Yes, it's finally happened. However, we may need to wait a bit longer to play the game at all...Updated with official announcement
The Smash Bros. Dojo has updated with what is its most monumental update so far: Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog has been confirmed as a new character for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He becomes the second non-Nintendo character to be announced, joining Snake from Konami's Metal Gear Solid series.
Accompanying this update is a video showing off Sonic's high-speed moves. Attacks like the classic spin dash are seen, and they appear to fit into the Smash Bros. world perfectly. At the end of the trailer, we even catch a glimpse of the golden-clad Super Sonic!
Besides the Sonic announcement and Sonic intro video, the Smash Bros. Dojo has updated with another video trailer showing off a bunch of new gameplay with stages and characters in multiplayer and single player action, along with other things like trophies and stickers. It's the most revealing look at the game so far, so don't miss it!
While it's easy to be caught up in this major news event, not all of the updates at the Dojo tonight were good news. The release date on on the U.S. Dojo page is now listed as "TBD" instead of the previously stated date of December 3. Furthermore, Japan has finally gotten a solid release date for the game: January 24, 2008.
There's no telling whether or not these new dates could mean Brawl slipping past Christmas in North America. However, if you're planning on attending E For All in Los Angeles next week—we are, that's for sure—you can play Super Smash Bros. Brawl at Nintendo's booth.
The press release with quotes from Nintendo of Europe and Sega of Europe is below.
Super Smash Bros. Goes Super Sonic!
SEGA's gaming legend Sonic The Hedgehog to feature in Super Smash Bros Brawl for Wii
10th October, 2007- Nintendo of Europe and SEGA Europe Ltd today revealed that Sonic, SEGA’s legendary blue hedgehog, will be making his debut in the eagerly anticipated beat ‘em up, Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. This brawling, battling, action packed video game features a varied roster of characters, from Mario to Link to Zero Suite Samus and now players can choose the iconic hedgehog to go into battle with.
Sonic made his first appearance in 1991, appearing in Sonic The Hedgehog™ for the SEGA MEGADRIVE™, and quickly became a well-known household name, securing a dedicated following across the globe. Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. series has been a firm favourite since the first title launched in 1999 on the Nintendo 64, and since the launch of Super Smash Bros. Melee for Nintendo GameCube, it has since gone on to have millions of fans worldwide.
Laurent Fischer, European Managing Director for Marketing and PR commented:
“I am very pleased that Nintendo is extending its relationship with SEGA in this way and that our gaming icons can come together in such an action packed title. I am sure many fans will share my enthusiasm to see Sonic appear Super Smash Bros. Brawl to battle it out with a whole host of Nintendo favourites!"
Mike Hayes, President and COO of SEGA Europe commented:
"Its amazing that after all these years we get to see these two much loved characters compete against each other in another fantastic title. Bringing Mario and Sonic together again underlines the continuing partnerships between Nintendo and SEGA, and produces another industry first for our two companies."
In the forthcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl, players will for the first time be able to complete in online multiplayer battles for up to four players. The game will also contain an all-new adventure mode called Super Smash Bros. Brawl: The Subspace Emissary, where players can select their favourite character before embarking on an adventure to conquer giant bosses from the Nintendo Universe. There will also be a variety of stages where players can commence battles, including Delfino Plaza, Yoshi’s Island and Sky World.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl will launch across Europe on Wii early 2008 at an estimated retail price of €60.