Project Needlemouse IS ACTUALLY SONIC 4

[Regulus Tera]

(Original thread title: Project Needlemouse (that Sonic retro game) may have never actually existed)

First there was this:

Originally Posted by Tristan Oliver

But What Does “Without a Character” Mean?

If you thought you were in the dark on the upcoming Project Needlemouse, imagine how clueless the firm who produced the original trailer felt.
The San Francisco based Integrated Alchemy Media, an online marketing boutique who specializes in “disruptive” video, did not see a second of the next Sonic. That’s according to their boisterous Vimeo relay of the trailer. They had a week to put together something out of nothing, and it worked–within 2 days, their trailer was viewed by at least 100,000 people in their estimation.

But there may be some holes in their PR push–some very big holes. It appears Project Needlemouse is a tentative title. At the time of the spot’s production, there was no title, no logo, and…well, we’ll let the bold portion speak for itself:

–What’s this “without a character” business? Could the next major Sonic game have been so early in development that, as of September, it wasn’t determined whether Sonic, as we know him, would be the lead? That would certainly put a chink in the armor of many fans’ opinions thus far, who think this could be Sonic’s return to 2D glory.

But because this all but affirms the trailer was made from nothing–and perhaps as part of a shotgun announcement based on bark more than bite–and we still have nothing, it’s tough to pin down what more to take from this, other than Project Needlemouse will likely not be the final title, and Alchemy Media accomplished its goal quite successfully.

What do you think? Do you think Sega would even consider nixing Sonic in a lead role for such a well-hyped project? And what of this “without a game” talk? Tell us in the comments section.
We give great thanks to ShadiWulf for sending this in to our News Tips system. If you have news to share, be sure to share it by clicking News Tips at the top of every page.

And now, this:

Originally Posted by Ryan Bloom

Nothing to see here… right?

Yesterday, we brought you the story of how advertising firm Integrated Alchemy Media was approached by Sega to create a “Project Needlemouse” teaser in only a week, despite never seeing the game itself or any materials relating to it. This was by Integrated Alchemy’s own admission, right on their Vimeo page for the teaser itself. Emphasis on “was”, because today, that description has been completely removed – leaving just the video itself.

This is most likely a move to quell the collective confusion and bewilderment spawned by Integrated Alchemy’s original statement on the teaser. Some fans took it as a bad omen – that the teaser was simply cashing in on nostalgia seeing as Integrated Alchemy did not actually know what the game looked or played like. Indeed, despite the teaser suggesting otherwise, “Project Needlemouse” may not even be going in a retro direction at all.
If at least the date at the end of the teaser is to be believed, “Project Needlemouse” is slated for release this year – meaning that real, actual, solid information is only months away (my bet is on E3 in June). We’ll keep you posted.

The Sonic Cycle has evolved into the Sonic Paradox. Announcement, excitement, revelations, disappointment..... but this time there is NO GAME to hold these stages together.

It's mind-blowing. Only Sega could not-make-a-game and have it still suck.

[Nightshine]

I'm officially boycotting Sega and all related products.

[BitVyper]

The Sonic Cycle has evolved into the Sonic Paradox.

I'm waiting for the Sonic Tesseract, myself. Sonic doesn't need fewer dimensions - he needs more.

[Mirai Gen]

Jesus, they're becoming a parody of themselves.

[Bells]

Sonic doesn't need fewer dimensions - he needs more.

He needs a new company!

For fucks sake, will somebody buy SEGA already?! Or burn it to the ground, either way is good right now

[Kim]

A Needlemouse Countdown Quiz

I like that they seem to be mocking themselves with this, though it is more than likely unintentional. I am curious as to how many will get the ax, though the sad fact is that even if they cut everyone but Sonic, that doesn't mean that they won't cram other characters into the cutscenes.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

LOL Sega... just when we think you can't bury sonic any deeper, you come out a surprise us with this. Bravo, I take it you'll be doing this from now on? Though I guess it's under standable if your doing this JUST to screw with the Sonic Fanbase (which I supect is in chaos right now). Hell seeing how the fans act, I'd probably do this crap too. XD

Personally though, they should have waited till April Fools Day, release a tech demo of a 2D.5 Sonic stage cleverly disguised as a gameplay trailer then say this at the very end. It would have been the perfect April Fools gag of the year.

[Regulus Tera]

Originally Posted by NonCon

A Needlemouse Countdown Quiz

I like that they seem to be mocking themselves with this, though it is more than likely unintentional. I am curious as to how many will get the ax, though the sad fact is that even if they cut everyone but Sonic, that doesn't mean that they won't cram other characters into the cutscenes.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

Shade, Frogy, Tikal, Chip, Charmy, and Big won't make the cut.

Also chances of Mr.Needlemouse will be replacing Sonic aren't pretty slim. Hell, this might be the Blue Blur's last game before being replaced/reconned out of existence.

I also love how Tails and Knuckles aren't on the list. Which means they are either the only other playable characters besides sonic and the list is just to screw with the fans even more. Or they really got rid of 2 of possibly the only few characters that haven't been ruined by the 3D games.

[Kim]

Originally Posted by Regulus Tera

For a while, I thought this was real, and started to worry that Shadow the Hedgehog would be the main character. Was glad to find out that was not the case.