If there's one thing we've learned, it's that Sega really does love Sonic.  On the eve of releasing his long-awaited racing game Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed, the company has announced that it will be returning the hero to his platforming roots next year, with new digital and retail platforming game releases across the board.

Though details weren't given on the games, they're likely to follow the same side-scrolling mold as Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I and II, though a 3D adventure could happen as well.

The company is also looking to push a toy line featuring Sonic and his pals.  "We will have several new digital titles launching as well as a new boxed games, so there will be plenty of opportunities to link marketing campaigns across games and merchandise," stated Sega's Sissel Henno.

We'll see what happens.  In the meantime, Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed hits stores on November 18th for Wii U and two days later on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS.