The 30th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog is a reminder that the Blue Blur is long overdue for remakes of his original titles. Much like the remakes associated with Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, Sonic the Hedgehog has the potential to recapture the essence of what made its original games great for a new generation. From the original three entries to Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic the Hedgehog could be the next great remake collection.
Video game graphics have made huge strides in quality since Sonic's first appearance in 1991. With new console technologies pushing the boundaries of graphics and immersion further, Sonic remakes could be wildly engaging. Players could see each blade of grass flowing in the wind of Green Hill Zone and feel the rumble of their controller as Sonic revs up a spin dash.
Some other improvements could include better animated backgrounds with the option for more Easter eggs from other current Sonic titles. Something similar was seen in Crash Bandicoot: N-Sane Trilogy, which had a Spyro float hidden off to the side in a level. Camera angles could also explore different perspectives as Sonic goes through speed boosts to give a much more cinematic feel to the game. The best part is these ideas have been proven successful, to an extent, in earlier titles.
At the time, Sonic Generations was the first game to bring back classic Sonic as a separate character and explore remastered versions of classic levels. As a celebration of the franchise's history, courses like Green Hill Zone and Chemical Plant Zone were updated with graphics fit for the seventh generation consoles. Sonic Forces also took the opportunity to reintroduce the classic Sonic character and once again use older courses with updated graphics. At the same time, Sonic Mania continued to prove that there is an appeal for the character in a 2D format.
After three decades, the lore of Sonic the Hedgehog has grown to more than just video games. Between the comics and television shows expanding the character's story, it can be hard to keep track of which storyline to follow. But a remake of the first four titles could help new players start their Sonic journey on an even footing. While playing through that journey, new players would also have a chance to explore series origins, and learn how the characters met one another.
With its thirtieth anniversary celebration still underway and a new film in production, Sonic is gaining more traction than ever before. Plus, with Sega considering remakes for its other classics like Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi, it seems inevitable that Sonic could be considered. If Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon have proven anything, it's that a remake of its original titles is a great way to introduce iconic characters and their classic incarnations to a new generation of gamers.