Sega drops Project Needlemouse moniker – Renames game Sonic 4

Posted By: Sean Marks

Having discovered that no one would know what the hell “Project Needlemouse” actually referred to, SEGA announced early this morning that it’s new 2D side-scrolling game would be named, from here on out: Sonic 4 Episode I (The Phantom M– oh wait.  sorry).  Okay so we all knew it was going to be Sonic 4, right?.  I mean it didn’t take a genius to figure out what SEGA was really up to.  Nevertheless, SEGA has put all of our fears of a Tales/Knuckles only game to rest, officially stating the return of the little blue speed-demon to the 2D perspective he was made for.

In a quote taken from SEGA America’s Blog: “As promised, the time is finally here. On February 4th, 2010, after two huge Community challenges and a massive amount of support from our fans, SEGA is proud to unveil the real name behind Project Needlemouse -  so we’ll get right to it. As of this moment, it is official – the game’s name will be: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1.”

And now the latest teaser trailer for Sonic 4:

Staying painfully true to the definition of a “teaser”, the trailer does little to clue us in on where Sonic will be going or who will be joining him on his adventure. All of this is set to be “unlocked” on the official site as the game’s release date draws closer. As for that release date, summer 2010 is all we get for now.

After so many missteps for the blue hedgehog, it’ll be nice to see him get back to what he’s always done best.

Official Announcement: SEGA America Blog
Official Website: Sonic 4: Episode 1