Straight from Svend’s other website not named The Sonic Stadium is a very brief interview with Sonic Brand Manager David Corless. How brief is it, you ask? It’s only one question, but it’s a question that has been on people’s minds for some reason. Svend asked:
“Sonic Generations sees a classic and modern form of the blue blur running around loops in the same game. If the gameplay is received positively, do you think there’s an opportunity to bring Classic Sonic back into future titles?”
Corless responded:
“Do you know what? There are no plans, to be brutally honest, to bring Classic Sonic back. The reason for bringing him back for this game was because this is a celebration of 20 years of Sonic. It was a real fitting time to do it. He’s really well loved. Let’s see how Generations does. You can never say never in this industry, but at the moment there are no plans.”
If this news comes as a shock to anyone, I’m sorry that you’re delirious. Life goes on as normal. If Sonic’s superior self ever makes a return in the future, we’ll be waiting.
[via SPOnG]
61 Comments on this post
Leave a CommentThere’s always year 25 of Sonic, right?
Right?
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by megane
As much as I like classic Sonic, I’m not really bothered that modern Sonic is staying, he’s always looked cooler imo, as for the gameplay I’m definitely leaning towards classic, I hate Unleashed’s gameplay so I hope we see more games in the future that plays like classic Sonic in Generations!
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by sonictopfan
Aw, what? They said something about Classic Earlier, but huh, it’s their character, not mine. Can’t wait for Generations still!
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by TornadoMario347
Ahh...so they might fix Sonic 4's physics when Episode 2 comes out?
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by TornadoMario347
Actually, they were referring to Classic-style gameplay, not Classic Sonic.
Reply left on 10.25.2011 by Trogdorbad
I’m still happy about the game and how sonic is fixed with unleashed and colors
Can’t wait for generations and other next games
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by motwera
I can live with that, generic sonic right now feel better then ever… But i’ll leave sega to its doom if they show us another mess like ’06 or bad concepts like the werehog. You are adviced.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by omntt
Hmm…was kinda hoping they’d make a spinoff series of 2D titles using Classic Sonic…oh well. Could we at least see him used in the next party game or something?(Sonic Riders 4? SEGA Superstars Whatever?)
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Writer’s Blah
Dilirious? Can we keep the namecalling out of it please – IMO, I take it for what it is – CURRENT plans. Truncate that word, and IMO the real message is lost. You never know what the far future could bring – or not – and one day they could touch the area again – just not for the immediate post-Generations timeframe.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Travelsonic
Nobody, at any point in time, should have thought Classic Sonic was going to extend beyond Generations. Wishful thinking.
Reply left on 10.25.2011 by Slingerland
Mark my words:
People wanted Classic Sonic in Sonic 4 ep.2,but now it’ll be a war since now they have a Classic Model,they could use that.But as one of the comments says:Let SEGA at his doom.Why remove Classic?He was basicly what made Modern so popular and now they just want us to forget Toon Sonic?Sonic Generations will be my last Sonic game I’ll buy for this crap.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Unliving Ishiro
This was a fitting time to bring Classic Sonic back but Sonic 4 wasn’t? God damn. I’m fine with GenericSonic now that he has a good voice actor and his games are decent but really, we should have Classic at least in the Sonic 4 saga
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by TheBlueBadger
Doho modelname jokes.
Reply left on 10.25.2011 by Trogdorbad
That’s definitely a mistake on their part.
But then again, if Sonic Generations makes them a bunch of money, then I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Sonic Generations 2.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Anonymous86
Personally, I think you should all be thankful Sega was willing to bring Classic Sonic back for Generations at all. And in a way, I’m not at all surprised they had no plans to keep him around. Times change, and things move on, and if there’s one thing that Sega knows well, it’s this much.
Besides, at the end of the day, I don’t really think it’s Classic Sonic the fanbase really wants, it’s what he represents, which is the classic gameplay. And for that, it doesn’t really matter what the figurehead representing it looks like, so long as you’ve got it. So I think the thing fans should be hoping for is Sega to continue to pursue classic-style gameplay (and I have to admit, for a fan who has liked Modern pretty much just as well as classic, even I find that a tempting thought) and the best way to do that is to show your support for Generations. If Generations succeeds, then the odds will be that much higher that Sega will make more games like it, in terms of gameplay.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Scyphi
When this ends up selling better than the other games and people start demanding more classic Sonic as a result, then they’ll think about taking him out of the vault more often.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by slimmbob
“I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeaally hope Sonic Generations sells insanely well… well enough that Sega makes an entire Sonic 1 remake, in the style of the “Classic Sonic” levels in Generations. Then followed by Sonic 2, 3, S&K…*fingers crossed*”
A post I made on facebook October 20th.
