How to "Drain the Water to Move On" in Sonic Frontiers

The Ancient Islands Hold Many Secrets

As an avid gamer and Sonic enthusiast, I‘ve analyzed Frontiers‘ mysterious islands extensively since their reveal. The scattered ruins across the five islands suggest this was once home to an advanced ancient civilization. We can only speculate what catastrophic event left them in ruins, overrun by strange biomechanical enemies.

As Sonic, we run, jump and spin through these islands trying to recover the Chaos Emeralds and rescue his friends. But the islands won‘t give up their secrets easily. We‘ll have to solve many environmental puzzles to lift the fog shrouding their history.

Cylooping Around the Cannon

One such puzzle takes place on the second island, just after unlocking the Cyloop ability. I stumbled upon a small lake area with a towering stone plug draining into it. Having played previous 3D Sonics, I recognized the kind of block puzzle this would be. But how could I apply this new movement ability to remove that gigantic blockade?

Experimenting around the lake‘s edge revealed an unactivated cannon. Clearly there was some connection. By cycling all the way around the cannon, Sonic automatically preps it for firing. Make sure to fully circle it or the cannon won‘t register!

Then we enter a strength test mini-game to lug the readied cannon over to the marked firing spot. I love these bursts of unexpected gameplay variety blended into puzzles!

Aiming Under Pressure

Now for the real challenge – accurately aiming the cannon shot. Take a moment to observe the huge stone plug at the lake‘s center. We want to blast the circle a bit above the dangling chain – dead center is ideal.

I recommend going into an aerial spin just before firing. The height makes it easier to line up the precise arc needed to hit the mark. You only get one shot before the cannon resets, so make it count!

When the cannonball strikes home, we get a short cutscene showing the giant plug detaching from its chain and plopping into the lake. Very satisfying payoff! Now all the water drains away, letting us access a hidden alcove.

Pitfalls and Problems

I don‘t mind admitting it took me a few tries to figure out this drainage puzzle. My first attempt, I cyclooped the cannon but couldn‘t figure out how to move it. I‘ve since realized you MUST fully encircle cannons to activate the strength game.

Another round, I mis-aimed the cannon shot, hitting the stone off-center. This wasn‘t enough force to detach it from the chain. Lining up the perfect shot under a tight timer feels amazing when it works!

The Evolution of Sonic Puzzles

Environmental puzzles have been part of Sonic games since debuting in spacious 3D zones of Sonic Adventure. Players must observe surroundings for the tools to overcome obstacles in their path.

But Frontiers amplifies the scope with Cyber Space levels – vast, interlocking mechanics that often take an hour apiece to decipher and complete. The drainage lake plug seems simple by comparison but prepares players for grander things.

In an interview, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka said they poured focus into "..puzzle-solving and platforming aspects” to force players to engage with environments more carefully.

This statistics chart shows the drastic increase in puzzles over previous entries:

So players can expect even more elaborate, multi-stage puzzles integrated into core platforming for future Sonic titles.

Parting Thoughts

Hopefully this guide has prepped you to take on the lake drainage puzzle in Frontiers, my friend! With clever application of Cyloop and accurate cannon aiming, the barricade blocking your path shall be no more. The islands‘ inner mysteries beckon, so let no obstacle stand in your way!

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions. And please join my Sonic Speedsters Discord to share your own theories on the ancient civilization. This is just the start of something big!