Sonic Mixing HD Graphics with 2D Gameplay

While Sonic is still among the most beloved game characters of all time, many have felt that his more recent adventures have been ignominious. Sega of America's VP of Marketing Sean Ratcliffe even said to IndustryGamers that “the quality is something that will be fixed over time" with regards to the Sonic franchise.

Today, Sega revealed on the ten-year anniversary of the Dreamcast that they are working on a new Sonic title that will seek to placate long time fans of the series. Though precious few details were released, associate brand manager at Sega Ken Ballough confirmed that the game (code-named Project Needlemouse) will be 2D, presented in HD and will release in 2010.

"Old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay," said Ballough to GameSpot. "Many liked the daytime stages in Unleashed, but wanted to see a game that plays purely similar to the early games of the Genesis. Project Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots."

Sega has thrown about ideas for reviving the Sonic franchise before, so we're openly skeptical until we see the game in motion. Still, making the gameplay entirely 2D is a good first step.