Project Needlemouse is Sonic the Hedgehog 4

The previously codenamed Project Needlemouse has had its real name announced today, and oh boy, does it make me happy. Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Episode I. Yep, Sonic 4. Yep, episodic Sonic. Yep, I'm super excited.

The game is a sequel to the Mega Drive/Genesis series of iconic Sonic games, more specifically a direct sequel to 1994's Sonic and Knuckles. Only took sixteen years, but better late than never, Sonic Team?

The game will be a Mega Man 9 style HD restoration of the 2D platformer, starring only Sonic (as you read here: Project Needlemouse Will Only Star Sonic), and a real emphasis placed back on speed.

The plot of the game also seems wonderfully simple, similar to the 16-bit games, easily summed up in only three sentences: "With the Death Egg finally destroyed, and Angel Island back in the sky, Sonic decides it's time to take a break and heads off to explore a new territory on his own. However unbeknownst to Sonic, Eggman has also survived their last encounter, and has begun taking measures to rid himself of our hero. Armed with his signature Speed, super Spin Dash - and powerful Homing Attack, Sonic is ready for an all-new adventure! " No werehogs, no human-on-hedgehog kissing, no origin stories, no bullshit. Just blissful Sonic, as simple as it should be.

A new teaser trailer accompanyed the announcement, showing roughly three seconds of ingame footage. Still worth watching, for sure. The trailer also reveals that the game will be XBLA as opposed to retail, and scheduled for release in the summer. To watch the trailer, check the external link below.

The game also has a new website (http://www.sonicthehedgehog4.com), which currently has a number of hidden information on it, and timers counting down towards new announcements. Keep your eyes peeled, hedgehog fans!