Sega’s second-ever annual celebration of the blue blur, Sonic Central, took place today, and brought with it a selection of trailers and announcements for games, shows, and even energy drinks. From teases for Sonic Frontiers to the first (very brief) look at Netflix’s Sonic Prime, here’s the full roundup of everything Sonic Central 2022 had to offer.
Sonic Frontiers Prologue Teased
A new animated prologue for Sonic Frontiers, featuring Knuckles, was teased but not shown. Sega promises the prologue will be fully revealed ahead of Sonic Frontiers' release. Sega also offered a little extra gameplay from Frontiers, but pointed to our own IGN First to see much more. So, to actually see the game in action for longer than 15 seconds, check out our Sonic Frontiers combat gameplay and exploration gameplay videos.
Sonic Prime Shadow Clip Revealed
The first footage from Sonic Prime, the 3D animated show coming to Netflix, was revealed. A very, very short clip of Shadow rolling into action was seen, but nothing more than that. No release date has been announced, but Netflix and Sega did promise it is "coming soon".
Sonic Origins Trailer
A new trailer for Sonic Origins was released, which showcases the new remastered editions of Sonic The Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD. While no new information was revealed, we did get an extended look at the remastered stages, a glimpse of modes such as mirror mode and the in-game Sonic museum, as well as a few clips from the newly animated cutscenes.
Originally announced at last year’s Sonic Central, Sonic Origins will release on June 23, the 31st anniversary of the original game.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Blu-ray and Digital Release Date Announced
Paramount Pictures announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will soon be available on both Blu-ray and digital streaming, releasing August 9. This home entertainment release will also feature deleted scenes, a blooper reel, behind the scenes clips, and a new animated short that takes place after the events of the movie.
Sonic Costumes Coming to Fall Guys
Sega and Mediatonic have joined forces to add Sonic costumes to Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, the game show-style battle royale. From this August you’ll be able to dress your jelly bean person up as Sonic, Knuckles, or Tails. Fall Guys is also going free-to-play this month, so you won’t need to buy the game if you’re interested in the Sonic costumes.
New Chemical Plant World Content Coming to Sonic Speed Simulator
Sonic Speed Simulator, the “fastest game in Roblox”, is getting a new Chemical Plant World content update, starting June 11. The new content will allow you to unlock the Amy Rose chao using a new code.
New Characters For Sonic Mobile Games Announced
New characters are set to be added to Sonic Forces and Sonic Dash, the two mobile Sonic games. Over the summer, movie-themed characters based on the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 film will be added to both Sonic Forces and Dash. Later in the year, a Halloween update will add Mephiles the Dark, and November will see Super Shadow join the roster. Sir Percival and achievement-displaying banners are also being added to Sonic Dash and Sonic Dash+.
New Sonic Licensing Deals Announced For Food, Drink, Gaming Accessories, and More
Sega also announced a variety of new licensing deals that will see Sonic characters and branding appear on all sorts of items, from the normal to the slightly odd.
On the collectibles front, Neamedia is making new Sonic items, including ‘90s inspired statues of Sonic and statues of Amy Rose and Tails from F4F. Moor Art is creating silkscreen prints, too. And if you’d rather wear than display your Sonic items, then HYPE is producing a new line of Sonic sports gear as part of its Sonic the Hedgehog capsule collection.
As for gaming accessories, a new Sonic the Hedgehog Wireless Controller and Quick Charging Stand from Razer is on the way, and EXG’s has a new Sonic-themed Cable Guy controller holder. If you’d rather play physical games than video games, then this fall you can pick up the Egg Mobile Battle Set that features five configurations from the games.
Finally, in the weirder category, there’s a “Knuckles-inspired” energy drink in the works at G FUEL and PEZ is creating Tails and Knuckles dispensers.
Live Sonic Symphony Dates Coming
More tour dates for the live Sonic are set to be announced soon. The event, which will feature a live orchestra as well as rock renditions of classic Sonic tunes, will be held at the Brazil Games Show this October, and a full tour will begin later.
For more from this season of game announcements, check out our Summer of Gaming 2022 schedule.
Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.
