E3 2006: Sonic Rivals race onto the PSP @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 03, 2006

News: The handheld's first Sonic game is going back to his roots.

Sega turned their Road To E3 into a racetrack today with the announcement that Sonic and pals are coming to the PSP. Titled Sonic Rivals, his first PSP game will be a 2D platform racing affair that is being created entirely with 3D polygons.

Sonic Rivals will be a foot race between Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow and others as they race through loops, over hazards and avoid the Eggman. Players will be able to play as Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow or one other mystery competitor (my money's on Tails), each with their own storyline.

Sonic Rivals will also include hidden trading cards throughout the game, which can be used for rewards or wagered against other players in head-to-head wireless racing.

"Sonic Rivals brings back the classic 2D platform gameplay that started it all, and douses it with vibrant three-dimensional environments," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "In this heated rivalry, gamers are tested to prove not only who's the fastest but who has the best head-to-head gameplay strategy."

We've got the first five screenshots right here and we'll have more on Sonic Rivals between now and its Fall release date.