News

SEGA Retrospective: Die Hard Arcade (Dynamite Deka) 20th Anniversary

by

diehard

As 2016 comes to a close, we wrap up our celebrations of SEGA anniversaries with a look back on a fan favorite 3D arcade beat ’em up. Catch up on past SEGA Retrospective articles, and stay tuned to 2017!

Are you a fan of action movies and always wanted to be the action hero in a video game? Die Hard Arcade, also known as Dynamite Deka in Japan, is where it’s at! To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this popular arcade and home console beat ’em up, let’s dive into the game’s history and development in a special SEGA Retrospective. While there isn’t a concrete date for Die Hard Arcade’s release, we thought the Christmas season was fitting. “Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.”

Continue Reading ➜

2 Comments

Ecco the Dolphin creator Ed Annunziata settles lawsuit with SEGA

by

Ecco

Creator of the Ecco the Dolphin series Ed Annunziata has settled a recent lawsuit regarding to SEGA and the ownership of Ecco the Dolphin series. The series was originally developed by a company called Novatrade International (later Appaloosa Interactive), about a dolphin named Ecco who travels through time and space to save his friends from a race of evil aliens, using elements such as the controversial practices of John C. Lilly and Pink Floyd albums as inspiration.

After the bankruptcy of the company Appaloosa in 2006, the Ecco the Dolphin name would be obtained by SEGA for future usage. Because of Ed no longer having access to the series, he tried to create a spiritual successor in 2013 called The Big Blue on Kickstarter, which failed to reach it’s financial goals. After the failed Kickstarter, he shifted focus on getting back the Ecco the Dolphin name from SEGA.

A recent update claims that the lawsuit has been settled between Ed and SEGA. However despite this, neither party have commented on the matter. Whether or not this will effect the Ecco the Dolphin series in the future is unknown. Maybe there might be a revival in the future, and we’ll get to swim in the mysterious seas once again as everyone’s favorite time traveling dolphin? Only time will tell.

[Source: Venture Beat]

14 Comments

Phantasy Star Online 2 to feature NieR: Automata DLC

by

phantasystaronline2NierAutomataSeems that the Phantasy Star Online 2 promotions continue, this time with NieR: Automata themed DLC. Square Enix announced that DLC cross promotions will be happening on not only Phantasy Star Online 2 but also Hunter Frontier Z.

It seems that Phantasy Star Online 2 will be getting weapons and armor taken directly from the upcoming Square Enix title. Not much is known but Square Enix has suggested that they will share more information on what the items are in NieR: Automata after New Years. Since Phantasy Star Online 2 hasn’t made it west, we will be missing out on all these cool cross promotions that Japan gets to enjoy. I even whined about this, remember?

NieR: Automata hits Japanese retail on February 23, North America on March 7 and Europe on March 10,2017. While Phantasy Star Online 2 isn’t released in English speaking countries, you can always use a fan patch and play on the Japanese servers. What are your thoughts on this cross promotion?

[Source: Siliconera]

1 Comment

SEGA Amusement CEO says Outrun 3 is ‘on our radar’

by

maxresdefault

SEGA Amusement has been making the rounds with old school SEGA fans ever since they announced Daytona 3 Championship USA earlier this year. It seems that SEGA Amusement will continue resurrecting old SEGA franchises, at least that’s what it sounds like. In a recent interview with T3, SEGA Amusement International CEO Paul Williams had this to say about a possible OutRun 3:

“Outrun 3 is not on plan at the moment. It is something that is on our radar but I cannot discuss more than that.”

It is interesting that he even spoke about the possibility of OutRun 3, considering how weird SEGA PR used to be in the past. It also seems, from what I gather from the quote that SEGA Amusement has a sort of short list of franchises they would like to bring back. Its not surprising that Daytona 3 Championship USA is one of the first titles considering how popular the original was. Paul Williams also talks about how they work with SEGA Japan developers and why its hard for them to bring SEGA Japanese games over to the states. Very interesting read.

What are your thoughts of the possiblity of OutRun 3? Let us know in the comments below!

[Via: Arcade Heroes]

14 Comments

Persona 5 shows off free “Christmas Costume Set” DLC

by

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]

No Comments

Gravity Rush 2 to feature Phantasy Star Online 2 themed DLC

by

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]

 

1 Comment

Yakuza 0 fighting styles trailer released

by

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!

No Comments

Yakuza 0 Vita App not being localized for English release

by

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]

1 Comment

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

by

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!

Continue Reading ➜

12 Comments

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

by

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]

1 Comment

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

by

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.

1 Comment

Sonic and Tails gameplay footage from Sonic Mania

by

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!

2 Comments

Check out these pics of the Persona Twentieth Anniversary FES event

by

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.

No Comments

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

by

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.

1 Comment

Sonic Unleashed preview build released

by

bPcl

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 ➜

1 Comment