Sega has unveiled the final release date of retro platformer Sonic Mania, which is coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
In addition to its launch date, Sega has also revealed the price and preorder bonuses for Sonic Mania, as fans of the speedy blue hedgehog look forward to the first 2D game in the series after some time.
Sonic Mania To Launch August 15
Sega announced that the digital edition of Sonic Mania will be released on Aug. 15 for consoles and PC, with a price tag of $20.
Sonic Mania brings back the 2D side-scrolling gameplay first seen in the original Sonic the Hedgehog released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis. Many gamers were excited to once again play classic Sonic on modern consoles and PC but were let down by Sega when it was announced that the spring 2017 release date for Sonic Mania was pushed back this summer.
At least Sega kept its promise, with the launch of Sonic Mania just several weeks away. Players who preorder the game will receive various perks, including discounts and additional content such as bonus avatars and themes.
Sonic Mania is not just a remastered version of older Sonic games, though, as it features 16 reworked stages with new levels, boss fights, and moves for Sonic. In addition, players will be able to play as Knuckles and Tails, Sonic's loyal sidekicks, on each stage, which all run on 60 frames per second.
Sonic Mania Collector's Edition
Hardcore Sonic fans, however, may not be content with the regular digital version of Sonic Mania. To cater to these players, Sega previously revealed a physical collector's edition that is loaded with goodies for Sonic aficionados.
The Sonic Mania collector's edition includes a 12-inch statue of Sonic standing on top of a Sega Genesis platform that plays the Sega startup audio, a Sega cartridge cast with a golden ring, and a metallic collector's card that contains the download key for Sonic Mania. To top it all off, the collector's edition comes in an oversized box that is designed to look like the packaging for Sonic games from the past.
The Sonic Mania collector's edition is priced at $69.99 and can also be preordered through various retail channels.
Sonic Forces Also Coming Soon
Sonic Mania is not the only Sonic game in the pipeline for Sega, as the company is also working on Sonic Forces for the same consoles and PC.
The gameplay video for Sonic Forces revealed Sonic in a 3D adventure as he runs through a city that is ravaged by giant robots. The game has already received criticism for following what many believe is an outdated formula, but we will not know whether it will succeed or not until it launches in the holiday season of this year.
There is already one thing different about Sonic Forces, though, as it will be the first game in the series wherein players can create customized characters. Hopefully there are other new features in the game that will make it a hit among old Sonic fans and new players to the franchise.
