Author Archives: Barry

SEGA Game Gear Micro Hardware Review – Bite-Sized Nostalgia

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In June 2020, SEGA revealed the Game Gear Micro. Prior to the full announcement, fans speculated on if this would be the successor to the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive Mini, how big the actual device was, how many games would be on the handheld and if it would receive a western release. Once the details were confirmed, internet reaction – specifically from westerners – was largely negative. With dimensions of 80×43 mm (about the size of a Dreamcast VMU) and four colors featuring four unique games each, the Micro truly was living up to its name. Micro in size, micro in game lineup, and micro in not living up to expectations set by the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini.

Now, five months later, I have the full lineup in hand (literally, I can hold all four in one hand!) and can make my own determination on the Game Gear Micro. Is it worthy of an import?

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SEGA Talks About What’s Next After the Game Gear Micro

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With the Game Gear Micro now releasing in Japan, SEGA’s Yosuke Okunari talked about what’s next in a recent issue of Famitsu Magazine. Thanks to Siliconera, we have some translated tidbits from the article:

“For the next Mini, we are considering everything that has been imagined by everyone.”
“Of course, it doesn’t mean we can realize all of them. We are also thinking about projects that nobody has imagined.”
“The projects are moved by a substantial amount of money, so we’re working first on the one that, realistically speaking, has the highest possibility.”
“The Game Gear Micro is only sold domestically in Japan. When we do the next one, I feel like the project scope will be much bigger as we gaze upon the world. So we won’t be able to release it at this time the next year or two years after the Mega Drive Mini. We can’t make it that quickly. (laughs)”
“I think for the next one, we may go with a concept close to the Mega Drive Mini. If I have to say some names, it could be an SG-1000 Mini or a Dreamcast Mini…”

It’s interesting that the Astro City Mini is not mentioned, and that SEGA are considering everything from their earliest console to their last console. What would you like to see next from SEGA? Sound off in the comments below!

[Source: Siliconera]
[Image Credit: KIDULT SHARINGS]

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SEGA Talk Podcast #54: Sonic Advance (2001)

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On this episode of SEGA Talk, George and Barry fire up the Game Boy Advance and discuss Sonic’s first 2D platforming adventure on a Nintendo handheld! What is Dimps? How does a speedy hammer wielding Amy Rose control? How does the game hold up almost 20 years later? Listen and learn!

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 – Play Music – 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!

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Panzer Dragoon: Remake Out Now on PlayStation 4 and PC

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Forever Entertainment’s Panzer Dragoon: Remake is now available on the PlayStation 4! Released in 2019 to the Nintendo Switch, the game is now seeing a wider release on PS4 and PC (Steam currently has it for 10% off). Currently, the game is digital only on those platforms and is priced at $24.99. Fingers crossed we see a release from Limited Run Games.

A new, remade version of the Panzer Dragoon game – true to the original, with improved graphics and controls, that suit modern gaming standards!
On a far, lone planet, you encounter two dragons awaken from the ancient times. Armed with a deadly gun from the past, and the guidance of your armored blue dragon, you must fulfill your destiny and keep the Prototype Dragon from reaching the Tower or die trying.

Key Features
– Pilot through seven unbelievably realistic levels ranging from tropical blue ocean cities to intricate subterranean ruins.
– Fight the Prototype Dragon who appears together with evil giant dragonflies, frightening man-sized wasps, giant sandworms, and lethal flying battleships.
– Attack approaching from all sides enemies quickly and without mercy, with improved 360-degree controls and lock-on targeting.

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TGS 2020: Astro City Mini Hands-On Details and Pink Second Player Variants Revealed

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More news about the upcoming Astro City Mini plug and play was revealed at SEGA’s Tokyo Game Show digital events. A variant with pink buttons, based off the player two controls of an Astro City cabinet, was revealed. Additionally, there will be Astro City Mini controllers and arcade sticks with the pink variant, as well as an accessory to place over the marquee making it appear to be a New Astro City arcade machine (New Astro City was a 1994 revision to the 1993 Astro City with exposed speakers jutting out from above the monitor).

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SEGA News Bits: Yakuza Movie Announced

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The SEGA Cinematic Universe expands with the announcement of a Yakuza movie! Produced by 1212 Entertainment and Wild Sheep Content, this new live action project looks to bring the Yakuza games to the big screen. Who is behind it all and what can we expect? Find out by clicking that play button!

If you want to support this type of content, you can check out our Patreon!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a thumbs up so it shows up on more like-minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

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SEGA News Bits: New Virtua Fighter Game Revealed – Virtua Fighter X Esports Project

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We react to and share our thoughts on the news that SEGA is working on a “Virtua Fighter x esports Project”. Is this the new game we’ve long been wanting? Or are we getting a watered down port of an old title? Click play and hear our thoughts!

