'Project Needlemouse' is Sonic the Hedgehog 4; episodic on PS3, Wii and 360 this summer

It's long been known that "Project Needlemouse," announced by Sega last September, was the codename for a new 2D, console Sonic the Hedgehog title. It was subsequently revealed (much to our delight) that Sonic would be its only playable character, and we now know that the game will be, in fact, a direct sequel to 1994's Sonic & Knuckles on Sega Genesis. Not only that -- it'll be (wait for it) episodic.

We also know that the officially titled Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 looks like a proper Sonic game -- i.e., there's hope for it yet.

GameSpot, which has a first look at the blue bolt's new downloadable XBLA, PSN and WiiWare adventure, reports that "episode 1" will be available on all three platforms "this summer." Additionally, Sega confirmed to the site that the game will support online leaderboards and motion control on Wii and PS3 (Sixaxis for the latter; sorry, "Arc").

You can watch the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 after the break. What do you think?

Reader Comments (219)

You gotta be shitting me. Every time I try to reply to any other post it gives me the "you did it!" where it's supposed to send you an email (but doesn't), even though I'm registered.

FINALLY the sonic team comes to their senses. bravo, can't wait.

I know no one likes them, but I kinda hope SEGA does put some of the side characters back in. Not mandatory to play, but as optional play-types. I got a lot more milage out of Sonic 3&Knuckles _because_ I played each 3 times -- 1 for each available character in the game.

then again, if sega added shadow with his desert eagles as a playable character... meh

I'll tell you why this game is going to be bad. Its going to be bad because Sonic is still ugly like he was in every 3-D venture so far! MAKE HIM LOOK LIKE HE DID! All my hopes for this game are destroyed by this trailer. That running animation is terrible! You know something's wrong when the 1994 version of Sonic looks better (downgraded graphics and all) compared to new Sonic. This ruined my day.

This is gonna look so good in HD! This is what Sega should have been doing all along: Preserving core gameplay but advancing in graphics and features. COUNT ME IN!!

ARGHH OW IT BURNS!!! I want another good Sonic game...

I want to cry tears of manly joy.

...I WOULD cry them, if only Sega made Sonic's running animation not look like he's very slowly power walking

Oooh, this could actually be good!

The animation is kinda weird; it looks more like he's jogging than running.

I thought the same thing. When they were going through the years I was like YES!! FASTER!!!

Then....jogging? I figured I'd wait for gameplay, but even then he looked to be moving but sliding along if that makes sense. Hopefully that gets tweaked.

I'm actually very excited.

Anime sonic made me lose all interest.

I'm out.

Why did you even watch it?

Weirdo.

@SoshiKitai

Because I was anticipating this game hoping they were going back to Genesis-era graphics.

The game in this trailer looked slow and ugly compared to Sonic 3. Sonic 3D Blast should be a prime example as to why no Sonic game should ever use 3D sprites. Sonic Adventure should be a prime example as to why no Sonic game should ever be in 3D.

I hope this is good... and not a game where Sega says "OH IT'S SO GREAT!" and you buy it and say "THIS SUCKS!" And Sonic The Hedgehog (2006) people bought it only because of it's name (thinking that it's STH4). Bring back the good days of Genesis/Dreamcast! (Saturn had no major Sonic game.)

Still looks like Pikachu in a Sombrero.

Cool! Definitely getting this!

It seems kind of odd that they would have this as a downloadable game only. I would have thought it would get a lot more hype, exposure and visibility as a full retail release. After all, New Super Mario Bros. has shown that 2D platformers are alive and well and as popular as ever.

What of Sonic Adventure 3 Battle 2?

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'Project Needlemouse' is Sonic the Hedgehog 4; episodic on PS3, Wii and 360 this summer

Reader Comments (219)

Posted: Feb 4th 2010 3:45PM bm111 said

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