Aero The Acro-Bat 2 Genesis/Mega-Drive cartridge reprint now up for pre-order from Limited Run Games

Limited Run Games and Sunsoft are back with another Genesis/Mega-Drive cartridge re-release. You can now get a brand new boxed cartridge of the Genesis version of Aero The Acro-Bat 2 (1995). (By the by, they have not re-released the original Aero The Acro-bat yet, so don’t panic thinking you missed your chance to get the prequel. No word on why they started with the sequel.) Just like with their re-release of Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, this comes officially licensed in a high quality cartridge complete with box and manual compatible with any official NTSC Genesis console or clone console. The game can be pre-ordered for $69.99 until March 10th, 2024.

Also, like Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, Aero the Acro-Bat 2, in its original cartridge release form, is a lot more expensive than you might think. Prices for just the cartridge alone are just over $50 USD on the second hand market. Don’t ask me why. Maybe the game’s infamy over the years as an example of the 16-bit mascot craze started by our beloved Sonic the Hedgehog carried some value over the years? Either way, this will be your best chance to get a complete copy of the game for your collection at an affordable price, so make sure you get it while you can.

To learn more about Aero The Acro-Bat 2, and for the pre-order link, check in after the break for the whole skinny.

Limited Run Games prepares new limited edition Genesis reprint of Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel; pre-orders open until February 4th, 2023

Limited Run Games have returned with another special reprint of an unassuming Genesis/Mega-Drive classic. This time it’s Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel (1994). This comes to us officially licensed from original publisher Sunsoft in an all-new white and red cartridge with a case and manual for only $69.99. Pre-orders will be open from January 5th, 2024 to February 4th, 2024, so act fast if you’re interested.

Most people might remember this as one of the infamous examples of mascot platformers made to capitalize on the Sonic mania that ran amok in the Genesis years, and it is, but Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is one of the few that’s garnered a cult following in the time since its release. An original copy is actually more expensive than you might expect too. As of this writing, even just a loose cartridge will run you over $100. Yes, two zeroes. That may still be on the low side of things compared to some of the games Retro-Bit has made collector’s edition reprints of, but Limited Run Games’s reprint is still quite a bargain if you wish to bring Zero into your Genesis collection.

To learn more about Zero, check in past the break.

Double Switch remaster for PlayStation 4 now available to pre-order from Limited Run Games

Screaming Villains is offering up another FMV classic following the successful remaster of Night Trap. Double Switch, seen by many as an attempt to improve and perfect the Night Trap formula, is now available to pre-order from Limited Run Games for the PlayStation 4. Unlike most Limited Run Games releases, the standard edition is a timed pre-order window with no stock limit. You’ll have until November 16th to pre-order. Meanwhile, there is a limited collector’s edition which, at the time of this posting, is 50% sold out. You can pre-order that here!

SEGA fans know this game best for its SEGA CD version, but the remaster will put that one to shame with crystal clear video and improved gameplay, as well as bonus content.

We spoke to Tyler, head of Screaming Villains, on a Swingin’ Report Show podcast. You can check that episode out here!

Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise Launch Edition comes with reversible Japanese art


Seems that SEGA is listening to its fan base, since a lot of people complained that SEGA changed the Japanese cover for the US release of Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise. If you didn’t know, the Japanese cover for the game was original artwork made by the Fist of the North Star mangaka Tesuo Hara.Now if you pre-order the game and get the launch edition you will get the ‘Destiny Tailisman Set’ bonus DLC, Deathcry decals and a reversible  cover featuring the awesome Japanese box art, but extended. Wow, did we luck out and get the best release of this game? I think so!

Pre-order Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise

Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise available to pre-order – new combat trailer released

SEGA has released pre-order details for the upcoming Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, set to release in the Americas and Europe on October 2 for the PlayStation 4. physical pre-orders will include two free deathcry decal stickers that you are encouraged to stick to your console, controller or wherever. Digital pre-orders will include the Destiny Talisman Pack, which add useful abilities to the player. Also included is a theme and avatar set. After the break, check out the new trailer released today which focuses on the game’s combat.

Pre-order Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise

Team Sonic Racing available to pre-order, releases this winter – check out the reveal trailer!

SEGA has officially unveiled the latest racer from Sumo Digital and SEGA: Team Sonic Racing! We were spoiled early this morning from a Wal-Mart leak, and now SEGA has officially revealed the game with a short but sweet teaser as well as pre-order links. The game is set to release this winter to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam and will retail for $39.99. No word on launch editions, but knowing SEGA it is likely. The official website is not live as of this posting, but it can be found at TeamSonicRacing.com.

Pre-order Team Sonic Racing today!
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SEGA’s Border Break Custom HORI PS4 Joystick will only get made if they get 3,000 pre-orders

As we already that Hori is making a Border Break themed custom flight stick (is that what they are called?), but it has not been revealed that they will need at least 3,000 pre-orders by May 2nd to begin production. Seems fair, if you can’t sell 3,000, is it even worth making?

The Border Break custom HORI controller is set to cost 18,334 yen ($168.67 USD) and will ship sometime in 2018. You can pre-order the stick on the official HORI store, the pre-orders cease on May 2nd at 10:00am JST. If you pre-order the custom HORI stick, you will also get a original mech paint color with the HORI logo for Border Break. Sadly this is only (so far) for the Japanese market. Border Break and the HORI custom controller are only being promoted and released within Japan. 

