Summary
- Sage's introduction in Sonic Frontiers added depth to Doctor Eggman's character, showing a more sympathetic and reasonable side to him through his interactions with her.
- The presence of Sage in future games may complicate Eggman's role as a primary antagonist, as his relationship with Sage makes it difficult for him to act as a ruthless villain in her presence.
- One way to keep Sage relevant without compromising Eggman's role is to have different characterizations of Eggman in games where Sage plays a notable role and in games where she doesn't, allowing for a more varied portrayal of the iconic villain.
Introducing Sage led to some of Sonic Frontiers' most interesting content, but it also created the question of whether she should return in later games. The Sonic series has an impressively large amount of regularly-appearing characters, and even more in the comic and cartoon continuities. Sonic Frontiers proved to be one of the series' most ambitious titles to date, creating vast open-world environments for players to rush through, as well as excellent conversations between Sonic and his friends. Sage was the standout new character of the game, but her place in the Sonic series' future is unclear.
Sage is the latest in the increasing amount of Sonic the Hedgehog characters, and one of the more interesting recent additions. She is a creation of Doctor Eggman, although she is not the first to appear. Past prominent assistants of Eggman include:
- Scratch and Grounder from The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog
- Bocoe and Decoe from Sonic X
- Orbot and Cubot from Sonic Colors onward
Unlike past assistants, though, Eggman genuinely appreciates Sage and values her input. In fact, he sees her as something of a surrogate daughter, which is backed up by their interactions throughout the game, adding a new dimension to the doctor.
Sage Brings Out a New Side of Sonic's Iconic Nemesis
The greatest effect of Sage's presence is how she made Eggman more sympathetic in Sonic Frontiers. Compared to past games, he's more even-tempered and reasonable when talking to her compared to other characters, and she even got him to team up with Sonic without a fuss. Thanks to her, there are now more options for writing Eggman in a role other than as a straight villain and mad scientist. There could even be the potential for Eggman to have his own adventure with Sage as his conscience of sorts.
Eggman worked alongside Sonic once before in Sonic Chronicles, but unlike Frontiers, that was proven to be a ruse in the ending.
The downside to a return appearance would be the fact that Sage and Eggman's relationship in Sonic Frontiers would make it nearly impossible for him to be a primary villain in her presence. For Eggman to enact his usual plans for world domination with Sage would feel out of character for both of them, since Sage has established herself as a tempering presence, and Eggman wants her to be happy. As a result, Eggman may not be able to be ruthless enough to be a primary antagonist in games where Sage is also present. This could be a complication if she becomes a recurring character.
There may be a way to keep Sage relevant without compromising Eggman's role in future Sonic the Hedgehog games. In most appearances, Eggman could be the same mad scientist that fans have come to know and love as he menaces Sonic and attempts to take over the world. Meanwhile, games where Sage does play a notable role would have a more reasonable and less malicious Eggman, reflecting her positive effect on him. This would make Sage an omen of sorts, with her presence or lack thereof indicating what characterization Eggman may get. That may be the best way to keep her in the series, though.
Sage was one of the most consequential recent entries to Sonic's canon, and with Sonic Frontiers' Final Horizon Update having passed, it's worth evaluating what the series' future could hold for her. The perks of Sage returning are obvious since she allows Dr. Eggman to play new roles in a story. That comes with the cost of diminishing his ability to play a big villain, though. Ultimately, it will come down to Sega's decision regarding the series' direction. Whatever the case may be, Sage at least provided one excellent performance in Sonic Frontiers.
Sonic Frontiers
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 56%
- Released
- November 8, 2022
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Engine
- Hedgehog 2
- Franchise
- Sonic
WHERE TO PLAY
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Become Sonic and journey to uncover the mysteries of the remains of an ancient civilization plagued by robotic hordes. With nothing but a handful of questions and a disembodied voice to guide you, set out to save your friends and the enigmatic inhabitants of the Starfall Islands from a colossal, mechanized threat.
