TheSonicfranchise has been an instrumental part of the video game industry for decades now. Sega’s flagship mascot may have started out as direct competition to Nintendo’sSuper Marioseries, but in the 30 years since the firstSonicgame released, the blue blur has evolved into a character all his own. Unfortunately, in some cases theSonicseries has struggled to get into a rhythm of quality releases like its contemporaries, and the last decade has been particularly rough. Between games like the widely pannedSonicBoomand the shortcomings ofSonic Forces, the franchise has been looking for a chance to really shine once again.
Luckily forSonicfans around the world, the franchise’s return to the limelight could be coming rather soon. While this year’s 30th anniversary celebration ofSonicmay have had its biggest moments earlier in the year, it also set up the hedgehog for an exciting 2022. Back in spring of this year, fans were treated to a tease of abrand newSonicgame that is now confirmed for The Game Awards. And to add on to the excitement, a sequel to the rather well-receivedSonic the Hedgehogfilm will also be getting its first trailer at the event. With how much the franchise has struggled, 2022 could beSonic’s big comeback year.
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Digging Sonic Out Of A Very Deep Hole
To understand just how much is riding on theSonicprojects in 2022, it’s important to understand just how much that series has struggled over the last few years. The early to mid 2000s were not overly kind to the character, as they were marked by one middling release after the other with only periodic games that really impressed to give fans a reason to keep playing. Just as it seemed like things could be looking up for the series withSonic ColorsandSonic Generations, the frankly broken state ofSonic Boomcaused the franchise to spiral once again, and it’s had a hard time recovering ever since.
The Potential Of The Next Sonic Game
Ever since the newestSonicgame was announced earlier this year, leaks and rumors have been circulating around what could be one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise yet. Many have speculated that it will take aSuper Mario OdysseyorBreath of the Wildapproach to its gameplay structure, and if the game lives up to that hype, it could be a huge boost toSonic’s reputation.
Recent trademarks made by Sega have suggested that the game may be titledSonic Frontiers, which could suggest that some speculation on a more open world has been correct to some degree. If the game does end up taking a wider scope with satisfying gameplay and a sense of polish, it could be one of the most impressiveSonicgames in years.
Riding The Success Of The Sonic Film
One of the biggest surprises for theSonicproperty as a whole has been the success of the firstSonic the Hedgehogfilm. After the movie’s initial VFX controversy and the trend of video game movies not turning out very well,Sonic the Hedgehogended up being a decent success. If the upcoming sequel wasn’t already indication enough, the fact thatSonic the Hedgehog 2will be adding characters like Knuckles andfeaturing Tails' actual video game voice actressfor the film shows thatSonic’s life on the silver screen could end up carrying the franchise towards a successful future all-around.
TheSonicseries has had its fair share of rough patches, but if the video game industry has shown gamers anything, it’s that a once struggling franchise can come back and shine brighter than ever before. While the newestSonicgame hasn’t gotten extensive coverage just yet, its showing atThe Game Awardshas the potential to really grab in fans that have been waiting for aSoniccomeback. And with the success of the first film combined with the promise of the sequel,Soniccould be making a massive turn around in 2022. For one of gaming’s most important icons, it will certainly be a long time coming.
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