SEGA unveils Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I (Previously Project Needlemouse)

At midnight (PST) on February 4th, SEGA unveiled Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, previously Project Needlemouse, on Gamespot. The game will be downloadable on Wii, PS3, and 360.

[Torkith]

Sonic 4 Confirmed!

[blu_yu_away]

Sure does look pretty.

[qface64]

soo... that's it?

[Torkith]

That's it? I was a kid when I played through Sonic 1,2,3 and Sonic&Knuckles when I first got my Sega Genesis. I still play them from time to time. Sonic 4 is a huge game for the fans that were kids. We're talking 16 years since Sonic 3, 19 years since the first Sonic. Unless your like 12... then you wouldn't really know would you?

Though granted I'm not a fan of the redesigned "cooler" Sonic look, at least it's Sonic 4 and it's gone back to it roots. Day 1 purchase for me regardless.

[baum]

Seems like a response to Megaman 9 and 10. Like they took a page from capcom's strategy or something. I hope it's not another failure like most recent Sonic games.

[sinncross]

I was somehow expecting 2D game with high res HD sprites.

That said, this looks like it could be fun though I am worried about the whole 'Episode' thing.

[Bilbo65]

How is this anything like megaman 9? they are using hd not the same retro sprites.
And Capcom wasn't first to create remakes u realize, people sure love comparing x game to y game here.

Anyway it looks great i grew up with sonic i am already hyped don't let me down Sonic!

[TheDeadMetalhead]

I'm sure Sega will find some imaginative way to f*** it up.

[asdr3wsfas]

This is a response to mario, not megaman 9.

Sega has failed trying to make a 3d successor to sonic for decades with the mass appeal of the originals. Nintendo decides to make 2d Mario and sells 10 million plus, dwarfing the sales of the 3d Mario titles. Sonic was the rival franchise to Mario and sold similarly in 16 bit days. Sega announces 2d sonic shortly thereafter.

[vhero]

Thank god they went back to old school for STH4 my sons gonna love this!

[MEsoJD]

i don't want to hype this game at all because of all the Disappointment Sega has caused me.

Well Sega Don't FCUK THIS UP!!!!!!!

[Mini Mario]

Hell yes! Not everything has to be 3D.

Hopefully more and more 2D games keep coming.

Sonic belongs in 2D. This is where he is the master. (next to mario)

[Jamegohanssj5]

Wait no flop? God damnit I lost.

TGSI

[Redempteur]

ok ok ok so far so good ..

2D check ..
hd check ...

argh downloadable only ?? ( i dislike this .. i 'd rather have a box )

Episodes ?? ( the first better be good and at a reasonable price ! )

How many level by episode ? How many episodes in total ?

it can't help but think that they will do a "sega" by trying to empty my wallet ...

[Rocket Sauce]

The "episode" thing bothers me. Looks like they're setting everybody up for milkage.

But I'm a sucker, so they've got my money - this looks sweet

[execution17]

yes i knew it, :) gonna be the first sonic game i'm going to buy since sonic adventure on the dreamcast

[AntoineDcoolette]

Hot damn sonic is back baby! Though, I too was expecting sprites O_o. Whatever! He's back in his side scrolling loop running glory!

[NateNater]

So basically Sega is doing what Nintendo did to the Mario series with Super Mario Bros Wii. Nice!

Its good to see Sega finally going back to its roots.

I'll be downloading Sonic 4 on my PS3 the very second it comes out!

[beardpapa]

All the Genesis Sonics were good except for the one on 32X and maybe Sonic CD. I liked the dreamcast Sonic Adventure but all the rest of the Sonics later sucked hard.

I hope this one returns to the 2D roots with high-def graphics of course.

[execution17]

and i thought sonic cd was the best sonic gave ever and the last best sonic game that came out

[THE MAX SPEED 21]

Hell yeahhhhhhhhhh

" Sonic 4 will be a 2D game with 3D visuals for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii and will be distributed as a downloadable game upon its release this summer"

We'll all get to play some good old scnic!

LMAO so that was the image! the speculation about the character featured on the cover was crazy and hilarious. I'm still dead @ the Pikachu one.

[LordMarius]

I guess Sega has decided to go back to its roots

[user858621]

and its about damn time!!

