Help: Choose our new Podcast image!
Since we got a new logo, we will also need a new podcast image to go with it. The lovely Barry The Nomad was kind enough to put up two designs.
The two are there above, tell us which one you like the best.
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Swingin’ Report Show #18: Virtua Lovers
Hey, this is the episode where we tell you how much we are looking forward to Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown. You know you want to listen to that, right? Also talk about Sonic CD and Rhythm Phantom Thief R: Inheritance of the Emperor Napoleon.
[audio:http://www.segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/Swingin_Report_Show_18_Virtua_Lover.mp3]
The Weekly Five: Downloadable Titles to be EXCITED About
SEGA has a lot of exciting boxed retail releases on the way, but how about the downloadable games? I’m happy to say that there are a number of great titles heading to XBLA, PSN and mobile devices! In fact, dare I say this, as a whole I am more excited for the downloadable releases than I am the retail releases. Recently, SEGA has had a big upswing in the quality and quantity of retro rereleases. What’s more, SEGA will also be offering long awaited games via online marketplaces and are set to debut new IPs via this route. In this week’s Weekly Five we’ll be highlighting five upcoming downloadable titles that we’re excited to play!
SEGA announces Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown for PSN and XBLA
SEGA has at long last announced Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown for consoles. The release of the title has been a long time coming, with various fans wishing to play the definitive version of the title, but now we have official confirmation that Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown will be coming to consoles. SEGA will be releasing the title in Summer 2012 and it will be downloadable as a standalone title off of Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network with no price plan revealed at the moment. Click on after the break for the press release and an interview, with trailer, provided to Gamespot.
Sonic CD headed to digital download, playable at PAX 2011
Another SEGA classic is set to be ported to Xbox Live Arcade according to Joystiq, have found through Major Nelson’s blog that an unannounced port of Sonic CD is set to debut at the Penny Arcade Expo. Sonic CD is out of all the major classic Sonic titles, the rarest of them all, mainly thanks to the fact it debuted on the SEGA CD and the relatively little (Compared to the other titles in the series) amount of times the game has been ported. At this current moment, it is not known what the release date is, if it is a XBLA exclusive and who would be handling porting duties.
According to Joystiq, SEGA did not wish to disclosure any details at the time, but would be sharing more information in the future.
[Edit] Not exclusive to Xbox Live Arcade. Coming out for Playstation Network, iOS, Windows Phone 7, and Android devices [/Edit]
[Source: Joystiq]
Swingin’ Report Show #17: GamesCom Super Duper Episode
Germany held their GamesCom this year. None of us got to go, but that doesn’t stop us from talking about it. We discuss the newest SEGA news, talk about the latest topics our readers suggested, and is Sharky drunk?
[audio:http://www.segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/Swingin_Report_Show_17_GamesCom_Super_Duper_Episode.mp3]
The Weekly Five: You’re a SLACKER, SEGA!
Obviously, I love me my SEGA. Why else would I be writing for this place? But just because I love them, doesn’t mean I can’t be a little bit peeved with them when it comes to a few things. In this week’s Weekly Five, I’ll be going down my list of areas in which SEGA is slacking.
Swingin’ Report Show #16: Comical Pants Zone
I’m hosting this week, joined by Sharky and Aki-at as we discuss the news of the week, traditional Muslim values, debate about zombies and much more. Oh, if you are looking for the stage layout of Chemical Plant Zone that we are talking about, its right here.
[audio:http://www.segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/Swingin_Report_Show_16_Comical_Pants_Zone.mp3]
The Weekly Five: SEGA GBA games totally worth playing
Most people that bought a 3DS seem to be waiting for software, what better way to wait than to play some of the best SEGA published software on the Game Boy Advance? Today I’m going to give you my top 5 favorite SEGA GBA games. Ready?
