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E3 2017: Yakuza 6: The Song of Life trailer

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Releasing early 2018 to PlayStation 4 and playable at SEGA’s E3 booth, the much anticipated Yakuza 6: The Song of Life has an official E3 trailer!

Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima (and the main protagonist of SEGA’s long-running Yakuza franchise) will find out exactly how much people are willing to sacrifice for family – be those ties through blood or bond – when Yakuza 6: The Song of Life releases in the West. The game is coming to consoles only on PlayStation 4, and thanks to the new “Dragon Engine,” is the most advanced Yakuza title to date. From the unparalleled realism of the new setting of Onomichi, a beautiful, sleepy port town in Hiroshima Prefecture, to the latest evolution of Kamurocho, the biggest red light district in Tokyo, Yakuza 6 is the ultimate iteration the game’s blend of gritty crime story, hyper-explosive combat, and all the vices and distractions those locales have to offer. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life will be localized by SEGA and published in the Americas and Europe in physical and digital formats in early 2018.

SEGAbits is attending E3 2017, so be on the lookout for our impressions on the game soon!

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Analysis: SEGA Forever reveal incoming, hints at a mobile retro SEGA games lineup

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Last week George and I discussed what SEGA Forever possibly could be based on an iOS release of Comix Zone in the Philippines. Now, the social accounts for SEGA Forever (created back in November 2016) have become active and are teasing what we guessed SEGA Forever could be. The Twitter account teases the title screen to Comix Zone, while the Facebook account shows art from the same game.

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E3 2017: Sonic Forces and Sonic Mania bosses and additional gameplay revealed

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The Twitch E3 2017 Pre Pre Show had Aaron Webber on as a guest to preview what Sonic Forces and Sonic Mania content will be playable at SEGA’s booth. The segment, which can be seen in full here, showed off the previously unseen Sonic Mania Green Hill Zone Act 2 boss which turned out to be Dr. Eggman’s giant end boss mech from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Meanwhile, Sonic Forces showed off the Classic Sonic Green Hill Zone boss which turned out to be modern Eggman swinging a giant saw blade before bringing out the Egg Dragoon, previously seen in Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Generations.

Also showcased was a modern Sonic Sonic Forces stage. Worth noting, the Sonic Forces world map classifies the stages as “Sonic Stage”, “Classic Stage” and “Avatar Stage”. Also, during the classic Sonic boss battle in Sonic Forces, modern Eggman refers to classic Sonic as being from another dimension. Uh-oh, is Iizuka messing with canon again?

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New Sonic Runners Adventure footage and screenshots leaks

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As previously reported, a new Sonic mobile game called Sonic Runners Adventure was accidentally leaked on Gameloft’s Customer Support page, revealing a lot of information about how the game played including the different styles to play the game and how characters worked. Though with only descriptions to go by, we haven’t seen what the game looks or plays like.

But now thanks to more leaks, we finally know what Sonic Runners Adventure looks like in action. This includes a video showcasing the story mode of the game, showing off the first few stages reminiscent of Green Hill Zone including both the Finite and new Looped styles, along with glimpses of the menus where you can customize yourself with items, buddies, and playable characters. There is also a small selection of screenshots that originally came from a Russian website, based on the below video. But more strangely, there appears to be a Java version of Sonic Runners Adventure that was also leaked. Weird to see a Java game in this day and age, but it might benefit someone out there.

To see Sonic Runners Adventure gameplay in action, click the link below.

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Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap Remake Now Available for PC

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The remake of the SEGA Master System classic, Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap has finally arrived on PC. The remake has already landed on consoles back in April and is now appearing on two PC digital download services; Steam and GOG.

For a refresher, the remake is handled by two French developers DotEmu and Lizardcube. Featuring a more involved remake compared to Wonder Boy Returns, features include an additional playable girl, remastered art, sound and music and the ability to switch between the remake and the original game at any time.

Wonder Boy III became a turning point for the series as it broke away from it’s arcade roots. By expanding on the idea of exploration, the player makes use of different animal forms with unique abilities to help reach new areas and uncover gear unique to each form. The series is also known for confusing players thanks to the original developer bringing the game to non-SEGA platforms, such as this game also appearing as Dragon’s Curse on the TurboGrafx-16 without the Wonder Boy license which is owned by SEGA. With permission from SEGA, this remake helps fuel the brand’s return in the midst of the platformer genre making a big comeback.

