Iizuka Reveals Hopes of Using Sonic Frontiers Work Towards Future Sonic Adventure Sequel

Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has revealed that the studio's past work contributed to Sonic Frontiers' 'Open Zone' gameplay approach - and has expressed an interest in using learnings from the upcoming title to make a new entry in the Sonic Adventure series.

In an interview with IGN, the series producer discusses the inspirations behind Sonic Frontiers, and how Sonic Team referred to its work on Sonic Adventure's adventure fields to help develop its "open" world design.

"The base of our game is the Sonic 3D Action Adventure game expanded to be a freer game experience, and that's how we thought up this completely new 'Open Zone' game system," Iizuka said, later explaining:

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"In Sonic Adventure we had Adventure Fields, which were smaller open spaces, but even the techniques we used back then are helping us execute well on Sonic Frontiers." Iizuka coupled this piece of information with a confirmation that he would "like to continue the Sonic Adventure series at some point."

When will that happen? Iizuka-san isn't quite sure yet, but it's definitely on his mind - and his words here are enough to get a certain corner of the Sonic fanbase salivating with anticipation. "So, I haven't really thought about my next game yet, but I would hope all of the work we put into Sonic Frontiers can be used to make another Sonic Adventure game sometime."

The confirmation came as Iizuka used the interview to also discuss how Sonic Frontiers, and future projects from Sonic Team, will aim to target two groups of fans; "Sonic fans from 30 years ago are adults now. There are also young fans who may have started with the movies and other content. Going forward, we want the Sonic brand to appeal to both groups of fans across games and other media."

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"As part of that strategy, is our June release of Sonic Origins. It perfectly presents the origins of Sonic in a format for those who grew up with the originals, or for those who are new to the series."

"Then we plan on releasing titles like Sonic Frontiers as something new, that even our 3D Sonic veterans will find new and exciting. Moving forward, on a title-by-title basis, we will focus on these target audiences and deliver games for those fans."

You can watch the whole interview, conducted by IGN, below.

I can hear it now... the sound of a million Sonic Adventure 3 fans storming over that hill. Prepare yourself. I'm getting to the bunker!