BioWare, a studio renowned for its contributions to the role-playing game genre with titles like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Knights of the Old Republic, also has a less-remembered entry in its history: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood. Released in 2008 for the Nintendo DS, this game marked BioWare's sole foray into handheld development and a notable departure from its typical fantasy and sci-fi settings.
The development of Sonic Chronicles involved a team of 30, including director Mark Darrah, who would later lead the Dragon Age series, and writer Jay Turner, known for his work on Mass Effect 2 and 3. The narrative presented a more intricate plot than typically seen in the Sonic universe, introducing interdimensional echidnas and new characters, though it remained simpler than BioWare's standard RPG fare. The game allowed players to control Sonic and his companions, with dialogue options influencing conversations and even leading to romantic tension with Amy Rose or the skipping of certain battles, though these choices did not significantly alter the overarching plot.
Sonic Chronicles utilized the DS's dual screens for gameplay, with overworld navigation on the bottom screen. Players controlled characters from an isometric perspective in 2D environments using the stylus, an approach that has been described as awkward. Combat was turn-based, incorporating touch-screen prompts for special attacks, which was initially engaging but could become repetitive. The game's soundtrack has been widely criticized, with rumors suggesting the original score was replaced shortly before release due to legal issues, though concrete sources for this claim are scarce.
The lack of a sequel is often attributed to factors including EA's acquisition of BioWare and a lawsuit filed by Sonic comic writer Ken Penders. Penders alleged that the villains in Sonic Chronicles bore too strong a resemblance to his own echidna characters from the Archie Sonic comics. Although the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, it is speculated that Sega has since avoided similar character designs to prevent further legal complications. The game concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving its story unresolved.
While Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood may not hold the same esteemed legacy as BioWare's flagship franchises, it represents a curious and unique chapter in the studio's history. Acknowledging both the successes and the lesser-known or even flawed entries, such as Anthem and Mass Effect: Andromeda alongside gems like Jade Empire and Baldur's Gate, provides a more complete picture of a studio's evolution. For BioWare, Sonic Chronicles stands out as a particularly intriguing, albeit unusual, part of its diverse gameography.