Frontiers Character Inclusions and Details Answered by Ian Flynn

by KitKat January 24, 2023 1 comment

There’s been more information on the characters and story elements of Sonic Frontiers provided by Ian Flynn on various recent podcasts of his. This includes the matter of Sticks the Badger/Sonic Boom, the inclusion of IDW comic character Tangle the Lemur, the possible direction of Eggman and Sage in future Sonic media and more.

Starting off, Ian states that he did not have to fight for these inclusions at all. It was something he asked about and Sega was fine with these name drops. In regards to Sticks’ and her inclusion, it does not mean the whole of Sonic Boom and its universe’s characters are canon. Ian goes on to say that “he’s pretty sure that the characters are retired along with the rest of the Sonic Boom brand”. Sticks is a modern universe character by extension of her small appearances in modern brand media. Examples include Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Sonic Runners and the official 25^th anniversary Japanese mini-comic series that takes place in the Modern universe.

In the story of Sonic Frontiers, we learn of a new ancient race of beings that look very similar to Chaos from Sonic Adventure. Further than that, we learn that the ancient race and Chaos are related. According to Ian Flynn, the concept of the Ancients was Sega’s idea. However, it was his idea to tie it together with the Chao and Chaos in an effort to “make them feel more relevant to Sonic’s world”. He didn’t just want it to be “yet another alien race” as that would be too detached. He also confirms that Chaos is still to be considered a mutant Chao.

After being asked by a fan about where Eggman’s characterization is headed after Frontiers (in fear of him potentially losing his edge), Ian answers by implying that Eggman’s behavior might worsen as a result of taking care of Sage.

“Now I can’t speak for the general direction of the entire franchise, but I’m thinking this is only going to make him worse. You’ve seen what devastation he’s caused to fulfill his own needs, what happens when daddy’s little girl wants something?”

Finally there was a question on where IDW takes place in the timeline, to which Ian was unable to properly comment on. Not because he’s not allowed to answer, but rather because it would be up to Sega to solidify where and how to address it. For certain though, it takes place after Sonic Forces. The issue is where Sonic Frontiers takes place in this timeline with the inclusion of IDW’s events. When we’ll get this answer…we’ll just have to wait and see.