Sonic Forces is speeding towards a holiday release, and Sega just announced an interesting quirk in the title's gameplay. Apparently you will be able to build and equip your own custom hero character, with different animals having unique abilities and gadgets. I think this is brilliant but also I think Sega is showing some clever self-awareness here. Sonic recolors and one-dimensional "original" characters have become a running joke in the Sonic fan community. There's a ton of embarrassing fan fiction and art out there based on these characters, so it seems like Sega decided to embrace this awkward aspect of their fandom. Sega has had a remarkably sharp and good sense of humor about Sonic as of late so I'm glad to see it showing up in Sonic Forces.
Check the press release after the break to learn about each character's abilities. You can bet that I'll be making Coldsteel the Hedgehog when I get the game. "Nothin personnel...kid."
Sonic Forces™ Introduces New, Third Gameplay Style
Burbank, California — May 16, 2017 — Today, SEGA® revealed the third gameplay style in Sonic Forces is a powerful gadget touting customizable character. For the first time in the Sonic series, players can create their own original Hero Character, and customize how the character plays and looks. This newly revealed playstyle in Sonic Forces is in addition to the previously revealed fast-paced action of Modern Sonic and the thrilling platforming of Classic Sonic.
In this just announced gameplay style, players will be equipping their custom Hero Character with one of a variety of powerful unique gadgets called Wispons. Wispons are an evolution of the Color Powers from Sonic Colors and double as both offensive abilities and as a way to platform through levels quickly. Along with the Wispon, the Hero Character will have a grappling hook they can utilize to quickly traverse across zones. Players can also customize the Hero Character’s looks by choosing and swapping between hundreds of accessories and outfit options to change the character’s appearance as they play through the game.
There are seven base animal types that players can select from, each with varying special abilities:
Wolf – Automatically draws in rings when near them
Rabbit - Has longer invincible time after receiving damage
Cat - Keeps one ring after being hit
Dog - Restarts with five rings after the player dies
Bear – Blows away enemies with a homing attack
Bird - Flies high with double jump abilities
Hedgehog - Collects rings when getting damaged
No matter what Hero the player chooses to create, it will be featured throughout the entire game. In a first for the Sonic franchise, a character the player creates will be a key part of the story, appearing not only in cutscenes, but by being a crucial element in helping Sonic reclaim the world from Eggman’s domination.
The official Sonic Forces Hero Character trailer can be found here, along with gameplay footage here. Additional b-roll, screenshots, and concept art of the new custom Hero Character can be found here.
Sonic Forces will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, & PC this Holiday. Join the Uprising to take back the world from Dr. Eggman.
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About SEGA of America
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Games Co., Ltd., 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 Inc. SEGA of America’s website is located at www.sega.com.
