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The Revenge of Shinobi joins SEGA Forever

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The Revenge of Shinobi comes to SEGA Forever’s mobile line-up. This is a new “censored version” that has been around since the SEGA Vintage Collection era, which changes Joe Musashi’s face in the title screen due to the face basically resembling Sonny Chiba. Some hardcore fans take issue with this change because the original ‘Sonny Chiba copied face’ seems angry and bold while the edited version of Joe Musashi looks rather sad. Its also funny to note that the SEGA Forever trailer above even makes a joke about it being changed.  You can see bothf faces below (Left original, right the new one):

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The Revenge of Shinobi isn’t new to censorship, considering that the game has been heavily changed in the past due to copyright infringement on popular IPs such as Godzillia, Spiderman and even Batman. The Revenge of Shinobi is considered to be one of the best sequels of all time, adding much more depth than the original arcade Shinobi ever had. The Revenge of Shinobi also featured a critically acclaimed soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage series) which should be enough to download and try it. The only thing is, have they fixed the audio in the emulation? Like all SEGA Forever titles, the game is free to play with ads and $1.99 to keep ad-free forever.

[Google Play | iTunes]

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Night Trap Mania Lands in August, New Features, New Documentary

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Screaming Skulls, Limited Run Games and My Life in Gaming teased announcements today regarding the re-release of Night Trap. Their main point comes with the release date slated for release on August 15th, the same day as Sonic Mania, on PlayStation 4 and Steam for digital download. Four days prior to that you can head over to Limited Run Games to buy a highly limited physical version of the PlayStation 4 version on August 11th. The Xbox One version is set to release at a later time.

In addition to the game, they’re also bundling a prototype, Scene of the Crime, as an additional feature. This served as the basis for Night Trap and has long since been unavailable to the public up until the 25th Anniversary release later this year.

Of course that still means that it’s going to be awhile before you can set traps for the augers and that’s where My Life in Gaming comes in. Their 50 minute documentary details the history of the game from it’s prototype, to it’s initial release on SEGA CD, up to the remaster featuring video game historians and developers to regale on the game’s lasting impact on the industry. Be sure to check out the documentary after the jump as well as some links you should check out regarding the game. There’s something really cool to see three small independent groups come together to help bring back video game history. Even though Night Trap does not hold up in terms of gameplay it’s at least admirable to see the lengths people will go for video game preservation.

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Etrian Odyssey V launch edition comes with soundtrack and art book

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Atlus USA has begun teasing the Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth launch day edition which will include extras like a physical 24-page art book, six-track CD and a outer box to hold all your goodies including the game. Like always, these ‘Launch Day’ editions cost the same as the regular game. Amazon has the game for pre-order, if you have Amazon Prime the game will cost you $31.99.

The 24-page art book will have art by series artist Yuji Himukai who has also done artwork for Persona Q and Fire Emblem Heroes. While the soundtrack CD only has six tracks, but they are composed by Yuzo Koshiro who composed the Streets of Rage series, The Revenge of Shinobi, and many more. Etrian Odyssey V is set to come out this fall.

Is the Etrian Odyssey V launch day edition juicy enough to get you to pick it up? Where you planning on getting it anyway? Let us know in the comments below.

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Persona 5 has shipped over 1.8 million units world wide

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persona-5-listing-thumb-01-ps4-us-30jun16SEGA’s Toshihiro Nagoshi confirmed that Persona 5 has shipped over 1.8 million units world wide during he’s latest Sega Nama broadcast. The last time that numbers got reported, the game did 1.5 million back in April. Persona 5 was also released in Korea on June 8th, so that could have given the game a bit of a boost in sales.

Persona 5 is now the best selling game in Atlus’ history and has also critically acclaimed. We even gave the game a positive review, so if you haven’t jumped on the Persona 5 ship, I highly recommend picking up a copy.

[Source: Gemastu]

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SEGA teasing new update for Border Break Zero Plus

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SEGA-AM2’s Border Break: Sega Network Robot Wars debuted way back in September 9, 2009 and since then it has been regularly updated, while still being played competitively in Japan. The game has received over 16 huge updates that all came with name changes. The new version of Border Break is being titled Border Break Zero Plus, the earlier version was being called ‘Border Break X Zero’. As you can tell, the Border Break franchise has been a huge hit for SEGA in arcades.

SEGA is getting ready to show off Border Break X Zero at an official event being held at Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center at hall 1000 on July 30th. The Japanese Border Break X Zero site also teases that some stores will be participating in showing off the new versions of the game, in a Japan tour that SEGA has planned. I gendered at the schedule with Google Translate and it seems to be opening with a VR demonstration, then moves on to a lottery giveaway and then later will have a competitive tournament with the newest Border Break X Zero build.

