Blazblue Cross Tag Battle announced featuring Persona characters

If you are a big fan of Aksys System Works and have been looking forward to their upcoming tag team game Dragon Ball FighterZ, you might have to add yet another tag based game on your shopping list. Aksys System Works has announced BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle at this year’s EVO which will feature a ton of franchises that Aksys Games worked on over the years. So far the announced characters are:

  • agna the Bloodedge – BlazBlue
  • Yu – Persona 4 Ultimate Arena
  • Hyde – UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH
  • Ruby Rose – RWBY

You can check out the debut trailer above, teasing the upcoming BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle game. Below we have images by Arc System Works’ illustrator Konomi Higuchi showing off the characters. Like a lot of people online have been pointing out, Arc System Works are re-using a lot of 2D sprite assets on creating this game, but personally don’t mind as its something that companies have done since the early 90s. As long as this cross over has a fun fighting system, looks great (and these sprites still look amazing) and its a full featured package then we should be fine. What other Persona 4 Ultimate Arena characters do you wanna see in this title? Let us know in the comments below.

SNK to reveal “new Classic NEOGEO project” at Atlus/SEGA’s EVO 2017 booth

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[EDIT: It seems that the project is actually Samurai Shodown V Special being done by Code Mystics (who has a bad track record) for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. The game will be playable at the booth in its beta form.]

SNK tweeted early this morning that they have a secret, unannounced “new Classic NEOGEO project” to show at this year’s EVO 2017 and will be shown off at Atlus/SEGA’s booth. They even ask in the tweet what it could be. Well, lets talk about what it could be. Lots of SNK fans are thinking this is a new entry into a old ‘NEOGEO IP’ because they teased it as a new project, making them think this is a brand new game from the ground up based on a IP that appeared on NEOGEO hardware.

The thing is that SNK had a premier line up on NEOGEO hardware but I’m leaning that this could be a new Garou: Mark of Wolves, considering it was revealed that SNK was working on Garou: Mark of Wolves 2 before they started up King of Fighters XIV. Not to mention, it will be shown off at EVO 2017, which is a fighting game tournament. But SNK also has Samurai Showdown and Art of Fighting brands, so it can be anything. The other reason this is making me think its a big, boxed title is because its being shown at the Atlus/SEGA booth and Atlus published King of Fighters XIV in the United States. But then again, that is jumping on conclusions and they could only be sharing Atlus/SEGA’s booth because of their prior relationships and because they will be showing off King of Fighters XIV stuff there anyway.

Another big theory is that this is just going to be newly emulated NEOGEO classics being added to current generation consoles, but I have my doubts since they have already released a ton of them on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and even Nintendo Switch without making such teasers. What do you think this “new Classic NEOGEO project” will be? What do you hope it is? Let us know in the comments below.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux trailer shows off graphical upgrades

Atlus Japan has released a two minute gameplay trailer for the upcoming Nintendo 3DS port of Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux, which compares the field graphics to the original released on the Nintendo DS back in 2009. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux won’t just update the graphics but also promises new story content, additional endings, a new dungeon, and more surprises. It would seem that Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux is the definitive version of the 2009 Nintendo DS game.

You can check out the trailer to see if the upgraded graphics on the Nintendo 3DS version of Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux is worth the upgrade (that’s if you played it back in 2009). While the Nintendo 3DS doesn’t feature incredible in-game graphics, the jump from Nintendo DS to Nintendo 3DS is quite large.  Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux hits Japan on October 26 and hits the West sometime in 2018. But what is your opinion on Atlus re-releasing older titles on Nintendo 3DS?

[Via: Siliconera]

Yakuza Kiwami digital pre-orders nets you free theme

Theme_1_1499447461If you are planning on picking up the digital version of Yakuza Kiwami, you might want to look at pre-ordering it for $29.99/£29.99 if you care about PlayStation 4 themes. If you pre-order the game right now you will get a Yakuza Kiwami digital pre-order theme that features both Kazuma Kiryu and Akira Nishikiyama.

