Hold on to your swords, because SEGA HARDlight is about to unleash the Knight of the Wind in its multiplayer Sonic Forces game. To prepare for an upcoming event, players are being tasked with collecting Special Excalibur Sonic cards. These may be key to unlocking Sonic’s form in Sonic and the Black Knight as a playable character. Continue reading Knight of the Wind! Excalibur Sonic is the Latest Special Character for Sonic Force Mobile
Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration coming to Ninjala for Switch
If you’ve been following things, you may remember that this was leaked via a datamining of the game Ninjala for Nintendo Switch (these things tend to happen) where references to the Sonic franchise were found. Anyway, Ninjala makers GungHo finally revealed the existence of the collaboration with our fav blue Hedgehog. Only, that’s all for now! We’ll have to wait and see what the collaboration will actually be about. When that time comes, we’ll let you know!
Ninjala for those who don’t know is a free-to-play competitive action game that’s out right now worldwide exclusively on Nintendo Switch (from the director of Dissidia Final Fantasy on PSP, I am not kidding). So if you have a Switch, you can try it out now (find your regional store page on the official site) and see if it’s your thing, and it’ll hopefully give you an idea on what to expect from this collaboration.
Via GungHo’s Youtube Channel (at 6:10).
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Amazon.com lists a ‘Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack’ for Switch
So this just popped up. It’s been reported that Amazon.com now lists a double pack of Sonic Mania (the vanilla version it appears) and Team Sonic Racing for Switch. There aren’t any listings of the pack for other platforms yet upon checking. Also it’s not clear if this is yet another of those “put two boxes in a cardboard sleeve” type of releases that Sega do occasionally, as opposed to cramming both games into one cartridge/disc.
Continue reading Amazon.com lists a ‘Sonic Mania + Team Sonic Racing Double Pack’ for Switch
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Concept Animation Video of the Sonic Movie Hits the Internet
A cool pre-visualisation video of the CG effects used in the Sonic the Hedgehog movie has surfaced online. The short clip shows off a variety of different scenes which show how the blue blur would interact with different characters on screen. Continue reading Concept Animation Video of the Sonic Movie Hits the Internet
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The Next Special Sonic Dash Character is Elite Agent Rouge
Did you manage to get the OVA-tastic Treasure Hunting Knuckles in Sonic Dash, hat and all? Well, if you just missed out, maybe this will help take the sting out. HARDlight has announced that starting today you can work to unlock the next special character, Elite Agent Rouge. Continue reading The Next Special Sonic Dash Character is Elite Agent Rouge
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Covers and Solicitations Reveals for IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog #35 and Bad Guys #3
IDW have released their solicitations for November, and there’s a chill in the air…in more ways than one!
In Sonic the Hedgehog #35, the Chao races are still going on, but there’s trouble brewing in White Park when a hooded baddie is spotted lurking around. Rouge calls Sonic and Tails for backup, and the shadowy figure they found in Eggman’s base is along for the ride. Can Sonic and Tails trust them to keep things going smoothly, or is there foul play afoot? Find out in “Chao Races and Badnik Base”; part 3.
SEP200492
(W) Evan Stanley (A) Evan Stanley (CA) Aaron Hammerstrom
Please keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times, this is going to be a bumpy one! Rogue calls on Sonic and Tails for backup after the appearance of a hooded villain at White Park. The recently-revealed shadowy figure from Eggman’s base tags along, but can they really be trusted? All will be revealed in “Chao Races and Badnik Bases,” part three!
In Shops: Nov 25, 2020
SRP: $3.99
Meanwhile, in Bad Guys #3, there are trust issues amongst the villains as well. Zavok and Mimic learn that trusting anyone in a band of villains is bound to lead to trouble. And Dr Starline is struggling to keep the control over the group of miscreants as baddies tend not to be the best team workers! This is “Trust Issues”.
SEP200495
(W) Ian Flynn (A) Jack Lawrence (CA) Aaron Hammerstrom
Who can you trust in a group of bad guys? Zavok and Mimic find out the hard way in “Trust Issues,” and are… less than happy. Meanwhile, Starline is struggling to maintain control of the rowdy group of villains.
In Shops: Nov 11, 2020
SRP: $3.99
Both of these issues currently have a November release date, so make sure to keep an eye out. As always, we will have the latest updates if anything changes, and the previews closer to when they release!
