Tabletop adaptations of video games are increasingly popular as the medium experiments with more complex offerings than classic games like Monopoly or Risk. Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone's indie farming sim Stardew Valley announced and released a board game last month, for example. Now, fans of Sega's long-running Sonic the Hedgehog franchise can expect to see the blue blur receive his own card game in the near future.
One of the standard-bearers for the influx of tabletop video game adaptations is Steamforged Games, which is responsible for crowdfunding Resident Evil 3 Remake and Horizon Zero Dawn board games among others, and is preparing to launch a Kickstarter for Monster Hunter World: The Board Game in April. As part of the 2021 Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Expo, which is online only this week and next, Steamforged released a preview of its upcoming games yesterday.
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Sonic the Card Game only makes up a small portion of Steamforged's GAMA preview post, serving as the final reveal following Pac-Man: The Card Game. Sonic the Hedgehog's upcoming tabletop venture is described as "fast family fun you'll race through again and again," in which players collect power-ups and rings to win. The competitive "card racing game" doesn't have any other details to share beyond a logo as of this writing, so fans will have to wait for more information down the line.
Despite being known for his 2D and 3D platformers, Sonic has worn a number of hats in the gaming space, from party titles like Sonic Shuffle on the Dreamcast to a BioWare RPG on Nintendo DS called Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood. The Sega mascot also recently garnered acclaim for 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog, a live-action film produced by Paramount Pictures that has a sequel going into production this week.
Given 2021 is the 30th anniversary of the original Sega Genesis title Sonic the Hedgehog, it makes sense that something like a card game would be in the works. Other companies have also joined in on the celebration, with JAKKS Pacific releasing a 30th anniversary Sonic figure. It is currently unclear whether a new Sonic game will be releasing anytime soon, especially after the recent departure of voice actor Roger Craig Smith from the series' titular role.
Steamforged Games' blog post also offers an update on the Horizon Zero Dawn board game, which is releasing expansions based on the Stormbird, Thunderjaw, and Rockbreaker machines; as well as details for multiple other tabletop games: Godtear, Epic Encounters, and Animal Adventures. The organization promises more regarding Epic Encounters will come at Ethereal Gary Con 13, which begins on March 25, 2021, though it isn't clear if more details on Sonic the Card Game will also make an appearance.
A Sonic the Hedgehog card game is currently in development.
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Sources: Steamforged Games, GAMA Expo, Gary Con