Author Archives: Barry

My Life with SEGA celebrates Kenji Eno with D for SEGA Saturn

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In honor of Kenji Eno, I’m reviewing the survival horror/puzzle classic; D for SEGA Saturn. This game was his first major success and helped pave the way for Enemy Zero, the SEGA Saturn exclusive, and D2 for Dreamcast. D has been subjected to a great deal of mockery and derision due in large part to it’s heavy use of FMV and slow pace….

Is it deserving of such ridicule, or has it been treated unfairly? Turn out the lights and see for yourself.

Like this video? Subscribe to the SEGAbits YouTube channel! My Life with SEGA will be taking a short break, but will return on May 2nd with two zombie classics. Continue reading to check out the awesome teaser video!

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SEGAbits to partner with Sonic Retro and SEGA Retro, creating the ultimate SEGA and Sonic fan resource

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No fooling! SEGAbits, Sonic Retro, and SEGA Retro welcome you the next level of SEGA fansites.

We’re excited to announce that SEGAbits will be partnering with Sonic Retro and SEGA Retro! Yes, we know, it’s April Fools day, but we are not joking. Administrators from both SEGAbits and Sonic Retro have made the decision to join forces to create the ultimate SEGA fan resource. Let’s get the big questions out of the way:

Will SEGAbits be drastically changed? No. SEGAbits will continue to bring readers news, reviews, original content and more. No design changes will be made, aside from our usual improvements as well as some additions mentioned below.

Will communities remain separate? Yes. We realize that both Sonic Retro and SEGAbits have their own communities and we do not want to merge either one into the other. SEGAbits.com and SonicRetro.org will remain.

What are the plans for Sonic Retro? Sonic Retro will continue be the Internet’s ultimate Sonic the Hedgehog resource. The Sonic Retro forums will still be home to the vast Sonic Retro community. As for the home page, SEGAbits and Sonic Retro staffs are hard at work on redefining Sonic Retro’s home page goals and once we have a plan set, you can expect it to be a change for the better.

So what’s the big deal? For starters, the plan is to integrate the expansive and informative SEGA Retro wiki into SEGAbits. We don’t want to give too much away, but expect to see SEGA Retro content improving and expanding on SEGAbits content. For example, a SEGAbits review of a game will be greatly enhanced with the integration of SEGA Retro information.

With the integration of SEGA Retro, SEGAbits will offer news, reviews, original content, a forum for SEGA fans to interact in, as well as a hugely informative wiki packed with SEGA information. Have more questions about the partnership? Comment below or visit our dedicated forum topic. We can’t wait to see where this new future for SEGAbits and Sonic Retro leads – we assume to blue, blue skies.

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Sonic Dash now free and massively updated!

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SEGA has released an update today that drastically changes the iOS game Sonic Dash. First off, the game is now free to play. Great news for those who have yet to buy the game, though it is a bit of a kick in the leg to fans who paid for the game initially. However, the game has been improved across the board. For starters, performance is much better on iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 4 devices. I’ve noted much smoother gameplay on my own iPhone 4. Another big improvement is the tweaking of object placement. Before, players might run up a hill, only to reach the top and run right into a barrier with little time to react. Now, SEGA promises that players will encounter this far less. A major complaint lodged at the game was that it was very difficult to earn red rings, and there was a finite amount. Red rings allow players to buy additional playable characters.

Now, thanks to daily play challenges, players are tasked with collecting four puzzle pieces a day, which in turn can be redeemed for a daily prize. Day one gives 100 rings, day two gives two head start power-ups, day three gives five respawns, day four gives two red star rings. Day five is the big prize, as you have the chance to win five red rings, ten respawns, 200 rings, five head starts, or a new playable character (in the case of this week, it is Tails).

Do these changes make Sonic Dash a better game? Sound off in the comments section! Also, after the break a detailed list of what the update contains.

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Announcing the SEGAbits Third Anniversary Contest winners!

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On February 1st we announced a contest to celebrate our third anniversary. Since then, we’ve received several awesome entries, and while we loved each and every submission, in the end we had to select three winners. As per the announcement article, third place wins a copy of the official “SEGAbits Presents My Life with SEGA” DVD – and third place goes to: nikibaby19! nikibaby19 sent two awesome pieces of fan art, which we’d love to share now, but instead we plan to post them in their own dedicated “Fan Made” article on April 10th. The second place winner will receive AJ’s copy of Outlander for the SEGA Genesis as well as a copy of the official “SEGAbits Presents My Life with SEGA” DVD. And second place goes to: Nicholas C. for his written review of Zombies Ate My Neighbors. We’ll be posting Nicholas’s review on April 17th. Finally, first prize, which includes AJ’s personal copy of Technocop for the Genesis, a Genesis model 2 and a copy of the official “SEGAbits Presents My Life with SEGA” DVD goes to: TrackerTD for his video review of the SEGA Power Base Converter. TrackerTD’s entry will be posted on April 24th.

Again, a big thanks to all who entered. We loved reading and watching what you had to say, it’s great to see so many passionate SEGA fans out there. Stay tuned to SEGAbits for more contests, as well as our usual SEGA-centric content!

