Virtua Tennis Challenge joins SEGA Forever mobile collection

Virtua Tennis Challenge, originally released to mobile devices in 2012, has been given the SEGA Forever upgrade and is now free to play or $1.99 to remove ads. Users who originally downloaded the game before the update can restore their purchase and remove the ads. Virtua Tennis Challenge was teased in our SEGA Forever interview, in which mobile games community manager Danny Russell confirmed that SEGA Forever would see existing titles brought into the service. This is great news, as Virtua Tennis Challenge was one of those games badly needing a 64-bit support update.

The game is available to download now on the App Store and Google Play.

SEGA News Bits: SEGA Answers Our SEGA Forever Questions

On this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry discuss the answers SEGA gave to our questions about the SEGA Forever retro gaming collection. SEGA Forever is an initiative from SEGA Networks to bring games from the SG-1000 through to the Dreamcast to mobile devices and beyond! What future games can we expect? How will the Genesis/Mega Drive emulation improve? How will light gun games play?

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

SEGA answers our burning SEGA Forever questions, tells us what to expect next

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After weeks of teasing, SEGA Forever was officially revealed to be a classic games collection initiative to bring everything from the SG-1000 to the SEGA Dreamcast to mobile platforms, with the big surprise being that all the games are free to play (with the option to buy). The collection kicked off with five SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis titles, including four emulated games including Altered Beast, Kid Chameleon, Phantasy Star II and Comic Zone, and the remastered Sonic the Hedgehog from Christian Whitehead. After playing the games and experiencing how the service works, we had a ton of questions for SEGA. Thanks to mobile games community manager Danny Russell, we received a speedy reply and every single one of our questions got answered!

Read on for our interview with Danny.

SEGA Forever Officially Revealed and Detailed

SEGA Forever has officially been revealed, the service has been a mystery to fans since it was leaked a while back as it was being tested. We even did a SEGA News Bits on SEGA Forever (expect a follow up one now that the product has been fully detailed) on what the service could be. But what is it? According to the press release, which you can read in full after the break, SEGA Forever is a mobile name for classic SEGA re-releases on both Android and iPhone. Prior to this, a rumor came around that it was supposed to be ‘a subscription service’, but this press release says you get the option to play either free, ad supported version of the game or unlock it forever (SEGA Forever) for $1.99.

They promise to cover the following SEGA consoles:

  • SG-1000
  • Master System
  • Genesis/Mega Drive
  • Game Gear
  • SEGA Saturn
  • Dreamcast

The service will launch on June 22nd with the following five games, new releases every couple of weeks:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Altered Beast
  • Phantasy Star II
  • Comix Zone
  • Kid Chameleon

The press release also goes into the fact that the games will support leaderboards, cloud saves, offline play, controller support, community news feed, and a ton of languages for menus. So the real question is, what is you opinion on SEGA Forever? Is this what you expected, another re-branding service for retro SEGA re-releases?

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Runners Adventure Leaked

Sonic Runners Adventure has leaked by way of a very limited early release in select territories. Despite the game technically being released, SEGA remains quiet… but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it! On this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry discuss the reworked Sonic Runners, what is different, what is the same and what we think of the new version of the game.

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that new YouTube algorithm is.

SEGA sends us a love note and a retro SEGA Forever mixtape

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I think SEGA wants to date us. I mean, they sent us a SEGA mixtape and included a love note. We’re not going to say no, we are a fan site of course! Actually, the mixtape and included note and pen are a clever way to launch the upcoming SEGA Forever, which we guessed to be a retro SEGA games collection for mobile which will include arcade and SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive titles. As the SEGA Forever social media accounts hint, Comix Zone will be the first title with Crazy Taxi likely being grandfathered in. There is no evidence, yet, that this is a subscription service and we’re sure to learn more late this week or early next. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at the tape and note (and pen)!

New Sonic Runners Adventure footage and screenshots leaks

Sonic Runners Adventure

As previously reported, a new Sonic mobile game called Sonic Runners Adventure was accidentally leaked on Gameloft’s Customer Support page, revealing a lot of information about how the game played including the different styles to play the game and how characters worked. Though with only descriptions to go by, we haven’t seen what the game looks or plays like.