Source: Bleeding Cool
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Sonic 2’s Hidden Palace Zone Rediscovered in Cancelled Mega Drive Prototype ‘Astropede’
Former SEGA Technical Institute artist Craig Stitt has revealed that assets from Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s long lost Hidden Palace Zone were re-used in a prototype Mega Drive/Genesis game that was pitched to SEGA of America in the 1990s. Continue reading Sonic 2’s Hidden Palace Zone Rediscovered in Cancelled Mega Drive Prototype ‘Astropede’
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IDW Sonic Issue 30 Retailer Incentive Cover Builds on Metal Virus Montage
Surprise! We thought we were done with special cover artwork for IDW Sonic #30. But today the issue’s ‘Retailer Incentive’ edition was revealed. Not only does it look amazing in its own right, but it builds on the last issue’s RI cover in a really cool way. Continue reading IDW Sonic Issue 30 Retailer Incentive Cover Builds on Metal Virus Montage
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Meet “Treasure Tails”, A Genesis/Mega Drive Pitched By SEGA Technical Institute
Sonic’s history is a tale of high and lows, twists and turns, and lots of mysteries. Sonic’s Classic era particularly has been a constant gold mine of information and surprising stories. For example, SEGA Technical Institute once pitched a SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive spin-off game called “Treasure Tails”.
Continue reading Meet “Treasure Tails”, A Genesis/Mega Drive Pitched By SEGA Technical Institute
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The Mystery Behind Gas Stations Using Sonic Sound Effects
If you’ve ever stopped for a snack at a local gas station convenience store, chances are you’re familiar with that jingle that plays every time the clerk scans your item. You might also be familiar with it if you’re a Sonic fan, because they both use the sound byte whenever a golden ring is collected.
Continue reading The Mystery Behind Gas Stations Using Sonic Sound Effects
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Sonic The Hedgehog Ported to the Super Nintendo Because Nothing Is Sacred Anymore
Genesis does what Nintendon’t? Apparently not.
Continue reading Sonic The Hedgehog Ported to the Super Nintendo Because Nothing Is Sacred Anymore
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Johnny Gioeli Joins Fan Call for Crush 40 to Feature in Sonic Movie Sequel
While we can all agree that the 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog movie was jam-packed full of fantastic fan-service, one notable omission has been a talking point since its release – the lack of Sonic Adventure theme song group Crush 40 in the movie’s soundtrack. Today, a group of fans has launched a petition to encourage Sonic director Jeff Fowler to fix this for the newly-announced sequel, and singer Johnny Gioeli is very publicly on board with the idea. Continue reading Johnny Gioeli Joins Fan Call for Crush 40 to Feature in Sonic Movie Sequel
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Giant Japanese Sonic Statue Beautifully Restored By Owner’s Bereaved Family
Remember the (now solved) mystery of the Japanese Sonic the Hedgehog statue in the woods? Well, when we last saw it, the 2-metre tall piece was in a huge state of disrepair – but this week, the family of the man who owned it has given it a wonderful restoration that brings it back to its former glory. Continue reading Giant Japanese Sonic Statue Beautifully Restored By Owner’s Bereaved Family
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Retrospective: Sonic Colors Ten Years Later
It may be hard to believe, but Sonic Colors, the Sonic Team game exclusively for Nintendo consoles that supposedly sparked a minor renaissance of sorts for the series, has been on the scene for a decade now!
Continue reading Retrospective: Sonic Colors Ten Years Later
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Aaron Webber Is SEGA of Japan’s New Director Of Strategy, Studio & Community Relations
Aaron Webber, also known as RubyEclipse, has received a promotion! Two months after announcing his departure from the Sonic public relations team, he’s announced his new position within the ranks of the company: SEGA of Japan’s Director Of Strategy, Studio & Community Relations.
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New Genesis Is Phantasy Star Online 2, But It Isn’t
For those of you confused about Phantasy Star Online 2’s upcoming update “New Genesis,” you’re in good company, because it’s connected to PSO2, but also it’s its own thing, but… Okay, you know what, let’s just break it down:
According to the PSO2 official news blog, New Genesis will release in place of a new episode next year and targets bringing the 8-year-old game to fit modern tech and design expectations. It features a new world, new enemies, a new combat system, a more open map (though it’s premature to call it true open world yet), and significant visual upgrades.
