Sega has revealed that Sonic Forces will, for the first time in the history of the series, allow you to create your own in-game character.

You'll be able to select upper headgear, middle headgear, lower headgear, gloves, footwear, body, bodysuit, and skin colour for your "hero" character, which has to be based on one of seven animal types, each with their own unique ability.

  • Wolf - Automatically draws in rings when near them

  • Rabbit - Has longer invincible time after receiving damage

  • Cat - Keeps one ring after being hit

  • Dog - Restarts with five rings after the player dies

  • Bear - Blows away enemies with a homing attack

  • Bird - Flies high with double jump abilities

  • Hedgehog - Collects rings when getting damaged

Here's some PR:

In this just announced gameplay style, players will be equipping their custom Hero Character with one of a variety of powerful unique gadgets called WisponsWispons are an evolution of the Color Powers from Sonic Colors and double as both offensive abilities and as a way to platform through levels quickly. Along with the Wispon, the Hero Character will have a grappling hook they can utilize to quickly traverse across zones. Players can also customize the Hero Character’s looks by choosing and swapping between hundreds of accessories and outfit options to change the character’s appearance as they play through the game.

No matter what Hero the player chooses to create, it will be featured throughout the entire game. In a first for the Sonic franchise, a character the player creates will be a key part of the story, appearing not only in cut scenes, but by being a crucial element in helping Sonic reclaim the world from Eggman’s domination.  

Sonic Forces is due out on the Switch later this year. What do you make of this news, and the footage shown? Let us know by posting a comment.