There were a few notable anniversaries in 2015, yet this year looks set to be even more significant. Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda are among the major celebrations still to come, but it's also the 25th Anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog. Once the sworn enemy and rival to Mario, leading the SEGA charge in the 'Console Wars', for a number of years the mascot has had some highs punctuated by grisly lows, and seen his reputation rise and fall just as dramatically.
At the end of 2014 this writer, a lifelong fan of Sonic since the first Mega Drive blew his young mind on the Mega Drive / Genesis, practically gave up all hope for the franchise. Positive steps and glimmers of quality were swept away by Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, not just because the game was a mess, but because it was another example of a franchise that couldn't figure out its path. To go from the promising but flawed Sonic Lost World to Boom was painful to see, and another example of SEGA taking one step forward and two back.
A suggestion made in that late 2014 editorial was that SEGA should slow down with the franchise, take a step back and really decide what kind of game it wants to be the key representative of the IP. Actually, it's done that, which is a pleasing first step. There have been re-releases - such as the 3D remasters on the 3DS - and continued updates and a new entry in the mobile-only Sonic Dash series, but 2015 passed with SEGA keeping its powder dry on the next 'main' entry.
Perhaps anniversaries, by their very nature, get the best out of SEGA. Unlike Capcom's hit-and-miss attitude to Mega Man (mostly miss), SEGA at least takes its most-loved IP seriously when a major landmark is around. Sonic Generations wasn't exactly perfect, but it was definitely decent, and could be argued as being very good in some areas. It catered to nostalgia, included 2D and 3D elements, and showed respect for 'old' and 'new' Sonic. When we contemplate Sonic Colours and the aspects of Sonic Lost World that actually worked, then add them to Generations, there was a spell where the blue blur was entertaining if not exceptional.
Just recently marketing and merchandise notes emerged that gave some insight into the big year that's planned for Sonic, and aspects of that gave us optimism. For one thing it seems to recognise that different areas of the character's 'universe' cater to different demographics, clearly differentiating the Sonic Boom IP - which, to be fair, was always described as a spin-off - from the classic or 'pixel' Sonic, and then the comic book Sonic. Partly by accident, we suspect, SEGA finds itself in a position where it can target the youngest demographics with Boom - with Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice coming to 3DS and the TV show performing well - but do something entirely different to target fans with a sense of history and entirely different expectations.
Sonic can be the slightly annoying, scarf-wearing boaster in some cartoons and even mobile games, but still be 'classic' Sonic in a tentpole release. Sonic Boom as a TV show will do well regardless, as will free-to-play mobile games, so the next major console game doesn't need to follow their lead.
We get the sense that SEGA knows this, and we could have a more old-school Sonic experience to enjoy this year. Exhibit A is the lead image at the top of this article, which is the 25th Anniversary logo released on an official Japanese Twitter account in late 2015. Exhibit B is the banner recently posted on the official Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter account. You can see this and the accompanying message below.
In celebration of Sonic's 25th Anniversary, we've uploaded a new profile pic and header! Goodbye, scarf.
That Twitter account is brilliant in terms of self-awareness and poking fun at the brand, but that official artwork certainly points to a reverence for the series' origins, and the potential of blending that with a modern touch. We've been here before - as mentioned above - with Generations, but returning to that approach wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. If the core Sonic Team has spent time since Sonic Lost World assessing what has and hasn't worked in the last decade of releases, it could find the right formula. We pretty much know it's going to try, in any case.
A lot of this has, of course, been said before. Yet in the interest of looking ahead with optimism it's worth recalling those examples of Sonic games in recent years that flirted with a return to form, that showed flashes of good ideas. We'd also hope that SEGA and the Sonic Team has been learning lessons from around the industry, even from the 'Indie' scene. There have been arguments in the past that SEGA should entrust its franchise to developers in the more rebellious download industry, yet its own staff only need to look at the likes of Freedom Planet to see what can be done with the right approach. Assuming the next Sonic game is multi-platform, SEGA could target Generations-level sales while also giving Sonic's most passionate fans the sort of game that brings a smile to their face.
Optimism for the next great Sonic game can be argued as one of a gamer's ultimate follies. Yet let's remember some positive moments in recent times, look at the direction SEGA's taken with its anniversary artwork and have a little confidence; maybe the Blue Blur is ready for a comeback after the bust of Sonic Boom.
Comments 58
It's all in Sega's hands. They have found stuff that works and stuff that doesn't over the past 2 decades of Sonic, and it's time to put it all together. I think they could have a great new game for the Anniversary and some great stuff for the fans. Let's see if they can pull it off.
Maybe Sumo Digital is working on a new Sonic & Sega Racing NX entry.
