We’re sure many of you have fond memories of the 2D Sonic the Hedgehog games, bashing badniks while jumping, spinning and speeding through an array of diverse, vivid and challenging stages – quite possibly some of the greatest platformer levels ever designed. So how would you feel about the Sonic Team (most notably the senior level designer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3) assisting with the production of Sonic 4: Episode 1?

It's common knowledge that Dimps is developing the HD sequel to 1994’s Megadrive classic Sonic 3, but Sega has recently confirmed to Joystiq that Sonic 4 is being put together by Sonic Team also, in conjunction with Dimps.

Though the studios’ roles and responsibilities have yet to be defined definitively, our hopes for this episodic PSN title are significantly higher having learned the original Sonic masterminds will be getting involved.