SEGA News

New Sonic the Hedgehog books announced for 2018, now available to pre-order

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I’ve long had a soft spot for the Sonic the Hedgehog kids books of the 90s, from the look and finds to the junior novelizations. Penguin Random House have just announced three new Sonic books and all three are now available to pre-order! All three books are due out March 6, 2018. After the break, check out full descriptions of the books. I’m especially interested in the junior novelization featuring short stories and color illustrations.

Continue Reading ➜

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Shining Series character designer teasing new game announcement soon

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elwing-shining-tears-series-tony-taka-bow-weapon-wallpaperWe are getting closer to Tokyo Game Show, so you should be expecting some video game announcements before the event kicks off this September. It seems that the Shining Series character designer Tony Taka (who took over the series during the 2000s) is preparing several announcements including something this week on Weekly Famtisu.

“We are in earnest preparation, but there will be various rapid announcements from here on, Both hobby-related and game-related. Anyway, the end-of-month Hobby Japan and game magazines are a must see, so please make sure to get them. Incidentally, since this year is also the 20th anniversary since the artist Tony’s debut, there will also be something in commemoration.” – Tony Taka via twitter.

He gave that tweet a follow up on July 23rd, stating that he’s ‘Tony’s Heroine Works’ corner would be featured in Monthly Hobby Japan Magazine along with a five page special interview with himself and Satoshi Sakai (from SEGA, who took over the Phantasy Star brand). As for the tease for a new game:

“Shining series fans should also please take a good look. Also, it seems like there will be something else on July 27, so please be prepared to run to the book store. And so… the official announcement is in this week’s Famitsu! Tony fans, make sure to get the Famitsu on sale July 27 (Thursday).” – Tony Taka tweet

Don’t worry, since Weekly Famitsu comes out on July 27, we should be expecting a leak either later today or early tomorrow. As for what it could be, maybe another Shining game with Tony Taka art, which a lot of retro Shining Force fans dislike. If only SEGA gave the Shining Force brand a Sonic Mania type retro treatment instead of pretending there isn’t anyone interested in the old Shining Force type games. Or maybe there isn’t? What do you think?

[Via: Gematsu]

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Jones Soda releases Comic Con Limited Edition Sonic Mania soda

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If there are two things I love, it’s weird food promotions and Sonic the Hedgehog. So when those two combine, I’m a very happy man (hey, I even made a YouTube series dedicated to such things). Jones Soda, creator of delicious and decidedly weird sodas, has teamed with SEGA to release Sonic, Tails and Knuckles inspired beverages to promote Sonic Mania. TheLimited Edition Sonic Mania Jones Soda bottles are currently exclusive to Comic Con, but comments on their Facebook demanding a wide release have been met with Jones Soda replying “stay tuned”. It is worth noting that Jones Soda has a robust online store, so perhaps an online exclusive is in the works? As for the flavors themselves, we have Sonic Blue Bubblegum Soda, Tails Orange Cream Soda and Knuckles Strawberry Lime Soda. If you are attending Comic Con, swing by the Futurism Pavilion at the Omni for a chance to win some.

Too bad Jones Soda didn’t release an Eggman Scrambled Eggs Soda. Hey, the company has already made Robin’s Egg Lemonade soda and Egg Nog soda!

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IDW to start Sonic the Hedgehog comic series in 2018

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Just announced at this year’s San Diego Comic Con, IDW broke the news at their press conference that they will start publishing Sonic the Hedgehog comics starting 2018. It seemed to be quite obvious that SEGA wasn’t happy with how Archie Comics had been handling the Sonic license when it came to comic books and has now started a publishing partnership with IDW which has quite the in-depth comic licenses including Transformers, TMNT, Ghostbusters, Star Trek, and a lot more.

“Creative teams are currently being formed and a publishing plan is now underway with more details to come at a later date. Writers and artists will be bringing their considerable talents to the comic book world of Sonic. We’ve been speaking with beloved Sonic fan-favorite creators and new creators alike, and are excited to be able to spread specifics about our plans for the comic in the near future,” – Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer

As you can tell, we don’t know if Ian Flynn will be joining Sonic the Hedgehog comic book come 2018, but we do know that Ian Flynn does have a working relationship with IDW as he worked on some of the CGI TMNT books. What are your thoughts? Will be checking out the new Sonic the Hedgehog comicbooks come 2018?

