Author Archives: Barry

Sonic Mania Plus developer diary video discusses the upcoming release’s art and design

by

SEGA has released part one of a two-part developer diary in anticipation of the upcoming Sonic Mania Plus, an enhanced physical release of last year’s Sonic Mania. The first part features Sonic Team creative director Kazuyuki Hoshino and Sonic Mania Plus art director Tom Fry discussing the inclusion of Mighty and Ray, the new aesthetics of Encore Mode and more.

It’s great to see Sonic Mania Plus getting behind-the-scenes videos and we can’t wait for the second part! You can pre-order the game today for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One via Amazon, and in turn support the site.

No Comments

Cook & Becker announces Space Channel 5 fine art print

by

Cook & Becker (who once joined us on a Swingin’ Report Show to discuss their Sonic the Hedgehog art book) have just announced a new SEGA-inspired art print! The latest SEGA art print is inspired by the Dreamcast classic Space Channel 5. Created by artist Veronique Meignaud, whose past work includes Dishonored, Far Cry, Wakfu and Child of Light, the print features star reporter Ulala in stunning futuristic colors.

Those who subscribe to the Cook & Becker newsletter can reserve a low or specific number edition, with the window closing on Sunday, July 8th at 23:59 CET. After that we presume the prints will go on sale to the public. You can browse Cook & Becker’s SEGA selections here.

No Comments

SEGA Talk #15: Golden Axe (1989)

by

The SEGA Talk podcast has its mighty return talking about the game with swords, dragons and a Golden Axe! On this episode of SEGA Talk we delve deep into not only an arcade smash hit, but also a early SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive classic. This is Golden Axe!  On this episode George and Barry discuss the game’s history, our  exposure to the game and for the we are offering a special YouTube enhanced version of the podcast. We are still working out the  kinks and feedback would be appreciated. If you like the show, make sure  to leave us a positive five star review on iTunes, it always helps!

[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!

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

No Comments

Shenmue I & II releases August 21 to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC – pre-order today!

by

SEGA has released a new trailer for Shenmue I & II, as well as new screenshots and revealed an exclusive poster and release date. The game releases soon, August 21, 2018, and both European and American versions come with a two sided poster and a reversible cover. As revealed yesterday, save data will carry over from I to II, however save data from II will not carry over to the upcoming III. I do hold out hope that III will at least have some way to check for a save file from the remasters and give some sort of bonus for players.

Pre-Order Shenmue I & II:
PlayStation 4 | Xbox One | PC

Continue Reading ➜

8 Comments

Bitmap Books SEGA Master System: a visual compendium Kickstarter launches

by

UK based Bitmap Books have been around for a while, producing high quality art books featuring classic game consoles. “SEGA Master System: a visual compendium” is their first foray into the world of SEGA, and to make the book happen they’ve turned to Kickstarter. The book will feature pixel art, product design and graphic design associated with this iconic 8-bit system. The book is also officially licensed by SEGA and is the first book of this kind to be released for the Master System.

Backers can choose between digital, softcover or hardcover and add-ons include post cards, a poster, a t-shirt. Also included with each book will be 3-D glasses and a bookmark. If you want to support the book, check out their Kickstarter campaign.

1 Comment

SEGA wants to return to the hardware market with the Sonic Toaster

by

SEGA wants to return to the hardware market with the Sonic toaster, but to make that happen they’ll need to hit 1,000 pre-orders within the next 13 days. As revealed on yesterday’s Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube stream, shipping has expanded to include several European countries. The full list of countries include:

U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Spain, and Sweden.

The toaster itself burns in a classic Sonic silhouette, and has a variety of settings from defrost to bagel. Check it out for yourself at the SEGA Shop!

4 Comments

Toejam and Earl: Back in the Groove to be self published, releasing this year

by

Funded back in March of 2015, Toejam and Earl: Back in the Groove promised not only the return of the aliens from Funkotron, but a return of the 2D gameplay style fans loved from the original game. It has been a long road to release, with the expected Kickstarter delays and the announcement of Adult Swim Games publishing. But the latest update reveals that the game will no longer be published by Adult Swim Games.

Continue Reading ➜

1 Comment

IDW Games announces premium collector Sonic the Hedgehog jigsaw puzzles

by

IDW Games, a branch of IDW Publishing, will be releasing premium collector jigsaw puzzles soon. September, 2018 to be exact. Sonic the Hedgehog and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be kicking off the line, with 1000-piece puzzles targeting puzzle hobbyists and fans. The Sonic puzzle art comes from the issue 4 cover of the comic series by Tyson Hesse. The Ninja Turtles art is by co-creator Kevin Eastman, so Tyson is in good company indeed!

You can pre-order the puzzle today for $19.99!

