Sega Announces Sonic the Hedgehog iPod Game

Sega of America has announced a version of its classic Sonic the Hedgehog title is available for download at the iTunes store for the new iPod Nano with video, at a price of $4.99. Sega says this Sonic the Hedgehog has been designed specifically for the iPod, though no new features or details were released, and is available globally. The original Sonic was first available in 1991, and Sega says the franchise has sold over 45 million copies. Rock Band developer Harmonix has also developed a title for the iPod, the recently-announced rhythm title Phase. At the time of Phase's launch, Harmonix lead producer Kasson Crooker said they had aimed to create a "fundamentally accessible, casual music experience." In a statement, Sega of America president and COO Simon Jeffery said the publisher was also aiming this incarnation of the Sonic franchise at a broader audience, adding, "Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most beloved video game characters of all time. And with the installed base that iPod enjoys Sonic now becomes available to a whole new group of casual and hardcore gamers just in the time for the holidays.”