Video: Hands On With Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1

What happened to you Sonic? You used to be such a fun guy. You used to be so quick on your feet…but your friends brought you down. You know, the alligator, the bat and all those other weird creatures you started hanging out with. You changed Sonic. You changed. But fortunately the franchise is about to undergo a transformation.

Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog 4: episode 1 is taking Sonic back to his roots. The gameplay has gone back is all 2D side scrolling goodness. All the bizarre characters are gone and Sonic is alone. No weird friends tagging along on this adventure. This is Sonic as you remember him.

We had the chance to play through a couple of the levels on the floor at E3. I have to admit it’s fun. The game is full of nostalgia and will bring you right back to the Genesis days.

While much of the gameplay remains the same (even animals pop out of the robotic enemies as you jump on them) Sonic has been given one new ability which has proven to be quite controversial. He can now lock onto enemies and bumpers while he’s in the air. This means sonic can now bounce from enemy to enemy without ever touching the ground. You can also cross large chasms with this new maneuver. Some die hard fans say it makes the game too easy, but I’d have to disagree. Take a look at the video and decide for yourself.

This is the first time I’ve been excited about a Sonic game since Sonic CD! The game was fast paced and fun, and with more than 20 levels in Episode 1 it sounds like you’ll be getting good value for your buck. Episode one hits PSN and Xbox Live closer to the holiday season. Further episodes will follow but Sega says it won’t drag out the franchise indefinitely. It will have an end!