[mastiffchild]

Considering the demo for S:U showe ONLY the platforming, speedy Sonci and NO Werehog levels I'm pretty cerain Sega knew all along what people really liked and anted-finally they look happy to give it to us!

My missus is gong to go barmy over this. Absolutely dotty-even now she says she feels "dirty" playing Mario games and the fall from grace of Sega's mascot has actually, really embarassed her! This should be like pixellated soap for the girl!

[Theonik]

Buying this day 1, so glad my hopes came true!

[swiftshot93]

YAY!

[ahall88nhl]

Called it, like I guess everyone else did when project needlemouse was made public :p
Can't wait!

[Braineater2448]

Woo! Cant wait!!

[Gambit07]

Does anyone still care about Sonic?

[Braineater2448]

We hope that he can return to his glory days. Back when he was fun to play with!

[RH06]

This coming from someone with an 8bit avatar...LoL

[-MD-]

I need a better quality video than this one, how quickly does gametrailers put these vids up?

[Forbidden_Darkness]

Looks good, but i hope they add some new things to the olf formula, not like weresonic or anything, just something to add more...

[Fatal Blow]

Its a good thing sonic is going back to its roots never should have left that place any way lol looks like am getting this now well i still need to see the game play before i really go for it

[englandsbest316]

Welcome back Blue Blur :-)

Episodic too, first Sonic 4, then Sonic 4 & Knuckles?

Happy days either way.

[Sangria]

Sounds promising, I'm still dubious about the episodic way, but so far excepted Sonic's legs animations, I'm conquered.

[Arnon]

Yup. Totally called this. Freaking win.

[Mahr]

Thank goodness that it only took them fifteen years to get around to this.

[Noob]

Mortal Kombat needs to return to 2D. The game was more competitive and fun that way.

[koehler83]

Nickel and Diming confirmed!

[Optical_Matrix]

When there hasn't been a true sequel to Sonic 3 in donkeys years. Wth are you on about.

[Erotic Sheep]

I think he's talking about the episode thing, which I fully understand..

[Oztheboss]

THEY FINALLY GOT IT.

[Bodyboarder_VGamer]

When is this amazing game coming out?! Because I already know that it'll be amazing!

[Nugan]

I'm withholding judgment until they say how long each episode will be and how much they will cost. The interview seems to imply that the first episode will be equivalent to one of the original Sonic titles. Does that mean that it will have about 8-12 zones, like the originals? If so, that would be worthwhile. If it is only 2-3 zones for $10-15, count me out.

[BlackIceJoe]

I think this is great. I hope it just has Sonic, Knuckles & Tails none of the other ones. Those three are great.

Plus I hope this means Dr. Robotnic is back. I will never call him by that other name. Robotnic is who he is and will always be to me.

[BYE]

Why Episode 1?

If I buy it on PSN I want to play a full game, not only one episode!

[KeiKei]

wow you are stupid...

[CaptainPunch]

Looks like SEGA listened to the fans. I remember playing Sonic on the genesis, good old days. I hope it has multiplayer.

PSN ID - gfeud

[gumgum99]

Awesome trailer! now all is right in the multiverse. ^_^

[John_Dylan]

360 Xbox fans and PS3 fans all talking merrily in unison, all bonded by a link stronger than what many of the current generation can only laugh and sneer at; SEGA's one and only Sonic the Hedgehog.

[FragMnTagM]

Most of the time we are at each others necks over stupid things like slightly better graphics on a multi-plat game and so on. It is refreshing to see everyone get along for once.

[Sonic the Hedgehog]

your welcome *wags finger*

[pcz]

Download only!? I can't play it then. And im sure there are millions of others who will miss out because they don't have an internet connection.

Sega really are idiots.

The biggest con is, Sega will probably release the game on disc once all the episodes have been released online. Episodic? Its obvious Sega are just trying to milk gamers for profit.

Why don't they just release the game on solid media?

Sega haven't got a clue. They are going about things the wrong way (as usual.)

FAIL!

[PirateThom]

Yes, I agree, why release a $10 download when they can release the same game for $50 on disc.

Screw you, Sega!

[asdr3wsfas]

There are lower priced disc games out there. Bikini zombie slayers? Castle of Shikagimi 3? Spyborgs? Sky Crawlers? These are all deliberate budget titles that started at 30 or less. One price drop and some were 10 or less. I got spyborgs for 5 dollars, bikini zombie slayers for 10, castle of shikagimi 3 for 10, and sky crawlers for 30.