No Comments

Preview: IDW Sonic the Hedgehog #9

by

The latest previews have released for IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog comics, and while we await issue 6 we have details on issue 9. This issue will kick off a new multi-part story entitled “The Battle for Angel Island” and will Sonic and friends taking on a treat to the Master Emerald. Unlike past issues which have been debuting characters one at a time, this issue promises everybody to team up. Interestingly, one cover features Emerl from Sonic Battle and Sonic and Knuckles riding their extreme gear from the Sonic Riders games.

The full solicit can be read after the break.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

Sonic the Hedgehog toys now at Subway restaurants

by


Video credit: Treasure Hunting Sonic [ Facebook | Instagram ]

Sonic the Hedgehog celebrated 27 years over the weekend, and one of the stranger bits of news to come out of the celebrations (stranger than Big the Cat) was that Subway restaurants in the US would have a Sonic themed kid’s meal. Sonic is no stranger to kid’s meals in the US, having appeared as a Happy Meal for Sonic 3, a McDonald’s train car for the Happy Meal anniversary, two waves of McDonald’s LED toys, a Jack in the Box SEGA PC meal, and two Sonic Boom promotions (one for Del Taco and another for Carl’s Jr.).

This latest promotion sees four gear toys that assemble into a weird optical illusion machine. Not as exciting as some past promotions, but still fun to see in action. You can buy them for yourself without the meal for the low price of between $1 and $1.50 each, though the shame in asking a sandwich artist if they have Sonic toys is costly. Trust me.

Thanks to Treasure Hunting Sonic for making a video of the toys in action, you can check him out on Facebook and Instagram.

No Comments

BREAKING: Sonic Birthday Party RUINED – Silver Sonic MIA and ME Shattered

by

We just learned some tragic news. As many of our readers know, Sonic’s birthday Party was scheduled earlier today. The blue blur himself invited everybody – friend and foe – or so he thought. Unfortunately due to a mixup with the invites, Silver the Hedgehog received two invites and Sonic received one of his own (for his own party). Why is this? The intent was to invite Silver Sonic! Due to the mistake, Sonic’s old foe was missing in action. If this was bad enough, Knuckles arrived late because on his way to the party he tripped and shattered the Master Emerald, which he was carrying.

No Comments

Another Team Sonic Racing team has been revealed …Froggy, where are you?

by

Sonic the Hedgehog turns 27 today! And as part of the festivities, the official Sonic social media accounts have revealed a new Team Sonic Racing team. In our many speculative videos we assumed that the game would be following the Sonic Heroes team arrangements. While they do feature Team Sonic and Team Dark, it looks like Team Rose is returning with some changes. First off, Amy Rose is back. Secondly, BIG THE CAT IS BACK AND HE IS DRIVING A FROGGY CAR! Thirdly, Cream the Rabbit got the boot in favor of four Chao in a car, which is very similar to the Chu Chu Rocket car in Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing.

Overall, it’s a nice addition to the game. Amy was all but assured, but I will admit that I was uncertain if Big would be back. While he is a fan favorite, Sonic Team said in the past that the character had been retired. Guess not! As for Cream, I really do not miss her and I think she would have likely been the least popular racer. The real question is, will we see Blaze the Cat? Female representation is low in the roster, and she’s a popular character that would make for a great racer.

4 Comments

Sonic Mania Adventures Episode 4 reunites Mighty and Ray

by

Sonic Mania Plus releases next month, and leading up to the release SEGA has been posting a five part animated Sonic series to YouTube entitled Sonic Mania Adventures. The last episode featured Knuckles flinging Ray, and this episode sees where Ray ended up. The new music by Tee Lopes and the writing and directing by Tyson Hesse are top notch and expand on what made the Sonic Mania game such a love letter to Classic Sonic fans. Check the latest episode out for yourself and be on the lookout for the fifth and final episode next month!

No Comments

VectorMan joins the SEGA Forever mobile lineup

by

The SEGA Forever mobile lineup has expanded today with the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive classic VectorMan. As with past SEGA Forever releases, you can play for free (ad-supported) on iOS and Android, or go ad-free for $1.99/€2.29/£1.99. As a bonus the SEGA Forever blog has added a special interview with Rich Karpp, the creator, coder, and designer of VectorMan! It’s a great read and here’s hoping these interviews continue as its always great to learn more about classic games from the people who made them.

Also worth noting, this week marks the one year anniversary of SEGA Forever. Since launch the lineup has hit 50 million downloads. We’re looking forward to seeing what is to come!

No Comments

SEGAbits at E3 2018: Team Sonic Racing demo gameplay and developer interview

by

SEGA had a variety of games on display at this year’s E3, and probably the most interesting one (namely because we didn’t have a Japanese version to compare it to) was Team Sonic Racing. Our E3 reps got a chance to demo the game as Omega from Team Dark and Sonic of Team… well, Sonic of course. Following the demo, lead designer from Sumo Digital Richard Acherki was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer some questions we had about the upcoming game.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments