I got a press release from Sega a few hours ago in my inbox officially unveiling Sonic Unleashed for the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, and Wii. That’s right, Sonic Unleashed is coming to all of these consoles. I wasn’t surprised about the confirmation of a Wii version in the works, but I was surprised that a PS2 version is also being developed; I guess that console really isn’t dead yet.
It goes on to say that Sonic Unleashed will utilize, what they call, a powerful engine called the "Hedgehog Engine" which has apparently been undergoing development for three years.
That name begs critiquing though. "Hedgehog Engine"? I would’ve preferred "Blast Processing Engine". That sounds much better and it has the added nostalgia factor. There’s also mention of a new night-to-day transition system, but at this point I’ll just let the press release speak for itself.
"Sonic Is Unleashed!
SEGA’s newest Sonic title is set to combine amazing next gen capabilities with classic Sonic 2D gameplay!
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (April 3, 2008) – SEGA of America and SEGA of Europe Ltd., today announced that everyone’s favourite hedgehog will be breaking new ground yet maintaining his roots, in the upcoming title, Sonic Unleashed. Developed by renowned studio Sonic Team, the latest installment in the multi-million selling franchise, will take players on an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe in a way never before experienced in the world of Sonic. The game is set for release later this year and will be available for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii home video game system from Nintendo and PLAYSTATION2.
Sonic Unleashed is built on a powerful new "Hedgehog Engine", which introduces seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, whilst delivering a rich and expansive world with multiple paths to choose from. Under development for three years, the Hedgehog Engine produces a visually rich next generation look and feel with elements of classic Sonic gameplay mechanics. The Hedgehog engine will help re-define the gameplay experience for Sonic fans and newcomers to the franchise alike.
"By combining rich and vibrant scenery with dynamic viewpoints Sonic Unleashed will provide an immersive 3D experience whilst keeping alive the 2D gameplay elements and fantastic worlds that Sonic fans know and love" commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. "In addition to this classic Sonic gaming experience, when darkness sets in Sonic Unleashed players will be able to experience a completely new way to play as Sonic… making this his most exciting adventure yet!"
Having been broken apart by the evil Dr Eggman, it’s down to Sonic to put the pieces of the world back together again by retrieving the power of the chaos emeralds. In doing so, Sonic will find himself in a race against time and faced with an unusual situation that will challenge him in ways never before seen. By completing a wide variety of action-packed stages, spanning the seven broken continents of the world, gamers will need to unleash Sonic’s amazing abilities to save the world, and himself!
The opportunity to engage in Sonic in different ways during the day and night time levels brings a completely original way of playing to the Sonic franchise, in addition to running at high speeds in classic Sonic style, combat fighting will become possible. Super quick Sonic’s speed skills will be highlighted by four new modes, whilst the all new combat, movement and functional abilities will offer depth and variety to the game. As the sun sets in Sonic Unleashed, a different type of adventure will awaken in Sonic’s newest quest….
Sonic Unleashed is scheduled for release worldwide in late 2008."
You can also click over to NeoGAF to check out two new screens of the game in action. No screenshots of the PS2 or Wii version have been released yet. If that still isn’t enough for you, you can check out a new trailer right here. If THAT still isn’t enough, then the official website is open for your viewing pleasure.
