Sonic the Hedgehog fans have spent quite a few years and have plenty of memorable moments starring their favorite blue blur over the 32 years that the character has been around. However, which version of the iconic character they've spent the most time with depends on the fan. Since 1998, there have been two different iterations of Sega's mascot that have gotten the spotlight, and as of the remaster candidate Sonic Generations, these two designs have been recognized as the original Classic Sonic, whereas the green-eyed, slender, and frequently used one is Modern Sonic.
Sonic Generations was a celebratory title for both the series and Sonic himself as the game took place on his birthday. Ever since, it's been understood in Sonic the Hedgehog lore that Classic Sonic is Modern Sonic as a child. While the backstory to Classic Sonic existing in canon outside of being a redesign is welcomed, Sega hasn't paid this detail much attention since it was introduced into the series. Instead, following the poor sales of Sonic Forces, Modern and Classic have been pushed farther and farther away from each other, and that's not always a good thing.
Why Giving Modern and Classic Sonic Different Identities is Good
Before Sonic Generations, many fans yearned for more 2D Sonic games, and even Classic Sonic himself as the redesign of the character used in Sonic Adventure would replace him in many appearances for a decade. Some would look over at games such as New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario Galaxy and wonder why there couldn't be 2D games starring Classic Sonic released alongside 3D games.
After years of Sonic fans wishing that the series took different notes from Mario than it already did, this dream has officially been realized as Sega currently plans to release 2D and 3D Sonic games side by side for the time being. While this marketing strategy started properly with the compilation title Sonic Origins, new games starring the Classic Sonic cast are being made - like Sonic Superstars - while the 3D games are also in development. Old characters that haven't been used properly in decades such as Fang are also an incredibly welcome surprise of this arrangement.
How Modern and Classic Sonic Are Limiting the Franchise
Both iterations of Sonic getting their due is great, but the way that the franchise at large has adjusted to separating Modern and Classic Sonic isn't the best in the long run. For instance, despite Generations making it very clear that Classic Sonic was a younger Modern Sonic, Sega seems to force a mandate on any flashbacks in the Sonic comics and even the Sonic Prime TV show that if it stars Modern Sonic, then he has to have the green eyes at all times at the very least. It's confusing, and many fans don't understand the insistence after what Sonic Generations established.
Sega aim to keep the two hedgehogs apart doesn't stop there, either. While Sonic Mania Plus' inclusion of Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel was a great surprise after they hadn't been used for over twenty years, yet another rule was set up as a result of their inclusion. It seems that now, all the supporting cast members are locked to the particular version of Sonic they're associated with. For instance, while it makes sense that he wouldn't be included in any Classic-style titles, many fans were disappointed to find out Shadow the Hedgehog won't be in Sonic Superstars at all due to his status as a Modern Sonic cast member.
Starting with Sonic Frontiers' interconnected universe, the franchise is taking rather lengthy strides toward stabilizing itself, and this is part of this initiative. However, it can be said that what's been established with Modern and Classic Sonic could easily stay without this prominent divide between both casts and characters. It's great that both the 2D and 3D styles can exist peacefully, but these limitations will only hold the series back in the end.
Sonic Superstars will release in Fall 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.