IGN published a preview from Sonic Lost World, which reveals the first details about the Wii U and 3DS game. The information covers new and old returning elements, GamePad bits, and a confirmation that the 3DS version will also feature full 3D levels.

Details and screenshots rounded up from the preview can be found below.

– Mix of 3D and 2D mechanics
– Abstract levels
– SEGA has shown three levels thus far
– Twist, turn, and jump along floating constructs suspended in mid-air
– Levels are now informed by gameplay needs, with some stages focusing on slower speeds with more platforming, and others pushing players to run as fast as possible
– Areas include Wind Hill, Desert Ruins 1, Desert Ruins 2
– Desert Ruins 1 consists of cakes, cookies, donuts and all manners of candy
– Desert Ruins 2 features an entirely different gameplay style
– Desert Area 2 offers the “tunnel racing” concept from previous games
– Controlling Sonic’s speed and a “Parkour system” were two key elements that were thought of during development
– Parkour system: allows players to automatically accommodate basic obstacles when he’s running
– Team’s greatest challenge was maintaining a sense of speed for the series while finding controls that made sense
– By default, Sonic doesn’t burst off with a tilt of the analog stick
– Sonic walks until you use one of the GamePad’s triggers to engage his running speed
– Need to hold down the second trigger to pull Sonic into a ball, giving him access to his full momentum
– Iizuka compares this to the ‘Boost speed’ from previous titles
– By creating a tiered structure to movement, Sonic Team is hoping players will be able to navigate the wide range of level designs, exploring and running as necessary
– GamePad is used to activate various Whisp-based “Color Powers”
– These feature touch-based controls and are mostly used to gain access to side paths and areas
– Support Mode: one player uses the Wii U’s tablet to assist a second player who is controlling Sonic with a Wii remote and nunchuck
– Only control Sonic
– Friends such as Tails, Knuckles and Amy will make appearances in the story
– Story: Sonic chasing after Eggman and finds a mysterious floating island known as “Lost Hex”
– Sonic will run across the “Deadly Six”
– These foes will bring a “sense of danger and humor” to the story
– Sonic will save animals throughout levels
– Rescuing animals are tracked level by level as well as cumulatively
– This aspect will factor into unlockable content
– Red Star Rings can be collected for unlockable content
– Gold cannons help you access hidden paths
– 3DS version will also have full 3D levels