So much for that hope then eh?
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Sonic_452
I’m not too sad to see the end of Classic Sonic. If Generations does well though, and it will, I wouldn’t be surprised if a character with the same basic play style is implemented into future games. Whether it be an existing one, such as a de-powered sonic, or perhaps Blaze, or a new one, it’ll probably happen.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by FallenNocturne
Starting a call here and now to always refer to it as The SPoNGiC Stadium.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Scarred Sun
Sales and critics reception could say otherwise.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Vandelay
I think they should replace Classic Sonic with a hockey player.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Dingus
Well, truth to be told, I DON’T want Classic Sonic hanging around. For one thing it’d ruin the uniqueness of this game’s story and it’s overall appeal. It’d eventually be like having your favorite cake until you get sick of it. Besides, we’ve got Modern Sonic already and he’s here to stay. Since SEGA seems to have a good formula going with Sonic’s boosty-self, I have no hard feelings. Only a prompt “See ya around, bro.” to Classic Sonic.
Oh, and one more thing for that “Sonic’s superior self” line.
http://aerobian-angel.deviantart.com/art/A-Common-Misconception-210074451
That is all.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by AerobianAngel
Way to link an image full of the shitty spin-offs. Those aren't "the classics." Those are "shitty spin-offs." Really helps your point.
Also, Sonic Jam doesn't deserve to be there. That's the only time SEGA put effort into porting the classic games.
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by Slingerland
> create engine resembling the classic games
> waste time aprimoring the engine
> make the engine near perfect
> don’t use it in any other game
> sonic generations
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Riddle
Aww, well that’s pretty disappointing to hear then I guess.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Rodgers
THERE IS ONLY ONE SONIC! Saying classic sonic should be in more games is like saying sega should use sonic’s model from sonic heroes. modern sonic and classic sonic are the same hedgehog!
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Ortel
Dime-a-dozen PR line. “Never say never,” etc. Not saying Classic Sonic return, but money makes things happen.
In other words, if you want to see your precious black-eyed cartoony Sonic stick around, try to actually buy the game new instead of used or pirating it. Because I don’t want to hear any more complaining if nothing comes of it.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by GeneHF
I don’t see how classic sonic is “superior” as slingerland does claim to be. I’m pretty sure he had more bad games than modern sonic has, as “AerobianAngel” claimed beforehand.
I really do like Modern Sonic more than Classic Sonic. You look at Modern Sonic and see a pretty heroic person that doesn’t afraid of anything. Then you see Classic Sonic with his soulless eyes looking into nothing; as if Robotnik made Sonic a robot just to give him a challenge.
Also if it’s because of voice actors, then please get over it. I wasn’t flipping shit when Sonic said “yes” in Sonic CD, and nobody should get mad at Sonic going “Ha!” when he slides. It’s just really stupid.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Sureman
Interesting how all the 'bad' games mentioned there didn't actually have the classic styled gameplay... And of those listed sonic labryinth is the only one comparable in quality to the modern eras tosh, most of the others actually hold up fairly well. Sonic spinball is still probably one of the better pinball games ever made.
It's to do with the GAMEPLAY not the other trivial things such as voice acting.
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by Nick
Dude, you're at Sonic RETRO. God, you ranting idiots.
thejoke.jpg
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by Slingerland
http://www.famitsu.com/news/201110/images/00052202/RYoWE6ROZn7J1MjD97wh6Y7dVto7a1y4.html
new images of final rush, speed highway and radical highway
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by jean
“If this news comes as a shock to anyone, I’m sorry that you’re delirious. Life goes on as normal. If Sonic’s superior self ever makes a return in the future, we’ll be waiting.”
I got rather angry reading that. I expect childish verbiage of this ilk in IGN’s journalism, not Retro’s front page.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Dannyboy
Sorry if that sounds silly, but I was just peachy reading this bit of news. Classic Sonic is at home in the classics, if you ask me. Hence the name. His design is cute, yes, but oh so very simple. Reading that quote makes me feel as if I’m being told that if I don’t believe classic Sonic is clearly superior, I’m wrong. That’s an opinion, man.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Dannyboy
Are you suggesting there are people who have played both styles of gameplay and visit this site who prefer the modern style of sonic gameplay?
