Sonic Dash, the free-to-play mobile runner game from Sega, has introduced several new characters since it launched in 2013. While the main attraction in Sonic Dash is the stable of Sonic characters (including various forms of the Blue Blur himself ranging from Classic to Modern to even the 2020 live-action movie version), the game has had its fair share of brand collaborations and crossovers. The latest crossover was announced today and is perhaps the most unexpected yet, as Bongo, the enthusiastic mascot of the children's yogurt brand Danimals, is coming to Sonic Dash.
By buying specially marked Danimals pouches and smoothies, players can unlock the monkey as a playable character in Sonic Dash. If you're unfamiliar with Bongo, he's described in the press release as "Danimals kids' spirit animal; an imaginative adventure enabler who lives in a magical treehouse where he and his friends play the day away." Players receive Bongo when they scan a QR code on the back of Sonic Dash-branded Danimals packs to download Sonic Dash to their mobile device and complete the tutorial level.
If you're no fan of Bongo (presumably you're a parent since the press release explicitly states that "kids rule, no parents are allowed" when it comes to him), you can also use these Sonic Dash-branded Danimals packs to unlock new character customizations including Pirate Sonic and Captain Shadow. These character variants can be earned in-game by collecting all four birthday themed items on the track, which includes a Danimals smoothie pack.
"Danimals is a household name in the food and beverage industry, and a favorite among kids everywhere, so we're thrilled to partner up with them as part of Sonic's 30th anniversary celebration," chief brand officer for Sonic the Hedgehog and senior vice president at Sega of America Ivo Gerscovich said in a press release. "By integrating the packaging with Sonic Dash, we're able to offer Sonic fans an exciting new way to collect new characters in the game and experience Danimals unlike they ever have before — in the Sonic universe."
Past collaborations have included limited-time crossovers with brands like Angry Birds, Sanrio, Pac-Man, and more. Fans have been speculating for a long time what we might see from the Sonic's 30th anniversary celebration ever seen head of Sonic Team Takashi Iizuka told us at E3 2019 that "the next big year for Sonic is 2021." To this point, we've learned of merchandising deals, brand collaborations such as this one, and a new animated series on Netflix, but nothing of substance on the game front. Hopefully we'll learn more on the gaming front soon.
The most recent mainline Sonic games to release came in the form of Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces. Both of those launched in 2017 within a few months of each other. Since then, Iizuka and Sonic Team announced in 2019 that a new mainline Sonic game is in development, while developer Sumo Digital released Team Sonic Racing that same year.
Following an extensive trailer last month diving into Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's wall-running and dash abilities, the team over at Insomniac Games has another inside look to share. The latest gameplay video for Rift Apart showcases more about the upcoming title's weapons as well as the in-game traversals.
The video, seen below, is a part of PlayStation's Zurkon Jr's Almost Launch Party. This is the first of three videos and it focuses on the many traversal techniques that players will need to master. Freeze your way through trouble, zap your enemies into oblivion, and explore everything your swanky new weapons arsenal has in store. Check out the latest gameplay look below:
Click here to watch embedded mediaIt feels like every time we get a new look at Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, it looks more and more stunning each time. Our own Andrew Reiner went hands-on with the latest Insomniac adventure and his praise was immense, calling it a true testament to next-gen power.
While the latest look is a blend of gameplay and cinematics, it's easy to see how expertly crafted this new adventure is. We've learned so much in recent months about what Rift Apart entails, including more on Rivet, the new Lombax character voiced by none other than Jennifer Hale. As Rivet joins the fight against the evil that would see Nefarious City rise to power, it is up to players to make sure that no stone is left unturned in the fight against evil.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart looks stunning and with the different ways to uncover all of the mysteries of this world, this new adventure is poised to be another huge win for the studio.
Players can dive right in for themselves when Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart arrives on PlayStation 5 this June 11.
Are you excited to take on a new Ratchet & Clank adventure with Rift Apart? What are your thoughts on the in-game traversal aspect? Sound off with those Insomniac Games hot takes in the comment section below!
The Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Yuffie episode is called INTERmission and brings with it returning characters, a new experience for the remake, and the return of Fort Candor. To celebrate the upcoming release, PlayStation has shared new screenshots for the special Yuffie episode, including more on her attacks and those around her.
In a recent PlayStation Blog post over on the Japan site (via Twitter), new screenshots highlight the new episode, including the previously confirmed Nero. Nero is one of the Tsviet and is incredibly powerful. A social experiment that can harness the power of darkness, he's an epicenter of cruel strength. He is also the brother of the pure white Emperor Weiss and he seems to worship the ground he walks on, which makes for an intriguing aspect to his inclusion in the Final Fantasy narrative.
Also included is a closer look at Scarlet and Crimson Mare, two aspects of INTERmission that were also previously revealed in the final trailer. With new foes to fight and new allies to protect, especially ones as powerful as Scarlet, the new Yuffie and Sonon battle system called Collaboration Mode is immensely helpful. Sonon can be commanded to do Yuffie's bidding, making this particular mode a powerful tool to have when going up against particularly challenging enemies.
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From her Limit Break to all areas of combat, the latest batch of screenshots (seen above) offers an inside look at what this new episode brings to the table is a perfect way to bring in the coming launch.
Players will see all of the new features that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has on PS5 when the game releases on June 10.
Click here to watch embedded mediaWhat are your thoughts on the Yuffie episode and her combat style? Any particular characters returning that have you the most hyped? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below.