Official Nintendo Magazine teases sidekick character for Sonic 4: Ep 2

UK’s Official Nintendo Magazine has put up a preview for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2. The preview was posted over in the Sonic Stadium forums, no scans as of right now. They did say that one of’ Sonic’s old side kicks will come back, most likely being Tails. But they also said this:

“Other than that, we’d expect more of the same from Episode II. More loops, more speed, more proper old-school Sonic physics and more awesome fake Mega Drive music complete with rubbish drum samples. Just the way we like it.”

Hard for me to take a magazine seriously that thought the first game had ‘proper old-school Sonic physics’. It didn’t. Unless they meant this new one had ‘more proper’ old-school physics, but I doubt that. Word for word preview after the jump.

[Via: TSSZnews]

Virtual-On Force confirmed region free, also in English


Hardcore SEGA fans with a 360 rejoice, you can import the Virtual-On Force if you really want to, since it has just been confirmed that it is region free, not only that it comes in English.

Play-Asia has the import friendly games, even a cheaper Asia version if you don’t want to shell out a ton of money for the Japanese edition. SEGA West has not announced a release over here and I doubt we will get one.

[Source: Siliconera]

SEGA Studios Australia working on multiplatform sports title

[Pictured: SEGA Studios Australia’s Kim Sellentin]

GameSauce recently had a behind the scenes look at SEGA’s Kim Sellentin’s job over at SEGA Studios Australia, where she produces titles. I always thought the only studio SEGA had in Australia was Creative Assembly branch that did Stormrise. Regardless, in the new article it confirmed that the team is doing a multiplatform sports title.

This means it will be on consoles, unless they mean ‘Mac & PC’ as multiplatform. We will have to see what sport they take on, just hope it isn’t something like Kinect Sports or something.

[Source: GameSauce]

Pier Solar is a new RPG for the SEGA Genesis


Pier Solar started off life in 2004 in an internet forum, flash forward to now and its a full fledge game. In the game you play as Hoston, a young botanist who has to save his father from a illness. The game uses 64 meg cart, if you didn’t know, that is some intense power and is the biggest Genesis cart ever.

You can order the game via its official website.

The game has already gone into re-print due to overwhelming fan demand. It looks pretty good and I might order a copy for myself soon. As for screenshots, hit the jump.

Sports Interactives Miles Jacobson appointed OBE

Sega owned and UK based developers Sports Interactive has something to be very proud of today. SI Director Mikes Jacobson has been appointed an OBE for services to the computer games industry in the New Year Honours list.

The OBE also known as ‘Order of the British Empire’ is a long running award given to recognize people who have done great things for their country. The ‘Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of which an OBE is one of the five awards you can achieve.

SI co-founder Oliver Collyer paid tribute to Jacobson on the Football Manager Forums.

Hit the jump to read on.

InsideOut DCJY: Fast Striker



Video courtesy of The Dreamcast Junkyard

Earlier this week, the staff were discussing what possible Dreamcast news we could share this weekend. With the inclusion of retro writers we’ve tried to bring you new Dreamcast news every weekend, though our last 2 DC posts have really been about price drops and free games. For those who wanted more than just discounted offers should know it has been a very tough year for Sega’s Dream Machine, especially compared to previous years. Last year we had 3 original DC releases (IRiDES, DUX, & R4) and this year NG:Dev.Team were kind enough to port their latest Neo-Geo title. Without it this would’ve been the system’s first year without a new game, so let’s all be thankful to them.

This week our initial plan was to showcase an interesting peripheral from Dream Past (word play :P) that many of our readers may have missed out on. We’ll be showcasing that mystery peripheral next week, as this week  we have something better: GagaMan of DCJY (and SGNW affiliate) takes us InsideOut: Fast Striker.

Video after the jump

Sega to celebrate 20 years of Sonic and Puyo Pop in 2011!

Ladies and Gentlemen… Na, who am I kidding, Gentlemen and Gentlemen! The time is almost upon us!

In a matter of hours it will be 2011, and with 2011 comes not one anniversary of great importance amongst Sega fans everywhere but two! Yes, both Sonic the Hedgehog and Puyo Pop turn 20 this year! To celebrate, on the stroke of midnight, (Japanese time)  Sega has already began the hype.

Sega have released a press statement suggesting that they have a number of projects lined up for both the Sonic the Hedgehog and Puyo Pop franchises in 2011. They weren’t specific on what these ‘projects’ entail but I suspect they will hold events as well as release celebratory games.

You can visit the Sonic anniversary site HERE.

If the next Sonic game is as good if not better then Sonic Colours and we get another great Puyo Pop game, Yakuza 4 and Yakuza of the End, Valkryia Chronicles 3, Bayonetta 2, Shogun 2, Creative Assembly’s new action game and of course Phantasy Star Online 2… Well shit, 2011 is going to be a sweet year for us Sega fans!

