SEGA News Bits: Sonic Forces to have Jet Set Radio, NiGHTS & Monkey Ball DLC

We posted about the Sonic Forces Day One Edition leak earlier today, labeling it as a rumor. If you didn’t hear the news, Sonic Paradise found an Amazon and Xtra Life store page for a Sonic Forces Day One Edition which was set to have customizable avatar items as pre-order DLC that are said to be based on in-house SEGA IPs such as Jet Set Radio, NiGHTS into Dreams, Super Monkey Ball and Puyo Puyo Tetris. On this episode of the SEGA News Bits we discuss our thoughts on pre-order DLC, guess what the items from these franchises might be, talk about other SEGA franchises that should get cameos in Sonic Forces, and more. So tune in and let us know in the comments below what you think of the Sonic Forces Day One Edition! What other franchises from SEGA would you like to see cameo in the game?

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Sonic Mania – Stardust Speedway Zone Act 1 music track released

The road to Sonic Mania continues and the Sonic the Hedgehog social media accounts are slowly releasing new content to keep fans hyped for the game’s release on August 15. Today we got the Sonic Mania – Stardust Speedway Zone Act 1 musical track, a popular stage from Sonic CD.

This takes the track and gives it that Tee Lopes oomph and it really sounds great. You have to give credit to Tee Lopes, I’ve been loving every single Sonic Mania track so far and I’m very excited to see what the full OST has to offer.

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!

The Revenge of Shinobi joins SEGA Forever

The Revenge of Shinobi comes to SEGA Forever’s mobile line-up. This is a new “censored version” that has been around since the SEGA Vintage Collection era, which changes Joe Musashi’s face in the title screen due to the face basically resembling Sonny Chiba. Some hardcore fans take issue with this change because the original ‘Sonny Chiba copied face’ seems angry and bold while the edited version of Joe Musashi looks rather sad. Its also funny to note that the SEGA Forever trailer above even makes a joke about it being changed.  You can see bothf faces below (Left original, right the new one):

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The Revenge of Shinobi isn’t new to censorship, considering that the game has been heavily changed in the past due to copyright infringement on popular IPs such as Godzillia, Spiderman and even Batman. The Revenge of Shinobi is considered to be one of the best sequels of all time, adding much more depth than the original arcade Shinobi ever had. The Revenge of Shinobi also featured a critically acclaimed soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage series) which should be enough to download and try it. The only thing is, have they fixed the audio in the emulation? Like all SEGA Forever titles, the game is free to play with ads and $1.99 to keep ad-free forever.

[Google Play | iTunes]

Night Trap Mania Lands in August, New Features, New Documentary

Screaming Skulls, Limited Run Games and My Life in Gaming teased announcements today regarding the re-release of Night Trap. Their main point comes with the release date slated for release on August 15th, the same day as Sonic Mania, on PlayStation 4 and Steam for digital download. Four days prior to that you can head over to Limited Run Games to buy a highly limited physical version of the PlayStation 4 version on August 11th. The Xbox One version is set to release at a later time.

In addition to the game, they’re also bundling a prototype, Scene of the Crime, as an additional feature. This served as the basis for Night Trap and has long since been unavailable to the public up until the 25th Anniversary release later this year.

Of course that still means that it’s going to be awhile before you can set traps for the augers and that’s where My Life in Gaming comes in. Their 50 minute documentary details the history of the game from it’s prototype, to it’s initial release on SEGA CD, up to the remaster featuring video game historians and developers to regale on the game’s lasting impact on the industry. Be sure to check out the documentary after the jump as well as some links you should check out regarding the game. There’s something really cool to see three small independent groups come together to help bring back video game history. Even though Night Trap does not hold up in terms of gameplay it’s at least admirable to see the lengths people will go for video game preservation.

Etrian Odyssey V launch edition comes with soundtrack and art book

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Atlus USA has begun teasing the Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth 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. Like always, these ‘Launch Day’ editions cost the same as the regular game. Amazon has the game for pre-order, if you have Amazon Prime the game will cost you $31.99.

The 24-page art book will have art by series artist Yuji Himukai who has also done artwork for Persona Q and Fire Emblem Heroes. While the soundtrack CD only has six tracks, but they are composed by Yuzo Koshiro who composed the Streets of Rage series, The Revenge of Shinobi, and many more. Etrian Odyssey V is set to come out this fall.

Is the Etrian Odyssey V launch day edition juicy enough to get you to pick it up? Where you planning on getting it anyway? Let us know in the comments below.

Persona 5 has shipped over 1.8 million units world wide

persona-5-listing-thumb-01-ps4-us-30jun16SEGA’s Toshihiro Nagoshi confirmed that Persona 5 has shipped over 1.8 million units world wide during he’s latest Sega Nama broadcast. The last time that numbers got reported, the game did 1.5 million back in April. Persona 5 was also released in Korea on June 8th, so that could have given the game a bit of a boost in sales.

Persona 5 is now the best selling game in Atlus’ history and has also critically acclaimed. We even gave the game a positive review, so if you haven’t jumped on the Persona 5 ship, I highly recommend picking up a copy.

