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Challenges[1][2] (ギミック,Gimikku?, lit. "Gimmick") are small missions found in all Open-Zone areas of Sonic Frontiers, with the exception of Rhea Island. They are challenges which, once completed, will reveal a part of the respective island's map, as well reward the player with either a Red Seed of Power or Blue Seed of Defense. While the number of Challenges differ from island to island, they range from 23 to 29 per island. If the player completes all Challenges on the respective island, they will unlock the entire map, as well the ability to Fast travel to any Cyber SpacePortal.[3]
In Sonic Frontiers, the Challenges can be encountered in every Open-Zone field with the exception of Rhea Island, whose map is unlocked by default. On the other Starfall Islands, the Challenges are found scattered across the Open-Zone area, ranging from 23 to 29 Challenges per island. Near incomplete Challenges, a sign with a red question mark can be found, which is covered by a check mark after completing the Challenge.
The Challenges usually revolves around a specific gimmick, either exclusive or not exclusive to Challenges. One of the gimmicks that can be found only as part of Challenges are the Ancient light panels, found in 2 different Challenge types: the panel puzzle grid Challenges and the Side Step Challenges.[4] Other gimmicks exclusive to Challenges are the Target sphere, also found in 2 different Challenge types, the most commonly being in the Blue-Ring Challenge type, but it can be also found in the "Catch the Target Sphere" Challenge type[5], the Mirrors, which appear in only one Challenge on Ouranos Island, the posts with green crystals on top, which require to be Homing Attacked, Hamster Wheels[6], as well Energy bullets, used in "Parry the Bullet" Challenges. [7]
Even though the majority of the gimmicks used in Challenges are exclusive to them, there are some gimmicks which can be found outside of Challenges. Switches, while in the Open-Zone areas they appear mainly in Challenges, also appear in Cyber Spacestages such as 2-6, although with a different design.[8] As part of some Challenges, gimmicks similar to the Stomp Pedestal from the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed are also featured. Hourglasses, sporting a new design, can be found as part of some Challenges. Once attacked, they will start a timer, with the player's goal being to reach the goal before the timer runs out. Laser fields can also be seen in some of the Challenges, and if touched, the Challenge will stop.
Some Challenges also require Cyloop in order to be completed, such as the extinguishing the torches, resolving Tetris-like puzzles and destroying sand dunes/plants/leaves. While not mandatory, other Skills can be helpful during the "Hit the Pedestal" Challenges, where the player has to score a number equal or greater than the damage points required.[9] There are also Challenges which can be only completed at night, which often need the Cyloop. Usually, these kind of Challenges have a special sign with a moon and a star.[1]
After completing a Challenge, a portion of the map will be unlocked.[2] The player will be also rewarded with either a Red Seed of Power or Blue Seed of Defense. White-colored Grind Rails, called ancient rails, will be summoned, allowing for a faster way to travel across the island.[10] Once all Challenges on an island are completed, the entire map will be unlocked, as well Fast travel to Cyber SpacePortals.[1][3]
↑ 2.02.1Sonic Team (8 November 2022). Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Sega. Area/level: Map Menu. "Complete Challenges to reveal the map: Completing Challenges will reveal the surrounding area on the map. Once revealed, the map will help in locating guardians, Portals and Memory Tokens. Open the map by pressing ."
↑ 3.03.1Sonic Team (8 November 2022). Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Sega. Area/level: Map Menu. "Fast travel: Once all Challenges are completed and the entire island map is revealed, fast travel between Portals will become available. Fast travel can be accessed by changing the map filter in the upper right corner of the screen"
↑Sonic Team (8 November 2022). Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Sega. Area/level: Kronos Island. "Activate the switches: There are 3 ancient switches on the ground. Activating them will earn a reward and unlock a part of the map."
↑Sonic Team (8 November 2022). Sonic Frontiers. PlayStation 5. Sega. Area/level: Kronos Island. "Mysteries and ancient rails: As Sonic solves the mysteries on the island, locations close to each other will be connected by ancient rails, making travel more convenient."
."