The Ultimate Revival: Unleashing Sonic Adventure 3!

Highlights

Sonic Adventure and its sequel revolutionized the 3D Sonic franchise, setting the gold standard for future titles with their fully 3D gameplay and open zones.

The latest 3D Sonic game, Sonic Frontiers, takes inspiration from Sonic Adventure in terms of world design and exploration. However, both games have unique approaches to these aspects. The possible release of Sonic Adventure 3 has the potential to revitalize the 3D Sonic games, offering a fresh transformation and a comeback to the series' previous glory through diverse environments, a wide range of characters, and a variety of gameplay experiences.

Sonic Adventure, released in 1998 as a Sega Dreamcast launch title, marked a significant shift in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. While Sonic 3D Blast introduced limited 3D elements, its isometric perspective failed to capture the essence of true 3D gameplay. In contrast, Sonic Adventure embraced a fully three-dimensional world with expansive zones and levels, setting a new standard for 3D Sonic titles. These games revitalized the franchise by offering a fresh perspective, and although recent 3D Sonic games have shown progress, a potential Sonic Adventure 3 could bring back the series' former greatness.

One notable example of Sonic Adventure's influence can be seen in Sonic Frontiers, considered one of the finest 3D Sonic games. Drawing inspiration from Sonic Adventure, Frontiers is often hailed as the first open-world game in the series. Sonic Adventure, however, already featured multiple small open zones, serving as hub worlds. Moreover, the expanded cast of characters in more recent Sonic games owes much to Sonic Adventure, as many of them made their debut or were first playable in that game. On a fundamental level, both Frontiers and the Adventure games share a common theme of exploration. However, the execution of this theme differs greatly between them, with Sonic Adventure and its sequel showcasing greater ambition and scope.

Sonic Adventure Understands Space

In Sonic Adventure 2, players start off as the heroic character snowboarding through the streets of San Francisco. While this sequel may not have the same variety of hub worlds as the original, it does share one common factor: a strong sense of space. The Sonic Adventure games take players on a journey through various vibrant locations, from coastlines to bustling cities, and even more fantastical places like Twinkle Park. These environments feel alive and immersive, surpassing many games of their time. In contrast to the alien and abstract nature of the five explorable islands in Sonic Frontiers, the areas in the Adventure games feel more authentic.

Furthermore, Sonic Adventure pushed the boundaries of storytelling within the series. With six playable characters, including two newcomers, each character has their own unique interactions and objectives. For example, Big the Cat's story revolves around fishing and mini-games, adding a touch of silliness to the overall experience.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is E-102 Gamma, a turret-mounted robot that must eliminate others in order to sustain its own existence. Sonic Adventure 2 unveiled the beloved character Shadow the Hedgehog and incorporated a "dark side" narrative that allowed players to take control of the antagonists. Additionally, the emphasis placed on the extended cast of the series enabled the developers to explore new forms of gameplay, resulting in an unparalleled level of diversity within the franchise.

Now is the Time for Sonic Adventure 3

While Frontiers signaled progress, it is evident that 3D Sonic games require a complete overhaul to fully revive the series' standing. Sonic Adventure 3 possesses the potential to reimagine the franchise, much like its predecessor did, and the Adventure series' framework serves as the ideal platform for this transformation. Instead of fixating on ethereal islands akin to Frontiers, Adventure 3 could encompass bustling urban landscapes and diverse settings similar to its predecessors.

Frontiers was limited to a single playable character, but Adventure offered a vast array of characters, resulting in a diverse gameplay experience. By following the same approach for Adventure 3, Sega has the opportunity to create a Sonic game that appeals to a wide audience. In recent years, 2D Sonic games such as Sonic Origins, Sonic Mania, and the upcoming Sonic Superstars have experienced a revival. Similarly, Sonic Adventure 3 has the potential to breathe new life into the 3D games in the franchise, giving the series the recognition it truly deserves. With its focus on experimentation and reinvention, Sonic Adventure 3 can serve as a much-needed catalyst for the relaunch of the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise.

Sonic Adventure is available now on Dreamcast, GameCube, PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.