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Sonic's pals rejected from Project Needlemouse
As predicted, Sega's playful countdown of playable characters that are set to feature in the upcoming Project Needlemouse has left only one anthropomorphic mascot standing: Sonic the Hedgehog. It's sad to think that Sonic starring in a Sonic game can make the news, but that's the world we live in. It's a world you have to share with Sega blog commenters like "ilcane87," who mildly castigated the publisher for turning a blind eye to super fans. "There's thousands and thousands of websites and message boards dedicated to single characters of the Sonic franchise out there," came the response, "and it's all those fans that you are going to alienate if you keep neglecting everyone besides Sonic himself, like you did in Unleashed." Not exactly Tikal'd pink, then. While ilcane87 may have lost "all interest for this game," we suspect some of you will be interested enough to view the piece of concept art posted after the break. Expect Sonic's solo return to 2D sometime in 2010.
Sega counting down Project Needlemouse's character lineup
Sega is either having a bit of fun with everyone's perception of the Sonic franchise ... or acting in line with it. The publisher posted the above image featuring a bunch of potential playable characters in the secretive downloadable Project Needlemouse, with the intention of crossing off one per day through Friday. In addition, Sega promises to cross more off in response to correct answers to Sonic trivia questions. The fact that Sega is prepared to cross off more than five characters suggests that very few of the characters will be left at the end, and many of the characters are inconsequential NPCs in other games anyway. Our guess? The publisher is playfully referring to the near-universal hatred of the extended Sonic cast, to contrast the surprise reveal that Needlemouse has only one playable character. And that character will be Froggy, the frog Big the Cat attempted to catch with a fishing pole in Sonic Adventure. Another guess can be seen after the break.
Sonic Spinball coaster coming to UK theme park
Sonic fans have to be the most hardcore fan base out there right now. Who else would have been able to survive all of the disappointments over the last decade? But don't worry -- Sega is rewarding your everlasting fandom with ... a rollercoaster ride. Rumor has it that the UK's Alton Towers is rebranding its Spinball Whizzer ride as "Sonic Spinball," and a rep from the park says that the retheme will "coincide with the relaunch of Sonic" in 2010. A 2010 relaunch of Sonic, you say? Color us interested. The teal structure of the ride is apparently being repainted a nice Sonic blue, and this isn't the first time the hedgehog has appeared in the park, either. Here's an old appearance in the park's "Toyland Tours" ride. The coaster is scheduled to be ready for running again in February, so if you happen to be in the UK, you can queue your way up for it then. [Thanks Michael!]
'Project Needlemouse' (not really) revealed!
The "Project Needlemouse" reimagining of Sonic the Hedgehog has been exclusively revealed on ProjectNeedlemouse.com, and it's more spectacular than we could ever have imagined. It delivers exactly what Sonic fans have clamored for: a brand new, fully 2D sidescrolling Sonic adventure, with appearances only by Sonic and Tails, and an emphasis on pure speed. The best thing about it: you can play the game right now, in your browser.Okay, so it's a joke created by someone who beat Sega to the domain name, parodying another fan-created "Needlemouse" Sonic game. But that's still less of a disappointment than the real Project Needlemouse will probably be. [Via GoNintendo]
Sega making 'all new' 2D, hi-def Sonic game for 2010
Just hours shy of Sega Dreamcast's 10 year anniversary comes word that Sega's iconic mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, is due to make a return to his 2D roots in a new game planned for 2010. Currently going by the codename Project Needlemouse, the game will be high-definition and is "built from the ground up," according to a report by GameSpot.The site spoke with Ken Ballough, associate brand manager at Sega America, who said, "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." In late July, Sega America marketing VP Sean Ratcliffe admitted that core gamers have lost a fair massive amount of faith in the Sonic franchise, saying that, "The quality is something that will be fixed over time." Here's hoping that the Project Needlemouse announcement is a sign the repairs will be made sooner rather than later. Check out the teaser (complete with ye olde "SEGA!" chorus) after the break.[Thanks, Shadsy!]
