It's an odd, slightly empty, future at the moment. After the raving disaster of Sonic the Hedgehog, the decent offering on the PSP and the flawed but rewarding Secret Rings, for the first time in a while we appear to have nothing on the horizon...
No news released, no upcoming games, nothing to look forward to/ be apprehencive about 
The last time I can remember this situation was shortly after Sonic Heroes was released. Back then things were different, for their time Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 were good and still fresh. They had been re-released on the new consoles, but that was fine, Sega was resting whilst it prepared something amazing... A shame it didn't deliver. Heroes was flawed but it was only one blip, there wasn't a general air of panic. Besides, not far apart from heroes came Sonic Battle and Sonic Advance 3, both of which rate very highly for me personally. Back then, it was Advance 1 and 2 which were flawed, the handhold games were mediocre whilst the console games strode ahead....
Then came Gems collection, Shadow, Riders, Next Gen and....
Now, with nothing on the horizon at the moment, looking back, things do appear to be slightly different. Besides Secret Rings, the handholds have far outstripped the console games and we've got a steady downwards trend.
How long before another game is announced? Is it the rumoured Riders 2? Are we due a sequal to the Wii game? Perhaps more handholds?
Since there's no announcements at the moment, what do we want? I remember after Heroes we wanted;
A_) an explanation about shadow (Which we got, but we were fooling ourselves, it wasnt what we wanted)
B ) Another old games collection, (which we got, flawed but there)
So. What do you want to be announced?
More handholds? Another Wii game?
Or take the risk, try and do another BIG mainstream game to follow from Sonic the Hedgehog. And if that goes wrong, it really could drag the franchise over the edge. Or did we just cross that and we haven't realised it yet 0.0
Of course, take the other route and you risk Sonic becoming an obscurity, loosing his mainstream appeal. Of course, you might think he's already lost it.
What do you think?
Note: My opinions above which games suceeded and failed are my own. They are gathered from the general reaction i've seen from studying various fandoms, reviews and game boards. This isn't a debate about what sucked and what didn't, it's about what you want.
All I want is a game with Chaotix and SegaSonic on it. =p
Yeah, Chaotix is an awesome game. (Yeah, I'm lucky enough to have a 32X and a copy of Chaotix)
I really want to play SegaSonic the Arcade, too. It's like the Holy Grail of obscure Sonic games.
No news is good news.
No games coming out means we don't have to worry about how monumentally Sonic Team is going to f**k them up.
I wouldn't be surprised if SEGA was gauging the fan-reaction to the newest set of games to see which direction to take the series.
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All I want is a game with Chaotix and SegaSonic on it. =p
Amen, brother, amen!
I personally want another Sonic the Hedgehog. Maybe another hand held for ds or something; then MAYBE riders 2
How about Sonic Rush 2?
Methinks this might just be it.
Maybe they'll end it with "Sonic: Finale" or something -
But we're at the end of the road, here =P, or at least that's what I think.
When I was around 9 (2000), my brother and I had a conversation about when Sonic may end.
My bro guessed 2009, and I think I agree.
I still want a spinoff game starring Chao for a handheld (Sorta like Rocket Slime meets Harvest Moon), Sonic Riders 2, a rhythm game with Sonic or other obscure genre. If I had a chance to play Secret Rings, I'm sure my 3D sonic tastse'd be quenched for awhile then after that I'd probly like a next gen franchise.
I hope Sonic continues to make (good) games. If the francise does colapse, there is still an offside chance it'd get resurrected (Alien Syndrome anyone?)
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I wouldn't be surprised if SEGA was gauging the fan-reaction to the newest set of games to see which direction to take the series.
Well based on that, we would most likely recieve sequels Sonic Rush and Secret Rings than Sonic Rivals and Sonic the Abortion.
Personally, I wouldn't mind if Sonic faded into obscurity for a while.
I can't help but compare it to the classic Disney films. There was once a time when we would have to wait a year or two before the next film would be released. The time between films was rather boring, but when they were released, we knew we were getting quality. Now, they just keep throwing out sequels to random films like crazy, and the quality has really gone downhill.
This is what I believe has happened to Sonic. There was a time when the people in charge actually cared about the series. A time when thought was actually put into the games. If a rest period is what's needed to regain that, I'm all for it.
Well, personally, I would like to see another two games come out.
Kinda like, let's say for example, Sonic Riders 2 - but hey, let's make this game much more interesting than the last! More characters, just for the sake of it (Nack plz), extra levels, and more spiffy graphics (it'd be on a next-gen console, so it has to). Now, let's just keep saying it's Sonic Riders 2. It's got it's own little story, like Sonic Riders 1, which doesn't have any influential impact on the actual mainstream of the Sega Sonic-verse.
I'd like to see two fun games like said Riders. Heck, maybe Sonic Shuffle could make a return as a brand new gaming experience, too.