The news post refers to the setup as “twin universes,” noting that you can you can swap between playing original PSO2 and New Genesis. New Genesis’ PC requirements will be a step above PSO2, but your created characters and emotes can shift between the two games. Both remain free-to-play and use the same account. Further, your weapons, units, and Mags can move over from PSO2 to New Genesis…with some significant caveats.
You will effectively have to treat the two as separate games, as you can’t bring over most of your items and basic character progression (your level/EXP, skills, arts, etc…). Weapon stats may change, and you may not be able to use certain weapons at all until the required class is put in the game (which may imply some current classes won’t be available at launch of New Genesis). Same with Units, but they will not be visible on your character. Mags will… exist, but they won’t impact your gameplay or character, suggesting they could be cosmetic only.
Much like Final Fantasy 14 and A Realm Reborn, this mid-life drastic shift is a high risk move with potentially high rewards, especially if PSO2 continues to grow outside of Japan. At the moment, only Xbox One and Windows 10 are the confirmed platforms with the statement “If PSO2 is added to new platforms, we plan to make PSO2: NGS available on those platforms as well.”
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Sonic Movie Writer isn’t Sure When Filming Will Start
Moviemaking can be difficult, especially in the middle of a pandemic. While answering a fan question on Instagram, Sonic movie writer Josh S. Miller said that he “wasn’t sure when filming would start,” and that the purely animated elements can be worked on first.
Filming in live action movies can be done much faster then CGI special effects, which take far longer to produce. The first Sonic movie’s principal filming took place over roughly a month, from mid-September to mid-October, with additional filming being completed later in October.
Stay tuned to Sonic Stadium for further developments on Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s production!
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Sonic Movie Sequel Gets April 2022 Release Date
Amid the slew of movie delays being caused by the United States’ coronavirus spike, Paramount has dated Sonic’s return to theaters: April 8, 2022.
Nothing else is known about Sonic’s next film at the moment, although the people behind the movie have dropped some hints over the last few months.
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Get Ready! Phantasy Star Online 2’s Getting An Expansion in 2021 Called “New Genesis”
SEGA fans may not be hearing much game news about a certain blue hedgehog, but they are getting a big Phantasy Star Online 2 expansion that is coming in 2021 to celebrate the franchise’s 20th anniversary. It’s called “New Genesis”!
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Square Enix Brings Original Sonic Creators Back Together for New 3D Platformer Balan Wonderworld
We always hoped to see the day that original ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ creators Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima would get back together on a brand new project… but we weren’t expecting to to happen at Square Enix! The Japanese RPG publisher has just announced a brand new 3D platformer called Balan Wonderworld, featuring colourful characters and whimsical gameplay that makes you feel like the original Sonic Team never left. Continue reading Square Enix Brings Original Sonic Creators Back Together for New 3D Platformer Balan Wonderworld
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The Metal Virus Saga Reaches its Finale in Sonic #29, Out Now
The long-running Metal Virus Saga has finally reached its finale in the pages of IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog with issue 29, which sees the last surviving members of the comic’s cast face off against Zavok and their virus-infected friends. The comic can be bought in stores and on Comixology right now. Check out the solicitation, alternate covers and preview pages below:
“All or Nothing,” Part Four! This is it! Sonic and the remaining members of the Restoration team-up for their final fight against the ultra powerful Deadly Six. Not only do they have to take on Zavok, but a legion of zombots as well! The thrilling final battle of the Metal Virus Saga!
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Sonic Dash Generates Nearly $11m, More Than Last Five Sonic Mobile Games Combined
Even after seven years, Sonic Dash is still getting significant content and character updates. And with this latest news it’s clear to see why – SEGA Hardlight’s mobile auto-runner is a huge cash cow, earning nearly $11 million since its initial release – reportedly more revenue than the last five Sonic mobile games combined. Continue reading Sonic Dash Generates Nearly $11m, More Than Last Five Sonic Mobile Games Combined
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Whisper Shoots Her Way into Sonic Forces With New Event, “Guardian Angel”
Whisper the Wolf, the fan-favorite socially anxious sniper from IDW’s Sonic comic, has arrived in the mobile version of Sonic Forces in a new ten day event: Guardian Angel. Whisper brings her wisp-fueled variable whispon sniper rifle to the race, which allows her to access three new power-ups: cyan laser, green hover, and pink spikes.
