Sega has announced that its trademark blue insectivore will get two new games one of which will be made for the next-generation PS3 and XBox 360 consoles.
Sonic The Hedgehog for PS3 and Xbox 360 will be developed under the direction of Yuji Naka, award-winning developer known for creating the hugely successful SEGA franchise. With an innovative combination of art, physics and game design, SEGA and Mr. Naka will focus on creating an intense sensation of speed in the videogame. Sonic The Hedgehog for next-gen is expected to ship on multiple platforms in conjunction with the character's 15th anniversary in 2006 which should see the game released on or around June 23, 2006.
Mr. Naka explains ...we have gone back to our starting point, more than 15-years ago, to reinvent the attitude and speed that made our hero a legend. The 'rebirth of Sonic' will offer an unparalleled sense of speed that is only possible using the processing power afforded by the new systems.
Sega is also working on a new Sonic game for current-generation consoles; Sonic Riders for PS2 and Xbox. Riders is being developed by Soni Team and is a racing game in which you select a Sonic character and take part in races. In Sonic Riders, Dr. Eggman challenges Sonic and his friends to a Worldwide Grand Prix, and the prize for coming out on top is an ultra-rare Chaos Emerald! Gliding on air boards - which are performance-oriented for each playable character - gamers will experience a heightened sense of Extreme sports-style racing tension as Sonic and his pals perform tricks and stunts over treacherous wide-open terrain.
Sega also hinted at a Robot battle game, Chromehounds, although not much else was said about it.