REDEMPTION for Knuckles the Echidna? An Analysis of Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence

#sonicfrontiers #knucklestheechidna #sonicthehedgehog

Is anybody else SICK of the "Sonic the Hedgehog's stupid friends" narrative? Well, if ever there was a character in the series who has probably been MOST impacted by this ridiculous and false narrative, it's my boi Knuckles the Echidna! But based on the recent Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergent short released by Sega, this could all be FINALLY about to change! And the story of Sonic Frontiers COULD be about to take a turn towards the deeper, Shonen style stories of the Sonic Adventure series!

Of course, there are many more beloved characters impacted by the last decade of garbage writing than just Knuckles! And it remains to be seen how these will all be handled in the final game! But for now, let's take a trip to Angel Island and check in on everyone's favorite chuckle monster, Knuckles the Echidna!

Did you enjoy the Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergent short? Do you think that Knuckles has been done justice? And will you be picking up Sonic Frontiers on release? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments!Don't forget to like and subscribe for more Sonic and gaming content!

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[inkchariot]

Thanks to Ian Flynn and Tyson Hesse, Knuckles got his brain back.

[thebluewind]

Seeing Knuckles prologue really got me emotional, I really wasn't ready to see such a rich story as he finally returned to his original characterization. I hope this can continue.

[rickyrackey]

With Ian Flynn as lead writer, Can you imagine how badass Kirk Thorton would sound as Shadow after years of sounding like a Dollar Store Batman?

[ShyWitchling]

I love the thought that actually went into the Chao. It's not just normal baby chao, but specifically adult flying type Chao as well. Because of course they are, they live in a floating ruin for a garden so they need to be! And with helping one of the babies, and one of the adults being a hero type too, Knuckles clearly is fond and visits them often. 😊

[DavidSumner]

Dear SEGA,
Can we please get a series in this style. CGI is fine but the worlds often feel empty and lifeless, especially when you arent looking to produce a movie like production. Hand drawn animation works amazingly good when it comes to Sonic The Hedgehog. This is some of the best hand drawn animation since Sonic CD.

[sadie]

I lost it during the fight scene it was just amazing I nearly shed a tear ❤️🥹this whole thing was just so beautiful!! his characterisation was just perfect him being a badass, but still keeping those little awkward exchanges like how he was with the chao when the rubble fell on its head which has always been such an endearing part of knuckles character to me how he’s a strong badass stoic warrior but social situations and interactions he’s not the best with due to his isolation. So hope this is the beginning of amazing things for knuckles as a character finally being redeemed after so long !

[KeyBladeMaster-Dan]

This year has been a phenomenal time to be a Knuckles fan he's always been my favourite Sonic character since I was young and I've hated what he's been turned into over the last 10+ years with the 2nd movie was incredible enough but the actual games are fixing his character which is something I never thought would happen I'm over the moon. I now only yearn for the day he's actually playable in the modern games again ^__^

[OmegaSon]

I thought the dream was dead. Watching all your videos on the characters, I was just convinced pontaff we’re gonna stay. But finally, I can take a breath of relief even if it’s a small one. This was the knuckles I saw at 5 years old, his characterization and just talking about stuff and the way he talked about stuff was just perfect. I just can’t believe we might finally be out of the meta era tunnel, been waiting for this day since I was 11 when colors came out ngl

[justsomesimplenuclearbirbs]

Everything about both the prologue comic and the prologue animation just showed how much care went into explaining how specific characters got to the Starfall Islands and why they're there.

It's not like previous titles where we have each character just there for the sake of being there. Knuckles exploring Angel Island and finding new pathways to and from specific areas on Angel Island as well as relics of both ancient Echidna tribes other than the Knuckles clan and unknown tribes that precede recorded history really makes me happy. It also showed us a side of Knuckles that was never really seen in the games, when exploring he helps any nearby Chaos by feeding them and also helping them get something they want.

Of course the fight scene was the best part. The way Knuckles said "Your funeral" gave me chills and seeing him use his other abilities to attack the goons thrown his way was amazing! But the cherry on top was the music throughout the whole animation. Just... beautiful.

[BRoboto]

2022 has been such an amazing year to be a Knuckles fan 😊. So much material, merch, and most importantly: good characterization.

[MicahBuzanANIMATION]

I feel like this is the best representation of Knuckles since Sonic 3 and Knuckles. So much attention and care went into this.

[mo-plays]

A sonic anime with this animation. Story telling. Character development. Dark themes. Would be s tier

[Ffeoli]

THIS IS KNUCKLES! Never thought we'd be getting so much amazing knuckles stuff. Huge fan.

[legendarymasterchief]

What a time to be in, where Knuckles is finally cool again! Loved this analysis!

[TheSwordsman]

Its so nice to see the real Knuckles back! Also, while I could be wrong, it seems to be Tikal and Chaos (who might be that weird water puddle that ripples on its own when Tikal flies over it) are back too.

[DaMainman]

After giving up on Forces, and being totally out of the loop(-de-loop) with 'new' Sonic stuff post-2017, I didn't expect this short to be as good as it was!

[nightlydata]

I'm with u on the Chaos emeralds SHOULD ABSOLUTELY stay a mystery thing. Jus let them be the Chaos McGuffins they've always been to use for whenever they're needed for whatever

[BlueJGilbert]

My kids and I had a blast watching that short! My wife, who isn't at all a Sonic fan, thought it was incredible! If the game is as good as this was, we are in for a spectacular time!

[sharax]

Great analysis that mirrors my feelings. Fantastic short. Everything is really coming up Knuckles at the minute and long may it continue!

[SonicTheSpeedGod]

When I saw the prologue
I was so excited like almost jumping around lol
Knuckles, the animation, the music is just so great.🎉