What are you guys talking about! This will be awesome, nearly as awesome as Shadow the Hedgehog!

In all seriousness, why does SEGA hate the Sonic formula so much? I know series need changes to keep current, but come on! All of the major Sonic games for the last couple generations have all suffered from way too much extraneous gameplay elements breaking up the things everyone wants to play, the high speed platforming levels. Why does every Sonic game have to be a Sonic+giant robot/exploration/RPG/shooter/adventure/brawler/crap shoot game? Just stick with what Sonic does best, and create an adventure title that has a new cartoony mascot.

For one, is Sonic Team even working on this game? I would assume they are still busy with Unleashed, and SEGA would have ported this game out to a new developer, much like how they are handling the Sonic RPG on DS.

As for a more serious analysis of the game concept itself, I would say it is fundamentally flawed, even if the game turns out to be descent. People have certain expectations from a fantasy adventure title, and people have certain expectations for a Sonic game. Unfortunately, many of these aspects do not mesh well. Most adventure games need to have a slower pace to accommodate thinking and puzzle solving, the polar opposite of Sonic's by-the-seat-of-your-pants high speed platforming. Fantasy adventures try to create epic, serious worlds, while Sonic is far better known for attitude and cartoony comedy.

What this game reminds me of is Star Fox Adventures for Gamecube. Adventures was a competent game, a reasonable Zelda clone. However, mystical staffs and teleportation spells do not mesh well with the scifi setting of StarFox. Fox did not fit in on Dinosaur Planet, leaving the game feeling exactly like what it was, a decent but generic adventure with a popular license thrown on. I imagine that Sonic will feel much the same. If the developers execute well, it will still feel like a contrived marriage of game and famous franchise to increase sales. Even if this game can stand with other excellent adventures on Wii, the addition of Sonic will needlessly muddy the game with inconsistencies, pleasing neither Sonic or adventure fans.

Also, this game has some big time competition. Zelda TP is already on the system, and the next Zelda will be coming soon, most likely sporting some impressive WMP powered controls. Okami and Metroid Prime 3 are also giants in the genre for this game to stand by, and I doubt it will be possible for an inherently weakened premise to stand up to.

quote Sega

with frenetic swordplay action that makes full use of the unique Wii control system

Hooray waggle!

I'll translate.

quote Sega Press Release

SEGA of Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced Sonic and the Black Knight, an all-new Wii-exclusive adventure.

Sega wants more of the Wii pie, baby!

quote Sega Press Release

Part of the storybook series of games that began with Sonic and the Secret Rings, this new title brings Sonic into the world of Arthurian legend and offers the worlds most infamous blue hedgehog the chance to become a knight.

Instead of putting together original stories, we at Sega strive to put Sonic into some of the world's oldest, most over told stories, The Arabian Nights and King Aurthur. What could be better than that?

quote Sega Press Release

Using the unique Wii control system, this exciting game will take advantage of both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk to offer an interactive experience that any Sonic fans will love.

We know Sega fanboys have migrated to Wii, so anything with the hedgehog's face will sell, just like Mario. Now, just copy Twilight Princess's waggle controls, and presto! Million seller!

quote Sega Press Release

Created by Sonic Team in Japan,

Created by a bar full of drunk monkeys...

quote Sega Press Release

this innovative game

Cheap cash in made pretty by buzz words

quote Sega Press Release

takes Sonic into a medieval world and arms him with a sword to aid in his effort to save the day. Sonic and the Black Knight will provide Sonic fans with an irresistible cast of characters and teach them all what it takes to be a true hero and the ultimate knight.

Just what every Sonic fan wants, right? Moar characters!

quote Sega Press Release

With a series of missions taking place in stunning Arthurian-inspired locations,

Such as a castle, a field, and, uh, another field...

quote Sega Press Release

Sonic and the Black Knight promises to offer a fast-paced adventure that gamers of all ages will enjoy.

A fast paced game in a genre about puzzle solving and thinking, brilliant!

quote Sega Press Release

"After the success of Sonic and the Secret Rings we're delighted to announce a second title in the Storybook Series," said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director, SEGA Europe, "Following Sonic on his way to knighthood will excite players of all ages."

Sonic and the Black Knight, exclusively for the Wii, will be out in Spring 2009.

Give us money.

You haven't seen half the furry Barmy can unleash. Just try reading some of his "pre-mod." posts sometime.

Anyway, it seems like I was running on incorrect information, provided by SEGA, when I thought this was an Action Adventure, and not another Secret Rings style game. I still stand by initial opinion, however, that this will result in another mediocre game.

We all know about your hidden life, Barmy, there's no need to be ashamed.

(Wow, I need to go to bed or something, I've been making tons of typos today )

I love the Power Glove. Its so bad.