Sonic Prime: 10 Things That Need To Happen In The Sonic The Hedgehog Netflix Series

Sonic Prime is the latest animated show based upon the popular SEGA video gaming franchise and will be heading to Netflix in 2022. Utilizing a 3D, CGI animation style, the show will be an exciting way for a new generation of fans to enjoy the adventures of the world’s fastest hedgehog and his friends.

There’s certainly a lot of expectations for the show ahead of its debut, from the visual style it will be leaning on, to the links to the main games and even classic titles from video game past. There really are several things that need to happen both in and around the production of the show that could solidify it as one of Sonic’s best screen outings.

10 Honorable Mention: Video Game Spin-Off

Sonic Boom was the previous 3D animation style installment to the Sonic franchise and it became extremely popular. It garnered a number of video game spin-off titles, which allowed fans of the show to play through brand new adventures with the gang.

Despite the property being linked so heavily to the video game world, in an interview with Takashi Iizuka, it was revealed that there were no plans for an additional title being released for the show on Nintendo platforms. That’s hopefully something that will be rectified as any great video game TV show should also have a chance to shine in its original format.

9 Stand-Alone Series

Although Sonic Boom was set within its own version of the Sonic world, it was confirmed in the same Iizuka interview that Sonic Prime will actually be based on the modern incarnation of the character within the current SEGA games. That’s a great way to engage new fans with the platformer titles themselves.

However, the contents of the series, whether it be the initial introductions to the characters or wider-ranging narratives, should all be stand-alone. Relying on other material, whether it’s the games or even series past, may alienate viewers or confuse the canon of the universe further.

8 Playing Into The Multiverse

The concept of the Multiverse is becoming used more and more in pop culture. Indeed, the Sonic The Hedgehog movie itself brought audiences a Sonic-based Multiverse complete with a mushroom land, regular reality, and Sonic’s own universe.

According to DenOfGeek. Sonic Prime will be diving headfirst into the Multiverse throughout its 24 episodes. If the show is going to commit to the idea then it really is vital to see a huge range of different realities to continue to engage viewers with the concept. The idea could lead to a great number of familiar settings as well as potentially fun cameos.

7 Classic References

Although the upcoming show might be based upon the newer games, older fans are sure to check it out and look for references to classic pieces of Sonic history. The live-action film managed to do so by giving Jim Carrey the traditional Dr. Robotnik design and there are always small Easter Eggs in the video games.

It’s clear that the producers of the show, WildBrain, are going to treat this title as a labor of love. To show fans how much they care about the brand, therefore, there should be plenty of nods to the lore of this Multiverse – especially in regards to locations, the abilities of the characters, and perhaps even other SEGA memorabilia.

6 Character Comebacks

Fans are already calling out for a whole host of characters to be used in Sonic Prime, but there are some really underutilized faces from the franchise’s past that are surely worthy of a small-screen comeback. Sally Acorn, Sonia, and Manic are all great examples of lesser-used heroes.

Although their designs might be updated for the format, and their origins could be fleshed out once more, it would allow the cast of characters to continue to feel fresh across the universe rather than relying upon traditional favorites like Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose.

5 Diverse Villains

In regards to the familiar, it’s also vital that the show doesn’t just rely on Dr. Eggman as the main foe of the piece. The video games and animated shows have managed to play around with a lot of other villains, each of which creates their own unique challenge for Sonic to overcome.

It might be forgotten henchmen like Scratch and Grounder, recent threats such as Infinite, or comic book creations like Scourge the Hedgehog, but there’s a real opportunity here to completely open up the world once more to strengthen the Sonic IP.

4 An Inspired Soundtrack

Any fan of the video games will know that music is so important for the overall experience. The series, of course, needs to boast the best songs from the original SEGA titles, but it also needs its own inspired sound to set itself apart from the rest of the franchise.

A soundtrack can make or break a show, especially one that has been defined by its music already. The show must have a number of original scores that capture the essence of the brand but also feel authentically linked to Sonic Prime as a concept.

3 Different Visual Design

There have been so many Sonic TV shows over the years, but this is only the second animated series of its medium; using the CGI/3D style as opposed to some of the more traditional and old-school methods of producing these shows. It still needs to have its own visual tone though and can’t mimic what was done with Sonic Boom. 

Concept art for the show has demonstrated that WildBrain is looking for a polished yet stylized approach to its animation. What needs to happen in the series, therefore, is several set pieces and sequences that take advantage of this style and demonstrate the uniqueness of its creative vision.

2 Consistent Continuity

It’s been previously discussed that this is an extension of the current video game line but should still act as a stand-alone story rather than relying on something that has come before. That doesn’t mean that what happens in the show can impact the main canon continuity though.

If Netflix wishes to help SEGA build up the lore surrounding Sonic then the show has to still be set within the same continuity. Everything that happens within Sonic Prime needs to abide by the rules of the Multiverse so that video game fans aren’t put off by its drastic changes. Ultimately, the characterizations of these intelligent and super-powered beings must stay consistent.

1 Becoming An Ensemble

Sonic might be the titular character but the franchise has moved beyond just the Hedgehog. The video games usually allow players to participate as Sonic, but the TV show is a great opportunity to demonstrate that the IP is really an ensemble piece.

What needs to happen in the show consequently, is a series of adventures that lends themselves to giving the spotlight to a variety of characters. Fans all have their favorite figure within this video-game landscape and an ensemble approach would ensure everyone gets the moment they deserve.

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