SEGA News

Puyo Puyo Tetris won’t have video restrictions in the West

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Puyo Puyo Tetris Switch screenshot
SEGA has reached out to us via email concering the story we posted about Puyo Puyo Tetris‘ Japanese video and streaming restrictions. One of the concerns we had was that the western release of the game would be liable to the same sort of regressive rules and SEGA & Atlus’ William Chan had this to say about Puyo Puyo Tetris’ video content rules:

“We highly encourage our American and European fans to stream Puyo Puyo Tetris when it comes out (there are no PS4 share button restrictions). We want them to share their experiences with the world, but we do ask them to please be conscious of revealing Adventure Mode story cutscenes.”

Of course I had to ask for him to be more specific on what he meant about being conscious regarding streaming Adventure Mode, which seemed to be the big thing that SEGA Japan was restricting. William Chan responded:

“Not going to be restricted. Just want people to be aware that there are story spoilers if they stream it.”

I feel like niche titles, like Puyo Puyo Tetris, really benefit from word of mouth and friends recommended the game. While some might argue that streamers could hurt penitential sales, I disagree. I feel that they garner a huge gaming audience due to their personality and them playing obscure titles help those titles succeed with a new audience that might not have known about the game in the first place. What is your take on SEGA Japan vs SEGA West in terms of how they are handling online video content with their products? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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SEGA Japan shares Puyo Puyo Tetris video and streaming restrictions

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PuyoPuyoTetrisSEGA Japan shared their restrictions for content creators regarding Puyo Puyo Tetris, which is getting a port over there on Nintendo Switch. I’ll be honest with you, these sort of restrictions are really bad for the SEGA brand and they need to drop them. Period. Wait till you read their restrictions for Puyo Puyo Tetris, you’ll love it.

  •  Videos of any gameplay can’t be posted for profit unless the website you upload it to already has a mechanism for copyright take downs.
  • Nothing from Adventure mode, or replays from Adventure mode can be uploaded.
  • Any other modes can be uploaded as long as you follow the first rule.
  • You cannot modify the SEGA watermark that gets slapped on videos recorded using the XB1/PS4 share feature, you need to accompany every video you post with the copyright notice.

I’m unsure as to who are setting these rules, considering that Puyo Puyo Tetris is using the Tetris Company copyrights, but seeing that Persona 5 has equally stupid policies like this… who knows? Notice that I said above that this is SEGA Japan, according Sam Mullen this isn’t reflective of SEGA America PR. But he also didn’t say that the Western release wouldn’t have these sorts of restrictions.

If this is an issue that is out of SEGA’s hands, due to using the Tetris license; then they need to come out and say it. I think the gaming community has a very negative image of these sort of restrictions and I feel like SEGA as a brand needs all the healthy PR they can get.  What are your thoughts on Puyo Puyo Tetris‘ streaming and video creation restrictions? Let us know in the comments below.

[Update] SEGA America PR has responded, these restrictions don’t apply to America and European release. [/Update]

[Source: Puyo.Sega.JP]

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Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone’s ‘3rd Encore Pack’ DLC now live

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Fans of Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone are in for a treat since the ‘3rd Encore Pack’ add-on has hit the game in both North America and Europe. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone‘s last DLC will cost you $9.99 / €9.99 / £7.99.

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone‘s ‘3rd Encore Pack’ promises a slew of new songs, accessories, costume modules and a new Extra Extreme Charts (but this requires Future Sound and Colorful Tone expansions). But have no fear, if you missed out on the ‘1st Encore Pack’ and ‘2nd Encore Pack’, you can get them with the ‘3rd Encore Pack’ as part of the ‘Season Pass’ which costs you $24.99 / €24.99 / 19.99. This will save you around $5 dollars than buying them separate.

Hit the jump to see all the breakdowns on what you get with Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone‘s ‘3rd Encore Pack’ DLC:

[Via Gematsu]

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Pix’n Love Editions announces The History of the Dreamcast book

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Just a few months after announcing a Shenmue history book, French publisher Pix’n Love Editions continues the SEGA love with the announcement of a “L’Histoire de la Dreamcast” book. The book, which at the time of this article is only in French, will be 350 pages and in full color. The book will cover the story of the console including behind-the-scenes documents, entries for nearly 600 games, special sections for notable games including Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, Sonic Adventure and Skies of Arcadia, interviews with SEGA game designers, accessories and cancelled games.

The book is currently available for pre-order with a standard edition priced at €37,82 (around $40) and two special editions. The special editions come in a Sonic Adventure Edition, which includes the book, a special art book featuring official artwork and unpublished design drawings, a transparent silk-screen plastic sleeve featuring Sonic artwork and a special color scheme, three art prints from Sonic Adventure, and a numbered collector card. The other special edition is the Shenmue Edition, featuring everything the Sonic Adventure Edition includes but swapping out the Sonic art with Shenmue art. Both editions are priced at €79,90 (around $85).

After the break, check out a gallery of product images. Thanks to The Dreamcast Junkyard for the heads up!

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SEGA SAMMY offices consolidating and relocating in Fall 2018

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According to a recent press release, big changes are coming to SEGA in Japan. In the fall of 2018, SEGA SAMMY and its group companies located in the Tokyo metropolitan area will be consolidated and relocated to a business building in the “Nishishinagawa 1-chome District Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project” now being developed in an area south of Osaki Station. Osaki Station being in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. The SEGA SAMMY group companies include SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC., Sammy Corporation, SEGA Holdings Co., Ltd., SEGA Games Co., Ltd., ATLUS. CO., LTD., Sammy Networks Co., Ltd., DARTSLIVE Co., Ltd. and others.

The move is said to promote cooperation among the companies, creating synergy and more active interaction of personnel while pursuing efficient group management. To do this, SEGA SAMMY plans to consolidate currently scattered head office functions. The new office space will occupy 8 floors and 43,891 square meters (472,439 square feet).

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SEGA silently puts Castle of Illusion back on Steam, PSN and XBLA

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We talked about SEGA losing the Mickey Mouse license this past September and having to pull Castle of Illusion from online stores, it seems something has changed since they have silently put them back on sale across all major digital platforms. When SEGA was warned about pulling Castle of Illusion they put it on sale as low as a dollar and now that its back its at regular price of $14.99. No idea what happen over at SEGA to make them change their mind or if this is some sort of mistake. Regardless Castle of Illusion is back on digital platforms, if you never picked it up I suggest get a copy while they are live.

Steam – PSN – XBLA

Castle of Illusion is also available on mobile platforms, but those were published by Disney, so I didn’t mention them in the pull.  Maybe SEGA has a World of Illusion remake under their belt or Disney came to their senses? If SEGA is renewing old licenses and bringing back pulled games, maybe its time to bring back Afterburner Climax and OutRun 2? What are your thoughts on Castle of Illusion coming back to digital platforms?

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SEGA releases 8-Bit Bayonetta on Steam

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SEGA hears that you want Bayonetta on PC, so instead of putting in the work for a full PC port, why not release 8-Bit Bayonetta on Steam? Of course its not the title we all wanted, its at least free with no ads, so its a nice little surprise from SEGA coming up on April 1st. Platinum Games released the 8-Bit Bayonetta ‘flash game’ last year for fans to play and was originally posted online for Platinum Games to advertise that they were hiring new staff.

Now SEGA has published 8-Bit Bayonetta on Steam with the following features:

  • Jumping!
  • Double jumping!
  • Shooting!
  • Scoring!
  • Achievements!
  • Wicked chip-tune Bayonetta theme song!

Download the game here, via Steam! 

