It may be old news for some, and I'd imagine that DL (who's as big a Sonic fan as I am) has probably heard about it already, but for the rest of you, here's the news.

April 18, Sega officially unveieled the latest Sonic Game to celebrate the Hedgehog's 20th Anniversary. The Game, Sonic Generations, promises to use both 2D sice-scrolling along with 3D PoV shots between both the Modern Sonic, and the Classic Sonic. Here's the official release by Sega, from TSSZ

SEGA America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd., today announced details of Sonic Generations, the highly anticipated video game title in development to celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog’s 20th Anniversary. Delivering the definitive gaming experience for Sonic fans old and new, Sonic Generations sees Sonic the Hedgehog playable as both the much loved classic 1991 character, and the modern day video game hero he has become in this exciting new fast paced adventure. Sonic Generations will speed into stores for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation3 computer entertainment system for Holiday 2011.

Set across three defining eras from 20 years of Sonic the Hedgehog video game history, the instantly recognizable environments of Sonic Generations have been re-built in stunning HD and are now playable in both classic side scrolling 2D from 1991, as well as modern 3D style found in Sonic’s most recent adventures. Each incarnation of Sonic in Sonic Generations comes complete with his trademark special move, Spin Dash and Spin Attack for Classic Sonic, and the Homing Attack and Sonic Boost for Modern Sonic. An innovative new interactive menu system allows for complete immersion in Sonic’s universe with favorite characters and hidden treasures gradually being revealed throughout the game.

“Sonic Generations will certainly be a fitting celebration for Sonic’s 20th Anniversary,” commented David Corless, Global Brand Director for Sonic. “By having the classic 1991 Sonic that many fans know and love team up with his modern day incarnation, we are bringing back the nostalgia of the early days of Sonic and combining it with the innovation and stunning HD technology of the modern gaming era. Sonic Generations will bring to life the last twenty years of Sonic’s universe in a truly unique and imaginative way.”

Sonic’s universe is thrown into chaos when a mysterious new power creates ‘time holes’ which pull him and his friends back through time. As a result, he encounters some surprises from his past history including Classic Sonic, Sonic as he was in 1991.

Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic must defeat this strange new enemy, save their friends, and find out who really is behind this diabolical deed…
So far, what I've seen of the game is getting my hopes up. For one, the 3D stages are more like the Day-Time stages of Sonic Unleashed, which were my favorite part of the games to be honest. The sure sense of speed and split-second timing required to blast through the stages gave Sonic the sense of speed that I could really only get while traveling so fast the camera couldn't follow you on the Genesis classics.

Teaser Trailer:

Official Release Trailer:

So far it looks awesome, though all that we're seeing are shots of Green Hill Zone. I'm excited for this game, as I hope it'll bring back some good feelings of Sonic's past, present, and maybe a possible future.

As enthusiastic as I am, the fanbase is as bitchy as ever.