Author Archives: Barry

Next XBLA/PSN Dreamcast ports revealed!

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by Gagaman(n) of The Dreamcast Junkyard

They are Sega Bass Fishing and Space Channel 5 Part 2. JeuxVideo24 have screenshots of how they will look on the new consoles in 720p and widescreen.

Space Channel 5 Part 2 is an interesting choice. before you ask where part 1 is, I believe they’ve picked this one simply because it’s easier to port. Part 1 one used pre-rendered video backgrounds (as opposed to in-game graphics like in Part 2) so not only would they need to re-render those videos in HD, they would either have to stretch them or force the game to be 4:3 (like the Sonic Adventure port was). Maybe this is why they have skipped to Part 2. To be fair though Part 2 is a much rarer game, especially on Dreamcast on which it would cost you a small fortune, especially if you went after the special edition box set.

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[sources: The Dreamcast Junkyard and jeuxvideo24]

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Sonic Topps Trading Cards: The Best and the Weirdest Stickers

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Back in 1993 when Sonic ruled the merchandising world, a major trading card company called Topps joined in the fun and released a sixty-six card set of Sonic cards. While I only just recently picked up a complete set off eBay, I remember vividly buying as many packs as I could when the cards released. Sadly, I was only able to obtain half the set and since then the little case holding the cards was lost in the shuffle of growing up. However the cards do still exist somewhere in my parents house, perhaps in the same box that contains my Sonic 1 and 2 strategy guides and official Sonic Archie comics art. But enough crying about my misplaced SEGA treasures, lets take a look at the cards!

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Sonic 4 getting iPhone Game Center support

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Despite only being a few days old, the iPhone version of Sonic 4 has already been confirmed to be receiving a free software update within the next week or so. SEGA’s Ken Balough has stated via the SEGA forums that the free update will give Sonic 4 Game Center support! Game Center is Apple’s version of XBOX Live, giving games the ability to have achievements, leaderboards and online multiplayer play (Sonic 4 will not have that last feature, as it is a one player game).  This will come as good news to iPhone owners, as it gives Sonic 4 more replayability outside of the score attack and time attack modes. This also shows that SEGA is committed to updating the game, so perhaps retina display support is in the game’s future?

[Source: SEGA Blogs]

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Review: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 – Episode 1 (iPhone)

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After a staggering two years of waiting, 2D Sonic gameplay has finally returned to the handheld world! What? Oh, you’re probably used to the usual Sonic 4 article intro recounting the 16 year wait fans had to endure before seeing the return of a 2D Sonic to home consoles. Well, such is not the case with Sonic in the portable world. Ever since 2D Sonic left Angel Island, he had found a new home on handheld gaming devices. Between 1994 and 2010, Sonic fans have been treated to more than ten 2D adventures. It is probably due to this fact that the iPhone version of Sonic 4 hasn’t been receiving the same level of enthusiasm and attention as its big brother console versions have.

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Chu Chu Rocket hitting the iPhone in late October

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Forgive me for not thinking of a cat and mouse pun for the headline. Via SEGA’s e-newsletter comes an official word on when we can expect the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to get Chu Chu fever: late October! Considering the iDevice’s are getting Sonic 4 next week, October will be a big month for SEGA on the App Store. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but $7.99 to $9.99 seem to be the magic numbers for other new App Store releases from SEGA.

[Source: SEGA Pass]

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Sonic Free Riders release date announced, website launches

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As if we didn’t know already, SEGA has officially announced that Sonic Free Riders will release on November 4th (US) and November 10th (Europe) for the launch of the 360’s Kinect. SEGA has also launched the official English language website which includes a bit of new art, several locked sections and a unique navigation method in which you can use a web cam to navigate the site. I tried it at work and I looked like a fool, but it worked rather well.

[Source: SEGA’s Tweet]

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New Sonic Colors trailer shows the Eggmagineers accomplishments

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The latest Sonic Colors trailer has arrived, and unlike previous released videos of the game, this one shows off a bit of the in-game cutscenes! If the opening map is anything to go by, it looks like each stage will be receiving a trailer which will also highlight Wisp powers. Tropical Resort is still looking to be an excellent first stage, and the drill power-up looks like a lot of fun. Like NiGHTS meets Mr. Driller. What do the fellow “bitters”* think of the latest trailer?

