Source: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2018/events/PP99104 ResetERA thread: https://www.resetera.com/threads/sonic-is-ready-to-take-2018-by-storm-at-sxsw-2018.20360/ March 16 2018. Looks like we'll finally be getting the long-awaited sales performance update on both Mania and Forces, and by the sounds of it, news on whatever is coming next for the blue blur. They're heavily implying a new game announcement, teasing a potential preview and "world-exclusive first look" at presumably the next game. The potential new game announcement here is super early and surprising given Mania and Forces just came out and are both recent releases. Sega announcing something new this soon? God I hope it's Sonic Mania 2 or something close to it. Thought this was thread worthy and wanted to give you guys a heads up. Major news coming in March.
I want to believe it's a game announcement but maybe it's something related to the comic instead? It will make sense since it will be a month before the debut of it and having Tyson there is just the perfect icing on the cake.
Well, we got two months to speculate. Anybody want to play bingo ? Spoiler -Mania successor by Whitehead/Headcannon/PagodaWest -Mania successor NOT by Whitehead/Headcannon/PagodaWest -Another boost game with classic Sonic -Adventure 3 -Heroes remake -A partnership with an inappropriate brand -10 seconds teaser of the movie -News about the comic everybody already knew about -A dimps game -A new Boom game (but for real though I'm kinda curious :v
The presence of Tyson makes me think it's a new animated series made by the studio who made Mania's intro. I can dream. =P But I hope for a Sonic Mania sequel.
On ResetERA there's an interesting discussion going on about how this might be a Colours/Generations scenario where Sonic Team had two games in development in tandem - so Forces and another - indicating a new game from them this year. I'd say that's possible, but to be honest highly unlikely. The most super interesting thing about this news is that whatever is being announced is supposedly set for 2018. So that substantially narrows down our guesses at least. However much I'd love - and I mean love - Sonic Mania 2 to be announced, I'd say it's way more probable we're looking at Project Plus being unveiled as potential DLC and/or an enhanced Sonic Mania re-release including the new content and possibly the long-awaited physical version. I'm just thinking development timeframes here. A vertical slice of Sonic Mania 2 is possible (similar to Studiopolis being shown off in 2016) but also a Sonic Mania sequel releasing in 2018 which is the release timeframe they're heavily implying here? Surely that isn't enough time for a sequel even at the incredible speed Taxman and Stealth can work at. I'm going with Sonic Mania: Enhanced Edition as far as likely game announcements go. It'd be super surprising if a new mainline Sonic Team game is shown off - I think we'd all have a heart attack what with Forces being like, two months ago. So predictions are as follows: Optimistic/Hopeful prediction: Sonic Mania 2 Realistic prediction: Sonic Mania: Enhanced Edition Heart Attack mode: New mainline Sonic Team game that actually looks excellent Also one thing to note - I'm seeing those "Sonic Heroes remake" rumours everywhere as though they're gospel and came from a legit source. The source is /v/ on 4chan meaning it's automatically going to be bullshit and in addition to that, Aaron shot it down on Twitter when he was also shooting down the Sonic Racing sequel by Sumo - so at the very least we can put that baseless rumour to rest. In summation, I'm hoping of anything Mania-related - the more substantial the better. Speculation here in the run up to the event is going to be fun.
Reminder that they have had a movie in the works for several years now and that the big reveal could be that.
You could be right - though last time I checked the movie was scheduled for 2019 (recently delayed I think) and whatever they're announcing is set for 2018. So I think that rules out the movie. It's really surprising how that rumour caught fire and achieved momentum so fast. I'm still seeing it everywhere. Guess everyone has fond memories of Heroes.
It's strange as hell that it has. I watched about a dozen YouTube videos on the subject (mostly to hear commentary on it, not for one moment thinking it real despite my hopes and dreams :v: ) and people seem to fall into one of two camps with it: either "why bother remaking such a shit game?" and "I love Sonic Heroes, it's one of the best games ever, they shouldn't remake it cuz they'll ruin it". Literally nobody (except me, heh) even wants this, I've no idea why such a rumour caught fire.
I've been suggesting something similar since Forces' pricepoint was unveiled. I always had a feeling Forces wasn't the main dish somehow, and seeing how it turned out, I sure hope it wasn't. I guess we'll see in two months, but I agree, the most likely reveal will be Project Plus.
Knowing SonicTeam, they're gonna shat out Sonic Forces 2. But I actually doubt any game will be announced at this.
What's the usual gap between game release and next game announcement for Sonic titles (not counting the large gap prior to 2016)? I feel it's a bit too soon for a new game unless it's more content for Mania, or something Mania Team have been working hard on outside of Sonic Team and Sega's own crew. Either way, I'm glad the Sonic momentum is still going as it would've been a shame for Forces' reception to send the series into another gap for years to come.
Actually I bet they wouldn't. They might make something similar but Sonic Team's not one for numbered sequels these days (the last one they made was Sonic Adventure 2).
I'm willing to believe the Sonic Team split up into 2 games thing, because what happened to all of the level designers/technical staff that worked on Unleashed and Generations? They didn't leave right? It wouldn't surprise me if Sonic Forces was more like a tech demo made by newbies to demonstrate the new Hedgehog Engine 2.0, while this year would be the Unleashed/Generations people revealing their game with the new engine. Sonic Mania DLC also seems about as likely, so whatever happens should be alright. EDIT: one thing is for sure though, if this does happen to be a new Sonic Team 3D game, it better be just one fucking Sonic. No more Classic/Modern bs until the 30th anniversary at the least.
It's probably little outside of the IDW comics. Certainly wouldn't expect a new game from either TaxStealth and Friends or Sonic Team at this point in time. Not that I would care much for any project whatsoever from the latter group.
Great post. One thing I'd swap however for realistic prediction, is the Movie announcement instead of a Mania buff. Its now within the timeline for them to start the marketing train. Other than that, I agree 100%.
Just to chime in further here, a Twitter user by the name of "EAPyoutube" has taken credit (and shown remorse) for said /v/ post. This needed to be posted; never underestimate the denizens of Retro's uncanny ability to blow up absolutely fucking nothing and make a big thing of it.
Hate to say it but I think Sonic Boom season 3. IDW will get it's bit of advertising. New Sonic game will be announced with ZERO details. And there will be a collective disappointment when nothing big happens. By the by, how is that Sonic Forces mobile game doing?
I don't think there's much to expect from the panel. There will definitely be some update about the comics. They'll pat themselves on the back for selling so many copies of Mania and Forces. Sonic Boom's gotta get a new season trailer for sure. It would be interesting if we got some news about the Sonic movie, but I have no idea how likely that is. In terms of game content, I think the most likely thing to happen would be DLC for Mania and (moreso likely) Forces. The only thing I would really get my hopes up for are PC ports of the mobile Sonic 1 and Sonic 2.
