Sega Networks, Inc. has launched Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, a real-time multiplayer game pitting players against tough opponents from all over the world. The game is already available for free on the iPod and iPad, plus being already optimized for the iPhone X. For players on Android devices, the game will be available on Google Play starting on November 16th. Sonic Forces: Speed Battle includes rewarded ads and in-app purchases according to the press release. Takashi Iizuka, VP of Product Development of SEGA of America commented on the launch:
“With its fast-paced multiplayer action, Sonic Forces: Speed Battle continues our vision of bringing entertaining, high-quality titles to the mobile space. We look forward to seeing how fans respond to the unique runner style and competitive gameplay.”
Sonic Forces: Speed Battle was developed by the UK-based studio HARDlight. They are known for games like Crazy Taxi, City Rush, Sonic Dash and Sonic Jump. The game’s character roster includes 15 different characters from the upcoming Sonic Forces game for consoles/PC. The roster also includes favorites like Amy, Classic Sonic, and Knuckles, as well as less frequently seen characters like Chaos, Metal Sonic, and Zavok. The game has 12 tracks at launch that are spread across three unique environments. Two of these environments are inspired by the upcoming Sonic Forces console/PC game. Chris Southall, the head of HARDlight commented about the game:
“With our combined experience making racing games and runners, in Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, we set out to make a battle racing game that is – above all things – fun to play, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. Each game sees you matched with three close rivals to compete online in fast-paced, real-time, first-across-the-line battles. Use skill and strategy to navigate the exciting arenas of play, collecting and deploying items on the track to thwart your competitor’s progress. There’s a wide variety of power-ups and characters that we are sure will keep fans delighted as over time they fight to win and rise through the ranks, accessing ever more challenging levels.”
The Sonic Forces console/PC game will launch with its fast-paced action-platforming gameplay on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on November 7th. It should also be noted that the Sonic Forces: Speed Battle mobile game currently is not available in Mainland China, Japan, or Korea.