Sonic games did what most other video game franchises do: joined the third dimension. Long ago, Sonic the Hedgehog was just a 2D platformer. In more ways than one, it was Sega’s Super Mario Bros., and it followed a very similar trajectory. In 1998, Sonic Adventure was the franchise’s first true foray into 3D platforming, much like Super Mario 64 was the Italian plumber’s first in 1996.
After that, both Sega and Nintendo did 2D and 3D gaming for Sonic and Mario. The latest of the Sonic games was Sonic x Shadow Generations, a remaster of an older 2D game. The last 3D adventure for Sonic and company was 2022’s Sonic Frontiers. Following the success of that game, here’s what’s next for Sonic in the third dimension.
Sega President Talks 3D Sonic Games
Sega president Shuji Utsumu has said that the game that will succeed Sonic Frontiers will be “quite challenging” for Sega to make, adding that it’s going to be an “exciting” outing for Team Sonic. With the recent success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (an adaptation of Sonic Adventure 2) in theaters, many are wondering if a return to that line of Sonic games is coming. Utsumu simply said that the two games in that sect of the franchise were game-changers for the character.
Utsumu also added that there’s not a specific timeline for when this next game is going to come. “When we release it, it should be good, it should be impressive – we need to meet or even exceed people’s expectations, so it takes some time,” he said. Many fans have wanted to see the return of the Chao Garden, but the Sega president said they’ve only “been talking about it” and wouldn’t go into detail about that.
Remaster Rumors Swirl for Sonic the Hedgehog
Aside from any new games, there will undoubtedly be remakes or remasters of classic Sonic games in the near future. There is a report that Sonic o6, otherwise just known as Sonic the Hedgehog is at the top of their list for potential remakes. Sonic Heroes and both Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 were named as possible candidates, too. Classic games have been remade recently as well, namely 2024’s remake of Sonic Generations.
Sega’s files may hold proof of what’s to come. Per Game Rant, a leaker uncovered a game file titled “Guiness.” Most games have codenames to hide what they are until a company is ready to make the official reveal, and the beer theme has been present in recent remasters. Sonic X Shadow Generations was labeled “Miller,” Sonic Origins was called “Hite” based on Hite Brewery, and Sonic Frontiers, not a remake, was dubbed “Rangers,” which is not a beer-related name. Rumors of a Sonic Heroes remake have permeated since March, and this only adds to that.
With only light spoilers for the third film in the trilogy, the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 seem to set up for an adaptation of Sonic Heroes, so it would be excellent timing to get that game back into the mainstream. Sega and Paramount could partner to have the movies and their source materials as relevant as possible at the same time. With Sonic the Hedgehog 4 confirmed for 2027, now’s a good time to re-release Sonic Heroes.
In Conclusion
Sonic the Hedgehog, thanks to the movies and all recent Sonic games (excluding Sonic Forces), is experiencing a major resurgence. For a long time, the character and the franchise were an afterthought with the glory days long gone. Sega worked hard to turn things around, and the future looks bright. With more movies, remakes, and excellent original titles on the way, things are looking up once again for the blue blur.
