At this point in the franchise's life, Sonic the Hedgehog games star Sonic's friends as much as the titular hedgehog himself. A Sonic game wouldn't feel complete without Knuckles, Tails, and Amy playing some part in the story. That's why Sonic Frontiers will almost certainly have them influence the story in one way or another. Their names may not be part of the franchise's title, but Sonic's friends are Sonic the Hedgehog mascots nonetheless. Even so, it's hard to say what role they'll play in Sonic Frontiers since Sonic Team and Sega have released only limited details on the game so far.
However, even though Sonic games reliably focus on these characters, Sonic Frontiers also has good cause to introduce a lot of new characters. Sonic games frequently introduce some new sidekick or ally for Sonic and his crew, but Sonic Frontiers in particular has good reason to focus on a new set of characters. For one thing, the game's new setting has such deep lore potential that it wouldn't be surprising if Sonic Team has filled the island with new characters who can help explain it. For another, it sounds like Sonic's friends might actually be in danger in Sonic Frontiers, meaning other characters have to fill their shoes while Sonic tries to save them.
Why Sonic Frontiers May Add Characters
Sonic Frontiers is famously set in the Starfall Islands, an archipelago featuring all kinds of different biomes that presumably make up the different open zones that Sonic Frontiers players can explore. The Starfall Islands draw their importance from ancient ruins filled with mysterious, powerful technology. With that lore in mind, Sonic Frontiers has good cause to introduce lots of characters who help explain the islands' history to Sonic as he investigates the ruins. Sonic Frontiers might star curious archaeologists, protectors of the ruins, engineers tinkering with the islands' machinery, and so on, adding up to a refreshing new cast of Sonic characters.
These characters may also have a significant void to fill in Sonic Frontiers. A previous plot synopsis for Sonic Frontiers suggested that Sonic will be in a race against time to save his friends from a disaster that Dr. Eggman has set into motion. If the entire game is built around Sonic's friends being in danger, they probably aren't exploring the islands at his side, meaning Sonic Frontiers will be short on crucial supporting characters. In order to fill the shoes of Knuckles, Tails, and Amy, Sonic Frontiers could introduce other unique characters who have their own relationships with the islands and support Sonic on his journey.
Building Up the Sonic Cast
It'd be a shame to see Sonic's closest allies take a backseat in Sonic Frontiers' story, but it could be good for the franchise in the long run. Sonic Frontiers might turn out to be a font of supporting characters who turn into friends or enemies down the line, taking Sonic the Hedgehog in new directions. Each new character that the game introduces has the potential to set up a new arc for the franchise. Sonic Frontiers already has the potential to kick off a new Sonic generation with its creative world design, so Sonic Team might as well introduce a range of new characters who increase that potential.
There's a chance that Sonic's friends will have a constant presence in Sonic Frontiers after all; it's possible that the known plot synopsis doesn't give a perfect sense of what parts they play. Still, it's odd that the Sonic Frontiers trailers haven't visibly featured them yet. If they really are absent, then Sonic Team has plenty of room to expand Sonic the Hedgehog's cast. Even if they are at the forefront of Sonic Frontiers, though, Sonic Team shouldn't be afraid to introduce lots of interesting new characters. New mechanics shouldn't be Sonic Frontiers' only innovation.
Sonic Frontiers releases in 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
