Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I

For other uses, see Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (disambiguation).

File:Sonic4.jpg Logo from the official website.
Developer(s)	Sonic Team
Publisher(s)	Sega
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 (PSN), Xbox 360 (XBLA), Wii (WiiWare),
Release	Summer 2010
Genre(s)	Platformer
Mode(s)	Single Player

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (codenamed Project Needlemouse) is a 2010 episodic platform video game in development as part of the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and the Wii. It is targeted for release in 2010. The game was first announced September 9, 2009 and its official name was revealed on February 4, 2010. The game is also in development for one more unannounced platform, unofficially leaked to be the iPhone.

The game is a direct sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles and will be playable in high definition on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game will utilize motion controls on the Wii, and will also use the Sixasis motion controls for the Playstation 3. It is unknown if the PlayStation Motion Controller will also be used for the PlayStation 3 version of the game. The game returns to the roots of the Sonic series, and is strictly a 2D side-scrolling game rendered using 3D models; Sonic the Hedgehog will be the only playable character in the game.

Plot

The game follows the adventure of the series' main protagonist, Sonic the Hedgehog after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. Following the destruction of the Death Egg on Angel Island, Sonic takes a break and explores new territories by himself. However unknowingly his nemesis Doctor Robotnik had also survived their last encounter and is preparing a new trap to get rid of Sonic.

Gameplay

Sonic running through loops and collecting rings

The game will be a two-dimensional side-scrolling platformer reminiscent of the original Sonic games with an emphasis on speed. Players will control only Sonic the Hedgehog, using control mechanics such as the original spin dash and power-ups including Speed Shoes, and the game will also integrate the homing attack from more recent entries in the series. Players will be able to use the online leaderboards to compare their fastest times.

Marketing

The game's existence was first revealed in September of 2009 (the Dreamcast's 10th birthday NA) under the code name Project Needlemouse, with the release of a brief teaser trailer, and an interview with Sega's Ken Ballough who acknowledged that "old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay", and that "Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots". The codename is derived from Sonic's prototype name, Mr. Needlemouse, when he was being pitched by his designer Naoto Ōshima.

In an interview with Digitalgames.fr, Sega France spokesperson Franck Sebastien hinted that Project Needlemouse may be targeted for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

Character Countdown Challenge

On January 11, 2010, Sega of America began a "character countdown" on their blog. The countdown took the form of an image of the teaser video logo superimposed with a list of Sonic universe characters that may potentially have been playable in the game, and the proviso that "not all of them are going to make the cut". On each of the next four days, readers were invited to answer three trivia questions; provided enough replies with correct answers to each question were achieved, an updated image with certain characters ruled out would be posted each day, until Friday when only those to be playable would remain. It was also stated that should enough posts above this threshold be achieved on at least three days, readers would receive a bonus in the form of information about the game.

On each subsequent day, Sega updated the blog with a new image, in which two more names were stamped as "rejected". First to be excluded were Charmy and Chip, followed by Tikal and Vector, and then Shade and Amy Rose. In Friday's final update, only Sonic's name remained visible, making him the only playable character in the game as was speculated; the bonus was revealed to be concept art of Shellcracker, a badnik that previously appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and would be returning in Needlemouse. Also in the same blog post, Sega acknowledged fans' concerns about superfluous characters and the departure from the gameplay of earlier Sonic games:

Today, we are about to break the trend that has continued on for many years. To the thousands of you out there asking for a game where Sonic is the only playable character – rejoice. As of today, your wish has been granted. In Project Needlemouse, there will be no new characters – playable or otherwise. The focus will remain solely on one blue hedgehog.

Concept Art Challenge

File:Sonic 4 Concept Art.jpg

Concept Art for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 of the Badnik Motobug from the first Sonic game

On January 27, 2010, Sega updated their blog with a second (and final) challenge, and another piece of concept art (Motobug, the first badnik encountered in Sonic 1). The challenge was in response to a fan-made illustration of another badnik from Sonic 2 (designed to resemble the official art), which apparently staff liked a lot. To this end, Sega stated that they wished to see more: the new challenge was for fans to submit over 100 pieces of their own art of classic badniks (from Sonic 1-3 and Knuckles, and any other game from that era) to SEGA by the following Monday, to show them which enemies they wished to feature in Project Needlemouse. Sega stated that if this number was met, the following week they would reveal the game's real name, concept art from the first zone, and "a very cool extra bonus". The blog provided advice on methods of creating illustrations and how to submit them, and stated that the best submissions received would be published. Sega stated that this was the final community challenge, and one of the last times that the game's codename would be used. Finally, Sega left some parting words:

Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse.

In a subsequent blog Sega stated that over 350 pieces of artwork had been submitted within 48 hours, and in recognition of this achievement the following week would be "the Week of the Hedgehog" (beginning on February 2, "Hedgehog Day"), featuring further information and art, and a merchandise giveaway as well as its actual name (to be announced later in the week). As a footnote and to address some commentators' concerns, Sega stressed that despite featuring old badniks, Needlemouse would be an "all-new adventure" and not an HD remake of Sonic 1.

On February 2, as well as showcasing some more concept art, they updated the front page of Sega of America's website with a short flash animation which featured a sample of music from the game, remiscent of old Mega Drive sounds. The game's proper title was revealed on February 4, 2010, as Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Episode 1.

External links

• Official Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Website
• SEGA America Blog | Project Needlemouse