Sneak Peak at Sonic 4!

Our favorite hedgehog is back!

What's looking to be the first good sonic game in well over a decade (Sonic 3 was released in 1994 for Sega Genesis), I thought I'd write a little about Sonic's return as a side-scroller (Sega 4 will be 2D, using sprites from a pre-rendered 3D model).


As you may know, Sega announced in September 2009 that it would be creating an episodic sequel to Sonic 3.  Broken apart, it allows gamers to experience the game without the cost associated with purchasing a full game.  This seems to be a new trend amongst gaming studios (I'm looking at you, Blizzard).  I suspect it's purpose is twofold - a long, drawn out release keeps the game in the spotlight longer; and additionally, each game has a cost associated with it, which may not be comparable to releasing - say, all episodes together at once.  In other words, more $$$.



Sonic 4: Episode 1 will be arriving shortly, with scheduled releases on October 7 (iTunes App Store), followed by WiiWare on October 11, PSN on October 12, and XBLA on October 13.


I must say it's great to see our favorite hedgehog once again collecting rings, freeing woodland creatures, and thwarting Dr. Robotnik!


While Sonic is the only playable character in Episode 1, the throwback to the original Sonic formula (which has worked very well) is refreshing.  This seems to have worked nicely for Nintendo's New! Super Mario Bros. Wii, and it will hopefully work for Sega (fingers crossed).


Here's a sneak peak at the new Casino Street Zone.  Enjoy!