Sega confirms Sonic Unleashed after video and screenshot leaks

by Griffin McElroy { Mar 23rd 2008 at 1:30PM }

Update: Don't get too pumped -- Sega Magazine, the original source for this information, just posted a vague disclaimer saying that the info discussed in their article is back to being speculation. Sonic Unleashed is in the works with a giant budget, but the claim that it would be 2D might be dissolved by their latest mission statement: to "rebuild the Sonic brand and prove it could work in 3D environments." We'll let you know more about this situation as it develops. Update 2: Images pulled on request from Sega of America's Sr. Legal Counsel.

For the past few days, we've been seeing a gaggle of screenshots and a somewhat dubious gameplay video (check it out after the break) for Sega's recently trademarked title Sonic Unleashed. Self-proclaimed Sonic experts have weighed in on whether the leaked media is "teh fake," but all doubts were crushed by a recent confirmation by Sega Europe -- Sonic Unleashed is on its way to unspecified consoles for a November release, and as many pieced together from the leaked video, much of the gameplay is returning to the series' 2D roots.

You'll be able to traverse the game's 12 stages as Knuckles, Tails or the eponymous hedgehog, who has picked up the ability to transform into Wolf Sonic, seen in the concept art above. We aren't crazy about the prospect of a foam-mouthed, feral version of the beloved protagonist, but we're pleased to know they're keeping the game's character lineup to a minimum. There's a chance we'll be hearing more about the title at SEGA Gamer's Day in May -- keep your fingers crossed that no additional whimsically named forest dwellers pop up on the game's roster until then. Video embedded after the break.

Tags: breakingnews, knuckles, leak, sega, segaeurope, segagamersday, sonic, sonicunleashed, tails, wolfsonic

Related From Joystiq

Sega making 'all new' 2D, hi-def Sonic game for 2010
63 days ago
More Sonic Unleashed DLC is impossible to write about
196 days ago
TGS 08: Sonic Unleashed meets us halfway
391 days ago

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

dres @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:38PM

oh this is such a unique concept to transform into a wolf i mean hahaha

Chris @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:38PM

were wolfjog.. is it about time sonic gets decomissioned for lets say ten years ?

The Artist formally known as Jesus SSBB code: 0430-7963-559 @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:37PM

So he turns into a wolf now?

..........

COOL!!!

Tiptup300 @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:34PM

Man, this almost gave me interest when I saw that it had sidescrolling type gameplay. After viewing the images and the video I realized that once again it was a huge let down. First off the music isn't catchy at all, its irriating, which was a big thing in the sonic games, every single level had an insanely catchy song especially the bosses. I also noticed that the levels look too much like they are going for realistic. Plus they are detailed, I wanted level + background not a fully 3d level with you on a assigned path. Also I'm very disappointed to find that they are still using eggman, he looks retarded. I mean honestly, why did they change him? Robotnik how he used to be was a kickass villain, now hes just a big joke.

I am estatic to find that robotnik is in a big boss machine, that got my hopes up. Plus the pic of sonic running into something with that face is priceless. All in all, if they have Sonic, Tails, Robotnik (Eggman), + Knuckles only. I will be buying this game. Probably preordering. And I don't preorder games.

Tiptup300 @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:35PM

BTW, Please no humans. Whoever was like "lets add more humans besides eggman (Robotnik)" should be fired.

Hala Madrid!!! SSBB Code:3866-7729-0830 @ Mar 23rd 2008 3:14PM

@tiptup300
I agree humans don't work in Sonic games and also storylines they only work in Mario games
I hope Sega makes this game 2D/3D. I never liked full 3D Sonic it didn't feel the same classic sonic was always the best

Jhongerkong @ Mar 23rd 2008 3:32PM

Twilight Hedgehog CONFIRMED TITLE

Dash @ Mar 24th 2008 10:20AM

Wait, so this is like Sonic: Altered Beast?

ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:37PM

I don't want to imply that in this modern age, Link has exclusive rights to turning its main character into a wolf, but Wolf Sonic somehow sounds like a weird idea.

Maybe I'm just feeling closed-minded this morning.

brandon_r87 @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:43PM

Yes, I was going to say Sonic the Hedgehog: Twilight Princess. Even the concept art looks similar in the face of the wolf shown in profile.

sicsided @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:52PM

we all know turning into a wolf comes from Altered Beast. plain and simple

MasterInsan0 @ Mar 23rd 2008 3:22PM

It's weird because Sonic's already an animal. An animal transforming into another animal seems slightly redundant.

Kuro @ Mar 23rd 2008 4:03PM

its prolly cuz sonic already is an animal

Microswirl @ Mar 23rd 2008 6:38PM

It would be nice if he transformed into a real, non-anthropomorphic hedgehog. If the game had a day-night cycle, then the sunset could "unleash" Sonic's ability to pillage for mushrooms and insects with the aide of his keen nocturnal eyesight.

Greg2k @ Mar 23rd 2008 7:49PM

Sonic is an animal

Gareth @ Mar 24th 2008 5:48AM

And humans are what? Plants?

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Mar 24th 2008 11:24AM

Top of the food chain.

Shmil (Brawl Code 2621-2310-1994) @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:43PM

I'm refusing to get my hopes up, I've been hurt by sonic too many times in the past.

