All-new 2D Sonic rolling out in 2010

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpotPosted Sep 8, 2009 7:18 pm PT

Sega teases "built from the ground up" HD 2D adventure--code-named Project Needlemouse--that aims to return to original game's speed-oriented play; teaser trailer inside.

Project Needlemouse's mysterious debut.

Since he debuted nearly two decades ago, Sonic the Hedgehog has been Sega's mainstay mascot. Today, the Japanese publisher revealed that it is working on an all-new reinvention of the titular spiny spinner by taking him back to his two-dimensional roots.

The new game, code-named Project Needlemouse, will debut sometime next year on as-yet-unidentified consoles. So far, the only glimpse of the game has come via a mysterious teaser trailer, which only shows the outline of the new look of the hero at the end.

"Speed returns in an all new 2D adventure built from the ground up" declares the teaser trailer, before showing a blue blur zipping across the screen scooping up golden rings. Accompanying it is a litany of sound effects and visual cues from the first Sonic the Hedgehog, who launched worldwide in the summer of 1991 on the Sega Genesis system.

Since then, the character has helped launch all of Sega's systems until its last, the Dreamcast, went on sale 10 years ago. In the years since that console's implosion, Sonic has appeared on all its former rivals' consoles in dozens of games and has undergone several high-profile reboots. The most recent games to feature him were last fall's Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, and Sonic Unleashed, which was better reviewed on the Wii than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Speaking with GameSpot, Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough confirmed that Project Needlemouse will feature HD graphics. He also said the game's concept was a response to "old-school Sonic fans" who "have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay." For more details, check out GameSpot's full interview with Balough.

686 Comments

  • SuperSonic2009

    Posted Dec 2, 2009 7:57 am PT

    I have to agree with ChiefSonic... I'd really rather see another game modeled after Sonic Adventure than a new 2D one. -shrugs- Guess it's their choice, though. At least the old-school fans are happy.

  • ChiefSonic

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:01 pm PT

    You know, i know sonic team idea why there making in 2D, But why not 3D?? Go back to the games with Sonic adventure games with the 3D, those games were the best

  • SuperfastSonic

    Posted Oct 19, 2009 8:03 am PT

    That's a teaser all right. It has way more questions than answers.

  • Spongeskeeter

    Posted Oct 19, 2009 2:04 am PT

    Great, now if Sega would just hire me to work for them I'd make this a really good Sonic game. How come you ask? because I've read quite a few forums/boards/posts about sonic games to know what the fans want. (kidding, I don't really want to work for them)

    Hey! There's an idea for you guys Sega! Just listen what the fans want in a game then the next Sonic game will be awesome! *makes a sarcastic smile scary enough to send you nancy boys at Sega packing home... I said nancy boys...

  • Xanth93

    Posted Oct 12, 2009 7:45 pm PT

    I hope this doesn't fail. Sonic 06 and Sonic Unleashed both sucked horribly.

  • chuckytiffany

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 2:59 pm PT

    This better not be my idea. Cause I came up that they should make a 2d sonic game with all his current abilities (homing attack, light dash, speed boost, etc.), Better controls, Reduce characters to Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, and Eggman. I will Buy it though. I hope it is not like the gay-ass Sonic 06.

  • gamedude2009

    Posted Sep 22, 2009 6:31 am PT

    @ Vandalay16: Yeah, the lyrics are very annoying. I conpletely agree with your statement.

  • Vandelay16

    Posted Sep 15, 2009 11:56 pm PT

    All I want is Sonic Tails Knuckles and Robotnik as the main characters, bring back special stages and the Super Sonic theme from Sonic 2 and I will be happy. Also great music with NO lyrics I want awesome catchy tunes.

  • Darkmoone1

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 5:42 pm PT

    @neokids That's like saying why Bowser should'nt be in every Mario game....makes no sense.

    Anyway, Im wondering what the Special stages in particular might be like.

  • neokids

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 3:36 pm PT

    Ugh, everytime I hear Sega wanting to re-invent Sonic, I think of Sonic the Hedgehog for Xbox 360 / PS3. That title has pretty much scarred me for life, and it didn't get any better with Sonic Unleashed. And please...listen to everyone here when they say...do not bring back Eggman as a boss. He's been defeated so many times, it makes me wonder why I should buy the next game when he's going to be there again.

  • PlayTogether

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 12:30 pm PT

    I really can't wait for this. PLEASE MAKE IT JUST LIKE THE ORIGINALS!

    I'd love to see a new 2D Streets Of Rage in HD, me and my mates used to love that back in the day!

  • scabsandashes

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 12:18 pm PT

    sonic was never a good 3d game, i mean if u had played it on its own merit without the love of the originals the first one that came out on dreamcast would have been a bareable pass but now its just junk. im actually looking forward to this baby tho

  • Franzkill

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 12:05 pm PT

    @S1vi0 The trailer confirmed that it is an ALL NEW sonic adventure bulti from the ground up so highly unlikely that it will be a remake of any of the classic Sonic games.

  • Franzkill

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 11:57 am PT

    I'm confident abaout this one. Sonic Unleashed was more than a step in the right direction and proved that Sonic still had some life in him yet.

    As long as this doesn't mean an end to 3D Sonic games though I'll be happy. Still waiting for a TRUE Sonic Adventure 3

    *Sends cookies to SEGA wanting Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 on XBLA

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 6:12 am PT

    they should put the original ones on psn/xbl

  • MERGATROYDER

    Posted Sep 14, 2009 12:16 am PT

    Give me Sonic for the Dreamcast as a digital download on either the PSN or XboxLive and it will surely be purchased within minutes. That was a great 3D version of Sonic. I am hoping this next title proves that Sega still has it for the Sonic series.

  • xemnas_kh64

    Posted Sep 13, 2009 7:50 pm PT

    Although I agree most 3D Sonic games are pretty bad, anyone remember Sonic Adventure 2 Battle?

    Wasn't that bad...

  • AniMazter

    Posted Sep 13, 2009 5:15 pm PT

    Wow, I applaus Sega for making this valiant attempt. It may not work, but they are trying what sonic is made for, not a mario copycat...

  • Scazzar

    Posted Sep 13, 2009 1:35 pm PT

    As much as I excited to hear about a new 2D Sonic (and maybe other franchises will get the hint that you don't need 3D to be successful ahem Castlevania) I have to agree with Glade Gnarr, this will be some other stupid idea that makes absolutely no sense for the Sonic franchise.

  • senorbusyman

    Posted Sep 13, 2009 1:35 pm PT

    Dont SCREW this SEGA!!!

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