Check out the Cook & Becker limited edition Shenmue art print

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We posted a few months ago that Cook & Becker had the first collection of its limited edition SEGA prints up on their shop, consisting of games like Jet Set Radio, Phantasy Star and more. Now they have posted up a limited edition art print of the famous Shenmue.

“I’m so excited that Shenmue 3 is finally happening! I wanted to capture the moment just after Ryo’s father Iwao is killed by Lan Di. In the game the scene stops with Ryo cradling Iwao and screaming “No!”. I wanted to imagine a shot where Ryo is standing just outside the dojo where is father was just killed. It is cold and very early in the morning. Snow is falling. The morning light is still weak and only some of the wood interior is catching light from the outside. Ryo’s pose already hints at him seeking revenge.” – Tom Sweeney, Artist behind the piece

The art piece is available in 24×47 inches and in a smaller 16×31 inches. Each art print is hand numbered and the user has the option of picking the number of their print from 1 to 100. Not only that, the artist, John Sweeney has stated that he would donate his proceeds of the piece to the Shenmue 3 Kickstarter for those of you who purchase a copy before July 17th, so picking up an extra art piece will in fact support the creation of Shenmue 3. Win, win?

Art of SEGA: Valkyria Chronicles

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The end of our art contest is fast approaching, so it’s time we inspired you with some of SEGA’s more recent work!

In a generation dominated by brown grim-dark games, Valkyria Chronicles was a game that dared to look drastically different. When other games were focusing on trying to look realistic, Valkyria Chronicles was utilizing visuals inspired by canvas paintings, comics and storybook, to produce a beautifully fantastical world.

SEGA holding a ‘illustrate a mascot’ competition

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Have you ever sat around the house saying that you could make a better mascot character than Sonic the Hedgehog? Well, now is your chance to put SEGA in their place. SEGA Raw (hosted by Nagoshi) will air live on NicoNico Douga and they want fans to submit designs for a mascot character that will promote the show.

They are looking for something that incorporates the spirit of SEGA. What will you win? All the products SEGA makes of your character and Nagoshi’s autograph. Want to know the rules? Hit the jump.

Panzer Dragoon Artist Jean Giraud (Mœbius) Has Passed Away.

French artist Jean Giraud has sadly passed away today at age  73. He died of cancer.  Jean earned world fame through his uniquely beautiful art style and worked on many comic books and films including Alien, Tron, The Fifth Element and even Star Wars. Sega fans will know his artwork from the fantastic 1995 game Panzer Dragoon released on the Sega Saturn.

Jean’s art was no doubt one of the biggest influences on the Panzer Dragoon series and went a long way in shaping its beautiful, melancholy world. I’ve personally always been a fan of his art, he created barren yet beautiful landscapes like no other. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Mœbius.

 

Sonic 2 logo made out of 24,651 beads


If you guys didn’t know, I have an addiction to Reddit. Yesterday, Reddit user synbios16 posted his Sonic 2 logo (picture above), he made it out of 24,651 little beads. Just for scale he put one bead on the right and the Sonic 2 cartridge on the left. I have to say, that would look good hanging on any wall.

Valkyria Chronicles 2: World Artworks Book is coming to America

Valkyria Chronicles has some amazing art, so its good to see the Japanese artbooks get American releases. This is going to be the second Valkyria Chronicles artbook that publisher Udon has published in America. The first art book released had art from the first title, this new one is going to be based on the PSP sequel.

If you guys want to pre-order the art book, you can do so on Amazon. The book is listed for $31.24, with a release date of April 10th, 2012.

Check out our new review score cards!

Check out our review cards. These cards will now go on the bottom of our reviews to display scores. I hope you guys like the art. The artwork for the Amigo heads was done by our forum member, Radrappy. Thanks for submitting!

As for the design of the card, that credit goes to our lovely staff member, Barry The Nomad. Tell us what you think! See the rest after the break.

SEGA shares Thor: God of Thunder DS sprites


All the pixel junkies, come in here now. SEGA has released the sprites for their upcoming Thor video game on the DS. Let’s be honest, this is probably the first time a multiplatform game will be the best on a handheld. This one is being done by competent developer WayForward Technologies (A Boy and his Blob & Contra 4).

See SEGA? This is the type of stuff I enjoy playing on my DS. Now if you will excuse me, I will be sitting here drinking my Thor branded Dr. Pepper.

[Thanks: Chaosmaster8753]
[Via: 1up]

So about that Lego Sonic the Hedgehog…

Flickr user Encaja en Camon has posted up some really neat Lego designs. I have always been a fan of Legos grounding up, but my parents never bought them because they where so expensive, its pretty cool seeing someone pull off some video game artwork with them, mainly Sonic.

He has also uploaded some Duck Hunt, Super Mario Bros and Pac Man stuff. Check out his flickr. Below is the finished Sonic Lego piece.

[Via: Joystiq]

Phantasy Star Portable 2 art contest winner announced

The above image is actually not the winner, he won second place. Though, I think he was cheated. So sadly this masterpiece will not be in the game, that is the price for first place  (Correction, both 2nd and 1st will be in game. Yay!).

Head over to the SEGA Blog to see the top 10 pieces of art, what are your favorites?