iFone unleashes SEGA's mascot on mobiles

Mobile entertainment publisher and developer iFone has announced the UK launch of iconic platform adventure game Sonic the Hedgehog, part one of which will be available through Orange this month.

Enda Carey, iFone's marketing director, stated: "Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the best known gaming titles ever. Not only does this fast and compelling character lend himself perfectly to the mobile platform, but with more advanced and faster technology available, we are able to offer a highly compelling console like experience on a mobile phone."

The second title to be released from iFone's recent eight-game licensing and distribution deal with SEGA, the mobile version of the cult Megadrive game will be released in two halves - each containing three zones from the original title. Part one features the familiar Green Hill Zone, Marble Zone and Spring Yard Zones, challenging players to guide the little blue hero through a series of perilous environments, collecting the infamous golden rings and recovering the Chaos Emeralds to defeat the evil Dr. Robotnik and free the creatures of the land.

"iFone have proved to be incredibly successful in the conversion of SEGA's mobile games," commented Darren Newnham, SEGA's business development manager. "The appearance of Sonic from console to the wireless platform has been hugely successful in keeping Sonic as fast as the day he was created."

iFone specialises in the development, production and publishing of wireless games and entertainment, operating a global distribution network that is live in 50 countries and forging strategic partnerships with more than 100 network operators.

Sonic the Hedgehog Part One will be available on the Orange network in February and available through all major network operators in March. No release date for Sonic part two has been announced as yet.