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Alpha build of Ecco II: Sentinels of the Universe leaked

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Ecco the Dolphin is a familiar face for SEGA fans, appearing in 4 different games and gaining a bit of a cult following due to it’s bizarre and surprisingly dark premise of a dolphin traveling through time to save his comrades from evil aliens. What many people didn’t know is that there was a fifth game in the series that was in development, acting as a sequel to the Dreamcast game Ecco the Dolphin: Defenders of the Universe. The game titled Ecco II: Sentinels of the Universe started in development sometime in 2001-2000, around the time the Dreamcast was on it’s last legs, with the build leaked in particular being made on February 19th, 2001. The game did not reach far into development, not receiving press coverage of any type and being silently cancelled when SEGA started to move away from the console business, though Ecco the Dolphin: Defenders of the Universe receiving mixed reception may of also contributed to the cancellation.

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7th Dragon III Code: VFD E3 2016 trailer sees dragons invading the year 2100

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A new trailer for the upcoming 7th Dragon III Code: VFD has released in time for E3! Set to release very soon to the Americas, July 12th to be exact, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD is an internally developed RPG from SEGA for the Nintendo 3DS. If you have been craving a new IP and some RPG action from our favorite company, then you really shouldn’t pass this game up. Our own George has been playing the game for several weeks, and as detailed in our first impressions discussion he has been enjoying it. If that is not enough reason to pick the game up on day one, then perhaps a special launch edition featuring a collector’s box and 28 page art book will sway you.

Expect a review from us soon, and in the meantime enjoy the new trailer.

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Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X E3 2016 trailer takes center stage

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SEGA of America has launched a brand new trailer for the upcoming Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X just in time for E3! Set to release in the Americas on August 30th, 2016 for the Playstation 4 and Playstation Vita with a free glasses pouch included, Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X looks to pack a lot into a single game. Players can expect an assortment of thirty Miku tracks including new and classic music as well as five different Clouds which Miku and friends can explore and accept challenges within.

For more information, check out the official Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X website and stay tuned to SEGAbits for more news and information on the upcoming game.

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Yakuza 0’s E3 2016 Trailer Looks Fantastic

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SEGA has put out their Yakuza 0 E3 2016 trailer today, showing off what you can expect from the retail game later in 2017 and it looks fantastic. They really did a great job with this trailer and they don’t try to hide the fact that the game is Japanese voiced with English subtitles (like they have in the past). Make sure you pre-order Yakuza 0 when the game becomes available, the franchise almost died in the West and its nice that SEGA of America has given it yet another chance.

Like stated before, Yakuza 0 is set to release early 2017 and will have a physical copy in North America. What do you guys think of the new trailer? Tell us in the comments below.

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SEGA Europe announces Sonic the Hedgehog EU Super Fan Competition

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During an E3 live stream today, SEGA Europe promised a big announcement for EU Sonic fans. After sitting through a few trailers for upcoming SEGA titles, Aaron Webber joined SEGA Europe Community Manager Dan Sheridan to announce Sonic the Hedgehog’s 25th Anniversary EU Super Fan competition. The competition sets out to find the “biggest Sonic Super Fan in the European Union”, and to do this they are asking for video submissions no more than 5 minutes long showcasing their fandom and creativity. One overall winner will get the chance to join the Sonic Team in San Diego for the 25th Anniversary event (all expenses paid), while 10 runners up will each win 1 ticket to the sold-out Summer of Sonic event in London.

Interestingly, the contest fails to take into account that a true Sonic Super Fan would have already booked a flight, hotel, and obtained tickets for the San Diego party. Full contest details can be found here.

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E3 2016: Toshihiro Nagoshi shows off Yakuza 0 on the PlayStation livecast

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Toshihiro Nagoshi sat at the PlayStation Show as part of their E3 2016 LiveCast to talk about Yakuza 0. This is also one of the first times we get to see English gameplay footage of the game which is interesting. The interview is being translated by SEGA’s Sam Mullen (which we interviewed here). Yakuza 0 will be coming to North America in a physical disc as well early next year.

I think this was a nice little segment and I hope it gets some PlayStation 4 owners to check out Yakuza 0 when it finally launches.

[Via Yakuza Fan]

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First Dawn of War III gameplay footage emerges

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SEGA and Relic Entertainment have now shown the first glimpse at gameplay for their upcoming game Dawn of War III. While the first trailer they showed had a dark paint like art style, making some fans think that was going to be what the game looked like. It seems the actual game will have a more ‘comic book cartoon’ like art style. Also surprising to see how much color the game has, which in my opinion is a good thing.

