Today brought news that Sega will be bringing a new entry to its critically-panned Sonic Boom series. Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice is under development by Sanzaru Games, the studio behind last year’s Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal on 3DS. While that could mean Sonic Team is presently working on a different Sonic game completely, I feel as though Sega’s resources could be better spent elsewhere. Rather than take a gamble on a new entry in the troubled Sonic Boom series, here are nine games I’d rather Sega and its developers spend time and money on.
Sonic Adventure 3
Sonic made the leap to full 3D fairly successfully with the well-liked Sonic Adventure series on Dreamcast. Unfortunately, after that Sega and Sonic Team moved away from the Adventure series and into mediocre games like Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog, and the dreaded Sonic 2006. The story of Sonic the Hedgehog has never been super strong, but the Sonic Adventure games were some of the better games in that department. Refine the 3D gameplay and the level design, and Sega could have a game that restores faith in the franchise.
Sonic & Knuckles 2
Let’s forget for now that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 exists. Now, imagine a true sequel to Sonic 3/Sonic & Knuckles that is not only faithful to the gameplay, but also the look, flow, and design of those original games. The episodic Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was supposed to be that successor, but it fell short in many ways. Think of Capcom’s successful return to a beloved retro formula with Mega Man 9 and 10. It would be spectacular to see Sega and Sonic Team refocus and put out a game worthy of being called a true sequel to the original four Sonic titles on Genesis.
Sonic Generations 2
Sega set out to celebrate the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise in 2011 with the franchise-spanning retrospect Sonic Generations. The game excelled in delivering a nostalgic experience and reimagining classic levels, while faltering in level design and the 3D mechanics. Despite several valid criticisms, many fans enjoyed the rose-tinted look back. The biggest travesty of Sonic Generations, however, was that no DLC released for it, leaving out several iconic stages like Angel Island Zone in Sonic 3, Lava Reef Zone from Sonic & Knuckles, and Wing Fortress Zone in Sonic 2 that would have been awesome if remade using the modern engine found in Generations. If Sonic Generations 2 carried on this idea of recreating some of the most beloved zones from Sonic’s past, while fixing some of the bigger issues in the original, it could prove to be something that fans could truly celebrate.
The Definitive Sonic the Hedgehog Retro Collection
Speaking of celebrating the heritage of Sonic the Hedgehog, a new, enhanced collection of his most classic titles would be something I’d be all in for. The base of the collection could be Sonic 1, 2, 3, and Knuckles tied together with Sonic 3 and Knuckles’ mechanics, visuals, and save file system, while offering the ability to unlock other classic titles like Sonic CD, the Sonic Advance titles, and even the typically overlooked Knuckles’ Chaotix. Keeping it 2D and with a single visual style would be the way to go, and it would be a good way to offer up the classics while mitigating the fact that Sonic’s most die-hard fans probably already own the original Sonic the Hedgehog on 17 other platforms.
On the next page, we consider some more ambitious potential adventures for Sonic.