Author Archives: Barry

SEGA Talk Podcast #78: Xbox & SEGA Retrospective

by

On this episode we have a unique SEGA Talk experience. Instead of talking about a SEGA game or SEGA console, we’re taking a look at SEGA’s third party relationship with the original Xbox! We discuss the development of the console, exclusive SEGA games PLUS we reveal exclusive notes from an early 2001 meeting between SEGA of America and Microsoft which would go on to shape Xbox Live as we know it today. Members of our Patreon can read the notes in full!

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

No Comments

Sonic Colors: Ultimate Review – Reach for the Stars in HD (PlayStation 4)

by

For a thorough review of Sonic Colors, check out our write-up of the original Wii release from 2010. Much of our original reviewer’s thoughts reflect my own. The review you are about to read is from a review copy provided by SEGA.

For over ten years, the Wii exclusive Sonic Colors remained exclusively on the console. When you take in the Sonic “main series” games, Colors was an anomaly amongst a library of titles that often saw re-releases, remasters and compilations. Even the derided Wii U exclusive Sonic Lost World saw a PC release! So, FINALLY, after over ten years the critically acclaimed and fan favorite 3D Sonic game Sonic Colors sees a remaster with upgraded visuals, music and a few new surprises. But does Ultimate live up to its name? Of course it does. It’s great. What, you expected me to say otherwise?

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

The SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show LIVE: Video Game Music with Special Guest Ap0c

by

Our next LIVE show is planned for Thursday, August 26th at 9PM central / 7PM pacific / 10PM eastern. Steve ‘ap0c’ Lakawicz will be on as guest to talk about video game music, how it’s made for both retro and modern consoles, how one makes a career out of composing game music and the state of video game music in 2021.

Steve is a classically trained musician with a Master’s degree in Music Performance, specializing in orchestral tuba. He has toured with brass quintets and performed with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, and lately has taken an interest into crafting and emulating authentic chiptunes. Most recently he has composed music for Brock Crocodile. You can listen to his music here: https://soundcloud.com/ap0c

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, join in the conversation, get Q&A priority, become a guest on the show and more!

[Download] [RSS] [iTunes] [Archive]

1 Comment

Sonic Colors: Rise of the Wisps – Part 2 features Metal Sonic versus Sonic the Hedgehog

by

SEGA has released the second – and FINAL – Sonic Colors Ultimate Rise of the Wisps animated web short, which promises more Metal Sonic, more Jade Ghost wisp and a resolution to the story kicked off in part 1. Instead of spoiling the plot, I’d ask you to watch the video above! Here’s hoping SEGA produces more animated web shorts to promote their upcoming Sonic games, and uses this animation style for future projects.

Pre-Order Sonic Colors Ultimate

PlayStation 4 | Nintendo Switch | Xbox One

No Comments

SEGA Talk Podcast #77: Dynamite Headdy (1994)

by

On-stage Rampage! The curtain is raised, and the Treasure Theater Show begins. SEGA Talk returns, this time talking about Treasure Game’s cult classic title Dynamite Headdy on the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive. Some say this dude has the coolest head on stage, so we will break down what makes Headdy so dynamite on this episode of SEGA TALK!

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

1 Comment

Sonic Colors: Rise of the Wisps – Part 1 prepares fans for the upcoming Sonic Colors Ultimate

by

SEGA has released the first in their new web exclusive animated series Sonic Colors: Rise of the Wisps which promotes the upcoming Sonic Colors Ultimate. This would be the first time we hear Roger Craig Smith as Sonic since his departure and return earlier this year. Also of note, Kate Higgins returns to voice Tails having last voiced him for Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This is likely to have some continuity between this and the upcoming remaster of the game. Also worth noting, Mike Pollock does NOT return for the short despite the character having lines. Why? Well you’ll have to watch to find out.