If you want to support this type of content, you can check out our Patreon!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a thumbs up so it shows up on more like-minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

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SEGA Developing Movie Based on Yakuza Franchise with Production Company 1212 Entertainment

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As reported today by Variety, SEGA is developing a live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series of games with 1212 Entertainment (“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”) and Wild Sheep Content. Erik Barmack (“Quicksand,” “Sacred Games” and “The Rain”), Roberto Grande and Joshua Long will produce and they are currently searching for script writers.

1212 told Variety: “Yakuza offers us a new playground in which to set compelling stories with complex characters in a unique environment that audiences have rarely seen before. The saga of Kazuma Kiryu has a built-in cinematic appeal – a mix of kinetic action with bursts of comedy, multiple converging storylines, and a gripping journey towards redemption.” Barmack of Wild Sheep Content added, “With our background in telling global stories, we are excited to bring this huge project to global platforms.”

Yakuza fans should remember that this is not the first time the franchise saw a film. In 2007 “Like A Dragon” released to Japanese cinemas, loosly adapting the first game. The film saw an international release on DVD.

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Real-Time Strategy Classic “Herzog Zwei” Joins the SEGA AGES Lineup on Nintendo Switch

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The SEGA AGES lineup has expanded on Nintendo Switch with the release of the real-time strategy classic Herzog Zwei. Released in 1989 to the Japanese Mega Drive, the game saw a release in the west the following year. Per SEGA, “In Herzog Zwei, each of the eight featured maps will require strategy and planning to beat your opponent as you issue commands and take over Outposts to best your foe. You will protect your base and accumulate units to expand and achieve ultimate victory. Command a special mech unit to leverage and order around combat units, and most importantly, make sure to keep a keen eye on resources like “Energy” so you can be combat-ready at all times!”

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SEGA Talk Podcast #53: Fantasy Zone (1986)

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Opa-Opa takes center stage on a SEGA Talk podcast as we discuss his breakout game Fantasy Zone! We delve into the game’s development and the interesting decisions made by designer/director Yoji Ishii (of Flicky fame) that led to such an iconic and unique shoot ’em up (or STG if you’re in Japan). We also discuss Brazilian music, Monty Python and Gradius for very good and on-topic reasons.

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 – Play Music – 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!

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Data Discs Announces Shenmue II Vinyl Soundtrack and Optional Slipcase

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Data Discs have announced the followup to their 2015 release of the original Shenmue score on vinyl. Shenmue II will be joining the Data Discs line with a selection of tracks from SEGA’s Sound Team. The release is presented on 180g vinyl with original cover art and two lithographic prints. The editions include: 180g Light Translucent Green and Orange (Limited Edition), 180g Light Translucent Green and 180g Classic Black. Data Discs have also revealed an optional “Dragon and Phoenix Mirror” slipcase built from hardboard and coated in a matt laminated varnish made to hold both releases, and retails for £12.50.

The Light Translucent Green and Orange (Limited Edition) of Shenmue II will be up for an open pre-order until MONDAY 21st SEPTEMBER at 13:00 (UK time), and retails for £20.99. The other two editions will remain available beyond that time (while stocks last) and retail for £19.99. All editions have an estimated shipping date of January 2021. Additionally, the original Shenmue vinyl is being repressed with a January 2021 release date.

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Game Gear Micro White Announced – Included with M2’s Aleste Collection

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M2 has just announced, via a Famitsu stream, an Aleste Collection of games for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

The collection will include Aleste / Power Strike (Mark III, Master System), Power Strike II (Master System), Aleste GG (Game Gear) and Aleste GG II (Game Gear). Also announced, and exclusive to the upcoming collection, is a white Game Gear Micro which will include the same four games and is set to sell for ¥14,800 ($141) as part of a special bundle which will also include a white Big Window Micro, a 32-page art book, and a staff interview book. The collection is set for a December 24, 2020 release.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Logo Revealed – New Merchandise Announced

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SEGA has just revealed the new 30th Anniversary logo for Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as their merchandising plans for the blue blur who will turn 30 next year. The logo, playing off Sonic’s spinning feet, is very cute. As for merchandise, expect the previously revealed Sonic Encyclo-Speed-ia book from Dark Horse, as well as more creepy Pop! Vinyl figures, Jakks Pacific toys, jewelry, apparel, enamel pins, energy drinks and new Classic Sonic comic books from IDW. The IDW series will consist of a special issue and an accompanying mini series. Read the full press release after the break!

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Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia Hardcover Book Releasing in Time For Sonic’s 30th – Written by Ian Flynn

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An Amazon listing for Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia has appeared, confirming a very cool release from SEGA in time for Sonic’s 30th anniversary. The hardcover book from SEGA and Dark Horse publishing will be 256 pages long (just a little shorter than Pix’n Love Editions History of Sonic the Hedgehog book from the 20th anniversary) and most notably, the book is being written by IDW Sonic the Hedgehog lead writer Ian Flynn.

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