Difference between revisions of "Sonic Team"

From Sega Retro
(I really hope someone can improve the writing on this.)
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'''Sonic Team''' (ソニックチーム) is a label and production team for Sega's development and supervision of the ''[[Sonic The Hedgehog]]'' franchise. It first became used for the original staff of the first ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' game. It became a consistent name in 1996, with the release of the non-Sonic game, [[NiGHTS Into Dreams]]. Since then Sonic Team has existed within the corporate divisions of [[Sega CS3]], [[Sega Software R&D Dept. 8]], [[Global Entertainment R&D]] and currently [[Sega CS2 (2008-current)|Sega CS2]]. It was it's own standalone division and subsdiary from July of 2001 up to April of 2005.
+
'''Sonic Team''' (ソニックチーム) is a label and production team for Sega's development and supervision of the ''[[Sonic The Hedgehog]]'' franchise. It first became used for the original staff of the first ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' game. It became a consistent name in 1996, with the release of the non-Sonic game, ''[[NiGHTS Into Dreams]]''. Since then Sonic Team existed with the corporate division names of [[Sega CS3]], [[Sega Software R&D Dept. 8]], [[Global Entertainment R&D]] and currently [[Sega CS2 (2008-current)|Sega CS2]]. It was it's own standalone division and subsdiary from July of 2001 up to April of 2005. This page compiles all games from these entities, regardless if they have Sonic Team branding or not.
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 +
==Current members==
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{{multicol|
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*[[Hiroshi Miyamoto]]
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*[[Kazuyuki Hoshino]]
 +
*[[Kejiro Murimoto]]
 +
*[[Morio Kishimoto]]
 +
*[[Outa Sano]]
 +
*[[Sachiko Kawamura]]
 +
*[[Shun Nakamura]]
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*[[Takao Hirabayashi]]
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*[[Takashi Iizuka]]
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*[[Tetsu Katano]]
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*[[Takumi Yoshinaga]]
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|cols=4}}
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==Former members==
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 +
{{multicol|
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*[[Akinori Nishiyama]]
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*[[Hirokazu Yasuhara]]
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*[[Masahiro Kumono]]
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*[[Naoto Ohshima]]
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*[[Satoshi Sakai]]
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*[[Shinobu Toyoda]]
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*[[Takao Miyoshi]]
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*[[Takashi Iizuka]]
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*[[Takashi Yuda]]
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*[[Yojiro Ogawa]]
 +
*[[Yoshihisa Hashimoto]]
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*[[Yuji Naka]]
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*[[Yutaka Sugano]]
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|cols=4}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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===1990-1997===
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===Sega Consumer R&D era===
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Back in 1990, Sega had one goal in mind - to create a game that would rival ''[[wikipedia:Super Mario Bros.|Super Mario Bros.]]'' and create a worldwide hit. Among the many developers who began conceiving proposals were [[Naoto Ohshima]] and [[Yuji Naka]]. Having previously worked on the ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' series together, the pair set off to create the concept that would evolve into the original ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. With Ohshima creating the [[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog|title character]] and Naka working on the engine, [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]] was brought on to create the level designs after the project was approved by the company. In addition to programming, Yuji Naka was also the Project Manager of the team, having already several producer credits on his name beforehand. Through the many [[sonic:Game Development:Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|twists and turns of development]], the game was finally set to be released.
+
Back in 1990, Sega had a company wide contest to propose different ideas for a new Sega mascot game. Among the many developers who presented proposals were [[Naoto Ohshima]] and [[Yuji Naka]]. Having previously worked on the ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' series together, the two set off to create the concept that would evolve into the original ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. With Ohshima creating the [[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog|title character]] and Naka working on the engine, rookie designer [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]] was brought on to create the level designs after the project was approved by the company. In addition to programming, Yuji Naka was also the Project Manager of the now Sonic Team, having already several producer credits on his name beforehand. Through the many [[sonic:Game Development:Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|twists and turns of development]], the game was finally set to be released.
  
