Author Archives: Barry

You can now play Flappy Bird on your Dreamcast’s VMU

by

12901511_1156202091077801_6632965311063464141_o

Thanks to Instagram user guacasaurus_mex, the world’s most frustrating iPhone game can now be played on your Dreamcast VMU! guacasaurus_mex is not new to the world of VMU game creation, having also created Deadpool and Star Wars: The Force Awakens VMU games, but Flappy Bird pushes things to a whole other level of absurdity. guacasaurus_mex had this to say regarding how to get the game working on your own VMU:

“If anyone is interested I just finished making a Flappy Bird clone for the VMU. Just put the file on an SD card, load with Dreamshell and once Speud’s VMU Tool has loaded navigate to ‘Open CD’ and copy FLPPYBRD.vmi to the VMU.

Like most VMU games this doesn’t work properly in the emulator so please use on an actual VMU!

Also, for anyone giving this a go, you hold A rather than tap like in the iOS and Android versions. Tap functionality didn’t work so well with only 32 vertical pixels!”

You can find the direct download link for the .VMI file here.

[Via The Dreamcast Junkyard]

3 Comments

Contest: Tell us your favorite moment from Yakuza 5 for a chance to win an official t-shirt from SEGA

by

YAKUZA5contest

Yakuza 5 for Playstation 3 is 25% off through April 5th, and to celebrate we’ve teamed with SEGA to give away eight Yakuza 5 t-shirts featuring the franchise’s iconic dragon emblazoned on the front and back. We’re especially excited for Yakuza 5‘s temporary sale as it means more people will play the game and in turn the fanbase will grow. The Yakuza franchise is an incredible series of games filled with rich stories, fun and interesting characters and varied gameplay.

To enter, all you have to do is share your favorite moment from Yakuza 5 (or another game in the Yakuza series) in the comments below. You must use a valid email address in the email field (nobody will see it except us, this is how we will contact you should you win) and please specify if you are in the US or Canada in the comment field, as we would like to give each region even chances. Shirt sizes are limited and the contest ends March 29th. Eight will win.

Learn more about Yakuza 5 and series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi:

53 Comments

Yakuza 0 confirmed for Europe, early 2017 release date planned and new trailer released

by

SEGA has good news for European Yakuza fans, as it has been confirmed that Yakuza 0 will be releasing to both the Americas and Europe. Prior, only an American release was confirmed when the localization was revealed at the Playstation Experience in December 2015. Even better, the game will be released both physically and digitally! SEGA’s plan is a simultaneous release in both territories and the release window is “early 2017”. While the game was released on both PS3 and PS4 in Japan, westerners will only be receiving the PS4 version. Given the PS4 version is obviously superior, I’m not going to complain. Better that than give us the one for older hardware. SEGA was also quick to point out that the localization is 100% SEGA, and that Sony and PlayStation have no involvement on a production level.

If early 2017 is too long a wait, SEGA has more good news. If you’ve yet to play Yakuza 5, the game is currently on sale for 25% off through April 5th. We loved the game, and we’re certain you will too. Now’s the time to pick it up, support the franchise, and play a great game. Win-win-win!

7 Comments

Welcome your new SEGAbits writers!

by

SEGAbitsFlag

Last month, we put out a call for new writers to join our team. We received several applications from SEGA fans all over the globe, and in the end we landed on three who we think are best suited for a fan site like SEGAbits. That’s not to say that those who didn’t make the cut weren’t bits-worthy, and as with any application process we have your information on file should we ever need help in the near future.

So who are the new writers?

Continue Reading ➜

gFXljGu

7 Comments

The Truth About Ben Kalough video hints at things to come

by

For months, the Sonic the Hedgehog social media accounts have been hinting at something. It could be the reveal of the new Sonic game, or it could be something bigger. Whatever it is, another piece of the puzzle has arrived in a video titled The Truth About Ben Kalough. The video, seen above, catches us up on what the former SEGA of Antarctica staffer has been up to and what the future holds for him. Memes, the word “big” and Aaron Webber all come into play. Could this be it? Or are we all about to be taken for buffoons? Who knows, but once we learn more we will certainly share it in a cryptic article that keeps using the word “big”.

12 Comments

Sonic and SEGA print collections from Iron Gut Publishing announced for the UK, art event revealed

by

SEGA2504

Iron Gut Publishing has announced via a press release that they will be creating art prints for SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, as well as other SEGA IPs including Shinobi, Golden Axe and Streets of Rage. The collection is timed to release alongside Sonic’s 25th anniversary, and Iron Gut Publishing promises an art event which will feature the upcoming prints. At the moment, this is UK only. No word on if those from outside the UK can import the prints.

It is also worth noting that “art collaborations” were revealed last month at Tomy’s booth at New York Toy Fair. This seems to be what that Sonic poster was referring to.

Iron Gut Publishing, the company that specialises in creating limited edition art collections for global brands have signed a UK license with SEGA® Europe Ltd.

The art collection will feature the iconic video game character Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as a host of other classic brands from the SEGA video game portfolio including Golden Axe™, Streets of Rage™ and Revenge of Shinobi™.

