into the sky and that he has an idea on how to get to it but Sonic needs to dash his way through the Floral Panic that Eggman has set up. Sonic halfway through the zone encounters an old friend, Silver the Hedgehog. Who explains to Sonic that Eggman is using an emerald known as the Space Emerald and that it could utterly destroy the world and universe if used by the wrong person. Sonic speaks up in his witty voice "So Eggman's really just gonna destroy the universe like that huh?, Well not on my watch! That ol' Egghead ain't gonna know what hit him!" 
When Sonic finally makes it to the end of Floral Forest, he's stopped by a familiar gang of foes. THE DEADLY SIX, who have beef to finish with Sonic. Zavok speaks up to Sonic in his familiar rough tone "This ends here Hedgehog. I'm afraid we can't allow you to go any further. If you have problems with that ... You can take it up with my FISTS" Sonic can't help but laugh at the cheesy pun 
"Wow! I can't believe criminals like you guys can stoop EVEN lower!. Bwahaha!, It's almost ridiculous how funny you sound right now! But if it's a fight you want, Than it'd only be RUDE of me not to give you the best butt-kicking ever!" Unfortunately. Sonic underestimated Zavok's strength and the fact that it was a 6 Vs 1 battle, But before Sonic's adventure could end prematurely. Shadow makes his way to him. Saving him for his complete and total death, Sonic got up and thanked Shadow. Quipping once again "Worried that YOU won't be the one to kill me eh Shadow?" 
"Don't play dumb with me hedgehog. You knew the dangers of trying to trifle with those brutes, it was only right of passage to save you. Plus, You still need to deal with the Doctor" Shadow wore a stern expression. With Sonic getting up and smiling with glee "Ohoho yeah!, I can't wait to kick that old man's butt!" and with that, Sonic and Shadow parted ways. With Sonic running off into downtown Eggperial City to confront Eggman and find answers as to why he's back to his old schemes.
====CASINO CARNIVAL====
Sonic finally arrived to Casino Carnival, a major stopping point in Eggperial City. Arriving he was greeted by The Chaotix, Vector was the first to greet Sonic "Well well well!, If it ain't everyone's favorite blue hedgehog! You also here to scout out what's going down with Eggman?" Sonic chuckled and looked to the carnival filled with eggpawns and badniks, saying with a mocking tone "Nah, I'm here for a little day vacay!" Vector had boasted out in laughter. Espio and Charmy following behind, before returning to their serious tones once more. Espio speaking up with a silent voice "I'd be careful Sonic, if those robots see you. It's gonna give you a harder time to make it to Eggman" Sonic could only get out a chuckle before saying in a rather calm voice "You don't need to tell me twice about stealth. Stealth is practically my middle name!" 
Vector looked down Sonic and said with a smile "Sure thing big guy" Charmy could only pop in one sentence "I thought your middle name was the!" before Sonic ran off inside the carnival tent with reckless abandon. Once inside the tent Sonic continued his quest to find Eggman, stopping to admire the vast majority of various machines inside the place. Sonic smirked and spoke to himself whilst running "I'll hand it to the ol' Egghead, he really know's how to badazzle a place!" until smacking first into a large Eggman robot, The robot reminded Sonic of a previous robot he fought from his past back on Angel Island. Sonic spoke up to the robot "Well speak of the devil!, seems like Eggman's finally turnin' up the heat! and here I thought that it was all gonna be fun and games!. Alright than big guy, Bring it!", The battle was intense but Sonic emerged victorious. But not after being stopped by Eggman's voice blaring over the intercoms "Good job you blue spiky rodent!. But I'm afraid the fun has just begun!, Oohohoho!" But Sonic wasn't afraid or even worried, he simply closed his eyes and smiled. Saying in a calm collected voice "Gotta love having challenges. Makes life so much more exciting!" 