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With the title becoming an international success, Naka decided in order to get better feedback from the western market, he decided to join the American based [[Sega Technical Institute]], headed by [[Mark Cerny]]. Coming to America along with Yasuhara (who had been scheduled to become a part of STI before ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' had begun development), the pair would go on to continue the main line of ''Sonic'' titles that would define the Mega Drive's library. Though no longer in the game's credits, the Sonic Team moniker would live on the Japanese packaging for ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]'', ''[[sonic:Sonic & Knuckles|Sonic & Knuckles]]'', and the Ohshima-led ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog CD|Sonic CD]]'' developed in Japan.
+
With the title becoming an international success, Naka decided in order to get better feedback from the western market, he joined the American based [[Sega Technical Institute]], headed by [[Mark Cerny]]. Coming to America along with Yasuhara (who had been scheduled to become a part of STI before ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' had begun development), the pair would go on to continue the main line of ''Sonic'' titles. Though no longer in the game's credits, the Sonic Team moniker would live on the Japanese packaging for ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]'', ''[[sonic:Sonic & Knuckles|Sonic & Knuckles]]'', and the Ohshima-led ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog CD|Sonic CD]]'' developed in Japan.
  
−
After the completion of ''Sonic & Knuckles'', Yasuhara chose to remain in America, while Naka returned to Sega of Japan, heading up his own new division [[Sega CS3]]. Once there, he teamed back up with Ohshima, the two resurrecting the Sonic Team moniker to work on a new project that had nothing to do with their namesake, ''[[NiGHTS Into Dreams]]''. Most members of the Japanese side of STI returning to their native land. Sonic Team wanted their Saturn-era work to show they weren't afraid to try new ideas and concepts, as demonstrated not only by ''NiGHTS'' but their follow-up title, ''[[Burning Rangers]]''.  The only Sonic-related output was the compilation ''[[sonic:Sonic Jam|Sonic Jam]]'', along with some supervised work on ''[[sonic:Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island|Flickies' Island]]'' and ''[[sonic:Sonic R|Sonic R]]''. Though he would remain with the company until 2002, ''Sonic R'' was also the last Sonic Team-related production Yasuhara had any direct involvement with, eventually departing to work for game studio Naughty Dog, after working on some select Sega Europe projects.
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===Sega Consumer R&D3 era===
  
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===1998-2001===
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After the completion of ''Sonic & Knuckles'', Yasuhara chose to remain in America, while Naka returned to Sega of Japan, heading up his own new division, [[Sega CS3]]. Once there, he teamed back up with Ohshima, the two resurrecting the Sonic Team moniker to work on two new projects, ''[[NiGHTS Into Dreams]]'' and ''[[Burning Rangers]]''. The only Sonic-related output was the compilation ''[[sonic:Sonic Jam|Sonic Jam]]'', along with some supervised work on ''[[sonic:Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island|Flickies' Island]]'' and ''[[sonic:Sonic R|Sonic R]]''. Though Yasuhara he would remain with the company until 2002, working on different Sega Europe projects, ''Sonic R'' would be the last Sonic Team-related production Yasuhara had any direct involvement with, eventually departing to work for game studio Naughty Dog.
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In the twilight moments of the 32-bit era, Sonic Team decided to return to their namesake to create the first fully 3D ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' title. Though initial development began on [[Sega Saturn]] hardware, ''[[sonic:Sonic Adventure|Sonic Adventure]]'' would instead become one of the flagship video games for the [[Sega Dreamcast]], in one final bid by Sega as a whole to return to the successes they once felt in the early 90's. Met with critical acclaim, it was also the last title Ohshima worked on with the team, leaving the company to co-found his own studio [[Artoon]]. Sonic Adventure signalized a new era for Sonic Team, with Yuji Naka no longer leading the programming and having neither Oshima or Yasuhara directing. Takashi Iizuka, who worked on ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'' succeeded Yasuhara in directing and leading the design. [[Kazuyuki Hoshino]], designer of Amy and Metal Sonic, succeeded Oshima. On the programming side, 1995 hire [[Tetsu Katano]] was brought as the lead engineer from then on.
 
  
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In Japan, Sonic Team made strides in online gaming with Chu Chu Rocket and Phantasy Star Online. Samba De Amigo was also a success project for the arcade market. Sonic Team USA, headed by Takashi Iizuka, on the other hand, focused primarily with Sonic. Though their first official assignment was simply making sure ''Sonic Adventure'' was ready for a western release, the real reason they came into existence was made clear with 2001's ''[[sonic:Sonic Adventure 2|Sonic Adventure 2]]''. It was also around this time that Sonic Team began their long-term partnership with [[Dimps]], who worked to create ''[[sonic:Sonic Pocket Adventure|Sonic Pocket Adventure]]'', and become involved in nearly every handheld Sonic title that would follow.
+
In the twilight moments of the 32-bit era, Sonic Team decided to return to the Sonic franchise to create the first fully 3D ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' title. Though initial development began on [[Sega Saturn]] hardware, ''[[sonic:Sonic Adventure|Sonic Adventure]]'' would instead become one of the flagship video games for the new [[Sega Dreamcast]]. It was also the last title Ohshima had any involvement with, leaving the company to co-found the studio [[Artoon]]. Sonic Adventure signalized a new era for Sonic Team, with Yuji Naka no longer leading the programming and having neither Oshima or Yasuhara directing. Takashi Iizuka, who worked on ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'' succeeded Yasuhara in directing and leading the design. [[Kazuyuki Hoshino]], designer of Amy and Metal Sonic, succeeded Oshima in determining the look of the franchise. On the programming side, 1995 hire [[Tetsu Katano]] was brought in as the lead engineer from then on.
  