Sonic gets alot of hate but I am of the one of the people who felt that Lost World was quite excellent apart from a few poor segments, though those definitely didn't ruin the game for me. I only played the demo of Generations but I really liked both the 3D and 2D sections of what I played so if they have learned to give the games the time they need to shine then we may be in for another good entry. Whether it will be amazing is the real question.
Pretty exciting stuff. I hope that Nintendo still gets the new Sonic games, now that their deal is up. Fingers crossed for a 3DS version of whatever they're making.
I enjoyed Sonic 4, and even though Wii owners only got Episode 1, I wouldn't mind another game also those same lines. It feels like we're going to get some sort of compilation of past games, though - just a feeling based on the logo. It has a "Super Mario All-Stars" vibe to it.
I know there is a ton of potential for a good Sonic game, Sonic is such a good concept from a game design standpoint. And the story and characters are iconic. There should really be nothing holding SEGA back from making the series anything less than excellent. We can only hope they've learned their lesson and can put out a product that's awesome. After all, Sonic Team has had the better part of 2 years to work on it.
I will be a very sad gamer if Sonic ever fades into obscurity like his fellow blue mascot Mega Man.
I don't know what it is, but Sonic games just haven't felt 'right' to me since the early days. I tried really hard to get into Generations, Colors, and Lost World; none of them do it for me. The controls just don't feel as tight or responsive as I'd like them to be, and after a while, I just go back to Sonic 2 and CD.
I'd like to hold out hope that after Sega's recent apology for Sonic games being so crappy, whatever they have in the works will be everything I'm asking for. All I want is a a nice 2.5D platformer without any weird gimmicks or control schemes that plays as well as the older games.
I'm all for being positive about Nintendo having a good year. Sonic? Not so much.
I feel strangely optimistic about this one. But we've been disappointed before, so I'm eager to see a trailer or something.
Sonic can't seem to branch in other directions the way Mario does. The thing with Sonic games is that for every good one there are one of two not so good.
The Sonic racing games for the Wii and Wii U are up there with Mario Kart. And while Mario Kart is well manicured, Sonic is more adventuress in its level design and water crafts. I hope we get a new Sonic Racing soon.
@Dpishere I recommend you get a copy of Sonic Generations, it's an awesome game. You can get a used copy rather cheap too.
It's shocking how many times Sonic fans have been disappointed. When you are a big company, you can make a few poor games, but Sega has published so many crappy Sonic games. The only reason why Sonic is still loved is because of the early games, which were unique, fun and beautiful, and had great visual art and music. I still believe we will be getting a good Sonic game eventually. It's in Sega's hands, they only have to choose the RIGHT developers. Hiring the original staff would be ideal. We can love Sonic but if Sega doesn't there's nothing we can do.
A new good Sonic game? You will be trying to tell me they are making a new Monkey Ball game next...
I think Sonic has had a number of good games in recent years. It's just that the bad ones are so bad that they get the lion's share of attention. I really liked Sonic Generations, Colors and Lost World in particular. I also enjoyed Sonic and Sega All Stars Racing Transformed quite a bit. I was also a fan of Sonic 4.
I'm hoping for a great Sonic game this year. I'd happily take a Generations 2, or even a new remaster or remake of his older 2D Genesis side scrollers. I have faith that a good game can be had this year!
Of course I'm optimistic. Only 1 of the last 4 main Sonic Games have been bad (and it wasn't even made by Sonic Team). Sonic has been improving for years. It's just that writers keep trying to make out that the franchise is dead, for some reason.
Let's get Sonic 06 remastered! Less glitches, HD visuals, terrible story! I would be so happy
@wazlon Unfortunately I no longer have my 360 hooked up since I had to remove it in order to plug my Xbox One in but if it ever becomes available on backwards compatibility list then I really should pick it up. No reason not to at that point.
@Broosh To be honest I wouldn't hate it. That game would've been good if it wasn't so broken.
I want Sonic to stay on the Lost World route.I would really like a SLW2 where other characters are playable,each one with different abities(whitout the need to make a story that explains why the charatcters are in the game).The wisps need to go away,they're powers could become a character ability.For example Knuckles could drill like the yellow wisp and blaze could fly upward at high speed like the orange wisp.
Dang Generations came out FIVE years ago? Time flies. Anyways hopefully we will get a decent game this year.
Can't they just make a game using the mobile ports as a basis? Because those are excellent.
Speaking of which, between the 3D Classics and S1/2/CD Mobile, Sonic Team's hand is finally forced to do something about S3&K, if they want that revenue. The only "feature" I can think to add is to make a mode that's an official version of 'Sonic 3 Complete.'
@Randomname19 Honestly I found Lost world stuck trying to please Adventure fans and colors fans and it ended up being a chaotic mess in certain areas.
I'd like a full 3d sonic game that uses the boost mechanic alongside level design that encourages speed.
