Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II is a 2.5D platformer for next-gen consoles, and marks the 2nd episode of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and is currently under early development. It's been said to be released on May 16th of 2012, but it's unsure which region(s) it's being released in on that day. It was announced saying it will have new zones and bosses and many other things we haven't seen before, plus it was said that thanks to the sales of the prior game, the game will likely have a bigger budget. It is tied into Sonic CD in an unknown way, but Sonic CD is defined as the game's spiritual prequel. There will also be a new physics system in the game since Ken Balough said fans gave bad reviews over the physics in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I as well as a brand new graphics engine.

Description
Metal Sonic has returned to form a formidable alliance with Dr. Eggman. To face this new threat, Sonic will have to call upon an old friend to help him save the day. Joined by Tails, they utilize ingenious combination moves and race across four brand new Zones, in order to put an end to their evil plans. Play alone, or with a friend locally (and online), in an evolution of Sonic 2's collaborative gameplay! Unleash Sonic and Tails’ devastating joint attacks and combination moves to fight the united force of Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman. Episode II features an all new game engine, bringing you updated physics and an original graphical style as you race through four unique Zones and a new Special Stage.

Playable

 * Sonic the Hedgehog
 * Miles "Tails" Prower

Non-Playable

 * Dr. Eggman
 * Metal Sonic

Bosses

 * Metal Sonic
 * Egg Serpentleaf
 * Snowy

Badniks

 * Spikes
 * Fullboar
 * Steelion
 * Scarabesque
 * Sandworm
 * Chop Chop
 * Snowy
 * Bubbles

Zones

 * Sylvania Castle
 * White Park

Trivia

 * Unlike Episode I, this game will be released (apart from Xbox Live, PSN and iOS devices) for the Android Market, PC and Windows Phone. This episode will not be released for WiiWare, despite an earlier announcement that it would be (see links below).
 * This is the first game since Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (or Sonic 06 in the mainstream games) to promote Tails as a playable character (not counting the digital re-release of Sonic the Hedgehog CD).
 * Also in creativity for promoting Tails, the art and styling for the game's beta box art represents Tails' two tails in place of the Number 2. This is also featured in the game's teaser trailer.
 * In the Teaser Trailer, Sonic and Tails performed a combined Spin Attack; which caused some fans to wonder if it in fact was a new move or not. With the recently released screenshots it is revealed that it is a move.
 * Recently, Ken Balough, brand manager of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has hinted a Wii U release, stating that just because it is not on the Wii doesn't mean that SEGA isn't supporting Nintendo platforms.
 * The color of Sandworm looks very similar to its iteration, Caterkiller.
 * This is the first Sonic game to feature Tails carrying Sonic underwater.
 * The Special stages are given a Sonic 2 style, this may be a tribute because 2012 is the 20th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This style of special stage was also previously used in Sonic 3D Blast, Sonic Pocket Adventure, Sonic Heroes, Sonic Rush, Sonic Colors (DS version) and Sonic Generations (3DS version).
 * One of the level screenshots strongly resembles the snowboarding segment from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic Adventure, in Ice Cap Zone.
 * It appears that Metal Sonic has stolen the rocket Tails made, the one that is used to get to the Final Zone in Sonic 4 Episode I.
 * Based on the screenshots released, this game marks a possible return of Little Planet from Sonic CD.
 * The title card pays homage to that of Sonic the Hedgehog 2's title card. As well as possibly paying tribute to the 20th anniversary of said game, this is similar to Episode I having a similar title card to Sonic 1.

Trailer
thumb|left|300px|Teaser Trailer thumb|300px|right|Gameplay Trailer