Is a Crossover to Casino Gaming Next for Sonic the Hedgehog?
Wednesday, 24th July 2019, 12:19pm (UTC), 0 Comments
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most recognizable gaming icons of all time, managing to remain relevant for decades while appealing to generations of gamers. Sonic is so popular, in fact, that he is often one of the go-to characters of choice when developers are looking for characters to cross over into new games and genres.

The blue speedster has headlined many crossovers in the past, often joining other Sega stars to compete against famous Nintendo characters, so is it time for Sonic to take another big leap to another form of gaming. Over the last decade, the online casino gaming scene has become enormous, with developers drawing from every corner of inspiration to deliver new and exciting games. This could put Sonic in line for his own online casino game. After all, let's not forget the wealth of casino-themed levels in various Sonic IPs, where we saw casino backgrounds, roulette tables, cards and more.

Sonic tends to fare well in any field



Being such a beloved game character in his own right, Sonic the Hedgehog will always have a set base of die-hard fans that will enjoy games featuring the iconic character regardless of the game's actual merits. Overall, Sonic has fared well when he's stepped away from his own series of games and into crossover territory. The trick, it seems, is to deliver a Sonic which is the same character in likeness, abilities and mannerisms as the original.

As stated, when Sonic leaves his games, he tends to be to take on the Nintendo elite, with one of the best transitions being into the world of Smash Bros. In 2008, Super Smash Bros. Brawl marked the first title in the then three-game old franchise that Sonic featured on the roster. By paying special attention to the crucial aesthetic qualities of the character, it's fair to say that Nintendo appeased Sega fans with its very powerful rendition of Sonic.

Sonic has continued to feature in the Smash Bros. series, including the latest Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, in which his super-speed and rolling attack can devastate slower foes. Another great crossover which will soon be receiving its sixth game of the series is Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, this time exclusively at Tokyo 2020. The series has never failed to disappoint, using inventive gameplay mechanics and a roster of great characters for the Sonic and Mario franchises to allow fans to compete for gold medals.

Is it time for Sonic to embrace online slots?



A common trend in online casinos is for developers to make licensed games in the theme of pop-culture icons. The practice has become so popular with players that the best online slots to play in 2019 include branded games like Tomb Raider, The Dark Knight, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. Given that the Sonic games have featured casino levels, the best of which has to be Casino Night Zone in Sonic 2, it seems like a Sonic online casino game could be a natural fit. Not only have Sonic games featured casino levels and boasted many slot-like chimes throughout, but Sonic also features in Sega Slots, which is a free-to-play mobile slot game.

If an online slot developer was able to attain the Sonic license from Sega and create a slot that features the blue hedgehog as well as some of the additional characters, sights and sounds from his games, it could be a huge hit. Sonic the Hedgehog has proven that he's popular and strong enough to handle any switch-up, so the online casinos appear to just be another genre of gaming that he could conquer.
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In Celebration: Casino Night Zone in Sonic 2
Sunday, 16th June 2019, 8:04pm (UTC), 0 Comments
Casino Night Zone It’s time to look back in wonder at a stone-cold classic zone in the Sonic game franchise. This is a zone that is famed for its golden color scheme and incredible pinball action. It’s a zone that has inspired countless other games and once played is never forgotten. Yes, that’s right, we’re talking about Casino Night Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. So, let’s switch on our consoles and take another look at this genre-defining gambling section.

Inspired by the Slot Machines of Vegas

las-vegas-2012-20
"las-vegas-2012-20" by Mathieu Lebreton (CC BY 2.0)

Casino Night Zone is inspired by the real-world casino environments of Las Vegas. The fabulous city of gambling and glamour is known for its glittering surroundings and ever-popular slot machine games. And just how popular are the city’s slot games? Well, tourists from all over the world visit Las Vegas to play them. And millions more regularly play similar slot machine games in the comfort of their own homes via the internet. Currently, Starburst is the world’s most popular online slot game - whether that's due to the eye-catching graphics, the available bonuses or wide-ranging compatibility is not clear. But what is clear, is that there are plenty of others to choose from, too, and they all have one thing in common - they’re incredibly enjoyable. Knowing all this, it’s easy to see why the creators of Sonic the Hedgehog decided that our favourite character also deserved a little bit of slot game fun.

