Sega today released a teaser trailer for what appears to be a new Sonic game. The project is currently being dubbed ‘Project Needlemouse’.<\/p>\n
The game is reportedly set to launch in 2010 and is set to return to the 2D roots of the Sonic franchise but with revamped High Definition (HD) graphics.<\/p>\n
“Many liked the daytime stages in [Sonic] 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” associate Brand Manager at Sega Ken Balough told Gamespot today.<\/p>\n
In the teaser trailer Sega encourages fans to ready themselves for “an all new 2D adventure built from the ground up”. A teaser site has also been launched showing an image of traditional Sonic platforms in the Green Hill Zone.<\/p>\n
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.” added Balough.<\/p>\n
This announcement comes on the cusp of the ten year anniversary of Sega’s Dreamcast console which, despite being hailed as technically ahead of its time, was discontinued within two years of its release.<\/p>\n
Sega has since focused its efforts on software manufacturing and game development. Sonic is one of the company’s oldest franchises (the character was introduced in 1991) and had continued to be a strong seller throughout the company’s ups and downs.<\/p>\n