I personally recommend all users get the day one steel book edition of Yakuza Kiwami, since its the same price as the digital and you get a cool limited edition case. But, if you are the type of person that hates having physical games, having a cool free theme is a nice extra. Yakuza Kiwami comes out on August 29, 2017; only on PlayStation 4.

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[Source: Siliconera]

Persona 5 Morgana Nendoroid figure is adorable

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Atlus has announced the first Nendoroid figure for its massively popular Persona 5. So who will be getting the first figure? None other than everyone’s favorite feline Morgana, the figure was shown off on Kahotan’s blog. While the Morgana Nendoroid figure doesn’t have a release date as of yet, you will be able to pre-order it on July 11, 2017 and will have a bunch of juicy specials that will make you want to have this annoying cat sitting at your work desk.

The Morgana Nendoroid figure will feature different face plates, up to four different faces that show off iconic looks from Persona 5. But the faces can also be broken into two parts, allowing more options by changing the mouth with different eyes. That is pretty cool stuff. The figure will also have seamless joints, while other Nendoroid figures have ‘joint looking’ parts, these is more seamless and more accurate to the art design in Persona 5. I personally hate the joint look that some Nendoroids have, like the Yakuza one for example. I think this is a great improvement to future figures.

The figure is also set to come with its iconic slingshot, saber and even office chair that appeared in the full game. What are your thoughts? Adorable?

[Source: Siliconera]

Atlus’ Project Re: Fantasy could be a PS4 game hints job listing

Project-Re-Fantasy-01512If you guys didn’t know Atlus launched a new in-house studio named Studio Zero which is being lead by veteran designers. The studio will have big heavy hitting names like Persona series producer and director Katsura Hasino, Persona artist Shigenori Soeijima, and even composer Shoji Meguro will be working on the studio’s first game going by the code name: Project Re: Fantasy. Outside of that, Atlus has been pretty hush on the game but now we have more clues as to what console Atlus’ Project Re: Fantasy might debut on. If you guessed PlayStation 4, you where right. Congratulations! The website Levtech Creators posted a job listing for a PlayStation 4 with the description: “the production of character motions in a newly in-development PlayStation 4 game.”

Oddly enough the position is for a series that is ‘popular worldwide’ and that one entry has sold over 1.5 million copies. This makes me question if this job listing is for Atlus’ Project Re: Fantasy because it hasn’t had a entry yet and for sure hasn’t sold 1.5 million copies. Though we do know that the Persona series, specifically Persona 5 is a world wide hit that has sold over 1.5 million units. Though a lot of veterans from Persona 5 are working on Atlus’ Project Re: Fantasy, so many they are using Persona 5’s success to hire talent for this new studio. 

The ‘last’ bit of info confirms that Atlus’ Project Re: Fantasy will be a “traditional RPG”, which won’t surprise Atlus veterans considering that is what their bread and butter is. Are you guys excited for Atlus’ Project Re: Fantasy? Do you think we will see more official news come Tokyo Game Show 2017?

[Source: Gematsu]

Data Discs announces Altered Beast vinyl record

19437497_1779005802411641_1363039717141303446_nData Discs’ release of SEGA soundtracks continue with their newly announced Altered Beast vinyl record. The Altered Beast vinyl record will be the 12th release in the series, which isn’t counting their upcoming Sonic Mania release. While I’m not a huge fan of the Altered Beast game, I am a big fan of it the game’s soundtrack which I feel is a rather nice, but short collection of tunes. The Altered Beast vinyl record will ship with one LP containing the game’s full SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive soundtrack. Every copy will also include an Altered Beast poster containing artwork from the game’s cover.

