Sonic leads wave of next generation titles for SEGA

In a flurry of new game announcements, Japanese publisher SEGA has confirmed the development of a brand new version of Sonic the Hedgehog, in addition to several more current and next generation titles.

Described by the company as a re-invention of the classic franchise, the latest outing for Sonic is being developed by Yuji Naka, who helped create the original Sonic the Hedgehog game on the SEGA MegaDrive in 1991.

According to SEGA, Naka will create "the most intense sensation of speed ever experienced in videogames," utilising the processing and graphical power of the next generation consoles.

The team intend to take the design of the game back to its origins of some 15 years ago, focusing on the intense speed and platform action which, at the time, was instrumental in the success of the company's MegaDrive games console.

Sonic will be released on Xbox 360 and later on PS3 sometime in 2006, although no firm dates have been announced.

The company also revealed a Spring 2006 launch for Chromehounds; a mech-combat game in development by From Software, who are responsible for the award winning Armored Core series amongst others. Scott Steinberg, vice president of marketing, SEGA USA promised "cooperative and competitive campaigns for up to 12 players, with thousands of upgrade options, which affect both the look and performance of player mechs."

Current generation console owners were also provided with revelations in the form of new title Sonic Riders. Available on Xbox, PS2 and GameCube in winter 2006, Sonic Riders will feature a host of characters from the Sonic franchise competing in high speed races on 'air boards'. The game will, according to SEGA, "integrate extreme sports, high-speed racing and head-to-head battles."