“Traditionally, laptops haven’t been known for providing the best gaming experience.” This was the first thought that crossed the mind of Steve Lycett, executive producer (Sumo Digital) on Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, and one that was rapidly dispelled. “As soon as we received the Ultrabook device and spoke to the engineers at Intel, we realized that suddenly we were dealing with the next generation.”

Charged with bringing one of SEGA’s landmark franchise to Ultrabook devices, the team at Sumo Digital in Sheffield, England, more than rose to the challenge. Acclaimed racing game Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is the latest in the no-holds-barred series that lets players leap into the cars (which then transform into boats and planes) of world famous SEGA luminaries, from Sonic all the way to Wreck-It Ralph, fresh from his Hollywood debut. SEGA has never rested on its laurels with the series, so bringing the game to Ultrabook devices with touch screens was a next logical step.

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“We tailored the game for the Ultrabook range to ensure we made the most of the hardware,” said Lycett, who worked with his team to make sure players would always have just as much touch control as they wanted. “We’ve specifically designed the user interface so touch can be used throughout. You can select modes, decide which track to play, and check out all the vehicles with a simple touch of your finger.”

There was no doubt in Lycett’s mind that he needed to bring touch to his games. Though at first glance, a PC racing title isn’t the most obvious home for a touch interface, players are becoming irreversibly accustomed to it in their games. “Users want to reach out and touch the worlds we create. It’s a natural user interface you’re taught from the day you’re born, and one that ptovides an immediate connection with instant feedback.”

Ultrabook devices bring a new level of flexibility and interaction to Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. In regular laptop configuration, players can go head-to-head with up to four controllers for chaotic split-screen racing, while a convertible device allows for play in tablet setup, making full use of both touch and tilt interfaces. Players will find a game that has been carefully optimized for play in either configuration.

But it’s not only the interface options that led Lycett and his team to so heartily embrace the Ultrabook device. “Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on the Ultrabook platform takes advantage of the fact that we know there is a consistent set of technologies that is available to us,” said Lycett.

“The high-quality screens really let the colors pop, plus the touch screens are smooth and sensitive, and the tilt sensors give you immediate and accurate control. Tie all this together with a lot of processing and graphics power, and much more memory compared to what even the latest console has, and you’ve got a recipe for a great gaming experience.”

Let’s race.

It’s that time again, we have an all new sale featuring games across the PlayStation Store and the Nintendo eShop! The sales are only available for a limited time – the Nintendo E-shop promotion ends on March 31st and all PlayStation Store promos close on April 1st. Check out what’s available, head to the shops on your console, and grab any games you might have missed!

The sale is open to United States, Canada, Brazil and Mexico customers.

Nintendo E-Shop

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Wii U – Current Price $39.99 / Sale Price $29.99

PlayStation Network

Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz PlayStation Vita – Current Price $29.99 / Sale Price $14.99
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed PlayStation Vita – Current Price $29.99 / Sale Price $19.99
Virtua Tennis 4 World Tour PlayStation Vita – Current Price $29.99 / Sale Price $14.99
* Sale prices vary due to local currency

As always, we love to hear if you are picking up any titles in the sale, so drop a comment below and tell us what you are picking up!

For 24 hours only, all Sonic the Hedgehog titles on Steam are 50% off! These prices won’t be around tomorrow, so get to Steam and pick out a new game!

