Modern Sonic: The Inevitable Evolution of an Icon

Even when Sonic was created, he was still being designed. Let's look at the clues through the 90's that were leading us to his iconic "Modern" design.
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[@amazaine8743]

Everyone asks What is Modern Sonic? But no one asks How is Modern Sonic...

[@Adobo809]

F

[@Nitwon]

;w;

[@hurt4322]

👏😭

[@TheAuron32]

one better, WHY is modern Sonic?!

[@dusanstojsin4938]

I uNdErStood tHaT rEFreNcE

[@realestAG]

I really want a return to the days where “classic” Sonic and “modern” Sonic were a single entity and the same character just in different designs. It would be better for the brand and for consistency in general.

[@bagelgod946]

I like thinking classic sonic is just younger sonic

[@nickgamer7119]

@@bagelgod946 yeah thats right dude!

[@dudu28r81]

@@marc8131 That'd work really damn well

[@realestAG]

@@bagelgod946 Sonic growing green eyes never made sense to me. I always saw “Classic Sonic” as a different design, not a different character or a younger Sonic

[@bagelgod946]

AwesomeG46 I mean this is the same universe with two tailed fox’s that let them fly and a man shaped like a egg so them getting colors in there eyes as they got older never seemed impossible to me... of course it’s fine if you prefered it as a design change but I like thinking that sonic grow up in between S3K and SA it feels like it adds some depth to his character.

[@spinningsilver270]

"You put Modern Sonic in this world though, and you'll have Robotropolis cleared out faster than you can say "I'll take my eggs over EASY." Hot dog Nick, that went down smooth.

[@alexandrews6256]

You add another quotation if you end a quote with a quote "Example text "I am iron man""

[@SamMan6410]

The opening for sonic adventure is godly

[@dragonator1012]

*SONIC UNLEASHED OPENING ENTERS THE CHAT*

[@MrPaws54]

I get it

[@cheesyquokka]

Damn, I really want to play that game

[@Tsoliasgaming]

Everything is godly made

[@Cas2000San]

But Sonic CD intro though...

[@basedcringechad5640]

I always cracked me up that people insist Modern Sonic is a different character from the classic version because of the green eyes. And I'm here looking at Zero from MegaMan X and MegaMan Zero like "yeah this is the same guy"

[@TurnaboutAkamia]

Right? It's rather obviously supposed to be the same guy! There is no "Mega Man Zero"; it's just Zero from the _Mega Man X_ series getting his own series of games. And you can tell it's part of the same continuity because Mega Man X is there too in some capacity, with a good handful of callbacks to the X series at that.

[@Mario60bore]

@@TurnaboutAkamia it made more of a degree of sense if you follow the plot since thats zero's 4rth body

[@quantum1189]

@@Mario60bore Even more when you think about the fact that technology was evolving and the reploids were looking a lot more like humans.

[@Mario60bore]

@@quantum1189 true plus omega took over zero's original body

[@lugbzurg8987]

Same applies to Mario. He didn't always have blue eyes. Why doesn't he get hit with this scrutiny? Donkey Kong is unrecognizable from his arcade days.

[@M.N.O.93]

I remember playing sonic generations at my friends house. His little sister kept on calling classic sonic ‘baby sonic’ lol.

[@sphereyahya]

That must've been triggering

[@Ronan34753]

Well...that is kind of how SEGA treats that style of Sonic, so I can't blame her.

[@sphereyahya]

@@Ronan34753 yeah I think toei sonic is the best classic sonic, it shows a 10 year old who has joyful moves but can get really serious

[@Ronan34753]

@@sphereyahya Yeah, Toei's is ideal I think. Really emphasizes his character.

[@jaymontgomery8566]

I call him "ChibiSon" sometimes, it's strange, I know, but like Its like chibiusa but its Sonic

[@phantomstrider]

For me, there was no thrill quite like first plugging in my Dreamcast and seeing modern sonic smirk on the screen in the sonic adventure intro. Super cheesey? You bet. Unforgettable and perfectly encapsulating modern sonic design? Hell yes. Thanks for the great memory trip.

[@taxiiswith2is]

@PhantomStrider Of all people wow. it’s an honor to be in your presence

[@spence8507]

I've never played a modern sonic game aside from forces that includes SA1 or SA2

[@GameApologist]

There are few consoles that grab at my heart like the Dreamcast. I know exactly what you mean with that first start up.

[@RancidKari]

Woah, PhantomStrider’s here?? Wow!

[@peterpumkineater69346]

Hi phantomstrider! Im a fan of your vids! You were on luigifan00001s detective luigi vid

[@thermalthruster]

bUt ThE GeNesis WasNt InveNteD By eVE

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

iTS aDAm aNd STeVe NOt gEneSIs ANd EvE

[@Skulldude69420]

It came out of her vegana

[@Sydney_Angelyt]

Skull Vagenesis

[@quandaledingle4491]

:0

[@Skulldude69420]

Ethan ##*#*##* oh yeah good one 😂

[@mastershake2473]

I'll always prefer the modern Sonic design, he just looks cool.

[@NuparuTheArchivist]

makuta profile picture Pog

[@philly._szn2]

Yessir

[@chillihog1543]

Same

[@mastershake2473]

@@NuparuTheArchivist A fellow Bionicle fan?

