E3 10: Sonic Free Riders announced for Kinect

It was rumored, now it’s fact. Sega has announced a brand new game for Microsoft’s Kinect, a fresh entry in the Sonic Riders series. It’s called Sonic Free Riders and it’s due out for the holidays of this year.

There was no way Sega wouldn’t be cramming Sonic into a Kinect game, and it makes sense that Sonic Riders would be a solid debut. No idea whether or not it will be good, but mixing the speed or Sonic with the gesture interface of Kinect will definitely be interesting to see. 

LOS ANGELES (June 14, 2010) – SEGA America Inc., & SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced Sonic Free Riders™.  Set for release Holiday 2010, Sonic Free Riders™ offers an extreme fast-paced boarding game and is developed to take full advantage of Kinect for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. 

For the first time ever in a SEGA game, full-motion body control will allow you to twist and turn your way through a range of visually stunning courses in an action-packed Sonic experience unlike any other! Kinect’s unique motion sensor means Sonic Free Riders will see family and friends controlling their fully customisable hover board or bike by twisting, turning and jumping in an exhilarating race to be the first to cross the finish line!  Choosing from one of your favorite Sonic characters, or your own Avatar, you can reach out and grab a variety of pickups along the course.  By throwing, shaking, or swinging your arms to launch your items, you can gain the competitive edge over your rivals in high octane single or multiplayer races.

“SEGA is immensely excited to be a part of Microsoft’s line up for Kinect for Xbox 360, the full body motion control is an innovative avenue allowing for complete immersion in the game” commented Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA America and SEGA Europe. “This is a whole new way to play as Sonic!  By providing a complete level of freedom, movement and ease of play, Kinect for Xbox 360 and Sonic Free Riders ensures the entire family can enjoy the thrill of racing as if they were actually on their hover boards.”

Sonic Free Riders will be available to play with Kinect for Xbox 360 coming Holiday 2010.