ONM Interviews Iizuka about Sonic 4

Official Nintendo Magazine has conducted an interview with Sonic Team honcho Takashi Iizuka about the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4. The interview gives some insight into why the homing attack was chosen, why the game is episodic and more!

Why has Sonic 4 taken so long to come about? – BADGERGAMER

Takashi Iizuka: Ever since Sonic Adventure was released in 1998, Sonic has evolved into a game which is faster and features new actions for Sonic. On the other hand, the sense of speed from side scrolling means that the popularity of ‘classic’ series still remains high. Even now a lot of fans enjoy playing those classic games via the Wii’s Virtual Console. The aim for Sonic 4 is to provide a ‘new classic series’ using modern techniques that have only been around for the past few years for fans from all around the world who love the ‘classical’ series.

Hit the Jump for the rest!

Aliens vs. Predator Swarm Pack DLC

If you were one of those people that enjoyed Alien vs Predator but didn’t buy the rather expencive ‘Special Edition’ then it may just be worth picking up this ‘new’ DLC.

Featuring 4 new maps for different multiplayer modes, previously only available in the Special Editions, this downloadable content will challenge all three species for the fight of their existence.

The Swarm Map Pack is available now on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC platforms for £4.79 / 560 Microsoft Points. Featuring 4 new maps for different multiplayer modes, previously only available i…
The Swarm Map Pack is available now on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC platforms for £4.79 / 560 Microsoft Points.

Want more SEGA games on PSN?


Sony has put up a new ‘sharing’ site for ideas. The concept is for users to submit their ideas, others vote and it will be easier for Sony to sort out what fans want and reduce spam on their blog.

Well, if you are one of those people that are tired of the lack of SEGA games on PSN, vote for it here; maybe someone at SEGA will listen.

Yakuza 4: “First day sales are number one for the series.”


Series producer and all time tan person, Toshihiro Nagoshi has hinted on his blog that Yakuza 4 has broken sales records for the series.

“Yakuza 4 was released on 3/18. It’s selling well. First day sales are number one for the series.” – Toshihiro Nagoshi

Yakuza 3 was the 3rd title to have the fastest selling first week in Japan with 350,000 units. Yakuza 4 has obviously beat that, but can it beat Old Snake, who sold managed 476,000 the first week? I would say maybe Final Fantasy XIII, but selling 1.52 million units the first week seems impossible.

[Source AndriaSang]

Little Big Sonic: Sonic LBP pack detailed


Remember awhile back it was leaked that Sonic and his friends would make an appearance in Little Big Planet? Then it turned into nothing? Well its back, now Media Mocule has officially confirmed and detailed it.  This is what you get in the pack:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog: Sneakers, Nose, Gloves, Headdress, Spines, Skin
  • Knuckles: Sneakers, Nose, Gloves, Headdress, Tail, Skin
  • Tails: Sneakers, Nose, Gloves, Headdress, Tails, Skin
  • Dr. Eggman: Goggles, Nose and Spectacles, Costume, Moustache, Skin, Dr. Eggman’s Egg Mobile
  • Werehog: Sneakers, Costume, Nose, Gloves, Headdress, Spines, Skin
  • Stickers: A set of classic Sonic the Hedgehog themed stickers

The stickers you get, some of the artwork for the characters can be found in the images below. The pack will cost US $5.99 (£4.79 / €5.99 / AUS $ 9.95 / NZD $11.50). Will be out Thursday, March 25th.

To see artwork and the classic themed stickers, hit the jump.

Nagoshi’s Yakuza 4 Hummer Limousine


Since SEGA is getting ready to launch Yakuza 4, why not spend a ton of money on worthless stuff like a Hummer Limousine, yes, exactly what is needed.

SEGA used the big American beast to draw attention, since its a big billboard and drove it around the streets of Tokyo. I wonder how many women Nagoshi can fit in there?

Mike Hayes Interview, A Sega fans Pillow talk!

I really cannot sing Mike Hayes praises enough, not only did he transform Sega Europe from one man with a screw driver into one of the best divisions of Sega, but now hes taken over the whole of Sega West and he is saying all of the right words in this latest interview with CVG!

Do yourself a massive favour and check out the first half of this interview, It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to any Sega fans face. The second half of the interview will be out tomorrow.

Check out part one of the interview right HERE!

Hit the jump for some choice quotes.

Bentley Jones might sue SEGA


Bentley Jones is claiming that SEGA has used his music for a record release without his permission. Specifically “True Colors: The Best of Sonic the Hedgehog Part 2″record that featured some produced tracks from the singer.

“The only people who have been profiting from the exploitation of me and my music are SEGA,” – Bentley Jones

As much as it saddens me that an artist doesn’t get paid for the work they put in. Even if I don’t like this artists music, maybe SEGA should not hire him for future projects? I would be fine with that.

Full statement after the jump.

Dreamcast + Millennium Falcon = Awesome


SEGA mods are the best, but what about a SEGA and Star Wars mod? Holy crap, that sounds amazing. Someone has just done that, its as if they divided by zero. “Pezzapoo” from the Ben Heck forums has put a Dreamcast into a Millennium Falcon toy.

“As soon as I saw these caricature versions of the Star wars toys I thought about the Dreamcast and how the fun little console would feel right at home inside one. Strangely the DC game port facia fitted directly into the toy with about a mill to spare so I knew it was meant to be! Two side docking ring fans keep the hot DC from melting. Lots of soldering and the switch was added to turn on the GDROM. No paint was applied.”

Now I wonder what else we can shove a Dreamcast into?

[Source: Dvice]

Another Yakuza game in the works


Yakuza 4 has not even been released in Japan and they are already teasing the next installment, titled “Project K” for right now. The video has the following phrases flashing on the screen:

  • The boy knew it
  • The graveness of the crimes he continued to commit
  • But the boy still doesn’t know
  • The cruel fate that awaits
  • Also, the boy knows
  • That fighting is his destiny

The trailer shown to the press in Japan shows a boy, who seems to be the main character in the game. Might have to do with a younger Kazuma? Ends with:

“A new challenge for Ryu ga Gotoku starts”

[Source: AndriaSang via Forums]

United Kingdom Charts March 8th – 14th 2010

Find out where Kazuma’s latest adventure landed in the UK charts

SEGA’s been having quite a splash in the United Kingdom recently, a cumulating of several high profiles ranging from a heavy hitter from last year in the form of Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games, to the recent blockbusters of Aliens vs Predator and Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing. But how did two new additions to the chart, the much heralded Yakuza 3 as well as Sonic Classic Collection, help out SEGA in the recent charts and did SEGA manage to hold onto the 25% of the top 40 individual format? Read on to find out!

Sega in Top 5 Publishers for New IP

A recent piece of research has found that Sega was amongst the top 5 Publishers on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 when it comes to bringing new IPs to the systems.

Zatkin then showed the top 5 publishers of new IP on each platform. On the PS3, it was Sony, EA, Codemasters, Sega, and Ubisoft. On the Xbox 360, the top 5 were EA, Microsoft, SouthPeak, Codemasters, and Sega.

Probably no surprise for many Sega fans, with games like Viking, Valkyria Chronicles, Bayonetta and the upcoming Alpha Protocol all being examples of new franchises being kicked off on the consoles. Also worth noting that Sega didn’t make the top 5 for the Wii console, largely due to other Publishers claiming up to 50 new IP each for the system (quality notwithstanding).

[Source: Gamespot]