It could be argued thatSonic the Hedgehoggames tend to be divisive because some fans prefer 2D games while others like the series better in 3D. As the series has more frequently put out3DSonicadventures, some fans have been left out as a result. Sega seems to have noticed this in recent years, and it’s become a common marketing strategy to release a 3D game alongside a 2D one to make as many fans happy as possible.
In recent interviews, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has stated this is a strategy Sega wishes to use going forward following the success of the franchise in 2019, which saw the release ofSonic ForcesandSonic Mania. However, other interviews with Iizuka have revealed that there are no plans forSonic Mania 2, and there aren’t many options for 2D collections afterSonic Origins. It begs the question of what Sega could be planning to continue the trend of releasing two differentSonic the Hedgehoggames going forward.
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Sonic the Hedgehog’s Dual Releases
Even thoughSonic Maniawas delayed a few months, it still released in the same year asSonic Forces. The two games tied into each other through the mysterious new Phantom Ruby, and they ended up balancing each other out financially for Sega as 2D fans boughtSonic Maniaand 3D fans boughtSonic Forces. According to Sega, the fact that both of these titles came out within the same year was a great success, which has led to the dual release strategy a second time.
In 2022,Sonic FrontiersandSonic Originsare both set to be released. WhileOriginshad a bit of rough start as developers atHeadcannon have voiced they were “unhappy” with the gameat launch, fans are keeping their eyes onFrontiersasSonic’sfirst open-world adventure. Even though Sega has yet to see ifFrontiersandOriginscan match the success ofManiaandForces, the company currently intends to keep up the trend.
Potential 2D Sonic Releases
The idea ofSega continuing to release 2DSonicgamesis sure to make any Classic Sonic fan excited, but it’s worth questioning how this marketing strategy is meant to continue.Sonic Maniadevelopers have moved on to create their own games, stating a sequel isn’t in the works at this time. That means any new 2DSonicgames might need to come from Sonic Team itself, which seems unlikely as the studio seems more focused on 3D titles.
Sega could be looking to release more collections likeSonic Originsin the future, but there aren’t many games left to use. While there are a few titles that could be ported to current console generations such asKnuckles' Chaotix,SegaSonic the Hedgehog, andSonic R, these games would be hard to fit a collection that makes sense. The only games that could arguably fit well into a compilation title would be theSonicGame Gear games, but those are already found inSonic Adventure DX- the most available version ofAdventureon the market.
Despite the fact that Sega needs to look at what it wishes to do regarding future 2D game releases, the strategy of making sure both 2D and 3DSonicfans have something to look forward to is a great idea. However, there’s a chance thateven though Sega is sticking by these plans, it might be waiting to commit to the idea until it can see the sales ofSonic OriginsandSonic Frontiers. If the strategy continues to be a success, the next set of titles will most certainly be 2D and 3D once again.
There’s a chance that Sega is waiting to compareSonic Mania’s sales withOrigins'. These two are the most recent 2D releases for the series, and may give the company a clear idea on whether fans want compilation titles or new 2D games instead. It’s clear thatManiaanswered a demand, becoming thehighest-ratedSonicgame in years. It’s unknown how Sega will handle 2DSonicgames going forward, but current sales numbers could point to where the blue hedgehog is headed next.
Sonic Originsis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
