Fans of the wisecracking young wizard Simon the Sorcerer received unexpected good news recently when Silver Style Entertainment announced its plans to develop a new game in the acclaimed series.

Working with the German developer on the game's story will be Mike Woodroffe, the producer and/or director of the previous Simon games, ensuring that the latest installment will stay true to the series.

Simon 4 will be in full 3D, but unlike the heavily criticized previous title, this game will return to its classic gameplay roots. According to Silver Style's Carsten Strehse, there will be no action elements and "no significant change to the gameplay of 2D adventures."

Although there is no official website for the game yet, the game's forum has already been opened.

Simon the Sorcerer 4 is scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2006.