The story was leaked last month. Then Sega denied its existence. Last week, Sega came out with press release confirming it. Finally, it can be told for sure. Sega’s blue hedgehog, Sonic will finally be unleashed in the Nintendo Wii.

No more cameos, this is the real thing. Sega promises that this installation of the Sonic franchise will be different than the previous ones. Sonic Unleashed will try to reinvent the game play we all know. It will be a 2D side-scroller that transitions into a 3D world in some stages. I’m waiting to see how they make the transition from 2D to 3D seamless. I hope that the game play doesn’t suffer from this.

From Sega’s press release:

“Players will have an opportunity to engage in ways never before done with the Sonic franchise, so in addition to running at high speeds, which will be highlighted in four new speed mechanics, combat fighting now becomes possible. New combat, movement, functional abilities and platforming will be introduced to offer increased depth and variety.”

Hmmm… we can control how Sonic fights? Sounds like the developers still have a hangover from Super Smash Bros Brawl. Can’t wait to try this feature out for myself.

Plus, a day-and-night system will also be introduced into the game, and this may well tie into Sonic’s werewolf form. This feature is still unclear.

Sonic Unleashed will be out just in time for the holidays this year.