Trebor

"SEGA has announced Sonic 4: Episode I. It is, as GameSpot reports, a 2D downloadable game with 3D visuals.

The announcement is part of the Project Needlemouse build up SEGA has been pushing since last September 2009. "Needlemouse" refers to Sonic's codename when the game that would become Sonic The Hedgehog was initially being pitched.

While teasing this Project Needlemouse project, SEGA has stated that the game is a return to Sonic's 2D roots and that the blue hedgehog will be the only playable character.

The game will pick up after Sonic & Knucles, but, as "Episode I" indicates, this is a new story arc.

When asked if this means the title is episodic, associate brand manager Ken Balough told GameSpot: "As mentioned, I think the best way to view it is as a first part in a much larger adventure. When Sega released Sonic 3, ultimately it was the part 1 of a story that saw its conclusion in Sonic & Knuckles. In that same spirit, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a bigger story, and this is that first chapter. I think it's also safe to say that by the end of the episode one, fans will be very excited to see what's in store for episode two!"

So that's a "yes" to episodic Sonic?

The game will feature traditional Sonic mechanics like spin dash, power sneakers and whatnot, but also an added "homing attack".

Sonic 4: Episode I will be heading to the PSN, Xbox LIVE Arcade and WiiWare this summer. It's possible to use motion control with the Wii version and SIXAXIS controls with the PS3 version."

Source: Project Needlemouse Is... Sonic 4, Episode I - Top - Kotaku

So after 10 years it seems like Sega finally listened to it's fans! I'm not so sure about the whole episodic thing but as long as they don't charge say 800MS for the first episode and it not being a full size game (like Sonic 1, 2 and 3 etc) I'll be happy.

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InsaneNutter

Im not gonna get my hopes up, but its not 3D so thats a +1 allready

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Slaz

I'm not entering the hype train yet, for now it looks like the Sonic Team finally got the freedom to listen to their fans and put some love and nostalgia in a Sonic game again. If the quality of this will be alright, then I'll see this as Sonic's answer to New Super Mario Bros!

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Slaz - T3h K!ng 0f C4rr0tus
Are you playing Jazz Jackrabbit 2? If so talk to me whenever you want so that we can 'roast' a few. ;p
Also add me on Xbox Live if you want to play some GoW, UT3, or Halo3.
Epic and CliffyB, we want a new Jazz3!!
Jazz2Online - Haze's Hideout - Tux Masters

Assassin

I'm wondering how the episode thing will work out. Hopefully they'll throw it on Steam some times as well, along with Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Sonic CD, Sonic R and Sonic 3D, but probably not..

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Dark Scyth

It will probably be 800MSP as its never been released before and Sonic 1, 2, and 3 were released a long time ago (obviously). I honestly can't say I like the look. I'd prefer it to look like the classic sonics, it just looks sorta stupid in my opinion.

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Slaz

I didn't like the graphical looks for New Super Mario Bros either, it's the gameplay that made me enjoy it. And I agree with this for Sonic as well, I just like the 90's cartoony look for platform characters, all those characters including Megaman and Jazz Jackrabbit had influences from 80's and 90's cartoons. But obviously, anime and CGI animation has changed that and games have to follow that trend..

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Slaz - T3h K!ng 0f C4rr0tus
Are you playing Jazz Jackrabbit 2? If so talk to me whenever you want so that we can 'roast' a few. ;p
Also add me on Xbox Live if you want to play some GoW, UT3, or Halo3.
Epic and CliffyB, we want a new Jazz3!!
Jazz2Online - Haze's Hideout - Tux Masters

BabaJaga

I am looking forward the release!! Juhu! I hope, Sonic 4 will be like NewSuperMario for NDS. Finally no 3D-Jump'n'Run Shit!!

InsaneNutter

Im looking foward to no more walking about a city talking to random people who want you to do random crappy tasks just to make the game a few hours longer. Sonic was never supposed to be an rpg!

If this game some how ends up with RPG elements ill never buy another Sonic game again! High hopes here as Sega are going back to what they did best, 2D Sonic.

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Assassin

I still need to play Sonic Heroes. I've had it for a while, never really played it..

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BabaJaga

Or just take a look at Jack & Daxter trilogy (PS2). First part was a nice (ok ok, 3D) jump'n'run. But then, the second and third part. Suddenly it was a GTA SciFi clone.. with weapons, vehicles, open city... nonsense².

Imo jump'n'runs should stay jump'n'runs. Sonic, Mario and other should be sidescroller.

That is the reason, i hopefully wait for Sonic 4!

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