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More features revealed for Sonic the Hedgehog remastered – Spin dash confirmed!

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As GDC 2013 continues, more details regarding the upcoming rerelease of Sonic the Hedgehog are rolling in. Pocket Gamer reports that on-screen controls will retain the virtual d-pad and single button layout, however new features include a cartridge art gallery and the ability to use Sonic’s spin dash attack, which can be turned on and off in the game’s menu. As most Sonic fans know, the spin dash made its debut in the sequel, while the first game has only featured the addition of the move in Sonic Jam and various ROM hacks.

Meanwhile, Slide to Play expanded on the on-screen controls, noting that “the large, visible buttons of the Genesis controller have been replaced by one tiny jump button in the corner. The joystick is now a virtual stick that feels much more natural and suitable for touchscreen gaming.”. Slide to Play also noted that a SEGA executive indicated that future Genesis games on digital marketplaces would receive the remastering treatment, by casually stating “that was the plan.” If true, SEGA could eventually update existing games like Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, Shining Force, and Gunstar Heroes, as well as release titles not yet seen on mobile devices.

Thanks to SSMB member Shadzter for the info!

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My Life with SEGA enters the Last Battle

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The 2-Man Scramble 2-Part Special comes to an end with Last Battle. Yes, I know; how appropriate. My final penance for Wirehead, and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Universal Soldier may have been a 16-bit insult to both gamers and the 1992 film it was supposedly based on, but Last Battle is a laughably bad adventure title that never should have seen the light of day….

What, you don’t believe me? Watch this video and tell me I’m exaggerating.

Like this video? Subscribe to the SEGAbits YouTube channel!

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The Dreamcast Junkyard fills us in on the Dreamcast games of 2013

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SEGA Network partner The Dreamcast Junkyard has released a new video, courtesy of DCJY contributor The Gagaman, which both revives the YouTube channel with a brand new look as well as gives us a handy rundown of the Dreamcast games slated for 2013. Check out the video above and make sure to stay tuned to The Dreamcast Junkyard this year. All hail the undead console and all hail The Dreamcast Junkyard!

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GDC 2013: Take a tour of SEGA’s history exhibit

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Courtesy of GameSparkChannel is a walkthrough of SEGA’s history exhibit at GDC 2013. SEGA set aside a sizable exhibit filled with a variety of SEGA items including arcade games, consoles, and collectables. In the video above you can see old store displays for SEGA consoles, rare SEGA consoles like the JVC X’Eye, promotional posters, and more!

After the break, check out another walkthrough courtesy of The Inquirer.

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GDC 2013: The House of the Dead Overkill, Puzzle Pirates, and House of the Dead coming to iOS and Android

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Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2 remastered weren’t the only games on show at GDC 2013. SEGA has also revealed information and screens pertaining to a few existing and new mobile titles. First off is Puzzle Pirates from SEGA-owned developer Three Rings. Puzzle Pirates is a puzzle-based MMO with quite a history. Released back in 2003, this Java based browser game is considered by many to be one of the earliest free-to-play successes. Now, with SEGA in ownership of the developer Three Rings and the franchise, they’re setting their sights on an iOS and Android tablet release complete with touch screen optimization and the ability to play with the existing Mac, PC and Linux versions of the game. Also on show was SEGA’s other free-to-play browser game Godsrule: War of Mortals, which has iOS and Android versions planned for release this year and will support cross-platform play.

Finally, saving the best for last, SEGA has revealed an iOS and Android version of The House of the Dead: Overkill dubbed The House of the Dead Overkill: The Lost Reels. The game will not be a straight port, but rather a remix, repurposing characters and levels to suit mobile play. As for controls, SEGA has stated that the game will allow players to choose between a virtual joystick or the accelerometer, with tap to shoot being unlocked only after beating the game. Perhaps the developers found tap to play to be too easy? No price or date has been given, but if SEGA’s past mobile titles are any indication, we should expect a release very soon following this reveal. As for price, The House of the Dead Overkill: The Lost Reels will likely be priced between $2.99 and $4.99.

After the break, a gallery of images from the three mobile titles.

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UPDATED – GDC 2013: Sonic the Hedgehog remastered releasing to iOS and Android in Spring 2013

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SEGA has revealed, at GDC 2013, that the original Sonic classic Sonic the Hedgehog will be releasing to iOS and Android this Spring for $2.99. While SEGA is only commenting on Sonic the Hedgehog at the moment, AndroidPolice.com is reporting that the sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is also set for a remastered release. Thus far, iOS and Android are the only platforms announced, but if Sonic CD’s rerelease is anything to go by, we’ll see console ports as well. Speaking of Sonic CD’s rerelease, Christian “Taxman” Whitehead is likely behind the Sonic 1 & 2 rereleases if his recent tweet is anything to go by: “Those feels, I’m preparing a build for GDC and I won’t even be there.”