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Metal Sonic DLC
Sonic Adventure 2
Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Mode DLC
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 2

Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations Casino Night DLC
Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing
Sonic 3D Blast
Dr.Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
Sonic Spinball

Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic 3 & Knuckles
Sonic CD
Sonic Adventure

Did you grab a new Sonic game? Let us know in the comments below…

It’s here! Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, the ultimate racing game where players speed across land, air and water in fully transforming vehicles is now available for the Nintendo 3DS. On-the-go gamers will get the chance to put their skills to the test as they race as one of the SEGA All-Stars characters including Sonic, Knuckles, Tails and others. In addition to the familiar favorites, NASCAR star Danica Patrick and Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph join the cast as playable characters, each with their own transforming vehicle and All-Star move.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, now available on Nintendo 3DS, features a wide variety of characters from iconic franchises bringing the spirit of racing to life for the entire family.  Players compete across new dynamic environments and tracks that are once again inspired by SEGA’s illustrious gaming history.  There are over 16 tracks and arenas, with each one feeling different – the courses change and each player must master their transforming vehicle across all terrains to finish first. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed also sees the popular All-Star moves return for each playable character with a brand new mechanic allowing your All-Star bar to power up faster if you race daringly and stylishly.  Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is available now for all gaming platforms.

At launch, the Nintendo 3DS Bonus Edition of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will be available at local retailers while supplies last. The exclusive bonus edition content features: Metal Sonic as a playable character along with his transforming vehicle and Mod Pack, an additional Outrun Bay Track plus challenges and time trials, and stickers for your in-game driver’s license.

We are pleased to confirm Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system will arrive in stores on February 8, 2013 in Europe and February 12, 2013 in North America. The thrilling race across land, air and water continues on the 3DS where you can play as your Mii alongside Sonic and the SEGA All-Stars in your own transforming vehicle. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed for the 3DS also includes StreetPass challenges and features and allows you play with up to seven of your friends using multi cart or single cart play.

Racers can push the accelerator to the limit when they get behind the wheel and choose from 22 playable SEGA All-stars characters including Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Dr. Eggman. Or try out the skills of the two all-new special guest racers – NASCAR star Danica Patrick and Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph. With over 20 tracks and arenas to explore, gamers will discover alternative routes and shortcuts and perfect their driving skills to overtake their rivals in this adrenaline fueled dash to the finish line.

>At launch, the Nintendo 3DS Limited Edition of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will be available at your local retailer while supplies last. The exclusive bonus edition content features: Metal Sonic as a playable character along with his transforming vehicle and Mod Pack, an additional Outrun Bay Track plus challenges and time trials, and stickers for your in-game driver’s license.

Think you’re speedy at Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed? Get some tips on how to improve your time in this speed run video of the Adder’s Lair (Golden Axe) level.

We are excited to confirm Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will indeed feature characters from acclaimed developer Valve, allowing players to race for first place as the Pyro, Heavy, and Spy from Team Fortress 2.  Available for PC digital download on January 31st,  Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed will also feature two other new and exclusive characters all of whom are available to play as from the start of the game.

Joining Team Fortress 2 in the PC version of the game is the legendary Shogun of the Total War series from Creative Assembly and the enigmatic Manager Man from Sports Interactive’s successful Football Manager series.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed for PC digital download will be available at £19.99/$29.99USD/€24.99.

SEGA, Mattel, and the iconic Hot Wheels brand have developed a unique partnership to further enhance the racing experience of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. Available exclusively at GameStop, fans who purchase the game for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or Wii U will receive a limited edition diecast “Danicar” free. The exclusive gift with purchase promotion will begin on December 9 and will continue while supplies last at the more than 4,400 GameStop locations nationwide and online at www.GameStop.com.

This promotion builds upon the in-game presence of NASCAR racer Danica Patrick, who races a custom transforming electric green Hot Wheels vehicle, designed to navigate the dynamic land, sea and air environments.  The unique vehicle combines style elements from Danica Patrick and Sonic the Hedgehog with design inspiration from Hot Wheels.

“We are so excited to be able to reward gamers who purchase Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed with a free diecast ‘Danicar’,” commented Marcella Churchill, Senior Director of Marketing, SEGA of America. “Through this partnership with Hot Wheels, SEGA was able to extend our brand beyond the game universe and into consumer products with the creation of this custom toy.”

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a thrilling new racing experience featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, Danica Patrick, Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph and a fantastic cast of SEGA All-Stars.  The racing adventure allows players to race through land, air and water in the new dynamic tracks inspired by classic SEGA video games.

