Yakuza 6 to release in Japan on December 8th – Watch the new trailer now!

Released last night is a brand new trailer for the upcoming Playstation 4 game Yakuza 6! The trailer reveals several things including the release date, December 8th, and the price of 8,190 yen. The game’s full title is Yakuza 6: Inochi no Uta which translates to “Poetry of Life”. For those wondering if this is the end of the road for series star Kazuma, the trailer carries the message “The final chapter of the legend of Kazuma Kiryu.” It is unknown if this means the franchise will debut a new hero in subsequent games, or if SEGA plans to put the franchise to rest after this game. Though given how reliant SEGA of Japan are on the franchise, a new hero or more prequel titles like Yakuza 0 are probably more likely.

Check out a large gallery of screens and renders after the break, and let us know your thoughts on the game in our dedicated forum topic or in the comments below!

[Via: gematsu]

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Mania Hands On Impressions

We played Sonic Mania, and now we’re going to tell you what we think! In this SEGA News Bits, George and I (Barry) rest our aching feet just hours after the Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary Party in San Diego to share our reaction to the Sonic Mania reveal and give our thoughts on how the game plays. Do we have another Sonic 4 on our hands or is Sonic Mania the true successor to Sonic 3 & Knuckles? The answers are obviously “nope!” and “hell yes!” in that order.

Special thanks to Neo Hazard for letting us use his footage, you can check out his channel here! Also, thanks to Bartman for being the one to play the game in our footage. You can find Bartman’s YouTube channel here!

If you enjoyed this episode of the SEGA News Bits, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss an episode!

Take a look at SEGA’s Sonic Mania press materials

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Friday night in San Diego at Sonic the Hedgehog’s 25th Anniversary Party saw several reveals, most notably being a brand new 2D Sonic game titled Sonic Mania. George and I were there, and we shared our thoughts on the event itself in a recent SEGA News Bits, with more videos from the event to come. Unfortunately, as is the case with being on location, it’s tricky to news things immediately. Thankfully, we had our website designer Will on writing duty posting up stories as soon as they hit.

Now that the dust has settled, I managed to obtain SEGA’s press materials for Sonic Mania to offer our readers some more details on the game. Per the press release, seen in full after the break, the game is confirmed to have select returning zones from Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic CD, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. This is excellent news, as fans of Taxman and Stealth know full well that Sonic 3 & Knuckles has been a tricky title, likely due in large part to rights disputes over the game’s music. But given that these reimagined stages will have newly composed music by Tee Lopes, new music means no issues.

While we knew who was developing the game, the press release also lays things out in a more official capacity stating that SEGA of America is developing the game in collaboration with PagodaWest Games, Christian “Taxman” Whitehead and Simon “Stealth” Thomley (of Headcannon). Also confirmed is that this will only be a digital release, and will hit PS4, Xbox One and PC. While at the event, we did ask if a physical release was in the cards but SEGA representatives sounded very iffy. Perhaps if fans make some noise we might see one? Also, additional platforms are also possible, but none are being talked about at this time.

Check out the press release and screens after the break!

Project Sonic 2017 announced for Holiday 2017 for PS4/XBOX One/NX/PC

Just at the end of the Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary Party, SEGA had one last surprise. This is Project Sonic 2017, a modern Sonic game being worked on by Sonic Team. It is coming to PS4, XBOX One, PC and NX Holiday 2017! Enjoy the trailer. Holiday 2017 is pretty far away, SEGA is all about quality now though. So the wait will be worth it most likely.

Rez Infinite comes out October 13th for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR

maxresdefaultRez Infinite was shown last year, was raved about as one of the most compelling PlayStation VR demos shown at the device’s revealing event. Now developer Enhanced Games has confirmed that the ‘remake’ will be coming out digitally on October 13th on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR.

Rez Infinite is set to run at full 1080p and feature a new level they are calling ‘Area X’. While Rez Infinite got a lot of buzz because of its PlayStation VR support, it is an optional feature and is fully enjoyable on a regular TV. The real question is though, will Rez Infinite get a trance vibrator re-release?

