Hands on with Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1 for iPhone

What a difference a couple months make.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1 has been on the fast track since its decidedly underwhelming showing at E3, leaving a much better impression after a second hands-on at Sega's US offices.

While questions about pricing and value remain unanswered, a consistent technical performance and decent controls are sure to make this the definitive instalment of the series on iPhone and iPod touch.

The changes are immediately apparent in the controls, which consist of a virtual D-pad and action button in the lower corners by default. Gone is the frankly nasty nub used in the emulations of the original Sonic The Hedgehog and its sequel.

Sega product manager Ken Balough had promised a new control scheme and he delivered: the revised D-pad and single action button are superior. The sense of momentum and responsiveness are far better than the old configuration.

It's still not as precise as a controller, which will likely remain the preferred method for a speedy series such as this, but effort has clearly been made to tune the virtual controls. An accelerometer option will be offered, although the chance of it being a desirable method of controlling Sonic is on par with Dr Eggman's chances of defeating the blue wonder.

Where tilting your device will come in handy are two iPhone and iPod touch-exclusive stages. Previously hinted at in my first preview, I was able to play through one of these accelerometer-focused levels entitled "Strange Mine Cart" in the new Lost Labyrinth Zone.

The shadowy, ancient temple-like level has you guiding Sonic down twisting rails in a mine cart. It's surprisingly fun because the level varies with switchbacks and jumps that require tilting both left and right to navigate a maze of rails.

It's surprisingly lengthy, too, especially considering the relatively short platforming stages I tested in the introductory Splash Hill Zone.

Interestingly, all levels in a zone are available for play upon unlocking the zone. Balough insists this will eliminate the arbitrary difficulty curve that has marred previous instalments by allowing you to select the levels you want to play, perhaps even avoiding ones that you have trouble completing.

Notably, you have to finish all three stages in a zone to unlock the boss battle so you're still pushed into tackling those tricky levels.

Seven zones with three stages and a boss battle apiece sounds like a decent dose, although I was able to complete all of Splash Hill Zone in under ten minutes. Depending on the game's price, that could be a point of concern.

Some form of social networking - Facebook Connect or Twitter, no commitment yet on what will be offered - may boost that.

Price aside, Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1 is on the right track and looks to overcome the lacklustre reputation of earlier franchise ports with a game that's not only playable, but built with real consideration for the device.