Sonic the Hedgehog 4 hits a speed bump

If there's one trait Sonic the Hedgehog lacks, it's patience. Despite that, patience is now the keyword for Sega's mascot, as the publisher has delayed the downloadable debut of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 from this summer to late 2010.

In a post on the official Sonic blog, a Sega representative said the delay was imposed "to ensure that Sonic 4: Episode 1 is a game worthy of bearing the weight of its name." The post also notes that the extra development time is allowing the publisher to incorporate fan feedback into the final game.

In addition to the delay, Sega announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is also in development for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The game had already been confirmed for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii.

While diehard fans have often pleaded for a new 2D installment in the Sonic series, the publisher has for years pursued 3D projects and spin-offs. Recently, the series incorporated gameplay revolving around transmogrification in Sonic Unleashed. The iconic hedgehog also tried out high-speed driving skills in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and character progression in the BioWare-developed DS role-playing game Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood.

For more on Sonic the Hedgehog 4, check out today's episode of On the Spot (set to go live at 4 p.m. Pacific time), featuring an interview with Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough.