Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence

Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence

Original Release Date: November 1st, 2022

Sega's promotional machine for "Sonic Frontiers" doesn't just include a measly eight page comic book. A six-minute animated prologue with the ungainly title “Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence” was also released in the run-up to the game's drop date. Like the numerous other bits of "Sonic" animation that Sega has made in the last few years – which I will get around to reviewing, once I've talked about every other "Sonic" cartoon – this was released through the official "Sonic" YouTube channel. Much like a lot of those other shorts, this was also directed by Tyson Heese, another ascended "Sonic" fanboy. Much like the game itself, Ian Flynn provided the script here. Evan Stanley is also listed as a "creative consultant." All of this essentially makes this cartoon the closest we'll ever get to an animated adaptation of the "Sonic" comics.

So what is "Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence" about? Instead of operating as a prologue to the entire game, as the "Convergence" comic did, this simply introduces Knuckles' side of the story. He broods on Angel Island, reflecting on the ancient past of the echidna tribes that lead to him being the last guardian. While exploring some floating ruins, he discovers a strange relic that transports him to another island. There, he fights a group of hostile machines before quickly becoming outmatched.

If it had no other value, "Divergence" would hold a special place in "Sonic" animation history just for being utterly gorgeous. The animation is so fucking smooth here. A scene of Knuckles gliding through the Sky Sanctuary or punching a rock wall have a grace and speed to them that truly impresses. Once the action scene begins, "Divergence" uses those same qualities to create a hard-hitting battle. When Knuckles slams through those robots, you definitely feel it. Seeing a "Sonic" character actually move in animation with such speed and power is deeply gratifying. It's how I've always wanted to see these guys animated, the quickness and power they hold truly being displayed. 

"Divergence" is, I'm very happy to say, very much a Tyson Heese production too. The way Heese always gave the characters so much personality in his artwork is also reflected here. It's the little things. Like Knuckles punching a tree so a fruit will fall down into the lap of the hungry Chao below, something that he does casually while walking by. The Chao is so happy afterwards. Or the way one of the enemy robots leaps onto a cliff and balances on one foot before Knuckles knocks him back with a rock. Even Knuckles calmly doing a spiral while gliding. Little bits like that add layers to the characters, which makes the world they inhabit feel more alive. Heese also makes sure that Knuckles has sharp fangs barred during the action scene, a quirk he likes to include with the character that few other artists do. 

What I really like about "Divergence" is that it captures the tone of what I've always wanted a "Knuckles" solo story – and a "Sonic" animated series in general – to have. Aside from a stray Flicky bird and some Chao, Knuckles is alone through most of this short. Voiceover narration gives us a peek into his mind. And it's a distinctly melancholy experience. Knuckles feels the weight of his ancestors' sins, reflecting on how the Knuckles Tribes' violent ways probably cursed him with the duty of protecting the Master Emerald. He talks about being solitary and how he likes it that way... Yet you can tell he longs for more too. When combined with the gorgeous orchestral score, it creates an introspective atmosphere. 

In fact, Flynn's script even manages to bring a little pathos to the situation here. On a narrative level, "Divergence" is simply meant to introduce us to "Frontiers'" world. It teases us with the mysteries inherent to the story and already displays the game's goal of creating a functional "Sonic" continuity. Yet Knuckles' opening line about liking to be alone comes back in a meaningful way at the end. If he hadn't been alone, maybe this would've ended a different way. That ironic quality to the script gives "Divergence" something that feels like an actual ending, which these promotional things rarely have. 

Really, the only criticism I have towards "Divergence" is that I don't particularly care for Knuckles' voice. Dave B. Mitchell, who has been voicing Knuckles in the games since 2019, provides the English voiceover. I just find his voice a little too gruff. People love to give Knuckles these tough guy baritones and it never sits right with me. Nobutoshi Canna – who has been Knuckles' Japanese voice actor for years now – does a much better job in the Japanese dub. He has a matter-of-fact quality to his voice that I think suits the character better. 

Overall though, "Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence" is a real treat. I've watched it several times while writing this review and I think it might be my favorite piece of "Sonic" animation in years. I'd really love a feature film or an entire series with such a grand visual palette, loving animation, and a character-driven tone like this. I imagine that wouldn't be monetarily practical but a guy can dream, you know? It reminds me a lot of the "Sonic CD" opening animation, which treated these characters and their world with a sense of speed and awe. I hope young kids watching this short will have the same reaction I did to that piece of animation. Who's to say? Either way, "Divergence" is fantastic. [9/10]