Sonic Originswhich includes newly remastered versions of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD, is now available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. While it’s technically a compilation title, it incorporates several really new opportunities and goals. For example, there are several scenes with all-new animation between different levels. Prior to the release of the compilation video game, ComicBook.com had the opportunity to chat via email with Jasmin Hernandez, a short animation production manager at Sega of America, about the new animated bits, why Sega decided to include them on everything, and more. .
In addition to answering our questions about the new animated scenes in Sonic Origins, Sega has also provided ComicBook.com with a series of character designs for the new animations. That includes design sheets for Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Eggman, Amy, and even Metal Sonic. Those design sheets will be punctuated in the next interview.
As mentioned above, Sonic Origins is now available for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. You can check out all of our previous coverage of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise in general here.
Have you had a chance to play? Sonic Origins for yourself yet? How do you feel about Sega continuing to create animated content for its video games? Let us know in the comments, or feel free to reach out and reach me directly on Twitter at @rollinbishop to talk about all things gaming! And keep reading to see our full interview with Hernandez and the character design magazines!
The following interview has been slightly edited for length and clarity†
About how many new animations were created
ComicBook.com: Sonic Origins contains a number of animation bits, including remastered versions of the original in Sonic CD† Approximately how much new animation was done for the compilation?
Jasmin Hernandez (production manager, short animation at Sega of America): We produced 5:30 minutes of new animation for Sonic Origins† The team thought it was super important to connect all of Sonic’s classic adventures through the game’s opening and ending scenes.
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On the decision to create a new sonic animation
Why did Sega decide that creating new animations for the compilation was the right choice? From the outside, it clearly looks like something that isn’t strictly necessary.
Animations have always been a focal point for the Sonic franchise. Following the positive reception we’ve received from Sonic fans around the world around the animations in recent titles such as Sonic Mania Plus, Team Sonic Racing, and Sonic Colors: Ultimatethe team felt compelled to include new animations for Sonic Origins† Animations have become a long awaited part of our game releases from our community, and we always strive to please our devoted fan base.
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About who exactly did the new sonic animation
Sonic fans will want to know, so I have to ask: who exactly created the new animation? Is this another Tyson Hesse and Company production or…?
Tyson Hesse directed the animation and together we worked with Powerhouse Animation Studios. Working with Tyson is always a pleasure. His passion for the Sonic franchise, animation and storytelling are qualities that make working with him so enjoyable. This is the first time our team has worked with Powerhouse Animation Studios and the whole experience was great. The team there are so talented, passionate and a pleasure to work with. With Tyson’s leadership and the brilliant team at Powerhouse Animation Studios, I hope our audiences can see and feel how much love has gone into producing the animation for Sonic Origins†
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About goals for the new sonic animation
Sonic has a huge legacy when it comes to animation. What kind of goals did the team have in mind when creating these new parts? Sonic Origins†
Our team has seen our animations as a great way to connect with a wide variety of audiences, and we think fans new and old alike can resonate. Sonic, with its playful attitude and signature features, matches the colorful and energetic animations we’ve created Sonic Origins and hope to continue creating at SEGA. With that, we felt like bringing new animations to Sonic Origins would be a great way to celebrate the iconic games that started the Sonic franchise, while also creating a welcome entrance for newcomers.
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About inspirations for the new sonic animations
Besides, what kind of inspiration did the team draw for the new animated bits?
In front of Sonic Origins the team wanted to stay as true to the original Sonic titles as possible and was most inspired by the titles in Originincluding Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD† During development, the team worked on the original animations, drawing inspiration from the storylines of the original titles. With that as our guide, we wanted to bring each character’s unique personality to the screen. Stylistically, we wanted the intro and outro animation of Sonic CD† We felt it would bring coherence to connecting the stories.
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On the lasting appeal of Sonic
And besides, speaking of inheritance, what makes Sonic and his friends so endearing to people decades later?
Great question! Since the inception of Sonic, the Blue Blur and friends quickly became beloved video game characters for their uplifting and personal qualities, fun attitude, and much more. Over the years, we at SEGA have strived to deliver games and experiences that reflect Sonic’s positive personality, and one that fans around the world can resonate with. Since then, we’ve seen Sonic grow beyond video games ranging from film to stuffed animals to animations and more, but despite where Sonic is found, the sweet and enduring personalities of Sonic and his friends have always continued to shine through. We hope to push the boundaries when it comes to Sonic, always striving to make our fan base proud.
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On the future of sonic animation for games
It seems more and more like every new Sonic video game comes with some kind of new animated content. Is that the standard for the future? Should fans expect that sort of thing in the future? Or is it a case by case?
We take every project we’re working on, but animations are becoming increasingly important to the SEGA family after the positive reception we’ve received from our fans. Going forward, fans will have to wait and see, but we’re eager to continue creating beloved animations for our audiences while staying true to Sonic’s roots. We truly strive to please our devoted fanbase and community and like the Blue Blur itself, anything is possible.
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