The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a real and free game, out right now

An April Fool’s joke becomes real

It’s not quite April 1 everywhere yet, but the Sonic social team is having a bit of fun. Today, a brand new Sonic game, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, is available for free on Steam.

A new mystery visual novel from Sega and the Sonic social crew, this is emphatically not a Sonic Team production. It is, however, a (head)canon title. You can find the Steam page right here.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is set aboard the Mirage Express, where tragedy has struck in the midst of Amy Rose’s birthday celebration. A murder mystery party with Sonic as the victim does seem like it’s turning partially foul though, and it’s up to you, the player, to get to the bottom of things.

The adventure is set up in a classic point-and-click style, with characters from throughout the Sonic universe showing up for the festivities. It is rated E for Everyone, so it’s unclear whether full-on murder is on or off the table. But you know what, I like the energy either way.

A good fool

We are coming up on the one day a year where many companies try to do some kind of joke or ribbing, to historically mixed results. Ranging from googly eyes and “Horse Mode” to fake game announcements, some of my least favorite ones are usually a game idea that makes you go, “hey wait, don’t joke, that’s a good idea.”

So in that light, I’m happy to see The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, a Poirot-infused mystery adventure starring the Sonic crew, be an actually real thing. It’s a fun surprise. Hopefully this is a good omen for what’s yet to be announced over the next 24 hours. At the very least, I have a way to answer the burning question, “Who killed Sonic?”

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is out now, for free, on PC via Steam.

Eric Van Allen

Senior News Reporter