[@realestAG]

@@swirlingabyss “Classic” Sonic’s cuter design doesn’t show off Sonic’s “attitude” nearly as well as the modern design imo

[@dopejoel]

Modern Sonic was just Sonic to me as a millennial growing up with the Adventure series as my gateway into the Franchise.

[@GameApologist]

What was your first Sonic game?

[@dopejoel]

@@GameApologist Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. I played that game more than any other and even got all the emblems 💪. Been replaying them recently with the redream Dreamcast Emulator on my Android phone. Works perfectly!

[@orlanzo2621]

"Millennial" is a big age range, lol. I'm a millennial and i grew up on the classic series on the Genesis. I also "grew up" on the Adventure games as well because i was 13-14 years old when SA1 came out.

[@NotMyRealName6]

The SA2 Hero opening cutscene is the single most nostalgic cutscene in the series for me.

[@scarfaceAC2]

The SA1 intro is still my favorite. So badass.

[@MDWolfe-ks5fu]

“Wolfe, How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Urkel. My name is Jaleel White. Urkel is a character that I have played as a child.” _Jaleel White from big fat liar.

[@lightgivemepower6425]

Sonic unleashed and black knight got the story middle ground perfectly in my opinion... Also Great video.

[@desmondnomad9844]

I agree, Sonic Unleashed will always be one of my favorite games, especially in terms of story, and the writing was great as well.

[@Hajilex]

Those two are SO horribly underrated but you can't forget sonic and the seven rings

[@desmondnomad9844]

@@Hajilex I actually haven't played Sonic and the Secret Rings, it's one of the few Sonic games I have yet to play, but from the looks of it, it looks pretty good.

[@TheRedGyardos]

@@desmondnomad9844 Okay so the controls are shit, yet they are bad in a way that makes me want to do better. Story is simple yet compelling. Overall, it is, in fact, a game.

[@cheesyquokka]

@@TheRedGyardos those controls made me want to rage quit

[@MagillanicaLouM]

Modern Sonic is the Sonic i know most and I'll never get tired looking at it. Sonic looks cool no matter what and i have my preferences in his look from game to game, but Yuji really knocked it out the park in giving us a design base that lasts

[@sonix-artmore5548]

Here's a fun game: Throw out your monitor whenever you see another comment saying "Sonic has had a rough transition into 3D", and then go buy another one because the comment is redundant no matter how rough he transitioned into 3D. He may have had a rough transition, but nobody's perfect, and he will always try and try again to nail the right spot, some may work, and some may get you Sonic Underground, but no matter the odds, people will still enjoy this guy, because he matters in the industry.

[@TaeInfinite]

Sonix - Art & More! I mean people can be tired of that comment all they want, it’s still the truth.

[@Otome_chan311]

Sonic's transition into 3D was peak sonic.

[@desmondnomad9844]

How was it even rough, when Sonic Adventure was released, it was met with critical and financial success, even IGN loved it back then, how is it bad now, oh because now the critics are saying that it didn't age well so now it's bad, bullshit, I think Super Mario 64 aged bad in some ways but I still believe that it is one of the best games ever. If anything Sonic had a smooth as butter transition into 3D.

[@CarbonRollerCaco]

Desmond Nomad The rough transition came RIGHT AFTER the one into 3D; the one where Sonic was constantly being reinvented in ways that had very little to do with 3D itself and more to do with staying "cool", which wouldn't've been so bad if the series' past identity hadn't been treated so callously in the process because of then-new director Takashi Iizuka's idea of how the series should be.

[@CarbonRollerCaco]

Kafke The transition itself wasn't the rough part; it was what to do after it.

[@BonitoJoe111]

Am I the only one that thinks the 2d Yuji Uekawa art looks better than most of the cg rendered art today? At least the 2d drawings were allowed to contort and be more expressive.

[@Koolkamjam_KKJ]

SamuraiJo1 I totally agree, imagine if they did cutscenes and art styles like Shantae games have where they have like a 2D animated cutscene where they can make sonic and his friends much more expressive . I always thought the 2D art style looked way better because the 3D models just make sonic look more stiff which doesn’t fit his character at all. It works for someone like Mario, but not Sonic.

[@TailsGuy72]

I WISH they made 2D art on the box art, like the japanese Sonic Riders box art. Oh god, the japanese Sonic Riders box art. If they were to make a 2D box art, or even just, art for advertising in general, make it Uekawa's work. I'd be cool if the box art was structured like Persona box art. Especially the P1, the two P2's and P5's box art.

[@donovanjr284]

No your not i love the 2d art too

[@lugbzurg8987]

JRPGs are practically the only games (aside from indie titles, mostly) still coming out with 2D artwork on the covers. I wish there was more of this.

[@Koolkamjam_KKJ]

I mean seriously, imagine how BAD ASS a sonic vs shadow cutscene would look like or maybe them doing a speed battle

[@WebstersYouTube]

Thank you for recognising and talking about the Saturn era transitional art. So many people assume it was just straight to modern when that's simply, and evidently, not the case.

[@migneverender7400]

Great video and analysis, but honestly I'm just commenting to point out that "Open Your Heart" is completely flawless, and captures the spirit of Sonic perfectly.

[@GameApologist]

The only flaw I have with it are the lyrics are wild. ... If that's even a flaw at all.