It is a little sad that we didn’t even get a console or even a PC port (considering the arcade version is played with a mouse) and was kept as a Japanese only arcade release. Would you play the game if it ever came out outside of arcades?

[Source: Border Break Site]

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Yakuza 0 is 30% off for PlayStation Plus members

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Yakuza 0 fighting stylesYakuza 0 is having a sale for PlayStation Plus members, giving them a discount of 30%! So how much will the game end up costing you? $41.99 and the sale ends on August 1st, so if you want the game digitally and want it for a discount price you should bite on this sale. If you are unsure about the game, you can always check out our Yakuza 0 review (plot spoiler: Its great). You can also get the physical version for $47.99 on Amazon if that is more to your liking.

Yakuza 0 is also a good entry game for anyone that has never played a Yakuza title and with Yakuza Kiwami coming out in the end of next month, its the perfect time to join the Yakuza family. Sake is on us, give the game a shot if you haven’t!

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Bayonetta is free this August for Xbox Live Gold members

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If you own a Xbox 360 or Xbox One (since its backwards compatible now) and been wanting to play Bayonetta? If you have Xbox Live Gold then you will be able to download it completely free as part of their ‘Games with Gold‘ program. If you are new to ‘Games with Gold’, you basically get to keep the games given out each month, as in keep forever. That means if you decide that you don’t want Xbox Live Gold, you’ll still be able to download the titles, which is different to how PlayStation Plus handles their service.

You will be able to download the following games this August:

  • Slim Rancher – Xbox One
  • Trials Fusion – Xbox One
  • Bayonetta – Xbox 360
  • Red Faction: Armageddon – Xbox 360

So what games are you guys going to give a shot? If you already own a physical version of Bayonetta and have Xbox Live Gold, I’d suggest getting the digital version as a back up copy. I mean, it is free and will be on your Xbox Live account in case anything happens to your physical. Always be prepared to play Bayonetta at any time!

[Via: Major Nelson]

 

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Yakuza Studio to show off new games on August 26

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The Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio or known to Americans as the Yakuza Studio will host a presentation where they will show off new titles, this upcoming August 26th from 19:00 to 20:00 JST at the UDX Theater in Akihabara.

While this might not mean much to users here, SEGA will be holding a lottery where they will give 30 invitations to Japanese fans. If you want to enter the lottery for a chance to win a entry pass all you have to do is follow @ryugagotoku on twitter and retweet this tweet.

So what can we expect at the event? I think a lot of people would guess a new Yakuza title since studio boss man Toshihiro Nagoshi stated the team was working on a installment. But on yesterday’s stream he said there would be a new title and they will show more than one title, “including something expected.” Could we finally be seeing Yakuza Kiwami 2 and maybe a brand new IP? What do you guys want to see the Yakuza Studio develop next? Do you want them to continue the Yakuza brand?

[Source: Gematsu]

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SEGA bringing a Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition mobile game to China

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001SEGA is teaming up with 91Act (developers behind the excellent BlazBlue: Revolution Reburning mobile game) to bring a new Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition mobile game that will launch in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Don’t live in the great People’s Republic of China or other minor places that aren’t as great as the People’s Republic of China? Too bad, hombre, you ain’t getting mobile anime action (at least right now).

The game has a tentative title of Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition Mobile Edition, which is obviously fitting. If you happen to live in China, the game will debut at ChinaJoy 2017 which is held from July 27 all the way to July 30th at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (what happen to the old one?).

If your pea brain forgot all about Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition, it was a 2D fighting game that came out on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita which crossed over some SEGA properties with anime like Sword Art Online, Durarara!!!, and many more. Sadly we only got the vanilla version of the game released in the West and we probably won’t get Ignition ever, but knowing SEGA we will probably get this mobile version later on. Who can say no to that mobile money?

[Source: Gematsu]

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SEGA gets into the adult coloring book game with SEGA: The Official Coloring Book by Patrick Spaziante

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Penguin Random House continues to announce books today with the reveal of an adult coloring book titled SEGA: The Official Coloring Book. The description reads as follows: “Altered Beast, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, Sonic the Hedgehog, and more—all intricately illustrated in this adult coloring book packed with original Sega art. With stunning pages to color, plus all the best action from the classic gaming system, this retro-themed adult coloring book is perfect for any creative gaming fan. Filled with 96 pages of original designs, it will be like you’re playing Altered Beast for the very first time. Power up!”

Sounds great, but you know what is REALLY awesome? All the art is from longtime Archie Sonic the Hedgehog artist Patrick Spaziante. As you can see from the cover, the art is first rate and will surely be a lot of fun to color. Or keep untouched on your shelf, if you are a collector like me. The book is now available to pre-order and is set to release October 17, 2017.

