Sonic's Dream Team Nightmare: The Frustration Behind Its Apple Arcade Exclusivity.
SEGA has just dropped a bombshell that should've made every Sonic fan jump for joy: a new 3D platformer game, "Sonic Dream Team," is racing its way to us this December. Except there's one catch that's turning the dream into a sort of nightmare for many: it's exclusive to Apple Arcade.
Limited to the Small Screen
First off, let's talk about the limited scope that comes with mobile gaming. Sure, Apple Arcade has its merits, but when a powerhouse character like Sonic is restricted to a platform that is largely used for casual gaming, it's a disservice to both the character and its fans. Many Sonic enthusiasts are clamoring for a more expansive, console-based experience that just can't be replicated on a mobile device.
A Roster Wasted?
"Sonic Dream Team" boasts an impressive lineup of playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Rouge, and Cream. Each character brings unique abilities and offers dynamic gameplay. Yet, it's frustrating to think of the potential this lineup would have had on more robust gaming platforms. Think multiplayer co-op missions, enhanced graphics, and more intricate level designs... But no. A phone. And we can all presume what comes along with a mobile phone game. Microtransactions!
Story Potential, Undermined...
The game revolves around an enigmatic artifact called the Reverie, capable of manifesting dreams into reality. While this premise holds a great deal of narrative promise, can a mobile platform truly do justice to such an ambitious story? Confining it to Apple Arcade seems like an underutilization of the concept’s potential scope and grandeur, but I'd like to be pleasantly surprised.
Not Everyone's An Apple User
Let's not forget the elephant in the room. Not everyone owns an Apple device. By making "Sonic Dream Team" an Apple Arcade exclusive, SEGA has cut off a significant portion of their fanbase who are Android users or those who primarily game on consoles or PCs... and even Apple owners who refuse to participate in Apple Arcade.
Adding Insult to Injury: Apple One
Apple Arcade is $6.99 per month, and it's also a part of Apple's bundled subscription service, Apple One. So now, not only are you confined to Apple devices, but there's also a push to get you subscribed to additional Apple services.
While "Sonic Dream Team" might be a great addition to the Sonic universe, its Apple Arcade exclusivity feels like a letdown for fans who have been clamoring for a more comprehensive Sonic experience. A character with Sonic's legacy deserves more than to be confined to the small screen.
For shame.
~Smash
As someone who has always been Sonic > Mario and an Android user, this sucks.