Review: Captain America: Super Soldier (Wii)
When Nuckles87 assigned me to do the hands on for Captain America on Wii during E3, I wasn’t too happy. The game just looked like another washed down, crappy port. I was surprised however, at the level of quality the game had. The game is handled by High Voltage. Mainly the HV team that handled Tournament of Legends (poorly reviewed but I thought it was okay). Now, I bought the PS3 version which I love despite how some may feel (No offense Aki), but after playing and beating the Wii version, does it hold up well or is it just another watered-down Wii port? Read on. Read further down for a Bonus Feature.
Swingin’ Report Show #15: Shark Week
This is Shark week because Sharky returns on the podcast. Me and him sit down to talk about Binary Domain’s graphics, Sonic physics and much more. This podcast is not for one that is easily offended. Enjoy
[audio:http://www.segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/Swingin_Report_Show_15_Shark_Week.mp3]The Weekly Five: The Best VMU Games
Despite being over ten years old, VMU games can still be fun! Sure they pale in comparison to modern day handheld devices, but even back when VMUs were new they couldn’t compete with the handhelds of the early 00’s. The main purpose of a VMU was to save your game data, the fact that they could play mini-games was the cherry on top. While the VMU didn’t change the world, at least SEGA didn’t advertise it as the standout feature of the console (subtle dig at the Wii U). While I don’t carry a VMU about with me like I did back in ’99, I still make it a point to occasionally pick up some CR2032 batteries to bring my VMU back to life. What follows are my personal favorite VMU games.
Want to play these yourself, but don’t have all the Dreamcast titles that offer these extra features? Check out Blue Swirl’s VMU Tool. An awesome application for the Dreamcast which allows you to make a number of (safe) modifications to existing VMUs as well as download game saves and VMU games from the entire Dreamcast library. It even has a VMU emulator, for those too lazy to play an actual VMU.
SEGA in the Media: Sonic and the Simpsons
As a child of the late 80’s and early 90’s, two of my biggest obsessions were Sonic the Hedgehog and The Simpsons. Despite having very little to do with each other, both franchises were at their heights in the early 90’s. Sonic’s first game saw release in the summer of 1991, just as The Simpsons were nearing the end of their second season, debuting a number of episodes that came to define the series and showed that they had greatly improved upon the so-so first season. The Simpsons had also invaded the world of video games in 1991, with the release of Konami’s The Simpsons Arcade and, of note to SEGA fans, a number of Master System, Game Gear and Genesis titles. 1993 saw the release of The Simpsons Comics series and Archie’s Sonic the Hedgehog, both still in print to this day, a rare feat for licensed comics.
It was only a matter of time before The Simpsons and Sonic crossed paths by way of The Simpsons propensity to reference popular culture. In this week’s SEGA in the Media we take a look at all the moments Sonic appeared on The Simpsons!
Swingin’ Report Show #14: Capes and Tights
Shigs joins us this week to talk about his sexy trip to Comic Con, we talk about this weeks news including the fact that SEGA Is loosing money and much more. Classic game talk this week is Comix Zone. Underrated masterpiece or overrated junk?
[audio:http://www.segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/Swingin_Report_Show_14_Tights_and_capes.mp3]Sonic Generations interview with Aaron Webber
UPDATE: Extra comment at the end of the interview.
Sega had a very strong presence at the San Diego Comic Con this year. Not only did they have a Sega Arcade down in the Gaslamp Quarter, but on the floor they had Captain America at the Marvel booth and two demo stations of Sonic Generations at the Archie Comics booth. Surprisingly (or maybe not), there was no 3DS Generations demo anywhere to be found.
At one of the demo stations, I found Sonic brand manager Aaron Webber. Trust me when I say there’s no more likable fella working at Sega. Look at him. He’s just so gosh darn huggable ya wanna stuff him in your Warner Bros Comic Con bag and take him home with “AHEM!” Anyway, as he manned the station, many people were checking out the demo. Mostly the modern version. In fact, one fan kept coming back every day and managed to beat Aaron’s record on modern by one second! When he had some time, we went to the back of the Archie booth and set up an interview. (I wanted to snuggle, but he refused. XD Kidding, kidding.)