−
In April 2000, as Sega began reeling from the financial woes they hoped the Dreamcast would erase, the decision was made to have the main development departments of Sega, became semi-autonomous. With R&D8 becoming Sonic Team Ltd, the group continued in earnest to create quality games. But even this corporate action and the impending release of ''Adventure 2'' could not stop Sega from dropping out of the hardware market, ''[[Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2]]'' becoming the last Sonic Team title released on Sega hardware in the western world.
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===Sega Software #8/Sonic Team era===
  
−
===2002-2006===
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In Japan, Sonic Team made strides in online gaming with ''[[Chu Chu Rocket]]'' and ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]''. ''[[Samba De Amigo]]'' was also a successfull project for the arcade market. Other non-Sonic projects would inlclude ''[[Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]]'' and further entires into the ''[[:category:Phantasy Star|Phantasy Star]]'' franchise. Sonic Team USA, headed by Takashi Iizuka, on the other hand, focused primarily on Sonic. Though their first official assignment was making sure ''Sonic Adventure'' was ready for a western release, the real reason they came into existence was the 2001's ''[[sonic:Sonic Adventure 2|Sonic Adventure 2]]'' and Sonic Team's first multiplatform title, ''[[:sonic:Sonic Heroes|Sonic Heroes]]''. It was also around this time that Sonic Team began their long-term partnership with [[Dimps]], who worked to create ''[[sonic:Sonic Pocket Adventure|Sonic Pocket Adventure]]'', and become involved in nearly every handheld Sonic title that would follow. Long time Sega employee, [[Akinori Nishiyama]] would manage that relationship working as a Director since ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' onwards.
−
Releasing titles on a variety of systems including the [[Nintendo GameCube]] and [[PlayStation 2]], Sonic Team strove to still prove itself as a viable entity in the everchanging gaming landscape. Continuing to produce titles for existing franchises such as ''[[sonic:Sonic Heroes|Sonic Heroes]]'' and ''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II]]'', the team still experimented with new ideas including ''[[Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]]''. 2002 also saw Sonic Team's reboot of the [[:Category:Puyo Puyo|''Puyo Puyo'' series]], which was bought by Sega after [[Compile]] was forced to go out of business. The first game they worked on, the Arcade title ''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]'', also became the last Sonic Team game for the Dreamcast in Japan. Continued financial woes for the whole of Sega saw yet another restructuring, gradually turning their semi-independent nine studio structure back into a uniform game development like in the past. Sonic Team gained members who worked on the ''[[Space Channel 5]]'' and ''[[Roommania]]'' games, as well as the action/platform games [[Shinobi]], [[Nightshade]] and [[Jet Set Radio]].
 
  
−
''[[Feel the Magic XY/XX]]'' and ''[[The Rub Rabbits!]]'' for the [[Nintendo DS]], and the multi-platform ''[[sonic:Sonic Riders|Sonic Riders]]'' series.
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===Global Entertainment R&D1 era===
  
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It was during this time that Sonic Team USA, now busy with the development of ''[[sonic:Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'', changed their name to Sega Studios USA. Directed by Iizuka as had been the case for the last few major Sonic titles, the game was met with less than favorable reviews.
+
In October of 2003, Sega decided to consolidate their in-house development teams. Sonic Team Japan gained members who worked on the ''[[Space Channel 5]]'' and ''[[Roommania #203]]'' games. Those developers would go on to create several games. Such as the PlayStation 2 [[Astro Boy]] game, the multiplattform ''[[:sonic:Sonic Riders|Sonic Riders]]'' series, as well as the reboot of the [[:category:Puyo Puyo|''Puyo Puyo'' series]], ''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]''. The many sequels it received have remained Japan exclusive. For handhelds, they developed the ''[[Feel the Magic XY/XX]]'' and ''[[The Rub Rabbits!]]'' games, as well as two entries in the Sega edutainment series ''[[:category:Naruhodo|Naruhodo]]'', aimed at a Japanese audience.  
  