[@camo6465]

SEGA would disagree. They’ve been absolutely doubling down on the classic design in recent years, almost as if they’re afraid of all the negativity associated with the modern games in comparison to the classic games. Classic Sonic is the image on all of their social medias, they’ve subtly redesigned modern Sonic over the years to make him stubbier with shorter quills (seriously look at modern Sonic’s model in Sonic Forces, he looks almost identical to classic Sonic, especially in comparison to Sonic Generations’ modern Sonic model), and most of the merchandise in recent years has also been classic Sonic. SEGA is the EXACT OPPOSITE of what they were in the Adventure era. Instead of pushing forward headstrong with ambitious new ideas, they’re cowering backwards and trying to reuse what was safe OVER TWO DECADES AGO. They really need to learn that the nostalgia factor has been lost from their brand entirely at this point and that the series needs to move forward again. They need to embrace what the original modern Sonic design represented

[@waringaw.m6350]

It's because Sega Of Japan designed Modern Sonic but they gave up on Sonic after Sonic 06. Sega Of America likes Classic Sonic. So they're trying to devolve Sonic.

[@scr0ngle108]

People tend to exagerate that Classic Sonic is 'overused' Its just that nostalgic merch sells well. Modern Sonic is still used plenty in common merch, the Sonic channel, and games of course

[@najadamu2724]

When I was a kid, I genuinely didn't even notice the design change. Not even the green eyes registered as a notable difference to me. Then again, I wouldn't have called myself the brightest child...

[@LucasMBoysOurRoy]

I may be in the minority, but I believe that the CGI cutscenes from 06 are the perfect translation of Uekawa’s artwork to 3D, down to the lankiness and fluid movement. I can’t say that much about the model though. I hate it when modern Sonic’s design is made to look like Classic Sonic, like in Lost World, Forces, and even Smash Bros. Modern Sonic’s design works so well that there’s no reason to change it (hence Boom design). The shorter quills are almost a metaphor for Sonic Team’s cowardice and refusal to move this series forward, and not understanding what made classic sonic work in the first place. This is also why I miss when classic and modern were the same character. It was just Sonic. Now his identity is even more fractured than before. Man, I just love your content. Your videos essays are always well put together.

[@heckno15yearsago]

Fluid movement? No. The characters in Sonic 06’s cutscenes felt ZOMBIFIED. They flailed their arms around whenever they spoke, and in general they were just devoid of any kind of emotions, but I do understand what you’re trying to say.

[@AkameGaKillfan777]

@@heckno15yearsago Are you talking about the in-game cutscenes or the CGI ones? The former is motion capture and the latter is actually pretty good.

[@Ronan34753]

@@heckno15yearsago He obviously WASN'T referring to the unfinished, in-game cutscenes. Everyone knows how bad they are. He's referring to something like the Intro CG Cinematic cut-scenes that were worked on by Blur and Marza studios. But about the in-game cutscenes, maybe if everyone that was in the credits didn't disappear from the project one by one until only less than 5 people were left working on the game. Maybe they would've actually finished their animations for the cutscenes. Just my take.

[@alphadd8756]

I cant believe i just noticed this but youre right Nick, these days Sonic does feel stiff, i could be wrong but he almost always has slow and controlled movements, like he is in an invisible box, he doesnt point as long, he doesnt jump and wave his arms like a lunatic, make crazy facials and he doesnt feel as energetic or excited. Now i know that might just be reasoned with, Sonic is older and more controlled or the animation is more tight and improved and yeah that is true but at the same time, this guy is meant to be cocky and in your face but in a fun and energetic way and it feels weird to just see him make simple hand gestures instead of the cool poses of the adventure era sonic. Anyways great episode as always, hope to see more in depth covers of the adventure era games like the Chaos collab you did, really enjoyed that one aswell, hope the best for you man.

[@dopejoel]

Remember when Sonic had 3 distinct flips while using the homing attack in Sonic Heroes? Those were awesome animations, despite the hate that design gets.

[@Rhinestonescowboy]

You're not wrong

[@frostnova2144]

This is SO true, compare the way sonic moves in Heroes vs Generations. Generations is an amazing game loved by many, but sonics run cycle and general movement is the definition of stiff (looks wise)

[@dopejoel]

@@frostnova2144 exactly. The heroes design is underrated because people look at it still, not in motion.

[@joechristo2]

Adventure Sonic didn’t feel like a whole new character, yet he still had differences. It seemed like this was Classic Sonic but grown up. Nowadays, if you put Modern Sonic’s personality on Adventure Sonic or Classic Sonic, it would be a bit off

[@ThisisKyle]

I always thought the modern design was Sonic when he was older after all the original games

[@cyanryann64]

Because it is

[@ThisisKyle]

@@cyanryann64 Well not according to Sega anymore

[@marmeg5238]

@@ThisisKyle Wait what? What is it according to SEGA?

[@MagillanicaLouM]

I think thats the general idea. If not at first, definitely after a while. Then Forces pulled the diff dimension stuff but iirc thats just both ideas running at the same time, not necessarily a replacement

[@zacnmac2633]

YOU FOOL

[@millythompsonfromtrigun98anime]

For real I miss the uniquely shaped trix

[@DaSlashuur]

I think they brought them back actually

[@LittleBunniFuFu]

Out of everything in this video my boy talking about trix

[@MagillanicaLouM]

Those last 3 minutes are straight preaching. Youre always on point on your general discussions regarding the whole series, but this is something i feel the fanbase always struggles with. Ive accepted we will never be unified and this series wont be able to satisfy it 100%, and thats fine. Many iconic game series' deal with this. But i feel too many in this one are in love with the idea of THEIR dream Sonic game, anything else will fall short and never satisfy. Its ok for Sonic to do different things. Yeah i wish sonic team would polish the ones that have been mostly beloved, but if what is new is also fun, im down

[@Rydax]

That describes every fanbase ever. Not just Sonic's.

