Which Sonic Series is Canon?
The Sonic franchise has been a beloved part of many gamers’ childhoods, with a rich history spanning over three decades. With multiple games, TV shows, comics, and movies, it can be overwhelming to keep track of what’s considered canon and what’s not. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive guide to the Sonic canon.
Direct Answer: Everything is Canon
According to Sega, the creators of the Sonic franchise, everything is canon. This means that all Sonic games, comics, anime, and other media are considered part of the official Sonic universe. This broad definition encompasses a wide range of content, from the classic games to the more recent TV shows and movies.
Games: Mainline and Spin-Offs
The Sonic games are a crucial part of the franchise, with over 70 titles released since the first game in 1991. The mainline games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Adventure, and Sonic Unleashed, are considered canon, while spin-offs like Sonic R, Sonic Drift, and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed are not.
Here’s a breakdown of the mainline games:
| Game | Release Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Sonic the Hedgehog | 1991 | Sega Genesis |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | 1992 | Sega Genesis |
| Sonic CD | 1993 | Sega CD |
| Sonic 3 & Knuckles | 1994 | Sega Genesis |
| Sonic Adventure | 1998 | Dreamcast |
| Sonic Adventure 2 | 2001 | Dreamcast |
| Sonic Heroes | 2003 | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox |
| Shadow the Hedgehog | 2005 | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox |
| Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) | 2006 | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Unleashed | 2008 | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii |
| Sonic Colors | 2010 | Wii, Nintendo DS |
| Sonic Generations | 2011 | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC |
| Sonic Lost World | 2013 | Wii U, Nintendo 3DS |
| Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric | 2014 | Wii U |
| Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal | 2014 | Nintendo 3DS |
| Sonic Mania | 2017 | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC |
| Sonic Forces | 2017 | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC |
TV Shows and Movies
The Sonic TV shows and movies are also considered part of the canon, although some may be more prominent than others. Here’s a list of the TV shows and movies:
| TV Show/Movie | Release Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog | 1993 | TV |
| Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series) | 1993-1996 | TV |
| Sonic Underground | 1999 | TV |
| Sonic X | 2003-2006 | TV |
| Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 TV series) | 2006 | TV |
| Sonic Boom | 2014-2017 | TV |
| Sonic the Hedgehog (2020 movie) | 2020 | Theaters |
Comics and Manga
The Sonic comics and manga are also part of the canon, although some may be more obscure than others. Here’s a list of the comics and manga:
| Comic/Manga | Release Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Sonic the Hedgehog (comic book series) | 1992-2002 | |
| Sonic X (manga) | 2003-2006 | |
| Archie Comics (Sonic the Hedgehog) | 1992-2017 | |
| IDW Publishing (Sonic the Hedgehog) | 2019-present |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sonic franchise is vast and complex, with a rich history spanning over three decades. While some content may be more prominent than others, everything is canon according to Sega. This means that all Sonic games, comics, anime, and other media are considered part of the official Sonic universe. Whether you’re a retro gamer or a newcomer to the franchise, there’s something for everyone in the world of Sonic.