If you're into collecting video game figures, then you're probably familiar with First 4 Figures. If that name doesn't ring a bell, maybe some of their works - such as their Assassin's Creed Altair vinyl figure, Sheik from The Legend of Zelda series and various Samus models - might be familiar to you. But First 4 is about to add another franchise to its product line, and it's a big one.

First 4 Figures announced today that they've come to an agreement with Jetix Europe's Jetix Consumer Products for the rights to produce vinyl figures and statues based on the classic character designs from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. In case you're wondering, that refers to the design of Sonic and Co. during the Genesis and Sega Saturn eras, before Sega redesigned the franchise's characters for Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast.

The first wave of characters will be the three most recognizable names from the franchise: Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. Each measures in between 4 to 5 inches tall.The trio will be previewed at the upcoming Nuremberg and New York Toy Fairs.

No prices or official release dates have been announced yet for the Sonic the Hedgehog line, but First 4 anticipates that the line will be out in July 2008. If you're a fan of the retro Sonic titles and are looking for something to remind you of the good old days before the franchise started tanking, this might be just what you're looking for.

Hit the jump for the full press release. 

[Editor's note - Please extend a warm welcome to NihonTiger90, our first guest editor! Show your love in the comments, and he might just stick around.] 

First 4 Figures: Sonic the Hedgehog Figures on the Horizon – 5th February 2008

For immediate release

Sonic the Hedgehog Models Coming Soon From First 4 Figures

First 4 Figures is extremely happy to announce an agreement with Jetix Europe’s Jetix Consumer Products (JCP) for the rights to make vinyl figures and statues based on the classic version of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.

The first wave of collectible vinyl figures will be previewed at this year’s upcoming Nuremberg and New York Toy Fairs, with product anticipated to come to market around July 2008. They will stand approximately 4 to 5 inches tall.

Wave one will be Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.

More information on the pricing and timing will be made available soon.

About First 4 Figures

First 4 Figures is a subsidiary of Puzzle Productions. Puzzle Productions manufactures and markets high quality resin figures under the brand name First 4 Figures. Included in its product line up includes famous licenses such as SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, 2000AD, ASSASSINS CREED, THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, and METROID.

About JCP

JCP also manages the licensing rights for Sonic X, the latest incarnation of Classic Sonic The Hedgehog and star of the first animated TV adaptation created in Japan. 

SEGA and Sonic The Hedgehog are either registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA Corporation. - SEGA. All rights reserved.