On the eve of the Dreamcast’s 10th anniversary, Sega has teased a new Sonic game. Not just any Sonic game: a Sonic game that will be based on the classic 2D look with modern HD graphics.

“Project Needlemouse” is the current name of the new Sonic project, and it currently slated to release in 2010. No word on which console(s) it will release for.

Sonic is one of the most legendary game (and one of my personal favorite) characters to date, nearly 20 years since he was on the Genesis. He became the flagship character for the console, and help push the Sonic brand to high places. His 2D games were considered to be the best of its time and fans kept yearning for the speed.

Yet, ever since Sonic Adventure hit the Dreamcast, Sonic has struggled to make it big in the 3D world. The biggest problem that hindered the Sonic games was his speed, as the frame rates and cameras of the Sonic games would fluctuate constantly. With lackluster games, Sonic began to drop back in obscurity. Now, it could mean the resurrection of the “Blue Hedgie”. Sonic is not the only one familiar to a reboot: Mega Man also had a reboot a year ago, going back to the classic NES look of the series, to much acclaim. Could it work for Sonic?

Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough says that Needlemouse “is a response to the hardcore Sonic fans” who have wanted to see a true 2D style Sonic game for over a decade. You can find the nicely done full Ken Balough interview on Gamespot.

There is also a teaser site with images of the classic environment from the Green Hill Zone. There is much to be excited about, check out the official trailer below!

Source: Ign; Gamespot