Hatsune Miku Project Diva F 2nd demo hits Japanese PSN on the October 23rd

hatsunemiku2nd
Even though we barely got Hatsune Miku Project Diva F on the Playstation 3 this summer, the Japanese are already preparing for its sequel. Hatsune Miku Project Diva F 2nd will get a Japanese PSN demo on October 23rd.

Three songs on the demo:

  • Last Note – “Akasuki Arrival” 
  • doriko – “Romeo and Cinderella” 
  • Team Moer – “Colorful X Melody”

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F 2nd is coming to both Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita in Japan in early 2014. No Western release dates have been revealed.

Transformers: Human Alliance gameplay footage hits the net


SEGA’s Ringedge 2 licensed arcade game, Transformers: Human Alliance, has finally gotten some gameplay footage posted online. In this video you will see gameplay from the England stage, which was part of the Facebook vote SEGA held.  Seems that the cheesy voice acting that SEGA light gun shooters are known for has returned in full force in this title. You will take a role of a human, helping Autobots fight against attacking Decepticons.

Director for the title is Mr. Oga-Shi, who directed such light gun titles like Gunblade, Lost World and Let’s Go Jungle/Island franchise.

 

Sonic Lost World demo hits Japan on WiiU and 3DS

SONIC_LOST_WORLD_3DS_top_RGB_v2_13
While I’m still gloomy over the fact that Sonic Lost World comes to Europe 11 days ahead of us yanks, at least I can be a little excited that a demo is likely coming soon since the land of the rising sun just got two demos. One’s for WiiU and the other for PC… ………..I’m kidding! It’s 3DS of course. The demos contain Windy Hill for WiiU and the 3DS gets Windy Hill tutorial and Zone 1. That’s more windy than me after some Taco Bell. (I WILL win a PS4 dangnabbit!!)

Will the demos come out to Europe and America soon?! I’m not telling!* Sonic Lost World hits Europe on October 18th (Lucky @#$%& skunks!) and America on Oct 29th. Can’t wait!

* = I have no earthly clue.

Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax first full length trailer hits the net

Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax is a new 2D arcade fighting game that will feature characters for Dengeki’s wide ranging light novel IPs. So far the confirmed characters include:

  • Asuna (Sword Art Online)
  • Shana (Shakugan no Shana)
  • Kirino (Oreimo)
  • Shizuo (Durarara!!)
  • Kuroyukihime (Accel World)
  • Mikoto (A Certain Magical Index)

Even though right now they are only talking about the ‘arcade’ version, they already confirmed there will be a console version of the game shown off at a later date. They also teased about the possibility of including SEGA IPs, specifically games like Valkyria Chronicles.

SEGA comments on Steam’s new controller

SteamController

There has been a lot of questions regarding Steam’s new controller, pictured above. The controller will use two trackpads instead of traditional buttons that can be fully customized by developers, the idea is that it will allow users to play RTS games, as well as ‘traditional’ controller games just fine. Of course SEGA would like the opportunity to bring their massive successful PC games into the living room. But how does it control?

“It’s very much still in beta. It’s rough around the edges and there are functions missing. The first thing I noticed is that it feels very light, and the left hand touchpad movement feels very natural. It is incredibly fluid and intuitive right from the off. The right hand touchpad, which would normally handle your looking movements, was frantic and incredibly sensitive. It was tricky, but if you hone it down and manage the sensitivity, I am sure it will be better. You can tell pro-gamers will use this in tournaments.” – Digital distribution director James Schall

SEGA managed to win over brand director for Total War, Rob Bartholomew who came into Valve questioning the idea for the controller. He said after 10 minutes he was won over with the possibilities they can accomplish with the new pad.