* I realize “bitters” is a terrible name for SEGAbits members, but I have yet to hear a better alternative.

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Sonic 4 hits the Casino Street – Trailer & Screens

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The latest reworked stage from Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has been revealed thanks to a video and written preview from the folks at Joystiq! Just as Lost Labyrinth replaced the much maligned mine cart, Casino Street has been confirmed to have replaced the itty bitty act 2 pinball machine with a much sweeter card focused stage. Sonic is shown to use cards as platforms, as a way to win an extra life and as a fast moving platform. Way past cool! In fact, the final moment of the trailer was the first true instance in which Sonic 4 made me say “wow!” aloud. I was pro-Sonic 4 before, but now I think I have been welcomed to the next level.

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Sonic Colors Multiplayer Features Classic Maps

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While we here at SEGAbits can’t post every single image and video related to Sonic Colors as they appear (if we did that, we’d have to post about five posts a day pertaining to Colors), this one specifically caught my interest. While browsing the Sonic Stadium Message Board, I came across new videos of Sonic Colors multiplayer mode. Nothing really new compared to older videos of the mode, but I had a familiar feeling when watching the footage. What could it be? After a bit of back and forth with other forum members, we came to the conclusion that… (dramatic pause, unless you read the headline)

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Dreamroom 2010 Postgame Show

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For those who missed the action yesterday, check out all ten hours of my stream available to view for another week as well as Gagaman’s stream which currently has his four hours of gameplay on loop.

Another year, another loop added to the Dreamcast’s swirl. As I stepped outside this morning, after a day of Dreamcast gaming, I realized that I hadn’t stepped outside the entire previous day! Still, it was all worth it and I’d gladly do it all again next year. In fact, I will do it all again next year! Until then, let’s reminisce on something that happened 24 hours ago…

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The All Day Dreamcast Party Begins NOW! [party is over]

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As this is a day that I’m sure will be filled with articles involving the Dreamcast, I’ll cut right to the chase: In celebration of 9/9, the Dreamcast’s 11th Birthday, both Gagaman of SEGA Memories fame and myself will be hosting back to back streaming Dreamcast parties! His is already in progress and will go right up to when my party begins, so check him out at the link below and then be sure to jump over to mine at 12am-11pm EST (US), 6pm-5am GMT (UK). Make sure to join in on the chat, because what is a party without that?

Dreamroom 2010 UK:

Watch live streaming video from gagaman at livestream.com

Dreamroom 2010 USA:
Watch live video from Dreamroom on Justin.tv

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My Eleven Hour Dreamcast Party

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Last year I held a Dreamcast birthday party which streamed live online. As the Dreamcast was turning ten, I held the party for ten hours. This year, I’m doing one better: one hour better! I’m excited to share “Dreamroom 2010: The Eleven Hour Dreamcast Party”! The official date and times are as follows:

September 9th, 2010
12am-11pm EST (US), 6pm-5am GMT (UK)

Last year was a blast, and I’m sure this year will be just as fun. For those who missed last year’s Dreamroom, essentially it will be ten hours of Dreamcast gaming streamed live online with live chat. The first half will be me going solo playing Dreamcast games. During the second half the IRL party kicks off with whoever I invited showing up for multiplayer games and the occasional visit to Seaman.

Games will be played from my library, and requests are welcomed! Expect to see some of the best, worst and delightfully oddest Dreamcast games. Of course a Dreamcast birthday party isn’t a birthday party without the guests, so I hope to see everyone (virtually) there!

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Sonic Adventure Dated and Priced

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I have some good news and some good news: Sonic Adventure will be hitting XBLA (and presumably PSN) on September 15th for a mere 800 points or $10!

The low price, in my opinion, makes for a nice impulse or curiousity buy. While I bemoaned SEGA for lack of widescreen, at $10 I’ll be giving this a download just for an easier way to play the game. I hate having to walk to my game shelf to get the Dreamcast version, plug in the VGA box and skip past the screen telling me to set the time and date. Also, achievements would make for some nice replay value.

Let’s just hope they’ve ironed out the bugs.

[Source: Major Nelson’s Blog]

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