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GBA

Sega Working on a New 2D Sonic Game

by Jared Rosenberg - September 9, 2009, 9:04 am EDT
Total comments: 28 Source: Gamespot

"Old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay," Ballough said.

Furthermore, Ballough explained that while many enjoyed the daytime levels in Sonic Unleashed, fans have truly desired a title that plays like the original Genesis Sonic games.

"Project Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots," Ballough said.

In addition, Ballough stated that, "you can definitely expect HD graphics," in Sonic's new 2D adventure. This statement makes the likelihood of a Wii release lower.

While Sonic has been on a number of 2D excursions over the past decade, the majority of these titles were created outside of Sega by the developer Dimps. The last 2D Sonic platformer developed by Sonic Team was Sonic & Knuckles, which debuted on the Sega Genesis in the second half of 1994.

Interestingly, Sonic designer Naoto Oshima's original name for the famous hedgehog was Mr. Needlemouse.

No official title or release platform is currently known.

Check out the teaser trailer over at Gamespot.

Talkback

KazarSanagaSeptember 09, 2009

" This statement makes the likelihood of a Wii release lower. "

The Wii might not be capable of "HD graphics" but just look at games like "Guilty Gear Accent Core", "Wario World: Shake it!", and just a few days ago "Muramasa: The Demon Blade". Wii can definitely handle 2D very well.

PlugabugzSeptember 09, 2009

I asked my friend about it. He said: "IF IT'S NOT ON THE MEGADRIVE. PHAILZ."

If that says it all...

NinGurl69 *hugglesSeptember 09, 2009

Quote from: KazarSanaga

" This statement makes the likelihood of a Wii release lower. "

The Wii might not be capable of "HD graphics" but just look at games like "Guilty Gear Accent Core", "Wario World: Shake it!", and just a few days ago "Muramasa: The Demon Blade". Wii can definitely handle 2D very well.

But not HD, therefore it's not coming to Wii.  It gets to share the same bed as Sonic 2006.

Guitar SmasherSeptember 09, 2009

I'd be surprised if it didn't end up on Wii as a 'downgrade'.  Sega has shown more interest in Wii than most other publishers.  And it would fit in with the kiddy image that's still associated.  Think about it, what company puts MadWorld on Wii, and Sonic on PS3/360?

This sounds like a good idea. Anyone have any guesses as to how they're going to screw it up?

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterSeptember 09, 2009

No transformations, no real world violent weapons, no cast of a 1,000 characters playable! If these things can be avoided we will be on to something.

http://www.needlemouse.com/

This is on the right track for sure!

YankeeSeptember 09, 2009

I don't care where it goes, i want it. At least now there is a better chance that they wont screw it up now that they don't have to worry about 3d at all.

AVSeptember 09, 2009

First Picture.

  http://fc04.deviantart.com/fs36/f/2008/258/f/1/Aquatic_Run_by_Orioto.jpg

======= I wish.

MorariSeptember 10, 2009

I also wish.

Really, Sega just needs to do is upgrade the graphics in Sonic 3/Sonic & Knuckles. That's all.

Now that would've been a great announcement to have made on the Dreamcast's anniversary.

KDR_11kSeptember 10, 2009

We need more Sonic cycle pics in here.

BeautifulShySeptember 10, 2009

Caterkiller that site isn't the real site for the game.

http://www.tssznews.com/2009/09/09/needlemouse-com-site-a-fake/

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterSeptember 10, 2009

Curse you Maxi and your detective skills!

BeautifulShySeptember 10, 2009

I just want people to get all the right info.

PeachylalaSeptember 10, 2009

Sonic Team isn't that skilled to make a good 2-D Sonic game.

I might make an exception if the Secret Rings team made it though.

KDR_11kSeptember 10, 2009

Wasn't The Secret Rings made by the Sonic Rush team?

redgiementalSeptember 10, 2009

I am optimistic, but wary.

I refer you to: http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/125/1219784882919by0.png

PeachylalaSeptember 10, 2009

Quote from: KDR_11k

Wasn't The Secret Rings made by the Sonic Rush team?

I don't know. All I know is that Dimps made both Sonic Rush games for DS, and Dimps wasn't listed in the Secret Rings/Black Knight credits.

Though random fact, Ristar's producer made both Rush and Rush: Adventure. If that guy helped make this new Sonic 2D, it might have a chance to survive.

But then again, game reviewers only play new Sonic games for only a hour.

that Baby guySeptember 11, 2009

It's a common misconception among Sonic fans that Sonic Rush and it's sequel captured any of the look or feel of Genesis-era Sonic titles.

Hopefully one day they'll learn that it didn't.  They probably won't, though.

The GBA games were definitely better than Sonic Rush; mostly because of the music and voice acting, but also because I couldn't play as Tails.

KDR_11kSeptember 11, 2009

lol instadeath traps at the end of racing segments is the pinnacle of level design.

Quote from: Peachylala

Though random fact, Ristar's producer made both Rush and Rush: Adventure.

Quite ironic really that the guy didn't make Unleashed (or did he?).

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterSeptember 11, 2009

Quote from: thatguy

It's a common misconception among Sonic fans that Sonic Rush and it's sequel captured any of the look or feel of Genesis-era Sonic titles.

Hopefully one day they'll learn that it didn't.  They probably won't, though.

To a certain extend I agree. Its foolish to compares the newer 2D games to the older Genesis games since both games were made under different ideas and developments.

But as a stand alone game, Sonic Rush is a great Sonic game.

BwrJim!September 12, 2009

Just because a company PR says a buzz word like HD (can that really still be a buzz word?) doesnt mean its going to ditch the wii.. In fact, I bet its released on the Wii first. 

thats all i Have to SaY!...  <.<  >,>

Perm's Stupid DupeSeptember 18, 2009

I think my favorite part of Sonic games lately is all the new characters, i think the new game should have like 36 characters.

KDR_11kSeptember 18, 2009

loltroll.

vuduSeptember 18, 2009

I'm still upset we haven't seen any baby Sonics yet.

that Baby guySeptember 18, 2009

Quote from: vudu

I'm still upset we haven't seen any baby Sonics yet.

Next Mario Kart?

NinGurl69 *hugglesSeptember 19, 2009

Baby hedgehogs would be fleshy pink and hairless?  Doubt its fast.

PlugabugzSeptember 19, 2009

Mario Kart: Sonic in Labour

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