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See the complete SEGA Mega Drive & Genesis Mini 2 lineup – European release confirmed!

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TONS of SEGA Mega Drive Mini 2 and SEGA Genesis Mini 2 news today! First up, Europe WILL be getting the mini console as well. It will release October 27th alongside the Japanese and American models. At the moment we do not know if the lineup will differ for Europe, but for now it seems it will be the same as the American lineup.

In a live stream, the final Mega Drive Mini 2 titles were revealed. They are: Star Cruiser, Night Trap – MEGA CD, Mahou no Shoujo: Silky Lip, Granada, Ex-Ranza, Shin Souseiky Ragnacenty, Midnight Resistance, Chelnov, Honoo no Tokyuuji Dodge Danpei, Captain Tsubasa, Super Locomotive (arcade port), Party Quiz Mega Q 2022 (MEGA Q with modern questions), Party Quiz Sega Q (MEGA Q with SEGA questions and Takenobu Mitsuyoshi as the host), Devi & Pii (unreleased Takashi Iizuka game), VS Puyo Puyo SUN (Mega Drive port of the Saturn game), Space Harrier (remastered), Space Harrier II (remastered). If you would like more details and factoids on these titles, I suggest this Twitter thread from GSK. Personally, I am excited to see ports of Space Harrier and Spacer Harrier II that play like the arcade original.

Also revealed on the live stream were new merch, including a Mega Drive 2 keychain, business card holder and a slick travel case. It was also revealed that the console’s staff role will play over the MEGA CD loading screen, which will change according to your language settings, and the credits can be toggled on and off. Also, select games will include regional variations based on console language settings. Sadly, not ALL titles will do this with Popful Mail being one of them.

FINALLY, the full SEGA Genesis Mini 2 lineup was revealed, which can be seen in the video above. After the break, check out the full lineup for both consoles including regional exclusives in bold.

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SEGA introduces Mega Drive Mini 2, featuring Mega CD games – releasing October 27 in Japan

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In a stream which was previously teased to reveal a mysterious new project, SEGA unveiled the Mega Drive Mini 2! Like the Mega Drive Mini and Astro City Mini, the Mega Drive Mini 2 is a plug and play console and will include even more Mega Drive games as well as Mega CD titles. The console is a joint project produced by SEGA and M2. According to @gosokkyu on Twitter, the Mega Drive Mini 2 will include over 50 games, including games for the aforementioned Mega CD, as well as sequels, arcade ports, unreleased titles and a mystery new game. It has also been confirmed that players can select between the sound of the Mega Drive or Mega Drive 2 for every Mega Drive game (see the in-game menu options in the gallery below).

The Mega Drive Mini 2 will replicate the look of the Mega Drive 2, the second model of the Mega Drive, and SEGA also plans to sell a Mega Drive Tower Mini 2 kit which will attach a Mega CD 2 complete with mini Sonic CD disc as well as a mini Virtua Racing Mega Drive cartridge. There will even be mini adaptors for the Model 1 Mega Drive Mini so that you can attach the Model 2 Mega CD to your original Mini or attach the 32X from the first Tower Mini kit to the new Mega Drive 2. A DX version is also planned for SEGA’s Ebten store which will include more discs and cartridges as well as a frame to display them. The console’s in-game menu music will be a new six minute composition from Yuzo Koshiro. The console is set for an October 27th release in Japan, and no Western release has been confirmed.

After the break, learn the first ten titles and check out more images of the in-game menu and the machine itself!

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Game Gear Micro White Announced – Included with M2’s Aleste Collection

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M2 has just announced, via a Famitsu stream, an Aleste Collection of games for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

The collection will include Aleste / Power Strike (Mark III, Master System), Power Strike II (Master System), Aleste GG (Game Gear) and Aleste GG II (Game Gear). Also announced, and exclusive to the upcoming collection, is a white Game Gear Micro which will include the same four games and is set to sell for ¥14,800 ($141) as part of a special bundle which will also include a white Big Window Micro, a 32-page art book, and a staff interview book. The collection is set for a December 24, 2020 release.

