New Sonic Unleashed screens? Sure, why not. They're not from the most official of sources, but then with this game, what else is new. I'm kinda sure I've seen one or two of these before. But I've included them just in case. I'm definitely sure the rest are new, though (from what looks like a pre-level fly-by), so bon appetite.
[via eNe3 via VG247]

Never mind that Sega's crack legal team already confirmed Sonic Unleashed, Official Nintendo Magazine (UK) has a world exclusive! The Wii game will be out this winter, use the Wii-mote and Nunchuk, but won't have online, it seems. Fair enough, the game seems like an old school Sega platformer — a good thing. Says the game's lead designer, Yoshihisa Hashimoto:

In our minds, this game will have more in common with the older Sonic Adventure series. It has no relation to Sonic the Hedgehog [the 360/PS3 game] or Sonice And The Secret Rings... We wanted Sonic fans to love Sonic even more. Also, for people who are not familiar with Sonic, we think that this will be a great way to introduce them to Sonic The Hedgehog.

THANK GAWD. The game is supposedly being developed internally by Team Sonic (and not by a buncha devs all across North America and Europe), and it does feature this possibly worrying element: During the daytime, the game is regular speed-based Sonic ramps and loops and rails. But! At night, Sonic's hairy alter ego (oh dear) comes out, and the game play changes to monkey-like swinging and obstacle manipulation. Well, at least it's better than human kissing. Never forget!

Thanks, Joe for the tip!

The time for legal threats is at an end, as Sega officially confirms Sonic Unleashed for the PS2, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 in late 2008. Along with a video and screenshots that we've already seen, Sega reveals a bit about the plot of the game, which features the vile Dr. Eggman breaking apart the entire world, with Sonic and the power of the chaos emeralds the only hope of putting things right. It combines classic 2D gameplay elements with an immersive 3D experience, utilizing the all new Hedgehog Engine.

Under development for three years, the Hedgehog Engine produces a visually rich next generation look and feel with elements of classic Sonic gameplay mechanics. The Hedgehog engine will help re-define the gameplay experience for Sonic fans and newcomers to the franchise alike.

The announcement hints at the new 3D portions of the game in which Sonic turns into a werewolf, another well-known secret I'm sure they'll officially reveal somewhere down the line. For now, enjoy the extended version of the video you've already watched, now with extra-added Sonic goodness!

Sonic Is Unleashed!

SEGA's newest Sonic title is set to combine amazing next gen capabilities with classic Sonic 2D gameplay!

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (April 3, 2008) - SEGA® of America and SEGA of Europe Ltd., today announced that everyone's favourite hedgehog will be breaking new ground yet maintaining his roots, in the upcoming title, Sonic Unleashed™. Developed by renowned studio Sonic Team, the latest installment in the multi-million selling franchise, will take players on an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe in a way never before experienced in the world of Sonic. The game is set for release later this year and will be available for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and PLAYSTATION®2.

Sonic Unleashed is built on a powerful new "Hedgehog Engine", which introduces seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, whilst delivering a rich and expansive world with multiple paths to choose from. Under development for three years, the Hedgehog Engine produces a visually rich next generation look and feel with elements of classic Sonic gameplay mechanics. The Hedgehog engine will help re-define the gameplay experience for Sonic fans and newcomers to the franchise alike.

"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!"

Having been broken apart by the evil Dr Eggman, it's down to Sonic to put the pieces of the world back together again by retrieving the power of the chaos emeralds. In doing so, Sonic will find himself in a race against time and faced with an unusual situation that will challenge him in ways never before seen. By completing a wide variety of action-packed stages, spanning the seven broken continents of the world, gamers will need to unleash Sonic's amazing abilities to save the world, and himself!

The opportunity to engage in Sonic in different ways during the day and night time levels brings a completely original way of playing to the Sonic franchise, in addition to running at high speeds in classic Sonic style, combat fighting will become possible. Super quick Sonic's speed skills will be highlighted by four new modes, whilst the all new combat, movement and functional abilities will offer depth and variety to the game. As the sun sets in Sonic Unleashed, a different type of adventure will awaken in Sonic's newest quest....

Sonic Unleashed is scheduled for release worldwide in late 2008.

When we first saw screens of Sonic Unleashed, it was pretty clear that we were looking at something that was only feasible on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. No offense intended to the GameCube Turbo, but Sonic and the Secret Rings didn't look this good. Chatter about a sensible Wii version has been making the rounds since first screens and video sneaked out, but it would appear that Sega is planning to unleash more Sonic love on every viable platform.

Retailer GameStop is currently listing Sonic Unleashed for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as the Wii and PlayStation 2. All listings are labeled with November 4 ship dates, along with platform appropriate pricing.

Thanks for the heads up, Daniel!

And there's more! And it *might* be real, too!! Earlier, we brought word of Sonic Unleashed screenshots that were unleashed off of SEGA's FTP server. Then this alleged Sonic Unleashed clip hit the internet. Now? This character art and more concept art work. We highly approve of this still-rumored-but-unconfirmed art. Apparently, SONIC TEAM as well as developers in the States and Europe are working on this title together. If this is their work, we appreciate them making Sonic not-sucky again. If it's some random internet fakers, we likewise appreciate them making Sonic not-sucky again.

Sonic Unleashed Update [Sega Magazin]

To go along with the alleged (for now) Sonic Unleashed screenshots, a video has appeared on YouTube courtesy of Sega On that matches up with the art style of the screenies, showing off what could very well be a side of Sonic the Hedgehog we've not seen for years. Until we hear anything official I shall try desperately to curb my excitement, but I cannot help get a little bit tingly thinking that Sega may have finally gotten it right. Thanks to everyone who sent in the clip!
SEGA's Sonic Unleashed - WE HAVE THE VIDEO! [Sega On]

Sonic fan site Sonic Stadium writes that it may have uncovered the first shots of Sonic Unleashed, the title Sega trademarked earlier this month. According to Sonic Stadium, the screen shots, some in-game, some pre-rendered CG, were culled from one of Sega's FTP servers. They certainly look like the genuine article, giving the impression that Sonic Unleashed will be coming to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, hopefully with gameplay that's more Sonic and the Secret Rings than it is Sonic the Hedgehog "Next-Gen."

New Sonic Game Screenshots Discovered [Sonic Stadium - thanks, Dylan and Daniel!]