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Sega confirms Sonic Unleashed: I’m trying really hard not to use a pun here

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Samit Sarkar
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Published: Apr 3, 2008 03:39 pm

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Well, it’s about damn time. After all that (rather baseless) legal posturing, it’s official: Sega’s Sonic Team is hard at work — and has been for around three years — on a brand-new adventure featuring their most iconic character. In a press release sent out this morning (after the jump), Sega gave us an overview of Sonic Unleashed, which is being developed for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 2.

The story, which you probably couldn’t care less about, isn’t anything groundbreaking: Dr. Eggman (*sigh* I miss the good ol’ days of Dr. Robotnik) has broken up the world into seven continents — wait, isn’t that already how it’s set up? Anyway, Sonic has to find the Chaos Emeralds and use their power to set everything right, blah-dee blah-dee blah. But there are a lot of promising details in spite of the banal plot.

There’s an intriguing mention of a day/night dichotomy being used as a gameplay device, as well as “seamless” transitions between 3D and “classic 2D” camera angles (yay!). But here’s the main selling point for me (I guess the Sonic Team saw Jim’s “How to save Sonic” piece):

Players will have an opportunity to engage in ways never before done with the Sonic franchise, so in addition to running at high speeds, which will be highlighted in four new speed mechanics, combat fighting now becomes possible. New combat, movement, functional abilities and platforming will be introduced to offer increased depth and variety.

I know I’m not the only one whose pants are tent—splooge! Seriously, that’s what I’ve always wanted to see in a new Sonic game. Though the trailer (viewable above) consists entirely of Sonic dashing through gorgeous levels, just the thought of platforming has got me titillated. Speaking of the trailer, it’s quite different from the one that was originally leaked on YouTube. Okay, the first minute is nearly identical, but after that, this trailer — which presumably comprises gameplay footage — shows off a previously unseen water-themed level that brought European seaside cities to my mind.

Alright, Sonic Team, I am officially stoked for this game; don’t let me down. Sonic Unleashed is set for release this holiday season. For more information, check out the game’s official website at http://www.sega.com/sonicunleashed/. It has two more screenshots, along with the debut trailer and press release. Are you as excited as I am, folks?

SEGA ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF SONIC UNLEASHED

Latest Installment to Extend Sonic’s Signature Style… but with a Twist!

SAN FRANCISCO (April 3, 2008) – SEGA® of America and SEGA of Europe, Ltd. today announced that everyone’s favorite hedgehog is once again breaking new ground in the upcoming title, Sonic Unleashed™. The latest installment in the multi-million selling franchise starring the beloved blue hedgehog will take players on an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe in a way never before experienced in the world of Sonic. Fans will be treated to an array of new, exciting and unique next generation features to heighten their experience. Sonic Unleashed is currently under development for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

“It is an exciting time for the Sonic franchise as we look to reinvent our hero while staying true to the spirit of what made him an industry icon,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing at SEGA of America. “Sonic Unleashed will introduce a new, unexpected storyline along with innovative gameplay that compliments traditional skills and features, allowing players to experiment and engage in new ways.”

Having been broken apart by the evil Dr. Eggman, it’s up 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. Both day and night play different, yet important, roles in Sonic’s newest quest… as the sun sets, a new adventure awakens. 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!

Players will have an opportunity to engage in ways never before done with the Sonic franchise, so in addition to running at high speeds, which will be highlighted in four new speed mechanics, combat fighting now becomes possible. New combat, movement, functional abilities and platforming will be introduced to offer increased depth and variety.

Sonic Unleashed will offer a re-defined experience for fans and newcomers of the franchise alike by combing picturesque & detailed scenery, an expansive world with multiple paths to choose from and dynamic viewpoints for an immersive and renewed gaming atmosphere. Along with seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, the game is built on a powerful, new proprietary “Hedgehog Engine,” which introduces impressive lighting abilities and new technology tailor made for Sonic’s new speed capabilities. Under development for approximately three years, the Hedgehog Engine will help to produce a visually rich next generation look and feel with elements of classic Sonic gameplay components.

Currently in development by Sonic Team, Sonic Unleashed is scheduled for release worldwide for holiday 2008. For screenshots and art, please visit the SEGA FTP site at http://segapr.segaamerica.com. For more information on the game, please visit www.sega.com/sonicunleashed.

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Samit Sarkar