Sonic Dash S races onto Japanese iOS and Android

screen568x568Talk about a bolt from the blue! Completely out of nowhere, a brand new version of Sonic Dash, curiously titled Sonic Dash S, has hit iOS and Android devices in Japan. While it doesn’t appear to differ too heavily from the current edition of the game available elsewhere across the globe, this iteration does bring with it some new features and refinements.

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First up, Sonic Dash S actually seems to have some sort of plot to it. No longer is Sonic just aimlessly running for the sake of running – now he’s on a high speed chase to stop Dr. Eggman, who has once again made off with the elusive Master Emerald (Knuckles just can’t catch a break, can he?). Sonic Dash S also sees the return of the Chao who, in a similar fashion to their appearance in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, provide Sonic and his friends with special abilities to boost their skills. That’s not the only thing bumping up the blue blur’s stats in this version either – you can upgrade the characters themselves by acquiring bonuses and levelling up. Essentially, it sounds like the same Sonic Dash experience, but padded out with a few additional elements to spice things up.

SSMB member SwiftWinds also notes that characters have their own special abilities when they reach a certain level – for instance, Tails can fly out of a pit, Knuckles can overcome bombs and spikes, Amy increases your banked ring count, and Shadow increases the rings you earn at the end of a run. Additionally, characters can be unlocked using normal rings in Sonic Dash S rather than the red rings that are otherwise required in the standard version of Sonic Dash.

There is no word yet on whether Sonic Dash S will hit any other regions, be it as a brand new download or as an update to the existing game – but stay tuned to TSS and we’ll keep you in the loop! Thanks to SSMB member Woun for bringing it to our attention in the first place.

What are your first thoughts on Sonic Dash S? Let us know in the comments!

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Preview: Sonic Universe #60

The adventure in space continues in this month’s issue of Sonic Universe!

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We have a preview for Sonic Universe #60 courtesy of Den of Geek. Our journey into Black Arms territory continues this month as team Dark and the military venture deeper into the Black Comet. Rouge and Omega have been left with the Spider troupe to get to the heart of it all and stop the alien menace with whatever force necessary as they get assaulted by the enemies. It’s not all fun and games for Shadow either when his scouting leads him into the company of Eclipse the Darkling, self-proclaimed “brother” of Shadow who seems…cheerfully keen on bringing him to their side. It’s both brute force and mind games in “Shadow Fall”: Part 2.

SONIC UNIVERSE #60
Shadow and Team Dark versus an invading alien army! “Shadow Fall” Part Two: The mission to save humanity is falling to pieces!  With Rouge, Omega and G.U.N. are on the run from murderous aliens and Shadow battling for his life – and his free will – against the malicious Black Death and Eclipse, the world is running out of time! Loyalties are tested, aliens are blasted, and NEW characters make their debut in this space-faring new issue! Featuring cover art from Tracy Yardley and an Alien Invasion Variant from Vincent Riley (Native Drums).
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
ART: Jamal Peppers, Jim Amash, Jack Morelli and Matt Herms
Cover: Tracy Yardley, Jim Amash and Matt Herms
“Alien Invasion” Variant cover by Vince Riley
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 2/5
32-page, full color comic
$2.99 US.

Sonic Universe #60 is out now digitally and should be out in comic stores this Wednesday. Don’t miss the second part of this otherworldly adventure!

Source: Den of Geek!

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Preview: Sonic Super Special Magazine #10 and Sonic Archives #22

To continue on with the gaming mood the Sonic franchise has been put in, we have some gaming-related trade paperbacks that have hit shelves!

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Firstly, SSSM#10 has been previewed by Comixology. Most of it is reprints of older Archie Sonic stories, but it has some new content in the form of a Sonic Dash adaptation. How can the fastest thing alive not be quick enough to get some time alone? Pick up the issue to read about Sonic’s follies with a red ring and some friends!

Dash along with Sonic on another all-new story featuring the world of the hit SEGA iOS game: SONIC DASH! The SONIC SUPER SPECIAL MAGAZINE gives you the world of Sonic the Hedgehog comics as you’ve never seen it before, with tons of comic stories, special features and exclusive articles on the latest and greatest in the world of everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog-hero! This issue also features a special spotlight on SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG, and what place he and Team Dark have in the NEW Sonic comic universe! All this plus all of the extra features you love, and interview with Sonic colorist Steve Downer!

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Then, we take a trip back to the past as Archie gives the low-down on Sonic Archives #22. It is a reprint of the latter half of the Sonic Adventure saga (the first half being in Sonic Archives #21), containing  Sonic the Hedgehog #83-#84 and Sonic Super Special #13 (not to be confused with the magazine series!). I suppose most people won’t need a reminder of the story, but it’s still a classic adaptation.