To celebrate the launch of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Sonic the Hedgehog will be appearing again in this year’s Macy’s Day Parade! On Thanksgiving Day, he will race once again down Sixth Avenue in New York City, alongside the other iconic balloons, which will be broadcast live on NBC in the United States.

In addition to Sonic’s parade appearance, we also have an exciting launch trailer which shows the lightning-fast racing experience that gamers will get with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. Players will get to race as their favorite SEGA characters along with appearances from Danica Patrick and Wreck-It Ralph in this season’s fastest holiday title. Available now on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U.

Additionally, check out the behind the scenes video with Danica Patrick, where she discusses her role in the game.

We’re back, we’re on video, and we’re giving away all new prizes for this week’s Free Stuff Friday. We’ve got special prizes for The Cave and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. The packs are so good that we’re giving away two of them for a total of four prizes this week!

On the Block

1. The Cave Figurines – We have two of these special packs featuring all of figurines for The Cave, our upcoming Double Fine Adventure game created by Ron Gilbert. Originally debuted at Penny Arcade Expo, these are very rare and very cool.

2. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed game & Lanyard – Pick your preferred platform from Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or Wii-U, you’ll also receive a special lanyard from our recent activity at New York Comic-con! Two packs are available.

How it Works

1. You must be following us on Twitter to be eligible. (If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can create one by going to http://www.twitter.com and click the green “get started — join!” button in the center of the page.)

2. At random times on Friday, we will announce the prize we are giving away, a word or phrase, and what number of response you need to be to win. Send us a direct message (DM) via Twitter and be that number to win the prize. (@ replies do not count as entries!) We only accept one direct message per person per prize!

Example:

We tweet “GIVEAWAY: Sonic T-shirt, size L. Be the 15th person to DM “Sonic Adventure” to win!”

You see this, and want to win it, so you send us a direct message that says “Sonic Adventure”. If you are the 15th person to do so, you are the winner!

Quotation marks do not matter, capitalization does not matter, but spelling does matter!

3. All followers are eligible to win all prizes, unless a restriction is noted. Restrictions are usually due to the prize being region-locked. For example, US games that won’t work on UK gaming systems. There may also be age restrictions due to the rating of the game.

4. We will announce the winner on our Twitter feed once eligibility is confirmed.

Other Assorted Information:

• Free Stuff Friday duties alternate between the London and San Francisco offices and are done during business hours (usually mid-morning) in our respective time zones.
• No, you can’t know what number message you were – so please don’t ask! We will tell you that the information is classified!
• If you have questions during the giveaway, please contact us with an @reply. As you can imagine, we get a whole lot of direct messages during the contests and there is a very good chance we will miss your question if it is sent as a DM.

How to Send Direct Messages on Twitter

Due to a change in our account status with Twitter, you should be able to send us direct messages without us following you if you are using the Twitter website. However, third-party applications may not allow you to.

There are a few ways to send us a Direct Message on Twitter. The easiest way is:

1. Log in to your Twitter account.
2. Click on the person icon and select Direct messages from the drop down menu.
3. You’ll see a pop up showing your Direct message history. Click the New message button, highlighted below.
4. In the address box, type the name or username (SEGA) of the person you wish to send a message to.
5. Enter your message and click Send message.

You may also select the “direct messages” tab from your Twitter homepage, and select SEGA from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. Again, if you don’t see our name there, it’s probably because we’re not following you. Let us know, and we’ll follow you. If you still have questions on sending direct messages, please visit Twitter’s Help Section.

There are also many Twitter clients that you can use instead of using the website. These include TweetDeck, Twitteriffic, Tweetie, and Twhirl. Each of these programs works differently, so you’ll want to figure out how to send a direct message on the program you use. If you want to send us a test message, we’ll let you know if we received it or not. Please make sure your message says “test” somewhere.