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New Sonic the Hedgehog books announced for 2018, now available to pre-order

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I’ve long had a soft spot for the Sonic the Hedgehog kids books of the 90s, from the look and finds to the junior novelizations. Penguin Random House have just announced three new Sonic books and all three are now available to pre-order! All three books are due out March 6, 2018. After the break, check out full descriptions of the books. I’m especially interested in the junior novelization featuring short stories and color illustrations.

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Shining Series character designer teasing new game announcement soon

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elwing-shining-tears-series-tony-taka-bow-weapon-wallpaperWe are getting closer to Tokyo Game Show, so you should be expecting some video game announcements before the event kicks off this September. It seems that the Shining Series character designer Tony Taka (who took over the series during the 2000s) is preparing several announcements including something this week on Weekly Famtisu.

“We are in earnest preparation, but there will be various rapid announcements from here on, Both hobby-related and game-related. Anyway, the end-of-month Hobby Japan and game magazines are a must see, so please make sure to get them. Incidentally, since this year is also the 20th anniversary since the artist Tony’s debut, there will also be something in commemoration.” – Tony Taka via twitter.

He gave that tweet a follow up on July 23rd, stating that he’s ‘Tony’s Heroine Works’ corner would be featured in Monthly Hobby Japan Magazine along with a five page special interview with himself and Satoshi Sakai (from SEGA, who took over the Phantasy Star brand). As for the tease for a new game:

“Shining series fans should also please take a good look. Also, it seems like there will be something else on July 27, so please be prepared to run to the book store. And so… the official announcement is in this week’s Famitsu! Tony fans, make sure to get the Famitsu on sale July 27 (Thursday).” – Tony Taka tweet

Don’t worry, since Weekly Famitsu comes out on July 27, we should be expecting a leak either later today or early tomorrow. As for what it could be, maybe another Shining game with Tony Taka art, which a lot of retro Shining Force fans dislike. If only SEGA gave the Shining Force brand a Sonic Mania type retro treatment instead of pretending there isn’t anyone interested in the old Shining Force type games. Or maybe there isn’t? What do you think?

[Via: Gematsu]

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Jones Soda releases Comic Con Limited Edition Sonic Mania soda

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If there are two things I love, it’s weird food promotions and Sonic the Hedgehog. So when those two combine, I’m a very happy man (hey, I even made a YouTube series dedicated to such things). Jones Soda, creator of delicious and decidedly weird sodas, has teamed with SEGA to release Sonic, Tails and Knuckles inspired beverages to promote Sonic Mania. TheLimited Edition Sonic Mania Jones Soda bottles are currently exclusive to Comic Con, but comments on their Facebook demanding a wide release have been met with Jones Soda replying “stay tuned”. It is worth noting that Jones Soda has a robust online store, so perhaps an online exclusive is in the works? As for the flavors themselves, we have Sonic Blue Bubblegum Soda, Tails Orange Cream Soda and Knuckles Strawberry Lime Soda. If you are attending Comic Con, swing by the Futurism Pavilion at the Omni for a chance to win some.

Too bad Jones Soda didn’t release an Eggman Scrambled Eggs Soda. Hey, the company has already made Robin’s Egg Lemonade soda and Egg Nog soda!

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IDW to start Sonic the Hedgehog comic series in 2018

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Just announced at this year’s San Diego Comic Con, IDW broke the news at their press conference that they will start publishing Sonic the Hedgehog comics starting 2018. It seemed to be quite obvious that SEGA wasn’t happy with how Archie Comics had been handling the Sonic license when it came to comic books and has now started a publishing partnership with IDW which has quite the in-depth comic licenses including Transformers, TMNT, Ghostbusters, Star Trek, and a lot more.

“Creative teams are currently being formed and a publishing plan is now underway with more details to come at a later date. Writers and artists will be bringing their considerable talents to the comic book world of Sonic. We’ve been speaking with beloved Sonic fan-favorite creators and new creators alike, and are excited to be able to spread specifics about our plans for the comic in the near future,” – Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer

As you can tell, we don’t know if Ian Flynn will be joining Sonic the Hedgehog comic book come 2018, but we do know that Ian Flynn does have a working relationship with IDW as he worked on some of the CGI TMNT books. What are your thoughts? Will be checking out the new Sonic the Hedgehog comicbooks come 2018?

[Via: CBR]

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Factor 5 almost ported/created three games for the SEGA Genesis

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Factor 5 is a rather interesting company. With the many project that came and went, notably the Turrican and Star Wars Rogue Squadron series, along with a rollercoaster of failed projects and bad business mistakes that eventually shut down the studio, until a recent surprise revival in 2015. But regardless, it was an ambitious studio, to the point that staff would even create their own devkits to gain an edge over the competition.

Recently, Nintendo Life has interviewed Factor 5 co-founder Julian Eggebrecht, dropping information about two ports and an original game that were intended for the SEGA Genesis.

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