Alex @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:43PM

Shit that's a scary picture!

samfish (Brawl: 2793 0291 2277) @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:46PM

I'll buy it day one.
...I can't help myself when it comes to Sonic, that beautiful fucking animal!

Tiptup300 @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:47PM

But, hes a different animal now!

shivr - ssbb- 0817-3501-0190 @ Mar 23rd 2008 6:39PM

sam can you add me for brawlz?

samfish (Brawl: 2793 0291 2277) @ Mar 23rd 2008 11:17PM

I added you!

Zertoss @ Mar 24th 2008 11:47AM

Wolf Sonic?! DO NOT WANT!

That said, I'm off to Gamestop to preorder. I'm a whore for Sonic.

ApolloIV @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:47PM

i thought he could turn into "Wolf" from Star Fox. That would of been way more bad ass.

Sora267 @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:11PM

That WOULD be badass. Maybe a StarFox game that stars Sonic....Star Sonic?

Fernando Rocker @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:18PM

Speaking of Star Fox: I have been playing Star Fox 64 on the VC.

In my opinion, it's a game with so many memorable quotes... I can't remember any other game with so many great lines. I mean, almost everyone can remember all the voice act from the game.

That game aged very well.

tmacairjordan87 @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:26PM

"In my opinion, it's a game with so many memorable quotes"

and every single one of them was from slippy right? god just thinking of that thing's voice again makes me shiver.

The Artist formally known as Jesus SSBB code: 0430-7963-559 @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:46PM

If you love Star Fox 64 quotes then you'll love this.

http://starfox-online.net/media/audio/voiceacting/sf64/

Tiptup300 @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:49PM

DO A BARREL ROLL!

samfish (Brawl: 2793 0291 2277) @ Mar 23rd 2008 3:17PM

I can't play Star Fox64 on the VC. The Classic and GC controllers are such poor fits for it's controls. I can barely make it through the first 2 levels, to be honest.
...and believe me - I could freakin' clean up with that game back in the day!

Shmil (Brawl Code 2621-2310-1994) @ Mar 23rd 2008 5:01PM

I guess I should be thankful.

Curtis the Claw: Brawl Code 1075-0441-3284 @ Mar 23rd 2008 8:10PM

Star Fox's quotes are the best...everytime I play that I say pretty much everything right along with them.

Ninegauger @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:52PM

Really? A wolf? Who's in charge over there? Now Wolf Link was awesome so I'll give it a chance... but why even risk screwing it up like that?

deaftly (Brawl - 1075-0467-4222) @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:54PM

Sega, just please let the once great video game icon die peacefully now.

Billy DaShwank @ Apr 5th 2008 12:26AM

NEVER!!!

Julian Weisser @ Mar 23rd 2008 1:59PM

hopefully it will be good!

http://flickr.com/photos/julianweisser/2355305498/

That is a really funny easter pic I took two years ago (sadly two years before I had a decent camera- now it's digital rebel ftw!)

Hope the picture brightens up your day!

Nigeria: Cody ChesnuTT Defense Force @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:00PM

This sounds like a great idea and the limited video footage shown so far looks awesome. But why are joystiq linking back to 360fanboy? This is a Wii game.

Shmil (Brawl Code 2621-2310-1994) @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:04PM

its also going to be on the 360

Nigeria: Cody ChesnuTT Defense Force @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:08PM

I looked around and there hasn't been confirmation of a platform. I just assumed by the look that it would be Wii bound, you're probably right though.

Mr.ESC @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:23PM

Probably xbox 360 and PS3.

Talking about the Wii anyone else would like to see Sonic and Mario in a platformer?

Joshua @ Mar 23rd 2008 2:28PM

There's no way that's a Wii game. Have you seen the screenshots? And besides, they're at 1280 x 720...Does that sound like Wii to you?

Anyway...

*Wolf* Sonic the *Hedgehog* WTF

samfish (Brawl: 2793 0291 2277) @ Mar 23rd 2008 3:14PM

It's multi platform. The only platform we are reasonably sure of at this point, though, is the Wii because there was some images that were reserved for ONM magazine and some other Nintendo magazine. 360 also seems like a safe bet, though. I'd guess PS3, but who can say with that system?

I just hope that Sega is making the Wii version the lead one. After Secret Rings selling over a million copies, I think us poor little Wii owners deserve at least the most effort put into a crappy Sonic game.

Mr Khan @ Mar 23rd 2008 4:23PM

Sonic and the Secret Rings looked that good, the resolution of the screenshots may be for High-def, but Secret Rings didn't look much worse than what they're showing (and not those movies, those are clearly CG)

Like i said before, I'm not a deluded Wii fanboy, i know how weak it is, but Secret Rings was a good looking game

Plus, they would be dumb to avoid Wii, since secret rings was a million-seller, something that Sonic 06 never achieved

elmer @ Mar 24th 2008 12:23PM

@ Mr Khan

Ah, but if there's one thing Sega and Sonic Team have proved over and over, it's that they are in fact, that dumb.

My money's on PS3, 360 and possibly even PC. Wii won't get a look in on the 'main' game, but might see an underfunded similarly broken secret rings sequel 6-12 months later... with a good chance of a PS2 port. Once again the PS3/360 version will sell to all six remaining Sonic fans who bought in to those platforms, while the crap Wii game breaks a million because it's still better than every other game 3rd parties put out. Overall, Sega Sammy will lose money again.