Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

[Flawless]

Trailer:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicthehedgehog4episode1/video/6249444/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1-teaser-trailer?hd=0&tag=videos;sd;1

...

Gamespot

Sega has taken the wraps off Project Needlemouse, and the publisher is positioning the game as a proper sequel to the series' Genesis genesis and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, specifically. The publisher has released a new trailer for the game, revealing its official title: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1.

Sega debuted a trailer (viewable below) for the game, showing off the fourth proper installment of the iconic side-scrolling platformer star. The teaser starts with a retrospective of the series, gradually transitioning the memorable mammal's visage to a new HD version of Sonic, with waypoints at 1991 (the original Sonic), 1992 (Sonic 2), and 1994 (Sonic 3)

The trailer also revealed a few other details about the game, most notably its platforms and release window. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 will arrive this summer as a downloadable title on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii.

While diehard fans have oft-pleaded for a new 2D installment in the Sonic series, the publisher has for years pursued 3D projects and spin-offs. Most recently, the series has incorporated gameplay revolving around transmogrification in the critically panned Sonic Unleashed. The iconic hedgehog also tried out high-speed driving skills in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, and character progression in the BioWare-developed DS role-playing game Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood.

In an interview with GameSpot, Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough revealed a few more details about Sonic 4. Specifically, he said the game will pick up the series after Sonic & Knuckles, and incorporate established 2D gameplay mechanics for the series like the spin dash and power sneakers. Additionally, the game will incorporate leaderboards for players to test their speed against one another, and incorporate motion controls on the Wii and PlayStation 3 (with the Sixaxis controller, not necessarily the upcoming "Arc" motion controller.)

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 Q&A

The announcement of a new Sonic the Hedgehog game is always news, but with the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, the folks at Sega are taking a novel approach by marrying old-school Sonic gameplay and new-school delivery. 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. To learn more about what to expect from the game, we spoke with Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough.

[Hooe]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

DO WANT

...if it doesn't suck like every original Sonic game of the 2000s, that is.

[Admiral50]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

Reminds me of Sonic CD. Which was amazing!!

Yes I had a Sega CD... (runs and hides)

[CaptainZombie]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

It's about time they gave us a proper Sonic game since all the 3D versions were just not that great.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

Thank the Lord they didn't make another 3D sonic, I might actually play this one.

[Cyros]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

It's about time they gave us a proper Sonic game since all the 3D versions were just not that great.

They had a side scrolling Sonic game or two on the DS that seemed to be reviewed pretty well.

[spankdatazz22]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

Insta-buy. Hearing that autotune sounding "Sega" at the beginning brings back memories. I thought they were on the right track with Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast, but it was their trying to incorporate Sonic's friends that messed it up. Long as they don't make that same mistake they should have a winner on their hands

[Flawless]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

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[jmood88]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

I'll probably buy this when it comes out.

[WeLLWeLL]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

Looks great. Can't wait to fire it up.

[AUChase]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

This looks pretty cool. I still play the originals from time to time.

[tj1182]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

This looks good. I'll only get it if it's 800 points, I'm not paying 1200 points for an episodic game.

[Bellsprout]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

Oh look at that, there is a Santa Claus.

New Super Mario is one of my favorites, I imagine this will be as well. Day 1 buy, absolutely.

I can't remember the last time I was psyched for a Sonic game. It's been awhile.

[Flawless]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

IGN Preview

Sonic the Hedgehog 4's structure is also steadfastly traditional, with levels coming in sets of three and climaxing with a showdown with Dr. Robotnik. Snatch 50 rings in a stage and at its end there'll be the opportunity to enter a bonus stage that's ripped from the very first Sonic the Hedgehog, with a revolving maze housing a Chaos Emerald. There's a modern twist too; both the PlayStation 3 and Wii versions get motion control support as the maze can be rotated with a flick of the pad.

Sonic himself is also a blast from the past. His look in the game may well stem from the 3D generation of games, but his moveset harks back to earlier days. The only addition to the standard set of run, jump spin and spin attack is the homing dash that Sonic Adventure introduced and it's been well worked in to a 2D space, providing an invaluable tool when trying to chain airborne enemies in order to maintain speed. Likewise the power-ups are of the old order – speed-ups, shields and the trademark glittering invincibility were the only ones we witnessed, and we doubt there are any other outlandish additions that lay in wait.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 might feel familiar, but in truth it's better than we ever remember Sonic being. Levels flow together with a little more ease than the originals, and of course the HD refit sits perfectly with Sonic's bright visuals. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I's an advancement of the approach taken by the DS's excellent Sonic Rush games, no surprise given that it's Dimps that are undertaking the bulk of the development work with Sonic Team lending a helping hand. Some familiar names return, most notably composer Jun Senoue who provides some suitably sparky and hummable background music.

We've been here before, of course, and it's not the first time that a Sonic game has wowed at first glance only to disappoint further down the line. But, truly and genuinely, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is different, being the first game in some time to acknowledge why the series was so popular in the first place. Don't be surprised if it provides some sweet memories of its own when it comes out this summer.

New Screens

[Blzer]

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (Episodic and 2D)

Hopefully there is co-op with Tails. Sonic 3 was fantastic for this reason that you could have someone else be Tails and fly you places.