Sonic Team Expresses Desire to Remaster Sonic Advance Series

Sonic Team, the creative minds behind the beloved Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, have expressed a strong interest in remastering the classic Sonic Advance series. Originally released between 2000 and 2004, these three games have earned a special place in the hearts of Sonic fans for their engaging 2D platforming action. With over two decades having passed since their debut, there's growing anticipation that these titles might make a comeback, either as a remastered collection or in a new format for modern platforms.

Currently, Sonic Team is focused on the upcoming release of Sonic X Shadow Generations, slated for October. This new installment includes a remastered version of the 2011 hit Sonic Generations, fueling hopes among fans that Sega and Sonic Team might extend their remastering efforts to other classic Sonic titles. Although the team appears enthusiastic about this prospect, the path forward remains uncertain.

In a recent interview with VGC, Takashi Iizuka, head of the Sonic franchise, revealed that Sonic Team would “love to” undertake a remaster of the Sonic Advance trilogy. Despite their interest, the team has not yet been assigned to such a project. Iizuka's comments reflect a hopeful outlook on the possibility of revisiting the Advance series, though no concrete plans are currently in place.

Sonic Team's Ambitions for Sonic Advance Remaster

Iizuka highlighted that Katsuyuki Shigihara, known for his work on the Mario & Sonic series, recently directed Sonic Origins, a compilation featuring Sonic 1-3 and Sonic CD. This precedent for remastering classic Sonic games suggests that a similar treatment for the Sonic Advance trilogy could be feasible. However, Iizuka emphasized that he is open to exploring various formats and scenarios for such a release.

Sega’s decision to greenlight a remaster of the Sonic Advance trilogy may depend on fan interest and several logistical factors. Iizuka's optimism about the project indicates that while the idea is appealing, it may take time before any official announcement is made.

Iizuka also addressed ongoing rumors about other fan-favorite projects, such as a potential Chao Garden mini-game or the long-desired Sonic Adventure 3. While there are no current plans for these projects, Sonic Team remains enthusiastic about the possibility of working on them in the future.

In summary, while the Sonic Advance trilogy’s remastering is not yet confirmed, Sonic Team’s interest and the success of previous remasters suggest that dedicated fans might have something to look forward to.