Sonic the Hedgehog Returning to 2D
Sega is hinting that a new Sonic game is in the works, however this time the game will revert back to 2D side-scrolling action with HD visuals.
Gamespot reported earlier this morning that Sega has a new Sonic the Hedgehog game in the works. While the news isn't entirely exciting due to recent titles released over the last few years, the fact that Sega plans to return the franchise to its 2D roots may actually bring the sparkle back into the hedgehog's fancy footsteps. Code-named Project Needlemouse, the upcoming game is slated for unspecified platforms sometime next year.
Details are not available at this time, however Sega decided to tease Sonic fans with a new trailer indicating that "speed returns in an all new 2D adventure built from the ground up." Needlemouse.com is also now online although there's no official confirmation that the website is legit, however it does offer classic Sonic scenery in splendid beveled 2D goodness.
Sega's associate brand manager Ken Balough told Gamespot that Project Needlemouse will feature HD graphics, and that the game's concept stems from the numerous requests from old-school Sonic fans. "Many liked the daytime stages in Unleashed, but wanted to see a game that plays purely similar to the early games of the Genesis," he said. "Project Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots."
With recent Sonic titles flopping on the retail charts, it may be that Sega is grasping at straws trying to pull Sonic back into a more positive light. Look for more information to become available in the months ahead.
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OMG this could be awesome. I've been dying for a new 2D Sonic game for years now. Sonic 3 & Knuckles combined has to be one of the greatest games of all time.
I never understood SEGA's need to make stupid hard to control 3D 'games' with this franchise when it is clearly a 2D platformer based franchise.
Finally! Hopefully this won't be as much drivel as the efforts of the recent (post Dreamcast) Sonic games.
There have only been two decent Sonic games released since the death of the Genesis/Megadrive; one released ten years ago today and the other being its sequel.
Such a good day to announce this SEGA, thanks for going back to your roots! Can't wait to play the next Sonic, especially since it's been since Sonic Adventure 2!
Played a bunch of 3d sonic games while some were mario, some were seizure inducing Fzero, most never kept the simplicity and allure of the 2d games. (played those all the way up to sega CD)
If anybody played Metal Slug or Braid will instantly know that 2d games are still a great hit on modern consoles.......... (just don't know why i need a PS3 or Xbox360 to run one lol)
Man o Man, when will they realize that THREE DIMENSIONS is NOT the only thing games should be made of! I could only PRAY that game companies took older games and revamped them to be the super, elite, insanely realistic versions they out to be. If anyone doubts my fantasy, just go look up "Another World". It was remade to have high resolution graphics and was just a BLAST to play again at 1920x1200 and still look good. It looks as good as it did back then, but they have an old school mode so you can see just how bad it really looked! I know, it was on lower resolution monitors and TV screens but still.
The best news i've had in years!!!!!
Just hope that The Sonic Team knows how to make it right.
I honestly really liked Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2, which were probably the only 2 great Sonic 3D titles, but as long as the game is good, it doesn't matter to me whether it's 2D or 3D
Ooohhh much
Imagine Casino Zone in 2.5D 1080p at 60fps...
Oh boy. Have we all forgotten about the dreaded sonic cycle?
http://www.halolz.com/2009/05/07/the-sonic-cycle/
wow.. the 3d versions are sorta hard to control (well at least for me) which kinda ruined the gameplay. the 2d's are simple yet fun. cant wait! i hope it comes to the pc!
OMG this could be awesome. I've been dying for a new 2D Sonic game for years now. Sonic 3 & Knuckles combined has to be one of the greatest games of all time.I never understood SEGA's need to make stupid hard to control 3D 'games' with this franchise when it is clearly a 2D platformer based franchise.
While I agree, Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast was pretty good. Unfortunately Sony killed Segas console divison those cold hearted bastards.
I am sure it is going to be way better than any Sonic 3d games that released in the last 4 years.
Somehow I can't see SEGA being able to pull this off but I can always hope. The silhouette logo fits the original Sonic The Hedgehog logo if nobody noticed. http://www.killthemongoose.com/stuff/newgame.jpg
Btw, is it just me or does SEGA really need to record a new voice that says the company name when the logo shows?
finnaly i hate those 3d sonic games . And now i don't need my sega 32 bit for sonic 2d ^^
Never understood why games like mario and sonic went 3d to begin with. They were perfect in 2d. Some games I understand why they moved from the 2d topview to a more realistic 3d view. Some make sense, but still innovation and new aren't always better. Sometimes sticking to the roots is better.
Good job Sega, I can't wait to try this out.
If this sells, expect other game makers to follow suit! How exciting...Mario in all its 2D glory!
Back then, everyone was hoping on the 3D bandwagon. But, some titles are simply not meant for that. Thank God, developpers are starting to realize that a good game comes from story and gameplay first and graphics second!
Okay now bring back a classic like "Streets of Rage".. I would love to see a four player kick-ass side scrolling brawler!
I've always said I liked the 2D aspent of older games/systems a lot more in many ways.
1) Easier to play, casual fun with less learning curve
2) Not so straining on your eyes and senses. 3D is so hard to navigate, a lot of effort goes into just moving around and trying to remember where you are. Makes me a little head sick actually.
3) The forward/back feels more adventuresome, like you are always waiting to see what's coming at your next - with no way out.
4) I loved Castlevania games in 2D, awesome - I'd love a 360 version of one of them.
5) Simple nastelgia (yea, I can't spell) would make me interested in a good, 2D game. Or the Abe's Odysee games were great as well in 2D.
Do it! 3D and multiplayer online are both over-rated, I never play games online...don't care about that.
And while you guys are at it, stop making games so complex and simplify your menus. I don't want fancy menus for god sake. Just press play or load and make it fricking simple and fast. I have vbery little time for gaming and the complex games don't get played.
Super Metriod and Castlevania SOTN (all of the Castlevania's) redone with HD sprites...(can we throw some more on the fuel on the fire and request Phantasy Star II and Secret of Mana, Darius and so forth).
I am surprised there isn't a company that specializes in 2d HD updates. That would be all they do.
And add the OST CD quality soundtracks as an option so that you can have original or the orchestrated soundtrack.
3D gaming is highly overated. IMHO as well.
Hopelfully the next 2.5d Wii Metriod will be solid...
... this is good, good, good... it time to revive some oldies...
Now if only we can do that with Metroid...