Sega wants a 'new standard Sonic' for 2012 and beyond

Sonic producer Takashi Iizuka shares thoughts on the current direction of the Sonic series, saying the next iteration will be a "new standard Sonic, a modern Sonic" for 2012.

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Sega released Sonic Generations this week to celebrate the 20th anniversary, but the company recently said it has no plans to use Classic Sonic again despite the game garnering record pre-orders. So what does Sega plan to do with Sonic in the future?

"I would like to make a new standard Sonic, a modern Sonic if you will, in 2012 and beyond," said producer Takashi Iizuka.

Speaking to Gamasutra about the franchise as a whole, Iizuka hesitated to call Generations a fresh start for the series. He says it's "more the peaks of the past 20 years" of Sonic's history. From the sounds of it, the next iteration of the character might not be either of the versions from Generations.

Iizuka says that the series is more focused now. Individual producers used to bring their own ideas to each project, but he feels that Sonic 4 and Sonic Colors defined the series' direction. He says that as the producer, it's his job to have a "constant roadmap" of where he wants the series to go.

"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."

It's hard to tell just how much this "new" Sonic will deviate from the chubby classic and slimmer new version. At the very least, maybe he'll star alongside his two counterparts when the series reaches its 30th anniversary.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    November 4, 2011 6:00 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, Sega wants a 'new standard Sonic' for 2012 and beyond.

    Sonic producer Takashi Iizuka shares thoughts on the current direction of the Sonic series, saying the next iteration will be a "new standard Sonic, a modern Sonic" for 2012.

    • reply
      November 4, 2011 6:04 AM

      Gametrailers has a review of the new one up: http://www.shacknews.com/chatty?id=27024539#item_27024539

    • reply
      November 4, 2011 10:52 AM

      The game is amazing --> http://www.shacknews.com/chatty?id=27025751#item_27025751 if you have a PC its by far the best version. Game also sports impressive 3D Stereo mode for the whole game, so you can play side scroll old school Sonic and modern 3D Sonic all in 3D stereo. None 3D looks fantastic as well, 60+fps.

      Regardless Sega finally got it right with Sonic Generations, the curse has been lifted if you are a fan of platformers, Sonic, old school Sega this is the game for you.

      Goes for $29.

    • reply
      November 4, 2011 11:50 AM

      Killing off all of his shitty friends would be a good start.

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        November 4, 2011 8:08 PM

        As far as im concerned shadow burned up in the earth's atmosphere at the end of SA2 i don't know why he keeps appearing in games.

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      November 4, 2011 4:22 PM

      Original Sonic so cute :3

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