When released in December 2023, I reviewed Sonic Dream Team as my very first proper review for Lords of Gaming. In doing so, I never expected this surprisingly enjoyable 3D platformer would be getting major post launch support. A few months later, we got two updates, Emerald Beach Rumbles and Dreamy Escapades.
Included new content features harder bosses and a full-on zone.
Emerald Beach Rumbles – Update 1: Boss Fights & Time Trials
The first update, which is live as of writing, focuses on the boss encounters. Eight additional missions are added to the game, built around harder, more in-depth boss encounters.
As covered in my review of the title, they were enjoyable but were not the most challenging. As shown in footage captured of the update, new attacks and the like make them more engaging.
While nothing on the level of Sonic Frontiers, they are a very welcome improvement. In addition to harder boss encounters, a Time Trial mode got added. Players can play any of the games many acts and try for the best time. Update 2 will be adding leader boards so players can upload their best times and compete against Sonic speeders.
Dream Team’s major highlight was the quality level design, so encourage players to engage with on a deeper level is a smart decision on HARDlight’s part.
Dreamy Escapades – Update 2: New Zone & Ranking System
The second update is far more substantial, including a whole new Zone to speed through. Digital Trends breaks down the information with the following;
The biggest addition is an entirely new world: Sweet Dreams Zone. Like other Dream Team levels, this brings a set of new objectives for players to clear. The zone itself is built around new “catch-and-release” devices, like pulleys that spin and swing Sonic and his buds around. It’s a familiar location otherwise, bathed in cool colors and soft surfaces.
Having a level built around flinging Sonic and company around fits the franchise perfectly, as some of the funnest Sonic levels typically involve a heavy focus on non-stop movement. Pushing this focus on constant movement, is the new Ranking System getting added to the game.
Similar to many games in the series, when this update goes live on April 17th, 2024 players will be able to earn over 100 Ranks across the game’s many zones. S-Ranking Sonic levels can be quite the challenge. Nailing those in games like Sonic Unleashed and getting the A Rank (the highest at the time) in Adventure 2 levels felt so rewarding.
Dare to dream deeper while exploring the new Sweet Dreams Zone in Sonic Dream Team, available later today! pic.twitter.com/LLZjrL5ZPi
— Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) April 17, 2024
Dream Team adding this feature is such a welcome inclusion and will add further replay value to the experience.
Overall Thoughts on Sonic Dream Team Update
Admittedly, I haven’t played this since I finished my review on the title. But with these updates, Lord Sonic might return to these dreamy shores and go after some of those S-Ranks. If you want to play the game, it’s currently exclusive to Apple Arcade and the platforms that service is supported on.
Will you pick up your phone or tablet and enter the dream worlds again? Let us know in the comments below!
The post Hedgehog Into Dreams – Sonic Dream Team Updates appeared first on Lords of Gaming.
