The process of creating a video game is not always easy, because to start making them you must have a well-planned idea, thanks to which great projects have come to light in the industry. Today one of the projects that attracts the most attention is Sonic Frontiersa bet to bring the blue hedgehog to the open world terrain.
Recently the medium known as IGN asked some pretty interesting questions to the creative director of Sonic Team Takashi Izuka, which talk about the entire creative process behind the video game. Here we bring you translated the most interesting answers that the Japanese executive gave to the members of the aforementioned team.
IGN: When did you first come up with the idea of making a Sonic game focused on open areas?
Iizuka-san: After completing Sonic Forces, we brainstormed what to do next. We realized that there is little room for evolution with a traditional 3D game. We could only do something that the fans have seen before. That’s why early on, we discussed how to change that linear style of play.
IGN: Did you look to other games for inspiration when designing the gameplay for Sonic Frontiers?
Iizuka-san: As I just mentioned, the game started when we wondered how to give linear Sonic titles more freedom. This new “open zone” gameplay is our way of bringing as much freedom as possible to a 3D Sonic action game.
Open world games like Zelda or other AAA are RPG’s or adventure games. For Sonic, the core here is a 3D action game. Our basic idea was for it to take place in an open space. What sets Sonic Frontiers apart is this different approach.
IGN: Can you talk a bit about the division of having this open zone alongside the traditional Sonic levels, and why you felt it was important to have this new format?
Iizuka-san: You can make a lot of discoveries and enjoy 3D Sonic action on the open area islands. However, there are also traditional Sonic-style high-speed linear action stages. By merging these open areas and traditional 3D action settings on the same islands, players will be able to enjoy a wider variety of 3D action than ever before.
IGN: With the inclusion of the open world, it almost feels like we’ve looped back to the first Sonic Adventure, which also had a very small-scale open world. Are you interested in visiting the Sonic Adventure games, either in the form of a remaster or a sequel?
Iizuka-san: I’ve mentioned this in previous interviews, but I’d like to continue the Sonic Adventure series. It also contains smaller open spaces known as Adventure Fields. I think we’ve also used what we learned from them in this game. I haven’t thought about my next game yet. But personally I think it would be nice if we could use what we learn from this game in Adventure.
Remember that sonic frontiers will come to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Via: IGN