New Phøde ODE, supporting Dreamcast, Saturn, Sega CD, and more, launches pre-orders

by

Phøde ODE

If you’re looking for a device to play your digitized disc backups of your favorite Sega console classic games, then look no further than the Phøde, a brand new Optical Drive Emulator created by engineer Fixel. This single device supports almost every CD-Rom based game console from the 90’s, not just including the Sega CD (Models 1 and 2, Genesis CDX, and JVC X’Eye), Saturn (Both the 20 and 21-pin models), and the GD-Rom based Dreamcast (Models VA0, VA1, and VA2), but also various models of the Sony PlayStation and even the Philips CD-I, with more to be announced later. Fixel has just launched pre-orders for the Phøde in batches from their website. Batch 1 is still available, as of this writing, at $249.99 USD.

Check in after the break for extra info.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

Kson wins the RGG hostess competition grand prize; will now appear in Like A Dragon 8

by

Back in April, I reported on Vshojo star Kson becoming a finalist in RGG Studio’s hostess grand prix and being awarded a hostess role in Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, alongside 4 other lucky women. Well, now that contest is finally over and Kson has taken home the grand prize, coming out just two points ahead of the runner up. She now gets the prestigious honor of not just being a hostess in Like A Dragon Gaiden, but also that upcoming game’s follow-up, Like A Dragon 8.

Moreover, the five finalists, including Kson, will be represented in Gaiden though live-action video footage, much like in the gravure photography mini-game from Yakuza Kiwami 2. Kson, as the grand prize winner, will have her real self recreated as a 3D model in Like A Dragon 8, like every other major hostess in the entire series. Look forward to seeing, and speaking to, her 3D representation in Like A Dragon 8, which does not yet have a firm release date as of this writing. Like A Dragon Gaiden is still on track to launch on PS5, PS4, Xbox, and PC within 2023.

To learn more about who Kson is and why her inclusion in the Like A Dragon series is so significant, check out my earlier article discussing her inclusion in Like A Dragon Gaiden. Tell us how hyped you are by this news in the comments too.

Special thanks, once again, goes to Sakura Ch. for their translation of the above clip from the official RGG livestream announcing the winner and detailing Kson’s new hostess role. Of course, I also heartily congratulate Kson on this milestone on behalf of SegaBits.

No Comments

SEGA Talk #119: Shining Force III (1997)

by

SEGA Talk takes a journey into the last Shining Force game by the original developers, Shining Force III! Not just the first game, but also scenario 1, 2 and 3. We also discuss the fan translations, development and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, have your memories read on the show, select the games we talk about!

No Comments

Red Moon Lost Days is an indie RPG/visual novel for the SEGA Saturn

by

In the days of old, the long long ago times of 2009, professionally pressed indie games for SEGA consoles were both a rarity and a luxury. There were, at most, two or three games a year for consoles like Master System, Genesis and even the Dreamcast. Nowadays it seems that a new indie game is releasing every few weeks with all the bells and whistles of an official release, including color manuals, pressed CDs and cartridge labels. But, through all that time, rarely (if ever) was the SEGA Saturn given attention. That is why the game Red Moon Lost Days caught my attention.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

Limited Run Games releasing Alien: Isolation – The Collection for Nintendo Switch, includes a loaded Collector’s Edition

by

This Friday, Limited Run Games will open up pre-orders for Alien: Isolation – The Collection for the Nintendo Switch. While this version is downgraded compared to the PC version, according to EuroGamer the Nintendo Switch version actually is more impressive than the PlayStation 4 version. The port is also done by Feral Interactive who are known for their high quality ports to MacOS and mobile. Like always Limited Run Games will include three different releases for Alien: Isolation – The Collection on the Nintendo Switch:

While in the past a lot of Limited Run Games releases have been limited in quantity, these three versions will be available for pre-order starting tomorrow and end on July 9th, 2023. Should give you enough time to consider what version of the game you will want.

No Comments

Samba de Amigo: Party Central Releases On August 29th for Nintendo Switch; Sonic & SEGA DLC Announcement

by

Samba de Amigo: Party Central will be partying its way for Nintendo Switch on August 29th and SEGA has also announced today that the digital editions of the upcoming rhythm action game are now available to pre-order for Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo eShop.

Those who purchase the Samba de Amigo: Party Central Digital Deluxe Edition ($49.99 MSRP) on the Nintendo eShop will receive the following:

  • The Standard Edition of the game
  • Sonic Music DLC Pack that includes fan-favorite tracks such as “Open Your Heart” from Sonic Adventure™, “Reach For The Stars (Re-Colors)” from Sonic Colors™️: Ultimate, and “I’m Here” from Sonic Frontiers™!
  • SEGA Music DLC Pack has you setting the festivities on fire with popular tracks from SEGA’s history: “Bakamitai (Taxi Driver Edition)”, “Go Go Cheer Girl!” from Space Channel 5™️: Part 2, and “Rhythm Thief Theme” from Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure™️!
  • Special costumes inspired by Sonic and Tails from the Sonic the Hedgehog™ series; Space Channel 5; Super Monkey Ball™️; and Puyo Puyo™️!