Cyan laser fires a beam both forward and behind Whisper, while green hover gives Whisper a speed boost and extends her air time. Her final power-up, pink spike, lays spike traps for rivals to run into.
To unlock Whisper, players will have until July 27 to collect 60 character cards by completing specific missions. Whisper’s stats give her 8/10 on speed, 6/10 on acceleration, and a 7/10 on strength. As she is a rare character rather than an event character, it should be possible to get her cards after the event is over, although they will be quite rare.
I am currently halfway towards unlocking her, so be sure to check back later for footage of her in action!
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First Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Merchandise Hinted
There are first signs of preparation for the Sonic 30th anniversary celebrations next year – with more Sonic the Hedgehog Funko POP! figurines in the pipeline!
Continue reading First Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Merchandise Hinted
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Sonic Forces Among the Most Redeemed Monthly PS Plus Games Ever
What does Sonic Forces have in common with Modern Warfare Remastered, Black Ops 3, Destiny 2, and Shadow of the Colossus? Continue reading Sonic Forces Among the Most Redeemed Monthly PS Plus Games Ever
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CoroCoro Comics Publish 2000’s Sonic Manga For Free, For A Limited Time Only
If you’re as old as Dreadknux is (he’s turning 35 tomorrow!), you’ll remember that way, way back in 2002 Japanese manga book CoroCoro ran a series of Sonic the Hedgehog gag strips. We thought they’d be lost to time to all outside of Japan, but for a limited time CoroCoro has brought back the entire series for online users to read for free! Continue reading CoroCoro Comics Publish 2000’s Sonic Manga For Free, For A Limited Time Only
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Picross S: Mega Drive & Mark III Edition Announced for Switch
Jupiter, best known as the creators of the Picross series (as well as the Pokemon Pinball) have announced their latest Picross S game for Switch, and it’s themed after the Sega Mega Drive and Mark III consoles. Awesome! Continue reading Picross S: Mega Drive & Mark III Edition Announced for Switch
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IDW Sonic’s Tangle & Whisper Are Coming To Sonic Forces Mobile!
Over 25 years have passed since the last time a Sonic comic character made an appearance in a Sonic game, and that was just a cameo in Sonic Spinball’s bonus stages. The streak is over. IDW Sonic’s Tangle and Whisper are coming to the mobile version of Sonic Forces.
They will be part of a 3-part unlock event that Hardlight says will last a week. They’ve arrived “just in time” to take part in Dr. Eggman’s Egg Pawn Assault 2.0, a community event where you can earn free Tangle and Whisper cards as prizes.
Now, you may recall that the duo were found in Sonic Dash’s files yesterday. Well, it’s very likely that this will still happen. It is not uncommon for non-costume characters to be added to both games. So, all indications are Hardlight will announce that soon.
But now we get to the biggest question of all. Will this mean that Tangle and Whisper will appear in a main series Sonic game? Well, no one knows. Even Ian Flynn said on Twitter that he has no idea if this “opens the doors to anything else”. So, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Via Twitter
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Tangle & Whisper Uncovered in Sonic Dash Datamine!
Sonic’s mobile games have been focused on making more Sonic characters playable for years now, making deeper and deeper cuts into the game canon. Now, Hardlight seems to be mining Sonic’s IDW comics for new characters, according to data uncovered by Twitter user Bluwolfboy. He dug into the latest build of the Android version of Sonic Dash, and uncovered two new characters: Tangle the Lemur and Whisper the Wolf! These two characters were introduced early on in Sonic’s IDW run, and became so popular the soon got their own four-part mini series!
Bluwolfboy uncovered fully 3D models and character icons. They also posted proof that the characters are in the data, and Tails Channel was able to independently verify it themselves.
This is a major milestone, not just for IDW Sonic, but for Sonic comics in general. Aside from the Freedom Fighter’s cameos in Sonic Spinball, and a few canceled games, this marks the first time Sonic comics characters have been present in a game! That said, we’re probably still a long way off from any members of the Archie cast popping up in anything.
You can check out Tangle and Whisper’s game assets below. If you want access to the actual models, check out the source at the bottom of the page! Obviously, it is currently not known when these characters will be available, but given they are in the data we probably won’t be waiting too long!
via Twitter
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Check Out This Fantastic Sonic the Hedgehog Cartoon Pitch!
The Black Mage and Aggretsuko comic writer Daniel Barnes has put together a Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon pitch – and it looks way past cool!