[via Siliconera]

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life western cover art revealed

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Via the PlayStation Blog comes our first look at the cover art for the upcoming Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. The blog entry covers the localization process, and is well worth reading. Topics covered include a bar conversation mini-game, balancing comedy and drama, and comforting a baby.

The blog entry concludes with a look at the “Essence of Art Edition”, the new name for the launch edition, which features cover art that calls back to the original PS2 game. You can pre-order the “Essence of Art Edition” here.

New Sonic the Hedgehog sticker activity book and short story collection releasing July, 2018 – available to pre-order

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Earlier this year we shared that three new Sonic the Hedgehog books from Penguin Random House – including a short story collection, a handbook and a Mad Libs book – were releasing in March, 2018. Now, two more books are due out July 10, 2018 including another short story collection and a sticker activity book! after the break, check out the descriptions of the upcoming books, as well as how to pre-order a copy.

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth releases October 17, check out the new Fencer trailer

Atlus has announced that Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth releases October 17 in the Americas, and as previously revealed Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth will have a launch day edition which will include extras like a physical 24-page art book, six-track CD and a outer box to hold all your goodies including the game. Amazon has the game for pre-order, if you have Amazon Prime the game will cost you $31.99.

In addition to the release date, Atlus has released a new trailer showcasing the Fencer and included the following description:

It just wouldn’t be smart to traverse the Yggdrasil tree without someone who is pretty handy with a blade, so why not have an Earthlain Fencer watch your back when exploring? The Fencer is master of both rapier and shield, and let’s just say that during fights they really like to get straight to the point. Quick on their feet, Fencers excel at evasion, stabbing, initiating defensive buffs, stabbing, chaining together attacks with other party members, and stabbing. They can further specialize in their agility by sacrificing unnecessary equipment for speed or go all in with their swordsmanship to become a whirlwind of pain.

Rumor: Sonic Forces Day One Edition to include costumes from Jet Set Radio, NiGHTS, Monkey Ball and more

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Via Sonic Paradise comes news (that we’re labeling as rumor for now simply because it has not been officially announced) that Sonic Forces will have a Day One edition featuring avatar costume DLC. The information comes from Amazon.es and XtraLife listings. The avatar accessories consist of wearables from SEGA franchises which include Jet Set Radio, NiGHTS into Dreams, Super Monkey Ball and Puyo-Puyo Tetris. The pre-order notes that there are six items, but only lists four franchises, so my guess is that some franchises have more accessories than others in order to pull off the desired costume. Super Monkey Ball, for example, might just be Aiai’s shirt. The Day One edition also appears to include four postcards with concept art from the game.

DLC from other SEGA franchises is not new to the Sonic series, as Sonic Lost World included NiGHTS DLC when it first released. More info as we hear it!

SEGA gets into the adult coloring book game with SEGA: The Official Coloring Book by Patrick Spaziante

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Penguin Random House continues to announce books today with the reveal of an adult coloring book titled SEGA: The Official Coloring Book. The description reads as follows: “Altered BeastGolden AxeStreets of Rage, Sonic the Hedgehog, and more—all intricately illustrated in this adult coloring book packed with original Sega art. With stunning pages to color, plus all the best action from the classic gaming system, this retro-themed adult coloring book is perfect for any creative gaming fan. Filled with 96 pages of original designs, it will be like you’re playing Altered Beast for the very first time. Power up!”

Sounds great, but you know what is REALLY awesome? All the art is from longtime Archie Sonic the Hedgehog artist Patrick Spaziante. As you can see from the cover, the art is first rate and will surely be a lot of fun to color. Or keep untouched on your shelf, if you are a collector like me. The book is now available to pre-order and is set to release October 17, 2017.

New Sonic the Hedgehog books announced for 2018, now available to pre-order

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I’ve long had a soft spot for the Sonic the Hedgehog kids books of the 90s, from the look and finds to the junior novelizations. Penguin Random House have just announced three new Sonic books and all three are now available to pre-order! All three books are due out March 6, 2018. After the break, check out full descriptions of the books. I’m especially interested in the junior novelization featuring short stories and color illustrations.

Data Discs Sonic Mania vinyl pre-order starts July 22, releases September

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Data Discs have announced that their Sonic Mania vinyl will be available to pre-order this coming Saturday, July 22nd, from their website. The album will be available in three editions: 180g Clear with Blue, Red, Orange & Yellow Splatter (Limited Edition), 180g Translucent Blue, and 180g Classic Black. The LP features 16 new tracks by composer Tee Lopes, as well as new gatefold art featuring Sonic, Tails and Knuckles in Green Hill Zone Act 2.

The limited edition is exclusive to the Data Discs site and will only be available to pre-order for a set amount of time. The sale will begin at 8:00am (BST) on Saturday 22nd July and finish at 12:00pm (BST) on Monday 24th July. Anyone ordering during this period will be guaranteed a copy. Once this period is over, they will not accept any further orders of the limited edition. However, the other two editions will remain available.

Data Discs also mentioned that their Streets of Rage 1 and 2 vinyls will be reissued and will be available for pre-order July 22nd with an August ship date.