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Sonic Origins 2022

Video game · June 23, 2022

Platform

Developed by Sonic TeamPublished by Sega

Sonic Origins is a 2022 video game compilation developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. It includes remasters of the first four platform titles in the Sonic the Hedgehog series—Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992), Sonic CD (1993), and Sonic 3 & Knuckles (1994)—originally released for the Sega Genesis and the Sega CD. These games can be played in their original format or in a new widescreen "anniversary mode". The package also introduces additional game modes and missions, allowing players to unlock content through a museum feature.

The project came about after the 2020 Sonic film’s release. With rising interest from new fans, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka sought to bring classic Sonic titles to modern systems. Remasters of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, and Sonic CD were based on Retro Engine-developed versions from 2011 to 2013, while Simon Thomley and his studio Headcannon, who worked on Sonic Mania (2017), handled the Sonic 3 & Knuckles remaster. Jun Senoue substituted a section of the Sonic 3 soundtrack due to concerns over licensing related to Michael Jackson’s involvement with Sonic 3.

Sonic Origins launched digitally for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on June 23, 2022, coinciding with the series’ 31st anniversary. Reviews were generally positive, praising upgrades and presentation, although critics noted issues with downloadable content (DLC), altered music in Sonic 3, missing features, and bugs not found in original versions. An expanded version called Sonic Origins Plus, featuring playable characters and 12 Game Gear games, was later released physically and as DLC for the base game on June 23, 2023.

Crew

Director

Katsuyuki Shigihara

Artist

Tyson Hesse

Writer

Ian Flynn

Producer

Takashi Iizuka, Nobuya Ohashi

Music

Jun Senoue, Tee Lopes

Details

Developer

Sonic Team

Publisher

Sega

Modes

Single-player, multiplayer

Engine

Retro Engine

Series

Sonic the Hedgehog

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