Sonic the Hedgehog (PS3, 360)

Why is Sonic the first game we preview from E3? Because he's blue, furry, and as of today, very, very shiny. This year is Sonic's 15th anniversary and Sega's celebrating with a next-gen Sonic game. Slated for release around the PS3's launch, it'll hit you on PS3 and 360. I don't have to tell you that it's going to look good, because you can tell from the screenshot. See? Sonic's shiny! It looks like he had a growth spurt too. He is turning 15 though, so it makes sense.

First of all, you need to watch this video if you like Sonic. Me telling you or showing you screens doesn't do it justice. Either dl it on your 360 from Live or get it off the net. But if you're too ignorant do that..... In the video released, they also show a princess and a white hedgehog. No, they're not Princess Peach and Frosty the Snowman. The princess's name is Elise, and she's the protector of the seaside town of Soleanna, where the game is based. Eggman then starts this big really stupid and evil plan and kidnaps Elise, and of course Sonic goes after her. That's as far as Sega's going to tell us for now, except that the albino hedgehog is out to kill Sonic.

To the gameplay part, Sonic's got his pimpin' moves from the other games, along with some new ones like being able to ride eagles, and a skid attack. Also, like the old 2D Sonic games, there will be a couple of paths through each level, which is definitely good to hear. They also added the ability to do sort of chores for people around the town, and travel to different towns. Somehow this reminds me of Sonic Adventure.... and it didn't work too well in that game. They pointed out that it will be much better then Sonic Adventure. Damn! I thought I had something I could laugh at them about. Ah well.

More good news is that you'll be able to play as the albino hedgehog, which sure as hell sounds fun. And before I close, Sega had one last trick up their sleeve. Online play! If they come through on it, I can't imagine how awesome that would be. Now it's time to wait until later in E3 to see more on it. My only thing is that like the last 3D Sonic games, there's a big chance that this one will suck. Let's hope not.

Gameplay trailers on Gamespot

-Ton