At this point in the franchise’s life,Sonic the Hedgehoggames star Sonic’s friends as much as the titular hedgehog himself. ASonicgame wouldn’t feel complete without Knuckles, Tails, and Amy playing some part in the story. That’s whySonic Frontierswill almost certainly have them influence the story in one way or another. Their names may not be part of the franchise’s title, but Sonic’s friends areSonic the Hedgehogmascots nonetheless. Even so, it’s hard to say what role they’ll play inSonic Frontierssince Sonic Team and Sega have released only limited details on the game so far.
However, even thoughSonicgames reliably focus on these characters,Sonic Frontiersalso has good cause to introduce a lot of new characters.Sonicgames frequently introduce some new sidekick or ally forSonic and his crew, butSonic Frontiersin particular has good reason to focus on a new set of characters. For one thing, the game’s new setting has such deep lore potential that it wouldn’t be surprising if Sonic Team has filled the island with new characters who can help explain it. For another, it sounds like Sonic’s friends might actually be in danger inSonic Frontiers,meaning other characters have to fill their shoes while Sonic tries to save them.
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Why Sonic Frontiers May Add Characters
Sonic Frontiersis famously set in the Starfall Islands, an archipelago featuring all kinds of different biomes that presumably make up the different open zones thatSonic Frontiersplayers can explore. The Starfall Islands draw their importance from ancient ruins filled with mysterious, powerful technology. With that lore in mind,Sonic Frontiershas good cause to introduce lots of characters who help explain the islands' history to Sonic as he investigates the ruins.Sonic Frontiersmight star curious archaeologists, protectors of the ruins, engineers tinkering with the islands' machinery, and so on, adding up to a refreshingnew cast ofSoniccharacters.
These characters may also have a significant void to fill inSonic Frontiers.A previous plot synopsis forSonic Frontierssuggested that Sonic will be in a race against time to save his friends from a disasterthat Dr. Eggman has set into motion. If the entire game is built around Sonic’s friends being in danger, they probably aren’t exploring the islands at his side, meaningSonic Frontierswill be short on crucial supporting characters. In order to fill the shoes of Knuckles, Tails, and Amy,Sonic Frontierscould introduce other unique characters who have their own relationships with the islands and support Sonic on his journey.
Building Up the Sonic Cast
It’d be a shame to see Sonic’s closest alliestake a backseat inSonic Frontiers' story, but it could be good for the franchise in the long run.Sonic Frontiersmight turn out to be a font of supporting characters who turn into friends or enemies down the line, takingSonic the Hedgehogin new directions. Each new character that the game introduces has the potential to set up a new arc for the franchise.Sonic Frontiersalready has the potential to kick off a newSonicgeneration with its creative world design, so Sonic Team might as well introduce a range of new characters who increase that potential.
There’s a chance that Sonic’s friends will have a constant presence inSonic Frontiersafter all; it’s possible that the known plot synopsis doesn’t give a perfect sense of what parts they play. Still, it’s odd thattheSonic Frontierstrailershaven’t visibly featured them yet. If they really are absent, then Sonic Team has plenty of room to expandSonic the Hedgehog’s cast. Even if they are at the forefront ofSonic Frontiers, though, Sonic Team shouldn’t be afraid to introduce lots of interesting new characters. New mechanics shouldn’t beSonic Frontiers' only innovation.
Sonic Frontiersreleases in 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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