With the release of Generations lots of fans thought that Sega was heading back in the classic direction. However Sega recently confirmed they have no intentions on bringing back classic Sonic! So many would assume that means a return of current Sonic maybe an Adventures3, well apparently Sega has no intentions on continuing the current Sonic model either.
Sonic producer Takashi Iizuka outlined what he intends to do with everyone's favorite little blue hedgehog! "I would like to make a new standard Sonic, a modern Sonic if you will, in 2012 and beyond," That's right Sega is tired of Classic Sonic and sees no future in current Sonic. So for the third time in Sonic's history Sega intendeds to create a modern Sonic who will be the standard for the next generations to come.
So why did lizuka decide Sonic needs to be changed? "... There have been a lot of Sonic titles in the past, and I think, at this point, there's a pretty good idea of what a Sonic game should be like -- a fun, frenetic action game. As I said, I feel the need to surprise the fans in new and innovative ways, but I don't want to do anything to depart from that style. The color powers in Colors are a good example of that."
Lizuka talks about how Sonic collapsed saying a huge factor was the fact that their was no consistent producer. Tons of producers threw their ideas into the games and this created a lack of continuity. However Lizuka plans to change this by creating a new consistent and innovative Sonic while remaining true to the recipe that makes a Sonic game a Sonic game.
This sounds like a reboot to me. A new direction for an old character and series, a new Sonic to replace classic and modern Sonic in order to make Sonic relate better to the current crowd. The first game in this new Sonic series is rumoured to be coming for WiiU, Sega has commented confirming a Sonic game for WiiU that will feature four player multiplayer. If the game is a launch title or near launch it would be coming in Winter 2012 and on a next generation platform be the perfect way to launch a new Sonic.
Do you like the idea of a new Sonic? Or do you love Classic Sonic and want him to return? Or maybe you love current Sonic and want him to remain? What kind of changes do you think Sega and Lizuka will make to Sonic's image? Do you think the plot and local will change drastically? How do you think Sega could successfully create a new modern Sonic?
-JC7
"In God We Trust - In Games We Play " - Joel Reimer
