Sonic, A Quick History
Sonic a Quick History
I was recently sent a link to an excellent Video by Gametap about the development of one of the best loved characters of the computer generation. I’ve briefly pondered in the past what sort of thinking goes into the construction of certain fantasy creations. What sort of people come up with a hyperactive blue Hedgehog? Twisted Mangelian Cartoonists?! Sonic made Sega in the late 80’s even beating Mickey in awareness tests of stateside school kids.
To defeat Nintendo, Sega needed a device to show off the speed of its sexy black 16bit mega drive. Chopping through 200 ideas in an open competition the Sega Japan employees chose a blue hedgehog.... The development of Sonic is inspired by the American icons of Michael Jackson, Santa and Bill Clinton. Imagine how wrong this could have gone. They spend good time on developing a back story decidedly in awe of American culture only to have American Sega cut sonic down to size and soften him up.
It’s a quick insightful piece on how the ideas of designers and illustrators combine with cultural and marketing demands and succeed however strange certain facets of the character and their universe. With Sonic being taken back to 2D in his next game for retro appeal, this blue ball speeds on.
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Guest: lorenadelasherasWed 10 - Feb - 2010, 10:16computer games .. uhmm sure u can do better! :) X
