Does Sonic Forces Take Place After Sonic Mania? A Deep Dive into the Sonic Timeline

Yes, Sonic Forces takes place after the events of Sonic Mania. This is a crucial point in understanding the modern Sonic timeline and the narrative flow between these two significant games. The ending of Sonic Mania, especially the true ending achieved by collecting all the Chaos Emeralds, directly sets up the beginning of Sonic Forces. This connection establishes a clear chronological order, placing Mania as a precursor to the events unfolding in Forces. The games are inextricably linked through the mysterious powers of the Phantom Ruby.

The Phantom Ruby Connection

How Sonic Mania Sets Up Forces

Sonic Mania‘s true ending shows Classic Sonic being pulled into a wormhole created by the power of the Chaos Emeralds and the Phantom Ruby. This portal is not just a random plot device; it’s the direct bridge into the opening events of Sonic Forces. Classic Sonic’s disappearance from his timeline is a catalyst for the events that unfold in Forces, establishing the link that proves Sonic Forces happens after Sonic Mania.

The Implications for the Sonic Universe

This connection isn’t a mere Easter egg. It solidifies Sonic Mania‘s place in the modern canon. This move demonstrates how the developers aimed to thread continuity even within the Classic and Modern Sonic perspectives. Classic Sonic’s journey through the wormhole directly impacts the modern Sonic timeline, further establishing that Forces happens after.

Sonic Mania Adventures: Canon and Confusion

It’s easy to get confused by Sonic Mania Adventures, the series of animated shorts released to promote Sonic Mania Plus. While the shorts feature Sonic returning to Angel Island after both Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces, it’s critical to note that Sonic Mania Adventures is not canon. The shorts are a “what-if” scenario and a means to showcase the extra content of Mania Plus, rather than a genuine sequel to the games.

The Importance of Differentiating Games and Media

The important factor to keep in mind here is that Sonic Mania Plus is a video game, and therefore is considered to be canon to the story, while Sonic Mania Adventures, a webseries, was created as promotional material, not necessarily as part of the established storyline. This distinction clears up much of the confusion surrounding the chronological placement of the animation.

Timeline Summary

• Sonic 3 & Knuckles: Sets the stage for much of what follows.
• Sonic Mania: Follows the Classic Sonic timeline, concluding with Sonic’s teleportation.
• Sonic Forces: Begins directly as a result of the events at the end of Mania, featuring Modern Sonic.
• Sonic Mania Plus: The re-release of Sonic Mania is considered canon.
• Sonic Frontiers: Continues the Modern Sonic narrative and incorporates elements from previous titles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Sonic Mania, Sonic Forces, and their place within the broader Sonic universe:

1. Is Sonic Mania part of the classic Sonic timeline?

*    No, it isn't set during the **Mega Drive games'** timeline. *Sonic Mania* takes place after all of those.

2. Is Sonic Mania canon to Sonic Forces?

*    Yes, *Sonic Mania* is **canon** to *Sonic Forces*. The ending of *Mania* leads directly into the opening of *Forces*.

3. Does Sonic Mania take place before or after Sonic 3 & Knuckles?

*    *Sonic Mania* takes place **after** *Sonic 3 & Knuckles*.

4. What is the true ending of Sonic Mania?

*   The true ending, accessible after collecting all Chaos Emeralds, shows Classic Sonic being **teleported through a wormhole** with the Phantom Ruby's power.

5. Why did Angel Island fall in Sonic Mania?

*   Angel Island fell due to the **effects of the Phantom Ruby** when it appeared on the island after the events of the prior Classic timeline games.

6. Is Sonic Forces a sequel to Sonic Mania?

*    Yes, *Sonic Forces* is effectively a sequel, beginning immediately after the events at the end of *Sonic Mania* when Classic Sonic goes through the portal.

7. What is the connection between the end of Sonic Mania and the beginning of Sonic Forces?

*    The **wormhole** at the end of *Sonic Mania*, created by the Chaos Emeralds and Phantom Ruby, is where Classic Sonic disappears, directly leading to the introduction of the character into the Modern Sonic Universe in *Sonic Forces*.

8. Is Sonic Mania Adventures canon?

 *   No, *Sonic Mania Adventures* is **not canon**. It's a spin-off meant to promote *Sonic Mania Plus*.

9. What is the difference between Sonic Mania and Sonic Mania Plus?

*    *Sonic Mania Plus* is the updated version of *Sonic Mania*, that is considered canon, with added characters and gameplay content. *Sonic Mania Adventures* is the web series created to promote *Mania Plus*.

10. How does Sonic Mania tie into the IDW Sonic Comics?

*    The IDW Comics are set **concurrently with or after the events of Sonic Forces**, making *Sonic Mania* a prequel in that context as well.

11. How old is Tails in Sonic Forces?

 *    Tails is **eight years old** in the series during the events of *Sonic Forces*.

12. Can Super Sonic fly in Sonic Mania?

  *    Yes, Super Sonic can fly in *Sonic Mania* after activating a specific cheat code after collecting all the Chaos Emeralds.

13. Can you get Super Sonic in Sonic Forces?

  *   Yes, in *Sonic Forces*, the player needs to collect **50 coins** on a stage to transform into Super Sonic, gaining infinite boost and invincibility.

14. Does Sonic Frontiers reference Sonic Forces?

 *    Yes, *Sonic Frontiers* **references events from *Sonic Forces***, solidifying its place within the canon.

15. Is there a secret ending in Sonic Frontiers?

 *    Yes, *Sonic Frontiers* has a **secret ending** after the credits, revealing Eggman has salvaged Sage's data.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces is essential to appreciating the complexities of the modern Sonic canon. While Sonic Mania Adventures might add a bit of confusion, the core game of Sonic Mania sets the stage for Sonic Forces, creating a clear timeline that continues to evolve with each new Sonic adventure. The use of the Phantom Ruby and its ability to create portals between timelines has become a recurring motif, indicating that this link between the Classic and Modern Sonic timelines isn’t going away anytime soon. This deliberate storytelling approach shows that the developers are working hard to build a more cohesive and engaging narrative for the Sonic universe.