Author Archives: Barry

SEGA News Bits: SEGA survey includes classic IPs discussion

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SEGA wants fans to “Help Us Make Our Games Better” by unleashing a new survey which asks what your favorite classic SEGA franchises are! Did your favorite IP make the list? Find out as George and Barry go through all the classic franchises mentioned in the survey.

Want to take the survey? Check it out here and don’t forget to tick that SEGAbits box when they ask you what fan sites you frequent!

If you enjoy the SEGA News Bits video formats make sure to like, share and subscribe to our YouTube for more.

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Valkyria Chronicles Remastered “Europa Edition” European exclusive revealed

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While Americans are confirmed to be receiving the Squad 7 Armored Case when Valkyria Chronicles Remastered releases May 17th to the Playstation 4, Europe has their own exclusive. Dubbed the Europa Edition, the package includes all previous DLC as well as an exclusive double sided A3 poster and a 32 page booklet containing franchise art. SEGA Europe seems to have changed their decision on the Squad 7 Armored Case. Initially the special case was said to be releasing to Europe, but details on where to get it were vague. Now, all SEGA Europe trailers for the game only mention the Europa Edition. It’s possible SEGA Europe decided to go with the poster and art book instead, or that the special case will still release in Europe but only at a select retailer. If we learn more, we’ll be sure to news it!

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SEGA releases new Valkyria Chronicles Remastered trailer, game set for a May 17th release in Americas and Europe

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SEGA’s upcoming Valkyria Chronicles Remastered has a new trailer, and even more importantly release dates for the Americas and Europe! Set to launch in both territories on May 17th, 2016, the updated version of the Playstation 3 classic promises full 1080p/60fps HD quality graphics, all of the original DLC, dual Japanese and English audio, and trophy support. Also, as we’ve reported in the past, pre-orders and limited launch copies will feature a collectible steelbook-style metal Squad 7 Armored Case.

In the above trailer, SEGA highlights the fundamentals of warfare in the game, including the “BLiTZ” Tactical Battle System which combines turn-based strategy, RPG, and 3rd person shooter elements – basically all the reasons we love the franchise so dearly. Pre-order your copy of Valkyrica Chronicles Remastered today and mark May 17th on your calendars.

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SEGA Networks confirms layoffs in the West, including Three Rings Design Inc.

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Screen Shot 2016-03-06 at 9.53.37 PMWe’re sad to report that there have been some layoffs at SEGA Networks’ mobile division in the West. As confirmed by VentureBeat, SEGA Networks has laid off an undisclosed number of employees which includes all of Three Rings Design Inc. (developers of PSO inspired MMO Spiral Knights for PC, and mobile games Spellwood and Corpse Craft) as well as a small number of team members on the publishing side of mobile.

The reason has been attributed to SEGA’s new focus in internally developed IP-based games, the localization of Japanese mobile games, and (I’m putting this in quotes as it is direct from SEGA Networks’ mouth, and I don’t quite understand it) “mass market view-per-play games designed to further Sega’s network strategy in the West.” SEGA also cites “challenging and hyper-competitive mobile market conditions” as a reason for the layoffs.

Regardless of the market conditions, being laid-off sucks and we here at SEGAbits wish nothing but the best for those employees affected.

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First 4 Figures tease Yakuza Kazuma Kiryu statue and pre-order information

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Video game statue maker First 4 Figures, who have already produced several SEGA and Sonic the Hedgehog premium collectable statues, have announced a new SEGA character and franchise that they will be adding to their ever expanding SEGA All-Stars collection; Yakuza‘s Kazuma Kiryu.

Teased on their Facebook page, First 4 Figures announced that pre-orders start March 8th, 2016 and featured a peek at Kazuma’s face. Thus far, fan reaction has been mixed. It is cool to see Yakuza joining the ranks of Shenmue and Skies of Arcadia, but they really didn’t nail Kazuma’s likeness. As is, he sort of looks like a cosplayer attempting a Kazuma Kiryu look. In the past, First 4 Figures have taken fan feedback very seriously and have altered character’s faces to better match the source.

We’ll share more details once pre-orders go live on March 8th!

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SEGA releases “Help Us Make Our Games Better” survey – check it out!

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SEGA has just released a link to a survey which has the goal of improving the quality of their games. The survey, which can be found here, goes quite in depth. Users are asked to list consoles they own and currently play, including just about every major home console you can think of released from the 70s through to today including some that never made their way west, like the SG-1000). Users are also asked to name their favorite SEGA franchises from an incredibly long and varied list (everything from Panzer Dragoon to Fatal Labyrinth to Yakuza) as well as list off franchises they love that may be listed. Mobile gaming seems to be of upmost importance, leading me to believe that this survey will be utilized by SEGA Networks as well as SEGA of America and SEGA Europe.

