Whenever you hear someone use the term classic or modern to describe video games, or just about anything pop culture, typically you would interpret that it would be associated with a specific generation. For instance, modern games are more current and advanced, while classic games are referred to as retro. That is, of course, unless you are talking about Sonic the Hedgehog.

 The terms classic and modern in this community have a different meaning entirely, and have divided many within it as far back as many can remember. Classic Sonic revolves around the premise of 2d platforming, while modern Sonic revolves around 3d escapades that are typically of the adventure based genre. For the better half of the 2000's SEGA was trying to figure what they wanted Sonic to be. 2d Sonic games were a dying breed because everyone wanted in on the new and exciting world of three dimensional gaming that was setting the gaming world ablaze. But SEGA was having a difficult time transitioning their speedy mascot from the flat plain of 2d to the 360 degree world in the same way as other popular titles such as the infamous Mario 64.

Sonic Blast was deemed a failure, calling itself 3d in its title, but being 2.5d at best, with a top down perspective and fixed camera. It wasn't until the Dreamcast that Sonic started to get a (slippery)footing in the genre with the release of the titles Sonic Adventure, and Sonic Adventure 2. This is also where the modern genre in the world of Sonic was given birth. But what really separated classic Sonic and modern Sonic from being two genres, to being two entirely different entities with there own cult followings? Establishing them as independent characters was due to the clever marketing and branding done by SEGA with the release of Sonic Generations.

With this game SEGA had brought together Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic into one game, with Classic Sonic stages going back to the traditional 2d stages, and the Modern Sonic stages being in 3d. Both characters are one in the same, but due to being ripped between space and time, they come together as two separate characters. And ever since then SEGA has made games for both characters with titles such as Mania and Superstars being classic, and Forces(although classic and modern Sonic cross paths once again in this outing) and Frontier's being modern.

But the classic Sonic we see in Superstars and Mania isn't the same Sonic that we know as Modern Sonic, but is the classic Sonic we met in Generations who went back home to his timeline after the events of Sonic Generations ended. Just as the Sonic from the original Genesis games isn't the same classic Sonic that we know now, but is actually Modern Sonic grown up (although they are in fact the grandfather games of the classic Sonic genre). But after that brief history lesson of the canonical differences between classic and modern Sonic's, what is it about these two that divides die hard fans, and what classifies one as better than the other?

Fans of classic Sonic games and Classic Sonic alike are typically purists. Enthusiast's of Sonic in his purest form. Usually fans that grew up with the hedgehog in his debut. Modern fans are drawn to the same aspects of the 3d games that classic Sonic fans typically criticize. But regardless of the criticisms, Modern Sonic fans are enthralled by the deep story narrative and open ended areas and levels. Slippery controls and erratic movement doesn't turn away modern fans, but instead are just seen as a minor learning curves. But what makes Classic Sonic or Modern Sonic better than the other? This question has sparked debate without an indefinite answer for years.

What is the answer, and is there an answer at all? Which version of the Blue Blur is the best way to experience this globally iconic hero? Well, there actually is an answer to this question. And that answer is neither. Both Sonic's are now canonically there own separate characters. And the best way to play these Sonic games is by choosing the ones that bring you happiness and joy. There is no wrong game. This is the magic behind it all. The option to choose. You can blast through 3d adventures in your college dorm, or relive the captivating nostalgia of your childhood through your children that are being introduced to Sonic for the first time just like you once were.

So in conclusion, it doesn't matter. We all love Sonic, and no one should put a label on that. We have the fortunate opportunity to be able to play Sonic games in an array of aspects from platformers, adventure games, racing, pinball, RPGs, and even at the Olympics. So hopefully one day, we as a community can come together, not as a segregation, but simply as Sonic fans. So I'd like to end this with a quote from Sonic himself in the recently released final dlc of Frontier's as I ask the question, will Classic and Modern Sonic ever coexist?

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it".