Sonic Lost World official site reveals World names and Color Powers

Screen Shot 2013-10-07 at 11.10.31 AM
 
The official website for Sonic Lost World has expanded to reveal the names of the seven worlds featured in the game as well as the eight color powers players will be able to utilize. Interesting to note, the game looks to be going with the Mario naming convention of “Worlds” for the stages that have typically been labeled as “Zones” or “Action Stages” in past titles. Meanwhile, “Zone” replaces “Act”. We haven’t heard an official reason for this from SEGA, but my guess is that each “World” features very unique “Zones”. Frozen Factory, for example, has a snow stage and a casino stage. Both are very different, so they’re not so much different acts of the same Zone but are rather their own Zones in and of themselves. Confusing, but it makes sense if you think about it.

After the break, SPOILER ALERT, it’s the World names and Color Powers.

Rhythm Thief Now Available on the Nintendo eShop

rhythm-thief

Rhythm Thief may have become one of the more obscure 3DS titles to hit store shelves, but SEGA has made it easier to get a hold of the title by releasing the game on the Nintendo eShop starting this week and is retailing at $19.99 in the American eShop while priced at €44.99 / £39.99 in the European eShop. Quite a difference in price between the two regions. This joins Sonic Generations 3DS on the eShop as part of Nintendo’s initiative to put up titles for download that were made available prior to their push for retail games on the eShop.

If you want more information on the game, be sure to hit up Shigs’ review of the 3DS version here.

 

Check out Phantasy Star Online 2’s super hard mode in action


Above is a video showing off the October update for Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode 2. The start of the video shows off the new Super Hard mode.

You also get to see new skill levels since they bumped leveling up to 65. This means that if you max out your skills you get two additional skills to play with. Along with all this they have new rare enemies and new rare interrupt events. Interrupt events is basically an event that happens randomly and the player can choose to attack, defend and other objective to finish the quest.

This game looks so great, its a shame that its not out here in the West. SEGA needs to get up off their ass and confirm if its coming out, if not we can just play the damn Japanese version with the English patch.

Persona 4: The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold screenshots showcase Yukari And Junpei

7-Persona3-4-030
Yukari and Junpei are both your classmates and fellow Persona wielding sidekicks in Persona 3 and will now be in Persona 4: The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold. Seeing as I was a big fan of the character of Junpei in the 3rd Persona game, this is a treat. Hit the jump to view all the screens.  I have to say I like the art and vivid colors, looks too pretty for its own good.

Sonic to return to television in the CG animated comedy series “Sonic Boom” – due out Fall 2014

boom
 
SEGA dropped a bombshell on the Sonic community today, announcing Sonic’s return to television with a CG animated comedy series tentatively titled Sonic Boom.

Sonic the Hedgehog, the iconic video game character who has brought his trademark speed and attitude to four TV series and more than 70 video games, is returning to television in his first-ever CG animated series in the fall 2014. The action packed comedy series aimed at children 6-11 will debut first on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and on CANAL J and GULLI in France, with a global rollout to follow. The initial order of 52 eleven-minute episodes is co-produced by SEGA of America Inc. and Genao Productions.

More staff layoffs at Sega of America

sega

Today, Sega of America confirmed that it had to lay off a small percentage of its staff. While there is not much in the way of details, a Sega Spokeswoman had this to say.

“As the gaming industry continues to evolve, companies must adapt and adjust in order to compete and succeed in an ever-changing environment. As a result of this, Sega of America has recently undergone a restructure that will enable the company to focus efficiently on developing new and existing content across digital platforms as well as continuing to focus on key brands for packaged goods.”

Nintendo Direct: Mario & Sonic getting an online mode, Sonic to be in Smash Bros

Some Sonic news came out of today’s Nintendo Direct! First, and to the surprise of no one, Sonic will be in the new Smash Bros! Finally, I will be able to re-enact the awesome Sonic and Mega Man battle from the Archie crossover!

To somewhat greater surprise, Mario & Sonic at the Sochi Winter Olympics will have an online mode! The online mode will encompass four events, including a dream event that combines snowboarding, bobsledding and skiing. Players will be able to win “points” for their home country, which will be showcased in a worldwide leaderboard. Nintendo will also be offering a special version of the game bundled with a light blue Wii remote. Mario & Sonic also just launched its website, which you can find here.