SEGA News

Nintendo Switch PAL eShop mentions Puyo Puyo Tetris demo [UPDATE]

by

Puyo Puyo Tetris Screenshot 2017-04-10 12-35-05

Back in Japan, the Nintendo Switch port of Puyo Puyo Tetris S got a demo that allowed players to play a bit of game for free and as long as they wanted. A common question is if western territories will also get the demo to try out the game for themselves, but now we might finally get an answer. On the PAL eShop it mentions that Puyo Puyo Tetris has a free demo, which at the moment is not available as of this writing. Presumably this will be like the Japanese eShop demo, where players have a limited selection of characters and options to choose from but can play up to 4 players with different controller configurations.

Interestingly, the American eShop makes no mention of having a free demo. Only PAL regions do, implying that either the demos will be PAL only, or more likely the PAL eShop mentioning it having a demo earlier then intended was a fluke. It’s also unknown if the PS4 version of Puyo Puyo Tetris will also have a demo, though considering that version is exclusively physical, that might not be the case. But regardless, stay tune for a likely Puyo Puyo Tetris demo to be officially announced in the meantime.

[UPDATE]

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

New Sonic mobile game Sonic Runners Adventure leaked

by

Sonic-Runners-Adventure-banner-1A new Sonic mobile game has been leaked called Sonic Runners Adventure, an apparent successor/sequel to the controversial Sonic Runners that was released globally in 2015 but shut down in 2016. The most notable difference between the original and this new game is the change of developers, Sonic Runners Adventure being handled by Gameloft, a studio that produces miscellaneous mobile games. Sonic Runners Adventure was originally leaked in a dedomil.net forum post, further supported by the Gameloft website having a customer support section for the game.

The support page in particular goes into detail over different aspects of the game. A notable change is that online is not mandatory, only being needed at launch and to access external links, unlike it’s predecessor Sonic Runners where online is needed at all times. Another change is that characters can be directly purchased with Rings, while Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are unlocked automatically by playing through the storyline. Characters are also divided up by three categories, Hero, Dark, and Chaotix, each category having a unique skill that triggers after collecting 300 rings. There are also three different ways the game is played. Finite where the goal is to simply reach the end, Looped where you race around a short level with the goal of reaching the end of the last lap, and Infinite where a level continuously plays until you clear a certain objective.

No word has been officially stated by SEGA, but stay tune for more information to likely drop of Sonic Runners Adventure in the future.

5 Comments

SEGA would ‘love to do’ physical Sonic Mania release

by

SonicMania05_1469195449Sonic Mania is shaping up to be one of SEGA’s most prolific Sonic the Hedgehog titles and it all has to do with going back to basics. Sonic Mania has garnered excitement from retro gamers to new gamers alike and most of them want to see a physical release. Fear not, SEGA’s Product Manager Jim Dyer has been listening. He had this to say via a interview with Twinfinite:

“We would love to do one. We want the community to know that we are listening, and at SXSW they suggested a lot of interest in us following through with a physical release. But we’re also aware that audience approves of anything Sonic related, so while we are listening and it is something we’d like to do, at this stage we are going to see how it goes.”

Jim Dyer even talks about how one of their biggest niches is their community and they are listening to them. Are you interested in a physical version of Sonic Mania? Do you feel that SEGA listens to their community? Let us know in the comments below.

[Via: Go Nintendo]

6 Comments

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

by

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!

 

3 Comments

SEGA Japan shares Puyo Puyo Tetris video and streaming restrictions

by


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]

3 Comments

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

by

ogimage
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]

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

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

by

histdc

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!

Continue Reading ➜

3 Comments

SEGA SAMMY offices consolidating and relocating in Fall 2018

by

Br3UfQo

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).

No Comments

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

by

Castle_of_Illusion-2
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?

6 Comments

SEGA releases 8-Bit Bayonetta on Steam

by

8bitbayonetta

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.

3 Comments

SEGA announces Total War: Warhammer II

by

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.

1 Comment

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

by

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.

Continue Reading ➜

1 Comment

SEGA and Archie still in talks over Sonic the Hedgehog license

by

4377177-0282724066-Super
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]

4 Comments

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

by

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.

7 Comments

Daytona USA now backwards compatible on Xbox One

by

daythd
“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!

3 Comments