No Comments

SEGA Talk #118: Angry Birds & Rovio Retrospective (2009)

by

We slingshot this episode and talk about… Angry Birds!? Yes, the early 2010’s mainstream mobile phenomena is now a SEGA brand. On this episode we talk about our feelings about the buyout, mobile games and the weird history of Rovio Entertainment!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, have your memories read on the show, select the games we talk about!

No Comments

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 on Dreamcast gets fan translation, includes bonus content

by

Rent-A-Hero No.1 on Dreamcast, a remake to Rent-A Hero on the Mega Drive, which both have been exclusive to Japan, has been translated by fans. The crazy part is, its not just a translation that the team has done, but have also added extra exclusive features, making this the definitive release!

The exclusive features include:

  • Unlockable content
  • 3D models / animations
  • VMU graphics / animations
  • Opening/Ending subs
  • Interface controls
  • Debug menus
  • Secret modes ( One-Punch man fans rejoice! )
  • Developers message board with original team + Rent-A-Modders dev comments
  • Skip logos sequence with START button
  • Bug fixes

Rent-A-Hero No.1 has been one of the games that a lot of Western Dreamcast gamers wanted a translation for. The game even got a port for the Xbox and was revealed via a leaked English prototype in 2017 that there was plans to bring the game West. Now, fans have translated the SEGA Mega Drive original and have translated the Dreamcast version. What a time to be a SEGA retro gaming fan. j

[Via: Romhacking]

6 Comments

Sonic Frontiers becomes the best selling 3D Sonic game racing to 3.5 million units sold

by

While Sonic Frontiers isn’t the most perfect game ever made (check out our review), it is a huge step in the right direction for the franchise and it seems that Sonic fans have agreed as it becomes the best selling 3D Sonic game. SEGA confirmed the sales figures during their SEGA x Rovio press conference (16:40 in), marking the title as a huge success.

That means that the title sold 300,000 units from April, in just a month. That would mean that Sonic Frontiers has long lasting legs and that probably has to do to the free roadmap that Sonic Team has released. For example Sonic Generations sold 3 million units and it still seems Sonic Frontiers can easily break the 4 million sold marker by this fall!

Are you surprised at the success of Sonic Frontiers?

[Via: Sonic Stadium]

4 Comments

New details on SEGA’s acquisition of Rovio, including plans for console and PC games

by

As we previously reported, SEGA’s parent company Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. (SSHD) entered into an agreement to acquire Rovio, and SEGA Europe has since made a voluntary recommended cash offer to the shareholders of Rovio to tender all their shares and the option holders of Rovio to tender all their options in Rovio to SEGA Sammy Holdings. Basically, SEGA will be acquiring Rovio.

Continue Reading ➜

5 Comments

SEGA Talk #117: SEGA 32X (1994)

by

SEGA Talk takes a x-treme dive into SEGA’s short lived add-on, The 32X! We look at the creation of the device, why it came to be, what games are worth playing, and why it didn’t do better. Buckle up X-SEGA fans, its a bumpy ride!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, have your memories read on the show, select the games we talk about!

No Comments

Sonic and Puyo Puyo’s Special Menu Items at Osaka Mall

by

A Twitter post announced a collaboration with The Grand Game at Osaka’s Grand Front Complex in Japan with the Sonic the Hedgehog & Puyo Puyo franchises as part of their special menu for the location’s 10th anniversary event. From now until May 14th, attendees can visit the arcade and try out some themed foods like a Sonic latte & a Puyo pancake. Attendees can also take pictures at a photo op with cutouts of Sonic & Puyo characters and can play various games, such as a giant UFO crane machine & a Pac-Man themed golf course shaped from the level mazes.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

Vtuber Kson confirmed to appear in Like A Dragon Gaiden as a hostess

by

Recently, RGG Studio revealed the five winners among a group of women who auditioned to appear as hostesses in the upcoming Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. This is something they have done many times for earlier Like A Dragon/Yakuza games, with the winners usually consisting of actual hostesses, gravure models, and even porn actresses. This time, one of the five finalists is especially significant. Well known Vshojo idol, and longtime Like A Dragon fan, Kson was ceremoniously confirmed to be among the new hostesses in Like A Dragon Gaiden, much to her excitement and the excitement of many diehard fans of hers.

Find out more about who Kson is after the break.

Special thanks to Sakura Ch. for their translation of the above clip from RGG Studio’s official livestream where the five wining actresses were revealed.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

Special interview with Ross Kilgariff, the creator of Harlequest!

by

 

Many of you probably remember the announcement of Harlequest!, a brand new action RPG in development for Sega Dreamcast that is now live on Kickstarter. As of this writing, there are 5 days remaining for the Kickstarter to raise as much money as possible.

Since I have written that article, I have gotten the opportunity to speak with the game’s main creator, Ross Kilgariff (ross:codes) to learn more about him and the inspirations behind Harlequest! Check in after the break to hear more from the man himself. Special thanks goes to Ross for reaching out to us for this opportunity.

Continue Reading ➜

3 Comments

SEGA News Bits Live: Jet Set Radio 3 & Knuckles

by

On the season finale of SEGA News Bits Live, Barry dishes on the Jet Set Radio 3 leaks, talks about the Knuckles Paramount+ series and covers the past month of SEGA news.

If you want to support this type of content, you can check out our Patreon!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a thumbs up so it shows up on more like-minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

No Comments