Sega has been playing a little fast and loose with Sonic the Hedgehog lately, using the blue blur for experimental projects like The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. At the same time, the movies based on the franchise have been surprisingly good. Here’s another treat for the Sonic enjoyers out there: Sega just announced Sonic Rumble, a 32-player PvP mobile game created with Finnish studio Rovio.
Sonic Rumble immediately invites comparisons to other party games, like those in the Mario Party franchise, or Fall Guys. It looks like Sonic Rumble’s minigames are a little less infuriating than Fall Guys’ chaotic bean struggles, with some rounds focusing on traditional platforming levels. Others, however, look a lot more brutal — at one point, a giant chomping robot inexorably approaches, knocking out contenders left and right.
Out of the 32 players, there can only be one winner. Players can also collect rings, which allows them to unlock new cosmetics like a pirate costume for Shadow the Hedgehog. The lore is that Sonic Rumble is a Jumanji-style world created by Dr. Eggman, and he’s managed to bring the whole cast into it. It’s always fun to see new appearances of side Sonic characters, like my beloved Big the Cat.
Sega will be hosting a closed beta test from May 24 through May 26; players can apply to test the game out on its official site. We expect the game to release for everyone this winter.
