After starting as a rumor backed up by screenshots at the end of March, Sega today confirmed that Sonic Unleashed is indeed a real game. It will be coming to the PlayStation 2, PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 this fall. The video that lended credibility to the rumor was taken off of YouTube after having been viewed by hundreds of thousands of gamers.
“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.”
According to Sega, “Sonic Unleashed will offer a re-defined experience… combing picturesque and detailed scenery, an expansive world with multiple paths to choose from and dynamic viewpoints… Along with seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, the game is built on a powerful, new Hedgehog Engine, which introduces impressive lighting abilities and new technology tailor made for Sonic’s new speed capabilities.”
