Even though there are many different genres of video games, there’s usually something unique about how each game plays to stand out.MarioandSonicare both platformer titles, butSonicis founded on the idea of letting players progress through levels at a break-neck pace, whereasMariolets fans explore levels at their own pace. It seems these differences may be made clearer when it comes toSuper Mario OdysseyandSonic Frontiers.
Sonic Frontierswas teased during aSonic the Hedgehog"Direct" called Sonic Central, and was properly revealed at The Game Awards 2021. Once fans got a glimpse of the in-engine footage, many were quick to liken it toBreath of the Wild, ecstatic at the idea of a similarSonicgame. However, with the waySonic Frontiersrefers to itself as “open-zone” rather than “open-world,” there’s a chance it may run closer withSuper Mario Odyssey.
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Sonic Team is Often Inspired By Nintendo
Manyfans of both Sega and Nintendoknow there’s been an overlap between the two companies for decades, having similar ideas and scopes for their games. Even Sonic as a concept was imagined to be Sega’s answer to Mario. While ties between the two conglomerates have grown more friendly than aggressive sinceSonicwas created, Sonic Team still looks to Nintendo for ideas.
Some games are more obvious on their inspirations than others, such as fans noticing similarities with 2006’sThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princessand 2008’sSonic Unleashedthat go beyond the “turning into a wolf” storyline. AnotherSonicgame that seems rather unapologetic in its inspiration isSonic Lost WorldandSuper Mario Galaxy, even in what themes are seen across the games' levels. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Super Mario Odyssey’s Level Design
Nintendo prides itself on innovating for the sake of bringing new gaming experiences to the table. WhileMario’s3D ventureshave largely all felt a certain way, their scope has changed fromSuper Mario 64toSuper Mario Odyssey. WithOdyssey, the range of actions each player can take is increased almost ten-fold, and this is made evident by how the game’s kingdoms are designed. With each one Mario visits, they seem to increase in scale.
When comparingBreath of the Wild’smap size toSuper Mario Odyssey, none of the kingdoms match up to Hyrule. However, just how much players have to find and explore adds up to almost the same amount. Nintendo keeps in mind what fans would use to explore every inch ofOdyssey’skingdoms, and makes sure each one is filled with plenty of secrets,Power Moons, and more to be discovered. In the end, this leads to the scale of both games balancing out well.
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What Sonic Frontiers Could Take From Nintendo
In terms of level design, the fact thatSonic Frontierscalls itself “open-zone"is unique given how the game seems to be open-world in nature. The word “zone” in regards to theSonicseries typically applies to the game’s levels. The location seen in the game implies there’s not just one island to explore, but several, and this is where it may take inspiration from Mario’s latest 3D venture.
Sonic Frontiershas been teased by leakersto feature a gigantic hub world filled with enemies that allows players to discover other levels through gateways. The other islands are implied onSonic Frontiers' website to feature different biomes such as deserts, meaning they might be completely separate from each other in the form of an archipelago. If these features turn out to be true,Super Mario Odysseywas most likely the inspiration behind designing the Starfall Islands.
Some say, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” while others say, “Good artists copy, but great artists steal.” Sonic Team has spent its time copying, but this might be its chance to steal great designs and apply them in its own way. WhileSuper Mario Odysseymay be a driving force for how the Starfall Islands were designed, it’s clear by their towers, wide-open spaces, and ancient aestheticthatBreath of the Wildalso played a key partin howFrontierswas developed.
Even with the inspiration found with two of Nintendo’s greatest hits,Sonic Frontierspresents itself in its own way.Frontiersmay borrow some design pointers from Nintendo, but this time it may lead to the game making something wholly unique rather than simply emulating what came before. With that in mind,Sonicfans may be in for a treat that sets upan interesting foundation forSonic’sfuturethis holiday season.
Sonic Frontiersis scheduled to be released in holiday 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Sonic Frontiers Would Need a Lot of Work to go Fully Open World