[@islandboy9381]

It's pretty clear Sonic Team has already made up their mind to focus on Boost gameplay since that is "Modern Sonic" style of gameplay as established by Generations. I'm all for the Boost gameplay it has so much potential for greatness it's just that the execution so far has been really lackluster since Forces.

[@JayPley]

I think there's a certain beauty in Sonic's fluidity. At this point there's so many wildly different ideas floating around in the pool of concepts that is the franchise, that it's become near impossible for future entries to please everyone. But in a weird way the variety on display proves that the games have transcended being defined as one single thing. It's so wildly out of the box at this point... it's kind of exciting. We don't really even know what we're gonna see next from the blue fuzzball

[@efrainsantiago4787]

@Myka Ruest sums up why people talk better things about Mario than Sonic. Anyway don't fight me or anything I just wanted to say this,OK?

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

Yeah, Sonic Forces can try and push Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic as being from different dimensions as much as they wan't, I still won't believe them. Generations in founded on the idea that these two characters are the same character at different points in time and considering this is a much simpler explanation and that Generations is a much better game, that's the version I chose to accept.

[@thatboiluigi4465]

how can I get the high ground??

[@hayond656]

@@thatboiluigi4465 you just can't

[@Adobo809]

I feel like Sonic's design in the Advance series is the best. Art and sprite.

[@GameApologist]

Not my personal favorite but I loved seeing the then newer Sonic in classic gameplay. They brought a lot of the style to the old school and I loved it.

[@Adobo809]

Game Apologist You have no idea how excited I am I got a reply from you!! Love your content, can't wait for more!!

[@MCsonic537]

Nah, toei sonic is.

[@magicvampirelver1321]

@@GameApologist totally agree!

[@juliocesarcoreavargas9300]

Aka newgrounds sonic

[@RichyBmusical]

The opening cutscene for unleashed was so good overall we needed a movie with it. His movements in it don't shy away from the sort of stretchy cartoon look. Plus the action is amazing

[@snomflakes]

NoOoOo tHaT'S NoT MoDeRn sOnIc iT'S ClAsSiC SoNiC ReEeEeEeEeEeEe

[@Thatguy-px8xh]

*CHUGS AGGRESSIVLY*

[@itbelikedat4ever535]

*Chugs while bass boost intensified*

[@King_Cisco]

20:33 That is different because Link is not just one person, but instead somebody born with the spirit of the hero every hundred years or more. So it would make sense why there are differences.

[@Bornheck]

We didn’t really know that back then

[@ligtningdog6399]

Even so, the different versions of Link barely have that many changes to the basic design (elf boy with a green tonic and hair, and fights with a magic sword and shield). It the game's lore didn't mention the spirit of the hero thing, no one would of cared. But you have Sonic fans (and currently Sega) trying to treat the designs as if it's Megaman situation.

[@YourLocalCrackCryptid]

@@ligtningdog6399 but you see link had pink hair once

[@francoperalta5986]

Some games share the same Link. The NES games, the N64 games, the oracle games, ALttp and Awakening which may or may not be the same hero in oracles. Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass.

[@aguyontube3805]

Is that a new mic. Your voice sounds more clearer then usual.

[@GameApologist]

Recorded this twice, like once right after the other. I think my voice just got a bit worn out.

[@Aurora_OldAudios]

MultiTarded “more grammar” Rip grammar let me correct you “More grammar” rip grammar

[@Hutch2Much]

21:40 Open Your Heart playing over the opening Sonic Adventure 2 cutscene triggered my fight or flight instincts

[@ThisisKyle]

To be fair, in Link's case they're usually different Links

[@lightgivemepower6425]

Key word "usually"

[@ThisisKyle]

@@lightgivemepower6425 And when they're the same Link the art style stays the same. Only time I can think they don't is between Zelda 1 and Zelda 2

[@kimaster5893]

@@ThisisKyle Oracle games and link to the past have different art styles

[@ligtningdog6399]

But outside of the game lore, you can easily assume they are all the same person; just with a different artist style.

[@ThisisKyle]

@@kimaster5893 Aren't they different Links in those games?

[@lem0ncrunch]

The Sonic Unleashed opening cutscene I feel like is a great example of modern boost Sonic being shown to be so fluid and animated, every time I see that cutscene it reminds me how cool Sonic can look when in action 😊

[@RamuneRabbit]

It's nice to know I wasn't the only one during the Saturn era noticing a sort of reigning in of Sonic & even Tails' designs to fit more in line with the Japanese designs. Yeah, Greg Martin's art is iconic, but....I wasn't a fan even as a kid, despite loving the games, ironically enough. But around the Saturn era, the internet was becoming more available, and with that, information as well. You find out there WERE designs closer to the graphics of the game this whole time....they were just changed for your region. Now that the cat was out of the bag, you were noticing changes. You could even see it in the back of Sonic & Knuckles, the Game Gear games. They still LOVED using Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog Robotnik for box art and promotional images though for some reason. But even as a fan primarily of the Classic games growing up, the Modern Era was definitely a breath of fresh air and for once....consistency! I love both Classic and Modern designs, and as much as I see fans bicker about which Sonic is better, they both stand the test of time, and are a textbook example of what makes a design iconic!