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X E3 2016 trailer takes center stage

SEGA of America has launched a brand new trailer for the upcoming Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X just in time for E3! Set to release in the Americas on August 30th, 2016 for the Playstation 4 and Playstation Vita with a free glasses pouch included, Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X looks to pack a lot into a single game. Players can expect an assortment of thirty Miku tracks including new and classic music as well as five different Clouds which Miku and friends can explore and accept challenges within.

For more information, check out the official Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X website and stay tuned to SEGAbits for more news and information on the upcoming game.

Atlus announces Persona 5 launch date for the Americas, reveals Premium and Launch Editions

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Get hyped Persona fans, as Atlus has revealed Persona 5‘s release date for the Americas as well two sweet editions of the game featuring tons of swag. Fans can expect to get the game in their hands on February 14th, 2017. The game will release to both Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 consoles and PS4 owners will have the option of the Persona 5 SteelBook Launch Edition and the Persona 5 “Take Your Heart” Premium Edition. It appears that the PS3 will not have a special edition. The PS4 SteelBook Launch Edition, priced at $59.99 US/$79.99 CA will feature a SteelBook collectible case – seemingly similar to the recent PS4 Valkyria Chronicles Remastered metal case although this one appears to be an official SteelBook. The “Take Your Heart” Premium Edition will set you back $89.99 US/$109.99 CA, but looks well worth it. Fans will not only get the SteelBook case, but will also get a soundtrack CD, a 4″ Morgana plush, a 64-page art book, a school bag designed to resemble traditional Japanese school bags complete with a Shujin Academy crest and all that will be in a collectible outer box. Atlus touts this as the largest premium edition in Atlus’ history!

You can pre-order the game at the links above, and after the break check out the full press release as well as a gallery of photos.

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X pre-order bonus revealed and new trailer released

SEGA of America has released a new trailer for the Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X, which is set to release on August 30th to PS4 and PS Vita in both physical and digital formats. Along with the trailer comes pricing info, which the game retailing at $49.99/CA$64.99 for the PlayStation 4 version and $39.99/CA$54.99 for the PlayStation Vita version. But wait, there’s more! SEGA has also announced that pre-orders and launch day copies will include a special Hatsune Miku pouch, decorated with the game’s aura symbols. Seems like pre-order bonus items are the norm now with SEGA of America, as Miku fans may recall that Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX kicked off this new trend for SEGA by including AR cards and a branded lanyard.

For now this is Americas only, as no European release has been announced as of yet. After the break, check out the full press release.

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X releasing Fall 2016 to the Americas for Playstation 4 and Vita

SEGA of America has just announced that Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X will be releasing to the Americas in Fall 2016. Both Playstation 4 and Vita versions are receiving localizations, however there is no word on a European version just yet. The games will be released in digital and physical formats.

Project DIVA X sees players helping Miku and her friends as they sing and dance their way though 5 clouds that comprise of their world. Each cloud is unique, with themes that include Classic, Cool, Cute, Elegant, and Quirky. The game promises 30 new and classic songs as well as nearly 300 costumes. The game also features a full concert editor.

After the break, check out some screens from the Vita version as well as SEGA’s full press release.

Yakuza 0 confirmed for Europe, early 2017 release date planned and new trailer released

SEGA has good news for European Yakuza fans, as it has been confirmed that Yakuza 0 will be releasing to both the Americas and Europe. Prior, only an American release was confirmed when the localization was revealed at the Playstation Experience in December 2015. Even better, the game will be released both physically and digitally! SEGA’s plan is a simultaneous release in both territories and the release window is “early 2017”. While the game was released on both PS3 and PS4 in Japan, westerners will only be receiving the PS4 version. Given the PS4 version is obviously superior, I’m not going to complain. Better that than give us the one for older hardware. SEGA was also quick to point out that the localization is 100% SEGA, and that Sony and PlayStation have no involvement on a production level.