8-Bit Bayonetta weighs in at 60mb, which means its a tiny game. This is the first time SEGA has actually published a Bayonetta game since the first title back in 2009. If you play the game, 8-Bit Bayonetta teases a countdown page with a promotional image from Bayonetta 1. Maybe SEGA wants to revive the franchise? What is your thoughts on 8-Bit Bayonetta and what do you think it means for the future of the franchise? Sound off in the comments below.

If you play the game, you are lead to a countdown page here. The countdown ends on April 11th and has a promotional photo of Bayonetta‘s foot used for the first game. Putting my detective skills to work, I will safely assume that SEGA has a Bayonetta PC port to announce.

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SEGA announces Total War: Warhammer II

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If you didn’t know, when SEGA first announce the Total War: Warhammer project a few years back they said that the game was going to be so large, that it would take three parts to experience the whole thing. Not surprisingly, SEGA announced Total War: Warhammer II earlier today.

Total War: Warhammer II will introduce the following new races to the game:

  • High Elves
  • Dark Elves
  • Lizardmen
  • Secret fourth unannounced race

Total War: Warhammer II will continue expanding its Total War type gameplay, but Creative Assembly have promised that the game will have a “new style of narrative campaign”.  This new campaign promises to offer hundreds of hours of gameplay. The Creative Assembly promises old Total War: Warhammer owners an update that will combine thecampaign maps that will consist of both games. This means you can play any race you own (consider each game has its  own races) via the campaign. This new update is expected to hit the first game after Total War: Warhammer II launches.

SEGA has not given a specific release date for Total War: Warhammer II, but it promised to release it before the end of the year. The last game, Total War: Warhammer III should release sometime in the future. Considering that the first game has over 1.4 million steam owners, I’d say this is a highly anticipated title.

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Valkyria Revolution Vanargand Edition announced to release June 27 to Xbox One and Playstation 4

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Did somebody say launch edition? SEGA of America are at it again, as Valkyria Revolution the “Vanargand Edition” has just been announced to release June 27 to Xbox One and Playstation 4. The game is also due out digitally to the Playstation Vita that same day. The “Vanargand Edition” will be available in the Americas and will include a pin inscribed with the Vanargand’s ferocious coat of arms, a 12-track soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger, Stella Glow) and the usual box containing it all. Those in Europe need not fret, as those who pre-order or buy the game at launch will receive the soundtrack.

Pre-Order: Valkyria Revolution “Vanargand Edition”
Playstation 4 | Xbox One

After the break, take a peek at the “Vanargand Edition” and read the full press release from SEGA of America.

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SEGA and Archie still in talks over Sonic the Hedgehog license

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If you didn’t know, the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series has been delayed, this is the second month in a row that the series hasn’t appeared in solicitations, and of course this has long time fans worried. Archie Sonic the Hedgehog artist, Tracey Yardley gave us an update stating that Archie and SEGA are still ‘in talks’ regarding the comics, stating that if any updates happen he would let everyone know.

You can see ComicVine’s Archie solicitations and notice that Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic series is absent. If you didn’t already know, Archie Comics recently also cancelled the Mega Man comic book series, so its looking weary for Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic books which happen to be the longest video game running comic book series of all time. It is also confirmed that Sonic the Hedgehog Volume 5 graphic novel and Sonic Mega Drive: Overdrive #1 have been cancelled by Archie Comics. Sonic Mega Drive: Overdrive #1 was suppose to be the final part of the highly praised Mega Drive arc, a one-shot comic book series that debuted last year. As for our opinions on the whole thing, we did a pretty interesting SEGA News Bits video discussing our opinions, hopes and thoughts on the possibility of Archie cancelling the series.

But tell us what your thoughts on all this news is? Are you worried about the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series?

[Via: Sonic Stadium]

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Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap introduces Wonder Boy and Wonder Girl

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The latest information regarding to Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, and this time it’s showing off not only the titular Wonder Boy (aka Hu-Man), but also a female counterpart named Wonder Girl (aka Hu-Girl). Players have the option to freely switch between male and female versions by talking to everyone’s favorite smoking pig, and just like everything else in the game Wonder Girl will receive 8-bit sprites when switching to the “retro” style.