So happy new year from Segabits, have a good one and I’ll see you next year folks! I’m off to get wasted!

Game that shocked SEGA & Platinum Games producers in 2010

4Gamer talked to Japanese developers, asked them all the following questions:

  1. What game released in 2010 moved you or shocked you the most?
  2. What piece of entertainment (game or non-game) most impressed you in 2010?
  3. Give a message to fans

Two of the producers from SEGA & two people from Platinum Games happen to be on the list of Japanese developers to answer the questions. Hit the jump to find out their responses.

Resonance of Fate getting promotional comic


You thought that the Resonance of Fate game was the last you’d hear of the franchise? Doesn’t seem this way, the game is still having releases, at least a ‘comic’ version of it. Famitsu will have the comic called ‘End of Eternity: The Secret Hours”. End of Eternity is the Japanese name of the game.

The comic is set to have a orginal story, will feature Leanne, Zephyr and Vashyron investigating a mysterious and private military firm. This will set up promotion for the ‘budget’ version of the game, which is set to release in Japan this January.

As for a sequel, it is unknown at this point, but when the game was first announced, SEGA wanted to make it into a franchise. But then again, they said the same thing about Shenmue…

[Source: Siliconera]

Nintendo Power sheds more info on Thor video game

Specifically the Wii version, who they confirmed will be developed by Red Fly (Mushroom Men developers). The game will have a unique story and gameplay on the Wii, also being said is that the game will be more about Thor’s hammer (Mjöllnir)  than Thor himself.

“In fact, it’s almost more about the hammer than it is about Thor” – Chad Barron, Producer

You will be able to customize Thor’s hammer as you progress through the game, three of the powers you will get in the game are: Storm, Valor and Might. The development team has stated they played around with 10 different control schemes. In the end they decided that too much motion is tiring in action games, so buttons will do regular attacks and motion controls will be used for over the top moves.

The game will feature some of the biggest enemies from Thor’s history, one example enemy given was Surtur. You will be able to unlock Thor costumes by progressing in the game.

Good news, the DS version is being developed by WayForward (A Boy and his Blob and Shantae: Risky’s Revenge).

[Source: NintendoEverything]

One Day Only XBLA SEGA Sale

SEGA’s online sales have finally hit Xbox Live, folks! Today the SEGA blogs have a announced a one day only sale of all SEGA software available on the service, including the excellent little gem I have pictured at the top of this post. If you haven’t bought these titles by now, now’s the time!

Posted after the break is the list of titles, as well as a Buy Now link.

$175 dollar Metal Sonic figurine available for pre-order

First4Figures will be releasing two versions of their Metal Sonic figure, one will be the exclusive edition that lights up, is limited to 300 units and costs $174.99. The second will be called the Standard version which comes at $154.99, still expensive.

The statue is only available in US and Canada, not that I think many of you would be pre-ordering it. But I like giving you guys a heads up on stuff, so you guys are well informed.

Head over to Sonic Stadium to check out the full gallery of images. Hit the jump for the press release.

New Gettenka Trailers

A couple more Gettenka trailers for you to ponder over.
Gettenka being an Arcade/DS game aimed at Japanese children. So far you can only get this game in Japan. Where they like to get the kids hooked on collecting cards and playing arcade games young. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some kind of anime/cartoon in the works too.

What’s it about? I don’t even think the developers know, but you seem to insert the cards you collect into the game and they give you’re character new items or clothes or powers or something.

Hit the jump for the second trailer.

Marza’s teaser trailer for Captain Harlock feature

For those eagerly awaiting a trailer of Marza (Former Visual Entertainment, known for the recent Sonic intros and Curse of the Werehog) latest work, the wait is finally over.  Above you will find a teaser trailer for Space Pirate Captain Harlock, based on the popular Japanese comic series, sporting impressive visuals and showing flying spaceships and boat invasions.  Currently there has been no announcement for when the film will be released.

Thanks to Pao for the tipoff.

Phantasy Star being turned into social game as well

What? First Shenmue, Sakura Wars, Yakuza, and now Phantasy Star? That is right, Phantasy Star will be joining Shenmue City on the Mobagetown mobile social gaming platform under the name Phantasy Star Eternal Hunters.
If you didn’t know, we actually reported on the trademark for the name, now we finally find out what they are doing with it. In Eternal Hunters you will have to collect data from a ship’s crashing site on some uncharted planet.

The big feature that SEGA is talking about in this game is the use of GPS information from your cell phone that will create unique monsters depending on your location and where you play. So if you are in different areas in Japan, you will have a different experience. Pre-registration for the game has already started, the service is expected to launch ‘this winter’. The game will of course be free to play.

[Source: AndriaSang]