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With Sega looking to set itself back on a profitable path, the pressure for Sonic Team to create on a new generation of consoles began. At 2005's E3, Yuji Naka unveiled the initial footage for what would become ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2006]]'', Sonic's first foray on a next-gen console. Though many thought Naka would assume a role in the project similar to what he had with ''Adventure'', it was less than a year later that he announced his departure from the company. Creating his own studio [[Prope]], Naka's new venture was completely autonomous though it did secure some financial backing from Sega. Between his announcing and actual resignation in May of 2006, Sonic Team also revealed that the previously announced ''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' would be ported to the [[Xbox 360]], which became the group's first official release on the seventh generation of video game hardware.
+
Yuji Naka moved higher and higher within the corporate ladder of Sega, eventually becoming dissatisfied with the position of having almost no hands-on development. So he decided to leave Sega to form the company Prope in May of 2006. Prope had financial backing by Sega, which lead to  Sega publishing the first two games of the studio, ''[[Let's Tap]]'' and ''[[Let's Catch]]''. [[Akinori Nishiyama]] who last diirected [[:sonic:Sonic Rush]], would replace Yuji Naka as the studio head during this period.
  
−
With Naka's departure signaling the end of an era, the sudden changes in management coupled with unending pressure from the powers-that-be helped to doom the tent-pole title ''Sonic 2006''. Meant to be a complete reinvention of the franchise, it was forced to hit shelves before it was ready, being released with much fanfare but met with just as much, if not more, disappointment.
+
Sonic Team USA (eventually renamed Sega Studio USA in 2004), developed further games with ''[[:sonic:Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams]]''. Sonic Team in Japan returned to developed mainstream entries into the ''Sonic'' franchise. They developed ''[[:sonic:Sonic The Hedgehog 2006|Sonic the Hedgehog 2006]]'', ''[[:sonic:Sonic and the Secret Rings|Sonic and the Secret Rings]]'', ''[[:sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'' and ''[[:sonic:Sonic and the Black Knights|Sonic and the Black Knight]]''.  
  
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===2007-Present===
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All of these games received negative to middling reviews, particulary it was ''Sonic 06'' that received a wide negative reception. Meanwhile ''Sonic Unleashed'' and ''Sonic and the Secret Rings'' were better received, providing templates for future Sonic games. Main complaints from critics drive back from gameplay methods being acceptable in the early 2000's, but not anymore.
−
Back in the United States, Sega Studios USA finished its final game, ''[[NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams]]'' for the [[Nintendo Wii]]. Met with mixed reviews, that, along with the failure of ''Sonic 2006'', prompted Sega to merge the two studios back into a single entity. Returning to Japan, Takashi Iizuka was promoted to become the head of Sonic Team in 2008. With this latest shift, the development group looked to refocus their energies on their core brands, including ''Phantasy Star'', ''Puyo Puyo'', and ''Sonic the Hedgehog''. 2007 saw the release of the first ''[[sonic:Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games|Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', a joint effort between Sonic Team, [[Nintendo]] and [[Sega Sports Design R&D Dept.]], which would become a bi-yearly series. ''[[sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'', released a year later, was the team's first major overhaul of the franchise since 1998, which would continue to evolve with  ''[[sonic:Sonic Colours|Colours]]'', ''[[sonic:Sonic Generations|Generations]]'', and ''[[sonic:Sonic Lost World|Sonic Lost World]]'', attempting to preserve the core Sonic experience while experimenting with new ideas to keep things fresh.
 
  
−
2011 saw the team not just celebrate Sonic's 20th anniversary, but also the Puyo Puyo franchise, with the release of ''[[Puyo Puyo 7]]'', co-developed with [[h.a.n.d.]]
+
Akinori Nishiyama and Takashi Iizuka referred to tight deadlines, as well in Iizukas case, too little resources, on the less than stellar reception of these titles.
 +
 
