Sonic Forces, released in 2017, marked a departure from traditional Sonic gameplay by introducing the “Tag Team” mechanic, allowing players to switch between Modern Sonic, Classic Sonic, and a customizable character known as the “Avatar.” The Avatar served as a player-created hero, with customizable species, abilities, and attire. This marked the introduction of a unique character creation feature in the Sonic franchise. The narrative centered around Sonic and his allies battling against the malevolent Dr. Eggman, with the Avatar playing a pivotal role in the resistance movement. Each character type brought distinct gameplay styles – Modern Sonic for high-speed action, Classic Sonic for nostalgic 2D platforming, and the Avatar with a combination of gadgets and special abilities tailored to the player’s preferences.

The game also introduced “Tag Team” stages, seamlessly transitioning between Modern Sonic’s rapid traversal, Classic Sonic’s retro-inspired platforming, and the Avatar’s gadget-based challenges. Sonic Forces incorporated a grim and dystopian setting, showcasing the war-torn world under Eggman’s rule. The game’s visual style blended 2D and 3D elements, delivering a dynamic and cinematic experience. Sonic Forces Heroes emphasized collaboration among the three protagonists, leveraging their unique skills to overcome obstacles and adversaries. While opinions on the game varied, the introduction of the customizable Avatar injected a fresh layer of personalization into the Sonic universe, allowing players to become an integral part of the heroic narrative and enhancing the overall diversity of the Sonic Forces experience.