By “The project that never came to be”
Sonic Mania ranks among the finest entries in the franchise, and although fans crossed their fingers for a direct follow-up, it emerged a while back that SEGA aimed to leave pixel art behind, so the sequel was shelved.
Back then, SEGA teamed up with Headcannon and Christian Whitehead “to brainstorm directions for a new Classic Sonic chapter,” and now—years later—Whitehead has unveiled early sketches of the vision that almost was, spotlighting the Kanga Clanga Badnik “sporting its design in the 2.5D prototype.”
“Eight years have flown by since Mania, so let’s dust off some trivia… Meet Kanga Clanga (nicknamed the Kangus)! This cheery robo-roo once hopped across the outback, but now delights us in Pinball Carnival Zone!”
“A broader view of Kanga Clanga bounding after Sonic beneath an Outback sky.”
“Kanga Clanga Badnik, as rendered in a 2.5D prototype Evening Star handled after Sonic Mania. It’s poised on its tail, kicking ahead with elastic kangaroo legs! The impact sends Sonic flying left with serious momentum.”
In addition, Sonic Mania’s composer Tee Lopes has dropped a groovy ‘Outback’ track for “the adventure that never materialised”:
Sonic Mania was ultimately succeeded by Sonic Superstars, with Whitehead and studio Evening Star shifting focus to Penny’s Big Breakaway.
How do you feel about these visuals? Have you wrapped up Sonic Mania yet? Share your thoughts below.
Liam covers news and reviews for Hookshot Media. He’s been chronicling games for over fifteen years and counts a handful of legendary characters among his lifelong favorites.