 +
===Sega Consumer R&D2 era===
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In May 2008, Sega reschuffled it's development teams again. So the oppurtunity came to revitalize the Sonic Team development enviorment. Sega Studio USA and Sonic Team Japan were merged back together into a single entity, and Takashi Iizuka was made the head of the operation. In addition developer reshuffling created an enviorment which allowed the CS2 division to better focus on Sonic projects. ''Phantasy Star'' with their associated developers were moved out of Sonic Team, with Akinori Nishiyama going to [[Sega CS3 (2008-current)|Sega CS3]]. In trade, Sonic Team (or CS2) now has members of the dissolved [[Sega Sports Design R&D Dept.]] who developed ''[[:sonic:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', which became a bi-yearly series. Since then, Sonic Team developed ''[[:sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4|Sonic the Hedgehog 4]]'', ''[[:sonic:Sonic Colors|Sonic Colors]]'', ''[[:sonic:Sonic Generations|Sonic Generations]]'', ''[[:sonic:Sonic Lost World|Sonic Lost World]]'', and is currently developing ''[[:sonic:Sonic Forces|Sonic Forces]]''. All of these games would departure from the philosphy found in console games since ''Sonic Adventure'', by having a "back to basics" approach, resembling more of the original Mega Drive games.
  
 
==Softography==
 
==Softography==
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*''[[sonic:Sonic R|Sonic R]]'' (1997) (with Traveller's Tales)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic R|Sonic R]]'' (1997) (with Traveller's Tales)
 
*''[[Burning Rangers]]'' (1998)
 
*''[[Burning Rangers]]'' (1998)
−
 
−
===PC===
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island|Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island]]'' (1996) (with Traveller's Tales)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic R|Sonic R]]'' (1998) (with Traveller's Tales)
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2]]'' (2001)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut|Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' (2003)
 
−
*''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]'' (2004)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Heroes|Sonic Heroes]]'' (2004) (as Sonic Team USA)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Mega Collection Plus|Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' (2006)
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode IV: Blue Burst|Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst]]'' (2004)
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders|Sonic Riders]]'' (2006) (with [[Now Production]])
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus]]'' (2007)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'' (2010) (with [[Dimps]])
 
  
 
===[[Sega Dreamcast|Dreamcast]]===
 
===[[Sega Dreamcast|Dreamcast]]===
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===[[N-Gage]]===
 
===[[N-Gage]]===
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic N|Sonic N]]'' (2003)  (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic N|Sonic N]]'' (2003)  (with Dimps)
−
 
−
===[[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]]===
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Adventure 2: Battle|Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]'' (2002)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Mega Collection|Sonic Mega Collection]]'' (2002) (with [[VR-1 Japan]])
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II]]'' (2002)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut|Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' (2003)
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II|Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus]]'' (2003)
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution]]'' (2003)
 
−
*''[[Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]]'' (2003)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Heroes|Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003) (as Sonic Team USA)
 
−
*''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]'' (2004)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Gems Collection|Sonic Gems Collection]]'' (2005)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' (2005) (as Sega Studios USA)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders|Sonic Riders]]'' (2006) (with [[Now Production]])
 
−
 
−
===[[Xbox]]===
 
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II]]'' (2002)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Heroes|Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003) (as Sonic Team USA)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Mega Collection Plus|Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' (2004)
 
−
*''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]'' (2004)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' (2005) (as Sega Studios USA)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders|Sonic Riders]]'' (2006) (with Now Production)
 
  
 
===[[PlayStation 2]]===
 
===[[PlayStation 2]]===
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*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders|Sonic Riders]]'' (2006) (with Now Production]])
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders|Sonic Riders]]'' (2006) (with Now Production]])
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006)
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006)
−
*''[[Puyo Puyo 15th Anniversary]]'' (2007)
+
*''[[Puyo Puyo!]]'' (2007)
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus]]'' (2007)
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus]]'' (2007)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity|Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' (2008)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity|Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' (2008)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008) (with Dimps )
+
*''[[sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008) (with Dimps)
  
 
===[[Nintendo DS]]===
 
===[[Nintendo DS]]===
−
*''[[Feel the Magic XY/XX]]'' (2004)
+
* ''[[Feel the Magic: XY/XX]]'' (2004)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]'' (2004)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Pop Fever 2]]'' (2005)
 
*''[[The Rub Rabbits!]]'' (2005)
 
