SEGA has announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II is now available on the PlayStation Network and Steam for $14.99/£9.99. The game will be available tomorrow on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 for 1200 points. On May 17th, it will be available for iPhone and iPad on the iTunes App Store for $6.99/£4.49.

“Sonic 4 Episode II is very special because we’ve integrated community feedback into the game,” said Haruki Satomi, Senior Vice President of Digital Business at SEGA of America. “We have some of the most loyal and dedicated fans and I hope they enjoy this next chapter in the Sonic 4 saga.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II also offers players who have purchased Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I the exclusive chance to experience Episode Metal, a special unlockable story available to anyone who owns both titles on the same platform. Lead one of our hero’s greatest foes, Metal Sonic, across four reworked Acts from Episode I to learn more about how he survived the events at the end of Sonic CD.

Sonic 4 Episode II and Episode Metal will also be coming to Android Device systems this June, and Windows Mobile Phones in July.

SEGA have today announced Episode Metal, a special unlockable story that will be available exclusively to players who have purchased both Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I and Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II on the same platform.

Episode Metal is an all-new adventure that bridges the gap between Sonic CD and Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II in which players control of Sonic's greatest rival, Metal Sonic, across four reworked Acts from Episode I as he rebuilds himself to challenge Sonic once again in Episode II.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II, and Episode Metal, will be available on May 15th for the PlayStation Network ($14.99) and on May 16th for Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 (1200 points). The game will also be available on Android devices, iOS, PC digital download and Windows Mobile Phones later this spring.

SEGA have released the first gameplay video of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II, which will be available to download later this year via Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360, the PlayStation Network, and mobile platforms including the App Store, Android Market and Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7.

Armed with all-new character animations and a completely reworked physics engine, Episode II will expand the Sonic 4 storyline with new areas to speed through and new challenges to face.

SEGA has announced that the iconic blue hedgehog will be making his 2D return in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II in 2012.

Fans have been anticipating the next episode in Sonic's new side-scrolling adventure, and SEGA has been listening closely to their feedback. Armed with all-new character animations and a completely reworked physics engine, Episode II will expand the Sonic 4 storyline with new areas to speed through and new challenges to face. For a sneak peek at what’s in store, including the arrival of a certain high-flying, twin-tailed pal who’s sure to be of assistance, check out the all-new teaser trailer below.

"After twenty years in action, it’s clear that Sonic hasn't slowed down one bit," said Haruki Satomi, Senior Vice President of Digital Business at SEGA of America. "The first entry in the Sonic 4 saga was a major success. We’ve listened to the fans and been hard at work making sure we recapture that same spirit of fun in Episode II. We hope the fans will enjoy it."

Sonic the Hedgehog Episode II will be available to download via Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360, the PlayStation Network, and mobile platforms including the App Store, Android Market and Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7.