AlongsideSuper Mario,Sonic the Hedgehogis one of the most recognized franchises in gaming history. Many may not have known that the titular Sonic was almost a rabbit, knowing the speedy character only as the beloved blue hedgehog. However, people may be even more surprised to learn that Sonic the Hedgehog was originally a human boy.
This is according to formerSonic the Hedgehogdeveloper and character designer Naoto Ohshima, who currently works at Arzest. Ohshima sadly revealed that he doesn’t have any concept art of Sonic in his human form, as it was just a basic outline and was quickly discarded.
“I created the first design proposal for Sonic after three years in the design department. Although it wasn’t Sonic then – the main character was a human boy,” Ohshima stated before continuing, “I remember the idea struck me right as I was going to bed, and I was afraid that I wouldn’t remember it in the morning. So I drew it quickly in the notebook and then fell asleep.”
While Sonic’s human form was dismissed early on, the concept of the game was rather complete during its pitch. Essentially, Ohshima wanted to avoid squares and right angles often used in action games, preferring smooth surfaces and loops. This concept for the franchise remains one of its most recognizable elements today, as the character Shadow the Hedgehog runs through a loop inthis recentSonic the HedgehogandShadow of the Colossuscrossover.
It may have been a good decision to make Sonic a hedgehog instead of a boy, as he could have been another forgotten mascot such as Alex Kidd. Instead, Sonic’s popularity still remains pretty high, withhigh-quality fan-made games such asSonic: After the Sequelappearing occasionally. It’s uncertain if Sonic would still be so popular as a human boy, but as a hedgehog, his popularity speaks for itself.