I know Dawn of War III isn’t on every SEGA fans radar, but what do you think of the gameplay shown? Let us know in the comments below.

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Atlus to feature NicoNico stream for Persona 5 on June 15th

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Persona 5 is shaping up to live up to the hype, but for those that are still not sold on the game, a NicoNico stream tied to E3 will be hosted called “Uncover the Phantom Thieves” that will provide more details on Persona 5. What this stream will feature is unknown, but will feature the reveal of a “classified video” and general new information. The stream will be live on June 15th at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. ET / 21:00 JST.

To actually view the stream, you’ll need a NicoNico account in order to access the general website. Be warned as the website is in Japanese, so navigate with caution. When information drops on the game, anything new will be reported. Persona 5 itself will be released on Playstation 4 in Japan on September 15th and February 14th for American regions. A release in PAL regions is unknown as of this writing, not helped by the relatively recent SEGA buyout complicating releases of Atlus titles in European countries.

[Source: NicoNico]

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Archie Comic’s “Sonic: Mega Drive” sequel issue announced, titled “Sonic: Mega Drive – The Next level”

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Back in February we were very excited to share the news that Archie Comics would be releasing a special one shot special comic in celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 25th anniversary. Dubbed “Sonic: Mega Drive”, the story was said to take place in the games continuity, just after the events of Sonic & Knuckles, and would feature the original classic Sonic designs. Written by Ian Flynn and drawn by Tyson Hesse, creator of the web comic Boxer Hockey, “Sonic: Mega Drive” looked and sounded like a classic Sonic fan’s dream comic.

There were hopes that if the one shot sold well, we’d see a sequel or ongoing series. But, in an interview with IGN, editor Vincent Lovallo shared some news… it looks like we won’t have to wait! Before “Sonic: Mega Drive” even has a chance to release on July 6th, Archie and SEGA have decided to move forward with a sequel entitled “Sonic: Mega Drive – The Next level”. Also a one shot, “Sonic: Mega Drive – The Next level” will follow the events of “Sonic: Mega Drive”. Also of note, when asked if the story will tie into the ongoing Sonic comics, which is a separate continuity, Lovallo said “It will, but I can’t say how at this time.”

After the break, check out a gallery of images including a peek at the inside of the first one shot.

[Via: IGN]

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SEGA News Bits: Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice Launch Day Edition Revealed

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After a lengthy delay, Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice for the Nintendo 3DS is on its way with a release date of September 27th in the Americas and a recently revealed launch edition. In this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry discuss the upcoming game, the delay, its E3 showing and the Launch Edition itself. As for the European release, no word yet on a Launch Edition, however the game will be releasing across the pond on September 30th. We’ll know ourselves how the game plays after this year’s E3 and the Sonic 25th Anniversary party.

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Sonic the Hedgehog heading to LEGO Dimensions

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Back in May we reported the rumor, but now it is official. Sonic the Hedgehog is heading to LEGO Dimensions! Revealed in an E3 Expo Trailer for the game is a number of new franchises hitting the Lego toys-to-life multi-platform game, including Gremlins, Harry Potter, Adventure Time, The A-Team and others. At the moment, not much more is known. Sonic the Hedgehog could be a minor addition by way of a Fun Pack (figure and item) or a full-blown Level Pack (figure and items, plus levels) or a Team Pack (multiple figures and items). Sonic Stadium did spot the Tornado in a LEGO Dimensions graphic (seen after the break), so it is possible we will at least get a Fun Pack of Sonic and the Tornado.

More news as we hear it.

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SEGA and Atlus’ Full E3 2016 Stage Schedule Revealed

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SEGAATLUSThe full stage schedule for SEGA & Atlus’ stage shows has been revealed via RPG Site’s twitter account. SEGA and Atlus have multiple ‘special presentations’ at the event, what will be at the presentations? I guess we will find out soon enough since E3 2016 starts on June 14th!

This is SEGA/Atlus’ E3 2016 stage schedule:

Tuesday, June 14

  • 1:00 PM: Special presentation.
  • 2:00 PM: Yakuza 0 presentation with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi.
  • 3:00 PM: Persona 5 character design talk with character designer Shigenori Soejima.
  • 4:00 PM: Special presentation.
  • 5:00 PM: The King of Fighters XIV pro exhibition matches.

