There may already be a blueprint for Sega to create a future Sonic the Hedgehog rhythm game, coming from a surprising place. On October 13, Cookie Run Kingdom welcomed characters based on Korean boy band BTS, and as part of this collaboration, the game introduced new modes such as a special BTS riddle giveaway, daily themed log-in gifts, a BTS-only gacha pool, and more.
Among these additions is the unique "BTS Concert" mode. This gives fans a small story to play where the cookies working for Dark Enchantress Cookie take over one of BTS' performances, and it's up to Gingerbrave and friends to stop them. It features a special "Rhythm Stage" mode that combines the occasional running in Cookie Run Kingdom with rhythm game mechanics. Given a few tweaks, this style could lend itself well to Sonic the Hedgehog.
Cookie Run Kingdom's Rhythm Stage Gameplay
In the Rhythm Stage mode, players are given a path covered in the light stick items that fans need to collect for the special BTS gacha called "ARMY Bombs." These are used in place of Cookie Run Kingdom's usual crystal currency. The collectibles guide players to gather them matching a rhythm, spaced out to match certain beats.
Where Cookie Run Kingdom's usual running sections only require fans to slide and jump, the Rhythm Stage mode features three lanes that players can sidestep between to match certain notes. Slides and jumps are also kept for certain crescendos and held notes. It makes the act of gathering items and avoiding obstacles feel tuned to the song playing, which could be perfect for a similar game about another special guest in Cookie Run Kingdom: Sonic the Hedgehog.
Translating Cookie Run Kingdom's Rhythm Stage to Sonic
Truthfully, the only aspect of the Rhythm Stage that really works with Sonic is the running portion. During the chorus of BTS' songs, the mode transitions into a proper rhythm game format, and this swap would be jarring in other contexts. However, ARMY Bombs could easily be substituted for rings, and the jumping and sliding mechanics could be adjusted to be lengthier for things such as a double jump or a Spin Dash. Sonic doesn't necessarily need to stick to the three lane format that Cookie Run Kingdom uses, as the "RUNBTSRUN" jellies scattered about the Rhythm Stage could be replaced with a boost mechanic similar to games like Sonic Unleashed.
There are plenty of options, but having rings be collected to the tune of famous songs by artists like Jun Senoue is a great starting point. It's interesting that Sega and Sonic Team haven't tried to do a Sonic rhythm game yet, as fans agree that even the worst Sonic games have some great music to back them up. The music of Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the things that fans have always adored despite the series' lack of stability, which means there's sure to be some gain by exploring a rhythm game.
Combining fast-paced platforming with music might be tricky with songs where things need to slow down, like "Star Light Zone" from Sonic 1. Conversely, many of the iconic vocal songs from Sonic games like "All Hail Shadow" feature high beats-per-minute, which could be hard to translate into a platforming rhythm game. However, the same could be said with BTS' music. "Mikrokosmos," for example, has 174 beats-per-minute, yet this and other tracks have a range of difficulties in Cookie Run Kingdom. Whatever the case, the BTS event in Cookie Run Kingdom proves a Sonic rhythm game has potential.
Cookie Run Kingdom is available now for mobile devices.