So Sonic has to save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman yet again… Doesn’t sound like a great new twist or at least change to the popular franchise right? Well fear not loyal fans, because SEGA has released some new information about Sonic Unleashed that might actually tickle your fancy.

Unleashed will feature the new “Hedgehog Engine” which merges the class Sonic 2D action with stunning 3D graphics, all with flawless transitions. And if you happen to think Sonic couldn’t get any faster or accurate, there is even a new series of speed mechanics to help Sonic navigate through his ventures.

When it comes to the actual story, we will have to help our hero foil the plans of the eeeevil Dr. Eggman as he tries to accomplish his dreams of world domination. But what makes this plot slightly different? It seems that in his quest for domination, Eggman has caused some sort of major event that divides the world into many pieces, as well as awakens a beast that just screws with Sonic’s head and changes him in unexplainable ways. Now it’s up to you to help Sonic not only bring the pieces of the world back together by finding chaos emeralds, but also help him figure just what the hell is wrong with his spiky self.

When it comes to gameplay, besides the mesh of 2D and 3D graphics, the game promises new abilities that can be used to attack Eggman’s minions as well as help navigate through the courses. We all know Sonic is a fast little bugger, so the fact that things like the “Quick Step” and “Sonic Boost” have been added to make your rampaging more effective just seems to spice things up a bit more. And if you use your “Sonic Boost” well enough you can gain “Ring Energy” levels by…you’ve guessed it, gathering lots of rings. Besides all of that, you’ll be able to choose your own path in the game, and the path you take will determine what kind of rewards and/or obstacles you will face.

Being a Sonic fan, I’m a little weary of how this game is going to come out — it’s old fashioned Sonic meeting the new age, but still trying to keep its originality. Only time will tell how well this game holds up to everyone’s standards, but I guess it’s like that for every game right?

So watch out for Sonic Unleashed, it’s going to be coming out for the PS3, Wii, 360, and the PS2 during the holiday season of this year.

[See also: Sonic Unleashed gallery]