Sonic Unleashed is a return to concept for Sonic Team. The plan is to get the hedgehog back to his fast, level-based platforming roots. Less awkward adventure, more speedy action.

To that end, this is a Sonic-focused game. Other unspecified characters will be present, but you will only assume control of them for short periods of time.

Of course, after berating a Sega representative, it was revealed that there will still be a Sonic Adventure-esque town area. Players will be talking to other characters, and getting through some kind of story. Sega stressed repeatedly that this portion of the game will be entirely optional, with a portal transporting players to the stage sections.

There will also be nighttime levels, separate from the daytime excursions. These will be focused on combat over platforming, presumably where... Read more

Accompanying the official announcement of Sonic Unleashed, Sega released a trailer that showcases the game's mix of 2D run-and-jump gameplay. Sadly, the footage does not offer a glimpse of Sonic's periodic werewolf-like transformation.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Registered users can use the HD Stream.

Slated to release on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, Unleashed is being developed by Sonic Team and is due out later this year.

Following the game's unofficial revelation earlier this month, publisher Sega has announced Sonic Unleashed, the latest entry in its long-running Sonic the Hedgehog series, and released the first two official screens.

Slated to release on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, Unleashed is being developed by Sonic Team and is due out later this year.

Unleashed will mix the series' classic 2D run-and-jump gameplay with the 3D stylings of more recent Sonic titles. According to Sega, the game's "Hedgehog Engine" technology, which has been in development for three years, allows "seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions" and an "expansive world with multiple paths."

Going by the leaked assets and vague hints within today's announcements, it appears that Sonic will transform into a werewolf-like beast when night falls within the game.

"When darkness sets in Sonic Unleashed players will be able to experience a completely new way to play as Sonic," explained Sega Europe marketing director Gary Knight, "making this his most exciting adventure yet!”

An abundance of supposed media from the next Sonic the Hedgehog game appeared online across the weekend, giving gamers what many believe to be the first look at the blue speedster's next adventure.

While Sega has yet to officially announce the game or comment on the media, the title is rumored to be known as Sonic Unleashed, with the resolution of the screenshots suggesting it is being developed for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. According to the rumors, the title is expected to release later this year.

In all, the materials included a whopping 82 screenshots--70 in-game, 12 cutscene stills--along with a short gameplay video, which is viewable below.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.