14 DAY TRIAL // Sega finally decided to officially confirm the game everybody knew was coming, following some leaked screenshots and trailers. Now, everything is official according to a press release from Sega. Even more, the giants have decided to offer a bit more details about Sonic Unleashed - just enough to keep us excited and hoping for more.
First, the things which weren't that hard to guess: Sonic Unleashed is set to be released later this year on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii consoles. Of course, a PC version is out of the question, but we are a little surprised to see it announced for the PS2, too. Oh, well... the more people will have access to it, the better it will be for Sega.
The most important details are about the new Hedgehog Engine that has been built for this game and which introduces seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, while delivering a rich and expansive world (something most of us would call 2.5D). The strange thing is, however, that Sonic Unleashed was developed within three years and we're really surprised it took so long before some screenshots were leaked! Anyway, a very risky bit for the Sonic Team is the fact that they "re-defined the gameplay experience" and this, if not done correctly, might prove to be a very wrong move.
"By combining rich and vibrant scenery with dynamic viewpoints Sonic Unleashed will provide an immersive 3D experience whilst keeping alive the 2D gameplay elements and fantastic worlds that Sonic fans know and love," said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. "In addition to this classic Sonic gaming experience, when darkness sets in Sonic Unleashed players will be able to experience a completely new way to play as Sonic? making this his most exciting adventure yet!"
The Sonic Unleashed story is simple: Dr Eggman has broken the world apart and our hedgehog has to save it. In order to do that, a race against time begins and he will be faced with a situation he's never seen before (the Sonic-wolf, if we are to judge from the leaked screenshots a while ago). Another big change is the fighting option now available in Sonic Unleashed, but no details have been given.