2016 is the 25th anniversary year of Sonic and we will be organising an art event to celebrate this which will showcase the collection to fans. The event will allow us to drive awareness and increase visibility of both the brand and collection available.– Anthony Marks, M.D Iron Gut Publishing.

Framed products will be available from bricks and mortar stores and unframed for mail order and online sales. The range will be available from Q2 2016.

[Via: GoNintendo]

No Comments

Contest: Tembo The Badass Elephant Playstation 4 skin giveaway – game is 60% off on PSN & Xbox One

by

Tembo

Tembo The Badass Elephant from SEGA and Game Freak Inc is a loving homage to the early 90s platformer era, featuring outlandish gameplay and cartoonish over the top graphics. To celebrate the game, we’re teaming with SEGA to give away six Tembo The Badass Elephant skins for your Playstation 4 and controller. The artwork is awesome, and we especially love the use of the classic SEGA Seal of Quality logo. To enter, all you need to do is follow SEGAbits on Twitter and retweet the contest tweet. Six winners will be chosen, and the contest is open to the Americas and Canada. The contest ends on Monday, March 21st at 11:59PM CT and winners will be announced the following day.

Tembo The Badass Elephant is on sale for 60% off on both PSN and Xbox One, and a free Tembo The Badass Elephant theme is available for download now on PSN. Good luck to all who enter and don’t forget to take advantage of the sale and snatch up that free theme!

eRwyz KjWcrM Y

No Comments

Alton Towers Sonic Spinball ride has been re-themed, Sonic branding gone

by

Screen Shot 2016-03-14 at 4.11.04 PM

Note: “Closed” in the above graphic refers to how long the wait times are, not the permanent closure of rides. As the park was closed at the time of this screenshot, all rides are closed as well.

It is an end of an era for Sonic the Hedgehog at the English theme park Alton Towers. The rollercoaster ride Sonic Spinball, which has been in operation under the Sonic branding since February 2010 (almost exactly as long as SEGAbits has been in operation), has been re-themed as Spinball Whizzer. The ride originally opened in 2004 under the Spinball Whizzer name, but was given a Sonic re-theming with a lot of fanfare back in 2010. Not only was there a Sonic themed ride, but there was also a Sonic-themed hotel room as well as Sonic merchandise throughout the park. I’ve heard from fellow fans that the Sonic merch has been slowly drying up, signaling that the Sonic license may be coming to an end, and this recent news all but confirms it. It is unknown if the Sonic-themed hotel room has also been removed or will be removed. The room is best known to fans for being one of the earliest instances of Roger Craig Smith voicing Sonic the Hedgehog, as audio of Sonic would greet guests as they entered the room. Hilariously, due to an audio snafu the voice sounded much lower leading to the infamous “check out the consoles” line and many fans freaking out that the new Sonic sounds a lot older and slower. The audio was soon fixed, but it was funny while it lasted.

Roger spoke about recording for Alton Towers, as well as the audio mistake, on our Swingin’ Report Show podcast interview which can be heard right here.

[Via Sonic Stadium]

ZlMFv Q C

No Comments

Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal and Rise of Lyric receive Nintendo eShop price drops through March 21st

by

Shattered Crystal 3DS box

Both Sonic Boom video games, Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal for the 3DS and Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric for the Wii U, are currently on sale over at Nintendo’s eShop. Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal has dropped from $39.99 to $19.99 (50%), and Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric has dropped from $29.99 to $19.99 (33%) while the original retail price was $49.99. If you’ve yet to experience either game, and really really want to own it digitally, these are the lowest prices as of yet. Meanwhile, the physical versions are about on par with the $19.99 price point at select stores. We have been told that these prices go through March 21st.

I reviewed Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal way back with it released, and awarded it a C+. Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric has yet to receive a SEGAbits review, but from my experience I’d avoid it and just check out the 3DS game.

Thanks to SEGAbits Forums member fernadeth for the tip!

eFtjR H yrFWShDlqS y

1 Comment

SEGA Publisher Weekend kicks off on Steam with awesome deals on great games

by

Screen Shot 2016-03-11 at 1.52.22 PM

SEGA Publisher Weekend has kicked off on Steam, offering up great deals on several quality titles. The promotion, which can be found by clicking here, features a variety of games ranging from The Creative Assembly’s Total War: ATTILA and Relic’s Company of Heroes 2 to Valkyria Chronicles and Tembo the Badass Elephant. There are also bundles, including the Sonic Games Collection and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Master Collection. Discounts range from 50-75% off, so if you have been holding off on some SEGA steam games in hopes of a sale, now is the time to buy.

I personally would suggest Valkyria Chronicles and Tembo as well as the Sonic Games Collection and Total War Master Collection Sept 2014. Total War is one of those franchises I’ve always wanted to check out, and the bundles are a great way to experience it. I picked it up in a past promotion and loved it!

3 Comments

SEGA News Bits: SEGA survey includes classic IPs discussion

by

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.

9 Comments

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered “Europa Edition” European exclusive revealed

by

europaedition

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!

No Comments

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

by

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.

2 Comments

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

by

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.

21 Comments

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

by

12804829_10153459387836732_5896271792111010213_n

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!

3 Comments