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SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC releasing internationally on May 28th

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Get ready shmup fanatics, as the classic Thunder Force is back again with the arcade version of Thunder Force III, Thunder Force AC, with this SEGA AGES release. SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC will be available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, for $7.99 and equivalent, in all regions.

In Thunder Force AC, you take on the role of piloting the FIRE LEO-03 “Styx” through 5 different planets and eventually the ORN headquarters, blasting anything that gets in your way with an assortment of weapons that have different properties. While similar to Thunder Force III, there are several differences to still make this a worthwhile playthrough, including audio improvement due to the SEGA System C2 hardware, and rearrangements of enemy and weapon layouts. SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC will also come with several additions, such as the ability to play as four different ships, including the ship Fire LEO-04 “Rynex” from Thunder Force IV, and a Kids Mode for novices who want to play the game without getting a weapon deduction punish from dying.

[Source: Official Website / Twitter]

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SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC releasing on May 14th in Japan

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We have a release date for SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC. You can  travel across different planets and fight against the ORN Empire this upcoming May 14th, from the Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop for ¥999.

SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC is an arcade remix of the game Thunder Force III. While the general structuring is similar to the original game, there are several differences for this new arcade iteration to mix things up for veteran players, such as enemy and weapon placements being tweaked, some levels being overhauled, and the lack of a stage select. This SEGA AGES iteration also includes extra features, including the ability to play as four different ships with their own properties, and a Kids Mode meant for less experienced players where the player doesn’t lose their weapons upon death.

[Source: Official Website]

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M2’s Shoot ‘Em Up Game Ikusaba is launching this fall in Japanese arcades

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During the live stream of the Famitsu Dengeki Awards in Japan, developer M2 (SEGA Ages, 3D Classics Collection) announced that their previously announced shoot ’em up game ‘Ikusaba’ will be heading to arcades this fall. During the event M2 director Naoki Horii showed off the game’s first two stages, suggesting those stages are nearly done.

M2 also discussed some of the system, including that the game will have four different ships, with different pilots. Instead of dying and losing a life, in this game you will die and move on to the next character until you run out. As we covered this game last time, Ikusaba is a temporary title. The game was also set to get a demo at a Japanese event this month but due to the virus pandemic all events have been withheld but the game is still set for release this fall. This game is suppose to be added via SEGA’s ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Version 3 (APM3) arcades.

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SEGA AGES G-LOC Air Battle releasing on April 30th in western territories

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SEGA AGES G-LOC Air Battle has a release date for western territories. For those in North America and European regions, you’ll be able to take to the skies on April 30th, available on the Nintendo Switch eShop for $7.99 and equivalent.

In this spin-off of the popular arcade game After Burner, you once again pilot a fighter jet called the A8M5 Thunderfox “Zeek”, soaring through the landscape blasting down anything in your path with bullets and missiles. The key difference is the emphasis on switching between a first-person and third-person perspective, influencing how you control and aim with the jet. The SEGA AGES release will also include new features, such as a AGES Mode which adds more enemies, more missiles, and an improved lock on system, and a special border that mimics the swaying of the original arcade cabinet.

[Source: Official Website / Twitter]

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SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC coming soon, more information revealed

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After Thunder Force III appeared previously in the SEGA 3D series on 3DS and the SEGA Genesis Mini, it once again returns, but with a bit of a twist. Indeed, Thunder Force AC is essentially an arcade version of the original Thunder Force III, using the SEGA System C2 arcade board also used for games such as Puyo Puyo and Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R. But don’t be fooled, as the game mixes up the level design enough that it’s still worth a playthrough even if you’ve played the Mega Drive original, and also benefits from improved audio samples.

The SEGA AGES release adds several new features, most notably the selection of different ships. FIRE LEO-03 STYX being the default ship, FIRE LEO-03 STYX Mass Product being a revamped version of the original ship that was included in Thunder Force Gold Pack 2, FIRE LEO-04 RYNEX from Thunder Force IV, and FIRE LEO-04 RYNEX with the Thunder Sword. Like it’s predecessor SEGA AGES Thunder Force IV, there will also be a Kids Mode that increases the power of your attacks and doesn’t penalize you by stripping away your weapons upon death, ideal for more novice players.

It will be available at a price of ¥999 for the Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop, but with no announced date yet.

[Source: Official Website]

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SEGA AGES G-LOC Air Battle releasing on March 26th in Japan

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Take to skies with the newest release in the SEGA AGES series, G-LOC Air Battle, which is confirmed to be released on March 26th in Japan for ¥999. Commonly cited as a spin-off to SEGA’s After Burner, you once again take on the role of a fighter jet soaring through the skies blasting anything in your way with either a standard shot or homing missiles. The main difference is the emphasis on switching between third-person and first-person, as each perspective allows for better mobility or better precision respectively.

SEGA AGES G-LOC Air Battle will have a special border designed to emulate the R360 arcade cabinet’s dynamic movements, with the screen shifting based on your actions within the game. In addition, a new SEGA AGES mode will be included, with new missions, a larger search range, and faster lock-on cursor, making it ideal for novice players. Like past SEGA AGES releases, there will also be online rankings.

[Source: Official Website]

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SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Puyo Puyo 2 coming to western territories on February 20th

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The month of February seems to be sequel month, as two hit SEGA follow ups are coming soon to the SEGA AGES series, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Puyo Puyo 2! Both releases are planned for a February 20th release date on the Nintendo Switch eShop for a price of $7.99 (and equivalent), in both North American and European territories.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the sequel to the original Sonic the Hedgehog released a year later. Like its predecessor, you take on the role of the titular Sonic as you run through different zones avoiding hazards and beating Badniks. However this time Sonic is joined by his best friend Miles Tails Prower, and has a new move called the Spin Dash that allows him to rev up and dash forward in a ball. This SEGA AGES version comes with the original game, but it also includes new features like the optional Drop Dash, ring counter like SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog, and most notably Knuckles the Echidna being playable like he was when you connected a copy of Sonic 2 to Sonic & Knuckles.

Puyo Puyo 2 (aka Puyo Puyo Tsu) you once again take on the role of young mage Arle Nadja, as you are tasked with climbing up Satan’s tower by beating opponents and earning enough points to move up to the next floor. Like it’s predecessor, the main objective is to beat the opponent by dumping garbage called Nuisance Puyos onto their field, but Puyo Puyo 2 also polishes up the gameplay with new features such as offsetting, double rotation, and All Clear. With this SEGA AGES release, you also get a new mode called Endurance Mode where you must fight against every opponent in the tower, along with quality of life modifications such as the option to change the appearance of the Puyos and the ability to read up the descriptions of every character. Like its predecessor SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo, you also have the option to set up matches with people around the globe via internet.

[Source: SEGA AGES website]

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SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo Tsu releasing on January 16th in Japan

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SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo Tsu has finally got a definitive release date. This popular arcade game from Japan can be yours on January 16th, for a price of ¥999 on the Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop.

This SEGA AGES release of Puyo Puyo Tsu comes with the original arcade game, in addition to a new Kachinuki Mode, where players have to fight every opponent in the tower starting from the bottom and working your way up. Players will also be able to read up on the descriptions of every character, and have the option to change the colors of each individual Puyo color with six choices. Like with past SEGA AGES releases, there will also be online compatibility, with leaderboards and online match making.

[Source: Official SEGA AGES page]

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SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone and Shinobi releasing in western territories on January 23rd

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Two SEGA arcade classics are coming soon to the Nintendo Switch eShop in North American and European territories, Fantasy Zone and Shinobi! Both will be available on January 23rd simultaneously.

SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone is based on the 3DS iteration, Fantasy Zone Opa-Opa Bros. In this game, you take on the role of Opa-Opa, as you must blast down all of the the bases and the residential boss of each stage, with a large assortment of weapons and engines to help you on your mission, for a price of course. Like the 3DS version, you have the option of hoarding money and using it in repeated playthroughs, the return of the Upa-Upa Mode where you play as Upa-Upa with weapons readily being available at the cost of them consuming money like ammunition, and extras unlocked once you earn enough money in the bank.

