Still not really feeling the level design, and the reuse of level themes continues to be tiring. This is looking like a game that will get a very lukewarm reception. It's a shame that after Sonic Unleashed, Colors, and Generations, Sonic Team has more or less given up on ambitious ideas and creative worlds to run through.
There's still stuff to like about Forces, but most of it isn't what people come to a Sonic game for. The Create-A-Hero idea is sound, even if I've never been into the fan character craze, it makes sense and looks like a fun addition for younger players. The vocal tracks used for these custom characters is also an inspired choice, even if not all of these songs are clicking with me. I think the Wisps have been overused since Generations but at least the idea of using different Wisps to give your gun different attacks is a novel concept.
It's the important stuff, like the level design, level themes, presentation, and controls that are off. Not so much as to be a total disaster, but enough that it'll hold back the game significantly. After so many years since Lost World (Almost 4 years. The longest wait time for a new 3D Sonic game) I really wanted to love the next big title Sonic Team made, since while Lost World was only okay-ish, I genuinely love Colors and Generations and consider them to be better than "just good"... but Forces looks like it'll be lacking.
I guess we're only allowed one good (amazing, actually) Sonic game this year.