Dashdanimals
Image: Sega

As one of the world's most recognisable video game characters, Sonic is a hot property when it comes to promotional opportunities – as is evidenced by his latest match-up in Sega's smartphone title Sonic Dash.

However, while Sonic has previously rubbed shoulders with Mario (in the Olympic Games series) and Pac-Man (a past Sonic Dash crossover), this latest collaboration might leave some fans scratching their heads.

Say hello to Bongo, the monkey mascot of Danimals, a brand of yoghurt aimed at young kids. He's coming to Sonic Dash thanks to a promotion involving special Danimals products, including yoghurt pouches and smoothies.

By purchasing these products, players can unlock Bongo as a playable character in the game; simply scan the QR code on the back of the packs to download Sonic Dash and then complete the tutorial level, and all kinds of simian-related tomfoolery can be yours.

Even those who have no interest in Bongo can take part; the Sonic Dash-branded Danimals packs also unlock new character customizations, such as 'Pirate Sonic' and 'Captain Shadow'. You access these by collecting all four birthday-themed items on the track, one of which is a Danimals smoothie pack.

Ivo Gerscovich, chief brand officer for Sonic the Hedgehog and senior vice president at Sega of America, had this to say about the news:

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. 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.

We haven't had a mainline Sonic game since 2017. Just sayin'.

[source gameinformer.com]