Sonic the Hedgehog: A Look Back at the 2004 Hit ‘Sonic Heroes’
Sonic the Hedgehog has been a beloved video game character for decades, famously kicking off the mascot race of the ‘90s and 2000s as Sega Genesis’s answer to Nintendo’s iconic plumber, Mario. The blue blur was synonymous with experiences that foregrounded speed, skill, and adrenaline, but after the Dreamcast’s failure, Sega faded from the console war. Despite these setbacks, the speedster still had some juice in him, and in 2004, Sonic Heroes was released.
Sonic Heroes was a departure from the traditional speed-based gameplay, with a new gimmick that allowed players to control three characters at the same time. Each character had unique strengths and attributes, adding a new sense of strategy to the game. Additionally, the game featured four trios to choose from, each with its own campaign and skill level. This allowed players to get a comprehensive view of Dr. Eggman’s plot.
The game received mixed reviews at the time due to its change in gameplay and level design. However, for many players, Sonic Heroes was their first experience with the Sonic franchise and offered a more approachable platforming experience for newcomers. Despite its quirks and flaws, the game inspired a sense of tolerance and even love for the franchise.
Following Sonic Heroes, the Sonic franchise continued to evolve, with titles like Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Unleashed, and Sonic ‘06 exploring new and sometimes controversial directions. However, despite not regaining the same level of polish and popularity, fans of the franchise continue to hold out hope for the future of the beloved speedster.