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SEGA set to open an official store in Shibuya for next summer

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SEGA’s Head of Global Transmedia Group, Justin Scarpone, spoken with VGC at Gamescom Asia that the company plans follow steps from Nintendo, Capcom, and Square Enix to open its own official store in Shibuya’s Parco department complex with another store opening in Shanghai, China. The decision to launch a physical SEGA outlet was motivated by the desire to put the SEGA brand in front of more consumers in order to strengthen it and to look after fans with the already surprising amount of fandom as a brand by offering new experiences to them.

With the success of the Sonic movies and licensee deals such as Lego, SEGA’s transmedia business received a strong growth in revenue as the company now generates nearly $1 billion in annual retail sales of toys, clothing, and merchandise alone. He also noted that partnerships such as Paramount, Netflix, and even Roblox, helped the company reach a broader audience.

Scarpone’s ultimate goal is to replicate that success with other IPs such as Persona, Like a Dragon, and other SEGA IP in other territories. SEGA had a great history of having numerous stores in Japan such as the SEGA Specialty Stores until it gaming landscape changed and online shopping became more prevalent in the early 2000s. Seeing this plan come to fruition would be a dream come true for SEGA fans to visit. Will you visit the SEGA Store in Shibuya and Shanghai? What SEGA merchandise would you like to see in the official store? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: VGC

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New Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Showcases Naval Combat Gameplay and New Release Date

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During the Xbox Showcase, SEGA showcased brand new gameplay of the navel combat in the latest trailer of Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirate in Hawaii where players guide Majima and his crew to battle against other pirates of sea in ship-to-ship combat.

The trailer also provided a sneak peek into the start of Goro Majima’s pirate life on the high seas, the secret island of Madlantis, where multiple criminal organizations thrive, and new information about customizing your pirate ship “Goromaru.”

In other news, Executive Producer and Director of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Masayoshi Yokoyama, has officially announced that Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirate in Hawaii will now be releasing on Febuary 21, 2025, a week from the original planned release date.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Standard Edition: PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

Collector’s Edition: PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

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SEGA Releases Final Episode of “SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings”

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Today, Sonic Team released the third and final episode of the SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings prologue animation, following Shadow the Hedgehog as he dives into his tragic past to confront the origins of his haunting nightmares of conflict and loss.

In Episode 3, Shadow leads Rouge and Omega into the heart of a G.U.N. military facility in his search for answers. The military organization that did so much harm to him in the past is now the only thing between him and his goal: the Space Colony ARK!

What did you all think of the final episode of SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings? Let us know in the comments below!

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Metaphor: ReFantazio Launch Trailer feat. Cover of Radiohead’s “Burn the Witch”

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Today, ATLUS released the launch trailer for their highly anticipated fantasy RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio featuring a cover of Radiohead’s “Burn the Witch” by Mark Evans and Mel Guerison.

From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince. Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical “Archetype” powers that lie dormant in your heart. 

 

A free Prologue Demo is now available on all platforms for those eager to get a head start on their adventures in the United Kingdom of Euchronia. Progression from the demo carries over to the full version of the game.

 

Metaphor: ReFantazio will be available October 11, 2024 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Steam, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 with pre-orders available now on the official website.

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Universal Pictures To Adapt Shinobi On The Big Screen

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According to Variety, Universal Pictures will be producing a film adaptation of SEGA’s Shinobi  and the studio has enlisted “Extraction” filmmaker Sam Hargrave and producer Marc Platt to adapt the ninja action-packed franchise for the big screen.

Ken Kobayashi, known for his work on “Sunny” and “Move On”, will be writing the screenplay for “Shinobi.” Platt and Adam Siegel will produce through Marc Platt Productions. Dmitri M. Johnson will produce through Story Kitchen. Toru Nakahara will produce through Sega.

Mike Goldberg will executive produce alongside co-producer Timothy I. Stevenson. Universal’s senior VP of production development Ryan Jones and director of production development Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio.

SEGA has been on a roll with film and tv adaptations as of late along with the recent announcement of returning IPs currently in development. This is a great way to introduce their retro titles to a newer audience.

What are your thoughts on Shinobi and other SEGA IPs getting media adaptations? Let us know in the comments below!

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Alien: Isolation Sequel Officially in the Works as Game Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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Today marks a milestone for Creative Assembly as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of Alien: Isolation. Known primarily for their Total War series, Creative Assembly took a bold step into the survival horror genre with Alien: Isolation, aiming to deliver an authentic experience that captured the essence of Ridley Scott’s original 1979 Alien film. The result was a game praised for its tense atmosphere, masterful sound design, and innovative AI mechanics.

