Yes that's right, SEGA has now confirmed that Project Needlemouse is in fact Sonic the Hedgehog 4. This is the first title in the original "Sonic the Hedgehog" series since 1994's Sonic the Hedgehog 3 - all other additions to the Sonic franchise have taken our blue friend on different paths, trying out new things such as isometric 2D, full 3D, adding new enemies and playable characters. Some things worked, plenty didn't.
But SEGA is looking to bring the series back to its roots, but with plush new HD visuals, keeping the same old-school gameplay, level design, baddies and of course, Robotnik. The only difference is that this game willl be coming in a number of episodic downloads.
However, don't let that worry you, previous information leaks have led us to believe that each 'episode' will be the length of a full Sonic game - so it looks like Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is going to be around for a while.
Let's just hope that SEGA can re-find the formula that made the original Sonic games so damn good. Remember SEGA it wasn't all about speed - they did actually have some very intense and precise platforming segments!
Read on for the full press release.
SEGA ANNOUNCES SONIC the hedgehog 4 Episode I
Previously teased as Project Needlemouse, the first Sonic the Hedgehog™ title developed exclusively for download is confirmed!
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (TBC, 2010) – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced the first game developed specifically for the download market from the world’s fastest hedgehog. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I will be available via download on Microsoft XBLA, Sony PSN and Nintendo WiiWare, bringing with it the addictive classic 2D side scrolling action that Sonic fans have been waiting for.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I offers sublime 2D gameplay through beautifully rendered HD environments. Fans will be able to speed through each level with the classic Spin Dash move, and destroy enemies using the Homing Attack. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I sees the return of the much-loved special stages and takes players through a variety of different Zones, all inspired by the Mega Drive era.
Each level from Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I is separately selectable from the main menu, making it easy for players to replay their favorite sections as they wish. Long time fans will not be disappointed as they rejoin the action and face all new intense boss battles against everyone’s favourite villain – the ever devious and evil – Dr. Eggman!
“Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I is a return to the classic game style of the original Sonic games” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director SEGA Europe Ltd. “It’s great to be able to offer fans of the Sonic series the type of game they have been asking for in a high definition experience.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I will be available in Summer 2010 for XBLA, PSN, and WiiWare.
For more information about Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I check out the official Sonic the Hedgehog 4 website.
[Source: SEGA PR]
