Game publisher Sega has released the endless running mobile game Sonic Runners for Android and iOS featuring its well-loved character Sonic the Hedgehog through side-scrolling action.

Created by Takashi Iizuka and the Sonic Team for the mobile platform, it is the first free-to-play 2D classic game for Sonic and his friends in a retro-style environment with all-new controls.

To defeat Dr. Eggman and rescue the captured forest creatures, the player will be running and jumping as the blue-haired Sonic by tapping the screen to avoid obstacles and enemies and collect rings and gems. Dr. Eggman appears from time to time and one's character can jump and hit the boss to generate bonus rings. Every time a player clears long distances, the game will speed up, which will make survival through the stages more challenging. The player needs to master the Color Powers and run efficiently with a Buddy.

Aside from the usual side-scrolling solo gameplay, one can also compete and set records against friends and the world through rankings. Players can earn some powerful items and Buddies as rewards from online events. The game will record the high scores on multiple leaderboards. Players should complete the daily challenge to get the free prize of the day.

With Knuckles and Tails as unlockable characters after completing story chapters, Amy will be available after 10 Facebook friends join the game. Each character has its own unique abilities to power one's way through the stages. The collected rings can be used to level up one's character. Mastering all the playable characters' speed, aerial and power attributes will be a great challenge for Sonic fans.

As long as players have rings to spare, crashing on obstacles such as spikes or enemies will not end the game. The game is over once Sonic is dead and that happens when one's runner falls down a pit, crashes into a wall or keeps getting hits from enemies after losing all rings. To continue, one will need red rings or purchase the usual in-game items using real money.

Sega promises new Sonic characters and Buddies in future releases.

For Sonic the Hedgehog fans, download the free mobile game at iTunes App Store and Google Play.