TGS 2020: SEGA Announces Virtua Fighter X Esports

During Tokyo Game Show, SEGA has announced that they will be doing esport events for Virtua Fighter, similar to what they did with Puyo Puyo Champions. They have stated that Virtua Fighter was the world’s first 3D fighting game in 1993 and will be restarted to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the company.

However, it is unknown which game in the series will be focused on the e-sports event, possibly a new game is on the way? We’ll keep you updated when SEGA brings more news regarding the project.

What do you all think? Please leave a comment below!

SEGA to announce new Yakuza title this weekend during Tokyo Game Show 2020


While we are still counting down the days for us to play Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the seventh main title in the  Yakuza franchise, the studio is already set to announce yet another Yakuza title this weekend. Will this new title feature more traditional combat? Will Ichiban come back? Could this be the long rumored sequel to Yakuza 0?

We will find out soon since they are set to announce it via the Sega Atlus  Tokyo Game Show stream this September 27th at 8pm JST (4am PT) on YouTube.

[Via: PCgamer]

SEGA Developing Movie Based on Yakuza Franchise with Production Company 1212 Entertainment

As reported today by Variety, SEGA is developing a live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series of games with 1212 Entertainment (“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”) and Wild Sheep Content. Erik Barmack (“Quicksand,” “Sacred Games” and “The Rain”), Roberto Grande and Joshua Long will produce and they are currently searching for script writers.

1212 told Variety: “Yakuza offers us a new playground in which to set compelling stories with complex characters in a unique environment that audiences have rarely seen before. The saga of Kazuma Kiryu has a built-in cinematic appeal – a mix of kinetic action with bursts of comedy, multiple converging storylines, and a gripping journey towards redemption.” Barmack of Wild Sheep Content added, “With our background in telling global stories, we are excited to bring this huge project to global platforms.”

Yakuza fans should remember that this is not the first time the franchise saw a film. In 2007 “Like A Dragon” released to Japanese cinemas, loosly adapting the first game. The film saw an international release on DVD.

Real-Time Strategy Classic “Herzog Zwei” Joins the SEGA AGES Lineup on Nintendo Switch

The SEGA AGES lineup has expanded on Nintendo Switch with the release of the real-time strategy classic Herzog Zwei. Released in 1989 to the Japanese Mega Drive, the game saw a release in the west the following year. Per SEGA, “In Herzog Zwei, each of the eight featured maps will require strategy and planning to beat your opponent as you issue commands and take over Outposts to best your foe. You will protect your base and accumulate units to expand and achieve ultimate victory. Command a special mech unit to leverage and order around combat units, and most importantly, make sure to keep a keen eye on resources like “Energy” so you can be combat-ready at all times!”

Arcade1up’s Golden Axe cabinet up to order featuring Golden Axe, The Revenge of Death Adder, Shinobi, Altered Beast, and Wrestle War

If you guys always wanted a almost full size arcade of SEGA games including some never released in home classics like Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder, you can now get it via Arcade1up’s Golden Axe themed arcade which will set you back a cool $399.99 (who needs a next gen console, when you can play Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder at home?).

This arcade will feature the following titles:

  • Golden Axe™
  • Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder™
  • Shinobi™
  • Altered Beast™
  • Wrestle War™

You can order via 1up Arcade’s website which also contains more pictures of the cabinet that are using Golden Axe 1 cabinet style.

Data Discs Announces Shenmue II Vinyl Soundtrack and Optional Slipcase

Data Discs have announced the followup to their 2015 release of the original Shenmue score on vinyl. Shenmue II will be joining the Data Discs line with a selection of tracks from SEGA’s Sound Team. The release is presented on 180g vinyl with original cover art and two lithographic prints. The editions include: 180g Light Translucent Green and Orange (Limited Edition), 180g Light Translucent Green and 180g Classic Black. Data Discs have also revealed an optional “Dragon and Phoenix Mirror” slipcase built from hardboard and coated in a matt laminated varnish made to hold both releases, and retails for £12.50.

The Light Translucent Green and Orange (Limited Edition) of Shenmue II will be up for an open pre-order until MONDAY 21st SEPTEMBER at 13:00 (UK time), and retails for £20.99. The other two editions will remain available beyond that time (while stocks last) and retail for £19.99. All editions have an estimated shipping date of January 2021. Additionally, the original Shenmue vinyl is being repressed with a January 2021 release date.

Game Gear Micro White Announced – Included with M2’s Aleste Collection

M2 has just announced, via a Famitsu stream, an Aleste Collection of games for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

The collection will include Aleste / Power Strike (Mark III, Master System), Power Strike II (Master System), Aleste GG (Game Gear) and Aleste GG II (Game Gear). Also announced, and exclusive to the upcoming collection, is a white Game Gear Micro which will include the same four games and is set to sell for ¥14,800 ($141) as part of a special bundle which will also include a white Big Window Micro, a 32-page art book, and a staff interview book. The collection is set for a December 24, 2020 release.

Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Logo Revealed – New Merchandise Announced

SEGA has just revealed the new 30th Anniversary logo for Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as their merchandising plans for the blue blur who will turn 30 next year. The logo, playing off Sonic’s spinning feet, is very cute. As for merchandise, expect the previously revealed Sonic Encyclo-Speed-ia book from Dark Horse, as well as more creepy Pop! Vinyl figures, Jakks Pacific toys, jewelry, apparel, enamel pins, energy drinks and new Classic Sonic comic books from IDW. The IDW series will consist of a special issue and an accompanying mini series. Read the full press release after the break!

Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia Hardcover Book Releasing in Time For Sonic’s 30th – Written by Ian Flynn

An Amazon listing for Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia has appeared, confirming a very cool release from SEGA in time for Sonic’s 30th anniversary. The hardcover book from SEGA and Dark Horse publishing will be 256 pages long (just a little shorter than Pix’n Love Editions History of Sonic the Hedgehog book from the 20th anniversary) and most notably, the book is being written by IDW Sonic the Hedgehog lead writer Ian Flynn.

CBS All-Access’ “Console Wars” documentary about SEGA and Nintendo’s 16-bit rivalry gets a trailer, release date

If you guys have been keeping up with this blog, you’d know that we have covered the Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo and the Battle that Defined a Generation book when it came out back in 2014,was a book written by Blake J. Harris, who we had on our podcasts before. (We also had great podcasts with Console Wars stars Ex-SEGA America President Tom Kalinske and Ex-SEGA Director of Marketing Al Nilsen). Blake J. Harris talked about how he was working a documentary and it seems that documentary is coming to CBS All Access by September 23rd. Considered we have been waiting personally since 2014, waiting a few more weeks is easy.

This project is being produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, which was gonna debut via the Southwest Film Festival but considering whats happening in the world, its going to debut on CBS All Access instead.

Check out the trailer above and watch it on September 23rd, I think having these retro gaming documentary is great for the industry.

[Via: ETOnline]

Ninjala X Sonic the Hedgehog Collab available on September 23rd

The developers of Ninjala has given official details on the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration on their latest developer diary. The developers gave details the contents of the Sonic collab which will contain costumes based on the iconic looks of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles and will also include Sonic-themed IPPON Decorations, Gum Utsusemis, and Stickers.

The Ninjala X Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration will begin on September 23, 2020 at 7pm PDT to October 21, 2020, 6:59pm PDT. Check out the screenshots of the collab in action.

Pix’n Love announces Yakuza: Like a Dragon Limited Collector’s Edition, pre-orders open on September 9th

Are you a little disappointed that SEGA America is only doing a steel book version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon? are you looking for a bigger package with more extras? Well, French publisher Pix’n Love has you covered with they’re newely announced “Yakuza: Like a Dragon Limited Edition” that comes not only with the steel book we are getting in America, but also a 80 page art book, 4 lithographs and a certification slip.

I personally have never bought any of these limited editon console releases from Pix N’ Love but do know they have a international account on twitter and have been publishing SNK titles via they’re own branding (here in America its being done by Limited Run Games). You should check out their website on the day if you want to import this version.

The Jetzons “Hard Times” – Inspiration for Sonic The Hedgehog 3’s Ice Cap Zone – Receiving Limited Edition Vinyl Release

Savvy Sonic fans might remember eight years ago when it was discovered that the song “Hard Times” from the group The Jetzons was the inspiration for Sonic The Hedgehog 3‘s Ice Cap Zone. The reason for the resemblance to Ice Cap Zone’s music, as detailed by our sister site Sonic Retro was that “The keyboardist of the group, Brad Buxer would work on the title, along with Michael Jackson as he confirmed in [an] interview conducted in the same year. While he does state he is not sure what material the developers used in the game, turns out to be remnants of the unreleased song.”

Sonic 30th Anniversary plans new games, digital events and events for 2021 according to LSB Europe Summer 2020 Licensing Magazine

According to the LSB Europe Summer 2020 Licensing Magazine on page 90, SEGA recaps on the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise’s sales performance over the years and the success of the movie by Paramount Pictures.

On the last section of the page, it shows that the company will prepare for Sonic’s 30th Anniversary next year in 2021 with several new games, digital content, events, major announcements and a tailored licensing programme.

Hopefully whenever the global pandemic calms down, I’d be all over for a new games and an event held in L.A. What would you like to see SEGA plan for Sonic’s 30th Anniversary?