Sonic is coming back!
Originally given the codename of Project Needlemouse, SEGA have today confirmed that this game is actually Sonic the Hedgehog 4!
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is the first Sonic title specifically developed for the download market, meaning the game will be available for the Xbox Live Arcade, the Playstation Network and WiiWare from Nintendo. Even better news is that Sonic will return to his previous 2D best.
Having played the last (woeful) Sonic game, Sonic Unleashed, the game did have potential, but only when it returned to its roots of side scrolling platform gameplay. This announcement is a welcome return hopefully and one Sonic fans I’m sure will appreciate. I know I do.
Sonic 4 will be released this summer and below is the first trailer for the game.
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 please visit www.sega.com and for assets please visit www.sega-press.com.
This is great news! Sonic is back!
I’m pretty sure Sega did a good damn job this time around. And looking forward to see its full graphics that will blow us away.