Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Announced, Detailed

It’s finally confirmed that after years of revamping, re-inventing and otherwise defiling Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega is just giving up and going back to its roots with Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Episode 1. The game, formerly codenamed “Project Needlemouse,” is a back-to-basics sequel for the Sonic franchise, with all the high-speed 2D platforming you remember from the Sega Genesis. Sonic 4 will be available for download this summer over Xbox Live, WiiWare, the Playstation Network and possibly the iPhone. I say that because there’s one empty slot in the trailer video next to the WiiWare icon, shaped kind of like an iPhone, with a lock and question mark inside.

The new trailer shows a few seconds of in-game footage, and aside from the 3D sprites, the scene looks a lot like Green Hill Zone from the original Sonic. The eponymous main character is shown bouncing on couple returning enemies from the first game, collecting rings and running through a corkscrew. Also of note is the interface: Lives, score and a clock that counts upwards will all be part of the new adventure. No idea what Sega’s getting at with episodic content. If you must know more, keep an eye on Sonic 4′s official Web site, which is loaded with countdown clocks. [Sega via Pixelated Geek]