Sonic the Hedgehogfans have had their hands full of plenty of prominent releases for the last three years. Between 2022’sSonic the Hedgehog 2film andSonic Frontiers, 2023’s year full of free DLC forFrontiersafter launch, and now 2024’sSonic X Shadow GenerationsandSonic the Hedgehog 3movie,Sonic the Hedgehogfans have been running around just like the titular character to keep up with it all.
After everything the franchise has released in that time, it’d be understandable if Sega saw it fit to slow its roll a little bit to set up more jam-packed years for the future. If a few frequent leaks are to be believed, though, 2025 will have a fewsurprises forSonicfansto hold them off until 2026 celebrates the blue blur’s 35th anniversary.
A Rumored Sonic Project May Bring Back Sonic Heroes
A New Sonic Project Codename Has Been Leaked
According to leaker RyanFromTheBronx, anewSonictitle is currently in developmentunder the codename “Guinness.” With a number of recent titles, codenames inspired by beer are typically used for 2D titles or remasters. For instance,Sonic X Shadow Generationswas known internally as “Miller,“Sonic Originswas known as “Hite” based on Hite Brewery, whileSonic Frontierswas known simply as “Rangers.”
This trend seems to suggest that thenextSonictitle is a remaster, which perfectly lines up with how rumors ofSonic Heroesbeing remastered have been circling around since early March 2024. Some fans also believe that the codename “Guinness” has a double meaning with the fact thatSonic Heroesholds the Guinness World Record for most playable characters in a platform game.
Why Fans Should Take the Sonic Heroes Rumor With a Grain of Salt
Taking all the recent rumors regardingSonic Heroesbeing remastered or remade into account, this alleged future title is currently set to be released in time for Fall 2025. This makes it so there’s yet another newSonicrelease just in time for the holidays for the fourth year in a row, but every piece of theseHeroesrumors comes from not entirely reliable sources. RemasteringSonic Heroesis also an interesting choice, especially afterSonic Team has expressed no interest in remastering theAdventuretitlesfrom the same era. In terms of there being either a new release next year or even aSonic Heroesremaster, fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
The Next Sonic Project Being Codenamed Guinness Might Not Be a Huge Giveaway
Sonic Heroeshaving a connection to the Guinness codename is something that could be coincidental seeing as how the theory is fan-made, alongside the fact thatSonic Heroesis one ofmany widely requestedSonicgame remastersso any rumor regarding it is bound to gain traction. What’s important about this rumor is how many sources have said that the title’s been in development since 2023 and aiming to be released next year, which certainly gives it a bit more weight compared to if only one version of the rumor was making its way around the mill, but current Sega trends and Sonic Team’s actions still shed some doubt on it.
Sonic Fans Still Have A Lot to Look Forward To With or Without the Return of Sonic Heroes
At the end of the day, theSonic the Hedgehogseries is not going to stop surprising fans anytime soon. Even if the Sonic Heroes revival doesn’t come to pass, 2026 is an anniversary year for the blue blur, andSega and Sonic Team are known for celebratingSonicanniversariesthe best they can. If fans get to enjoy a new remake or remaster ofSonic Heroesin 2025, then that’ll just be one more surprise out of many that’ll lead to whatever big surprises the 35th anniversary has in store.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
WHERE TO PLAY
THE RETURN OF SHADOWIn this new standalone campaign, Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
SHADOW EVOLVEDHarness Shadow’s new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONSExperience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow’s abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACEStretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!