Infused with Pinball Fun

Count-Down
"Count-Down" by Chris Ainsworth (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The other inspiration for Casino Night Zone is pinball. Many readers may be too young to remember when pinball machines could be found in every town, but they were the original arcade machines. Taking just one look at the history of pinball, we can see that these machines were hugely popular and also great fun to play. So, it makes sense that the makers of Sonic 2 decided to combine pinball action with slot machine fun to make the ultimate zone.

An Overview of the Zone

If you want to know more about Casino Night Zone, it’s best to play it yourself. To enter, you have to play through the game until after the Aquatic Ruin Zone. You will be confronted with neon colors and gaming elements including pinball flaps, bumpers and slot machines. Also, look out for the spring catapults. At the end of each of the two acts, you will have to confront a pinball bumper intent on stopping Sonic. But can he be stopped? Never! Sonic springs around the zone at his usual speed, bouncing from section to section with glee.

Playing the Slot Machines

Perhaps the most exciting part of Casino Night Zone is playing the slot machines and you can do this by entering a hatch at the top or bottom of a machine. You can then activate the machine and find different combinations of the three elements to get a reward. And what’s the best reward? Rings, of course! But there is also the risk that you can lose rings, giving gameplay an additional element of excitement. Another option is that you can simply win nothing, which adds realism to the game because part of the joy of playing slots is that you never know what’s going to happen.

Get Gaming

If you need any further inspiration, you can read our full article about Casino Night Zone.  But you’re probably itching to get gaming. So, enjoy Casino Night Zone and the rest of Sonic 2.
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Sonic Mania Plus Review
Sunday, 16th June 2019, 7:59pm (UTC), 0 Comments
While Sonic fans are still reeling at how Sonic has gained an online presence becoming as popular as any other Sega game, there have been some recent developments. You see, the brand has even made its way into the heart of online casinos and video slots are being designed based on the theme. This website will prove the vast range of incredible games and maybe you will even find Sonic hidden somewhere in there. But for now, after playing the latest updated version of Sonic Mania Plus, you get the full scoop of what to expect from one of the best Sega updates in history.

The Graphics

While Sega fans appreciate the block effect of Sonic, the updated game offer great graphics and vivid colours, really complimenting the imagery projected. 2D graphics and a 1990's soundtrack adds to the enjoyment of the game, really setting this version apart from its predecessors. The complimentary approach of both the past of the game while looking to what Sega fans want from the future, has really added value to the game and you get this feeling from Sonic's updated quests.

Controls

You will appreciate the classic Sonic styled controls, easing you back into familiar habits and allowing you full and easy access to movement for your character. There are two gaming options to choose from which is great if you really want to explore all aspects of the game, allowing you prolonged adventure.

The screen offers a wider aspect ratio which allows you to absorb all the obstacles and appreciate all the new colourful graphics.

The Characters

The sense you get when playing with the new characters is distinctly familiar with those of the older version, so comfort ability is easy in coming. Sonic has a new power in this version, he is able to roll forward quickly after a jump, a welcomed feature as you gain more rewards with supersonic speed.

The two other characters; Knuckles and Tails each have their own set of powers which changes the game up when you switch between the characters in the game. Each zone also interacts differently with each of the characters and you will find enjoyment in them all.

The Green Hill Zone

This is the first zone of the game and the impressive sound effects replicates the very first Sega Sonic Mania release. There are however new music tracks and an abundance of interactive characters. The new spread animations personalize the game to some degree and it could be hazardous appreciating this as you might die in the game!

There are a number of 12 zones, each sporting obstacles and new rewards. As you pass each zone, the difficulty increases, giving fans everything they have ever hoped for.

This little hedgehog has got spunk and fans know how reliable he is. If you are looking for another Sega creation to add to your list of great games, be sure you take a spin and enjoy the recent updates for a new and improved Sonic Mania Plus.
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Is There Space for Sonic in Today's eSports Scene?
Tuesday, 11th June 2019, 11:56am (UTC), 0 Comments
The Sonic the Hedgehog series has been around for several decades - the eponymous blue character has been reminding us that he has "gotta go fast" since 1991, with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Mega Drive. With platforming sequels, Sega made Sonic one of the most famous video game characters, right next to Mario, Donkey Kong and Link, says TIME.