But yeah, once those two fun games are out of the way, let's have something for the handhelds. DS and the PSP could both have 2D side-scrollers again, much like Sonic Rush. Except this time, let's have a bit more variation, and have it kinda similar to the Sonic Advance series.
Okay, so that's two console games, and one handheld game. Now, we can go to the main project, ala Sonic Adventure, or something to that effect.
See what I'm getting at? If not, oh well.
Yeah, I think I like that. Well put, Spiner Storm, well put.
That's way too many games to be working on at once. Which, I think, is the problem: Sonic Team is spread out far too thin, all trying to get the same amount of work done on a wide variety of games in ridiculously short times. Honestly, they need to regroup, concentrate on making ONE good game at a time (and make it as long as it needs to be to get the job done - I mean, it's not like Sega can't afford it!), and actually listen to the QA department (because it sure sounds like they don't), and then we'd be getting somewhere.
Either way, there might not be a Sonic game on the horizon, but it is known that Sonic Team are making a "sequel" to Phantasy Star Universe - which is far more like an expansion pack more than anything else, but oh well.
Those are terrible ideas.
You want more lame cash-ins, and the best Sonic game since Sonic 3 made more like three of the worst 2D Sonics?
srsly very bad
Actually, Sonic Advance [1] was pretty good, if quite unoriginal and bland in many aspects. It didn't really start to suck badly until Advance 2.
I didn't think highly of Rush. It was too fast and the level design was horrible.
Sonic 4 plz. Or Sonic and Tails 3. I'm not picky.
"I didn't think highly of Rush. It was too fast and the level design was horrible."
Are you sure you're not thinking of every Sonic game that wasn't Rush since Sonic Sdventure?
Because I think you are.
First off, it's "Adventure".
Secondly, stop badgering the posters, m'kay. 😛
No I'm pretty sure t'was Rush its got a purple cat on it and everything. I might have had a tooth out but yeah. Bosses were great on Rush, But I just found it to be an evil version of Sonic Advance 2 really.
On the whole Advance series. Advance 1 was fun but dull, Advance 2 had some good ideas (skidding game)but was a bit too fast and getting into the special stages was evil and Advance 3 was awkward.
Evil version of Sonic Advance 2? I mean at least it didn't have you chasing after the bosses all the time but perhaps you could elaborate. If you mean the speed aspect...well shoot the Genesis games had their sections where you essentially left the camera behind (Good fun).
I'd really like a Sonic Riders 2. I loved Riders to bits. 
And a Sonic Battle with better gameplay is welcome, too.
I think Sonic Team should concentrate on making one game at a time, rather than work on 4 titles at the same time.
I mean, I guess it's ok to come up with multiple ideas, but then execute one at a time so they all turn out nice in the end!
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Evil version of Sonic Advance 2? I mean at least it didn't have you chasing after the bosses all the time but perhaps you could elaborate.
For sure, firstly the characters do move to fast. Yes there was times in the classic games where the characters do move off the screen. But not as often as in Rush plus the darting in between the two screens and quite often they would plonk a robot in the path.
Then there are parts where the game slows down, where you have to eliminate an number of enemies or you are on a trailer (that desert level). And those rockets you can control in Dead End. ugh.
I didn't like the trick system much.
Jumping towards an off screen underwater mine so it takes you to the surface isn't fun.
Don't get me wrong though the multiple paths through the levels was great but I wish I could go through it a bit slower and learn the levels. And I can see why the game is popular because its like Sonic 3 with a fast forward button and it can be quite fun but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Sorry.
Love John.
What I was going to post a while ago was there was a news article on Sonic Stadium (lol I know) that said Sega might be doing an exclusive Sonic game on the PS2. Which would kinda make sense. A lot of people have a PS2 and it would be quite easy to do a half decent 2D game on it.
Erika, right on! I've said it before, the camera shoulda been assigned to SELECT not a double-press of L. I can't recall how many times I trigged that camera after a block when just learning the game. Other than that, Battle controled well.
If they could craft another fun story with clever dialogue, I'd love to see Battle again. P'raps with better graphics ala DS, more minigames and a few new fighters (and by new I meant Blaze, Silver, Chaotix, and Rogues as first teir choices; Big, Tikal, Eggman, and Metal as unlockables if there's room, cameos and boss battle if not) Otherwise, Riders is my top choice for sequel.
Focusing on 1-2 titles until polished is an excellent idea. If STH06 taught us nothing, it's that many projects rushing to meet deadlines is asking for trouble. Another round of beta coulda done wonders for Next-Gen Sonic.
Sonic Team needs to stay off the major Sonic games for awhile till they know what they're doing. As for spin-offs, this is what I'd like to see.
Kunckles the Echinda: A 3-D brawler/platformer that expores Knuckles origins.
Chaotix Detective Agency - A Nintendo DS story adventure if the form of Hotel Dusk, or Phoenix Wright, in which Vector, Espio, and the gang help solve mysteries while chasing after thier arch enemy, Knack the Weasel.
