Sonic is back. It’s really back, guys. Sega has officially announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is on its way to a downloadable release this summer. The game will sport 2D gameplay with 3D visuals.
According to Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough, “Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has been a game classic Sega fans have always wanted to see.”
I agree.
The game’s titled Episode 1 for a reason. The game will be episodic, sort of.
“I think the best way to view it is as a first part in a much larger adventure,” Balough told GameSpot, “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!”
All the Sonic classics are back. That means spin dash, power sneakers and more. Sega’s also added homing attack to the mix, as well.
The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will both run at 1080p while the Wii version will be 480p.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 will release for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii this summer.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 Q&A [GameSpot]
Ok, so everyone, besides me, was right. It is Sonic the Hedgehog 4! Even though Sonic games are not that great these days, this game might change that. I hope to see more!
I’m not impressed and not excited at all for this. I used to be a fan but, personally, I lost interest in Sonic by the 3rd game in the series on the Genesis. After that the game try to reinvent itself so many times that it started to get silly with all the extra characters and personas he’s had over the past 20 or so years.
Maybe the game will be good and surprise me. What vexes me, however, is the fact that they’re already planning more games. This normally doesn’t work out. Take Advent Rising for example. They had such lofty goals that the game was going to be such an epic quest that they had the entire trilogy on deck. I don’t like the fact that Sega is already planning sequels like people are going to like the game so much that they’ll feel compelled to continue with the other episodes.
Also, since when did Sonic games become known for their strong story element? Same with Mario. There’s no story, just a fat plumber that can transform into a flying raccoon saving a princess. And if there is a story they’re already telling us that they’re not going to give you the entire story in the first game. Can we assume it’ll be a trilogy or will there be like 10 episodes?
By the way if you haven’t heard of Advent Rising then my point has been proven that telegraphing a trilogy doesn’t always pan out.
I will admit I am excited for this! I am a big Sonic and Sega fan and after many failed attempts, its good to see Sonic going back to his roots.
Sega are obviously putting a lot of time and effort into this, I mean, over in the UK they have just now bought a Roller Coaster and are retheming it into a Sonic ride!!! This shows me that Sega are trying their hardest to get Sonic back on top like the good old days!
Definately going to be buying this.
Awesome…. Its a definite buy for me. Sonic was the first game I ever played.