Sega has confirmed a new Sonic The Hedgehog game will be coming to mobile later this year.
Details of Sonic Rumble were previously leaked under the working title Sonic Toys Party, but now Sega has officially confirmed the release of the game.
Sonic Rumble is set to launch on iOS and Android devices this winter and has been developed and managed by Sega, in collaboration with Angry Birds developer Rovio. The game “invites players to enter a twisted toy world created by the notorious Dr Eggman,” according to an official description. Check out the trailer below:
Sonic Rumble will see up to 32-players take control of toy-inspired versions of Sonic icons and compete in a number of battle royale challenges. As we’ve come to expect from the franchise, the goal is to collect as many rings as possible and “prove themselves to be the fastest in the toybox”. Unlocked characters can also be customised, to help players distinguish themselves from the pack.
Footage from the trailer reveals characters like Sonic, Tails and Knuckles will be available as playable characters, alongside the likes of Shadow, Amy, Eggman, Metal Sonic and Rouge. Elsewhere, challenges seem to range from racing games to players needing to destroy Eggman’s various robotic creations.
Sonic Rumble launches this winter, but players can apply to take part in a closed beta which will take place later this month. The application form is open until May 19, with the beta kicking off the following week.
On your mark, get set…PLAY! Get ready to race in the all-new Sonic Rumble, a speedy, 32-person mobile royale set in a cheery toy world created by Dr. Eggman!
Follow @Sonic_Rumble for info and details on a US playtest! pic.twitter.com/mpo6tA52d1
— Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) May 8, 2024
According to reports (via VGC), Sonic Rumble will be a launch pad for Sega to further expand into the world of mobile gaming, with a number of collaborations and crossovers already planned.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed Sega would be appearing at Download Festival to celebrate the launch of Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance with an “immersive experience” that will include a number of gaming stations .
Speaking about the partnership, festival boss Andy Copping said: “We are so excited to see Sega bring Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance to Download Festival, creating a unique experience for our festival goers. Music and games have a long history of working together and their fan bases are frequently overlapping, so it feels like a natural fit. We can’t wait to see you at the gameplay stations!”
In other news, Xbox has said it wants “smaller games that give [the company] prestige and awards,” one day after shutting down the studio that created the critically acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush.