‘Sonic Mania’: Delay, Flying Battery Zone Returns From ‘Sonic 3 & Knuckles’

Sega hosted a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed panel at SXSW earlier this month. Both of Sonic’s upcoming titles were discussed by prominent Sega employees Aaron Webber and Takashi Iizuka. Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock, the respective voice actors for Sonic and his arch-enemy, Dr. Eggman, where in attendance as well. Sonic Mania, the throwback longtime Sonic fans have yearned for, kickstarted the festivities.

SONIC MANIA: DELAY, RETURNING CLASSIC ZONE

The first bit of information was that Mania, which was previously slated for a spring release, has been delayed to the summer. This alteration was made recently, but Iizuka, Christian Whitehead and the team developing Mania are dedicated to providing a quality experience.

A brand-new Zone was teased, although this highly pixilated image is all we have of it:

Additionally, Sega is entertaining the idea of a Sonic Mania vinyl record. Would you be interested in purchasing one?

Finally, the biggest announcement was the return of Flying Battery Zone from Sonic 3 & Knuckles:

Clean artwork was unveiled today as well, featuring silhouettes of the Hard-Boiled Heavy series:

Sonic Mania will digitally roll into our hearts sometime this summer. Confirmation of Mania‘s price will come at a later point, and Webber is championing a physical release of the game due to the fans’ interest.