[June 21, 2011] : 20 Years Of Sonic The Hedgehog Tweet Jun 21, 2011 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- For two decades he has sprinted faster than the speed of light across our computer screens, launched his trademark spin attacks and collected millions of gold rings - and today Sonic celebrates his 20th anniversary. From the first day of the release of Sonic The Hedgehog back in 1991 on the SEGA Mega Drive console, Sonic the Hedgehog quickly became a popular gaming icon due to his super fast speed and his cool, edgy character. Since then Sonic has become a hero for a generation and a gaming icon, featuring in more than 65 Sonic games. As well as videogames, SEGA's iconic blue hedgehog has enjoyed huge success in areas such as comics, apparel and toys and even starred in his own animated series. Despite 20 years of fame, the prickly creature is just 15 years old and has not aged since his first appearance on the SEGA Mega Drive. With over 70 million copies of his games sold worldwide, and two more coming out this year, Sonics' domination looks set to continue. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SONIC: 1. Over 70 million games have been sold worldwide 2. "Project Needlemouse" was the name given to the Sonic project 3. Sonic is fifteen years old and has never aged 4. An estimated 60 million people have played at least one Sonic game 5. Sonic runs faster than the speed of light and is officially the fastest videogame character of all time (Guinness Book of Records) 6. Sonic was voted number one video gaming icon of all time* (msn poll 2009) 7. Sonic's shoes were inspired by a combination of Santa Claus and the colour red for speed and fire. 8. Sonic originally had a girlfriend called Madonna and was in a rock band 9. Sonic's first ever appearance was a humble one - as a toy hanging from the rear-view mirror in the little-known arcade racing game Rad Mobile 10. Sonic has starred in his own line of comics and in 4 animated TV series 11. Sega sponsored the Williams Grand Prix team, and the team's lead driver, Alain Prost during the 1993 Formula One championship. 12. Sonic fans have collected over 70 billion rings between them 13. Sonic was the first video game character to have a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 14. Sonic has made cameos in various games including, The Simpsons Game, The Incredible Hulk, Tom and Jerry: The Movie He also featured in the Simpsons show 15. Sonic has appeared in over 65 games 16. Dr Eggman has an IQ of 300 17. Sonic the Hedgehog's personality is a juxtaposition of kindness and ferocity, as on one hand he does all in his power to snuff out evil, but he also can't look away when somebody else is in trouble 18. Sonic hates boredom and being tied down, so much if his time is spent running towards the next danger or adventure 19. Sonic's favourite food is chilli dogs 20. Sonic cannot swim Born from a contest to create a new SEGA mascot by their leading designers, Sonic's first humble appearance - as a toy hanging from the rear-view mirror in the little-known arcade racing game Rad Mobile - has now developed into an incredible legacy that has spanned two decades. SEGA is releasing Sonic Generations later this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of super Sonic. The game is set to provide something for Sonic fans old and new with Sonic the Hedgehog playable as the classic and much loved 1991 character and also as the modern-day video game hero he has become. For further information, images or interviews with the Sonic team, please contact Hannah Milne or Luke McClelland at Mischief PR T: 0207 100 9999 E: [email protected] / [email protected] NOTES TO EDITORS: About Sonic For more information please visit www.sonicthehedgehog.com/generations About SEGA(r) Corporation: SEGA(r) Corporation is a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home, encompassing consumer business, amusement machine sales and amusement center operations. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA Corporation's Web site is located at http://sega.jp. For press assets, please visit the SEGA press site at www.sega-press.com. ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]