Summary
Sega’smascotSonic The Hedgehoghas drawn many comparisons to Nintendo’s Mario, despite their characters and core gameplay being quite different. One of the less obvious comparisons is that, like Mario, Sonic has appeared in numerous spinoffs over the years.Unlike Mario’s spinoffs,however, theseSonicgames have rarely managed to evolve into successful franchises of their own.
This is a shame, as a lot of these games have earned cult followings. Even the more poorly received of these spinoffs have had good ideas that make them worth revisiting. With a proper sequel, these spinoffs could become worthy additions to the blue hedgehog’s gaming library.
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhoodwas aBioWare developed RPG that came out when both BioWare and Sonic were extremely popular. The first and only Sonic RPG,Sonic Chroniclesfeatured turn-based combat that required timed inputs using the Nintendo DS touch screen. Being a BioWare game, it also featuredbranching dialogue choices.
Despite having a lot going for it, the game failed to make a splash either critically or financially. However, a newSonic RPGis still worth trying again, especially with how popular theMarioRPG spinoffs are. With a diverse cast of characters all with their own unique abilities, Sonic is perfect for an RPG spinoff.
9Sonic Spinball
A Fun Idea That Deserves An Encore
Sonic Spinballwas an interesting spinoff that combined platforming with pinball mechanics. Players would navigate Sonic through dangerous levels by using pinball flippers to hit targets and collect Chaos Emeralds. With Sonic’s signature ability to roll into a ball, the pinball mechanics were a natural fit.
While the game received a spiritual sequel in the form of 2003’sSonic Pinball Party, that game lacked the platforming elements that madeSonic Spinballso unique. A proper follow-up with more development time and modern graphics is sure to be a hit.
8Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
A Cult Classic That Could Help Revive Another Franchise
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machineis an interesting spinoff in that it’s actually based off of theAdventures Of Sonic The Hedgehogcartoon series. What makes it fascinating is that this puzzle game is actually the belovedSega classicPuyo Puyowith aSoniccoat of paint. Even though it’s basically another game,Mean Bean Machinestill has loyal fans.
The game has been referenced inSonic Maniaand theSonic The Hedgehog 2movie, proving its lasting impact on the franchise. EvenPuyo Puyofans are likely to love seeing their series come back as a crossover withSonic. Though it will need a name change,Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machineshould return.
Though Sonic’s arcade outings were few and far between,Sonic The Fightersremains a nostalgic favorite to this day. This 3D fighting game was famous for introducing characters like Bark the Polar Bear and Bean the Dynamite. To this day it lives on as a mini-game in theLike A Dragonseries.
Though the game was essentially aSonicversion ofFighting Vipers,Sonic The Fighterscould be reworked into a wholly original fighting game.Sonic’slarge cast of characters with unique powers is perfect fodder for a great fighting game. Withthe fighting game genregoing through something of a renaissance, a newSonicfighting game is sure to please fans.
Though theShadow The Hedgehoggame was critically panned upon release, it’s gone through a bit of a resurrection of late, with many streamers rediscovering it. It came out during a time when the market was oversaturated withdark games starring edgy characters, but audiences may be more receptive now.
Between his excellent portrayal inSonic Primeand his upcoming appearance in theSonic The Hedgehog 3movie, Shadow is seeing an uptick in popularity. A Shadow game with a bit more polish that focuses on his current role as a government operative would be a nice change in pace from the average Sonic experience.
Vehicular racing games are incredibly common, but games about foot racing are a lot harder to come by. Such a game would be a perfect fit for a speedster like Sonic, and that’s exactly whatSonic Rdelivered. The game featured iconicSoniccharacters racing to some of the best music in the franchise’s history.
Though the game has not aged well by today’s standards, it presented some excellent ideas that are worth revisiting. An on-foot racing game is a fresh and unique idea, especially when paired withSonic’scharacters and level design.
4Knuckles’ Chaotix
Sonic’s Supporting Cast Deserve More Time In The Spotlight
Knuckles is probably one ofSonic’smost popular characters, so it was only right he got a spinoff in the form ofKnuckles’ Chaotix. The game also introduced Vector, Espio, and Charmy, who have become mainstays in theSonicfranchise. While not everyone appreciated the game’s ring-tether system, the game deserves a second chance.
Sonichas one of the most iconic casts of characters in all gaming, and they deserve time out of Sonic’s shadow. With Knuckles beingsuch a popular character, he’s the perfect choice to lead an ensemble game with Team Chaotix as backup. By getting rid of the ring-tether and delivering a polished experience, a newKnuckles’ Chaotixwill fly off the shelves.
3Sonic Shuffle
A Poorly Executed Great Idea That Deserves Another Chance
During the height ofMario Party’spopularity, Sega releasedSonic Shuffle. This was another board game party game that featureda lot of minigames. The game was largely slept on upon release, mostly due to people seeing it as one of many attempts to copyMario Party’ssuccess.
Despite this, the whimsical world ofSonicis a perfect fit for this style of game, and thus deserves another chance. The game also introduced some cool unique elements, such as using a deck of cards to move instead of dice. WithMario Partyclones being much less prevalent now, a newSonic Shufflemight stand a better chance.
2Tails Adventure
A Metroidvania That Demands To Be Revisited
Sonic’s faithful sidekick Tails actually had two solo spinoff games for theGame Gearin 1995, butTails Adventureis the more interesting of the two. A Metroidvania that emphasizes exploration over speed,Tails Adventurehas the titular fox collecting gadgets that help him explore Cocoa Island.
The game was a welcome change in pace from the usualSonicgameplay, and a slower-paced game with a heavy emphasis on gadgets is perfect for Tails’ character. With Metroidvanias being extremely popular now, a modern follow-up toTails Adventureis bound to do well.
ThoughSonic & All-Stars Racing Transformedis basically just a huge Sega crossover, Sonic is front-and-center in both the title and the cast. The game is technically a follow-up to 2010’sSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing,Transformedis hailed as an absolutely fantastic tribute to Sega’s entire history, and the timing has never been better for it to get a sequel.
WithSega gearing up to revitalizesome of its long-dormant franchises, now is the perfect time to celebrate those franchises with a massive crossover game. As Sega’s most popular character, Sonic is the best vehicle to help get gamers on board with such an idea.
