What better time than the Halloween season to look at Christmas ornaments! On this SEGA News Bits Live, Barry takes a look at the many Hallmark Sonic ornaments released over the past years.
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Look. I get you, Sega fans. You saw allthesecoolnewhomebrewgamesforGenesis/Mega-Drivecoming out and you wanna make a game just like those, but you don’t know how to write code for Genesis. Thankfully, Two Black Cats have got you covered.
MD Engine is a new visual coding program made for easy development of games for Sega Genesis. A visual coding program, much like Game Maker or Clickteam Fusion, allows for the development of video games with an interface that allows for you to build a game with visual assets and menus without having to rely so much on writing code. With this, and a bit of patience and inspiration, you should be able to make your very own new Genesis games without having to write one line of code.
MD Engine was made as a fork of GB Studio, an open source visual coding program for making games for Nintendo’s Game Boy (Color) handheld. It uses much of the same interface and menus, so MD Engine should look familiar to anyone who has worked in GB Studio. However, MD Engine touts some extra special features that are not available even with GB Studio, such as exporting your game as a special PC or HTML5 game with extra features not possible on Genesis, such as a widescreen visual mode and CRT visual filters. Of course, if you just want to make a game ROM that can play on Genesis consoles or in Genesis emulators, you can do that as well.
Be sure to take a dive past the break to find out more about how MD Engine could help you make the Genesis game of your dreams.
A ninja vs a mad dog. The final guest villain for the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage DLC has been revealed! The Like a Dragon & Yakuza series’ charismatic ‘mad dog’ of Shimano Goro Majima will take on Joe Musashi in the game’s upcoming DLC.
The SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains Stage features some of SEGA’s most legendary foes, including Dr. Eggman and Death Adder in addition to Majima. Get ready to battle all three villains by playing SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance! Purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition of SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance now to unlock the SEGA Villains Stage when it releases early 2026.
SEGA and Creative Assembly have announced Tides of Torment, a new content pack for Total War: WARHAMMER III launching December 4th. The release arrives the same day as the Total War 25th Anniversary Showcase, a special presentation celebrating the franchise’s legacy and revealing what’s next for the series. Tides of Torment introduces three new Legendary Lords representing the High Elves, Slaanesh, and Norsca, each with unique campaign mechanics, units, and stories. The announcement trailer teases a dark maritime theme with chaotic energy and plenty of new challenges for Immortal Empires players.
Alongside the paid content, all WARHAMMER III owners will get The Masque of Slaanesh as a free Legendary Lord in Patch 7.0. The update also includes legacy improvements for the High Elves, Slaanesh, and Norsca factions. SEGA confirmed that the 25th Anniversary Showcase will feature new fantasy and historical project reveals along with developer commentary. More details on how to watch will be shared December 1st, so mark your calendars. December 4th is shaping up to be a big day for Total War fans.
After numerous delays and updates, we have good news that Sonic Rumble – the ultimate arcade royale – will be arriving on iOS, Android, and PC globally this November. We don’t have an exact date for the game’s release in November, but I believe the developers are finally finalizing everything to prepare for a proper launch with new features and brand new stages.
The extra development time for Sonic Rumble allowed the developers to roll out several, player-focused updates that refined the core game from the ground up for a super smooth, intense, and incredibly fun game right from the jump.
Are excited to finally play Sonic Rumble on launch? Check out the full update regarding the game on the official website.
If you are a long time fan of SHINOBI, sit back, relax, and enjoy the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance DJ SET by Tee Lopes as he spins remixed classic tunes from each game in the series and pays tribute to SEGA’s legacy franchise.
Composed by Tee Lopes and Yuzo Koshiro, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance boasts a stylish and magnetic soundtrack, inspired by the game’s original score, but with a modern flair.
Tee Lopes has previously worked with SEGA to compose soundtracks for Sonic Mania, Streets of Rage 4 and more. What is your favorite SHINOBI tune from the DJ Set? Let us know in the comments!
Listen to Sonic as he guides you on the road to your next destination as SEGA and Waze announced an exciting partnership to bring Sonic the Hedgehog to Waze users around the world.
The integration includes Sonic-themed icons and Sonic voice navigation features. The full details can be found in the press release below.
Originally released for Nintendo Switch and Steam a few months ago, The House of the Dead 2: Remake is officially launching on PlayStation 4 & 5 and Xbox One & Series X|S on October 24th for $24.99. The House of the Dead 2is a remake of the second entry in the well-known and popular rail-shooter series. Take on the lone role of a secret agent as James or Gary, or team up in co-op mode to neutralize the dangerous creatures standing in your way. The remake also includes:
Remastered music (with the classic soundtrack also available in the game)
Today, SEGA officially released the Minecraft Pack for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now hop in and play as fan-favorite characters including Steve, Alex, and a creeper while racing through the Minecraft World course, immersing them in the pixelated and blocky world. The Minecraft Pack includes the following:
Steve, Alex, and a creeper as playable characters
Minecart Vehicle
Six decals for the Minecart Vehicle
Minecraft World Course
Five original Minecraft Music Tracks
New remixes of original Minecraft Music Tracks
Six different emotes per character
Players who own the Digital Deluxe Edition will automatically receive the Minecraft Pack as part of the Season Pass. For those who want to take part in the Minecraft action, the entire Season Pass is separately available for $29.99 USD, which includes access to even more upcoming exciting Season Pass characters, vehicles, and courses. Players can also purchase the standalone Minecraft Pack for $5.99 USD.
