Sega Unveils Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1

At long last, Sega has revealed exactly what Project Needlemouse is. We've all known it would be a Sonic game, with hopes it would return to the roots of the series, and today Sega answered with the reveal of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1.

As the name implies, there will undoubtedly be multiple episodes. The first episode is due out on PSN, Xbox Live Arcade and Wiiware in the summer, with no word about future episodes. The game, like the original Sonic games, will be side scrolling, but this time with 3D graphics backing it up.

In an Q and A about the announcement with Gamespot, Sega associate brand manager, Ken Balough, confirmed many of the traditional Sonic game mechanics will be reprised, say, "Spin dash, power sneakers, etc. But you will also see the homing attack added, and in true Sonic fashion, you can compete with your friends for the fastest level times through leaderboards."

Check out the teaser trailer below.