Sonic’s Official Canon Timeline Revealed

In a lighthearted manner, the idea of game canons is quite flexible within the video game development industry. Many creators prioritize crafting an excellent game above all else, deciding on the sequence of events later. This approach was common in Sonic the Hedgehog for quite some time, but Sega has been more diligent about clarifying matters recently. For fans of Sonic lore, Sega has unveiled a timeline on their official Japanese website, providing an overview of Sonic’s history and specifying when particular games occur.

For quite some time, Sonic games have been divided into two main categories: those based on the classic era and those from the modern era. To illustrate, “Sonic Mania” and “Sonic Superstars” are both part of the classic era along with iconic titles like “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” and “Sonic 3 & Knuckles”. In contrast, games in the modern era encompass series such as “Sonic Adventure 2” and “Sonic Frontiers”. Furthermore, the timeline presents flashbacks from games like “Sonic Unleashed”, which is set during prehistoric times, and “Shadow the Hedgehog”, which takes place 50 years ago.

Because the timeline hasn’t been formally translated into English, it’s unclear if any alterations will be made. There are some intriguing Sonic games missing from the list, though it’s uncertain whether they were excluded due to being labeled as non-canon or because their events didn’t significantly impact the larger narrative. Furthermore, the site provides a character directory that classifies characters based on their respective Sonic eras. A greater number of characters are associated with the modern era compared to the classic one, with Trip and Fang being notable exceptions. These two characters haven’t officially appeared in the modern era yet, leaving their post-Sonic Superstars fates undetermined.

Sega pays particular attention to the classic and contemporary periods when it comes to their list of games. When asked if Shadow would appear in the 2023 version of Sonic Superstars, Sega firmly stated that the character would not be a part of the game due to its timeline positioning. However, they did give a hint towards the character by incorporating a cosmetic item. Since Shadow didn’t meet Sonic until Sonic Adventure 2, it wasn’t feasible to include him in the game.

All in all, it’s quite engaging to view all these pieces put together, understanding how Sonic’s universe interconnects. Over the past three decades, numerous Sonic video games have been launched, cultivating a dedicated fan community. As more timelines are developed, expect modifications such as removing certain games, incorporating new ones, and providing additional explanations. For now, fans of the series should treat this as an enjoyable journey through the games rather than a definitive guide, just to keep things clear!

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2025-03-24 00:43