Feb 4, 2010
Today Sega announced the “Project Needlemouse” they’d been teasing for the last few months to be Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, a 2D game with 3D modeled visuals. Via an interview with GameSpot and a website loaded with time-locked menu items, Sega’s breaking the silence on their new downloadable game.
“Needlemouse” being the code name for Sonic when the original Genesis game was being pitched, most folks expected a Sonic game of some sort.
As it happens, this game is reported to return to the series’ roots with Sonic as the only playable character. Picking up after Sonic & Knuckles, as indicated by the “episode 1″ in its name, this will be a new and ongoing story arc for the hedgehog.
Associate brand manager Ken Balough told GameSpot, “As mentioned, I think the best way to view it is as a first part in a much larger adventure. When Sega released Sonic 3, ultimately it was the part 1 of a story that saw its conclusion in Sonic & Knuckles. In that same spirit, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a bigger story, and this is that first chapter. I think it’s also safe to say that by the end of the episode one, fans will be very excited to see what’s in store for episode two!”
While a firm date hasn’t been announced yet, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is slated for release this summer for PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE and WiiWare.
Meanwhile, check out the teaser trailer from Sega and get ready for what could be a great return to form – something we’ve said about a bunch of Sonic games before now, so let’s not get our hopes up.
Ha. People have been asking for this for over TEN years. If it was any other brand, we wouldn't care anymore.
I love that last picture for this thing. It's so wildly appropriate.
I don't care. Bitch all you want. THIS is what I wanted from every new Sonic since Sonic Adventure.
And since they've already gone out of their way to announce there there will be NO other playable characters besides Sonic - I am already sold on this one.
Downloadable Game of The Year. I'm calling it now!
It's got my attention at least, but I'm not going to commit to cautious optimism yet, because the Sonic Cycle has indeed been a real thing for gosh how many consecutive games now.
The only game that allows for hope is the memory of Sonic Rush, which was a very good 2D Sonic Game.
The only game that allows for hope is the memory of Sonic Rush, which was a very good 2D Sonic Game.
Yeah what the hell were they thinking with that run animation?
The only game that allows for hope is the memory of Sonic Rush, which was a very good 2D Sonic Game.
So, how long is an episode? That's something I'll like to know.