Sonic the Hedgehog coming back to 2D

Game company Sega is now teasing a new “HD 2D adventure” game with the codename Project Needlemouse, confirming Sonic the Hedgehog will make another comeback to console gaming.

The exact release date for Project Needlemouse remains unknown, except that it will be released some time in 2010.  Furthermore, it’s unknown what consoles – and if it’ll be released for PC – the new game will be available on.

“Speed returns in an all new 2D adventure built from the ground up,” according to the trailer, which shows a mysterious figure that is the renewed look of Sonic.

Sonic has had several trips into 3D, with game titles such as “Sonic Unleashed” and “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games,” though fans have longed for the feisty hedgehog to go back to 2D just one more time.

Image courtesy of GameSpot

“Old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay,” said Ken Ballough, Sega America associate brand manager while speaking with GameSpot.  “Many liked the daytime stages in ‘Unleashed,’ but wanted to see a game that plays purely similar to the early games of the (Sega) Genesis.  ‘Project Needlemouse’ is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots.”

The game announcement marked the 10-year anniversary of the Sega Dreamcast video game console.

Sonic, which first debuted almost 20 years ago, is a game character many of us remember playing as kids.  Regardless of game play, this seems like it’ll be, at the very least, a novelty purchase when it comes out in 2010.  However, Sega may be shooting itself in the foot if it wants this game to be a traditional $50 to $60 game title, rather than a lower-priced download.

Is a new 2D version of Sonic something that interests you?