Sonic Central 2023: Celebrate Sonic’s Birthday With New Releases and Updates
It’s Sonic’s birthday today and Sega had tons of news to share at Sonic Central 2023. We’ve rounded up all the news from titles like Sonic Origins Plus, Sonic Frontiers, and the upcoming Sonic Superstars to bring you up to speed.
Sonic Origins Plus launches on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One today, June 23, as an all-in-one bundle that includes Sonic Origins and the Plus Expansion Pack. Originally released in 2022, Sonic Origins brought together four classic titles – Sonic The Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD, digitally remastered for current generation platforms, with added features, new content, modes and more.
Sonic Origins Plus includes everything from Sonic Origins, and also comes with 12 Game Gear titles, quality-of-life updates, previously released add-on content with the Classic Music Pack and Premium Fun Pack, and for the first time ever, playable Amy Rose in Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD! With more content than ever, this is the definitive way to play the games that started the Sonic the Hedgehog phenomenon!
Sonic has been a longstanding icon of the platforming and gaming genre since he sped through Green Hill Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991. Where his genre contemporaries had a consistent walking speed, Sonic was known for his speed that had you blasting through walls, enemies, and high scores! Sonic’s loyal friends would not be far behind when the series went even bigger with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 1992, featuring faster gameplay, more robust levels, cooperative play, and introduced beloved fan favorite Miles “Tails” Prower. Sonic CD introduced Amy Rose and Sonic 3 & Knuckles introduced everyone’s favorite Echidna warrior, Knuckles.
And those are just the origins of Sonic’s 2D era! Over the next several years, Sonic would venture into the 3D space starting with Sonic 3D Blast in 1996, followed by Sonic Adventure in 1998, which introduced the Homing Attack, adding a new layer of depth to Sonic’s arsenal that has since become a Sonic staple. Each new 3D title introduced new gameplay elements, such as the role-playing elements in Sonic Adventure, Wisp power-ups in Sonic Colors, and the two gameplay styles as featured in Sonic Generations. The Sonic series continued to evolve and push its boundaries while still being the leading icon of platforming and speed.
Sonic’s latest 3D adventure, Sonic Frontiers, was released in November 2022 and pushed the envelope for the Blue Blur with new, open-zone gameplay allowing Sonic to explore the entire Starfall Islands with a newfound sense of freedom and exploration. Players can boost and rail grind across five massive islands as they battle hordes of powerful enemies with new combat additions like Cyloop, Phantom Rush, and Wild Rush. Each vast island makes use of Sonic’s abilities and speed so fans can experience Sonic like never before.
In celebration of Sonic’s birthday, Sonic’s Birthday Bash Update launches for Sonic Frontiers today! The Starfall Islands have been decorated for Sonic’s birthday, added new collectable Koco, new challenges, Sonic’s famous Spin Dash, and New Game +! Hop on today and wish Sonic happy birthday – all for free!
With each generation, Sonic has taken innovative strides, and we don’t see him stopping any time soon. Sonic’s upcoming adventure pays homage to the past but looks forward to the future to bring something new and exciting with a nostalgic and memorable flavor.
Sonic Superstars is an all new 2D adventure that brings the team back together again as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy race through the Northstar Islands to defeat Dr. Eggman, who has teamed up with an old fan-favorite nemesis, Fang. High-speed, side-scrolling action-platforming returns with fully 3D graphics, an all-new setting, and new ways to play. Harness the power of the Chaos Emeralds, wield fun new abilities, and play through the entire campaign with up to 3 other players with 4-Player local co-op.
New thrills. Classic feels. Sonic Superstars will be released for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Fall 2023. Pre-order at your local retailer now to receive the LEGO Eggman In-Game Character Skin.
It’s already shaping up to be an amazing year for Sonic, and we’re excited to share more in the coming months!
Sonic Frontiers Digital Deluxe Edition
SEGA