Sega is bringing its iconic mascot Sonic the Hedgehog back to the forefront with the upcoming release of Sonic Pico Park. The cooperative puzzle-platformer is scheduled to launch for consoles and Windows PC on November 12. This collaboration with developer Tecopark marks a new direction for the franchise, moving away from the mainline titles like 2022's Sonic Frontiers and spin-offs such as Sonic Racing Crossworlds.
Sonic Pico Park builds upon the established formula of the Pico Park series, requiring two or more players to work together to guide all characters to the goal at the end of each stage. While the game features a distinct lo-fi visual style, it retains familiar Sonic elements, including the spin dash ability and the inclusion of rings, loops, and springs within the level designs. The game is designed for intuitive, pick-up-and-play sessions, making it suitable for friends and family.
Polygon previously experienced a demo of Sonic Pico Park at Summer Game Fest, describing it as a source of "good-natured mayhem" perfect for a casual gaming night. Early impressions highlighted the comedic chaos that can ensue as players attempt to coordinate their actions, whether forming human staircases or navigating precarious platforms. This emphasis on interactive silliness is central to the game's appeal.
Supporting anywhere from two to eight players, Sonic Pico Park allows for both local and online cooperative play. Crucially, it features online crossplay, enabling players on different platforms, such as PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, to join together. The game's stages are designed to accommodate any player count, ensuring that challenges remain accessible regardless of group size. The title will be available on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.