[Via: CBR]

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SEGA World Drivers Championship playtest announced in Japan

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A new SEGA racing game in Japan is currently being playtested in Japan. Based on the Super GT sports racing series, SEGA World Drivers Championship continues SEGA’s track record of producing sports racing games. Notably this is the first time SEGA of Japan has made a racing game for arcades since 2008/2009 (Not counting Initial D.), such as SEGA Race TV. Similar to past SEGA arcade racers of the past, most notably Daytona USA, players can race through three different courses and multiple players can play using separate cabinets. A notable difference however is the usage of cards with different cars, which can be used in the arcade game to use different cars sponsored by companies like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda.

However, a really notable technical aspect about this game is the engine. It is the first title by SEGA that utilizes the Unreal 4 engine used in recent console, arcade, and PC games to provide both great effects and ease of development for working with multiple pieces of hardware. With SEGA being on board with working on a well respected engine, it’s possible more games using the engine will follow.

The playtest is scheduled in SEGA’s entertainment buildings in Akihabara and Ikebukuro in Tokyo and Toshima respectively, on July 28th, 29th, and 30th.

[Source: SEGA of Japan and 4gamer]

 

 

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Bayonetta amiibo release today – two versions available

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Nintendo news on a SEGA website!? Don’t worry, it’s SEGA related. Today Nintendo’s long overdue Bayonetta amiibo release as part of their Super Smash Bros. line, featuring the beloved witch in two styles: the Player 1 Bayonetta 2 design and the Player 2 Bayonetta design. The player 2 design is a Best Buy exclusive, and is likely to be the more popular of the two. The player 1 design can be found anywhere amiibo are sold (such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart) and both designs retail for $12.99.

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Sonic Forces “Enter Infinite” Trailer Released

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The Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube account has released a new trailer for Sonic Forces showcasing some cutscenes featuring the new villain Infinite. Worth pointing out, that we also get a glimpse of additional stages from the game. All the previously revealed villains make appearances as well in Park Avenue, which lines up with past reveals. So we will likely see all the villains right after the first stage. What are your thought on the trailer, sound off in the comments!

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SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog publishing partnership with Archie Comics comes to an end

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SEGAArchieCancelledArchie Comics and Sonic the Hedgehog are splitting up, it was just confirmed on the Sonic the Hedgehog twitter account. Sonic the Hedgehog Archie Comic was known as the longest running video game based comic book, spanning over 24 years! We did a SEGA News Bits about this whole drama and we basically guessed that SEGA and Archie Comics wouldn’t come to terms with a licensing agreement. Guess what? We where right. As you can see, SEGA isn’t done with the Sonic the Hedgehog comic books, as it says they are heading in a different direction.

“After 24 years of memorable storytelling, SEGA of America will conclude their Sonic the Hedgehog publishing partnership program with Archie Comics. This does not mark the end of Sonic in comics, but signifies, SEGA of America’s decision to take a different direction for the series that will be announced at a later date. SEGA would like to thank Sonic’s amazing fans for their loyalty and passion over all the years. SEGA looks forward to providing more information soon.”

So what would that direction be? In my opinion, San Diego Comic Con would be the perfect time to announce that SEGA will be doing license comics with IDW, which has a plethora of great IPs, great staff and have delivered some amazing stories to licensed properties. What is your opinion on the whole thing? Are you glad SEGA is moving on from Archie or do you wish there was a resolution between the publishers? Let us know in the comments below.

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SEGA to share some Archie Comics news this week

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archiecomicscancelledDid you know that San Diego Comic Con is happening later this week? Its no surprise that the Sonic PR team did a live stream that actually mentions the whole Archie Comics and SEGA drama. If you don’t know what we are talking about, we did a whole SEGA News Bits episode discussing the matter, you can check that out. But basically comic pre-orders where cancelled for upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog comics, with people saying Archie Comics and SEGA have been working out a new deal for the hedgehog license. Its been months of radio silence on both ends but according to Aaron Webber, “the silence will be broken soon”, I assume we will have big news either way prior or at SDCC. The only thing that will be interesting is if SEGA stays with Archie Comics or if they move on with a new publisher.

The last Sonic the Hedgehog issue to be released has been Sonic the Hedgehog #290, which hit store shelves on December 28, 2016. So its been almost half a year. Its not like Archie Comics didn’t have more Sonic the Hedgehog issues planned as they sent out solicitations for #291, #292 and #293. They also haven’t released the super hyped, Sonic Mega Drive – Orverdrive one-shot that a lot of fans have been looking forward to.