Archie’s bestselling Sonic Archives graphic novel series continues! Get ready for super Sonic adventure as Sonic and his Freedom Fighter friends continue their battle in the lost city of Station Square amidst its mysterious human inhabitants! Buckle up for the dramatic conclusion to the Sonic Adventure videogame tie-in story as Super Sonic and Knuckles take on the gigantic monster Perfect Chaos in a battle that will leave you breathless! SONIC ARCHIVES VOLUME 22 collects SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #83-84 and SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #13.
Script & Art: Various
Cover: Patrick “SPAZ” Spaziante
978-1-936975-77-8
$7.99/$8.99CAN
5 x 7 3/8”
Trade Paperback

Both of these trade paperbacks are out right now digitally, and should be in their respective grocery stores and comic shops. Pick up the pace and make a dash for your own copy!

Sources: Comixology, Archie Comics

 

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Happy 20th Birthday Sonic the Hedgehog 3!

Sonic3_titleIt still feels like only yesterday! Sonic the Hedgehog 3 turns the grand old age of 20 today, marking two decades since the title hit the shelves way back in 1994 for the SEGA Megadrive / Genesis; this date also marks the anniversary of the introduction of Knuckles the Echidna to the franchise. While not one of the best selling Sonic the Hedgehog titles to date, Sonic 3 is heralded by many as one of the definitive titles released, along with it’s sister title Sonic & Knuckles, which will also be celebrating it’s birthday later this year.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 still causes debate to this day with regards to the level of involvement Michael Jackson may have had in the creation of the soundtrack.

How will you be celebrating today? Maybe you’re having a speed-run party, rocking out to some remixes of your favorite levels, or perhaps you’re digging a hole in the back garden to hide your emeralds in? Share your thoughts, ideas and reflections in the comments!

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[UPDATE!] Sonic Boom: “The first CG Animated Film in the Sonic Franchise”

sonicboom film[UPDATE: SEGA have since released the following statement in the wake of the Nuremberg Toy fair:

SEGA is yet to announce details of upcoming console video games for Sonic the Hedgehog or further details regarding the new Sonic CG TV series.  The recent information coming out of Nuremburg Toy Fair was incorrect.  For official and up to date news regarding Sonic the Hedgehog please go to www.sonicthehedgehog.com or follow Sonic on Twitter (@sonic_hedgehog).

We will, as always, keep you dudes and dudettes up-to-date on any and all announcements! – T]

At the Nuremberg Toy Fair, there was a sign which has caused a bit of a stir by confirming a new Sonic game is in production, however the sign also had a strange piece of information regarding the new cartoon ‘Sonic Boom’ due for broadcast at the end of this year.

That being “The first CG Animated Film in the Sonic Franchise”

Now this could be interpreted in a number of ways… It’s either in reference to the fact the cartoon as a whole is CG animated which has not happened before.

Or, that Sonic Boom has a much larger linking story than we’re being led to believe.

Or…. … … That there is a much larger Sonic Animated Film in development?

Personally, I can’t see it being a stand alone film, it’s more likely one of the first 2 options. Hey who knows, maybe I’m wrong and there is a movie on the way.

Anyway, I figured you would all find this of some interest given how lacking news on the cartoon has been lately.

Source: Spindash.de

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[UPDATE!] New Sonic Game Coming 2015 For PS4, Xbox One & Wii U,

sonicboom film[UPDATE: SEGA have since released the following statement in the wake of the Nuremberg Toy fair:

SEGA is yet to announce details of upcoming console video games for Sonic the Hedgehog or further details regarding the new Sonic CG TV series.  The recent information coming out of Nuremburg Toy Fair was incorrect.  For official and up to date news regarding Sonic the Hedgehog please go to www.sonicthehedgehog.com or follow Sonic on Twitter (@sonic_hedgehog).

We will, as always, keep you dudes and dudettes up-to-date on any and all announcements! – T]

At the Nuremberg toy fair held last week, toy maker Jazwares had a booth showcasing it’s Sonic toys along with this very interesting sign.

If this is correct, it would suggest that Sega have already started work on a new Sonic game which is heading to the PS4, Xbox One and the Wii U.

We all know that Sega intends to release a 3rd exclusive Sonic game on a Nintendo platform at some point, however this photograph would suggest that Sega are already working on the other next gen systems and a Sonic game is in development or at the early planning stages.

If you’ve not been keeping track, this is how the Sonic games are currently lined up.

  • Sonic Lost World (2013)
  • Mario & Sonic at Sochi (2013)
  • Unannounced 3rd Nintendo exclusive (expected 2014).
  • Unannounced Next Gen Sonic title (2015).

What is however significant about this image is that there are no logos for any current gen consoles, suggesting that all future Sonic games will be on next gen systems.

Keep checking TSS for more information as and when we get it.

Source: Spindash.de

 

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