[Source: Gemastu]

SEGA teasing new update for Border Break Zero Plus

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SEGA-AM2’s Border Break: Sega Network Robot Wars debuted way back in September 9, 2009 and since then it has been regularly updated, while still being played competitively in Japan. The game has received over 16 huge updates that all came with name changes. The new version of Border Break is being titled Border Break Zero Plus, the earlier version was being called ‘Border Break X Zero’. As you can tell, the Border Break franchise has been a huge hit for SEGA in arcades.

SEGA is getting ready to show off Border Break X Zero at an official event being held at Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center at hall 1000 on July 30th. The Japanese Border Break X Zero site also teases that some stores will be participating in showing off the new versions of the game, in a Japan tour that SEGA has planned. I gendered at the schedule with Google Translate and it seems to be opening with a VR demonstration, then moves on to a lottery giveaway and then later will have a competitive tournament with the newest Border Break X Zero build.

It is a little sad that we didn’t even get a console or even a PC port (considering the arcade version is played with a mouse) and was kept as a Japanese only arcade release. Would you play the game if it ever came out outside of arcades?

[Source: Border Break Site]

Yakuza 0 is 30% off for PlayStation Plus members

Yakuza 0 fighting stylesYakuza 0 is having a sale for PlayStation Plus members, giving them a discount of 30%! So how much will the game end up costing you? $41.99 and the sale ends on August 1st, so if you want the game digitally and want it for a discount price you should bite on this sale. If you are unsure about the game, you can always check out our Yakuza 0 review (plot spoiler: Its great). You can also get the physical version for $47.99 on Amazon if that is more to your liking.

Yakuza 0 is also a good entry game for anyone that has never played a Yakuza title and with Yakuza Kiwami coming out in the end of next month, its the perfect time to join the Yakuza family. Sake is on us, give the game a shot if you haven’t!

Bayonetta is free this August for Xbox Live Gold members

If you own a Xbox 360 or Xbox One (since its backwards compatible now) and been wanting to play Bayonetta? If you have Xbox Live Gold then you will be able to download it completely free as part of their ‘Games with Gold‘ program. If you are new to ‘Games with Gold’, you basically get to keep the games given out each month, as in keep forever. That means if you decide that you don’t want Xbox Live Gold, you’ll still be able to download the titles, which is different to how PlayStation Plus handles their service.

You will be able to download the following games this August:

  • Slim Rancher – Xbox One
  • Trials Fusion – Xbox One
  • Bayonetta – Xbox 360
  • Red Faction: Armageddon – Xbox 360

So what games are you guys going to give a shot? If you already own a physical version of Bayonetta and have Xbox Live Gold, I’d suggest getting the digital version as a back up copy. I mean, it is free and will be on your Xbox Live account in case anything happens to your physical. Always be prepared to play Bayonetta at any time!

[Via: Major Nelson]

 

Yakuza Studio to show off new games on August 26

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The Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio or known to Americans as the Yakuza Studio will host a presentation where they will show off new titles, this upcoming August 26th from 19:00 to 20:00 JST at the UDX Theater in Akihabara.

While this might not mean much to users here, SEGA will be holding a lottery where they will give 30 invitations to Japanese fans. If you want to enter the lottery for a chance to win a entry pass all you have to do is follow @ryugagotoku on twitter and retweet this tweet.

So what can we expect at the event? I think a lot of people would guess a new Yakuza title since studio boss man Toshihiro Nagoshi stated the team was working on a installment. But on yesterday’s stream he said there would be a new title and they will show more than one title, “including something expected.” Could we finally be seeing Yakuza Kiwami 2 and maybe a brand new IP? What do you guys want to see the Yakuza Studio develop next? Do you want them to continue the Yakuza brand?

[Source: Gematsu]

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Mania Panel Teases Special Stages & Animated Cutscenes

Our Sonic Mania San Diego Comic Con panel coverage continues, this time checking out the two big teases from the event, the special stages and animated cutscenes. On this episode of the SEGA News Bits we discuss our thoughts on the special stages, talk about our opinions on Sonic the Hedgehog special stages from the past and the idea of creating a Sonic Jam 2 featuring all the Taxman Sonic remakes? What are your thoughts on the special stages? Would you buy a new Sonic Jam package featuring all the Taxman remakes? Let us know in the comments below.

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SEGA bringing a Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition mobile game to China

001SEGA is teaming up with 91Act (developers behind the excellent BlazBlue: Revolution Reburning mobile game) to bring a new Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition mobile game that will launch in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Don’t live in the great People’s Republic of China or other minor places that aren’t as great as the People’s Republic of China? Too bad, hombre, you ain’t getting mobile anime action (at least right now).

The game has a tentative title of Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition Mobile Edition, which is obviously fitting. If you happen to live in China, the game will debut at ChinaJoy 2017 which is held from July 27 all the way to July 30th at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (what happen to the old one?).

If your pea brain forgot all about Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition, it was a 2D fighting game that came out on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita which crossed over some SEGA properties with anime like Sword Art Online, Durarara!!!, and many more. Sadly we only got the vanilla version of the game released in the West and we probably won’t get Ignition ever, but knowing SEGA we will probably get this mobile version later on. Who can say no to that mobile money?

[Source: Gematsu]

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.