The disc is insurance that you can always play the game. One reason they like digital distribution is that if they stop supporting these systems in the future and your games die with your console you have to buy them again. This ignores selling them used.

I like having the disc because then a bunch of technocrati nerds who touch themselves when they talk about cloud computing don't control everything about the rights, license, and data I paid for.

[Redempteur]

exactly i relly want my disc ...

i actually bough sonic unleashed ps3 "used" so the damage i took was less than if i bought it "full price"

disc release are perfect ..you feel like you own the item ..

but anyway ..if this work .. sega won't hesitate to resell all the episodes on one disc ...

[pcz]

Release the game at a budget price.

Tatsunoko vs capcom is 25GBP. That is an excellent price!

Releasing a 'big' release like this as download only is foolish.

Unless of course its not 'big,' Maybe Sega don't have faith in their own game.

Download only... When will sega ever learn.

[poopsack]

so the biggest con, contradicts your first point, allowing you to play the game in that situation.. yet its the biggest con!?

[HINDERIZATION]

you make me lol sir.
bubbles to you!

[MK24ever]

Hyped to the roof, bring it on, many episodes please, I believe that gamer with around my age (28) are VERY excited with a new 2D REAL Sonic Game!!

[deno]

It seems true gaming is still alive. I have been waiting for this game for 15 yrs, and finally we get a real sequel. Sega your next game should be streets of rage 4 then shenmue 3.

[saint_john_paul_ii]

so this will be episodic. well. lets see if it works. as long as the gameplay stays to its roots then its all good. Im glad they went back to the basics. they took a step forward with that if they wanted Sonic to be popular again.

[GhostofHorizon]

They need to improve that running animation.. it looks rather retarded.. would have been better if they actually used the previous sprites, ALL of them looked better then these new "improved" ones.

[Auron]

I cant wait.

[jay2]

100 steps forward, 2 back (Being it's in eps and DL only, still getting it though).
Well got to just hope for Shenmue 3, Sonic Adventure 3, Crazy Taxi 3 please?

[Shendow]

Are going to eat my dust, miss the old style of Sonic, I got back an play Sonic 3 and Knuckles (My flavor one out of all the 2D Sonic games) Would go back an play Sonic Adventure for Dreamcast...But the controller slots don't work on the two Dreamcast I got sitting here.

[GFlipXD]

finally!!

[Sgt_Slaughter]

Wait, what else is it releasing on. There's a lock on a fourth spot next to WiiWare, XBLA, and PSN.

[pcz]

Sega are the kings when it comes to disappointment.

Episodic games is risky when coming from Sega, they are known to not 'deliver the goods.' See Shenmue.

Knowing Sega, they will probably shelf Sonic 4 halfway through the episodic content, leaving you with a game that will never be fully complete.

Did Sega not learn from Shenmue? I don't see why they can't just release Sonic 4 as a complete game.

FAIL!

[JosiahB]

My favorite Sonic games were those first three...I had hoped they would go back and make a 2D one like them some time and FINALLY they did...

[iforgotmylogin]

actually excited :P

sonic 4 wow feels like 92

savin 15$ for this lol

followin in capcomps footsteps i guess smart move

[ZeroX9876]

ok the episodic thing is not what I was thinking about, but if there is as much stages as in the original ones (sonic 1,2,3) then I'm all settled. Anyway, Sega is finally listening to the fans!!!!! thanks Sega!

[N4g_null]

Wow I starting to think that most gamers looking at this negatively may just hate old school gaming period. I remember when games like this ruled! Now if the old sega can bring back their arcade like games maybe they can make money again.

[WLPowell]

Interest is peaked to say the least.

[asdr3wsfas]

...there's new earthworm jim?

....THERE'S NEW EARTHWORM JIM?

[kesvalk]

i lol'ed XD

[maxcer]

wow, finally some old school 2D action everyone has been hoping for and all some of you can do is complain... no disc/download only/episodes. im convinced some of you are miserable and will never be happy. how else can you explain fanboy logic.

[Sonic the Hedgehog]

*crosses of Sonic 4 from New Years' Resolution checklist*

[AnotherGamerUser]

They are going the download route... Makes sense and saves money for sega by not having to press discs.

