The credits in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” are not only a blast to watch, but they also pack a stylish punch. Recently, the creative mind behind them, SuitNtie22, decided to give fans a peek into the process that brought these credits to life.
When it comes to films, credits play a crucial role. Not only do they acknowledge everyone involved in bringing the movie to the screen, but they’re also the final impression left on the audience. As such, you want them to leave viewers in high spirits. Some films opt for straightforward credits, but the Sonic movies have consistently aimed to stand out. While the first two movies charmed us with nostalgic pixel art, the third installment chose to embrace a 3D aesthetic. Interestingly, instead of drawing inspirations from the Sonic Adventure series like the film’s narrative does, the credits are inspired by “Sonic the Fighters”—Sonic’s first foray into 3D gameplay.
These credits aren’t just a visual treat, they’re also a fascinating behind-the-scenes story. In a detailed YouTube video, SuitNtie22 shares a look into their creation process. One of the remarkable insights is the method used to create the character models. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles mostly feature their original models from “Sonic the Fighters,” albeit with slight modifications. For instance, Sonic’s arms are entirely blue, differing from the tanned shade we’ve seen in previous games. Additionally, the proportions of all characters received subtle adjustments.
Creating the credits involved crafting new models too, particularly for characters like Robotnik—both Ivo and Gerald. These models are inspired by their appearances in the film, integrating seamlessly without losing the charm of the classic Eggman design renowned from the “Sonic the Fighters” days. But what really caught my attention was Shadow’s model. Since Shadow debuted in “Sonic Adventure 2” and didn’t have a “Classic” look like Sonic, his model in the credits cleverly gives him a rounder belly, effectively marking the first time we’ve seen a classic design for Shadow anywhere. This detail is sure to delight Sonic enthusiasts who thrive on such lore and nuances.
With Sonic 3 having pushed the franchise’s success past the $1 billion mark, it’s no surprise that a fourth movie is already in the pipeline. Clearly, these cinematic adaptations have found a home and a dedicated fanbase.
Human-like touch and a touch of geeky excitement make this a perfect piece for both seasoned Sonic fans and curious newcomers.
