Following last month's leaked footage and info, SEGA finally announces Sonic's return to form...

We told you Sonic Unleashed was worth keeping an eye on when we first spotted it last month. Today, with the game officially unwrapped, we're prepared to stick our heads on the block and say Sonic Unleashed will be a true return to form for the blue hedgehog after many years of anguish.

Having finally settled the issues caused by Yuji Naka's resignation and the confusion that followed, Sonic Unleashed is in development for the Xbox 360, PlayStation3, Wii, and PlayStation2 at the very capable Sonic Team.

The result of three years of development, Sonic Unleashed introduces the powerful new 'Hedgehog Engine', which blends the 2D action and 3D camera flourishes that will finally bring classic Sonic gameplay to the home consoles. In development for the past three years, the Hedgehog Engine easily blends the best of 2D and 3D, bringing seamless multi path choices to the signature 2D gameplay.

The story focuses on Sonic's attempts to track down the Chaos Emeralds in an attempt to piece together the fragments of the world that was broken apart by the evil Dr Eggman.

Multi path choices are promised to provide depth and variety to the on-rails action, while day and night cycles promise a "completely original way of playing Sonic" along with all new combat, movement and functional abilities in classic Sonic style. Seven stages are set to feature in the final game, with the promise of four different game modes - we're guessing online functionality will feature in some form.

"By combining rich and vibrant scenery with dynamic viewpoints Sonic Unleashed will provide an immersive 3D experience whilst keeping alive the 2D gameplay elements and fantastic worlds that Sonic fans know and love" commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. "In addition to this classic Sonic gaming experience, when darkness sets in Sonic Unleashed players will be able to experience a completely new way to play as Sonic... making this his most exciting adventure yet!"