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]
Comments 52
Uh.......I don't really know what to say...... so......Hi.
Somehow not the lowest point for Sonic.
I really thought things couldn't be any more outlandish than The Noid showing up in Crash Bandicoot's app game, but this might have just got that beat.
(Context - The Noid is a Domino's Pizza mascot from way way back that was discontinued in the 90's for sort of tragic reasons. He had an NES game, even!)
I mean, it's not Sonic's first venture with food mascots.
Sega of America's vice president's name is Ivo Gerscovich?? That is so in line with Doug Bowser
Is Sonic Dash any good?
I thought it was the Coco Pops monkey at first!
Hell to Bongo indeed
Sonic likes yogurt I guess
@Clyde_Radcliffe It's not HORRIBLE but it's not that great either... So one of the better Sonic games, lol.
@Clyde_Radcliffe - First: It's a freemium Endless Runner. So your enjoyment weighs on how much you enjoy that genre.
Second; You're not the only one who thought that. Figured it was a EU variant or an introduction to a remodel of the mascot.
I like to think there is someone out there right now who's interest in Sonic and Danimals are finally overlapping and he is absolutely losing his mind with excitement over this announcement.
I love how it says “Say hell to Bongo” please don’t change it it gives Danimals a demonic energy
Also, is this an add on to the danimals lore? I didn’t know he could run that fast
@Flashlink99 Here before they change it
Also, it looks like you can get bongo just by opening the game
@Damo I never saw yogurt spelt with an H is that a British thing?
@CheekyZelda what if he doesn't run that fast. He just runs like usual and loses every time. That would be hilarious.
@Tasuki I believe so. "In English, the several variations of the spelling of the word include yogurt, yoghurt, and to a lesser extent yoghourt or yoghurt"
@CheekyZelda Eek, fixed! Hell to him anyway.
That's...him??! Wow, life hasn't treated him well since the 90's huh, holy hell...
Danimals?, I understood Enchantimals, XD
Hell To Bongo just has such a fantastic ring to it. They should use it as their slogan.
Danimals is still a thing? What is this, 1993?
Also, Go-gurt was better.
I hope next he partner with Tony the Tiger or Toucan Sam in marketing their Kellogg's cereals. My nephew is a fan of Sonic but loves Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops and would be excited to see Sonic venture into his favorite cereals.
I hope we never see the day where Mario is shilling food mascots in his games
@pinta_vodki What if he doesn't even run, he just walks at a leisurely pace while enjoying some yogurt and exclaiming how good it is?
When I saw the the picture, I was like, "was that character from danimals?"
@Damo I think the damage has already been done. I won't be surprised if people start commenting "Hell to Bongo" on all of your articles (and maybe even Sonic reviews) from now on, or until they get bored or if they forget.
Hell to Bongo, indeed.
...i'm sorry what
@Roibeard64 No, Mario and his associates have far more luxurious tastes.
https://youtu.be/abOnJoz85UY
Sonic crash & spyro would be a good crossover
@InvisiBulbasaur I might get 'hell to bongo' printed on my business card, tbh
This makes sense since they shared the same voice actor
@Damo That's interesting. I figured it was something like color and colour but wasn't sure. Don't know why but spelling variations just interest me.
WHAT???? DANIMALS IS STILL AROUND??? AND WHAT DID THEY DO TO HIS DESIGN???? OH GOD
Huh, for a second I though Alex Kidd had got himself a new redesign.
Danimals are still a thing?
Doesn't Sega own Super Monkey Ball too?
Perfect opportunity to give some shine to AiAi or GonGon and shed some light on that underrated franchise smh!
Heck, even the Samba De Amigo monkey deserves more spotlight.
Some butt character design from a food manufacturer? Nice, Sega..
"We haven't had a mainline Sonic game since 2017. Just sayin'."
And yet we still live. But I'm sure, that a new game will appear very soo.
"We haven't had a mainline Sonic game since 2017. Just sayin'."
So go play Sonic Mania.
Same voice actor and very similar voice, so I'm glad this is now canon!
Mannnn I used to love Danimals as a kid. Why did they butcher the mascot like that lol
@Damo You really should. Actually, you kind of have to, now that you've given the idea life. You could have the most confusing and unsettling business cards since Tobias Fünke's, and that sounds pretty hell to Bongo.
I thought it was Alex Kidd briefly
"Say hell to Bongo"
Ok...
Hell, Bongo.
Would you rather have the ORIGINAL Bongo who looks like a real gorilla? He was the one who said "Fruitylicious!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HffN1DHoCQI That commercial is good.
@bluemage1989 your comment made me smile
Danimals? I highly protest that name.
It's like a cross between Jimmy Neutron and a monkey.
Wow. What an unappealing character design.
@Bizaster There are dozens of us! DOZENS!
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