*''[[The Rub Rabbits!]]'' (2005)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Rush|Sonic Rush]]'' (2005) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Rush|Sonic Rush]]'' (2005) (with Dimps)
−
*''[[Puyo Puyo Fever 2]]'' (2005)
+
* ''[[Nounenrei Nou-Stress Kei Atama Scan]]'' (2006)
−
*''[[Puyo Puyo 15th Anniversary]]'' (2006)
+
* ''[[Puyo Puyo!]]'' (2007)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Rush Adventure|Sonic Rush Adventure]]'' (2007) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Rush Adventure|Sonic Rush Adventure]]'' (2007) (with Dimps)
−
*''[[sonic:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'' (2008) (with [[Smilebit|Sega Sports Design R&D Dept.]] and [[Nintendo]])
+
* ''[[Onsei Kanjou Sokuteiki: Kokoro Scan]]'' (2007)
 +
* ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'' (2009)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo 7]]'' (2009)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Colours|Sonic Colours]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Colours|Sonic Colours]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
 +
* ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' (2011)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo!!]]'' (2011)
  
 
===[[PlayStation Portable]]===
 
===[[PlayStation Portable]]===
−
*''[[Puyo Puyo Fever 2]]'' (2005)
+
* ''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]'' (2004)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Rivals|Sonic Rivals]]'' (2006) ([[Backbone Entertainment]] w/ Sega Studios USA)
+
* ''[[Puyo Pop Fever 2]]'' (2005)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Rivals|Sonic Rivals 2]]'' (2007) (Backbone Entertainment w/ Sega Studios USA)
+
* ''[[Puyo Puyo!]]'' (2007)
−
*''[[Phantasy Star Portable]]'' (2008) (with Alfa System)
+
*''[[Phantasy Star Portable]]'' (2008) (with [[Sega CS3 (2008-current)|Sega CS3]] and Alfa System)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo 7]]'' (2009)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo!!]]'' (2011)
  
 
===[[Xbox 360]]===
 
===[[Xbox 360]]===
 
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (2006)
 
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (2006)
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006)
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006)
−
*''[[Puyo Puyo 15th Anniversary]]'' (2007)
 
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus]]'' (2007)
 
*''[[Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus]]'' (2007)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008)
Line 174: Line 180:
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Generations|Sonic Generations]]'' (2011)  
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Generations|Sonic Generations]]'' (2011)  
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (with Dimps)
 +
 +
===[[Nintendo Wii|Wii]]===
 +
*''[[sonic:Sonic and the Secret Rings|Sonic and the Secret Rings]]'' (2007) (with Now Production)
 +
*''[[NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams]]'' (2007) (as Sega Studios USA)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo!]]'' (2007)
 +
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity|Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' (2008)
 +
*''[[sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008) (with Dimps)
 +
* ''[[The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return]]'' (2008) (with [[Sega AM1 (2005-current)|Sega AM1]])
 +
* ''[[sonic:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]''  (2009)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo 7]]'' (2009)
 +
*''[[sonic:Sonic and the Black Knight|Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' (2009)
 +
*''[[sonic:Sonic Colours|Sonic Colours]]'' (2010)
 +
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
 +
* ''[[sonic:Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games|Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' (2011)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo!!]]'' (2011)
  
 
===[[PlayStation 3]]===
 
===[[PlayStation 3]]===
Line 181: Line 202:
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Generations|Sonic Generations]]'' (2011)  
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic Generations|Sonic Generations]]'' (2011)  
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (with Dimps)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo Tetris]]'' (2014)
 +
 +
=== [[Nintendo 3DS]] ===
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo!! 20th Anniversary]]'' (2011)
 +
* ''[[Sonic Generations]]'' (2011) (with [[Dimps]])
 +
* ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' (2012)
 +
* ''[[Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure]]'' (2012) (with xeen)
 +
* ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' (2013) (with [[Dimps]])
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo Tetris]]'' (2014)
 +
* ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]'' (2016)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo Chronicle]]'' (2016)
  
−
===[[Nintendo Wii|Wii]]===
+
=== [[PlayStation Vita]] ===
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic and the Secret Rings|Sonic and the Secret Rings]]'' (2007) (with Now Production)
+
* ''[[Uta Kumi 575]]'' (2014)
−
*''[[sonic:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'' (2007) (with [[Sega Sports Design R&D Dept.]] and Nintendo)
+
 
−
*''[[Puyo Puyo 15th Anniversary]]'' (2007)
+
===[[Xbox One]]===
−
*''[[NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams]]'' (2007) (as Sega Studios USA)
+
* ''[[Puyo Puyo Tetris]]'' (2014)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity|Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' (2008)
+
* ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' (2017)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Unleashed|Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008) (with Dimps)
+
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic and the Black Knight|Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' (2009)
+
===[[PlayStation 4]]===
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
+
* ''[[Puyo Puyo Tetris]]'' (2014)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Colours|Sonic Colours]]'' (2010)
+
* ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' (2017)
 +
 