====EGG-MINES====
Upon arriving to the Egg Mines, Sonic is instantly caught off-guard by an old machine of Dr, Eggman's. That being Mecha Sonic MK.I from his younger years, The robot spoke to Sonic with a destroyed voicebox "W-W-WE MEET AGAIN BLUE BLUR!", This version of the Mecha Sonic back then was destroyed and rotten. Similar to the badniks Sonic had met on Scrapnik Island. Sonic couldn't help but feel almost bad for the little guy, as he was made out of the parts of an Egg-Pawn and Crabmeat. Mecha Sonic MK.I continued to speak "WE HAVE A B-B-BATTLE TO FINISH. DON'T W-WE!" before dashing further into the cave. Sonic following suit down the cave, Encountering various old Eggman machines. It isn't until he reaches the end of the cave that he notices that Mecha Sonic MK.I isn't alone, as it's accompanied by ScrapNik Metal Knuckles and an old rusty version of the Tails doll. Sonic, through gritted teeth speaks up valiantly "I don't know what you guys want! but I can swear to you that I don't want to fight!" It isn't until ScrapNik Knuckles lunged at him that Sonic began to feel slight fear. 
Mecha Sonic MK.I spoke up to Sonic once again, this time in a voice filled with Malice and hate "D-D-DON'T TOY WITH US HEDGEHOG. WE HAVE L-L-LONG AWAITED THIS DAY. IF YOU T-T-THINK THAT YOU CAN DEFEAT US. THAN T-THINK AGAIN!", At this point. Sonic had no choice, with a swallow of his pride. He began to fight them off, It wasn't until the fight was finished that Sonic could gather information from ScrapNik Knuckles. Unable to speak. ScrapNik Knuckles drew crude drawings into the cave's walls, the drawings depicted Eggman finding the Space Emerald and digging them back up from the wasteyard just to fight Sonic. Sonic spoke up, looking towards ScrapNik Knuckles "So you're telling me that Eggman used you guys just to fight me? ...", ScrapNik Knuckles nodded. "Know what big guy. Even if we had our scuffles, I'll make sure that rotten Egghead doesn't get away for using you guys" ScrapNik Knuckles and Sonic looked at each other for a couple moments. Giving looks of acknowledgement, but before Sonic could continue onwards with his mission. He was stopped by Scrapnik Knuckles, who had given him his old hat. Sonic looked to Scrapnik Knuckles and said in a friendly voice "You ain't so bad big guy!" Scrapnik Knuckles gave him a look of friendship and nodded back, as if to share the same sentiment. With a wink and a new ally made, Sonic dashed out of the cave and began his journey to Sunset River 
====SUNSET RIVER====
Upon arriving to the Sunset River, Sonic was pleasently greeted by no foes nor allies. Just the calming serene wildlife and calm rivers, though. Something doesn't seem to right, Sonic has a bad feeling about this location. And before long, he's stopped by the Green Villain, SCOURGE THE HEDGEHOG. An alternative version of Sonic from a dimension where he rules over everything, Scourge looks to Sonic and says in a cocky voice "Well if it ain't the goody two-shoes who thinks he can best everything with FriEnDShipP!" Scourge laughed outloud, Sonic did not laugh nor did he respond with a one-liner. He responded with a serious and determined tone "Listen here pal, If you're still angry about losing to little ol' me. Than I'd suggest maybe getting some therapy. Holding anger is no good after all." Scourge stopped laughing and looked towards Sonic with a scowl. Before speaking up "Shut up ya blue paint-splat, The only reason I'm here is to clobber you and nothing else." Sonic sighed and with a smile, finally said with a semi-cocky voice "Well then you're going to need to catch me first!" before running into the distance
Upon arriving to the beachside of Sunset River, Scourge had already managed to catch up with Sonic. With a bellowing laugh Scourge shouted out, "Nice try blue pipsqueak!, but I already managed to topple over your little friend back in those woods! Now you're all alone with NO ONE!" Sonic didn't feel fear. He had no reason to, with a sharp sigh he spoke up in the voice of an annoyed mother. "Listen pal, I don't really even remember who you are. But if you really want to beat me up. Then do it." this calm unfiltered reaction from Sonic was something new, something that Scourge couldn't help but respect. Even if ever so slightly, Scourge lifted his head up high and spoke up with a loud bellow "Alright then Blue Blur!, You asked for it!" 
The fight had come to a close and Scourge walked away defeated. Making his way to Eggman's fortress in Eggperial City, he spoke up to himself through gritted teeth. "Stupid hedgehog ... Always the better more perfect version of everyone ... What does a guy have to do. TO GET SOME RESPECT AROUND HERE!" Scourge punched the wall in anger as a poster of Sonic wooshed down from it, landing on the cold concrete ground. Scourge walked to the poster and looked it, Sonic's friendly face contrasting with his dark scowl. It was enough to drive anyone crazy. But at the same time, it somehow resonated with him. Despite seeing himself as the king of his world, he still had friends and buddies back home willing to do anything for him ... Scourge spoke up with a softer voice "Maybe that's why he's so popular ... It's because he doesn't care about what people say about him. He just cares about saving the day and his pals ... Maybe I should start doing that, maybe then I can ... I can become somewhat like that stupid blue hedgehog." Scourge let go of the poster before a loud siren blared throughout the city, causing Scourge to run into the distance as fast as he could.
