Sonic getting 25th anniversary 3DS theme in Japan, Fire & Ice screenshots and details

Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice is featured in this week’s issue of Famitsu bringing along the latest information. In addition, screenshots have come online today.

First, a Sonic 25th anniversary theme is planned. This will be distributed to early buyers of the game. You can see what it looks like above.

We also have these screenshots:

And some details:

Backstory

An irregular weather phenomenon assaults the world, and Sonic and Amy go to an ice island to investigate the mystery. Suddenly, a mysterious energy gushes out and showers both of them, giving them the ability to control fire and ice. Sonic reunites with his group afterwards, but there’s also an eerie shadow lurking around…

New Factor 1: Fire and Ice Styles

– These styles are interchangeable anytime by pressing the L and R buttons.
– Fire Style: Specializes in removing obstacles. Example is melting down ice block obstacles.
– Ice Style: Specializes in creating platforms. Example is freezing a patch of water and turning it to an icy platform

– New Factor 2: Evolved High-Speed Exploration Action

– It’s still possible to switch characters in-game as in the last Sonic Boom game, but this entry also focuses on the speedy action that defines the mainline Sonic series.
– In other words, in this game it’s possible to reach the goal without having to ever switch between characters.
– Unlike in the last Sonic Boom where you had to use some gimmicks to go between lines, in this game you can go to another line simply by finding and touching a giant spring, allowing for more speedy gameplay.
– Exploration system that makes use of each characters’ unique abilities is still intact. It’s up to the player whether they want to speed-run the course as fast as possible, or spend more time exploring for hidden routes and items in the course.

Other

– Gameplay variety such as boss battles that use both screens
– More game modes like mini-games and Versus Race
– Sonic and the rest of the group will visit seven islands during their adventure