Summary
Introducing Sage led to some ofSonic Frontiers' most interesting content, but it also created the question of whether she should return in later games. TheSonicseries has an impressively large amount of regularly-appearing characters, and even more in the comic and cartoon continuities.Sonic Frontiersproved to be one of the series' most ambitious titles to date, creating vast open-world environments for players to rush through, as well as excellent conversations between Sonic and his friends. Sage was the standout new character of the game, but her place in theSonicseries' future is unclear.
Sage is the latest in theincreasing amount ofSonic the Hedgehogcharacters, and one of the more interesting recent additions. She is a creation of Doctor Eggman, although she is not the first to appear. Past prominent assistants of Eggman include:
Unlike past assistants, though, Eggman genuinely appreciates Sage and values her input. In fact, he sees her as something of a surrogate daughter, which is backed up by their interactions throughout the game, adding a new dimension to the doctor.
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The greatest effect of Sage’s presence is how shemade Eggman more sympathetic inSonic Frontiers. Compared to past games, he’s more even-tempered and reasonable when talking to her compared to other characters, and she even got him to team up with Sonic without a fuss. Thanks to her, there are now more options for writing Eggman in a role other than as a straight villain and mad scientist. There could even be the potential for Eggman to have his own adventure with Sage as his conscience of sorts.
Eggman worked alongside Sonic once before inSonic Chronicles, but unlikeFrontiers, that was proven to be a ruse in the ending.
The downside to a return appearance would be the fact thatSage and Eggman’s relationship inSonic Frontierswould make it nearly impossible for him to be a primary villain in her presence. For Eggman to enact his usual plans for world domination with Sage would feel out of character for both of them, since Sage has established herself as a tempering presence, and Eggman wants her to be happy. As a result, Eggman may not be able to be ruthless enough to be a primary antagonist in games where Sage is also present. This could be a complication if she becomes a recurring character.
There may be a way to keep Sage relevant without compromising Eggman’s role infutureSonic the Hedgehoggames. In most appearances, Eggman could be the same mad scientist that fans have come to know and love as he menaces Sonic and attempts to take over the world. Meanwhile, games where Sage does play a notable role would have a more reasonable and less malicious Eggman, reflecting her positive effect on him. This would make Sage an omen of sorts, with her presence or lack thereof indicating what characterization Eggman may get. That may be the best way to keep her in the series, though.
Sage was one of the most consequential recent entries toSonic’s canon, and withSonic Frontiers' Final Horizon Updatehaving passed, it’s worth evaluating what the series' future could hold for her. The perks of Sage returning are obvious since she allows Dr. Eggman to play new roles in a story. That comes with the cost of diminishing his ability to play a big villain, though. Ultimately, it will come down to Sega’s decision regarding the series' direction. Whatever the case may be, Sage at least provided one excellent performance inSonic Frontiers.
Sonic Frontiers
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