Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 revealed

Downloadable 2D platformer for 360, PS3 and Wii.

After months of speculation, SEGA has finally taken the lid off its next Sonic The Hedgehog game, previously known as Project Needlemouse. Speaking exclusively to Gamespot, SEGA associate brand manager Ken Balough has confirmed the game is called Sonic the Hedgehog 4, is a downloadable title designed to look like a modern-day 2D platformer, and is coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii this summer.

"When SEGA released Sonic 3, ultimately it was the part 1 of a story that saw its conclusion in Sonic & Knuckles. In that same spirit, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a bigger story, and this is that first chapter," Balough told Gamespot when asked if the new game will be delivered episodically.

According to Balough, SEGA wanted to make a "gorgeous-looking 2D Sonic game". Based on the first teaser trailer, Sonic 4 appears to use 3D graphics, presented in the classic 2D style of the old Sonic games.

Each version of the game will also be built to the strengths of the three consoles, with Balough confirming that the XBLA and PSN games will run at 1080p, while there will be some motion control support on Wii and PS3.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 will be available to download this summer.