Well, after on the worst media leaks we've ever seen, it was really, really, obvious that Sega had a new Sonic game in the works. Though Sega remained tight-lipped, most out there knew gameplay footage (early as it was) when they saw it. So now, a relative infinity later, we have have the official response from Sega declaring the: "Latest Installment to Extend Sonic's Signature Style. but with a Twist!" (we swear that period is not our typo, straight Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V from the press release). The press release doesn't have a whole lot of details, but as with every other major Sonic release a ton of promises for the game are made. The funny part is that we would genuinely be excited about everything in the press release, were it not for previous broken promises with the franchise. The best snippets of the press release can be found after the break.
SEGA ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF SONIC UNLEASHED
Latest Installment to Extend Sonic's Signature Style. but with a Twist!
"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.
