The slogan, 'Sega does what Nintendon't', echoes from the 1990s, a time marked by fierce rivalry between Sega and Nintendo. As Sonic the Hedgehog races into a new era with the release of 'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds', how does the franchise plan to keep up its speed against modern gaming giants like Fortnite and Roblox?
Today, players can find Sonic games on Nintendo consoles, a significant change from the past. However, recent advertising for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has led some to wonder if Sega is reigniting old rivalries. The new commercial closely resembles a competitive ad from 1992 aimed at Nintendo.
In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, Takashi Iizuka clarified that while there are many racing games on the market, he refrains from naming competitors. Industry expert Chris Dring believes that Sega is merely having fun and trying to leverage the popularity of games like Mario Kart as it releases its new title across various platforms.
To compete effectively, Sega recognizes the necessity of attracting new players. The introduction of a 'season pass' and character rotations in CrossWorlds aims to deliver fresh content and continuously engage the community, adapting to modern gaming strategies that prioritize user retention. According to Iizuka, the goal is to ensure regular updates to keep the experience fun and engaging.
While remakes of classic titles like Sonic Adventure are a popular trend in the industry, Iizuka emphasizes that his team is focused on innovation. 'Instead of remaking games, we aim to use new technologies to create richer, more complex worlds for players,' he stated.
As Sega continues to develop new installments in long-term franchises while embracing modern gaming mechanics, the future of Sonic remains bright. The ambitious plans for CrossWorlds, along with the intention to introduce characters from other franchises, position Sonic the Hedgehog as a contender in the evolving landscape of video game entertainment.
