Sonic Frontiers is the first game in the series to offer gigantic "open-zone" environments that you can explore at your own pace. It's a dramatic departure for the Blue Blur, and so far, it has resulted in mixed reviews: Sonic Frontiers is currently sitting with an Metascore of 72.

While critics are split on the game, dedicated Sonic fans will likely find much to love about the frantic 3D platformer. The star of the show is the new open-zone design, which lets you explore a sprawling landscape at your own pace. Each zone is filled with secrets to discover, enemies to defeat, and some difficult platforming puzzles to overcome. The new format is a breath of fresh air for the franchise, and one that you can expect to see plenty of in the future.

To coincide with the large new maps, Sonic has been given an arsenal of new skills and attributes — many of which are upgradeable. Sonic's movement speed, for example, will slowly improve as you work through the game. This gives you a tangible sense of progression for your efforts and a reason to keep pushing forward with your next quest. If the fast-paced gameplay isn't enough to keep you glued to the screen, then its twisting story (which features the usual cast of Dr. Eggman, Tails, Amy, and Knuckles) probably will.

Sonic Frontiers is the most innovative Sonic game in ages, but with its mixed reviews, it might not be a perfect fit for everyone. Thankfully, whether you're seeking an alternative or another game to play after rolling credits, there are plenty of similar titles to check out.

Here are 10 games like Sonic Frontiers to play next, listed by Metascore.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)

Metascore: 97
Best for: Fans of open-world adventures
Where to buy:

If you loved Sonic Frontiers open-zone gameplay, then you'll be right at home with Breath of the Wild. Aside from an incredible story, sleek graphics, and tons of unlockable gear, Breath of the Wild gives you a sprawling version of Hyrule to explore. After a short tutorial, you're free to scale mountains, dive into caverns, or soar across the sky with a nifty glider. It doesn't move quite as fast as Sonic, but its open world alone is worth the price of admission. A sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, is expected to arrive in 2023, making now a great time to dive in.

"One of the best games ever made." — Attack of the Fanboy

Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)

Metascore: 97
Best for: Fans of the mustachioed plumber
Where to buy:

Like every Mario game that came before it, Super Mario Odyssey is polished to perfection. Whether you're tackling a challenging platforming segment or using your trusty hat (Cappy) to take control of a Goomba, Nintendo's attention to detail is on full display. The story once again revolves around saving Princess Peach from Bowser, and it'll take you to a series of diverse worlds filled with new enemies, new mechanics to master, and dozens of hidden secrets. There's also a very basic cooperative mode, letting a friend join in on the highly reviewed adventure.

"The type of game that I'd probably have taken for granted as a kid, but as an adult, I'll cherish it for decades." — GameSpew

Neon White (PC)

Metascore: 90
Best for: Fans of off-beat action games
Where to buy:

Neon White is an arcade shooter that pushes you to strategize better, move faster, and hone your aim to perfection. Each level is endlessly replayable, and Neon White excels at making you want to play the same mission dozens of times in search of a spot on the high-score boards. Your goal is to make it to the end of each level as fast as possible, picking up Soul Cards (items that grant movement abilities and firearms) along the way. The key to success is learning how and when to use these Soul Cards, along with figuring out the best route to shave a few extra seconds off your time. It won't be for everyone, but if you "gotta go fast," then you gotta play this game.

"Neon White is a tour de force, combining incredible level design, excellent storytelling, and brilliant mechanics." — PC Invasion

Ori and the Will of the Wisps (XB1)

Metascore: 90
Best for: Fans of metroidvanias
Where to buy:

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a 2D platformer filled with mind-bending puzzles, difficult boss fights, and heaps of unlockable content. You'll navigate a gorgeous (but foreboding) world as you try to search for a missing family member. Its story is shocking poignant, and it's all the more impactful thanks to its hand-painted art style that brings each character to life. When its narrative isn't forcing you to wipe away tears, you'll engage in fast-paced combat, unlock a variety of useful new skills, and work your way through a series of intricate platforming puzzles.

