Sonic Generations: News Timeline

With Sonic Generations set for release this Friday, and a WhatCulture review on its way, we thought it the perfect opportunity to run-back through the key news announcements that have so far been released for the Sega title as a quick refresher of what's in store...April 2011: Following a Facebook teaser earlier in the month, Sonic Generations is officially announced for a holiday release on Xbox 360 and PS3. Feature details are brief, but among them are the use of 2D and 3D gameplay, three timeline phases and two Sonics. May: Parent company of Sega, Sega Sammy, announces both 3DS and Windows versions of Generations to join the 360 and PS3. All are scheduled for a winter 2011 release. June: E3 hands-on impressions appear to ignite a small spark of nostalgia and excitement amongst game journalists. Reception is warm, but not overwhelming; Generations looks promising. July: Special editions of Generations are hinted by UK retailer GAME, listed at a price of £39.99. Features include an extra stage from Sonic 2 (Casino Night Pinball), an Xbox 360 theme and a Super Sonic avatar costume. September: Sega announce a second special edition package for Generations that€™s exclusive to Europe. This package includes the DLC from aforementioned special edition, a unique, individually numbered gold ring, a book of concept art, a soundtrack of music spanning the franchise timeline, an anniversary figure of classic and modern Sonic posing in harmony and a documentary entitled History of Sonic: Birth of an Icon. Quite a nice package for the hardcore Sonic fan, but the price is set to be in the region of £85. In addition, a full, but unconfirmed, list of achievements hits the Internet, which you can find here (warning €“ spoiler heavy). Sonic Generations hits the shelves on November 4th for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Windows. A Nintendo 3DS release is due on November 25th.