It's true, Sega has announced that they have a new partnership with BioWare that will see the Canadian role-playing crew creating a Sonic the Hedgehog RPG for the Nintendo DS. Currently without a name or even a pen-name or project name, the Sonic RPG is scheduled for release in '08.

"BioWare is one of the hottest names in RPG development in the world," says Sega of America president and COO (C.O.O., not "that's coo man") Simon Jeffery. "Everyone at SEGA has huge confidence that Sonic is in the safest of hands, and that BioWare can create the ultimate handheld RPG experience for gamers of all ages."

BioWare's track record proves worthy with names including Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and the soon to be Mass Effect. The success of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic can also be seen as a pro to their ability to deal with high profile campaigns. Although, on a personal note (I'm positive I'm not alone), Sonic would seem to be a tougher candidate for an RPG.

"We're thrilled to be working with SEGA on Sonic, one of the industry's most enduring and compelling icons," explains Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare. Ray Muzyka, chief executive officer of BioWare adds that, "As huge fans of Sonic ourselves, we're committed to delivering a truly amazing story-driven experience within the Sonic universe, focusing on capturing the character's broad appeal and placing him in a completely original adventure."