 +
===[[Wii U]]===
 +
* ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' (2013)
 +
* ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' (2013)
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo Tetris]]'' (2014)
 +
* ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]'' (2016)
 +
 
 +
===[[Nintendo Switch]]===
 +
* ''[[Puyo Puyo Tetris|Puyo Puyo Tetris S]]'' (2017)
 +
* ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' (2017)
  
 
===[[iOS]]===
 
===[[iOS]]===
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (with Dimps)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Runners | Sonic Runners]]'' (2015)
+
* ''[[Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper]]'' (2014)
 +
* ''[[Uta Kumi 575]]'' (2014)
 +
*''[[sonic:Sonic Runners|Sonic Runners]]'' (2015)
  
 
===Android===
 
===Android===
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1]]'' (2010) (with Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (w/Dimps)
 
*''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' (2012) (w/Dimps)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Runners | Sonic Runners]]'' (2015)
+
* ''[[Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper]]'' (2014)
−
 
+
* ''[[Uta Kumi 575]]'' (2014)
−
===[[Nintendo 3DS]]===
+
*''[[sonic:Sonic Runners|Sonic Runners]]'' (2015)
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Generations|Sonic Generations]]'' (2011) (with Dimps)
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Lost World|Sonic Lost World]]'' (2013) (with Dimps)
 
−
 
 
−
===[[Nintendo Wii U|Wii U]]===
 
−
*''[[sonic:Sonic Lost World|Sonic Lost World]]'' (2013)
 
  
 
===Canceled Titles===
 
===Canceled Titles===

Revision as of 10:38, 4 April 2017


Sonic Team (ソニックチーム) is a label and production team for Sega's development and supervision of the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise. It first became used for the original staff of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. It became a consistent name in 1996, with the release of the non-Sonic game, NiGHTS Into Dreams. Since then Sonic Team existed with the corporate division names of Sega CS3, Sega Software R&D Dept. 8, Global Entertainment R&D and currently Sega CS2. It was it's own standalone division and subsdiary from July of 2001 up to April of 2005. This page compiles all games from these entities, regardless if they have Sonic Team branding or not.

Current members

Former members

History

Sega Consumer R&D era

Back in 1990, Sega had a company wide contest to propose different ideas for a new Sega mascot game. Among the many developers who presented proposals were Naoto Ohshima and Yuji Naka. Having previously worked on the Phantasy Star series together, the two set off to create the concept that would evolve into the original Sonic the Hedgehog. With Ohshima creating the title character and Naka working on the engine, rookie designer Hirokazu Yasuhara was brought on to create the level designs after the project was approved by the company. In addition to programming, Yuji Naka was also the Project Manager of the now Sonic Team, having already several producer credits on his name beforehand. Through the many twists and turns of development, the game was finally set to be released.

With the title becoming an international success, Naka decided in order to get better feedback from the western market, he joined the American based Sega Technical Institute, headed by Mark Cerny. Coming to America along with Yasuhara (who had been scheduled to become a part of STI before Sonic the Hedgehog had begun development), the pair would go on to continue the main line of Sonic titles. Though no longer in the game's credits, the Sonic Team moniker would live on the Japanese packaging for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, and the Ohshima-led Sonic CD developed in Japan.

Sega Consumer R&D3 era

After the completion of Sonic & Knuckles, Yasuhara chose to remain in America, while Naka returned to Sega of Japan, heading up his own new division, Sega CS3. Once there, he teamed back up with Ohshima, the two resurrecting the Sonic Team moniker to work on two new projects, NiGHTS Into Dreams and Burning Rangers. The only Sonic-related output was the compilation Sonic Jam, along with some supervised work on Flickies' Island and Sonic R. Though Yasuhara he would remain with the company until 2002, working on different Sega Europe projects, Sonic R would be the last Sonic Team-related production Yasuhara had any direct involvement with, eventually departing to work for game studio Naughty Dog.

