SEGA's annual Sonic Central event delivered a flurry of announcements, covering everything from upcoming games to new collaborations.

Why it matters: The virtual event revealed a diverse set of new experiences for the blue blur, setting the stage for an exciting year to come.

Highlights

Sonic x Shadow Generations

  • A brand new story trailer shows Shadow’s dark, action-packed campaign, while another trailer specifically highlights the game's compatibility on the PlayStation 5.
  • Exclusive physical pre-order bonuses include Gerald Robotnik's Journal, a collectible item, presented through a nostalgic, early-2000s-inspired infomercial.
  • The Limited Run Games Collector's Edition is available for pre-order until 6 October 2024. It includes a Sonic and Shadow Dreamcast statue along with other collectible items.

Dark Beginnings

  • The anticipated promotional animation, Dark Beginnings, got a new trailer, with a first glimpse at Rouge and Omega.
  • The first episode, named "Shadow and Maria", was confirmed to be released on 25 September, with the second episode, named "Finding the Way", scheduled to be released 3 October, and the third and final episode, named "To the Ark", expected to be released 10 October.

"Tokyo Mission" pack in Shadow Generations

  • As part of the latest PlayStation's State of Play that came after Central, it has been confirmed that Sonic x Shadow Generations will have a tie-in event with Paramount's third Sonic film, with Shadow the Hedgehog voiced by actor Keanu Reeves.
  • The playable level will be set in Tokyo, Japan; and will be released 12 December 2024 as a downloadable content.
  • Those that pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition will get the DLC for free.

Sonic Rumble

  • To the excitement of many fans, PC users can now enjoy the all-new party game where players race through stages, collecting rings and unlocking cosmetic collectibles.
  • Rumble is launching this winter.

Sonic Dream Team

  • The Apple Arcade-exclusive title, Sonic Dream Team, is now receiving a new player in the form of Shadow the Hedgehog, this being the first time that the game is having a cross-promotion with the ongoing "Fearless: Year of Shadow" campaign.
  • An exact date (beyond "later this year") wasn’t given as to when the black hedgehog is expected to show up, but more updates related to it should be arriving soon.
  • Meanwhile, the game has added new boss missions, collectibles, and a new zone since its 2023 launch.

Chaos Tales

  • Chao Tales is an upcoming eight-episodes-long animated mini-series expected to be released on the official Sonic the Hedgehog social media channels.
  • The series revolves around Sonic, as he visits a Chao Garden many times over the course of an entire year.
  • Chao Tales is said to be “coming soon”.

Sonic Forces Mobile and Sonic Dash

  • New racers are on their way to the hit games SEGA HARDlight games, Speed Battle, Dash, and Dash+.
  • New characters, including Valhalla Surge, who throws axes and shocks opponents, are now playable.
  • Oni Mephiles, a take on the Mephiles character incorporating elements from the Japanese folclore, is expected to drop this Halloween.
  • Warrior Shadow, meanwhile, is expected to be released on November.
  • Dulce Amy, a sweets-based skin, will be arriving at the end of this year.

Paramount's Sonic Movie

#SonicAdventure2 reference spotted in the #SonicMovie3 production crew clip on today's #SonicCentral. #SonicNews

[image or embed]

— Sonic the Hedgehog News (@tailschannel.com) September 24, 2024 at 3:14 PM
  • Director Jeff Fowler and director Toby Ascher taped a heartful "thank you" message ahead of the December release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 outside the Paramount Pictures Los Angeles lot.
  • A reference to Sonic Adventure 2 was also spotted.

Sonic Racing

  • Sonic Racing, the mobile version of 2019’s console game, Team Sonic Racing, is receiving new updates.
  • A new time trial mode was unveiled, from which players will be able to unlock new character styles.
  • Rockstar Rouge and DJ Vector are available now in the game, and Popstar Amy is expected to be released later this year.

Partnerships and collaborations

DC Comics

  • A Sonic the Hedgehog crossover with the characters of DC comics has been confirmed, with the first issue of the comic crossover expected to be released March 2025, written by veteran writer Ian Flynn.
  • Fans can also expect merchandise, with the crossover collaboration also expected to carry into 2026.
  • The Sonic characters will take these roles in the crossover:
    • Shadow the Hedgehog as Batman,
    • Knuckles the Echidna as Superman,
    • Amy Rose as Wonder Woman,
    • Sonic the Hedgehog as The Flash,
    • Silver the Hedgehog as Green Lantern,
    • Miles “Tails” Prower as Cyborg.

Topgolf

  • A first-of-its-kind collaboration integrating Sonic characters into Topgolf's gameplay.
  • Use Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose as on-screen golf balls to hit targets, collecting rings and points in a fast-paced golf experience this fall.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble

  • The newest installment of the Super Monkey Ball series, Banana Rumble, got a new content update in the form of a Shadow the Hedgehog costume for AiAi.
  • The costume is available now for players via the SEGA Pass. Also available are Sonic and Shadow skins, which are free to download on the Nintendo eShop.

Two Point Museum

  • In the upcoming title of the latest installment of the Two Point series, Two Point Museum will allow players to get unique gift shop items, outfits, statues and much more.
  • The Sonic pack for Two Point Museum will be available for those that pre-order the game prior to March 2025.

Sonic Speed Simulator

  • In the officially licenced Roblox Game, players can now face Neo Metal Sonic, but now, in his super form.
  • As Super Sonic, the player will have to defeat Neo Metal Sonic to receive brand new rewards.
  • The new boss battle is available now in Roblox, for all players.

Merchandise

LEGO

  • The Sonic and LEGO collaboration continues expanding with the unveiling of new sets, like "Sonic’s Campfire Clash" and "Super Shadow vs. Biolizard."
  • Previously known sets also got a shout-out, like "Knuckles Guardian Mech," "Shadow the Hedgehog Escape," "Tails Adventure Boat," "Angel Island," and "Super Sonic vs. Egg Drill."

JAKKS Pacific

  • A new customizable Shadow the Hedgehog action figure was unveiled by Jakks Pacific, with fans being able to mix and match different parts of the figures, including hands and wings.
  • It also arrives with a rocky pillar display base.

Bushiroad Creative

  • Shadow the Hedgehog joins the PalVerse Palé line of figures, with it expected to be released in April of 2025.
  • More details expected to be revealed soon.

PDP

  • A Shadow the Hedgehog-themed wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch is launching in October.
  • Includes a collectible Shadow figurine and multi-layered design.

First4Figures

  • A 'Shadow Evolved' statue launching this holiday season.
  • This collectible features Shadow wielding his Doom Powers, complete with detailed black wings tipped in red.

HJC Helmets

  • Releasing a new RPHA 12 motorcycle helmet featuring Shadow the Hedgehog in October.

Louis de Guzman

  • A collaboration with the visual artist to create a unique Sonic-themed art series, coming in late 2024.
  • It promises a blend of De Guzman’s signature style with Sonic's iconic imagery.

The bottom line: SEGA's latest announcements show a clear strategy of expanding Sonic's world through new creative partnerships.

  • From high-profile collaborations to fresh in-game content, 2024 and 2025 are shaping up to be a milestone moment for the Sonic franchise.