Alien: Isolation became a commercial success, standing out in a crowded market by staying true to the slow, suspenseful horror of the original movie. Rather than focusing on action, the game prioritized survival, which set it apart from many other titles in the Alien franchise. Fans were also able to connect with Amanda Ripley, the protagonist and daughter of Ellen Ripley, whose story added emotional depth and further expanded the Alien franchise lore.

Now, in celebration of the game’s 10th anniversary, Creative Assembly’s Creative Director has officially confirmed that a sequel is in development. Fans of the original can expect more of the same nerve-wracking tension and survival gameplay that made Alien: Isolation a great experience for many players around the world.

Have you played Alien: Isolation, and are you excited about the sequel? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Garfield: Caught In The Act The Lost Levels finally found and shown off publically

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In a fantastic moment of lost Sega history now found (As well as on a Monday, much to Garfield’s dismay), the “Lost Levels” ROM for Garfield: Caught in the Act (1995) has finally resurfaced after 29 years (give or take). It was set up for the public to play at Portland Retro Gaming Expo this past September 27th-29th 2024.

A long video of the game was uploaded onto YouTube by PZTunleaded, who stresses in the video description that they are not the one to have found the ROM, despite what the above tweet from Lost Media Busters claims. PZTunleaded was only a guest at the expo and wanted to show everyone the game in action. They also promise in the description that the game ROM will eventually be shared with the public online and to not “be a nuisance and/or a menace pls”, so kindly cool your jets and be patient. No need to kick anyone off of any tables. You can see the video beyond the break.

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SEGA Releases Episode 2 of “SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings”

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Today, Sonic Team released the second episode of the SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings prologue animation, following Shadow the Hedgehog as he dives into his tragic past to confront the origins of his haunting nightmares of conflict and loss.

In Episode 2, Shadow’s search for answers brings him into the crossfire with his allies and Dr. Eggman, making him question if his quest for closure is worth the risks that accompany it.

The third and final episode of SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings airs on October 10, 2024.

What did you all think of the second episode of SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Sonic the Hedgehog Teams Up with King Ice for a Brand-New Jewelry Collaboration

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Today, SEGA announced an exciting collaboration between Sonic the Hedgehog and leading streetwear jewelry brand, King Ice. The new collection, priced at $150 USD per piece, includes iconic characters Blaze, Metal Sonic, Silver and Super Silver!

Read more information on the collaboration and view screenshots of the products in the next section of the article.

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SEGA Releases First Episode of “SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings” Animation

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Today, Sonic Team released the first episode of the new SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings prologue animation, following Shadow the Hedgehog as he dives into his tragic past to confront the origins of his haunting nightmares of conflict and loss. The first episode centers around Shadow’s memories with his childhood friend, Maria.

The release schedule for the remaining SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings episodes will be released on the following days:

  • October 3, 2024 – “Episode 2: Finding the Way”
  • October 10, 2024 – “Episode 3: To the Ark”

What did you all think of the first episode of SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings? Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

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ATLUS Releases New Prologue Demo Today for Metaphor: ReFantazio

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Studio Zero Game Director Katsura Hashino announced today at the Metaphor Launch Event in Tokyo, Japan, during the week of Tokyo Game Show (TGS), that the Prologue Demo for ATLUS’ highly-anticipated fantasy RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio is now available on Xbox for free. The free demo will also be available for PlayStation and PC today at 9am PT.

In the Prologue Demo, players can experience some of the early-game narrative, explore social elements and discover the city as they get a head start on their adventure ahead of the October 11 launch. Progression from the demo will carry over to the launch version so players can get a head start on their adventures in the United Kingdom of Euchronia.

The Prologue Demo includes:

  • The beginning of the journey to lift the curse of the prince.

  • The first four dungeons.

  • The ability to unlock seven of the 40+ classes called “Archetypes”.

  • Meet six followers, including party members that will support the Protagonist’s journey.

  • And much more!

Metaphor: ReFantazio is an all-new fantasy RPG from the creative minds of Persona 3, 4, and 5. Players will write their destiny and rise above fear as they step into a fantasy world unlike any other in a perilous race for the throne.

Metaphor: ReFantazio launches October 11, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Steam. For more information and for links to pre-order, visit metaphor.atlus.com.

In addition to today’s demo release announcement, Jack Frost is confirmed to be included later in the game (not in the demo) as a demon an Archetype from the Summoner lineage can summon.

