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Sega Unveils 2D Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Posted February 4, 2010 by James Brightman

A 2D Sonic had been previously discussed as "Project Needlemouse," but today Sega finally shed some more light on the upcoming Sonic game. The 3D Sonic titles have been mostly disappointing over the years, and Sega has acknowledged that the quality of Sonic is something that needs to be addressed. Today, the publisher released new information on the next Sonic, which would seem to indicate that Sega's moving in the right direction with the franchise finally.

Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough revealed to GameSpot that Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is now slated to launch this summer on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii as a downloadable title. The game will be 2D, but feature 3D visuals.

Sonic fans will no doubt eat this up

Balough commented, "I think one aspect to keep in mind is this game is truly a labor of love. A lot of us grew up on the Sega Genesis console; in fact, I remember vividly the first day I got mine with Revenge of Shinobi and Moonwalker. Ever since Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has been a game classic Sega fans have always wanted to see. It was the right people, at the right time, getting together and finally making this game we've all wanted to see. While the game is a brand-new adventure, it will definitely pick up after Sonic & Knuckles. However, what you are looking at is the beginning of a new story arc."

Balough noted that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will definitely offer some old-school gameplay with many of Sonic's classic moves, and the music will be an "evolution" from the original series. The XBLA and PSN versions will offer beautiful 1080p visuals, while the Wii will naturally only support 480p. 

As for why Sega is going the downloadable route, Balough explained, "In recent years, we've seen a huge surge of classic game properties making a return in this arena. [Downloadable] games offer players a chance to play terrific games without breaking the bank. It's also a promise to Sonic fans. We're going to deliver a Genesis-era Sonic game as if it were created today that goes to the core of what classic Sonic fans desire. This means [the fan] gets to judge us on our work each step of the way, and we plan on delivering that goal in a big way.

Although this title is utilizing digital distribution, Sonic is not necessarily abandoning retail, Balough stressed. "Sonic as a brand is definitely not moving away from our packaged console versions. Making Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 for download is just a new way to offer a great Sonic experience through a different medium," he said.

Update: Sega of America has now issued a press release. The game is described as follows: "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I, the first Sonic game developed exclusively for download, brings back the adventure that Sonic fans have been waiting 16 years for.  It will offer the classic Sonic moves that fans love including Spin Dash and Rolling Attack and will also feature Homing Attack, all in beautiful CG rendered environments. Packed with special stages, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I will take players through a variety of different Zones, inspired by the Genesis-era style. Longtime fans will not be disappointed as they face some intense boss battles against everyone’s favorite villain – the always devious and evil – Dr.Eggman."

James Brightman has been covering the games industry since 2003 and has been an avid gamer ever since the days of Atari and Intellivision. He was previously the EIC of GameDaily Biz.