Continue reading Check Out This Fantastic Sonic the Hedgehog Cartoon Pitch!
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Munch on Sonic’s Delicious Face With This Chili Dog-Flavoured Taiyaki
In today’s “Japan gets all the cool stuff” news, SEGA is celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog’s 29th birthday by making sure its arcade-goers don’t go hungry. A select number of Tokyo-based SEGA Taiyaki stores will be selling taiyaki in the shape of the blue blur’s face! Continue reading Munch on Sonic’s Delicious Face With This Chili Dog-Flavoured Taiyaki
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Happy 29th Birthday, Sonic The Hedgehog!
It’s June 23rd, and you know what that means. Today marks the anniversary of Sonic’s first adventure. Of course, in the game’s canon, he remains a 15 year old. But Sonic 1 released 29 years ago on this date, which means Sonic, and even Dr. Eggman, are now 29 years old.
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Unlikely Team Ups Galore With Solicitations for IDW Sonic the Hedgehog #33 and Bad Guys #1
Back in the stride of comic news following recent circumstances, IDW have released solicitations for Sonic the Hedgehog #33 and the first issue of the new miniseries, Bad Guys #1. And there’s all sorts of strange shenanigans going on even with the Metal Virus saga over!
In Sonic the Hedgehog #33, Omega’s sustained heavy damage during the efforts to stop the Metal Virus, and his allies turn to Sonic and Tails to help out. To rebuild his body, they’re going to need to do some dealings with a Chao racing champion. As is to be expected, things certainly aren’t going to be that straight forward for our heroes! This is “Chao Races and Badnik Bases!”.
It’s also neat to note that this is the first main comic issue written by Evan Stanley, who as we reported on a while back has taken over as lead writer. With a barmy premise like this, it should be fun to see what new flavour she brings to the table.
Hold onto your chili dogs, Sonic fans! Long-time artist Evan Stanley takes over as writer with an action-packed, friendship-fueled new arc: “Chao Races and Badnik Bases!” The perfect jumping-on point for new readers! The Metal Virus is gone, but things aren’t quite back to normal. Omega is damaged and his allies turn to Tails and Sonic for help. The only way to rebuild him is to trade parts with a mysterious chanpion Chao racer… but things aren’t what they seem.
Meanwhile, in Bad Guys #1, Dr Starline wants to plot his own evil schemes, and decides that one of Eggman’s old bases would be an ideal spot to do it. But with Badniks guarding any way into it, he realises he can’t get in alone, so recruits some familiar allies to help. If you think this will be a friendly alliance, you are solely mistaken!
The mastermind behind the Metal Virus isn’t done yet. Ian Flynn returns to answer: What happened to Dr. Starline?
The Shadowy Scientist is back to his evil antics in Bad Guys! And what better place to concoct nefarious plans than one of Dr. Eggman’s abandoned bases? But that is easier said than done when badniks are guarding the entrance! Dr. Starline knows he can’t do it alone, so he decides to recruit some familiar and not so friendly faces.
Sonic the Hedgehog #33 and Bad Guys #1 look set to be released around the October-November period. As always, we’ll have more information closer to the time of release. With so many new ways the story could go now, you won’t want to miss it!
Source: IDWSonicNews [Twitter]
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Aaron Webber’s Leaving The Sonic PR Team For A New Position Within SEGA
Aaron Webber, also known in the Sonic community as RubyEclipse, has been the head of the Sonic public relations team for five years. As of today, however, that is changing. Webber has made a statement announcing that he is moving on to a new position within the ranks of SEGA.
Continue reading Aaron Webber’s Leaving The Sonic PR Team For A New Position Within SEGA
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Iconic Formula 1 Sonic Trophy Returns
Any Sonic fan in 1993 will remember this iconic SEGA statue of Sonic, awarded to Ayrton Senna of the McLaren Team at European Grand Prix at Donington Park that year…but where is that statue now?
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Takashi Iizuka Hopes He Can “Meet Fans’ Desires” For Sonic 30th Anniversary
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka wants to make you happy. The guy is clearly working flat out to deliver whatever projects SEGA has in store for Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th Anniversary, and in a new interview he’s not shy about his intention to to satisfy every fan out there. Continue reading Takashi Iizuka Hopes He Can “Meet Fans’ Desires” For Sonic 30th Anniversary