WithSonic Frontiersset to launch later this year, Sega has been rolling out plenty of details about Sonic’s next big 3D adventure. The newestSonic the Hedgehoggame will be a first for the franchise with a mix of open-world and traditionalSonicaction stages. Recent trailers have shown off plenty of new elements to the new game, detailing thenew combat system and an RPG-esque skill tree. Now, with Gamescom kicking off earlier this week, fans have spotted a popular character in the game’s show floor demos.
Gamescom attendees at theSonic Frontiersbooth were quick to notice the return of Big the Cat, appearing alongside Sonic. One image from the game shows off Sonic holding Big’s iconic fishing rod, potentially implying the inclusion of a fishing mini-game inFrontiers. Earlier this year,Sonic Originsdataminers also spotted leftover files inSonic Originsmeant forFrontiersthat suggested Big may make a return in the newestSonicgame. Big has made regular appearances inSonic’s various spinoff games since his introduction inSonic Adventure.
RELATED:New Sonic Frontiers Trailer Confirms Release Date
Big the Cat’s return with connection to a fishing mini-game would be a callback to the character’s 1998 debut.Big’s appearance inSonic Adventuretraded much of the game’s fast-paced 3D platforming and speed for a more laid-back fishing-focused story mode. While Big the Cat has been a regular inSonicspinoffs, his position within the main-series games has been limited since the early 2000s. His last main-series appearance came as a cameo in 2011’sSonic Generationswhile the last main-series game with Big playable was back in 2003 withSonic Heroes.
Big the Cat’s discovery inSonic Frontierscomes as a part of a Gamescom that has already seen multiple reveals for the game. Main show floor demos forSonic Frontiershave allowed attending fans to try out one ofFrontiers' “Cyber Space” stages. One, in particular, bears a striking resemblance to the classic Green Hill Zone, with fans speculating that Big’s appearance may be connected to aSonic Adventure-themed stage. Sega has regularly included homages to classicSonictitles in the franchise’s modern games, with Green Hill being a series staple.
WithSonic Frontiers' launch only a few months away, Sega has stood firm about the game’s final release date. Sonic Team recently confirmed thatSonic Frontierswould not be receiving any delays, fully intending to launch on November 8th.Frontiers' November release will put it in the middle of a jam-packed month for gaming, alongside other high-profile games likeGod of War: RagnarokandPokemon Scarlet and Violet.Frontierswill look to change the formula and the landscape for theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise when it releases in November.
Sonic Frontiersis scheduled to release on November 8th, 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