The Altered Beast vinyl record will be released in three versions:

  •  Clear with Orange Splatter (Limited Edition)
  • Opaque Orange
  •  Classic Black

The release will cost £19.99 (about $26 USD) and go on sale on June 30 at 11 AM PST. If you plan on picking up the limited edition versions, I suggest you get on a bit early before 11 AM on June 30th and check this link. What is your opinion on Data Discs’ release of Altered Beast? What other SEGA games would you want to get a vinyl record release? Let us know in the comments below.

SEGA to show off new Yakuza game in two months

1446300098252While we won’t be getting Yakukza 6 until sometime in early 2018, SEGA Japan is already set to tease a new Yakuza game. While on a stream, long time Yakuza producer Toshihiro Nagoshi said that they will show ‘something’ relating to the new Yakuza game, he also mentioned that we will have to wait about two months for information regarding the new game. He also thinks people will be happy with what the game will be about. I guess we will find out where the new Yakuza game is heading, seeing that Yakuza 6 is Kazuma Kiryu’s last game.

It is quite obvious that this new Yakuza game will be SEGA’s big game at this years Tokyo Game Show and now we know that SEGA will start the teasing it in two months. So what direction do you guys want to see the new Yakuza game take? Are you excited for another go into the Yakuza world? Let us know in the comments below.

[Source: Siliconera]

SEGA News Bits: Yakuza 6 & Kiwami E3 2017 Hands On Impressions

Welcome to a new episode of the SEGA News Bits, our YouTube show where we discuss all things SEGA News as they hit. This last week we have been posting our E3 2017 hands on impressions for both Sonic Forces and Sonic Mania, this time we are doing our Yakuza 6 & Kiwami E3 2017 hands on impressions! So give it a listen as SEGAbits staff writers Kori-Maru and Bartman3010 give you the low down on the upcoming remake, the new graphics engine in Yakuza 6, extras found in Yakuza Kiwami, and the overall perception of these games at the event.  So tune in and listen to our Yakuza 6 & Kiwami E3 2017 Hands On Impressions and if you guys have any questions regarding the upcoming Yakuza games, you can ask them in the comments. Now that you have seen our Yakuza 6 & Kiwami E3 2017 Hands On Impressions, what are your impressions of these games so far?

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that new YouTube algorithm is. Thanks for the support. If you want to read our full Yakuza 6 & Yakuza Kiwami E3 2017 hands on impressions in written format, check that out here.

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Forces E3 2017 Hands On Impressions

Hello fellow SEGA fans, today on the SEGA News Bits we have our Sonic Forces E3 2017 hands on impressions video where SEGAbits staff writers Kori-Maru and Bartman3010 talk about the different types of gameplay in Sonic Forces, level design, musical changes, graphical differences between consoles and much more. This is the first time Sonic Forces has been playable by the pubic, so these early Sonic Forces E3 2017 hands on impressions are important to gauge the quality of the final product. Whatever you might think of Sonic Forces, you have to admit that there is quite a robust package being shown at this year’s E3 event and with this video we discuss all the demos that happened to be playable for the first time. Tell us in the comments below what your opinion on Sonic Forces so far and what did you think of our Sonic Forces E3 2017 hands on impressions?

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that new YouTube algorithm is. Thanks for the support. If you want to read our full Sonic Forces E3 2017 hands on impressions in written format, check that out here.

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Mania E3 2017 Hands On Impressions

We have a sit down with writers and E3 2017 attendees for SEGAbits, Kori-Maru and Bartman3010 to ask all the important questions on how Sonic Mania is shaping up now that it is closer to release. So tune in for their Sonic Mania E3 2017 hands on impressions. Sonic Mania had two playable stages at the event, Green Hill Zone and brand new stage Silhouette Mirage, which is playable with all three characters. Listen in for Sonic Mania E3 2017 hands on impressions today and stay tuned in the upcoming days for our Sonic Forces and even Yakuza 6 hands on impressions.