[@Piffle57]

Modern sonic isn't the short one man Go ahead, take a sip

[@freyajones9748]

I want a game more like the adventure era

[@WaterKirby1994]

A lot of us want that, we want the "Just Sonic" mentality to leave completely, we want a return to the stories that take themselves seriously & for the characters to actually feel like themselves again which they haven't for the past 10 years. The problem is that Sega of America is typically brainless & never should have been left in charge of the Sonic Series without Yuji Naka's guidance. Sega of Japan was against all that stuff, although they had given up on the Sonic Series in favor of other series.

[@freyaljones7368]

@@WaterKirby1994 why did they had too make sonic more lighthearted and careful I want sonic to be aimed at teens again and make heartfelt stories like the adventure games and thst heartfelt moment in sonic the hedgehog3 and knuckles when knuckles realise thst he was trick by eggman and teams up with sonic to get the master emerald gone where’s all that magic gone we’re is it and what do you think about the idw

[@bestbacongaming3151]

@@freyaljones7368 I think IDW is awesome 😎

[@TheBandoBandito]

That green console collection is too dope

[@M_Alexander]

The Sonic Adventure opening cinematic blew my little 14 year old mind

[@comicaze8238]

I love Sonic Adventure, its my favorite 3D Sonic game. It has my favorite modern design, and it finally emphasized the proper JP canon of the classics, which is great.

[@CyberDiver91]

This video really hit me in my childhood in a good way. I remember being amazed by Mario 64 and absolutely blown away by Sonic Adventure. Happy belated birthday, Sonic.

[@popowerst4712]

Always felt like the best representation of Sonic was the old Sonic Boom anime intro. It puts his raw speed and skill on display like no other, the attitude was dripping, and the technique of the animation and music matched the design. No telling how many times I watched that video.

[@GameApologist]

Toei Sonic is a favorite for a reason!

[@realestAG]

I always found the Unleashed intro to be a little better in both character representation and action. The CD intro is definitely top tier though

[@quonit37]

It's just sad. There are so many people that are so passionate for this series and have so many ideas about it and UNDERSTAND it like you, Liam Triforce, Characters-In-Depth and thousands of people throughout the sonic fanbase that care SO MUCH about these games and want nothing but them to succeed. And yet, in our current era, it's all so pushed back. What happened to the stories and personalities of Adventure? What happened to all of the well written dialogue and thought out ideas and concepts and arts and designs? Why are characters just included as tokens rather than being used to add things to the games? Is there really a point to putting them there? It's just sad. There are so many people that could do so much with this series and make it amazing again like it was, but it's unlikely those kinds of people will find their way on the writers team for these games.

[@tylerwilson1024]

Long live sonic, through ups and downs, and all arounds this is a franchise that'll never die.

[@mep6302]

I hope so

[@EclipseHedgehog]

Sa2 Sonic is my favorite modern Sonic design without a doubt. Loved his attitude, voice, his soap shoes, the size of his quills were just right instead of being big banana's on his head like in heroes/shadow/06 and onward. He wasn't TOO over the top or trying too hard to be cool, he just was. He acted a tad mature too. Especially with the ending.

[@alexanderlaplante5477]

Love your take on old blue boy,through and through. Let us pray to the Master Emerald, that Sonic will always matter. Especially hypersonic, they need to get that ball rolling fast.

[@LuceoX30]

I'm adamant in calling the adventure sonic, anime. He isn't classical Disney or modern Pixar looking, but "rad, hypercool" attitude induced.

[@Ronan34753]

Just the way I like it. None of that "but this is a cartoon blue animal made for kids" mantra. Just pure, unapologetic style and character.

[@Spider-Fan006]

Sonic's main demographic is children we older Sonic fans have to face that fact but that doesn't mean only children should enjoy Sonic stories I turn to my favorite Sonic game Sonic Adventure 1 Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Unleashed for example those games are for children but they have stories that all ages can enjoy that is what sets Sonic apart from Mario Mario is a bit more kid friendly while Sonic is for all ages and it works until Shadow and 06 released and destroyed everything the classic games and pre Shadow had been trying to build for The Blue Blur's stories but with Frontiers being written by Ian Flynn of IDW Sonic comics we might be seeing those stories return with our meta era cast finally getting the thrilling and emotional story they truly deserved so let's keep our hope for the best shining in our hearts

[@hypersonicxx]

I just like modern sonic, he's is cool, has a awesome personality, green eyes, and more. Oh and happy birthday sonic!!!!🎉🎉🎊🎊🎈🎈

[@mep6302]

His birthday was yesterday

[@GameApologist]

No reason to stop celebrating!

[@hypersonicxx]

@@GameApologist you got me there...

[@mightybardin5965]

God I miss soap shoes sonic. In my opinion it was a style that is more in line with what we call modern sonic. They boasted a more redefined look of his classic shoes while actually giving them function. The arch in the soap shoes were designed with the express idea of rail grinding and it made sense. Especially compared to the flatness of the classic shoe sonic has long since switched back to. The glow from the back of the heel, not only looked cool, but it also was an upgrade that allowed Sonic to light speed dash for rings. It honestly frustrates me that this awesome design was dropped so fast and I can’t help but wonder why they don’t reincorporate it now that the Soap shoe company has gone out of business so they don’t have to pay for rights anymore.

