Sonic Mania developers reveal 3D platformer Penny’s Big Breakaway

Penny’s Big Breakaway, a new 3D platformer from some of the developers behind Sonic Mania, has been announced.

It’s the debut title from Evening Star, an LA-based studio whose founding members include creative director and lead engine architect Christian Whitehead, who was Sonic Mania’s director.

The studio’s CEO and lead producer Dave Padilla, art director Tom Fry, chief technology officer and game director Hunter Bridges, and design director Brad Flick, also worked on Sega’s 2017 game.

Penny’s Big Breakaway is described as “a beautifully stylized, colourful adventure in which you play Penny, the ‘yo-tagonist’ who will have to escape an endless, bumbling penguin army as you swing, dash, flip, zip, and trick your way through a variety of challenging levels”.

Take-Two’s indie publishing label Private Division will release the game for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in early 2024.

“At Evening Star, we have a deep passion for expressive, character-driven games that focus on a concise and satisfying move-set,” said Whitehead. “For our debut title, we challenged ourselves to bring that approach into not only a new IP, but to an entire 3D world.”

Private Division head and Take-Two chief strategy officer Michael Worosz commented: “Evening Star are experts in the platforming genre, having been entrusted with an iconic gaming franchise, and delivered one of the best platforming experiences in recent years.

“Penny’s Big Breakaway is an exciting debut title that brings an all-new protagonist to life in a memorable world, and it has an enormous opportunity to be a smashing success due to its broad appeal.”