New Sonic 3 concept art may have spoiled what Metal Sonic will get up to next in Sonic 4 – and it could involve Eggman and time travel

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Is a Sonic CD adaptation on the way?

Knuckles, Sonic and Tails in Sonic 3 (2024)
(Image credit: Paramount)

New Sonic 3 concept art has emerged and has swiftly been taken down, but not before fans received a peek at a cut Metal Sonic and Eggman moment that may reveal where the franchise is heading next in Sonic 4.

The art, released by Tacit Sign Studio, features several scenes that were either cut or tweaked in the final cut of Sonic 3. One clearly stands out, however: Metal Sonic standing next to Emperor Eggman ruling over a post-apocalyptic future, something that would have presumably been part of an after-credits stinger.

Right now, it may seem like something that was merely left on the cutting room floor – but it could shape the direction of Sonic 4.

If that scene gets picked up on in the next instalment, it suggests that it will be loosely adapting Sonic CD.

The 1993 Sega platformer sees Sonic traveling through time to thwart Robotnik's nefarious plans, including a series of 'bad futures'. The game also featured the debut of Metal Sonic, who acted as Eggman's heavy throughout, and Amy Rose.

Both Metal Sonic and Amy Rose were introduced in the Sonic 3 post-credits scene, which would then heavily hint at Sonic 4 being a take on the time travel antics of Sonic CD. The Blue Blur, then, might have to literally race against time – or multiverses, given the popularity of that concept – to save the day against Metal Sonic and/or a returning Eggman.

The fact that the concept art was removed after only a few hours only adds to the speculation, too. Might we have seen too much, too soon?

For more, check out our guides to the Sonic 3 ending and all the Sonic 3 Easter eggs we spotted in the threequel. Then dive into our interview with Sonic 3's writers as they talk all things Amy Rose.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.