Sega's Official Sonic 4 Press Releases

Below we are offering both US and European press releases on Sonic the Hedgehog 4.
Why both?  Because if you read closely, you’ll notice one is written different from the other.  In particular, the European release affirms the return of Mega Drive-esque Special Stages, and levels selectable from the main menu, allowing for better replay–think a Sonic 3 & Knuckles-esque system, but even more accessible.
The US release…not so much.
Both releases affirm the return of the Spin Dash, and the Homing Attack will make a 2D appearance.
They are both available for your review below.  US release is first.

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (February 4, 2010) –SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced the latest game from the world’s fastest hedgehog – Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I. Available exclusively via download, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I (previously known as Project Needlemouse) will bring back the addictive side scrolling action that Sonic fans love in an all-new 2D adventure.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I, the first Sonic game developed exclusively for download, brings back the adventure that Sonic fans have been waiting 16 years for. It will offer the classic Sonic moves that fans love including Spin Dash and Rolling Attack and will also feature Homing Attack, all in beautiful CG rendered environments. Packed with special stages, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I will take players through a variety of different Zones, inspired by the Genesis-era style. Longtime fans will not be disappointed as they face some intense boss battles against everyone’s favorite villain – the always devious and evil – Dr.Eggman.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I features the classic Sonic gameplay style that the community has been asking for since Sonic and Knuckles,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America,Inc. “Thanks to emerging technologies, we are able to create all-new stunning Sonic worlds combined with Genesis-era Sonic gameplay and make it downloadable across multiple platforms.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I will be available in Summer 2010 for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PSN, and WiiWare™. For more information about Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I, please visit www.sonicthehedgehog4.com. For assets, please visit the SEGA FTP site at http://segapr.segaamerica.com.

And for Europe:

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (TBC, 2010) – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced the first game developed specifically for the download market from the world’s fastest hedgehog. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I will be available via download on Microsoft XBLA, Sony PSN and Nintendo WiiWare, bringing with it the addictive classic 2D side scrolling action that Sonic fans have been waiting for.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I offers sublime 2D gameplay through beautifully rendered HD environments. Fans will be able to speed through each level with the classic Spin Dash move, and destroy enemies using the Homing Attack. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I sees the return of the much-loved special stages and takes players through a variety of different Zones, all inspired by the Mega Drive era.
Each level from Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I is separately selectable from the main menu, making it easy for players to replay their favorite sections as they wish. Long time fans will not be disappointed as they rejoin the action and face all new intense boss battles against everyone’s favourite villain – the ever devious and evil – Dr. Eggman!
“Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I is a return to the classic game style of the original Sonic games” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director SEGA Europe Ltd. “It’s great to be able to offer fans of the Sonic series the type of game they have been asking for in a high definition experience.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I will be available in Summer 2010 for XBLA, PSN, and WiiWare. For more information about Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I please visit http://www.sega.com and for assets please visit www.sega-press.com.