However, Sega has had difficulty in keeping Sonic popular in the 21st century. A shift to online multiplayer gameplay as well as highly competitive games and eSports have left people wondering if there is room for the Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Sonic Isn't Like Most Popular eSports Games

The big reason why Sonic the Hedgehog doesn't quite fit in the eSports scene is that it isn't like most popular eSports games. The biggest titles in eSports, looking at the availability of eSports betting odds on Betway, are games like League of Legends, Overwatch and Dota 2. The games eSports fans enjoy watching and betting on are ones with large casts of characters and with players having to master the abilities of those characters to win. These games are also played in teams, while Sonic is mostly a single-player franchise.

Games that are popular in eSports are also updated regularly. League of Legends was released in 2009 but with updates, as developer Riot Games has added new characters, new skins, and new items for players to use when they're out on the Rift. Overwatch has also added new maps, and Rainbow Six Siege has added new operators in 2019. Sega released Sonic the Hedgehog DLC in 2017 but it isn't so important to the franchise and that means that if the games were an eSports, they wouldn't be able to offer viewers much variety.

Does Sonic Have Any eSports Strengths?



Sonic the Hedgehog does have some strengths as an eSport, however. Sega's level design is brilliant and fans love stages such as the Sky Chase Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the Emerald Hill zone with its tropical fauna and flora, its sloping hills and its dangerous spikes. The many maps of games like Overwatch have helped that game become a success as players discuss the best strategy for a level, and enjoy watching eSports players explore the stages.

Sonic also has a competitive scene. It may not be eSports, but Sonic the Hedgehog players do often try to beat each other and set new records. An article by Mashable explains that there is a large Sonic the Hedgehog speedrunning scene as players compete to try and beat a level in the quickest time. Thousands watch these speedrunners on Twitch and at tournaments. This confirms that fans do enjoy watching competitive Sonic, but on a much smaller scale than most major eSports tournaments.

Could Sega Turn Make Other Sonic Games Successful eSports?



If Sega was to turn the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise into a successful eSports, then it probably wouldn't do that with the Sonic platforming games. The games are famous and loved by millions of people, but they aren't great for eSports. Most are single player and for speedrunning events, where competitors may use the same techniques to get through a level quicker, that may not be entertaining for viewers on an eSports stage.

There are several Sonic the Hedgehog games that aren't platformers, though, and these may be good for eSports. The BBC says that Sega is developing four games that take Sonic the Hedgehog to the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and this competition would make for an entertaining eSports league. There's also the Sonic Mania racing game which stars Sonic and friends like Tails and Knuckles. People enjoy watching and betting on races, such as horse racing and Formula One, so there may be room for a Sonic eSports league too.

Sega hasn't made any announcements about if or how it plans to get Sonic the Hedgehog into the eSports scene. However, if it did, it could help the series to make a name in the 21st century and potentially find a new audience of competitive gamers and eSports viewers.
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Sonic Mania is Free to Play This June in PS Plus
Wednesday, 5th June 2019, 12:19pm (UTC), 0 Comments
Author: Mario Petkovski

If you are eagerly waiting for new PS4 releases, like the upcoming Crash Racing game remastered, Madden NFL 2020 or the Hideo Kojima blast Death Stranding, Sony got you covered to ease the waiting time. From 4th of June, Borderlands 1 and 2 and Sonic Mania are available for free, for all PS Plus users!



It seems like Sonic is on a role this year with the release of the new game Sonic Team Racing and the movie that is in developing Sonic The Hedgehog. Just to put a little more excitement for the Sumo Digital's character, as we mentioned, Sonic Mania is free to play this June in PlayStation Plus.

You can experience the game celebrating the past and the future in Sonic Mania with its all-new 2D Sonic adventure running at 60FPS infused with HD retro-style graphics. You can play multiple characters like the explosively fast Sonic, Tails, or even power through obstacles with Knuckles.

This retro game will act as a drive through memory lane, with an exciting new twist on classic zones, while fighting against new bosses, as well as Dr. Eggman's evil robot army. You can also go head-to-head with players in Competition Mode or enjoy the game in Co-Op Mode with a friend.

Sonic Mania is a great game that will bring on the fun and excitement to you and your friends. It also passed all the reviews with a great score topping up 8.7/10 in IGN.

