SEGA Officially Announces Sonic Generations News

Following the release of a teaser trailer earlier in the month, SEGA has now officially announced Sonic Generations as a celebration of the anthropomorphic hedgehog's 20th Anniversary this year.

As many had deduced from the teaser, players will take control of both the classic 1991 Sonic and his contemporary counterpart in the game, which will be released on Xbox 360 and PS3 towards the end of 2011.

Environments are described as "instantly recognisable" in the press release, which sounds like there will be plentiful references to past Sonic games in the level design. Additionally, a mix of traditional side-scrolling levels and the modern 3D-style seen in the likes of Sonic Unleashed have been promised.

Synonymous spin-dash and spin-attack moves will be on-hand for classic Sonic, while modern Sonic's abilities will include the Homing Attack and Speed Boost moves as both hedgehogs encounter a "strange new enemy" according to the PR (not Dr. Eggman?) that creates time-holes which bring the different era Sonics together.

"Sonic Generations will certainly be a fitting celebration for Sonic's 20th Anniversary," commented David Corless, Global Brand Director for Sonic. "By having the classic 1991 Sonic that many fans know and love team up with his modern day incarnation, we are bringing back the nostalgia of the early days of Sonic and combining it with the innovation and stunning HD technology of the modern gaming era. Sonic Generations will bring to life the last twenty years of Sonic's universe in a truly unique and imaginative way."