Make no mistake though, unlike the Surge-fueled 90’s mascot platformers with attitude you’re getting a fun yet challenging experience brought back by a lovingly-crafted remake that’s worth it for those who have played the game before or those who have never experienced it. Again the game can be found for the first time on PC through either Steam or without DRM through GOG.com.

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SEGA News Bits: What Is SEGA Forever?

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You asked and we’re attempting to answer: What is SEGA Forever? On this SEGA News Bits, Barry and George dig through what we know about the mysterious SEGA Networks project titled “SEGA Forever” and attempt to guess that could, or could not, end up being. Have your own theories? Let us know in the comments below!

SEGA News Bits Q&A: We’re collecting questions for an upcoming Q&A video! Post your questions in the comments below and we’ll answer them.

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.

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SEGA and Atlus E3 2017 lineup revealed

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SEGA and Atlus have officially announced their lineup for E3 2017, and while there are no major surprises there is a diverse lineup of great looking games! Yakuza and Sonic take center stage, with Yakuza 6, Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces on display. Atlus, meanwhile, will have 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Etrian Odyssey V, Radient Historia: Perfect Chronology and Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux to play. SEGA Europe also has a booth, where they will have Total War: WARHAMMER II and additional Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces kiosks.

Worth noting, the upcoming Valkyria Revolution and Yakuza Kiwami appear to have no representation at this year’s booth. Valkyria Revolution makes some sense, as the game is due out in just three weeks, but Yakuza Kiwami is due out in two months. A kiosk for the game would have been nice, but it appears SEGA wants to focus on 2018’s Yakuza 6 which is a bigger game for the company.

SEGAbits writers will be attending E3, so expect coverage from us from the show floor. After the break, check out the full press release!

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Sonic Mania Chemical Plant Zone revealed in new gameplay trailer

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SEGA has revealed another returning classic Sonic stage to appear in Sonic Mania, Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s Chemical Plant Zone. Often cited by fans as the favorite stage in their favorite game of the series, Chemical Plant is not new to modern gaming as 2011’s Sonic Generations featured the zone in the console version of the game. The Sonic Mania remix features new music from Tee Lopes and several new gimmicks including bouncy goopy rivers, sticky walls and teleporting bubbles. SEGA has provided us with screenshots and additional footage which you can see after the break.

Sonic Mania is now available for digital preorder and is set to release on August 15th for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

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Yu Suzuki announces Shenmue 3 release date delayed to second half of 2018

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Yu Suzuki has announced, in a message to Shenmue 3 Kickstarter backers, that the game has become bigger and more beautiful than he initially expected. As such, the development schedule has been revised and the release of the game has shifted from the end of 2017 to the second half of 2018. This pushes the release date back 6-12 months. Suzuki mentions that new technologies have allowed the team to discover new possibilities and expressions, and promised that details of the revised schedule will be detailed in a backer report later this month. Suzuki closed the video message by thanking backers for their understanding and continued support.

The Shenmue 3 Kickstarter was initially revealed on the Sony stage at E3 2015 and upon completion of the campaign in July 2015, the team had raised $6,333,295. That amount increased to $6,762,419 following a “slacker backer” campaign held on the shenmue.link website for those who missed the campaign. Development was said to begin early 2017, so fans like myself were not expecting the game to meet the December 2017 deadline. To be honest, it’s good news to hear an announcement of a delay, as it relieves the team the pressures of rushing a much anticipated game and gives fans warning of a delay a full 6 months before the originally anticipated release.

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Etrian Odyssey V Confirmed for North American Release Fall 2017

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Despite Nintendo shifting focus with it’s platforms we’re still going to receive a number of titles for the Nintendo 3DS, and Atlus fans in North America are certainly not missing out on the latest entry in the Etrian Odyssey series with Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth confirmed for a fall 2017 release on the platform. This comes from Atlus’ own website showing a test page for the game to appear on their main website’s slider which showcases new and upcoming releases. Perhaps this news was to be revealed during E3 which is just less than a week away. Until then this will make 3DS owners happy that RPGs are not in short supply on the system.

The game originally released in Japan on August 4th of last year with a western release nowhere in sight. With the release of the Nintendo Switch it seemed that their handheld line might be at the end of it’s life. Luckily fans of the series can rest assured that Atlus is just as eager to get the game into the hands of it’s international audience.

We will report more on the game’s western release date as it develops.

[Source: Atlus]

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SEGA News Bits: Sonic & All-Stars Fighters and Football Concepts Reaction

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Concept art for proposed Sonic & SEGA All-Stars games were found online via the creative agency Funsolve Limited, who have also worked on Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. Had they been approved by SEGA, the games would have been Sonic & All-Stars Fighters and Sonic & All-Stars Football/Soccer. On this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry take a look at this concept art and discuss the proposed games. Should SEGA have made them? Will SEGA still make them?