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by Nick
Other dude, you’re at Sonic RETRO. God, you ranting idiots.
thejoke.jpg
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by Slingerland
Splitting the franchise in 2 would have been the smartest move.
Kinda like how Capcom had the classic Megaman and the darker Megaman X series, Sega could have the classic series for classic Sonic fans and the Modern game series.
Hell, they missed their chance as Sonic 4 was the perfect opportunity for this
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Default
Man i wish we’re gonna get to see the little guy again sometime in the future. But on the other hand it’s nice to hear that they won’t over milk him.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by SuperDash
“I wasn’t flipping shit when Sonic said “yes” in Sonic CD, and nobody should get mad at Sonic going “Ha!” when he slides.”
So, because YOU don’t care, that means no one else can.
Comment left on 10.25.2011 by Soincfunt
The only thing that I waiting from SEGA is taking rid of DIMPS. Only that…
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by CplFoley94
Well i dont care which sonic it is I wouldnt mind something like the sonic advance games they seemed to have a good balance between modern and classic
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Mechmainiac
If it does well they will make a sequel or some good dlc it’s all about supporting it not complaining. sonic fans are too hard to please everything has to be perfect or it’s a bad or decent game. i have been a sonic fan since the original and have loved every game since minus sonic 06 (that was just plain bad lol) but seriously the physics aren’t perfect? the voice acting? c’mon ppl getting a little picky so support the game and i can say if it does good a sequel or something simliar will be made unless sega decides to take a ba route agian hopefully not though no more sonic 06 lol.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Demolisher
Oh god, that Shadow boss looks like a playable orgasm.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by derplolz
“Splitting the franchise in 2 would have been the smartest move.” [2]
Anyway, I find funny people feeling offended by the fact that classic sonic is generally considered superior than his modern counterpart. This site is called Sonic Retro, amirite?
Besides, it’s common knowledge that the main titles starring classic sonic are generally considered better than the new ones, with good reasons. Don’t get me wrong, I love some Modern games (Sonic Colors is fantastic) but there’s still a huge difference between these and the classic ones, regarding how much effort is put in polishing the controls, gimmicks, art style and overall quality.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by TidalTempest
I do kind of wish they could bring Classic back. Especially for Sonic 4 because if he can fit redesigned environments in Sonic Generations then he deserves his place in Sonic 4
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Bonehead
They must be joking…The Sonic 4 saga needs Classic,not Modern.Classic Sonic us the only Sonic that fits 2D,Modern Sonic only work for 3D aspect.I wont buy Sonic 4 Ep.2 if Classic is not there…
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by The Grand Exelsior
wow, a Justin Bieber refference, really?
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by sporeboy100
sidenote, lol at the amount of people who came to >sonic retro< to have a go at people prefering the classic design
stay classy sonic fans
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by TheBlueBadger
Modern fans (and not the good kind of Modern fan) are the majority of people who comment on front page articles, mostly because they can't get approved for the Retro forums. You can see why they didn't get approved.
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by Slingerland
Actually, he says that he’s at least partly uncertain as towards his usage or not right there: “Within this industry you can never know”, “CURRENTLY there are no plans”. He’s not saying they will, but he’s not saying they WON’T, either. And only some – one who says that any person who believed the former to be true to be “delirious” mus t be either rather cynical, rather cynical about Sega, or extraordinarily bitter about the fact that the games aren’t exactly like they were upon the Meg – Drive/Genesis. Seriously, people, things would have gotten stale at some point.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by InWithTheAshes
He isn’t a “ranting idiot”. He just happens to like modern better than classic. And, seriously, do you really think that things wouldn’t have become exraordinarily, corrosively STALE if they HAD kept every – thing the same as the Mega – Drive games? Yes, yes they would, and if they had, the fandom would probably be complaining about THAT instead. It’s an unfortunate thing: The people around here ALWAYS complain about any – thing new and different. Yes, I notice the “Retro” title. That doesn’t mean that you have to take constant shots at any- thing post – Adventure (Which, I may add, was a good game, even if it did have a few bugs within it. Seriously, you know what I would like after Generations? Some – thing fresh. Some – thing new. A different direction, a different look, a different style, ANY – thing as long as they can get it towards working right: A.K.A: FUN (Which, as Colours and Unleashed’s Day – time stages prove, they can.) Stop complainiong people. If you want to play the Mega – drive games, then go and play the Mega – Drive games. Within the mean – time we will, as long as tey make it FUN, enjoy some – thing completely new.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by InWithTheAshes
By Jove, what this man is saying may just be crazy enough to make sense!