== GAMEPLAY ==
Gameplay in Sonic Horizons changes very little from the previous title, Sonic Adventure 3. Though with an emphasis on Parkour exploration. Unlike the previous title, Sonic Horizons shifts gameplay structure by having players traverse large open world areas to collect the pieces of the "Space Emerald" alongside the task of collecting all 7 chaos emeralds as either Sonic the Hedgehog or Shadow the hedgehog. Players can choose from a variety of different characters. Each one having a different reasoning as to why they wish to get to the Space Emerald. Returning from the Sonic Adventure 2 title. Players can select a character from either the Hero story or the Villain story, each character having special moves and levels, as well as a sub-plot that lead into the Final level.
HERO CHARACTERS
File:SonictheHedgehog SSB.png	The Blue Blur himself!, Sonic comes with a barrage of different platforming options such as his Spin-Dash, Light Speed Dash, Parkour moves, Homing Attack, Slide and more. Sonic's levels are a dash to the goal without being killed.
File:Miles tails prower colours pose by mintenndo-d6jnvdj.png	Sonic's buddy and best friend! Tails can fly over major chunks of levels, as well as use his tail swipe attack to destroy robots. Because Tails has his flight ability. His levels are quick paced time-trials, with the sole goal of making it to the end of the level before time runs out!
File:Knuckles the echidna by 47nano47 dfnq59y-fullview.png	Rougher than the rest of em!, Knuckles' levels are all about methodical platforming and puzzle solving. With him needing to find shards of the coveted Space Emerald, Knuckles comes equipped with his signature glide and dig move. But also starts off with the Iron Knuckles and Water Bracelet.
File:AmyRoseColorSharpEditDuck.png	Sonic's love interest and runner up for the most connected to Sonic, Amy's levels are a mix of slower paced puzzle platforming using her Piko-Piko Hammer. Amy comes equipped with said hammer and also has access to the Chao Garden spirits to aid her in battle.
File:Silver.png	The Hedgehog from the Future, Silver makes his return to the mainline Sonic series. Use his telekenetic abilities to float, and push objects. Silver's levels are puzzles that must be completed, Silver can also equip the Cosmo Bracelet to sense Chaos Emeralds from afar
File:Team Chaotix Group.png	The Detectives with Speed, Power, and flight on their sides. The Chaotix work as a team, therefore each one has special unique properties. Vector can bounce off walls by timing his beats properly as well as do a Spin-Drift, Espio can teleport short distances and turn invisible for a short period of time. And Charmy can do an air-pull and fly around tough area's, Chaotix levels are collection based marathons where The Chaotix need to collect as many rings as they can before reaching the goal.
VILLAIN CHARACTERS
File:Shadow2-1.png	The Anti-Hero with a vendetta, Shadow the Hedgehog is a speedy quick character who comes equipped with a Chaos Blast, Chaos Teleport, and his Chaos Control abilities. Shadow's levels are similar to Sonic's, where he must dash through levels without losing a life. The addition comes in the form of a time limit for Shadow levels, time limits span through 3 - 7 minutes.
File:Rouge the Bat Nibroc-Rock.png	The bat with an eye for riches, Rouge is a sky-high flying diva who's only in it for the money. Rouge can fly and can scout out different enemies using some gadgets, Rouge's levels are stealth missions through levels. With Rouge needing to dodge various robots and get all the riches she can, no matter what.
File:The Deadly Six - Sonic Lost World.png	A gang of roughneck demons who all want to stop Sonic dead in his tracks!, They work together as a team similar to the Chaotix but they can't be switched out. Instead Zavok uses each member as a tool to get pass platforming challenges, Deadly Six levels are filled with bottomless pits and group enemy encounters for these demons to show their stuff.