One page that caught our attention was “Please select any of the following websites or channels that you have visited in the last 90 days:” which included SEGA Retro, Sonic Retro, The Dreamcast Junkyard, the SEGAbits YouTube channel, as well as others. Very interesting that our YouTube channel is on SEGA’s radar given our recent refocus which put news, commentary and interviews at the forefront.

If you haven’t taken the survey yet, check it out and we’ll see how our answers shape the future of SEGA!

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SEGA in the Media: Seinfeld’s “The Comeback” has a great selection of Genesis games at Champagne Video

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Spotting video games on TV’s greatest sitcom Seinfeld is nothing new. Longtime fans of series know all about the Frogger episode as well as Jerry’s video shelf which features NES and SNES games sat next to cinematic classics like “Child’s Play 2”. When it comes to SEGA on Seinfeld, however, you’re going to have to look a bit harder. In the eighth season episode “The Comeback”, which aired January 30th, 1997, one of the plots involved Elaine becoming infatuated with a mysterious video store employee Vincent. Meanwhile, Kramer was more interested in the Gene picks. Champagne Video, a recurring location in the series, was the go-to spot for Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine when they needed to rent some VHS tapes. Throughout the series, the store evolved to feature what were at the time current videos, and in the episode “The Comeback” the set decorator took things one step further by littering the store with classic SEGA Genesis games.

On this installment of SEGA in the Media, we’re going to see how many SEGA Genesis games we can spot! Start browsing the shelves after the break.

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SEGA Memories: Playing Jet Set Radio Future for three days straight in 2002!

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2016 is a big year for milestone SEGA anniversaries, and while the Jet Set Radio franchise didn’t make our mega list (which you can check out right here), I’d be remiss as a Jet Set Radio fan if I didn’t tip my hat to the sequel Jet Set Radio Future which turns 14 today in North America. As an all-encompassing SEGA fan, I don’t really pledge allegiance to one franchise. Everything from Space Channel 5 to Guardian Heroes to Valkyria Chronicles pull at my SEGA fan heartstrings. But one franchise that gets to me more than any other is Jet Set Radio. Playing the first game on the Dreamcast was more than your typical “yay, a new game” experience. Jet Set Radio introduced me to a crazy new world where bright colors, catchy music and offbeat street culture melded together into a game that I couldn’t stop playing. It wasn’t so much the gameplay the grabbed me, as it was the world of Tokyo-to. Popping the game into my Dreamcast was another free trip to explore my favorite video game world.

So you can imagine my excitement when Jet Set Radio Future was announced, featuring a much larger world and even better graphics. The only catch? It was on a console I had never intended to buy at the time, Microsoft’s Xbox.

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SEGA and Archie Comics announce Sonic the Hedgehog 25th anniversary one-shot comic book

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Via Comic Book Resources comes the announcement of a new one-shot comic book from Archie Comics and SEGA, entitled SONIC: MEGA DRIVE. The standalone story is being written by Ian Flynn with illustrations by Tyson Heese of Boxer Hockey fame. Tyson had been teasing something over the past few months, and it seems this is it!

The story is said to feature Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, and other characters from in the Genesis/Mega Drive era, and Flynn is crafting the story as though it is a never before seen Genesis-era Sonic game. SONIC: MEGA DRIVE is set to release July 6th. After the break, check out the full solicit from Archie Comics, featuring story details and more!

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7th Dragon III Code: VFD Nintendo 3DS launch edition to include art book

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In a clear case of SEGA’s acquisition of Atlus rubbing off on SEGA of America comes news of yet another launch edition of an upcoming physical release. SEGA 3D Classics Collection has decals, Valkyria Chronicles Remastered has a steelbook case, and now 7th Dragon III Code: VFD has been confirmed to include a 28-page art book and collector’s box. SEGA promises that the art book will contain “a closer look at the design work that went in to creating the game’s esoteric character classes, ferocious dragons, vile monsters, and the environments that span three time periods”. The box will likely be no different from the Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX launch edition, which is a cardboard box featuring the game’s case art. Still, it looks nice on a shelf.

7th Dragon III: Code VFD will arrive this summer in retail stores and on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS in the Americas. The game will be available for $39.99/CA$54.99 and had been rated T by the ESRB. For more information please visit: http://7thdragon.sega.com

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Sonic the Hedgehog 25th anniversary events detailed, and more!