Players who do not own the Minecraft Pack will still be able to compete online against those who do and will be able to race on the Minecraft World course against the Minecraft characters.
We had our first festival in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and on this News Bits we talk about how it went! Also, news has dropped that Sonic is teaming back up with the Olympics!
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Today, SEGA announced its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for a multi-year licensing agreement. SEGA & IOC are seeking key partners for a full merchandise collection to launch in 2026.
The first look at the upcoming “Five Rings” collaboration is available now, featuring the Olympic rings with a supersonic Sonic the Hedgehog spin. This sneak peek into the custom art highlights the connection with Sonic and the core Olympic values, including excellence, respect and friendship.
Check out further details in the press release here!
The Shinobi legacy returns with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a modern reimagining of SEGA’s iconic ninja action series. Released earlier this year, the game slices its way onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, bringing a mix of stylish combat, retro-inspired flair, and fresh design sensibilities. Behind the project is Lizardcube, the Paris-based studio best known for revitalizing another SEGA classic with Streets of Rage 4. Having earned widespread praise for blending hand-drawn artistry with tight, old-school gameplay, Lizardcube now turns its attention to one of SEGA’s most enduring heroes, aiming to reintroduce Shinobi to a new generation while respecting the series’ stealth-and-slash roots.
But will their trademark flair fit seamlessly with the iconic Shinobi franchise? I spent time with Art of Vengeance, and in this review, we’ll talk about what works, what doesn’t, and whether this revival lives up to its legendary name.
SEGA has announced another iconic SEGA villain that will be appearing as a guest in the upcoming SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance DLC.
That villain is none other than the mighty Death Adder, the fearsome giant from the Golden Axe series, responsible for murdering the loved ones of Yuria’s heroic warriors.
Take on Death Adder, Dr Eggman and another mysterious villain as Joe Musashi in the SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, coming later in 2026!
SEGA & RGG unveiled new information on the battle system and gameplay rules for the brand-new entry in the “Virtua Fighter” series, the New VIRTUA FIGHTER Project. Additionally, an archive of the Tokyo Game Show presentation is available to view, including a short teaser of the game.
This game offers two distinct battle rules to suit different playstyles and preferences:
Standard: Victory is determined by either depleting the opponent’s health or causing a ring out. By default, matches are won by taking 3 rounds.
Uprising: A completely new battle rule that introduces dynamic momentum-shifting opportunities, offering a new gameplay concept that stands apart from standard rules.
The game also features three groundbreaking battle systems that drive the evolution of the series:
Break & Rush: This innovative system introduces a dynamic damage accumulation mechanic. As specific regions of the body take repeated hits, damage builds up, eventually allowing for a targeted break. Once the attacker lands a break attack, they gain a strategic advantage, opening up new offensive opportunities. A ”broken” status carries over across rounds, creating a tactical layer that adds depth and tension to every match.
Stunner & Stun Combo: Introducing a new strike technique called the “Stunner,” this system unlocks a fresh combo mechanic that emphasizes fluidity and realism, without requiring complex inputs.
Flow Guard: A stylish new defensive mechanic, the Flow Guard system emphasizes fluid motion and visual flair. Working in tandem with the Break & Rush system, it introduces dynamic shifts in offense and defense across a variety of combat situations.
We also got another small glimpse of the new character towards the end of the presentation. Could it be a new protagonist for New Virtua Fighter Project’s story mode? Let us know your thoughts on the presentation below!
During RGG Summit 2025, SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio revealed Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a dual release celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary. The package includes a full remake of Yakuza 3, following Kazuma Kiryu and Haruka’s life at Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa and Dark Ties, a brand-new story starring antagonist Yoshitaka Mine that explores his origins and descent into the world of the yakuza. The game launches globally on February 12, 2026 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
Kiwami 3 is rebuilt from the ground up with new cutscenes, side activities, and two distinct combat styles: the brutal “Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami” and the weapon-based “Ryukyu Style.” Players can also dive into the quirky new “Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon” biker-gang mode. Meanwhile, Dark Ties lets fans control Mine for the first time, featuring stylish boxing-based combat, the devastating “Dark Awakening” mode, and the brutal “Hell’s Arena.” Pre-orders come with exclusive DLC, while the Digital Deluxe Edition adds extra characters, outfits, customization packs, and more.
You can read the full press release below for all details straight from SEGA and RGG Studio.
