It was previously reported that SEGA and Sonic Team have been working on a brand-new "Sonic the Hedgehog" game for the franchise's 25th anniversary. As reported by IGN, the developers are releasing a brand-new 2D "Sonic" game titled "Sonic Mania," which will launch for the PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
The announcement, made during this year's San Diego Comic Con, was streamed live online and the short gameplay trailer revealed that "Sonic Mania" would sport a 16-bit graphical style akin to "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" and "Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles."
According to the report, the game will have reimagined levels from "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," "Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles" and "Sonic CD." However, it will also sport its own original levels and may be bringing back old gameplay mechanics such as the elemental shields.
The report does reveal Sonic will have one new move, called the "Drop Dash" which allows Sonic to utilize his spin dash immediately after dropping to the ground from a certain height. The game will also allow players to control not just Sonic but also Tails and Knuckles.
During the announcement SEGA also revealed a brand new 3D game but they did not reveal the game's title. The trailer did focus on Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic working together and a tagline hinting at a resistance of soldiers. Fans have speculated that this means the game could be "Sonic Generations 2" or something similar.
As stated in the official PlayStation blog, the game is being co-developed by SEGA of America and PagodaWest Games. Christian Whitehad and Simon Thomley will be in charge of the development for "Sonic Mania." Whitehead is known for working on some of the best "Sonic" games such as the recent PC remaster of "Sonic CD."
Although there is little information for the 3D game, the 2D "Sonic Mania" will be released in spring 2017.