As we mentioned earlier, this year is a big year for Sonic with the new Team Sonic Racing game that was released on May 21st. Team Sonic Racing is published by Sega and developed by Sumo Digital for the ultimate racing game. The lunch price for this game is $40 is it sparked a fire in Sonic's fans.

The game is designed with Sonic Adventure Mode, which is a single-player component of Team Sonic Racing. In the adventure mode, you can choose between standard races or quickly car mini-games to progress through the story. Mini-games prove to be fun as they have things like a drift through objects, blow up robots which are a test for the mechanics of the game.

The story mode is under six hours long and somehow it does not encourages replayability just because even when you choose a different character, the story mode stays the same. There are even no significant rewards at the end of the races.

However, the good thing is that the story mode somehow manages to infuse more personality into each of Sonic's friends and get to know them a little bit better. Team Sonic Racing has a lot of the tracks from the first Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing, which is a good thing bringing some nostalgia to the trip. The mechanics of the racing feel different from the last two Sumo Digital's racing games. Cars are definitely heavier and seem like they are slower across the track.

The structure of the races is changed as well, there are teams of three and with the racers, you can exchange items as well as riding each other slipstreams for a speed boost. This brings a lot of excitement and unpredictability to the race which is always a good thing.

The new Sonic kart racing game will bring you lots of fun with an ingenious team-based twist as well as interesting adventure single-player mode.

Also, as we mentioned above this year marked the announcement of the new Sonic The Hedgehog movie. It received a lot of attention just because the main character Sonic is not what people expected to be. The internet went mad after they released the initial trailer and fans were disappointed by the looks of Sonic.

After the reactions of the public, they announced that Sonic will have a new look in time for the premiere of the movie. Despite the weird design of Sonic, the movie looks quite interesting and it is set to be released in February next year.

This is truly an interesting time for any Sonic fan, there are a lot of new things to enjoy. Make sure you download the Sonic Mania game this June if you have PlayStation Plus active membership and compete with people from all around the world.
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Sonic Needs to Embrace its Casino Heritage to Excel in the Modern Age
Thursday, 9th May 2019, 1:15pm (UTC), 0 Comments


Ever since the Casino Night Zone appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 1992, the blue-haired hero from Sega has had strong links to gambling. The special level was so popular that it appeared in numerous other titles in the series, and this has led to other Sonic gambling games coming about. Sonic is looking to regain the popularity it had in the 1990s, but it must adapt in order to appeal to modern audiences. One way to do this is to follow the commonly used franchise model of branching out into the online casino industry in order to attract more players.



There is no denying that there is still a huge market for Sonic games. A lot of players seek nostalgia, while others simply love the character and series. However, if the latest games are to become as massive as those which preceded them, Sega may need to expand the franchise in other ways. One of the main marketing strategies for a lot of modern franchises is to spread out onto as many platforms as possible.

The online casino industry has proven a fruitful place for franchises to gain more attention. This is because this sector of the gaming industry is thriving, and rakes in over $45 billion each year. Game series gain more attention by getting into the iGaming scene, and this has been seen with major franchises like Tomb Raider and Hitman.

Sonic has a long history with casino games, one which Sega could use to its advantage. With there already being existing Sonic slot games for mobile, it would make sense to create offerings which can be played by online casino players as well. Sega Slots came out on iOS and Android in 2018, and the game was similar to the modern slot games found at online casinos in design and gameplay.

Sega Slots is a five-reel offering, which is the same format as the slots at Aspers Casino. These include titles like Reel King and Lord of the Ocean, and players who enjoy these types of game can make use of the Aspers welcome offer, which is a 100 percent deposit bonus up to £500. If Sonic slots were made available at sites like this, it would bring the series to the attention of more players who would then seek the other games out.

The Sonic the Hedgehog film from Paramount Pictures is on the horizon, and set to be released in November this year. The Jeff Fowler-directed offering could reinvigorate the Sonic franchise, but only if it attracts enough viewers. Sega should follow in the footsteps of other successful series such as Tomb Raider, Hitman, and Jurassic World, and use the online casino industry as a way of attracting mass audiences to other areas of the franchise. Because Sonic has a long history with casino themes, it isn’t out of the question for the blue-haired hero to be represented in the prosperous iGaming industry.
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