Takashi Iizuka, the head of Sonic Team, recently expressed his frustration with the fact that Sonic Team has yet to create a Sonic The Hedgehog RPG. Despite being in charge since 2008 and having worked on Sonic games since 1994, the idea of a Sonic RPG seems to have eluded them for over three decades. This missed opportunity has left fans wondering why Mario has had the genre to himself for so long.
During a Good Vibes Gaming interview at a Sonic x Shadow Generations preview event, Iizuka mentioned his love for role-playing games and his desire to work on a Sonic RPG before retiring from Sega. He questioned why Sonic Team had not explored this genre in all their years of game development. With previous experience in RPGs, such as Phantasy Star Universe, the lack of innovation in creating a Sonic RPG seems inexcusable.
Uncertain Future
Although Iizuka’s dream of creating a Sonic RPG is promising, he admitted that there are no concrete plans at the moment. As the head of Sonic Team, it is his responsibility to turn this dream into a reality. While Sega may not be prioritizing passion projects currently, the potential for a Sonic RPG developed by Sonic Team is too appealing to overlook.
Potential for Success or Failure
The idea of a Sonic RPG opens up a world of possibilities. Sonic games have a history of either being great or awful, especially in the post-2001 era. However, the prospect of Sonic Team taking on this challenge is intriguing. Whether the game turns out to be a hit or a miss, the excitement of seeing Sonic navigate through an RPG-style world is undeniable.
In the absence of an official Sonic RPG from Sonic Team, Itch.io developers have stepped in to fill the gap. While these indie developers create unique and interesting games, there is still a longing for an authentic Sonic RPG experience crafted by the creators of the beloved franchise.
The absence of a Sonic RPG from Sonic Team is a missed opportunity for innovation and creativity. The potential for success or failure in this venture is high, but it is a risk worth taking for the iconic blue hedgehog. Fans are eagerly awaiting the day when Sonic Team announces concrete plans for a Sonic RPG, and hopefully, Takashi Iizuka will heed the call and make this dream a reality before his time at Sega comes to an end.