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

SEGA reveals Valkyria Revolution free DLC schedule

VAR_Oct282016_07SEGA has now revealed the upcoming Valkyria Revolution free DLC schedule, which will have free DLC coming on launch. TheValkyria Revolution free DLC will start coming out at the end of this month and continue till late July 2017. Unlike Atlus’ timed free DLC content, it seems that Valkyria Revolution free DLC is indeed free, as in free beer. Though looking at the list of DLC that is mean’t to come out, its mostly small additions, like one of the ‘Valkryia Revolution free DLC’ pieces is 30 free ragnite shards every week. Not really blowing anyone’s mind with that sort of DLC, but there is more story based stuff being given away  dealing with the lore of the game’s world.

Valkyria Revolution hits store shelves in America on June 27, Europe on June 30 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PlayStation Vita. Hit the jump to see all the free DLC and when its heading to your console of choice in less than a week!

[Via: Gematsu]

SEGA News Bits: SEGA Forever Officially Revealed Reaction

SEGA has officially revealed their SEGA Forever launch, which will offer an array of SEGA titles. While at launch SEGA Forever is sticking with SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive titles, the service makes promises of exploring a ever expanding catalog of retro games from across all SEGA platforms. On this episode of the SEGA News Bits we take a look at all the information we know regarding SEGA Forever’s launch, its promises, our thoughts the project and take a look at all the teased upcoming games in their launch trailer. It seems opinions for SEGA Forever has been mixed since it was shown off officially this morning.

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

SEGA Forever Officially Revealed and Detailed

SEGA Forever has officially been revealed, the service has been a mystery to fans since it was leaked a while back as it was being tested. We even did a SEGA News Bits on SEGA Forever (expect a follow up one now that the product has been fully detailed) on what the service could be. But what is it? According to the press release, which you can read in full after the break, SEGA Forever is a mobile name for classic SEGA re-releases on both Android and iPhone. Prior to this, a rumor came around that it was supposed to be ‘a subscription service’, but this press release says you get the option to play either free, ad supported version of the game or unlock it forever (SEGA Forever) for $1.99.

They promise to cover the following SEGA consoles:

  • SG-1000
  • Master System
  • Genesis/Mega Drive
  • Game Gear
  • SEGA Saturn
  • Dreamcast

The service will launch on June 22nd with the following five games, new releases every couple of weeks:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Altered Beast
  • Phantasy Star II
  • Comix Zone
  • Kid Chameleon

The press release also goes into the fact that the games will support leaderboards, cloud saves, offline play, controller support, community news feed, and a ton of languages for menus. So the real question is, what is you opinion on SEGA Forever? Is this what you expected, another re-branding service for retro SEGA re-releases?

SEGA announces Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone DX for PlayStation 4

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Yo, what time is it? Feels like there has literally been less than 6 months without a release of a new Hatsune Miku: Project Diva game. What’s that? SEGA just announced Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone DX for the PlayStation 4? That’s right, SEGA will be publishing Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone DX which is set to hit Japan on November 22nd.

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone DX seems to be a sort of re-release package featuring songs from Colorful Tone and Future Sound. The game is set to feature 237 songs with 396 modules. That will include 127 songs from Future Sound, 95 songs from Colorful Tone, and 12 songs from the three Encore Pack add-ons which also includes the new song ‘Ghost Rule’. The game will also feature a new mode called ‘Promotional Video Photographing’. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone DX will set you back 7,980 yen ($71 usd) for the standard version and 11,990 ($108) yen for the limited edition that includes 200 promotional videos and promotional videos of all the Hatsune Miku: Project Diva titles from the PSP to the PlayStation 4.

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone DX has only been confirmed for Japanese release, but seeing as SEGA has been bringing the titles over to the West, don’t be shocked that this one gets an announcement soon enough. What’s your take on SEGA basically doing a ‘game of the year’ edition of their arcade release? Are they milking the Hatsune Miku brand too much? Sound off in the comments.

[Source: Gematsu]