In addition, the official Playstation Blog post for the game goes into more details over concept designs for Wonder Boy/Wonder Girl and the animal transformations. The character designs were originally viewed from their sprite counterpart and given a modern interpretation, and adjusted several times until finalized to what we see in the final product. Wonder Boy and Wonder Girl in particular going though several revisions, partially because of Wonder Boy receiving several interpretations between games and versions.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is slated for a Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch release on April 18th, with a PC version arriving on an unspecified later date in 2017.

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Daytona USA now backwards compatible on Xbox One

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“Tuu tu-tu tuu tu-tu tu-tu tu-ruu! DAYTONA! Let’s go away.”

The XBLA version of Daytona USA is now available to play on Xbox One via its backwards compatibility. This HD version of the 1993 breakout arcade hit Daytona USA was released way back in 2011 and is now playable on your shiny new Xbox One. It seems this is the closes we will be getting to a Daytona USA re-release, so Xbox fans should be quite thrilled as its the only current generation system with Daytona USA. If any old game is a system seller for SEGA fans, its probably Daytona USA.

Seems to be right in time, seeing as SEGA has revived the Daytona USA brand in their arcade division with a brand new entry to the franchise. Like always if you owned the game already on Xbox 360, all you have to do is log in and re-download it on Xbox One to enjoy it. No need to buy it again. If you don’t own Daytona USA yet, well, get a copy!

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Sonic Forces Modern Sonic gameplay video and screens released – gameplay details revealed!

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Yesterday, at a SEGA hosted SXSW panel, Project Sonic 2017 was revealed to be titled Sonic Forces. The panel featured a video showcasing the Modern Sonic gameplay, however no direct feed version was released so we had to rely on fans streaming from the audience. Thankfully, SEGA has now officially released that video to YouTube and, well, see for yourself!

Also released are two screens via a Game Informer article, seen after the break. The article itself reveals a few cool new things, thanks to an extended cut of the gameplay which was shown privately. Game Informer mentions that as you play, side-characters like Knuckles, Amy and the Chaotix communicate via radio to report on what they’re seeing during Eggman’s assault. It is also mentioned that these characters are not playable, as the game will only feature Modern Sonic, Classic Sonic and a third style that has yet to be revealed.

Update: A high res version of the video is floating about, so I ripped some high quality screens which can be seen after the break.

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Sonic Forces debuts first glimpse at gameplay

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Sonic Forces is the new name for Project Sonic 2017, the next big budget Sonic the Hedgehog game by Sonic Team. While we know its coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC and newly announced for Nintendo Switch. The reason that showing off Sonic Forces’ gameplay is important is because of the difference in gameplay between the consoles. Sonic Force’s is also running on a new game engine, an evolution of the old engine they used. The new engine is being titled ‘Hedgehog Engine 2’.

So now we can see a sneak peek at Sonic Forces gameplay and you can judge for yourself. What do you think of Sonic Forces gameplay? Let us know in the comments below. They warned that this is a work in progress and the game play can change in the final product.

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Sonic Forces official name of Project Sonic 2017

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SEGA’s Aaron Webber took the stage with Takashi Iizuka, Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock to talk all things Sonic the Hedgehog at a panel at SXSW. At the panel they finally revealed the actual name for Project Sonic 2017, which is called Sonic Forces. The panel was filled with jokes, memes and a wealth of information. Including the first look at the Sonic Forces’s trailer, which was the old trailer with the new logo which you can see.

According to the SEGA stream, the name ‘Sonic Forces’ is based on the fact that the game will have ‘forces’ going against each other like Sonic the Hedgehog‘s group of friends and Eggman’s group of baddies. Aaron Webber also showed off another piece of concept art for Sonic Force’s, but have kept mute on further details. We do know that they have recorded most of the voices for Sonic Forces. What are your thoughts on the name? Let us know in the comments below.

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