SEGA’s confirmed that Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 will be released in 2012.
The first episode of the Blue Blur’s triumphant return to retro glory released as a digital download in October 2010. However, Sonic Team’s Takashi Iikuza has revealed that Episode 2 won’t see the light of day until some time next year.
"This year, 2011, is the anniversary, so we’re focusing on the celebration title," Iikuza told Eurogamer, "But moving forward to 2012, Sonic will still be going, so I’d hope to provide Episode 2 then."
But why the extended wait between Episode 1 and 2? Well, according to Iikuza, it has always been SEGA’s intention to focus on Sonic Generations and the series’ 20th anniversary before churning out the next chapter in the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 saga.
"It was always the plan," he said, "We knew about the anniversary year, and Generations was planned way in advance. It was always our plan to release Episode 2 after Generations."
Quizzed as to whether gamers would have to endure a lengthy wait between Episode 2 and 3, Iikuza made it clear that no plans have been made in regards to a potential third episode.
"We can’t say if there’s going to be Episode 3 or not," he said.