[@darthbacon3331]

ive always found the consept of "modern sonic" and "classic sonic" stupid, to me sonic is sonic and it doesnt matter what design he has, the franchise will always stay close to my heart regardless

[@mep6302]

I agree with you

[@GameApologist]

I'm split on it. I might make a video about this very subject. I've had a lot of fun talks with people debating this point.

[@WaterKirby1994]

I always saw more of a difference between 2000s Sonic & 2010s Sonic than between Classic Sonic & Adventure Sonic. Sonic stopped being himself in Sonic Colors in terms of personality.

[@WaterKirby1994]

@@errorstudioz The Sonic I remember would fight demonic gods like Solaris & Dark Gaia in his Super Form. He went from being cool to being a complete parody of himself between 2009's Black Knight & 2010's Sonic Colors. It will take a miracle to recover the series reputation from the mistakes made over the past 11 years in the games themselves.

[@moltendmp]

NO COPYRIGHT LAW IN UNIVERSE IS GOING TO STOP ME

[@WaterKirby1994]

Thanks for providing the only joke in Sonic Colors that was actually good.

[@guiteshima]

WaterKirby1994 Sonic Colors had good jokes?...

[@Doribi117]

I appreciate you using the link designs to point out the whole design changes for more modern games thing as both a Zelda and Sonic fan. Keep up the good work.

[@MattTheHuman9]

I liked how the Advanced games managed to transition his modern design in a 2D sprite based format. They still look good to this day imo.

[@EgnimaticMidori]

1:41 Cultured. Green is the best color

[@Birthday_Shark]

I had that Sonic toy with his motorcycle! I always got a kick out of his swinging arms with his rings. It always looked so delightfully silly.

[@Aeoncalcos91]

The Sonic Adventure opening still gives me goosebumps. Great job on this video. Regarding the redesign itself, I've heard that one of the other reasons why the modern Sonic design was created is because Yuji Naka felt that people had begun to view the character as cutesy and he wanted to restore his original "bad boy" feel. The modern design was made to appeal to an older demographic I've no idea if this is actually true or not, but it's still interesting to think about.

[@L._Vireo]

I've been worried about redesigning my own character for a new video game I'm gonna consider making, and this video has helped me realize that it's okay to redesign him. Thank you.

[@ultimateshithead1041]

I grew up with both classic sonic and modern sonic, but I will always see modern sonic as my sonic cause I was born in 2006 and I used to play sonic rush when I was 6 and still do X3

[@somerandomidioticnerd9769]

KZbin really failed at showing me this one, great video either way

[@GameApologist]

KZbin has not been kind to me these past two months, but I sure as hell appreciate the folks that still take the time to watch. Thank you.

[@tntsonic7482]

I love the exaggerated lanky modern sonic design.

[@edgelord8337]

Modern sonic is everything about the previous Sonics but I'd say more refined I'm personally a fan of this design because it just looks cooler but in a different level too I'd consider modern sonic sonic unleashed to sonic forces and it's really important because this was Sega breathing new life in a franchise that was struggling to keep up in the mid 2000s Maybe it's because Sega thought sonic was too edgy and wanted to make him "child friendly" but that doesn't mean he has to be in terms of character or story have to be a babies game. Forces tried to break the mold by having a serious story and that was basically a joke. I just hope in the future we can get a balance between the jokes, character, and story. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.

[@lightgivemepower6425]

I'd say they got it right in unleashed and black knight.

[@churupinha3510]

Honestly, the reason I'm not that big of a fan of the adventure design is because of all the cockiness he can give off sometimes. I don't like the idea of Sonic being SUPER cocky, even though I suppose it was kind of the original intention. It's just kind of annoying and grating for me. One of my favorite personalities of Sonic is in the Sonic CD animations. He's bossy and serious, but not too an annoying extent like Shadow nowadays. Also I don't like him being very lanky, couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe it's because the classic design resembled more an actual hedgehog? I dunno. And don't get me wrong, I don't think the new look is terrible or anything. It's fine, and I actually really like the way the models from Adventure 2 in particular look, but I just prefer the classic one overall.

[@void1824]

edge lord okay but ITS YOU AGAIN I see your comments on everything I watch

[@jamesrgamesoffical]

Joel Templeton see his bio

[@mikdan8813]

that black hedgehog again, of all places

[@goldenlightning8842]

THIS MAN DOESN'T MISS I SWEAR

[@Gilbot9000]

How do you always say what I'm thinking but can't express? Dang. Knockin' em outta the park here.

[@GeoTheHero]

Love your attention to detail! It's always nice to hear a fresh take on the history of Sonic.

[@pinhead7422]

Dude, your videos make me wish I was growing up in the 90's

[@firestarter6488]

Erhmm... No one argues about what style of Link is best because each Link, (barring a few direct obvious sequels), are different incarnations, not the same one all around like Sonic is supposed to be. Also, Adult Link had been seen before Ocarina of Time, in Zelda 2, he was at least a young adult, if not fully grown up by then, the story is a little vague on it, but he clearly wasn't a child anymore.

[@ligtningdog6399]

The point he is making is that, despite there being a bunch different version of Link, people general see them all just "Link". Outside of Smash Bros, no ones goes out of their way to point out why Link is which, because they, functional, so similar. But Sonic fans are quick to draw the line on "Classic" and "Modern" basic on tiny changes.

