Everyone remembers Sonic The Hedgehog, don’t they? The first two games virtually sold the Genesis console on their own merit, as everyone wanted to play the speedier, cooler version of Mario.

And maybe they’ll want to again this year, as Sega is going back to basics with Sonic The Hedgehog 4. Forget fancy 3D, Sonic 4 is going to be a purely 2D affair. And it looks all the better for it.

It all went a little pear-shaped after Sonic The Hedgehog 2. While Mario has continued to delight both fans and critics, the Sonic games have got increasingly worse, with only a few gems mixed in.

But Sonic The Hedgehog 4, previously teased as ‘Project Needlemouse’, could reinvigorate the series and prove that 3D isn’t always the best option. It’s due to be released on PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii later this year. And I cannot wait.