Author Archives: Barry

SEGA News Bits: SEGA Mega Drive Mini & SEGA AGES for Nintendo Switch Reaction

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SEGA Fes 2018 had four big reveals, and on this SEGA News Bits we take a look at the first two of them. First up is SEGA AGES, M2’s answer to a 3D Classics lineup for the Nintendo Switch. Next we look at the AtGames Mega Drive Mini, a new plug and play from AtGames which is SEGA’s answer to the SNES Classic.

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SEGA News Bits: IDW Sonic the Hedgehog #2 Discussion

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Another week in April means another issue of IDW Sonic the Hedgehog! On this SEGA News Bits George grills Barry on the second issue which features the return of Amy Rose. How is her characterization? How is this issue’s artist? Who is behind all the rogue badniks? We discuss these points and more!

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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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Stories of the Dragon: The Legend of Kazuma Kiryu live action series releases to promote Yakuza 6

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This is a surprise! SEGA of America has released a trio of live action short films to promote the upcoming Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. Initially I thought these were created for the Japanese release and were localized, but they appear to be brand new (the english speaking actors tipped me off, which to be honest is kind of jarring given the games are subtitled). The short films were created in collaboration with Liquid Advertising and director Christopher Ewing and were shot in Tokyo, Japan. The shorts focus on three people whose lives were changed by Kazuma Kiryu.

Each short is based on in-game substories, including “The Bouncer” and “Prodigal Son” from Yakuza Kiwami, and “Another Haruka” from Yakuza 5. Check all three out after the break! Don’t forget, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life releases April 17!

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IDW Sonic the Hedgehog #1 sells out

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IDW and SEGA have announced that the first issue of the new Sonic the Hedgehog comics series has sold out! Joe Hughes, editor of Sonic the Hedgehog, stated “We know fans have been waiting a long time for this launch, and we couldn’t be happier with their response to the first issue. This first issue was the start of a four-week event that kicked off the beginning of a new era for Sonic comics. The new series will feature new adventures with characters new and old and I cannot wait for fans to see what’s in store.”

Second printings have already begun, with more issue #1’s expected to hit shops on May 2, 2018. You can see the cover for the second printing above. Congrats to the IDW Sonic team! Don’t forget, issue 2 released yesterday and issues 3 and 4 release in the following two weeks and then the series switches to monthly.

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SEGA Games COO Kenji Matsubara wants to bring the AtGames SEGA Genesis Flashback to Japan

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SEGA is not returning to the hardware market. I repeat, SEGA is not returning to the hardware market.

In a Yahoo! Japan news article, SEGA Games COO Kenji Matsubara said that SEGA is planning to import and sell the AtGames SEGA Genesis Flashback in Japan. SEGA Genesis Flashback is licensed by SEGA and outsourced to Taiwan based AtGames to produce. The SEGA Genesis Flashback was released last year and was criticized for inferior audio and video quality. The reasoning for importing the SEGA Genesis Flashback was due to increased demand in Japan for machines like the NES and SNES Classic.

Did I mention SEGA is not returning to the hardware market? Importing the SEGA Genesis Flashback and rebranding it is a quick, easy and cheap way for SEGA of Japan to bring the Mega Drive to Japan again. SEGA are not developing a new machine, they are not rereleasing any other classic consoles, and it is not SEGA’s current mission to return to the console market. SEGA is not returning to the hardware market.

Thumbs up to SEGA Driven for properly reporting on this story, and shame on any sites that misrepresent the original story.

[Source: Yahoo! Japan]

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SEGA unboxes the Yakuza 6: The Song of Life After Hours Premium Edition

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Yakuza 6: The Song of Life releases in just a few weeks, on April 17th to be exact, for the PlayStation 4. The game will release with three options: a Standard Edition, an Essence of Art Edition, and (in my opinion) the must have After Hours Premium Edition. To promote this very special release, SEGA has created an unboxing hosted by Marketing Associate Lauren and Associate PR Manager Jonathon. Get a sneak peek at the hardcover art book, two bar glasses, 2 ice stones, 2 coasters, and the collectible outer box.