[@VincentEternal]

Modern sonic is just sonic no modern, no classic, just sonic

[@mep6302]

Exactly

[@joechristo2]

Yeah, he was Sonic and still is Sonic from all those years ago. Even though he has changed a lot he is still the same character and is still very similar. I’m not saying Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic look the same, I’m just saying that both were and always will be Sonic

[@VincentEternal]

Joe Christo ya to me the modern look is just older sonic and the classic look is his younger look.

[@ShelbyAQD]

One neat detail of the Adventure art I overlooked for years is that the characters' shading seems to be based on the classic American box art. They both feature darker palettes and that sorta stylized rim-light look. And unrelated, but I really wish they would scale the hands and feet down just a bit in the future.

[@GameApologist]

That's a very interesting point. Also yes, I agree, the hands and feet look like they're trying to emulate the wacky perspectives of the SA1 promo art.

[@SaiyanScholar]

Respect for this video! Good job! Glad to see you again!

[@ghettokage6104]

12:00 “His quills have gotten longer, because all of Sonic has gotten longer”. Amy: I’m liking what I’m hearing.

[@diskdem0n]

no. NO. _NO._ *NO*

[@ghettokage6104]

@@diskdem0n LMFAOO

[@ghettokage6104]

OMFG GAME APOLOGIST HEARTED MY COMMENT 💪

[@masterprick1]

I wish the whole "classic"/"modern" division never happened, to me there had always been one Sonic. Honestly I think it's time for Iizuka to step down as the Head of Sonic Team, some of his decisions regarding the story and the world of Sonic just causes more problems and his talents would probably be best serve actually working on the games.

[@taxiiswith2is]

I wonder where we would be if adventure had kept classic sonic and they continued that way

[@ohitsyou.]

12:15 everybody gangsta till sonic uses gum gum pistol-

[@bagelgod946]

your video’s are so good! Your delivery and words always feels like you care and you know what your talking about! I especially like your last bit at the end!

[@rinniran6437]

classic sonic with fangs looks cool imo

[@remis8623]

17:56 has a really great face. I hope it's a meme somewhere

[@Nov-5062]

Yeah, a very old one.

[@therealmrmago9077]

Yuji Uekawa basically did for sonic what Tatsuya Yoshikawa did for mega man x took an iconic mascot of gaming and updated it for a new generation

[@chillax7345]

He’s back and with a new sonic video thank you Game Apologist can’t wait for more different videos

[@GFCOLCQuote]

That whole lesson at 6:35 was super cool. The fact that you went back and took new research and scrapped old footage is pretty commendable. It sounds simple, like everyone should do that when presented with such info, but the laziness in people going "Well, I finished it, so I'll put an aside later." happens so often that I have to point out that its that type of quality that makes me come to this channel and respect what you do. Toot Toot.

[@desposyy]

I don't know about everyone, but allot of people would have loved mania in the late 90's

[@elvinrivera5638]

Sonic's awesome and I fukin love his franchise, from his design to his music to his goofy or serious stories. His gameplay styles are great, tho some more preferable than others. But just imagine a Sonic game whose gameplay revolved around adventure style with some refined parkour mechanics and instead of having 2d sections, having boost sections or some complete boost levels. IMO that would be the pinnacle of Modern Sonic, taking everything that works and mixing it and refining it into the best package possible. This mixed with some of Sonic's killer music, and some dope creative levels. Man one can only dream! And yeah you are right his animations are getting stiffer and stiffer. Hopefully they'll improve in the future.

[@WaterKirby1994]

How would the characters who aren't Sonic play? The Just Sonic mentality was a huge mistake & needs to stay dead & the same could be said for the goofy stories that refused to take themselves seriously which we got during the 2010s decade.

[@Armadilling]

The transition to the SA1 intro gave me goosebumps, good job

[@eddvcr598]

Excellent video!! I still remember the shock when I first saw the iconic rendition of the modern Sonic. It was just so impactful, I was in awe. Now that I’m an adult and an illustrator, that character illustration is still impactful as I first laid my eyes on it.

[@gytfu]

The Dreamcast had really good graphics for its time

[@be3tle439]

If we make to the dark age .can we skip a review of sonic 06 . i feel like the game has been criticize so much to the point where there is nothing new to say about it

[@WaterKirby1994]

Sonic 06 wasn't the dark age, the real dark age started in 2010 with Free Riders, Sonic 4, & Sonic Colors & lasted for an entire decade known as Sonic's Worst Decade. At least the 4kids Era tried to be good rather than accept mediocrity & as a result the average 4kids Era game was better than the average 2010s Decade game when it came to the Sonic Series.

[@heckno15yearsago]

WaterKirby1994 Sonic’s dark age actually started with Shadow the Hedgehog in 2005.

[@artistanthony1007]

There is actually still something new to talk about, comparing it to Project 06 which before you ask, it's not the one with Sonic running at the Freeway to reach the Festival or the April Fools, it's the one ChaosX remade from the ground up which has not just fixed the issues but has also made more beautiful graphics and redid the textures, added the Adventure Spin Dash, reworked the movements, include better response for Sonic's speed, gave a better Super Sonic, gave these wind Rings to propel over the water, jumping is far smooth, it's not frustrating with places like Crisis City, the menu is changed, the Loading Screen is not the same, the unused lines were added to it and the Proof of Concept Wave Ocean Cutscene is amazing making the mouth movements much better and you can download the file of the game while it is developing but this is PC so yeah, this is exactly what we need to talk about.