On the 3ds side, a Sonic rush style game or advance style (multiple characters ) would be awesome
@RainbowGazelle Exactly. 3/4 is pretty dang good to me. I'm sure that whatever we get can be good...just as long as it isn't rushed.
I really hope they give us something awesome. (Classic) Sonic will always be my favorite game franchise and character, regardless of SEGA's screw ups. I'd just be happy if they completed the library in 3D with M2. But I do hope the next entry is really great. Fingers crossed!
Eh, I'll give 'em a chance. Maybe they've finally learned from their mistakes?
Blahk and Yuck. I lost all interest in Sonic games years ago, save for there racing game on the Wii U. I don't know what happened. I didn't even try Boom because of bad reviews. Even before that I lost interest. Maybe it was there level design or there control mechanics. Who knows.
The only recent bad Sonic game was Sonic Boom. (Which I still had some fun with.)
I love Generations, Lost World, and Colors. Even those endless runner mobile games are somewhat enjoyable. Sonic has been getting better and better.
I would like to see a return of Knuckles. Make it classic Knuckles with speed levels, though. Scavenger hunts are alright, but they got so tedious in SA2.
I think it would have been better if this was the year Sega released Sonic Generations. I could have waited the extra five years for a better version. Considering all the bouncing around the franchise has done, a new Sonic Spinball would be most appropriate. But Sega won't do that. Instead there will simply be another outsourced Sonic game that looks totally alien to the series. At this point anyone who still cares about the Sonic series should just collect the games they don't have to celebrate the anniversary.
I have always had a soft spot for Sonic games. Never bought Boom. Trying the demo though, wasn't all bad, the lack of speed is what I didn't like. Other than that, it was a decent game from I could pull from the demo. I just don't want to see SEGA die. I have hope for them and I always will. They may never make another console, but I can still dream can't I? Here's to Sonic's 25th, I hope this can be the year of the Blue Blur.
PFFFFAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Good one.
I would really like it if Sega made a new game that played like the Genesis days. They did that with Sonic 4 and I couldn't get into though. Maybe Sega learned its lesson from it.
@ThomasBW84
I can feel your fan-pain-induced skepticism, but I feel SEGA has learned from its past mistakes: they just need to release another Generations to further hammer down the formula fans want.
@LetsGoChamp would rather see Sumo do another Outrun!! The last one they did was awesome and it shows in the sonic racing games!
@mjc0961
Hence my comparison with the "rule of Star Trek movies" in an earlier Sonic anniversary-related article this week. The 10th gave us Adventure, the 15th gave us Sonic '06, and the 20th gave us Generations. Which makes the idea of a 25th anniversary game a bit worrisome.
A Mario & Sonic game that didn't have to do with Smash or the Olympics would be megaton. Headed by Miyamoto and releasing as a launch title for the NX. Dreams I know. Like NiGHTs. Wait we need NiGHTs!
In contrast of Thomas' view, I think that Sega made plenty of excellent Sonic platformers lately - Generations, and especially Colours and Lost World. Thomas made his own view that lately all sonic games are bad, and he does not realise that its view is not shared by all other professional reviewers. Obviously, his view is not shared by other reviewers who gave Lost World an excellent score (including but not limited to the prestigious Famitsu magazine in which each game is rated by three independent reviewers.
I don't get the Sonic Boom hate. Yes the game has a lot of glitches, but underneath all of that the game was great. People need to make their own minds up and not just go with what's popular opinion.
I'm very optimistic about the anniversary title. I've been a Sonic fan for as long as I can remember, and while he may not have the most perfect track-record of titles under his belt, he still manages to come through every so often and remind us fan why we like him in the first place.
I believe Sega has something special in store for us!
I don't have my hopes too high. Last time i enjoyed Sonic game was when i played those day stages in Wii version of "werewolf sonic". If new game will be 2D then i hope it's more like Sonic 3 or Sonic Advance and doesn't have homing attack or too long boss fights.
I loved the idea of Bioware doing a Sonic RPG. So much lost potential there.
SEGA should do what Capcom did with Megaman 9 and 10 and make a retro-style Sonic the Hedgehog 5.
At this point, fans are losing interest over Sonic and that's sad really. Many have claimed that if this game doesn't do well, they will give up supporting Sonic games forever.
Sonic prints money for wrong reasons. All SEGA does is just slap Sonic without doing anything of what makes Sonic special. Look at Sonic Boom. It has absolutely nothing to do with Sonic at all even one bit. No springs, lack of speed, no memorable level design and most of all, no quality music. I'm glad that Nintendo doesn't treat their IP badly as many third parties and first parties out there.
If there's one thing that Sonic games nail is the soundtrack and to see SEGA not really giving a damn in the music department for Sonic just proves that he's just there for the sake of printing money.