Pre-Order Sonic Colors Ultimate

PlayStation 4 | Nintendo Switch | Xbox One

No Comments

The SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show LIVE: Knock Knock It’s Knuckles

by

Swingin’ Report Show returns with a new format! On this debut LIVE show, Barry is joined by George to discuss the history of the podcast, recent news of Idris Elba being cast as Knuckles, the new trailer for the Jet Set Radio inspired indie game Bomb Rush Cyberfunk and a peek at the latest Sonic collectibles.

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, join in the conversation, become a guest on the show and more!

[Download] [RSS] [iTunes] [Archive]

No Comments

Knock Knock, it’s Idris Elba as Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2

by

That’s a headline I never thought I’d type. But yes, fresh off The Suicide Squad as Bloodsport comes confirmation from the man himself that Idris Elba will voice Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. While filming has already wrapped, post production is underway and thus the voicing of the CG characters. For some time it was speculated Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would take the role, but some fans thought that was too big a “get” for the film. But Idris Elba is, arguably, just as big a get for Paramount and SEGA.

No Comments

SEGA Talk Podcast #76: Yuji Naka’s Let’s Tap (2008)

by

This time on SEGA Talk we dive deep into Yuji Naka’s studio PROPE, his departure from SEGA and the creation of his first independent title: Let’s Tap! So get your fingers ready to tap and let’s get into it…

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

No Comments

Sonic Colors: Ultimate – Wisp Spotlight trailer gives fans a look at alien power-ups

by

SEGA has released another spotlight trailer for the upcoming Sonic Colors Ultimate, this time detailing those alien power-ups the Wisps. Given the game originally released in 2009, we know the Wisps… right? WRONG! There is a new Wisp called the Jade Ghost Wisp. Learn what he’s all about in the video above!

Pre-Order Sonic Colors Ultimate

PlayStation 4 | Nintendo Switch | Xbox One

No Comments

Fans celebrate 30 years of Sonic the Hedgehog in community spotlight video – Hey, there’s us!

by

SEGA has released a 30+ minute video celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary by spotlighting those in the fan community who have a passion for and, in many cases, contributed to the legacy of the character through events, interviews, videos and more. At 12 minutes and 20 seconds, yours truly appears sharing memories of Sonic and looking ahead to the future. Also featured, at 33 minutes and 38 seconds, is SEGAbits contributor and longtime community member Kori-Maru. Check the video out for yourself, and after the break you can see the fullscreen video of our own contribution.

Thank you to SEGA for highlighting the community and fan sites and please, please do more of this stuff!

Continue Reading ➜

3 Comments

Sonic the Hedgehog and Phantasy Star music play during Tokyo Olympics opening ceremonies

by

First we had Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, then we had Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game and now we have the real thing with Sonic the Hedgehog and Phantasy Star! As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games kicked off with the opening ceremonies, viewers were treated to a medley of video game tunes including a few from beloved SEGA franchises. The playlist lists several franchises from various companies (though Nintendo is absent) and the SEGA tunes include Sonic the Hedgehog‘s Star Light Zone and Phantasy Star Universe‘s Guardians.

It’s awesome seeing SEGA elevated to big cultural moments like this, and it is a huge win for the company, the fans and the brands. After the break, check out the moment Sonic played and we will be sure to update this article once the full opening ceremony is posted.

Continue Reading ➜

1 Comment

SEGA Talk Podcast #75: Panzer Dragoon Saga (1998)

by

This time on SEGA Talk, we dive deep into the development history, characters and explore the world if the SEGA Saturn classic Panzer Dragoon Saga. Or as its known today, one of the most expensive games on the SEGA Saturn!

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

No Comments

SEGA Talk Podcast #74: Star Wars Arcade Games (1993-2000)

by

Blast into hyperspace with us as we cover the trilogy of SEGA Star Wars arcade games! We delve into Star Wars Arcade and the 32X port rush job, Star Wars Trilogy Arcade and the connection to Space Channel 5 creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi and lastly Star Wars Racer Arcade and the evolution of the development studio that brought us all three games. Plus, Barry discusses his own Star Wars fandom.

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

No Comments