Wednesday, June 15

  • 11:00 AM: Persona 5 exclusive E3 print autograph session with Shigenori Soejima.
  • 12:30 PM: Special presentation.
  • 2:00 PM: The King of Fighters XIV pro exhibition matches.
  • 3:00 PM: Yakuza 0 demo.
  • 4:30 PM: Special presentation.

Thursday, June 16

  • 11:00 AM: Persona 5 fan Q&A with Shigenori Soejima.
  • 12:00 PM: Special presentation.
  • 2:30 PM: The King of Fighters XIV pro exhibition matches.
  • 3:30 PM: Special presentation.

I’m assuming SEGA and Atlus will be live streaming their stage shows on their respective online streaming channels like Twitch. I mean, if they don’t then whats the point? What are your thoughts on SEGA and Atlus’ E3 2016 stage schedule? SEGA is back with stage shows, hyped?

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SEGA bringing Zero Latency’s VR multiplayer game to Japan

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It seems that SEGA of Japan is showing some interest in the world of Virtual Reality. SEGA Live Creation announced on Tuesday that it will be bringing Zero Latency (and its technology) to Japan. The VR system including software was built by a Melbourne-based company and features a free-roaming virtual world with built-in multiplayer.

So what is SEGA going to do with the game? Well from July 16th the game will have a permanent home in SEGA’s Joypolis in Tokyo. This isn’t just software as the team created its own VR headset that allows for players to roam huge warehouse sized areas, unlike something like HTC’s Vive that only does smaller rooms. SEGA seems rather impressed by the technology:

“When we first tried the Zero Latency experience we were blown away. We are only at the early stages of understanding what free-roam VR is capable of. It’s one of the most exciting technologies coming to market today.” – Kazuhiko Hayami of SEGA Live Creation

Zero Latency announced they are developing a shorter, more arcade-style version of their zombie shooter for SEGA’s Japanese launch. The team still has deals to bring the technology to USA, China, Europe, and Australia but isn’t ready to talk about that.

[Source: Mashable]

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SEGA and Atlus E3 2016 line-up revealed

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SEGA has just issued a press release laying out just what attendees can expect to find at their E3 2016 booth, which as we’ve detailed before will be shared with Atlus. While the press release was issued by the London offices, the booth itself is being run by SEGA of America and Atlus USA, however there will be select titles that will also be making their way to Europe. First up is Relic Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, which is set to release in 2017 for Microsoft Windows PC. SEGA’s Yakuza 0, due out in 2017 for PS4 in the Americas and Europe, and Atlus’s Persona 5, due out in February 2017 in the Americas, will also be playable. Sonic will also have a presence with Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice for the Nintendo 3DS which is due out in the Americas and Europe in September 2016. And last but not least, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD for the Nintendo 3DS, which is due out in July 2016 in the Americas, will also be on display.

Jurgen Post, COO For SEGA Europe Ltd., called the lineup “one of the strongest line-ups we have had at E3 for quite a few years”, which is arguably true. Though given SEGA didn’t have a booth in 2015, and 2014 heavily featured the critical bomb that was Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, it’s not hard too hard to declare 2016’s showing as a strong one comparatively. Personally, I think 2016’s E3 lineup is lacking that one big new title that 2014 had with Alien: Isolation. Yakuza 0 and 7th Dragon III Code: VFD are sure to be fun, but they are also titles that have already been released in Japan for some time. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III and Persona 5 both look great, but I wouldn’t say Warhammer is game your average SEGA fan has been chomping at the bit for, and obviously the other is an Atlus title. Also of note, no signs of any Xbox One or Wii U games.

Still, it is great to see SEGA returning to E3 and we wish them a great show. Hopefully this is just a baby step after their massive restructuring and we have more reveals to come leading up to or after the event. Sonic fans and even SEGA themselves have been heavily teasing that the Sonic 25th Anniversary event in July is something to watch out for, so maybe the big new Sonic game will be revealed there amongst one thousand fans who will undoubtably spread the word via fan sites and social media rather than at a trade show.

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SEGA News Bits: SEGA to Shut Down Sonic Runners

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Sonic Runners has traversed a rocky road, after personally disappointing us in 2015 and ending up a financial failure in SEGA’s eyes. Now, SEGA Networks has confirmed that the game will be shutting down in late July. In this SEGA News Bits, Barry and George break down what they think caused Sonic Runners to be killed, if we can expect to ever play the game after its servers shut down and what lessons SEGA could learn from the game’s failures. It’s not all negative, as we also talk about what we liked about the game and give it a fitting eulogy.

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