Update (10/15): Just as promised, Sega has finally released Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom to the Google Play Store for all to download. It’s now available for free, so be sure to head to the Play Store link at the bottom of this post for the download.

Original post (10/8): In July, Sega soft launched their sequel to Sonic Dash, but now it’s almost ready for its global launch. For Android users in the Americas, Europe, Australia, and Africa, you can expect the game to arrive on October 15, 2015. Sega says that Sonic Dash 2 will be rolling out to other regions shortly after that.

This latest addition to the long-running Sonic franchise is specifically based upon the new Sonic cartoon “Sonic Boom”, and so you can not only expect the same universe from the series, but also the same cast of characters. Even the voice actors are all signed on for this one. As for the gameplay itself, while it bears similarity to the first Sonic Dash, there are plenty of improvements baked in including fully 3D artwork, a new team play mode that enables the player to race up three other characters, and even the option to play each area as any available character.

There also a few new special powers being introduced, including a hammer for Amy and a “jump up and slam” attack for Knuckles. Another big change is the “Swing and Tilt” gameplay mechanics that will allow a new range of a control that requires users to physically tilt their device.

Here’s a full change-log further detailing some of the changes:

RACE with up to three characters in new Team Play mode! Swap runners mid-race to earn high scores

UNLEASH new special powers – Amy’s Hammer, Knuckle’s Slam attack, Sonic’s even faster Dash, and more

CONQUER new obstacles and Badniks

DASH on new fast-paced tracks in and above the beautiful Sonic Boom world

MASTER new Swing & Tilt gameplay with the super charged Enerbeam; tilt your device to swing the runner towards the rings and orbs

COLLECT, evolve, and run with new magical Sprites

EARN special prizes in new Events and Daily SEGA Challenges

Sonic Dash 2 will be free to play but will contain optional in-app purchases. We’ll be sure to update this post once the game formally arrives. The link below brings you to the game’s listing, though it will only be live if you happen to live in one of the soft-launch markets.

For those that have had the opportunity to play, what do you think of it? Would you recommend others giving it a try once it formally arrives on the 15th?