What can SEGA possibly do at this point really? I said this many times already, SEGA is nothing without Atlus and many western studios that they bought. Really...is it hard to make a decent Sonic game? I'm not asking for a perfect 10/10 game. I'm just asking for a decent game that can sell decent and plays decent. Is it so hard to ask for that?
If the next Sonic game ends up being bad, then it looks like SEGA can't even work hard to deliver even a quality game.
@Socar How about Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom? That game is the best Sonic Boom game yet. It has springs, and it doesn't lack of speed.
http://www.sonicstadium.org/2015/10/tss-review-sonic-dash-2-sonic-boom/
The best way Sega could celebrate Sonic's 25th Anniversary would be to make more entries in their mountain of other IPs NOT named Sonic. I'm frankly amazed by the amount of support for a 25th Anniversary Sonic game given how the franchise has been handled for at least 15-20 of those years. But as long as people keep buying new Sonic titles, Sega has no reason to change their approach. That most likely means no new Skies of Arcadia, Phantasy Star, Shining Force, or other entries/HD remakes of iconic franchises. Being that Sonic rehashes stand in the way of those, I frankly couldn't care less about supporting another Sonic game, 25th Anniversary celebration or no.
Lost World 2 would be my choice, especially on 3DS
Sorry, but with that new logo, I'm already worried:
Look how sterile it is compared to the original logo:
So, if they can't even create the basic logo with as much charm and character as the one from the original 2D game, I'm not entirely optimistic they understand how to get the same level of charm and character in the actual game itself—especially given the recent history of pretty bad Sonic games, or at least ones that lose what made the original so simple, intuitive, appealing, and fun in the first place. And I really don't want a soulless imitator of the original, classic, and still pretty great Sonic The Hedgehog.
The level in the background of that new logo looks pretty decent, I think . . . but to me, it's all the little details in terms of visuals, design, and gameplay that make the difference. And I question if the guys at Sega who are in charge of making this new Sonic game really understand those little details anymore.
I question if the guys at Sega who are in charge of making this new Sonic game really understand those little details anymore.
For more of my thoughts on the matter: http://www.inceptional.com/2016/01/13/can-sonic-have-a-happy-anniversary/
Guys, don't worry! I hope it will be awesome game and anniversary! But I don't like Sonic Boom.
I'm hoping for Sonic 1 remastered in HD! I am also hoping for a nice Sonic Collection to be released on Wii-U but it includes a Megadrive controller!
Sega can release next gen Sonic games on the next gen consoles....
@Pj1 So, you'd like my idea: http://www.inceptional.com/2016/01/13/can-sonic-have-a-happy-anniversary/
Its sad that Mario was out partying on his anniversary while Sonic is in the hospital on life support barely clinging on to life.
Yeah, Freedom Planet pretty much proved that Sega has absolutely no clue what they're doing with Sonic anymore. An indie developer on a shoestring Kickstarter budget roundly kicked the asses of Sega from Earth to the Moon at Sega's own game, for crying out loud.
Without the classic Sonic Team (not the new one, hell no), Sonic is dead as a doornail. They can try to outsource him to companies like Big Red Button, but honestly, I think outsourcing him to a small studio like GalaxyTrail would be a better idea at this point. Maybe someone like them can give Sonic the back to roots 2D comeback he would need to return to the spotlight.
I have no hope for Sonic as he is, right now. His best days are long since behind him, with his most recent best game being based on the nostalgia of his best days. Either give him up to someone who knows what they're doing for once, or bury him and let him rest in peace. Even death and a proper funeral would be a decent anniversary gift at this point, rather than forcing him to suffer in his current purgatory.
@Kirk That's a good post of ideas! Now, if we could just find someone who can actually implement them... Any preferences?
@PlywoodStick AM2
Discussing Sonic ad nauseam has got to be the worst trend in online comments.
If they can only make it play like Sonic 2, 3 and Sonic & Knuckles.
I think Sonic does have the potential to be great, but I do feel sorry for anyone who has to be involved with decision making, as everyone has a slightly different idea of how the series should proceed (if it should proceed at all).
I do think that Sonic Boom was hideous mess in almost every department. I'd be tempted to say scrap future plans on that but with the way SegaSammy works it's often a lot more complicated than it appears!
I wouldn't mind seeing a revisit of the "adventure field" concept, assuming a decent percentage of the terrain is optimized for running flat out with a presence of side objectives. I suppose linear A to B stages would still be compulsory, since sandboxes only work as a main staple for characters that move slower than 500 mph in my opinion.
Add to that Super Sonic replayability; blasting throughout an expansive hub world to reach previously hidden objectives, or soaring through an action stage with new found jumping height / speed. Yes please.
If classic Sonic becomes a thing again, I really hope they give him back his sprite-physics that he was noticeably lacking in Generations. On that note, Super Sonic is supposed to have a higher jump. >.<
@Spin I totally agree. Would have felt like a next gen Sonic Adventure
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