Summary
Following the recently releasedSonic X Shadow Generations, a few Sega employees have detailed howSonic the Hedgehoggames are written now.Sonic X Shadow Generationsfinally launched this October, and was one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the year. WhileSonic Generationswas remastered in this release, the main attraction of the game isShadow Generations, a solo story featuring Sonic’s anti-hero rival. A lot of focus is given to Shadow’s character and backstory in the plot ofShadow Generations, as he awakens to a variety of new Doom Powers and faces his painful past.
The story ofShadow Generationsis attributed to Ian Flynn, the writer of theSonic the HedgehogArchie Comics, the IDW Comics,Sonic Frontiers, andSonic Superstars. Thescript of the originalSonic Generationswas also rewritten forSonic X Shadow Generations, bringing it in line with more recent entries in the franchise. While the story ofShadow Generationshas been praised by a lot of fans, there have also been some questions raised about which parts were Ian Flynn’s and which were vetted by Sega. Some employees at Sega recently clarified some of these details.
Sonic the Hedgehogbrand and community manager, Katie Chrzanowski, responded to a tweet noting that, while Ian Flynn was the primary writer ofShadow Generations' story, the whole thing was a collaborative effort and his writing didn’t go unchecked. In particular, theSonic the Hedgehoglore team and Sega of Japan worked together to tweak details until both parties were happy.
Sonic the Hedgehog Lore Team and Sega of Japan Collaborate on Writing the Games
After Twitter user Spin Slasher asked for further clarification about the collaborative writing process,Sonic the Hedgehoglore manager, Chris Hernandez, chimed in. Hernandez said that he and the lore team worked together on an outline, which Flynn would then write to fill it into a script, which is then reviewed and iterated on until it’s at a point everyone agrees upon. While Flynn is also a part of the lore team, Sega of Japan works with them on a regular basis to approve everything as well.
It’s not entirely clear how much input Sonic Team itself has in the writing process, but there are still a lot of checks and balances to ensure everything is consistent. Some very vocalSonicfans are split on whether Ian Flynn should continue writing for the games, or if other writers, like series veteran Eitaro Toyoda, should take over. For the time being,Sonic X Shadow Generationsis being lauded as one of the best games in the series, with fans hoping that Sonic Team can iterate uponShadow Generations' gameplay and apply it toa potentialSonic Frontierssequel.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
WHERE TO PLAY
THE RETURN OF SHADOWIn this new standalone campaign, Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
SHADOW EVOLVEDHarness Shadow’s new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONSExperience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow’s abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACEStretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!