Which edition are you picking up? If you’re getting the After Hours Premium Edition, what are you planning to drink?

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IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog #1 releases today!

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Just a friendly reminder that Sonic the Hedgehog comics are making their big return today with IDW taking over from Archie with an all new rebooted comic book series. Each week in April will see a new issue, with issue #5 moving back into a regular release schedule (which will no doubt relieve the strain on the artist’s wrists).

Expect a SEGA News Bits covering issue #1 this week, and a preview of issue #2 in the next SEGA News Bits Extra which is our Patreon exclusive video series. You can check out the issue’s synopsis, as well as a cover gallery, after the break.

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First Sonic Mania Adventures episode releases online

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The first Sonic Mania Adventures episode is ready to watch (just click play above)! The series was announced at the Sonic at SXSW panel and will run for five episodes running a few minutes each. The plan is to release them monthly to promote the upcoming physical release of Sonic Mania Plus.

What are your thoughts on the first episode? Sound off in the comments below!

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Bitmap Books planning a Sega Master System Compendium

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We haven’t covered Bitmap Books here yet, but they’ve been in the video game history books business for some time. Known best for their visual compendiums, Bitmap has covered classic hardware like the Commodore 64, Amiga and NES. Now, they are finally dipping their toes into the SEGA waters with the upcoming Sega Master System Compendium book. The book will feature in-game graphics, pixel art and provide a history on SEGA’s first western released console.

The Sega Master System Compendium will be funded as a Kickstarter, which goes live on May 7. When we near the Kickstarter’s launch we will be sure to share more information.

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Experience the Yakuza 6: The Song of Life “Essence of Art” exhibit opening night in newly released videos

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Last weekend, SEGA opened their Yakuza 6: The Song of Life “Essence of Art” Exhibit at Gallery Nucleus in Los Angeles. While the event looked like a blast, it was missing our presence as well as the presence of countless Yakuza fans from across the globe. Thankfully, SEGA has bottled up the experience in two videos giving a recap of the event (above) and presenting the full live art and Q&A stream (after the break).

The Yakuza 6: The Song of Life “Essence of Art” Exhibit runs from March 17, 2018 – April 1, 2018 at Gallery Nucleus at 210 East Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801. The gallery is open from 12:00PM – 8:00PM, Tuesday – Sunday and is open to the public with free admission. More details are available at the official event page.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life releases April 17, and comes in a fancy Essence of Art Edition and an After Hours Premium Edition.

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Preview: IDW Sonic the Hedgehog #6

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The preview for issue six of IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog is here! Following up from the previous issue, six features the story “The Fate of Dr. Eggman” Part 2. The issue is to feature Eggman, Shadow, Rouge and the Chaotix. Oh and of course, Sonic. It is becoming pretty clear that each issue, at least in this early run, will introduce new and returning characters to the IDW canon. After the break, check out the full solicits and a preview of a IDW Sonic collector’s box set!

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SEGA News Bits: New Sonic Racing Game Announcement Reaction

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We called it! Well, George called it in last month’s rumor video. Sonic Racing is indeed real and while we are not sure who is developing it, all signs are pointing to Sumo Digital. On this SEGA News Bits, Barry takes a look at the teaser trailer, looks back on Sonic’s racing history and looks ahead at what we might expect from the upcoming game.

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SEGA News Bits: Sonic Mania Physical Release & Animated Series Announced

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It’s happening! Sonic Mania is finally receiving a physical release as Sonic Mania Plus. And if that wasn’t enough, the game will have new content and will see the return of two long lost characters: Mighty and Ray! What more, we have a series of animated shorts on the way titled Sonic Mania Adventures!

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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Sonic at SXSW: Sonic racing game teased

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SEGA and Sonic Team concluded their panel with a tease of a new Sonic game. The logo was in silhouette and only an R could be seen, but it seemed to say Sonic Racing. Aaron noted that it is not a sequel to anything, so it is not Sonic Drift 3, Sonic R 2 or All-Stars Racing 3. Most likely, it is an all Sonic racing game which was previously leaked in a Sumo Digital internal presentation.

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