If early 2017 is too long a wait, SEGA has more good news. If you’ve yet to play Yakuza 5, the game is currently on sale for 25% off through April 5th. We loved the game, and we’re certain you will too. Now’s the time to pick it up, support the franchise, and play a great game. Win-win-win!

Contest: Tembo The Badass Elephant Playstation 4 skin giveaway – game is 60% off on PSN & Xbox One

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Tembo The Badass Elephant from SEGA and Game Freak Inc is a loving homage to the early 90s platformer era, featuring outlandish gameplay and cartoonish over the top graphics. To celebrate the game, we’re teaming with SEGA to give away six Tembo The Badass Elephant skins for your Playstation 4 and controller. The artwork is awesome, and we especially love the use of the classic SEGA Seal of Quality logo. To enter, all you need to do is follow SEGAbits on Twitter and retweet the contest tweet. Six winners will be chosen, and the contest is open to the Americas and Canada. The contest ends on Monday, March 21st at 11:59PM CT and winners will be announced the following day.

Tembo The Badass Elephant is on sale for 60% off on both PSN and Xbox One, and a free Tembo The Badass Elephant theme is available for download now on PSN. Good luck to all who enter and don’t forget to take advantage of the sale and snatch up that free theme!

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered “Europa Edition” European exclusive revealed

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While Americans are confirmed to be receiving the Squad 7 Armored Case when Valkyria Chronicles Remastered releases May 17th to the Playstation 4, Europe has their own exclusive. Dubbed the Europa Edition, the package includes all previous DLC as well as an exclusive double sided A3 poster and a 32 page booklet containing franchise art. SEGA Europe seems to have changed their decision on the Squad 7 Armored Case. Initially the special case was said to be releasing to Europe, but details on where to get it were vague. Now, all SEGA Europe trailers for the game only mention the Europa Edition. It’s possible SEGA Europe decided to go with the poster and art book instead, or that the special case will still release in Europe but only at a select retailer. If we learn more, we’ll be sure to news it!

SEGA releases new Valkyria Chronicles Remastered trailer, game set for a May 17th release in Americas and Europe

SEGA’s upcoming Valkyria Chronicles Remastered has a new trailer, and even more importantly release dates for the Americas and Europe! Set to launch in both territories on May 17th, 2016, the updated version of the Playstation 3 classic promises full 1080p/60fps HD quality graphics, all of the original DLC, dual Japanese and English audio, and trophy support. Also, as we’ve reported in the past, pre-orders and limited launch copies will feature a collectible steelbook-style metal Squad 7 Armored Case.

In the above trailer, SEGA highlights the fundamentals of warfare in the game, including the “BLiTZ” Tactical Battle System which combines turn-based strategy, RPG, and 3rd person shooter elements – basically all the reasons we love the franchise so dearly. Pre-order your copy of Valkyrica Chronicles Remastered today and mark May 17th on your calendars.

Valkyria: Azure Revolution Battle Demo Gameplay

Valkyria Chronicles Remaster in Japan came with a Valkyria: Azure Revolution battle demo (first print copies), now that some people have gotten their hands on it we can finally see some gameplay. Valkyria: Azure Revolution will drop the turn based strategy formula in hopes of a more real time, action based approach.

Valkyria: Azure Revolution looks really nice though, still using that canvas engine look but I do think some of the characters movements look a bit stiff. Tell us what you think of SEGA’s new approach with this title. Valkyria: Azure Revolution comes out in Japan on this Winter, only on PlayStation 4. No Western localization has been announced (yet).

[Via Gematsu]

Yakuza 6 demo playthrough now available in HD

SEGA have added Monday’s presentation for Yakuza 6 on their official Ryu Ga Gotoku Channel which just shows how much better the graphics are looking for the latest entry. If this you’re first time viewing the video then you’re in luck, the actual segment for Yakuza 6 starts on the 11:15 mark, prior to that Nagoshi and his co-hostess are discussing and playing Yakuza Kiwami.

Tell us what you think of this PlayStation 4 exclusive, does it make use of the new hardware’s power?