Along with that, Aaron Webber has also promised more Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces news later this week, as teased in the live stream. What is your thoughts on the whole Archie Comics and SEGA licensing situation? Let us know in the comments below!

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Yakuza Creator and Persona Director to host SEGA live stream on July 25

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Its not uncommon for SEGA’s general director and creator of the Yakuza (then Spikeout, Super Monkey Ball, Daytona USA, and more) series Toshihiro Nagoshi to have a stream. Its a very regular thing he does over in Japan. On the live streams he likes to bring on other SEGA creators to talk about various topics including movies, music and even their projects they are working or worked on.

We should be having a pretty good live stream later this week as Toshihiro Nagoshi has invited Persona 5 director and producer Katsura Hashino and will stream on July 25, 2017. Not to mention Katsura Hashino is also working on a new game, with a new studio within Atlus, this project is being called Project Re: Fantasy. Maybe the stream will offer more details on that project and even the next Yakuza title? Maybe, maybe not. Tokyo Game Show 2017 is only a couple of months away, so it wouldn’t be crazy if they hint at something.

You can catch the live stream, if you are fluent in Japanese or watch anime, on July 25th at 8:55pm JST on Niconico. I guess we shall see what comes of this, stay tuned to the site as we post an update on what went down on the stream.

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Data Discs Sonic Mania vinyl pre-order starts July 22, releases September

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Data Discs have announced that their Sonic Mania vinyl will be available to pre-order this coming Saturday, July 22nd, from their website. The album will be available in three editions: 180g Clear with Blue, Red, Orange & Yellow Splatter (Limited Edition), 180g Translucent Blue, and 180g Classic Black. The LP features 16 new tracks by composer Tee Lopes, as well as new gatefold art featuring Sonic, Tails and Knuckles in Green Hill Zone Act 2.

The limited edition is exclusive to the Data Discs site and will only be available to pre-order for a set amount of time. The sale will begin at 8:00am (BST) on Saturday 22nd July and finish at 12:00pm (BST) on Monday 24th July. Anyone ordering during this period will be guaranteed a copy. Once this period is over, they will not accept any further orders of the limited edition. However, the other two editions will remain available.

Data Discs also mentioned that their Streets of Rage 1 and 2 vinyls will be reissued and will be available for pre-order July 22nd with an August ship date.

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Virtua Tennis Challenge joins SEGA Forever mobile collection

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Virtua Tennis Challenge, originally released to mobile devices in 2012, has been given the SEGA Forever upgrade and is now free to play or $1.99 to remove ads. Users who originally downloaded the game before the update can restore their purchase and remove the ads. Virtua Tennis Challenge was teased in our SEGA Forever interview, in which mobile games community manager Danny Russell confirmed that SEGA Forever would see existing titles brought into the service. This is great news, as Virtua Tennis Challenge was one of those games badly needing a 64-bit support update.

The game is available to download now on the App Store and Google Play.

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Yakuza Kiwami digital pre-orders nets you free theme

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Theme_1_1499447461If you are planning on picking up the digital version of Yakuza Kiwami, you might want to look at pre-ordering it for $29.99/£29.99 if you care about PlayStation 4 themes. If you pre-order the game right now you will get a Yakuza Kiwami digital pre-order theme that features both Kazuma Kiryu and Akira Nishikiyama.

I personally recommend all users get the day one steel book edition of Yakuza Kiwami, since its the same price as the digital and you get a cool limited edition case. But, if you are the type of person that hates having physical games, having a cool free theme is a nice extra. Yakuza Kiwami comes out on August 29, 2017; only on PlayStation 4.

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[Source: Siliconera]

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SEGA News Bits: SEGA Answers Our SEGA Forever Questions

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On this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry discuss the answers SEGA gave to our questions about the SEGA Forever retro gaming collection. SEGA Forever is an initiative from SEGA Networks to bring games from the SG-1000 through to the Dreamcast to mobile devices and beyond! What future games can we expect? How will the Genesis/Mega Drive emulation improve? How will light gun games play?

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

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SEGA News Bits: Sonic Forces Fist Bump Vocal Theme Reaction

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On this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry fist bump their way through the recently revealed main theme to Sonic Forces. The track, titled “Fist Bump”, features vocals and lyrics by Douglas Robb of Hoobastank and is composed and arranged by Tomoya Ohtani. How does the tune compare to past title tracks? What do we think of the lyrics? Who… bastank?

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is. Thanks for the support.

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