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Persona 5 shows off free “Christmas Costume Set” DLC

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Persona-5-Christmas-Costume-DLC-AnnPersona 5 might have missed Christmas for English speaking consumers, but the game has been out in Japan since September. Its no surprise that Persona 5 would be getting a free “Christmas Costume Set” on December 21st. Atlus Japan also announced that this is a start of a ‘five-day campaign’ where all Persona 5 DLC will be 55% off.

The campaign will run from December 21st to the 25th. That means:

  • All 800 yen (about $7) costumes and BGM sets will be reduced to 360 yen ($3).
  • All Persona 4 special theme and avatar sets that cost 200 yen ($1.69) will now cost 90 yen (75c)
  • All 300 yen ($2.50) Persona sets are reduced to 135 yen ($1.15).

Who knows if Atlus USA will wait until Christmas 2017 to give us these free costume packs. Persona 5 hits North American and European shops on April 4th.

[Source: Gematsu]

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Gravity Rush 2 to feature Phantasy Star Online 2 themed DLC

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Gravity-Rush-2-Costume-PSO2_12-16-16Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Asia have announced that Gravity Rush 2 will feature Phantasy Star Online 2 costume collaboration DLC. Back around September, Phantasy Star Online 2 featured Gravity Rush 2 themed DLC and now it seems that Sony will be returning the favor to SEGA’s online RPG.

The Gravity Rush 2 x Phantasy Star Online 2 collaboration outfits will be free to download, so no extra purchase required. This is what the DLC includes:

  • “Crazy Kitten” Costume
  • “Rappy” Photo Item
  • “Phantasy Star Online 2 Container” Photo Item

This Phantasy Star Online 2 DLC has only been announced for Japanese release and since Phantasy Star Online 2 hasn’t been released in English countries who knows if it will make it overseas. Gravity Rush 2 hits PlayStation 4 in Europe on January 18, January 19 in Japan and January 20 in America/UK.

[Source: Gematsu]

 

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Yakuza 0 fighting styles trailer released

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Sega released a new trailer featuring all of the Yakuza 0 fighting styles today. Yakuza 0 has you playing as both Kazuma Kiryu as well as Goro Majima. Between the two of them, there are six fighting styles featured here. Kiryu’s Brawler Style, Beast Style, and Rush Style; and Majima’s Thug Style, Slugger Style, and Breaker Style.

This is roughly a minute and a half of more material for you to get psyched up for the game’s release in about a month’s time. January 24th can’t come soon enough!

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Yakuza 0 Vita App not being localized for English release

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When Yakuza 0 released in Japan it had a Yakuza 0 Vita app released for free that would let players play Super Monkey Ball, fight for money, and all this would sync with the console version of Yakuza 0. So the Yakuza 0 Vita app would basically let you progress in making money, but on the go. It was a nice little extra surprise for Vita owners, but western Yakuza fans won’t be able to enjoy the on the go mayhem as SEGA has confirmed that the Yakuza 0 Vita app won’t make it west.

What we will be missing out on:

  • Super Monkey Ball Special
  • Columns 
  • Sega Mahjong MJ Single
  • Special Attack Aircraft Carrier Beluga

SEGA & Atlus PR Manager John Hardin has confirmed via Twitter that the Yakuza 0 Vita app would not be getting a western release. Do you think its a big deal to not include these types of little extras, even if it doesn’t ruin the overall package? Sound off in the comments below.

[Source: YakuzaFan]

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Valkyria Revolution releasing to North America and Europe in spring 2017 for Playstation 4, Xbox One and PS Vita

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Valkyria Revolution

Another announcement has been made for a game localization, this time for the game Valkyria Revolution (Known as Valkyria Azure Revolution in Japan). This game is considered a gaiden/spin-off title that takes place in an alternate time and universe from past Valkyria titles, and instead of being a tactical RPG like predecessors it is more of an action RPG with some strategy elements. However some elements are still retained from past titles. Valkyria Revolution focuses on the characters Amleth, a member of The Circle of Five (aka The Grand Criminals), and Ophelia, the princess of Jutland. Because of the expanding Rus Empire and The Circle of Five, the Jutland kingdom gets roped into a war that strives for independence and freedom from colonial rule.

Valkyria Revolution is slated for a Playstation 4, Xbox One and PS Vita release in spring of 2017 in both North America and Europe. The PS4 and XB1 versions will be physical and digital, while the PS Vita version will be digital-only. Deep Silver will be handling publishing in Europe.

After the break, read a full press release and check out some screens as well as cover art!

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Shenmue III PC pre-orders open on December 15, new footage soon

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Shenmue3While most of us hardcore Shenmue III fans already put up our money when Yu Suzuki launched his Kickstarter, it seems there are quite a few people demanding for the studio to put up pre-orders for the game. Yu Suzuki stated in the latest Famitsu magazine that Shenmue III PC pre-orders will open up in a few days.