But now thanks to more leaks, we finally know what Sonic Runners Adventure looks like in action. This includes a video showcasing the story mode of the game, showing off the first few stages reminiscent of Green Hill Zone including both the Finite and new Looped styles, along with glimpses of the menus where you can customize yourself with items, buddies, and playable characters. There is also a small selection of screenshots that originally came from a Russian website, based on the below video. But more strangely, there appears to be a Java version of Sonic Runners Adventure that was also leaked. Weird to see a Java game in this day and age, but it might benefit someone out there.

To see Sonic Runners Adventure gameplay in action, click the link below.

SEGA and WWE join forces for mobile game WWE Tap Mania

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SEGA and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) have announced that they are partnering to release a new mobile game titled WWE Tap Mania. The game, developed by Tap Lab, is said to star WWE Superstars from the past and present. Little else in terms of gameplay has been revealed, but the game will feature live in-game events based on real WWE shows including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble.

Naoki Kameda, COO of SEGA’s western mobile devision had this to say about the game:

At Sega, we like to find new ways to bring brands and experiences to a wide mobile gaming audience. This partnership with WWE presents a fresh opportunity for collaboration. Working with WWE, a monumental leader in global entertainment, along with The Tap Lab, a studio known for crafting action-packed games that are fun at their core, we’re confident that WWE Tap Mania will delight WWE fans worldwide.

The game is set to launch for free to iOS and Android later this year. From the sound of it, SEGA is simply acting as a publisher with some additional support. SEGA will offer details on WWE Tap Mania in the coming months via Twitter and Facebook. More information as we hear it!

[Source: WWE]

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Runners Adventure Leaked for Mobile

On this episode of SEGA News Bits we discuss Sonic Runners Adventure being leaked for mobile devices, our thoughts on SEGA resurrecting the Sonic Runners brand and the idea of having Gameloft handling Sonic Runners Adventure instead of Sonic Team. For people that actually enjoyed Sonic Runners, what are your thoughts on Sonic Runners Adventure? Do you think having another company outside of Sonic Team handing Sonic Runners Adventure is a negative? Let us know!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that new YouTube algorithm is.

 

 

SEGA launches Crazy Taxi Gazillionaire in select countries

SEGA has soft launched its next Crazy Taxi mobile game, this time titled Crazy Taxi Gazillionaire, on Android phones. Right now its only available for people who live in the Philippines. This title is a free-to-play game and isn’t first one for the franchise, since they had Crazy Taxi City Rush back in 2014. This game has a different take on the franchise, by making you the boss of a ‘Crazy Taxi empire’, which means you’ll manage routes, upgrade cars and more.

Here are some features Crazy Taxi Gazillionaire offers:

  • Buy, grow and upgrade your fleet of crazy cabs
  • Hire and level up a cast of new and classic Crazy Taxi drivers
  • Each driver has a favorite type of cab. Match drivers to cabs for extra bonuses
  • Master multipliers to more quickly expand your routes across the cities
  • Prestige your business for even greater wealth
  • Fun and fast play sessions perfect for playing on the go or whenever you have time

I really have no idea when Crazy Taxi Gazillionaire is mean’t to launch globally or if it ever will. Above you can see about 12 minutes of the game in action, what are your thoughts on the art style and take on Crazy Taxi? Personally feel that driving the Taxi and the music in the game made Crazy Taxi what it was. This features neither, sadly.

SEGA’s mobile game War Pirates launches globally

SEGA’s War Pirates, a mobile game that was out in select countries back in August of last year, is now being released globally. The game peaked our intention when we found out that it was created by Masayoshi Kikuchi of Jet Set Radio and Yakuza fame. War Pirates features 14 maps, over 300 quests, over 20 ships, and over 230 pirate characters to unlock.