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SEGA Reveals SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack Included in Digital Deluxe Edition

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Today, as part of PlayStation’s State of Play broadcast, SEGA revealed the SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack which will be included in the game’s Digital Deluxe edition.

On December 12, all SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS Digital Deluxe owners can take on a new look as Shadow and play through a unique level inspired by the new movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, featuring the voice of Keanu Reeves! Read how Sonic Team were able to bring the big screen version of Shadow to the newest Sonic game on the PlayStation Blog here.

SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS is set to release both digitally and physically on October 25, 2024, starting at $49.99 USD on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems, and PC. Fans can pre-order today and receive a legacy skin for Modern Sonic based on his look from Sonic Adventure!

Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition can play the game three days early and receive additional content. Also, players who pre-order the Physical Day One Edition will also receive Gerald Robotnik’s 28-page journal, chronicling his experience creating Shadow and the Ark Space Station.

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SEGA Reveals Latest Slate of Sonic the Hedgehog News at 4th Annual Sonic Central

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Earlier today, SEGA has revealed a slew of Sonic the Hedgehog announcements for upcoming titles including SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS™, Sonic Rumble™, Sonic Dream Team™, as well as details on upcoming partnerships and more.

Several highlights of Sonic Central 2024 included:

  • SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – A new story trailer was unveiled that featured a new look at the story of Shadow’s standalone campaign, along with a teaser trailer for the upcoming Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings animation and a look at Gerald Robotnik’s Journal.
  • Sonic Rumble – Get ready for the all-new mobile Sonic party game, Sonic Rumble, coming this winter to both mobile and PC! Play with up to 32 friends and face new challenges, race through the various stages, and collect rings to win and unlock a huge selection of cosmetic collectibles.
  • Sonic Dream Team – A new playable character, Shadow the Hedgehog, will be arriving in the mobile game later this year!
  • Chao Tales – Sonic Team announced a new animated web-series, Chao Tales, which will include eight-episodes of whimsical shorts featuring the adorable fan-favorite chao.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog, DC and Warner Bros – Kicking off in 2025, the DC x Sonic collaboration launches with an all-new, five-issue comic series published by DC Comics. Merchandise developed by SEGA and WBDGCP, spanning numerous categories including apparel, toys, and more, will follow in late 2025.
  • Partnerships – SEGA revealed a variety of partners they will be collaborating with this year, to create a wide range of all-new, Sonic-themed products and experiences, including LEGO, Topgolf, JAKKS Pacific, PDP, First 4 Figures, HJC Helmets, Louis de Guzman and Bushiroad Creative.

But that’s not all! Please find the official press release below for additional announcements from Sonic Central by clicking the jump.

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Rocket Panda now available to purchase on Genesis/Mega-Drive cartridge

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Looking for a new game in a functioning cartridge for your Genesis/Mega-Drive console? Rocket Panda is finally available to purchase as a physical cartridge complete with a box and manual to play on your original Genesis. The game was made available on September 16th, 2024. (Please excuse our tardiness in reporting the news.) 

Rocket Panda was made by Space Pants Games and published by Mega Cat Studios. Both companies collaborated on a Kickstarter campaign to develop this game back in February of this year, and now the game is complete and available to ship to buyers. If you backed that Kickstarter, chances are you may have received your own copy by now if you pledged enough money for one, or you may receive it soon. Be sure to keep up with updates on the Kickstarter page. Everyone else can now buy their own original copy complete in box or just the cartridge on its own. A special Limited Edition, coming with a cartridge of its own unique design, is also available.

For links to purchase directly from Mega Cat Studios, and to learn more about the game, dive on in past the break.

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Secret Debug Menu discovered in Golden Axe: The Duel on Saturn

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Bo Bayles strikes again!

This Saturn fan will stop at nothing to uncover all the hidden secrets of old Saturn games, and now they’re back with a secret debug menu in Golden Axe: The Duel (1996). While not one of the more fondly remembered Saturn classics, but not one of the worst either, depending on who you ask, it had quite a lot hidden under its hood these past 28 years. By going deep into the game’s code, Bo found a normally inaccessible debug menu left behind that, after being unlocked, can change all sorts of things at any point during gameplay.

Normally, menus like these are only used during development to test certain parts of the game, hence why it’s called a “debug” menu. Occasionally, cheat codes are set up to allow players to access the menu and mess around with it at their leisure, but no such code was programmed into Golden Axe: The Duel. Thus, Bo Bayles has created a patch for the game to make the menu easily accessible. More info about the menu and the download link to the patch can be found right below the break.

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