"An amazing work of art that happens to double as a truly fantastic game." — TheXboxHub

Bayonetta 3 (Switch)

Metascore: 88
Best for: Fans of chaotic combat
Where to buy:

Bayonetta 3 relishes in its chaos. From over-the-top characters to relentless, third-person action, Bayonetta 3 never lets off the gas. At its core, the game is a third-person action title, with Bayonetta capable of pulling off a variety of slick combos to cut through any monsters that get in her way. When you're not in combat, you'll get to explore a few large maps, solve puzzles, and wrap up a complex storyline. It's best to have played through the first two entries to get the most out of its bombastic conclusion, but since both Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 were highly reviewed, that shouldn't be a problem.

"An experience filled with a constant feeling of surprise, quality of life add-ons, dynamic and electrifying action, and an epic story." — The Enemy

Sonic Mania Plus (PS4)

Metascore: 87
Best for: Fans of classic Sonic
Where to buy:

Sonic enthusiasts have probably already devoured everything in the Blue Blur's catalog, but if you happened to miss out on Sonic Mania Plus, it's more than worth picking up. This bundle pulls together multiple games (Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, and Sonic CD) while bumping the action to 60fps and supporting HD resolutions. There's also a new Competition mode and the ability to play as Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. Anyone that's played the originals will love the trip down memory lane, while newcomers will get to experience these classics at their best.

"Sonic Mania Plus cranks the game up to 11 with its new content and it is a must-play for fans of the original Sonic the Hedgehog 2D platformers." — Shacknews

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (PS4)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of 3D platformers
Where to buy:

It took more than two decades, but Crash Bandicoot: Warped finally received a sequel in 2020. Crash Bandicoot 4 features many familiar faces (such as Neo Cortex and N. Tropy), but it also marks a return to the brutally difficult platforming that made the franchise so popular. When you're not collecting Wumpa fruit or testing your reflexes, you'll unravel a fun-loving story that's brought to life with gorgeous cartoon graphics. Best of all, the game doesn't end when the credits roll, as you can dive back into old levels to collect hidden objects or tackle a Time Trial.

"Breathtakingly beautiful, features an amazing soundtrack full of references to the original trilogy, offers tons of content, and thrilled me to bits with its brilliant level design." — CD-Action

Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of family-friendly platformers
Where to buy:

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the series' first 3D installment, and Nintendo didn't pull any punches. You'll once again play as the lovable pink blob as he inhales enemies to steal their powers, but the addition of a third dimension truly makes the game shine. Whether you're taking part in lighthearted combat or tricky platforming segments, Kirby and the Forgotten Land features a charming story and some hilarious writing, and it's easy to see why this 3D platformer earned such rave reviews.

"This is a must-have game and yet another instant Nintendo classic that's not only warmly familiar, but also subtly inventive in a way that'll keep you hooked until the end." — Digital Spy

Sonic Colors: Ultimate (PS4)

Metascore: 74
Best for: Fans of 2D and 3D Sonic games
Where to buy:

Sonic Colors: Ultimate is an enhanced version of the original Sonic Colors. You'll benefit from improved graphics, 4K resolution on supported systems, a new Rival Rush game mode, and a heap of quality-of-life improvements. Beyond those big changes, the core experience is entirely intact. Gameplay still swaps between 2D and 3D sections, and its six worlds are filled with colorful designs, deadly enemies, and a whole lot of rings to collect. There's also a unique cooperative mode that lets you enjoy the adventure with a friend by your side.

"If you are a Sonic fan, you owe it to yourself to check this one out." — Gaming Age

Warframe (PS4)

Metascore: 64
Best for: Fans of frantic, third-person action
Where to buy: PlayStation Store
Also available on: PC, PS5, Switch, XB1

Although it's a bit more violent, Warframe checks many of the same boxes as Sonic Frontiers. Gameplay revolves on a fluid movement system that lets you run across walls, glide through the air, and slash through opponents as you go flying by. There's also an elaborate upgrade system that lets you customize your playstyle. Many of Warframe's levels are rather linear, but there's a growing number of open-zone locations that give you the freedom to roam around as you see fit. Frequent updates have turned Warframe into a much better game than it was at launch, so don't let its lackluster Metascore scare you away.

"The core gameplay, including the variety of suits and weapons, is terrific, and it's reason enough to play this sci-fi shooter." — IGN