In the twilight moments of the 32-bit era, Sonic Team decided to return to the Sonic franchise to create the first fully 3D Sonic the Hedgehog title. Though initial development began on Sega Saturn hardware, Sonic Adventure would instead become one of the flagship video games for the new Sega Dreamcast. It was also the last title Ohshima had any involvement with, leaving the company to co-found the studio Artoon. Sonic Adventure signalized a new era for Sonic Team, with Yuji Naka no longer leading the programming and having neither Oshima or Yasuhara directing. Takashi Iizuka, who worked on Sonic 3 & Knuckles succeeded Yasuhara in directing and leading the design. Kazuyuki Hoshino, designer of Amy and Metal Sonic, succeeded Oshima in determining the look of the franchise. On the programming side, 1995 hire Tetsu Katano was brought in as the lead engineer from then on.

Sega Software #8/Sonic Team era

In Japan, Sonic Team made strides in online gaming with Chu Chu Rocket and Phantasy Star Online. Samba De Amigo was also a successfull project for the arcade market. Other non-Sonic projects would inlclude Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg and further entires into the Phantasy Star franchise. Sonic Team USA, headed by Takashi Iizuka, on the other hand, focused primarily on Sonic. Though their first official assignment was making sure Sonic Adventure was ready for a western release, the real reason they came into existence was the 2001's Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Team's first multiplatform title, Sonic Heroes. It was also around this time that Sonic Team began their long-term partnership with Dimps, who worked to create Sonic Pocket Adventure, and become involved in nearly every handheld Sonic title that would follow. Long time Sega employee, Akinori Nishiyama would manage that relationship working as a Director since Sonic Advance onwards.

Global Entertainment R&D1 era

In October of 2003, Sega decided to consolidate their in-house development teams. Sonic Team Japan gained members who worked on the Space Channel 5 and Roommania #203 games. Those developers would go on to create several games. Such as the PlayStation 2 Astro Boy game, the multiplattform Sonic Riders series, as well as the reboot of the Puyo Puyo series, Puyo Pop Fever. The many sequels it received have remained Japan exclusive. For handhelds, they developed the Feel the Magic XY/XX and The Rub Rabbits! games, as well as two entries in the Sega edutainment series Naruhodo, aimed at a Japanese audience.

Yuji Naka moved higher and higher within the corporate ladder of Sega, eventually becoming dissatisfied with the position of having almost no hands-on development. So he decided to leave Sega to form the company Prope in May of 2006. Prope had financial backing by Sega, which lead to Sega publishing the first two games of the studio, Let's Tap and Let's Catch. Akinori Nishiyama who last diirected sonic:Sonic Rush, would replace Yuji Naka as the studio head during this period.

Sonic Team USA (eventually renamed Sega Studio USA in 2004), developed further games with Shadow the Hedgehog and NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams. Sonic Team in Japan returned to developed mainstream entries into the Sonic franchise. They developed Sonic the Hedgehog 2006, Sonic and the Secret Rings, Sonic Unleashed and Sonic and the Black Knight.

All of these games received negative to middling reviews, particulary it was Sonic 06 that received a wide negative reception. Meanwhile Sonic Unleashed and Sonic and the Secret Rings were better received, providing templates for future Sonic games. Main complaints from critics drive back from gameplay methods being acceptable in the early 2000's, but not anymore.

Akinori Nishiyama and Takashi Iizuka referred to tight deadlines, as well in Iizukas case, too little resources, on the less than stellar reception of these titles.

Sega Consumer R&D2 era

In May 2008, Sega reschuffled it's development teams again. So the oppurtunity came to revitalize the Sonic Team development enviorment. Sega Studio USA and Sonic Team Japan were merged back together into a single entity, and Takashi Iizuka was made the head of the operation. In addition developer reshuffling created an enviorment which allowed the CS2 division to better focus on Sonic projects. Phantasy Star with their associated developers were moved out of Sonic Team, with Akinori Nishiyama going to Sega CS3. In trade, Sonic Team (or CS2) now has members of the dissolved Sega Sports Design R&D Dept. who developed Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, which became a bi-yearly series. Since then, Sonic Team developed Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic Colors, Sonic Generations, Sonic Lost World, and is currently developing Sonic Forces. All of these games would departure from the philosphy found in console games since Sonic Adventure, by having a "back to basics" approach, resembling more of the original Mega Drive games.

Softography

Mega Drive

Mega CD

Saturn

Dreamcast

NAOMI

Neo Geo Pocket Color

Game Boy Advance

N-Gage

PlayStation 2

Nintendo DS

PlayStation Portable

Xbox 360

Wii

PlayStation 3

Nintendo 3DS

PlayStation Vita

Xbox One

PlayStation 4

Wii U

Nintendo Switch

iOS

Android

Canceled Titles

Filmography

External links


Timeline of Sega of Japan research and development divisions








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