Sonic Frontiers Director Hints at Return to Classic Gameplay for Future Sonic Titles.
Sonic the Hedgehog has been a popular gaming franchise for decades, with numerous games across various platforms. While the franchise has expanded into the realm of 3D with games like Sonic Adventure, Sonic Colors, and Sonic Forces, there’s still a dedicated fan base that loves the classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay that made Sonic a household name in the first place.
Kishimoto Drops Twitter Hint of Possible Sonic 2D Games
In a recent Twitter tweet, Sonic Frontiers director Morio Kishimoto gave hope to those 2D fans. When asked if Sega would consider releasing a Sonic 4-esque game, Kishimoto replied that “…in addition to 3D Sonic games, Sonic games also have side-scrolling Sonic games, so please look forward to them!”
こんにちは @moq_46 子供の頃、ソニック 4 のエピソード 1 とエピソード 2 をプレイするのが大好きでした。このようなゲームが再び見られるかどうか疑問に思っていましたか?ディンプスとのコラボかな？ありがとう！ (機械翻訳ですみません…) pic.twitter.com/3IW48V2hpD
— TehJellyLord (@RealJellyLord) February 11, 2023
The Japanese translation of this statement made it clear that Sonic games include both side-scrolling and 3D games.
Although the statement from Kishimoto is vague, and it’s unclear when or if we’ll see a new 2D Sonic game in the future. However, his words have given hope to fans who have been clamoring for a return to the classic Sonic gameplay that they know and love. The fact that the director of Sonic Frontiers, the latest 3D entry in the franchise, is acknowledging the existence of side-scrolling Sonic games is a positive sign for the future of the series.
While some fans may be concerned that the franchise is straying too far from its roots, it’s worth noting that Sonic has always had a mix of 2D and 3D games. The classic 2D games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 are widely regarded as some of the best games in the franchise, but that doesn’t mean the 3D games can’t be just as good. Sonic Adventure, released in 1998, was one of the first 3D games in the series and is still highly regarded by fans today.
In the end, it’s up to Sega and the developers to decide what direction they want to take the Sonic franchise in. While there will always be fans who prefer the classic 2D gameplay, there are just as many who enjoy the 3D games. The fact that Kishimoto is acknowledging the existence of side-scrolling Sonic games, however, is a good sign that Sega hasn’t forgotten about the franchise’s roots.
As for Sonic Frontiers, the latest 3D entry in the franchise, it’s been a commercial success. The game has sold 2.9 million copies worldwide since its release in November 2022. While some fans have criticized the game for its open-world gameplay and lack of 2D sections, it’s clear that there’s still a large audience for the franchise.
A final word
There’s no guarantee that we’ll see a new 2D Sonic game anytime soon, nevertheless, the statement from Sonic Frontiers director Morio Kishimoto is a positive sign for fans of the classic side-scrolling gameplay. Whether Sega decides to continue down the path of 3D games or returns to its 2D roots, there’s no denying that Sonic the Hedgehog will continue to be a beloved franchise for years to come.
