Sonic 4. Sonic 4. How many years we’ve longed to type that title into a search engine and actually have it come up with something! In case you’re not aware, today was the day Project Needlemouse stopped using that title, opting instead for that of Sonic 4: Episode One. Yes, that’s right: a two-dimensional (well, 2.5D), side scrolling Sonic title. It only took sixteen years, eh?

While we’re over the moon at its existence two notable reservations have cropped up that we really must point out. Firstly, it had better be priced rather competitively. Even if this turns out to contain the grand story arc billed, how long does a third of a Sonic title generally last? Half an hour? An hour? Something has to be done to ensure players don’t feel short-changed in this manner.

Secondly, we aren’t sure a homing attack is such a great idea. After all, it was only slotted into Sonic Adventure because its control system was so awkward you’d be liable to descent into the abyss at the slightest mistake. It, simply, isn’t a Sonic gameplay mechanic in its own right.

Still, excitement should rightly build for this year’s ‘game that will save Sonic’…