Sonic 4: Episode II finally announced

Sega has confirmed the second episode in Sonic’s digital-only series will arrive this year.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II is currently in development for XBLA, PSN and mobile platforms including the Apple App Store, Android Marketplace and Xbox Live on Windows Phone 7.

It has been two years since the original episode was first released.

The next game will continue to recreate the classic 2D gameplay of the early Sonic titles. The oh-so-subtle teaser logo confirms that Tails will return to the series, while a brief trailer suggests the plot will center around the rebirth of Metal Sonic.

"After twenty years in action, it’s clear that Sonic hasn’t slowed down one bit," said SEGA America’s SVP of Digital Business Haruki Satomi.

"The first entry in the Sonic 4 saga was a major success. We’ve listened to the fans and been hard at work making sure we recapture that same spirit of fun in Episode II. We hope the fans will enjoy it."

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 was first announced back in February 2010, prior to which it had been known as Project Needlemouse. It was released in October 2010.