War Pirates also features a real-time PVP battle mode which looks pretty interesting. According to the game’s press release they are also promising a Guild vs Guild update later this year. You can check out War Pirates on Twitter and Facebook.

SEGA-AM2’s Soul Reverse gets first gameplay footage

SEGA-AM2’s Soul Reverse will be the first ‘new IP’ by the company since they launched Border Break back in 2009, unless you count Operation G.H.O.S.T which was tied to the Ghost Squad franchise. When we first told you about SEGA-AM2’s Soul Reverse we mentioned that it looked a bit like Dark Souls and now with gameplay footage released, I’m not too sure about that.

The footage for SEGA-AM2’s Soul Reverse is actually a tutorial showing off moves you can do, including using cards to summon Souls to attack (like a special movie). While the game may look like Dark Souls due to its medieval theme, it doesn’t have a stamina meter and seems to be timed stages. The combos shown on here remind me more of Phantasy Star Online where you have to get your timing right to execute the full combo. This to me looks more like a new version of Quest for D (2007) than something going after Dark Souls. Soul Reverse also has a tie-in mobile game called Soul Reverse Zero in Japan. If you want to try Soul Reverse Zero, here is a good guide for English speakers

SEGA announces Dark Souls inspired game Soul Reverse for Arcades

SEGA has announced the next upcoming SEGA-AM2 arcade game Soul Reverse, which is looking quite a bit like a Dark Souls type of game. While people will fight and point out that SEGA-AM2 already dabbled into dark fantasy with their arcade game The Quest of D, you’re right. I’m wrong. But it seems this title is trying to cash in on the ‘Souls‘ name with a title like Soul Reverse. It is also true that SEGA previously announced Soul Reverse as a mobile phone title, that should already be out on iOS and Android, but the arcade version is its own build that is 70% complete as of today.

SEGA has revealed one of the characters in the game, Luce, who will be voiced by Japanese actress Nanami Yamashita (you can see her in the screens). You can view the trailer for Soul Reverse above and see screenshots after the jump.

[Via: Segalization]

Sonic CD goes free-to-play with ads

Sonic-CD-2.0Sonic CD has now been updated to version 2.0, which changed the app from a paid game to a free-to-play game with ads. The issue with this is, that if you bought Sonic CD before going free-to-play, you will also be getting ads and be asked to pay $1.99 to remove them. According to developer Christian Whitehead this was all SEGA’s doing since he’s been busy working on Sonic Mania.

SEGA has yet to come out and comment on the change, but I seriously think this is just a error that will hopefully be resolved. If not it would be a really slimy move to charge loyal paying customers $1.99 to remove ads that you recently updated into their already purchased $2.99 game. Anyway, what do you think of Sonic CD going free-to-play with ads? If you paid for the Sonic CD, do you feel burnt that you now has ads?

UPDATE: Sonic Social Media manager Aaron Webber has confirmed that a fix has rolled out for those who purchased Sonic CD and still got ads. Let us know if you guys are still having issues in the comments below!

[via Touch Arcade]

SEGA Announces New Mobile RPG World Chain

Remember that mobile teaser SEGA Networks put together, that we covered? Well, the game has finally been announced as World Chain which will be a time traveling ‘chain scenario RPG’ for mobile platforms. World Chain is being developed by the staff at SEGA that did Chain Chronicle and is expected to launch in Japan this fall.

The developer has listed World Chain‘s genre as ‘school life X history IF’ which will probably be something like a Japanese high school anime with historical what if scenarios. World Chain‘s story has you playing the protagonist that has just woken up in the an academy where history has been warped and some people have disappeared. In his hands he finds a ‘Chain Driver’ smartphone, which is a device that lets you travel time and ‘rewrite’ history. The game will have you answer questions like where did everyone go and who is rewriting history.

Anyone in the game that goes back in time to rewrite history are known as ‘Rewriters’, which allows you to share strong bonds with people in history and borrow their powers whenever you need them. The game promises up to 140 heroes each with their own story line.

So far World Chain has only been announced for release in Japan and is coming this Fall for Android and iOS.

[Source: Siliconera]