‘There’s one video game I have to play with my son. And it brings back the memories.’

I have such fond memories of ‘studying’ for exams in my university days. Group ‘study’ sessions. Late-night pizza deliveries.

And fighting with my sisters over whose turn it was to play Sonic the Hedgehog on our Sega Mega Drive.

We loved that game. Sonic was cute and super-fast. As him, we raced around in pursuit of the evil Dr Eggman, collecting rings to get more lives, getting lost for a moment in another world. It was the best way to let our brains have a break from our cram-sessions. It became tradition; it just wasn’t SWOT Vac without Sonic.

I’m not the only ’90s teenager who has a special place for Sonic The Hedgehog in their hearts. Which is why now, 20 or so years later, I know a whole generation will be as excited as I was to hear that Sonic’s back again in Sonic Forces. Released on November 7, 2017, the game’s going to be everywhere – available to play on PS4, XBOX One and the very portable Nintendo Switch.

Which is fantastic for so many reasons.

These days, I may not fight with my sisters over getting some game time in for myself, but I compete with my 10 year old, who thinks it’s weird and uncool of me to be interested in gaming because I’m old. Little does he know about my secret old life as a talented gamer!

Now I’m thinking that because of the platform options, maybe I can be on the Switch while he’s on the PS4, and I can show him who’s the real Sonic boss?

I’m also excited to introduce him to a Sonic game, because I know the other cute characters in the franchise are really fun, making it one of the most kid-friendly games on the market. It’s recommended to be suitable for all ages – including, ahem, anyone who’s in their early 40s.

And I’m so grateful for the timing of the release. Because it's hitting stores well before Christmas craziness peaks, I plan to snap up a few as Christmas pressies for my nieces and nephews – regardless of what gaming console they have at home. Which takes the thinking out of it, so I can get on with doing other things – like rushing home to play Sonic.

And at a RRP of $59.95, it’s the sort of gift that will win me coveted gold rings without breaking the budget - thank you, Sega.

But for me, the coolest part of Sonic Forces will be the option to play as classic or modern Sonic hedgehog, or a custom created character.

Yes the "Custom Hero" character lets you pick from seven animals by default, including bear, bird, cat, dog, hedgehog, rabbit, or wolf. And you get to customise their outfits and accessories too, which is a very cool plus (hot tip: the bonus edition gives you 13 more in-game outfit, items and accessories).

With the classic, modern and custom options, the player gets almost three games in one. In my opinion, that's excellent value for money.

The loyal fans like me will still see the usual Sonic heroes and villains, but there will also be a new mysterious and powerful enemy – Infinite!

So it looks like I’ll be hitting the shops soon to grab Sonic Forces as presents for everyone - but most importantly, as a present for my son.

Because that super-fast blue hedgehog was a huge part of my youth and I love that he could be part of my kid’s, too.

Sonic Forces is available to buy now at leading gaming retailers such as EB Games, JB Hi-Fi, Big W, and Target. To find out more click here.