[HOSe]

so, its a remake of sonic the hedgehog 1? i support anything sega does, so this is a good idea. i guess?

[bigjclassic]

Will 360/PS3 fanboys actually buy this game over their Wii brethren?

[DelbertGrady]

Holy Macaroni! Summer is saved! Once and for all Sega is doing everything right!

[rob6021]

Sonic CD was the best one, how come they didn't include that in the video..

[HINDERIZATION]

that was a thrill ride to :D

[The_Devil_Hunter]

Finally!! Ive been sweating like a dog at a chinese restaurant for your Hedgehog @ss to show up!!

[OptimusC]

finally.

[SlaughterMeister]

This is how Sonic should have remained! The only half-ass good 3D Sonic game was Sonic Adventure for the Gamecube, and it still wasn't as good as Sonic 1&2. (I didn't like 3 much, it was OK.)

[kesvalk]

i just pray that sega don't find a way to destroy this too...

god! i am waiting for this damn game for what? 15 years?

go blue blur! GO!

[GaMeNe99A]

is the same than sonic rivals :(
edit : which is not good but you'll get used to it....

15 years waiting!! This sounds like a asian love movie where the separeted young lovers have the chance to live their forbiden love only 15 years later!!

[HINDERIZATION]

my childhood is slowly returning to me :D

[FelicityOldGamer]

I dont care about episode or what else...

I like so much old school sonic games...

:)

Games! That´s what matters!

PS: I am sorry for some problems with my english... it´s because I am a brazilian gamer , and my english it´s a little rusty.

[gumgum99]

Woah, this article is on the front page!!

Who said the franchise is dead in the water?! Because no dead franchise can rack these numbers with franchises like MAG and Heavy Rain in the pack!

[Athlon]

I like it going back to the old days with 2D and all, but I wish the graphics were better. Someone had posted this picture a while back. I would have loved the style in that pic more. I'm not knocking the Wii, but could it even produce those types of graphics for a 2D side-scroller? I mean it's the lowest common denominator of the three consoles. Wasn't sure if it held back the graphical prowess of what this game could have been.

[FF7numbaone]

yea! I just found on Steve urkel did sonic voice.

[nogolis]

Thank god it's a DL only... I wish Sega would do this with all of their gen games, actually. It might make me sway from the emulator scene even. This game will be a welcome adition to my other 60 + PSN games for sure... Reguarldess is it sucks or not... It's 2-d and I said as long as it's 2-d I'd buy it.... I'm not going back on my word.

[Double Toasted]

We have to wait until summer, FFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDD DDDDDGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Michael-Jackson]

They will find a way special way to ef it up like all their other sonic games (besides RUSH but they didn't even develop it) It was confirmed that this game will use six-axis and wii motion...is that a sign??? Episode? equal to Sonic 1 - Knuckles quality stages and game length? or just a % of the game to milk money but everything depends on the price.

I'm looking forward to this but I'm going to wait until 7.5+ reviews come out before buying.

[Majunior]

I've been waiting for this for a long time. This is greatest thing that could have happened to the Sonic series which has been downhill for awhile now. I'm getting this day one for sure. I can't wait! Sonic 4!

[SuperStrokey1123]

Awesome on so many levels!

[gumgum99]

and each of those levels contain 3 acts ^_^

[SuperStrokey1123]

lol good one! Bubbles!

[Braineater2448]

Hope they do this one right.

[GT FLYINGDOG]

Cant wait!!

[PS360PCROCKS]

Holy sh*t! Sega after what 10 years finally realized the fans want a 2D Sonic game? Bout damn time!

[skyblue14213]

It's been such a long time since I thoroughly enjoyed a sonic the hedgehog game, the last one that I enjoyed was sonic and knuckles on the sega genesis, although sonic mega collection plus is the last one from sega that I thoroughly enjoyed, but that game is a wonderful compilation of re-releases of past sonic the hedgehog games that were on the genesis so it does not count. I hope that this sonic the hedgehog game is like the sega genesis sonic the hedgehog games that I grew up with, if it is as good as those than I will definitely get this not too long after release. I just hope they don't divide the actual game to more than 4 episodes, and I think $5-$10 per episode sounds fair and reasonable, and lets hope that they don't make it as short as sonic 3 each episode. It is about time that sega woke up to their senses, lets just hope that they don't blow this golden opportunity.

[Cajun Chicken]

WOW!