File:E-102 Gamma Nibroc-Rock.png	An old Eggman badnik brought back from the scrapdump to find and exterminate Sonic and his friends, E102 Gamma comes equipped with a boost and railgun. E102 Gamma levels are run & gun platformers with the sole purpose of getting enough points by chaining together enemy combo's, E102 Gamma also has a "Overclock" mode where he can fly for a limited time.
File:Metal Knuckles (Speed Way).png	The Robotic Look-alike to Knuckles the Echinda, Metal Knuckles comes equipped with a hover and smash dig ability. Similar to Knuckles, Metal Knuckles is scouring for parts of the Final Frontier to finally end the red echinda who shattered his legacy.
File:Scourge Transparent.png	Often called "Anti-Sonic", Scourge is the mirror version of Sonic who's out to get him and finish what he started. Scourge is able to enter a perpetual boost mode and can kick and punch away any enemies who get in his way. Scourge's levels are linear beat'em ups with various combo attacks and more.
===CHAO GARDEN===
Returning from Sonic Adventure 3 is the Chao Garden, where players can raise Chao in a Light and Dark form. Finding collectables and food in the main levels can allow a Chao to be upgraded, and rings found throughout the game can be used at the Chao Black Market. When a Chao is excelling at a certain stat they can be bred with other Chao to create crossbreeds, Chao can also be used to play minigames such as Kart Racing, Trivia, Fighting, and Hide & Seek and more. There is a Chao garden for all the levels in the game, each of them having a distinct look and style. 
*Floral Panic - A pristine lush Chao Garden filled with rolling hills and lakes
*Casino Chaos - A techno industrial playground filled with slot machines, slides, and rides
*Egg-Mine - A crystaline cave that shimmers and glows with the colors of various gems and ruby's
*Sunset River - A large sandy beach surrounded by the ocean, clams and oysters are commonly found here
* City Skyline - The roof of a large building, filled with benches and food for the Chao
*Sapphire Starlights - A large grassy area with stars filling the skies, rivers and ponds are common
*Techno Tower - A large computer room with multiple camera systems and large screens
==LEVELS==
Level's in Sonic Horizons are split between episodes that play during a characters substory, depending on the character selected you can run through these levels in various different ways. There are 15 levels spread across the entire game and that are shared between substories, alongside the Final Frontier 
LEVELS
FLORAL PANIC 	A new revitalized take on the Green Hill formula, Eggman's forces have invaded the floral forest village. Run & Platform through various different rolling hills and plains, In E102 Gamma's version of the level you can take a secret exit to make it to Casino Carnival in record breaking time.
CASINO CARNIVAL	A techno crazed carnival built by Eggman, filled with Eggpawns and badniks of all sizes. Jump and dodge through Casino games and defeat Eggman's army, The boss for this area is the Egg-Cracker.
EGG-MINES 	A large cave filled with industrial machinary that have long been forgotten, platform through various wreckages and watch as time destroys Eggman's old companions. All characters can collect a new ability in this level, that being the Mystic Melody from Sonic Adventure 2.
SUNSET RIVER 	A large sandy river area filled with obsticles and loops, the stages theme is similar to Sonic the Hedgehog 2's Auqatic Ruins Zone. Act 2 introduces the first real scene change with a sunset in the background
==SOUNDTRACK ==
The soundtrack for Sonic Horizons was developed by the band FURYZONE in collaboration with Crush 40 and the Sega Sound Team. The Soundtrack was praised for it's mixes of several genres, With a total of 70 tracks. Below are the tracks named in order
*Still Blue! (OP Ver)
*Hangin' Downtown (Menu Theme)
* Tinkering (Options Theme)
*Prologue
*Choose Your Character!
*Cutscene
*Chao Garden
*Meet the Eggman!
* Gettin Crazy Panic ... In the Floral Forest!
*Roughhousin (Deadly 6 Boss theme)
*Gunnin It ... Through The Carnival!
*Hold on to Fire (Egg-Cracker Boss theme)
*Going Spelunking ... Looking for the Scrapnik!
*Old Face, New Foe (Mecha Sonic MK.I Boss theme)
*Learning to Swim ... On the beachside!
*Green & Mean! (Scourge Boss Theme)
* Double Timin' It! ... Through the City Skyline!
* Look-A-Like (Heavy Metal Remix)
*Going Stargazing ... Under the Sapphire Starlights!
*Becoming Whole (Omega Boss Theme)
*Dashing It! ... Through the Techno Tower! (Chemical Plant Remix)