[@thaneros]

@@WaterKirby1994 You are speaking facts! We're still in the dark age imo

[@Sakaki98]

WaterKirby1994 Sonic Colors was great gameplay-wise, though. I don’t see how Sonic 4 and Free Riders can possibly match the horrendous experiences of ‘06 and Secret Rings.

[@MichaelGarcia-gl2tj]

This was an amazing video! Good job!

[@TheobaldLeonhart]

Ah, a Classicast talking about the- Modern Sonic (the best Sonic Imo)

[@TheSwordsman100]

I wouldn't take Forces word at face value, the game is chalk full of continuity errors and even after that debacle the classic games stories are still canon to Modern!Sonic. I'd trust Sonic Generations' explanation that Classic!Sonic is just Sonic at a younger point in time over Forces.

[@GameApologist]

Thing is, we might have to take it seriously in terms of where they are taking the franchise. I think it's pretty clear they are trying to set up two sets of Sonic games.

[@WaterKirby1994]

Sonic Generations split the timeline with Classic getting his own Timeline that differs from the Original Timeline after a certain point generally thought of as 3K.

[@TheSwordsman100]

@@GameApologist I would be fine with the two sets as it doesn't need that retcon to do that plan but if they keep that retcon I fear it would further divide a already fractured fanbase over who is the "true" Sonic.

[@karnielcashumphries683]

Great video!

[@jodonthesith7172]

Nowadays people think it’s “cool” to hate on Sonic. But honestly, a lot of games nowadays might not be what they are without Sonic. No matter what you say, his games ALWAYS set a standard, wether it be good or bad, it’s still there. And when they’re good, DAMN THEY ARE GOOD. Don’t hate on Sonic guys, deep down we all love him.

[@HyperImaginative]

I was introduced to Sonic in his modern style and initially I didn't like the classic Sonic up until Mania. Now I love both styles equally. The only problem I have is classic being haphazardly thrown into modern and vice versa. It's really jarring.

[@HyperImaginative]

The only time it made since was in generations.

[@churupinha3510]

When a character gets redesigned, I mostly tend to not like it as much as the old one. For Sonic, it's more complex, but most of the time, it's because the redesign just removes a lot of the "crust", and with the "crust", there goes away also a lot of the charm, wich leads to a more generic design, wich I think is the case with that new Crash Bandicoot 4 they announced recently and it's also the reason I didn't enjoy Mother 3 as much as Earthbound as far as I got in it.

[@pinhead7422]

Well what if I don't like the crust on my sandwiches?

[@leelewis445]

Speaking of Crash real quick, I'm not sure why they went with a new design. It's no Mind over Mutant/Titans redesign, which is good in my book, but they had a great redesign with the N. Sane Trilogy. I guess to further cement that this Crash 4 is indeed a brand new one they decided to alter it.

[@realestAG]

Calling Sonic’s modern design “generic” just because it embodies the character a lot better and is less “charming” to you is definitely questionable. I think the word you’re looking is less appealing

[@lightgivemepower6425]

The charm is still there, you just don't prefer the modern design.

[@churupinha3510]

@@realestAG I litterally said "for Sonic it's, more complex".

[@NotMyRealName6]

Can we talk about how the fans despise Sonic's romance with Elise, while at the same time shipping Shadow with Maria?

[@mep6302]

True. That doesn't make sense

[@greenstarforce001]

Pretty sure those are two completely different groups (and even if they were the same group, they could have their reasons for liking one ship but not the other)

[@rainpooper7088]

Nobody ships Shadow and Maria, at least not on a larger scale. I‘ve seen some hardcore shipping in this fandom and this ship was almost never one of them. But you can bet your ass if Elise was a Mobian, people wouldn’t care about her lack of personality and ship her with Sonic regardless.

[@lynxfresh5214]

@@rainpooper7088 Tbh I will always see Shadow and Maria as sorta siblings just like Sonic and Tails. Also It's "implied" Gerald Robotnik contributed his own DNA alongside Black Doom in order to create Shadow, so the "cure" in Shadow's blood would be compatible with Maria (remember Maria was suffering from an incurable illness, hence her isolation on ARK), so Shadow and Maria might actually be related. And yeah Princess Elise was a horribly written character, she got kidnapped 3-4 times in one game... like come on!

[@AkameGaKillfan777]

I don't like either ship.

[@Spidey_.]

Also thanks Nick for this video,this is more proof why you are one of the best underrated KZbinrs,you put actual care in your videos,you are inspiring,you have actual good points and more.Keep up the good work Nick,see you later

[@ezram6278]

Just discovered your channel. Love your deep dives. I can feel your appreciation for art🤟🏻

[@badmangee]

8:00 that pose that Sonic does slightly looks like the wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura

[@Mr.06_]

Modern sonic dosent even appear like he used to. Now he is a lighter blue like classic sonic. His spikes are smaller like classic now. When the next game is out I hope modern sonic is a dark blue again with longer spikes.

[@sketchsskotch1073]

This was a great video about the Dreamcast Design and Modern Design.

[@885Blackjack]

Congrats on rolling over to 49k Subs Game Apologist!