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.

 

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SEGA releases new Sonic Forces music track – give it a listen!

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SEGA, via the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube account, has released a music track from the upcoming Sonic Forces. The track, titled “Park Avenue” was heard briefly in the gameplay teaser, but now we’re hearing the lyrics that only were heard at the tail-end of that teaser. SEGA PR had this to say about the track:

Hit that beat, Sonic! Today, SEGA® dropped a brand new music track featured in Sonic Forces, the upcoming Sonic game that lets players experience fast paced action as Modern Sonic, catapult past perilous platforms as Classic Sonic, and use powerful new gadgets as your own Custom Hero Character. The energetic, upbeat music is the background music for the Park Avenue Stage featuring the Custom Hero Character.

Composed by Tomoya Ohtani, the track is upbeat and features lyrics that evoke both Sonic Adventure 2‘s Knuckles stage tracks and Sonic R. Personally, I think it’s great to hear vocals back in Sonic games. What do you think of the track?

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First 4 Figures shows off their amazing Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary figure

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The people over at First 4 Figures making some amazing, quality figures that can be rather expensive (quality costs money) and it seems they have out did themselves with their latest Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary figure. You can see the scale of the Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary figure above and the figure is HUGE! So huge, I capitalized huge. How huge is that? The Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary figure goes for pre-order on June 6th and will cost you a cool $384.99! A figure for the serious collectors.

If you want to see more of the statue, the guys over at First 4 Figures will have a live stream on June 6th:

  • 7:00am (California)
  • 10:00am (New York),
  • 3:00pm (London)
  • 4:00pm (Germany)
  • 10:00pm (Hong Kong)

First 4 Figures will also be giving away reward points, if you follow these instructions on their facebook page. First 4 Figures also has a wide array of other SEGA IP premium figures on their website; including Shenmue, Virtua Fighter, Jet Set Radio and even Skies of Arcadia. So if the blue blur isn’t for you, you should check out what other SEGA IPs they have done figures for.  What do you guys think of this Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary figure? Are you picking up one? Let us know in the comments below.

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Concept Art on various SEGA games discovered including an All-Stars soccer & fighter

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A website called Fun Solve has a gallery of concept artwork on various SEGA games has been uploaded online featuring works by game developers that had helped SEGA create video games based on their classic IPs, Sumo Digital and Headstrong Games, for game development and promotional use.

The website also features tons of concept art on SEGA games such as Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, The House of the Dead Overkill, SEGA Rally Revo, and more including two SEGA All-Stars games with concepts of a soccer and fighting game. Now looking closely to the concept art of the All-Stars brawler seems to take inspiration from Capcom’s Power Stone franchise with SEGA characters in which Steve Lycett, executive producer at Sumo Digital, would love to make.

Check out the concept artwork on all of the games by clicking the jump and tell us your thoughts on the two unreleased All-Stars games. Shout out to Nibroc.Rock for making the discovery.

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Yasunori Mitsuda discusses Valkyria Revolution Soundtrack, plus digital pre-order bonuses

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SEGA has released a new video with legendary composer, Yasunori Mitsuda, known for his work on Chrono Trigger and Stella Glow, discussing how he composed the music on Valkyria Revolution that reflects the classic feel of the European industrial revolution era that focuses on a war of liberation between two vastly different nations with Tokyo Symphony Orchestra conducting a live concert-hall recording for the soundtrack and his collaborator Sarah Àlainn, a multilingual Australian-Japanese singer with a voice spanning over 3 octaves, lends her hauntingly beautiful voice to a couple tracks.

With an added bonus, if you pre-order Vakyria Revolution digitally on PS4 and Xbox One, the player will be treated with the following DLC:

  • The Formation of Vanargand DLC Scenario
  • The Ring of Contract DLC Scenario
  • 30 ragnite shards
  • Special Ragnite: Time Flux+
  • Special Ragnite: Heat Field+
  • Special Ragnite: Fall Earth+
  • (Americas only) Special Ragnite: Shine Calibur+

For PS4 owners, they will earn an exclusive “The Princess and the Valkyria” theme featuring Brunhilde and Princess Ophelia. Valkyria Revolution is set for release on June 27th for PS4 & Xbox One with the Vanguard Edition is available for pre-order. Hit the jump to see the exclusive “The Princess and the Valkyria” theme.

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