'Sonic Forces' release date, news: Game to be released in Q4 2017

Sega recently announced that the new Sonic game, titled "Sonic Forces," will be released in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Previously titled "Project Sonic," the game's new title was revealed on Twitter. This will have a brand-new storyline featuring favorite characters from the franchise. The game will be released on the Xbox One, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The first trailer was officially unveiled during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference, and the teaser video hints at a darker storyline compared to previous titles from the "Sonic" game series. It will see the titular character rallying forces to defeat an army of robots that have set their eyes on taking over the world. Like "Sonic Generations," this will feature a non-linear storyline, with players having the option to take different paths throughout the game.

According to the panelists who sat in for the game, the Hedgehog Engine, the gaming engine used for the earlier "Sonic" titles, was rebuilt for "Sonic Forces." According to Nintendo Wire, the game will merge and integrate three gameplay styles: classic Sonic, modern Sonic, and a never-before-seen type of gameplay. This is the first game in the series that is rendered in 3D.

The developers also said that at least two elements from the previous titles will be returning in the new game: the Wisps and the Hidden Red Rings.

Aside from "Sonic Forces," Sega will also be releasing another game featuring the titular character. Titled "Sonic Mania," this is a compilation three titles from the gaming series, which has been updated. The game is slated for release this summer on the same consoles as "Sonic Forces."

All these releases are in line with Sega's 25th-anniversary celebration. The last game featuring Sonic the hedgehog — "Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice" — was released on the Nintendo 3DS in 2016.