In the 1990s and 2000s, Sonic the Hedgehog led the video game mascot race, providing a hip, edgy alternative to Nintendo’s iconic plumber, Super Mario. However, after facing off with Nintendo for supremacy in the console war, Sega stumbled with the failure of the Dreamcast, ultimately exiting the console market. Despite these setbacks, Sonic remained popular with the release of Sonic Heroes in 2004, offering a brand new series that diverged from the traditional speed-based gameplay, and introducing a unique multiplatform format that posed new challenges for the development team. However, 20 years after its release, Sonic Heroes remains one of the most divisive titles in the franchise due to its departure from traditional speed-based gameplay and confusing storyline.
In Sonic Heroes, players can control three characters simultaneously, each with their own unique strengths and attributes. The introduction of this gameplay gimmick added a layer of strategy beyond the traditional “go fast” gameplay loop, allowing players to constantly switch between the characters to advance. The game also featured four trios with unique campaigns, skill levels, and storylines, offering a variety of experiences for players. Despite its flaws, Sonic Heroes was approachable for newcomers and inspired a broader tolerance for the franchise’s janky quirks.
Following Sonic Heroes, Sega took the speedster’s character into even weirder territory with games like Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Unleashed, and Sonic ’06. Despite not regaining the same level of popularity and polish as in the earlier days, long-time fans remain hopeful that Sonic’s best days are still ahead.