Now I hear you saying “but Sonic 1 & 2 are already on digital marketplaces! I don’t want to buy it again!”. Well SEGA has a few new features to entice you to buy the classic again. SEGA promises widescreen support, 60fps, a remastered soundtrack, and an added time attack mode. As soon as we learn more details, we’ll be sure to share! In the meanwhile, check out the gallery below.

UPDATE: Over on the Sonic Retro forums, Christian “Taxman” Whitehead has confirmed that he is behind the project, and that iOS users who already bought the past release of the game will receive the remastering as a free update. Also, in regards to the soundtrack, Whitehead promises that “The arrangements are identical to the originals, using FM synthesis. But they have been put together in a DAW environment and given an actual mix as opposed to simply recording the existing music. The Drum samples are sourced from the original synthesiser so they’re super clean and crisp too.”

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Ecco the Dolphin creator dives into The Big Blue on Kickstarter

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It appears that Ecco the Dolphin creator Ed Annunziata was unsuccessful with convincing SEGA to back his next project, so he has done what many developers are now doing – he has turned to Kickstarter to crowd fund the game. Annunziata, as well as Spencer Nilsen (Ecco the Dolphin, Sonic CD) and Bear McCreary (Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica) are all onboard for a title called The Big Blue, which Annunziata says “isn’t based on the original Ecco the Dolphin series” but it “is the next evolutionary step in underwater adventure games”.

Despite not being based on Ecco, the game does very much look like it is based on the old SEGA series, complete with undersea creatures, dolphins, Spencer Nilsen music, and even a game title that shares the name with an Ecco the Dolphin character. Of course, not being SEGA developed, it makes sense that Annunziata wouldn’t proclaim that this is the next Ecco game. Sort of like how Child of Eden and Crimson Dragon aren’t sequels to Rez and Panzer Dragoon. To learn more about the project, check out the video above and check out the Kickstarter page. The project goal is $665,000, and with 34 days to go they have raised $1,171.

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Ken Balough spins the signpost, departs SEGA zone

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After five years with the company, SEGA’s Digital Brand Manager Ken Balough is moving on to join the team at Sony Playstation. The announcement was made in a statement at the SEGA forums:

After 5 absolutely amazing years, and a lot of great memories and games, it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Friday March 22nd will be my final day at SEGA.

I can’t tell you all what an incredible experience this has been. Ever since I was a kid playing the SEGA Master System, I wanted to work at SEGA. I grew up on our games playing Wonder Boy, Sonic, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and so many more. When the chance to work on the Sonic franchise appeared – I never thought twice – it was a dream come true!

I am incredibly proud of how well the Sonic Franchise has grown; and it is poised to continue to grow into some amazing directions.

The Sonic fans are the best I’ve experienced – passionate, intelligent, with an unrivaled love of the franchise. I have been privileged to get to know you, and hear your thoughts, and talk to you personally when given the opportunity. There are so many of you I want to thank. You guys are really one of a kind. Continue to encourage everyone at SEGA to make better games – it’s really fuel for us when we see, or hear you guys excited.

As many of you know, I am very passionate about the Latin America side business, and I have been given a phenomenal opportunity to join the team at Sony PlayStation and do just that. I am very excited, and while I am VERY sad to be leaving my dear friends at SEGA, am looking forward to be working with a 1st party in an emerging market.

Thank you all again for… well…. Everything! And maybe I’ll stop by and make a visit in a future Sonic event

Your ever-grateful Sonic 4 Brand Manager
Ken Balough

We wish Ken all the best in his new venture, and hope that his time with SEGA was as he truly imagined it. Okay, kidding aside, we here at SEGAbits want to thank Ken for his service to SEGA and for all the good times. From joining us for a Sonic 4 Episode 2 after party, to helping us with all things Sonic 4 and more. Ken, this one is for you.

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3D Super Hang-On for 3DS set to release next week in Japan

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File this one under “where is the Western release, SEGA?”. Following the release of 3D Space Harrier, SEGA of Japan has revealed the next title in their line of 3DS rereleases: 3D Super Hang-On. Set to release next week on March 27th for 600 yen,  3D Super Hang-On will feature true 3D graphics, gyro sensor controls, a widescreen mode, a virtual arcade machine mode, the ability to save at any time,  and more!  Players can also change the difficulty, time limit, handling, and screen size.

The SEGA of Japan page appears to hint at two more 3D releases, as four slots are shown and only two are filled with 3D Space Harrier and 3D Super Hang-On. If I had to guess, I’d say 3D OutRun and 3D After Burner are on the way. No word yet on a Western release, but hopefully we hear something soon. Perhaps SEGA West are waiting for all four to release, and then we’ll get a SEGA 3D Classics boxed release? After the break, a slew of 3D Super Hang-On images.

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My Life with SEGA visits Funny World and deflates Balloon Boy

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In this “classic” episode of My Life with SEGA, I experience my first ever unlicensed video game for the SEGA Genesis.

No, it’s not a Bible game. Instead, it’s a two-for-one deal aimed at preschoolers, called Funny World & Balloon Boy. Yeah, this is obviously a quality title that can rival Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Phantasy Star IV in sheer brilliance…. right?

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