Sonic Rush 2: Includes Sonic, Blaze and Silver as playable characters, and finally resolves the confusing connection between Blaze and Eggman Nega being from both the future of Sonics world, AND from another dimension. (At least we know how Blaze got to that dimension, but in Sonic Rivals, Eggman Nega says he's from Silvers Future.)
Sonic Team Collection (Nintendo Wii): Includes SegaSonic arcade, NiGHTS, Samba De Amigo (uses 2 Wiimotes), Billy Hacther, Feel the Magic, Sonic Adventures 1 & 2, and the Sonic Advance series of games.
About the whole Blaze thing.. I know that what I'm about to say is highly unlikely to be real, but what if the Blaze from Sonic Rush isn't the same Blaze from Next-Gen?
You know, the Blaze and Eggman Nega from Sonic Rush came from another dimension's future. While the Blaze from Next Gen is indeed from Sonic's world's future.
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Sonic Team Collection (Nintendo Wii): Includes SegaSonic arcade, NiGHTS, Samba De Amigo (uses 2 Wiimotes), Billy Hacther, Feel the Magic, Sonic Adventures 1 & 2, and the Sonic Advance series of games.
They wouldn't re-release Adventure, Adventure 2, and Billy Hatcher while they're readily available on the Gameucbe as it is. I can't even imagine how Feel the Magic would work, either. I like the idea of having the GBA games on a collection, though. In fact, add in Chaotix, Shuffle, and Sonic Pocket Adventure, and I'd say it sounds perfect.
Sega really has no excuse not to release SegaSonic Arcade now, either. There's nothing stopping them from releasing a packed-in trackball Wiimote attachment with the game.
Personally, I just want a good game. I think that's all that matters with the current status of our hedgehog.
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Personally, I just want a good game. I think that's all that matters with the current status of our hedgehog.
Pfft. Wishful thinking. At least everyone else in this topic was being realistic. 
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In fact, add in Chaotix, Shuffle, and Sonic Pocket Adventure, and I'd say it sounds perfect.
I agree with that, but if Shuffle is as bad as I hear people say it is, never had a DC, I wish they would revamp it and make it function properly, though I wouldn't want any extra characters, so I could enjoy it. As far as Chaotix, I've been dying to play that for years, and I want to play it more than any other new Sonic game that would/will show up.
I think Shuffle 2 would be cool on the wii. We already get a taste of it in the Secret Rings, I don't know if the party games were any good though. I haven't played it yet.
But it being too much like mario party i don't think nintendo would like it.
Sonic Shuffle was okay, but beware the loading times. Sheesh.
Anyways, having Pocket Adventure and SegaSonic on one game? Sheer genius.
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Pfft. Wishful thinking.
Sadly. 
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Sonic Shuffle was okay, but beware the loading times. Sheesh.
Compared to what I saw from the videos, Sonic Shuffle's loading times were like lightening compared to Sonic Next.
No, no, no! NO spin-offs! It's all these spin-offs that are causing Sonic to lose focus, anyway... Honestly, would you rather see a proper Sonic game done right, seeing as the whole team would be focusing their efforts on it, or a sub-mediocre Sonic game accompanied with a large amount of sub-mediocre Sonic spin-offs, caused by fragmenting the pool of talent (well, "talent") further? Seriously.
Although, if the spin-off is, in fact, not a spin-off, but rather a Wii version of Chu Chu Rocket, then I'll be all for it. (Seriously, think about it: pointer moves the cursor, D-Pad places arrows. It's so simple; the Wii was practically MADE for this kind of thing.)
Personally? What do I want?
Well, depends, do I count secret rings as a spin off? I'm really not sure....
Not a direct sequel to Secret Rings, but you could so easily expand on that to make another game.
I just wish StH had been better, I want proper games, but I want them good. That just hasn't happened for a while now and... I don't want to be pesimstic 
Wel, Shadow Hog, suppose I COULD go without any spinoffs (not counting collection titles (I WANT MY SEGASONIC, DANGIT!)) for a while if it means Sonic Team can pull off another Sonic Adventure or Sonic Adventure 2- or, dare I dream, even better.
There might be a Sonic Riders 2 in the works, as we've known there might be for a while, but to be honest, Sega needs to spend the time looking at the huge catalogue of mistakes before making another canon Sonic game.
What would I want? Hmm...
I think a DS side-scrolling game that took advantage of multiplayer would be pretty neat. Maybe a Genesis compilation even though they just released Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis for GBA. But a Gen comp with multiplayer possibilities for all the games would be cool. And by multiplayer, I don't mean just races and touch screen minigames. Something cooperative would be cool. Perhaps players start out at different spots of maps and have to find some items or prevent an enemy from getting somewhere before the player. Ok so that would be a race, but you get my drift. ^_^