SEGA AGES Shinobi puts you in the role of Joe Musashi, as you must rescue kids held hostage in each stage. Armed with throwing weapons, a melee weapon, and special attacks, you must fight your way through each stage. Occasionally there will also be a bonus stage, where you much kill every ninja trying to approach you in a gallery-shooter fashion. This version of Shinobi will also include a special “SEGA AGES” version, that mixes up the gameplay with Joe being powered up and wearing white suit similar to Revenge on Shinobi on the SEGA Genesis, along with the inclusion of a stage select allowing you to pick any stage you want.

[Source: Nintendo UK Website Fantasy Zone and Shinobi]

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SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo Tsu coming soon, more information revealed

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Want some more Puyo Puyo action after playing SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo? Well the hit sequel from Japan, Puyo Puyo Tsu, is coming soon to the SEGA AGES series! Like the previous arcade game, you take on the role as heroine Arle Nadja, as you are tasked with stacking the titular Puyos to flood your opponent’s side with Nuisance Puyo. Puyo Puyo Tsu however fleshes it out further with several new mechanics, including double rotation, offsetting, and the All Clear. Combine that with the potential to fight over 30 different opponents and multiplayer that has different options to choose from, it’s easy to see why Puyo Puyo Tsu was a big hit in Japanese arcades back in the mid 90’s and why Puyo Puyo games to this day use the Puyo Puyo Tsu gameplay as the golden standard.

SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo Tsu adds several new features. It will include the original arcade mode, but there will be an additional Kachinuki Mode where you have to battle against every character in the tower. In addition to this, players will have the ability to read the character introduction for everyone, including Arle and Carbuncle who normally don’t have one, and the ability change the appearance of every Puyo with different styles. Like it’s predecessor SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo, it will also come with online play, allowing you to play with a friend and record your highest score on a rankings board.

Currently SEGA AGES Puyo Puyo Tsu is priced at ¥999 with a release date pending.

[Source: Official Website]

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SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone releasing on November 28th in Japan

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SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone has a release date. You’ll be able to visit the Fantasy Zone once again this coming November 28th in Japan. It will be available on the Nintendo Switch Japanese eShop for ¥999.

SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone is based on the SEGA 3D version on the 3DS, Fantasy Zone Opa-Opa Bros. Like that version of the game, SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone will give you the ability to hoard coins and optionally use them in repeated playthroughs, and brings back the Upa-Upa mode. In Upa-Upa mode, you play as Opa-Opa’s titular brother, as you have every weapon freely available to you, but using these weapons uses up money as ammunition. In addition, players can also potentially fight the bosses from the Master System version under certain conditions, and there’s a new time attack mode which tasks the player to beat the game in the fastest time possible.

[Source: Official Website]

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SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone coming soon, more information revealed

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Welcome to the Fantasy Zone, as the classic SEGA arcade game Fantasy Zone is coming soon to the SEGA AGES lineup. In this game you take on the role as the winged ship Opa-Opa, as you are tasked with destroying all of the bases and the boss of each stage, armed with a selection of different guns, bombs, and engines/wings you can purchase within shops. Don’t be fooled by the colorful aesthetics though, Fantasy Zone is famous for being surprisingly hard!

SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone is largely based on the SEGA 3D Classic version, officially referred to as Fantasy Zone Opa-Opa Bros. Like that version of the game, players have the option to stock up on coins they’ve accumulated during play sessions and use them the next time they play, and the return of the Upa-Upa mode. In Upa-Upa mode, players have access to every weapon in the game and can freely switch between them on the fly, the catch being that they consume money as an ammo. In addition, if certain conditions are met, players can encounter the bosses from the Master System version of Fantasy Zone, such as the tooth shooting fish boss from Dolimicca and the turtle-like boss from Mockstar. This rounded off by a new Time Attack mode, where players can try to aim for the fastest time at beating the game.

Currently SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone is “coming soon”, with a price tag of ¥999.

[Source: Official Website]

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