I don’t fancy myself much of an iOS or Android gamer, but when games that could easily hold their own on other platforms start finding their way to phones, my ears perk up. Fittingly, Sega has just announced that it will be bringing four new titles to mobile platforms in the coming months, with three of them arriving in time for the holidays or sooner.
You can check out the press release below for all the details, but what will most likely jump out at people the most are the two planned Sonic the Hedgehog releases. The first is called Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, a kart racer promising land, sea, and air traversal ala Diddy Kong Racing, in addition to a host of playable characters from Sega’s substantial cast. Oh, and the karts can transform, hence Racing Transformed. Hopefully Sonic will scream “transfoooooorm!!” like the Lumas from Super Mario Galaxy when the time is right. Pretty wishful thinking, really.
The other Sonic title is the one I’m personally most excited for: a freshly-minted remaster of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 slated for release in November. I’m no die-hard Sonic buff, but Sonic 2 was the first game with Tails, my favorite dude in the Sonic universe! Flying that guy around as a kid was a straight-up barrel of monkeys.
The other two titles — a multiplayer, card-collecting action RPG called Demon Tribe and a rhythm game known as Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper — will arrive in Winter 2013 and early 2014 respectively, with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed joining the Winter 2013 window as well.
If you’re like me and are jonesing for some Sonic the Hedgehog 2 action, then definitely reserve some space on your phone in the next few months.
SEGA REVEALS STELLAR MOBILE LINE-UP FEATURING ICONIC FRANCHISES AND NEW CAST OF CHARACTERS
Mobile Gamers to Swipe and Tap Through Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed™, Sonic the Hedgehog 2™, Demon Tribe™ and Rhythm Thief & The Paris Caper™
LONDON, SAN FRANCISCO – October 21st, 2013 – SEGA® of America, Inc. today announce a line-up of four titles coming soon to mobile and tablet devices with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed and a special, re-mastered release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 leading the charge, along with Demon Tribe – a new, unique multiplayer RPG led by renowned producer/director Masayoshi Kikuchi, and musical adventure title and Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper, inspired by the critically acclaimed 3DS title Rhythm Thief and the Emperor’s Treasure ™
“As the audience for mobile gaming continues to grow, we’re proud to expand our portfolio of digital titles with a wide array of genres,” said Chris Olson, Vice President of Digital Business for Europe and US.
“With card collecting and MOBA-style battles in Demon Tribe and mystery solving timed to the beat in Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper SEGA’s latest portable offerings have something for everyone.”SEGA and Sonic are transforming racing on mobile platforms
Platforms: iOS, Android | Release Date: Winter 2013SEGA is preparing to leave the competition in its dust as the critically acclaimed action racer Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed makes its way to mobile platforms. Race as Sonic and a host of legendary SEGA All-Stars across land, sea and air in amazing transformable vehicles as they battle for first place at the finish line. This sequel to the hit 2011 mobile game Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing will bring all of the competitive, fast paced, transforming action from its wildly successful console counterpart with a host of new features and improvements. With a reimagined World Tour, super competitive 4 player local and online races and comprehensive social integration, this will be the ultimate multiplayer racer on mobile. Start your engines and get ready to transform your racing experience on the go!
The best gets better with Sonic the Hedgehog™ 2 re-mastered for mobile
Platforms: iOS, Android | Release Date: November, 2013Get ready for the ultimate spin as one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time receives a definitive update for the mobile generation. Sonic fans and newcomers alike will see Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in a brand new light. Revisit the game that first introduced Miles “Tails” Prower and some of the most legendary environments in Sonic history. See special stages and classic levels such as Casino Night Zone and Chemical Plant with re-mastered audio and upgraded visuals running at a silky smooth frame rate of 60fps.
This version of the classic sequel is coming to Android for the first time ever and will be made available as a free update for existing iOS owners.
Enter the vicious world of Demon Tribe
Platforms: iOS | Release Date: Winter, 2013From Masayoshi Kikuchi, who worked on classic titles such as the Panzer Dragoon series, the Yakuza series, and Jet Grind Radio, comes Demon Tribe. Set in a dark fantasy world facing the threat of a demon infestation, Demon Tribe blends MOBA, card collecting, and action-RPG gameplay elements for a thrilling experience. Capture and fuse demons to build the ultimate team and enter battle with both cooperative and competitive MOBA-style engagements supporting up to 6 players in 3v3 synchronous battles.
Mystery and music meet in Rhythm Thief & the Paris Caper
Platforms: iOS | Release Date: Early 2014Join Raphael and his faithful canine companion Fondue as they investigate the mystery of his father’s strange disappearance. Tap to the beat through the streets of the City of Lights, gather clues, and thwart enemies in this toe-tapping rhythmic adventure.
SEGA will share more information on each game in the coming weeks.
About SEGA® of America, Inc.
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment. SEGA® of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com.
About SEGA® Europe Ltd.
SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA’s global Web site is located at www.sega.com.