SEGA Unveils Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 for Wii
Previously Project Needlemouse, SEGA is bringing a new classic Sonic to Wii
Today SEGA unveiled a sequel to 1994's Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic and Knuckles, titled Sonic the Hedgehod 4 Episode 1. The game is set to launch this summer on WiiWare for download.
The game, previously codenamed Project Needlemouse, will bring the Sonic franchise back to its 2D roots. This announcement comes as a relief to many fans after SEGA has struggled to have success with 3D Sonic games.
The game's storyline is set after 1994's Sonic & Knuckles, now available for download on Virtual Console. Sonic will be the only playable character in the new game.
As the name suggests, SEGA plans to release future titles in the Sonic series episodically. No word yet on how many episodes SEGA plans to release.
See the first trailer for the game below.
Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough explained to GameSpot why they decided make Sonic a downloadable game:
"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."
Balough also explained what their goals in terms of graphics for Sonic 4 were:
"One of our goals was to make a gorgeous-looking 2D Sonic game. This approach allows fans new and old to see what a 2D Genesis-style game would look like today with modern graphics. "
Balough did confirm the Wii version of Sonic 4 will "be able to use motion control" and run at 480p resolution.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 is set to release on WiiWare this summer.