And Project Needlemouse is

16 years on from the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on the Mega Drive – and after a string critically questionable 3D outings for the speedy mammal – Sega is to return to the series’ roots with Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

The game was first touted in September last year, going under the cryptic name of Project Needlemouse.

GameSpot reports that the game is very much being positioned as a sequel to the global Mega Drive hit.

More interestingly, however, the game will be released episodically, with Episode 1 currently scheduled for a summer release on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. It will also be a download-only title, which is perhaps a surprise for such a high-profile release.

In a nod to the modern era, the game will be made in HD, feature online leaderboards and include motion control support for the Wii and PS3.