“Development is entering the final stage headed towards full-scale production. Early in the new year, I think we’ll be able to show you things such as new videos.

“We will continue progressing with development so that our backers and those who experience the world of Shenmue for the first time can do so with pleasure.

“Also, at noon on December 15, we will start pre-order sales for the PC version of Shenmue III, which received a lot of requests.Those interested in Shenmue III, please check the official website.”

It is interesting considering that the studio hasn’t really put out much Shenmue III in-game footage. What they have shown has never been finalized. It seems that the work on Shenmue III is barely starting, if they are barely entering full-scale production, do you think the studio should be putting up pre-orders without actual in-game screenshots? Let us know in the comments below.

[Via: Gematsu]

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Hardcore Gaming 101 Sega Arcade Classics Vol. 2 and Fan Jam books available now

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hg101books

If you haven’t checked out the excellent book SEGA Arcade Classics Vol. 1 by Hardcore Gaming 101, you really should fix that. The book is an excellent guide to SEGA’s arcade history, spotlighting not just games but their many sequels, revisions and home console counterparts. While volume 1 covered the early days, there was so much more to be covered. Thankfully HG101’s Kurt Kalata is giving us another volume with SEGA Arcade Classics Vol. 2, which is now available to purchase just in time for the holiday season! Per the description, covered games include golden era arcade classics like Pengo, Zaxxon, Congo Bongo, and Flicky; racing titles, ranging from classics like Monaco GP and Turbo, up through Hang-On and Rad Mobile; beat-em-ups like My Hero and Arabian Fight; SEGA’s super scalers Subroc 3-D and Buck Rogers and the Planet of Zoom; overlooked classics like Spatter, Ninja Princess, Bonanza Bros., and Aurail; and the long forgotten Sonic the Hedgehog arcade game.

Also available is The Hardcore Gaming 101 and Sonic & Sega Fan Jam 2016 Fanbook, which was produced in conjunction with SEGAbits (hey, that’s us!) for the Sonic & Sega Fan Jam 2016 event in Savannah, Georgia of which we are a sponsor. The book features a sampling of HG101 articles highlighting a range of SEGA games, including Streets of Rage, Sakura Wars, ToeJam & Earl, NiGHTS, Puyo Puyo, and Virtua Fighter. Also included are reviews of two games: Segata Sanshiro Shinken Yuugi, the Saturn minigame collection starring SEGA’s ultra manly spokesman, and Segagaga, the Dreamcast simulation game where you attempt to run SEGA as a company to save the realm of video gaming! Also included are reviews of three lesser known Master System games: Ghost House, Maze Hunter 3D, and Kenseiden. The Fan Jam book is available in two flavors: the standard edition with a Master System-inspired cover and a variant cover featuring Sonic and several SEGA all-stars.

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Sonic and Tails gameplay footage from Sonic Mania

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IGN has posted a nearly 4 minute gameplay video of Sonic and Tails together and apart in… Studiopolis Zone Act 1 from Sonic Mania. In case you get confused like some YouTube commenters, about a minute and a half in, there’s a dissolve edit where Sonic gameplay transitions into the player controlling Tails. It’s not a new switching feature or anything.

It’s great seeing more footage of the game in action, but it would be quite nice to see some different levels!

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Check out these pics of the Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES event

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Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES header

The Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES event is being held at the 3331 Arts Chiyoda art museum. The folks at Anime Now have posted a large gallery of photos from the… uh… gallery. The event is being held to recognize the 20th anniversary of the first Persona’s release in 1996 and will conclude on December 18th, 2017. However, tickets are now sold out, so these pictures will likely be your only chance to scope them out.

Not only will you find official artwork, accessories, and merchandise from the series; but you’ll also see Morganna and Teddy roaming, as well as Persona artwork from professional manga artists. Winners from a fan art contest on PIXIV are also on display. It looks like one hell of a gallery.

Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES
Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES
Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES
Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES
Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES
Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES
Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES
Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES

This is just a fraction of the images Anime Now posted. Be sure to check out their full report for the rest.

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SEGA News Bits: Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza 6 Are Coming West Reaction

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SEGA punched us square in the jaw with a reveal at the Playstation Experience event that both Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza 6 will be coming in the summer of 2017 and early 2018 respectively to the Playstation 4. Combined with the fact that Yakuza 0 is due out just next month, we think it is safe to say that Yakuza is back, baby! On this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry react to the news and share their thoughts on both the past and the future of the series. New to Yakuza? Learn just where to start and what games to check out. In the comments below, tell us your thoughts on the news!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us. Give us a sub, if you are already subscribed you can always like the video.

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Sonic Unleashed preview build released

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Sonic Unleashed is seen as one of the biggest 3D entries in the history of Sonic. Whether you like the werehog or not, it brought a massive overhaul to the game design philosophy of Sonic working in the third dimension. The beautiful environments based on real-life locations, fast gameplay and a unique lighting engine all housed under the “Hedgehog Engine” helped achieve a major milestone for fast-paced 3D platformers. Fast forward towards the end of the downer year that is 2016, it has brought us one thing that can shed some meaningful insight on the development of Sonic Unleashed; the release of an Xbox 360 preview build.

