Revealed: Project Needlemouse is Sonic the Hedgehog 4

SEGA has just announced that “Project Needlemouse”, long rumored to be a new Sonic the Hedgehog title is indeed Sonic 4: Episode 1. Being the first Sonic the Hedgehog game to return the series to its 2D roots, Sonic 4: Episode 1 is the first of several episodic titles planned for release.

Sonic 4 will deliver a new story arc to the Sonic franchise, picking up where Sonic & Knuckles left off.

Asked what they meant by “episodic”, Sega’s 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!"

The new sonic is expected to feature traditional 2D sonic mechanics like spin dash, power sneakers with added moves like a homing attack. Perhaps Sonic doesn't have to die, after all.

The game will be heading towards the PSN, Xbox Live Arcade and WiiWare this coming summer, but no plans have been revealed for any PC or Steam-based release. Pity, that.