Sega have officially announced that its highly anticipated Project Needlemouse is in fact Sonic 4 – Episode 1.

The company announced that the new 2D Sonic title will be available for download via WiiWare during the summer and will also be available for download on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network.

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Sega’s highly exciting 2D Sonic project codenamed ‘Project Needlemouse‘  is said by the development team to do away with all the other playable characters that Sega have introduced to the franchise.

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Sega have announced a brand new 2D Sonic title codenamed “Project Needlemouse” scheduled for 2010.

Sonic it appears is making a more than welcomed return in 2D and HD thanks to Sega’s latest project. The game is currently going under the guise of “Project Needlemouse” though it should be mentioned that no specific consoles have been mentioned at present.

GS: Why did Sega decide to bring Sonic back to 2D? Did the success of Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure play a part?

KB: Old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay. Many liked the daytime stages in Unleashed, but wanted to see a game that plays purely similar to the early games of the Genesis. Project Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots.

GS: What can you tell us about the game?

KB: I can tell you it’s a brand new 2D adventure coming out in 2010, it’s in HD, and to definitely stay tuned.

GS: With HD makeovers of classic games being popular right now, can we expect the game to use chunky old school sprites or hi-res HD sprites?

KB: You can definitely expect HD graphics.

GS: Thanks for your time.

- Gamespot

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