The newly announced multiplatform game from SEGA will see Sonic putting his speed to good use!

Famitsu has revealed that a new Sonic racing game, developed by Sonic Team, is set for release this winter for on the Xbox, PS2, and GameCube, and will be entitled Sonic Riders.

Sonic Riders main plot revolves around Dr. Robotnik who has set up a speed challenge, and all the Sonic characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna, Storm the Albatross, Jet the Hawk, Miles "Tails" Prower and Web the Swallow, have decided to take part. The winner of this 'speed challenge will receive non other than a Chaos Emerald.

While the words "Sonic" and "racing" may instantly make you think of the SEGA Saturn racer Sonic R (soon to be a game in Sonic Gems Collection), Sonic Riders promises an "eXtreme" experience. Sonic and friends speed through tracks on air boards, using individual special moves to strike down opponents.

Your board's "fuel" source is air - which will play a key role in the game. You can fill up your air at various points on the course, but to race well you'll have to use another means of replenishment: performing tricks with your board. It is also noted that you can make use of turbulence from racers who are in front of you. By riding your rival racers' turbulence, you get a burst of speed and can even make your board leap into the air, often allowing you to find some sneaky shortcuts. Your air supply remains constant while riding turbulence, making this a tactic that you'll want to employ during the game. Players can of course get their own back on their opponents by generating irregularities in their turbulence, knocking those who are along for a free ride out of the course.

Expect numerous tracks, from SEGA including Splash Canyon, Egg Factory, Green Cave and Sandy Ruin. Two to four player split screen gaming will be offered by the game, and you can almost certainly expect a number of different modes.

Friday will see SEGA of Japan holding a press conference in Tokyo to show off some of its upcoming plans for the Sonic series, so expect Sonic Riders to make an appearance there.