Continue Reading ➜

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SEGA News Bits: First Look at the Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary Art Book

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Cook & Becker’s Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary art book is now up for pre-order, and on this SEGA News Bits George and Barry share their thoughts on the upcoming book. Take a look at several images of the Special Collector’s Edition of the book and learn some details of what we might expect to find in the book.

Are you a Sonic collector with original official art? Contact Cook & Becker as they are looking for potential rarities to include in the book!

If you like our SEGA News Bits segments, make sure you subscribe to us on YouTube. Thanks for watching!

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First look at the official ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 25th Anniversary’ art book from Cook & Becker – available for pre-order

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1-All_Collectors-Edition (2)

Thanks to the next-gen art dealers at Cook & Becker, we have a first look at the upcoming Sonic The Hedgehog 25th Anniversary art book via an in-depth gallery of images as well as a full press release. So let’s get down to it! The art book, the first ever official art book and design history for the long running series, encapsulates 25 years of history. The book will be made available in a limited Special Collector’s Edition as well as a Standard Hardcover Edition. The Special Collector’s Edition features an outer box, a special inner sleeve that folds into a display stand for the book and an exclusive newly drawn matted art giclee print by Sonic Team’s Yuji Uekawa. The Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,500 copies and sells for $120/€120 respectively. As a pre-order bonus, Cook & Becker offers a 10% discount on the Collector’s Edition if it is ordered before February 2017. The Standard Edition, meanwhile, retails for $45/€45 and consists of the book itself.

Let’s talk about the book! Officially licensed, the book (310mm H x 275mm W) will feature 200+ pages of images and text, including interviews with key Sonic designers including Yuji Naka, Takashi Iizuka and Yuji Uekawa. As seen in the image gallery below, you can expect to find concept art, promotional art, 3D renders, box art and – as revealed in our recent article – original official art and rare collectibles submitted by fans (pending approval from Cook & Becker and SEGA, of course).

After the break, check out a full press release detailing the book as well as a gallery of several images showing off the ins and outs of the book as well as the Special Collector’s Edition. Don’t forget to pre-order the book today at the official Cook & Becker site!

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Yakuza Kiwami will get a completely fresh translation

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yakuza kiwami translated

It was recently announced that Yakuza Kiwami would be localized and released in the West next Summer in between the release of Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 6. Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably imagined that Sega and their localization partners at Atlus would lean heavily on the original Yakuza‘s 2006 script to finish the game in as swiftly and budget-friendly as possible. Evidently, that’s not so!

Atlus USA Producer Sam Mullen recently responded to fan questions on Twitter concerning the Western release of Yakuza Kiwami and had some surprising news!

With Sega committing to releasing three Yakuza titles in the West in roughly about a year’s time, things are looking up for fans of the franchise. Yakuza Kiwami goes above and beyond in remaking the game, giving it not only a stunning 1080p/60FPS facelift, but using the Yakuza 0 engine as a basis for providing a vastly improved playing experience. All of the original Japanese voices were also recorded again and there’s a ridiculously fun and stupid Majima Everywhere system added in along with so much more.

Yakuza Kiwami is slated for a Summer 2017 release on the PS4 in America and Europe. Don’t forget, Yakuza 0 launches on January 24th, 2017 for both regions as well. Be sure to pre-order both to show Sega you’re thankful for this stunning commitment to the series’ fans in the West!

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SEGA’s Streets of Rage, Altered Beast to be adapted to film/TV with Walking Dead production company

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alteredbeaststreetsofragewalkingdeadSeems that the SEGA established Stories International will be teaming up with The Walking Dead and Fear of the Walking Dead production company ‘Circle of Confusion‘ who has also produced TV titles such as The Talking Dead, Powers, Outcast and Dirk Gently. They have also worked on films such as Spare Parts, American Ultra and Mr. Right. Circle of Confusion also houses executive producer David Engel who produced Straight out of Compton. The interesting part here is that the variety article, where the source comes from, specifically lists Altered Beast and Streets of Rage as the titles that The Walking Dead production company  will be working with.

“These are some of the most well loved SEGA games, and we are thrilled to be working with Stories to adapt them into major film and television franchises,” -Lawrence Mattis, Circle of Confusion producer

If you guys didn’t know, Stories International announced awhile back that they will be making movies or TV show based on SEGA video game franchises including Shinobi with Marc Platt, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, The House of the Dead, Rise of Nightmares, and Crazy Taxi. While we have been hearing about these adaptations for years now, we still haven’t seen what it will amount to. Do you think this will turn out to be good for SEGA’s brand? Does having The Walking Dead production company give you confidence? Let us know in the comments below.

[Source: Variety]

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