Reply left on 10.26.2011 by GeneHF
“Classic Sonic is the only Sonic that fits 2D,Modern Sonic only work for 3D”
sonic_advance.jpg
sonic_advance_3.jpg
(advance 2 sucks, thanksbye)
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Riddle
Indeed.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by InWithTheAshes
Other dude, you’re at Sonic RETRO. God, you ranting idiots.
thejoke.jpg
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Dingus
Hear, hear!
I mean it, seriously! HEAR what this guy’s saying guys!
THIS is what the future for Sonic should bring.
Anything less, and Sonic WILL ultimately fail.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Scyphi
I always get a laugh when people say that sonic fans complain about anything in the new games.
But they fail to realize that we’re dealing with a fanbase here, if everyone was pleased, then we wouldn’t be dealing with fans, but mind controlled drones instead. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, man. It’s funny how people fall out because they think that retro sonic fans are spoiled kiddies. It’s called having a sense of criticism, my friends, every fanbase has it, It is impossible to make every single fan happy, so deal with this fact.
And about people wanting something new. Well, we must be careful when we ask stuff like that because last time the fans wanted something new we got genies, swords, knights, werewolves, etc. Sonic Colors was the only one that added something new and didn’t mess up the rules of the sonic universe and it’s aesthetics, so, be careful when you ask for something new.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by DaveTheSodaGuy
Why, it’s almost as if different people want different things and a fandom is not a monolith! SHOCK
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Scarred Sun
You bring up good points, Slingerland, but let’s not forget that there WERE a handful of Game Gear games that used the classic gameplay basically verbatim and were still pretty shitty. I personally wouldn’t call them spin-offs, but Your Mileage May Vary.
Anyway, AerobianAngel wasn’t trying to bash Classic Sonic nor claim that Modern is somehow superior. The point s/he was making was one of association: sure, those games she pointed out were mostly spin-offs and compilations, but they still have Classic Sonic’s mug plastered on the cover. To an outsider looking in, who wouldn’t be aware of whether or not said titles were spin-offs, it would seem that Classic Sonic was in a lot of shitty games, just like Modern Sonic has been.
The point s/he made was a valid one: Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic actually have a pretty even ration of shitty-to-good games available. The only difference is that Modern Sonic’s failures have been of a much larger scope, while his successes (Sonic and the Secret Rings, the Advance and Rush series, etc.) have fallen under the radar due to their “spin-off” status. Even Colors, a mainstream Sonic title that was both reviewed well and sold like crazy, is still languishing in relative obscurity among the gaming community, who are largely just brushing the game off their collective shoulders as “just another Sonic game.”
Ignoring all the shitty games that were associated with Classic Sonic doesn’t mean that he wasn’t associated with said shitty games. If you’re going to just pretend those games never happened just because they were spin-offs, you may as well do the same for Black Knight and the Rivals and Riders series. It’s only fair. If we do that, the final tally of “good” Sonic games would probably look something like this:
CLASSIC SONIC: Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic CD (YMMV; for every person who says it’s awesome, who have just as many saying it’s overrated trash), Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles
MODERN SONIC: Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes (YMMV, but it was actually fairly well-reviewed, just not as well as the Adventure titles), Sonic Unleashed (again, YMMV), Sonic Colors
There. It’s a tie. Can we all shut up now?
It’s odd, in the grand scheme of things, that I defend Modern Sonic like this, because I don’t really consider myself a fan of Modern Sonic specifically. I have enjoyed the latest Modern games (Unleashed, Colors), but I love the Classics, too.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Andrew Mayes
Duuuuuude... I like that you're a well-spoken guy and all, but this wall of text wasn't necessary. I'm just fuckin' aaaarrrrooooouuuunnnnd.
Reply left on 10.27.2011 by Slingerland
They had the perfect gameplay formula for modern sonic with the first sonic adventure, go back to that and its set.
Comment left on 10.26.2011 by Rukenzo
@Rukenzo
…You’re kidding, right? Sonic Adventure was such a rushed, poorly-programmed mess. It was impressive at the time, but it has not aged well, and quite frankly plays like crap nowadays. Going back to that would be a humongous step in the wrong direction.
Comment left on 10.27.2011 by Andrew Mayes