Later on this year, not one but two Sonic titles are coming to the Nintendo Switch and it turns out that the sheer difference between the two titles, is somewhat intentional.
During an interview with Twinfinite, SEGA Product Manager Jim Dyer, specifically stated that while Sonic Mania is a true Sonic game, it is a game that essentially only appeals to the fans, whereas Sonic Forces is a Sonic game for everyone to play and enjoy and a way of making the Sonic franchise something far more than it is. Here are his comments in full:
“At the end of the day, SEGA is a business and there is a strategy behind everything. Every publisher has their niche, and one of our biggest niches is our community. People who love SEGA, love SEGA. Our model has changed drastically over the past decade. We went from a [Japanese] franchise into evolving into a PC, RTS powerhouse. This was great for our business model, but our fans who love our original titles are still there and we need to speak to that audience.
To answer your question: Sonic Mania is for the fans. The plan with Sonic Forces, bringing Forces out soon after, is that it is a Sonic game for everyone. Sonic Mania is one for fans, either because of nostalgia or for people who just love the brand, or for kids that recognize the character.
Sonic Forces is its own initiative. It is a broader game, a different sort of Sonic than what we’ve done before. It is about reinvigorating Sonic. I won’t say Forces is about making Sonic relevant again because I don’t think that is quite the right term, but we understand we have a flagship IP, this brand powerhouse that SEGA wants to get back to what it should be.
Sonic is a franchise that we’ve tried to evolve but it hasn’t necessarily worked – I can openly say that. Generations and Colors were huge successes within the modern Sonic world, but it is about taking modern Sonic and making it something more.”
It’s certainly one way to shake things up, but will it work? For the answer to that question, it’s a case sitting on the sidelines and watching becomes of the franchise post release and since neither game are to release any time soon this year, get ready for a long wait.
But because we don’t want to leave it like that, we’ll leave it like this instead, which Sonic are you more excited for? Mania or Forces? Be sure to leave your answer and reasons in the comments below!
Source: Twinifinite
