Which Sonic series are canon?

Which Sonic series are canon?

In the vast and complex universe of Sonic the Hedgehog, it can be overwhelming to determine which series are considered canon. Sega, the creators of the franchise, have made it clear that not all Sonic games, comics, and other media are equal in terms of their canonicity. In this article, we will explore the various Sonic series and their status within the canon.

Sega’s stance on canon

In an interview, Sega confirmed that all Sonic games are canon. This means that every game in the series, from the classic Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) to the latest releases, are considered part of the official Sonic universe. This stance is crucial in understanding the canon of the series, as it sets the stage for the other media, such as comics and TV shows, to be judged against.

Classic Sonic games

The classic Sonic games, including Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994), and Sonic & Knuckles (1994), are considered canon. These games are the foundation of the Sonic universe and have been re-released in various forms over the years.

Sonic Adventure and its sequels

The Sonic Adventure series, including Sonic Adventure (1998), Sonic Adventure 2 (2001), and Sonic Heroes (2003), are also considered canon. These games were developed by Sonic Team and are part of the mainline Sonic series.

Sonic Unleashed and its sequels

The Sonic Unleashed series, including Sonic Unleashed (2008), Sonic Colors (2010), and Sonic Generations (2011), are considered canon. These games introduced new gameplay mechanics and storylines, which have since been incorporated into the overall Sonic universe.

Sonic Lost World and its sequels

The Sonic Lost World series, including Sonic Lost World (2013) and Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (2014), are considered non-canonical. These games were developed by Sonic Team and while they have some similarities to the mainline series, they are not considered part of the official canon.

Sonic Mania and its sequels

The Sonic Mania series, including Sonic Mania (2017) and Sonic Mania Plus (2018), are considered canon. These games are a direct sequel to the classic Sonic games and have been well-received by fans and critics alike.

Sonic Forces and its sequels

The Sonic Forces series, including Sonic Forces (2017) and Sonic Forces: Speed Battle (2018), are considered canon. These games are a direct sequel to the Sonic Unleashed series and have introduced new gameplay mechanics and storylines.

Comics and TV shows

The Sonic comics and TV shows, including Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog series (1992-2017) and the Sonic the Hedgehog TV show (1993-1996), are considered non-canonical. While they have contributed to the overall lore of the Sonic universe, they are not considered part of the official canon.

Table: Sonic Series Canon Status

In conclusion, the canon of the Sonic the Hedgehog series is complex and multifaceted. While not all games, comics, and TV shows are considered part of the official canon, Sega’s stance on canon has helped to clarify the status of each series. By understanding which series are considered canon, fans can better appreciate the overall story and characters of the Sonic universe.