Videos by ComicBook.com
“There was a period after the development of Sonic Mania when we workedwith them to consider concepts for the next generation of ClassicSonic,” Iizuka told Game Informer. “It’s too bad that it didn’t become a finishedgame. Still, I’m pleased that the next generation of Classic Sonic thatwe talked about with them has been achieved with Superstars.”
Iizuka went on to note that he and Whitehead agreed that the follow-up would have to move towards 3D visuals. While the classic 2D visuals were loved by longtime fans, both felt that 3D visuals would be needed “to really make it look and feel as appealing to a wider audience.”
“Evening Star did work with Sega to explore possible directions ClassicSonic could go after the success of Sonic Mania. Sonic Mania 2 was neverin development, though, because we actually agreed early on that weshould try to make something fresh, like hand-drawn 2D or 2.5D,” Whitehead told Game Informer. “At thesame time, Evening Star was developing our new Star Engine, so we alsoended up making a cool Sonic prototype that played with depth in 2.5D,and some other gameplay ideas.”
While these discussions clearly shaped what become Sonic Superstars, Whitehead’s team and Sega amicably parted ways on the project. Evening Star instead pivoted to development on Penny’s Big Breakaway, which was revealed during a Nintendo Direct just a few weeks after Sonic Superstars was announced. Meanwhile, Sonic co-creator Naoto Ohshima’s studio Arzest began building on the concepts that Whitehead and Iizuka were discussing. It also seems that there’s no bad blood between the teams, with Whitehead saying he looks forward to playing Sonic Superstars when it releases later this year.
“Superstars looks awesome and our team is really excited to play it when it comes out,” said Whitehead.
Are you disappointed Sega didn’t make Sonic Mania 2? What do you think of Sonic Superstars?Let usknow inthecomments or share your thoughtsdirectlyonTwitterat @Marcdachamp to talk all things gaming!