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The Tomy booth at New York’s Toy Fair was seemingly plastered with signs detailing Sonic information, as evidenced by our past two news posts. We’ve received word on game release dates, learned that Sonic Boom the TV series will be receiving a second season, and learned about several upcoming events planned for Sonic’s 25th anniversary. Upcoming events include a Game Developers Conference Party hosted by SGN (who we assume are these guys), with celebrations planned for Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom, as well as 25 years of Sonic as well as art and music. Expect this event to be held in mid-March as GDC runs from March 14-18. Next up, Sonic will be at SXSW with a History of Sonic panel. Details of the panel can be found online, with the panel taking place on Saturday, March 19th from 3:30PM-4:45PM and will be hosted by Sonic social media manager Aaron Webber, SEGA director of product development Austin Keys, voice actors Mike Pollock and Roger Craig Smith, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka, and Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka. Wait, and they are only giving these guys 45 minutes? Sounds like a great panel that could easily run another hour.

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Sonic Boom season 2 confirmed, set to release on Cartoon Network in fall 2016

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New York Toy Fair has a ton of cool information regarding Sonic the Hedgehog’s 2016 plans, including release dates for games, event information, and news that Sonic Boom will have a second season. Tomy, which currently holds the Sonic toy license, had the above sign on display at their booth which reveals that a second season is in production and will be airing on Cartoon Network in fall 2016. The first season ran for 52 eleven minute episodes, and while there is no indication that season 2 will be the same length, it is likely.

Also revealed is that hulu will be streaming the first season in spring of 2016. This is great news for fans who want to catch up on the series, though it may also be bad news for those hoping for an American DVD release. While DVD volumes of the series has already started to release in the UK, there has been no news of a DVD release in America. The fact that hulu is streaming the series may mean that SEGA opted to stream rather than go the physical route. The plus side is that hulu will be, presumably, in HD whereas the DVDs are not.

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Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice 3DS and Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Wii U release date information

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A slew of Sonic the Hedgehog hit last night via information posted at Tomy’s booth at the New York Toy Fair. Tomy currently holds the license for Sonic the Hedgehog toys, following Jazwares, and as such their booth had not only upcoming action figures, RC vehicles and plush dolls, but they also had informational signs posted throughout the booth. The delayed Nintendo 3DS title Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice, originally planned for Fall 2015, has now been confirmed for a Fall 2016 release. This new date means the game has been pushed back a full year, and that it will now coincide with the release of Sonic Boom season 2. SEGA has already gone on public record saying that the delay is only good news, as it gives Sanzaru Games Inc. more time to refine and polish the title. Sanzaru’s first game in the spin-off franchise, Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal [read our review] also for 3DS, was notorious for having a rushed development. Though, it was a far better game in my opinion than Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, and the fact that SEGA is once again working with Sanzaru shows they still have faith in the developers.

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SEGA Dreamcast Nintendo 3DS theme brings the nostalgia with the Phantasy Star Online lobby theme

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If you haven’t been following us on the social networks, earlier this week we shared that more SEGA themes are heading to the Nintendo 3DS for those in the west. Yesterday, Americans received a SEGA Dreamcast theme for $1.99 while today Europeans receive Dreamcast, Saturn and Hi-Tech (arcade) themes. Saturn and Hi-Tech had already released in America some time ago, so no surprises there, but what was surprising was that aside from the expected regional tweaks to the Dreamcast theme (blue swirl in Europe, different packaging designs on the top screen) there was also another change to the original Japanese Dreamcast 3DS theme. While the Japanese theme had some happy background music that I can’t quite place from the Dream Passport internet application, the western theme has the incredibly iconic Phantasy Star Online lobby music.

It may sound like I’m fanboying out over this, and I probably am, but man does the inclusion of that music make this theme a must own for any Dreamcast owner who has fond memories of 2am PSO play sessions. Not only did this music ensure that you have properly connected your console to the internet, but it was also the beginning of the adventure. Picture chat with your friends, pretend to be a Japanese girl, trade some guild cards, form a team, and hit the forest of Ragol for some rare blue Al Rappys. After the break, check out the theme in action and if you like it download it yourself. It’s well worth it.

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Swingin’ Report Show #85: Interview with The Dreamcast Junkyard founder Tom Charnock

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On this episode of the SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show we’re joined by Tom Charnock, founder of the The Dreamcast Junkyard and co-creator of The Dreamcast Junkyard: The Ultimate Collectors Guide. Tom talks to us about the creation of the information-packed collectors guide, the legal issues they faced, and what they are planning for future revisions of the book. Also covered are the indie Dreamcast games slated for 2016, which include Leona’s Tricky Adventures, SLaVE and Alice Dreams Tournament, Tom’s plans for a heavily modded and tricked out Dreamcast console, and the state of Dreamcast collecting.

If you want to hear more of Tom talking about SEGA’s final home console, make sure to check out The Dreamcast Junkyard Dreampod podcast, and of course pay a visit to The Dreamcast Junkyard for their many interesting articles.

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