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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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See the first trailer for the game below.
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Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough explained to GameSpot why they decided make Sonic a downloadable game:
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"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."
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Balough also explained what their goals in terms of graphics for Sonic 4 were:
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"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. "
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Balough did confirm the Wii version of Sonic 4 will "be able to use motion control" and run at 480p resolution.
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Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 is set to release on WiiWare this summer.