Switch Lights

The lights are on

GameInformer

What's Happening

Necro commented on GRIML0CK122's post about re: Arkham City Still Contains A Few Undiscovered Secrets.
archangelus76 commented on Ben Reeves's post about Weekend Warrior 05/18/12.
empty gesture commented on Kyle Hilliard's post about Arkham City Still Contains A Few Undiscovered Secrets.
awesomninja133 commented on Kyle Hilliard's post about Arkham City Still Contains A Few Undiscovered Secrets.
F1rsTag commented on Kyle Hilliard's post about Mark Hamill Returns To Joker Role After Claiming Retirement.
Hoggish_Greedly commented on KrAzY_CoNmAn_PR's post about re: Arkham City Still Contains A Few Undiscovered Secrets.
Aaron commented on KrAzY_CoNmAn_PR's post about re: Arkham City Still Contains A Few Undiscovered Secrets.
Thepurplebubble commented on Daryl's post about re: What If the Next Mario Game Looked Like This Stop Motion Video?.
svahol146 commented on Kyle Hilliard's post about Mark Hamill Returns To Joker Role After Claiming Retirement.
Sepewrathv1 commented on Jim Reilly's post about E3 2012 Press Conference Schedule.
Sepewrathv1 commented on The End117's post about re: E3 2012 Press Conference Schedule.
Sepewrathv1 commented on mizzou852's post about re: E3 2012 Press Conference Schedule.
Sepewrathv1 commented on Kyle Hilliard's post about Mark Hamill Returns To Joker Role After Claiming Retirement.
Jose Castaneda-h commented on Dan Ryckert's post about Super Replay: Half-Life: Episode 6.
YodaUnleashed commented on Dan Ryckert's post about Super Replay: Half-Life: Episode 6.

Project Needlemouse Is Sonic 4 Episode 1

News

by Tim Turi on February 04, 2010 at 11:23 AM

8,281 Views

105 4

Finally the curtain has been drawn back! Project Needlemouse is, in fact, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1. This 2D side-scrolling downloadable title is a return to Sonic’s roots, a true sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles. Pretty much everyone is invited to the return of Sega’s mascot, as the game is hitting the Wii, PS3, and 360 this summer.

Sonic has always been about speed, but it’s no mystery that the blue blur’s sprint into 3D-platforming came a little prematurely. With the strong downloadable market allowing less technically-demanding games to see the light of day, now is the perfect time for Sonic to return to the fundamentals that made the series great. Sega has even launched a brand new site for the game that will be rolling out more news periodically.

Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough recently revealed to GameSpot that though Sonic 4 will have HD graphics, the gameplay is all old school. Expect all of Sonic’s old tricks such as the spin dash and power sneakers to return in all their glory. Additionally, the Wii and PS3 versions (think Sixaxis) will incorporate motion control.

As previously hinted, the first zone of the game looks a lot like Green Hill Zone, which is a good thing. Dr. Eggman (still want to call him Robotnik) returns with his look from the more recent games. Sonic also retains the makeover he's had since Sonic Adventure, complete with green eyes. I remember when Sonic just had black eyes... you can't have it all, I guess.

I couldn’t be more excited for my favorite childhood video game character start to reclaim his lost glory. We’ve been through some dark times, buddy, but I’m happy as hell you’re back!

Source: Sega Blog

Email the author Tim Turi, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.

Filed under: News, Wii, Nintendo, Sony, Xbox 360, Microsoft, Playstation 3, Sega, Sonic, project needlemouse, Tim Turi's Dream Come True, sonic the hedgehog 4 episode 1

Comments

sort by date:

by Vote 4 Pedro Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Very exciting!!! ...although the thought of motion control for the Wii on this game scares me.
Staff

by Andrew Reiner Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:35 AM

"I couldn’t be more excited for my favorite childhood video game character start to reclaim his lost glory. We’ve been through some dark times, buddy, but I’m happy as hell you’re back!"

This made me hurl.
by ps2freak Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:38 AM

This is the first Sonic game I've actually cared about in years.
by Sean Lowery Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:41 AM

Here's hoping they put it on the portables, too. I was definitely a Genesis kid, which apparently Reiner was not.
by Thedeadestspace Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:41 AM

I can't wait (to read the review before I play it).

I have high hopes for this, but Sonic's let me down before/
by Matthew B Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:44 AM

sega will add something very lame to this game
by Vote 4 Pedro Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:44 AM

@ Reiner:

ROFL
by Drade... that Guy.... Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:45 AM

Hehe I don't know what to say to this. I didn't have a Genesis I had the other one what was it called oh yeah SUPER NINITENDO... but doesn't this seem like a copy of Nintendo's move with the recent release on the Wii.... I guess not however this could be fun only if I get my hands on the other 3.
by gamergirl89 Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:45 AM

OMG!!!!!!!! I can't wait for this! I don't know which sytem I should get it for ps3 or wii???
by gamergirl89 Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:47 AM

That reminds me to dowload sonics 1-3 onto my wii
by WudUKindly(o)A Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:53 AM

awesome...wow am i the only one who actually has some fond memories of sonic adventure that game was beautiful...
by Juan R Rodriguez Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:55 AM

I always like SONIC, but when it was released 3D style (Dreamcast, PS3, XBOX) i dint like it anymore. But finally the company its doing what the fans want, and its old school SONIC with better graphics, that is AWESOME. Cant wait to PLAY IT.
by Gili Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:55 AM

I am thrilled to see this. Ideally, none of the Sonic characters will speak either. That really dampened the experience, too.
by Synista1 Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:56 AM

I guess this is Sega's apology
by Trey Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 11:58 AM

I remember when my grandma bought me a Genesis, Sonic 3, and the Knuckles expansion thing from a yard sale. This is seriously nostalgic.
by Katosepe Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 12:08 PM

Thank you!! I grew up with Sonic the Hedgehog (number 2 was my first video game) and it's been painful to watch his downfall. Hopefully this can remind people what makes Sonic so great.
by Ghostpig Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 12:08 PM

"Filed under Tim Turi's dream come true?"

Oh, cochon! Dude, if I'm ever in Minny I'm taking you to a bar and getting you trashed with a bunch of girls. You need to expand your horizons, podnah.
by Vwgti303 Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 12:12 PM

Huh, couldn't care less...if I did, I'd probably stop showering and wearing pants.
by TURTLESinTIME Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 12:14 PM

YES!!! ABOUT FRICKEN TIME THEY STOP PUTTING OUT CRAPPY SONICS AND GO BACK TO AWSOMENESS!!
by Wampa King Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 12:29 PM

YES!!!

FINALLY!

It's about time we get another good sonic game that's back to it's roots.