It's true that all "Sonics" end up falling into "Modern" or "Classic," but those are simplified descriptions. What really annoys me is when people say there are three categories, "Classic," "Modern," and "Transitional." If you include transitional, you have to include the other two eras. "Transitional Classic" is Sonic in between the Genesis titles and the Dreamcast era. Modern Sonic is also spilt into "Modern" and "Current." Believe me, there is a difference.
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| Sonic CD and Sonic and the Black Knight, "Classic and Modern" |
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| Sonic 2 art |
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| Sonic R |
Transitional Classic-Sonic tested his footing on 3-D ground for the first time. Often over looked and forgotten, this Sonic hardly received the attention one would expect. In addition to the lighter shade, he was a bit taller. I suppose you could say that Sonic from "the movie" would fall under this category, if you wanted him to have a voice (compare the others with).
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| Sonic Adventure 2 |
Transitional (Modern)-Forget that light color, transitional went back to dark blue. Perfecting 3-D and storylines, this was a rebirth for the entire franchise. He was taller than Classic, but really not that tall, and had green eyes* for the first time. His shoes where given gray soles (they used to be red) and a rounder appearance. He became known for sporting a pair of Soap shoes. This was Sega getting money for advertisement (posters for Soap shoes where also included), but "grinding," the main function of the shoes, became a technique still used in games to day. This was the first time Sonic was officially talking, and he had an attitude to match his old self. Sonic was always excited for the next adventure.
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| Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) |
Modern Sonic-He lost the "awkward-ness" that he had before, and grew some-what taller. The Dreamcast era experimented with styles, but mostly with other characters. Modern Sonic experimented with Sonic. Although the creators had good intentions and only wanted to perfect the gameplay, many chose to criticize the h@$$ out of what they where doing. Heh, it may not have been "perfect" but at least it's not the same exact game copied and pasted on to a new console every three years (unlike another popular video game star). During this phase Sonic had another voice actor, and he made Sonic sound much more mature. This Sonic was still a jokester at heart, but could handle serious situations. He was thrilled with life and ready for any challenge.
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| Sonic Colors |
Current Sonic-High quality and just slightly taller and a blue just slightly lighter, Sonic's main change was in style. Mostly known for the "Boost everywhere" gimmick (which was ironically introduced years before in 2D.5 with Sonic Rush), Current Sonic took over with Sonic Colors (or arguably Sonic Unleashed, but aside from gameplay it was still "Modern." Maybe Free Riders-I haven't played it but I heard it was different). With "Crap" Smith as Sonic's current voice actor, Sonic is less like a teen of the 90s or 2000s, and more like the teens of today; Sonic is bored with everything. Mature storylines have been replaced with comedic ones, and Sonic doesn't take anything seriously.
So there you have it, folks. Next time, either say Classic and Modern, or all five. Don't forget that there is a difference. But also remember that he is the same character, and no matter what physical or style changes happen, Sega will try to keep the same spirit-the same attitude that he's had from the beginning. Hopefully.
*Personally I love Sonic's green eyes, but many disliked this. It was like Sonic wearing a scarf. Okay, not that extreme.
