Yuzo Koshiro

Genesis/Mega-Drive inspired portable FM synthesizer “Liven Mega Synthesis” now up for pre-order

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Do you fancy yourself an electronic musician? Are you especially fond of the Yamaha 2612 sound processor that was most notably found in the Sega Genesis/Mega-Drive as well as several old school arcade systems, including the Sega System 32? If you answered yes to both, have I found the tool for you: The Liven Mega Synthesis, now available for pre-order from manufacturer Sonicware for $239 USD.

The Liven Mega Synthesis is designed completely around emulating the iconic sound of the YM 2612 chip, along with the accompanying 8-bit PCM and PSG sounds, in excellent quality with tons of options for composition and editing. While it can record and play music far beyond the limitations of Genesis hardware, it also includes a “Legacy Mode” that allows it to more strictly match the specific sound of a Genesis console on any given track. All this comes in a six track sequencer with ten special effects to apply to each, including reverb, distortion, low pass filter, high pass filter, and crusher.

It’s also got the backing of the one and only retro game composer legend Yuzo Koshiro, who has created 32 preset sounds and 8 special patterns for you to try applying to your own music. This is all included along with 320 preset game sounds and 64 PCM drum tracks.

Check in past the break for the pre-order link, as well as examples of the Mega Synthesis’s preset patterns.

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Earthion releasing for Genesis/Mega-Drive and modern consoles in 2024 from Limited Run Games

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Looking forward to the new Genesis/Mega-Drive scrolling shooter from Yuzo Koshiro and Ancient known as Earthion? We have learned from them and Superdeluxe Games at this year’s Tokyo Game Show that Earthion is on track to release in 2024 both as a cartridge for Genesis consoles and on modern consoles from Superdeluxe Games and Limited Run Games. The former will handle Japanese distribution and the latter will distribute the game internationally. Put some money aside for that now if you want it.

Of course, when more concrete info comes out about when you can buy the game and how much it will cost, we’ll be sure to let you know as we come closer to 2024. Until then, tell us in the comments below how excited you are for this game.

Before we leave you to absorb this news, here’s an interesting fact about the “YKGGG” sign shown with the Sega font in the intro of Earthion straight from Koshiro-san.

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Ancient/Yuzo Koshiro’s new Genesis/Mega-Drive shooter now named “Earthion”; Video footage shown

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Since last year, retro game musician legend Yuzo Koshiro and his game development studio Ancient have been hard at work on an all new scrolling shooter for Genesis/Mega-Drive consoles, their first game for the classic 16-bit platform since Beyond Oasis (The Story of Thor outside of North America) from 1994. As of June 16th, 2023, Koshiro-san has finally revealed the decided upon title for this new game: Earthion. Along with that, he has also shared some new video footage of the game’s title screen and opening level. Looks cool, doesn’t it?

Of course, if you have been following Yuzo Koshiro on twitter like we have (And we do recommend it if you are still on twitter) you will know this is not the only sneak preview Koshiro-san has shown for Earthion throughout the months. Come see some more of them after the break.

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Yuzo Koshiro/Ancient working on new shooter for Genesis/Mega-Drive

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Genesis/Mega-Drive fans are about to be eatin’ good for a while with all the lovely new games, re-releases, and other interesting projects in development for the console. It’s almost like it’s out of retirement. That’s about to  look much more true now that a longstanding developer that’s actually made games for the console in its heyday is now working on a new one for the first time in about 28 years.

Revealed in a tweet by Yuzo Koshiro, who needs no introduction among Sega fans, he and his development studio Ancient (Developers of Streets of Rage 2 and Beyond Oasis on Genesis) are now hard at work on a brand new horizontal scrolling shmup for Genesis. While we don’t know how far along in development this, as of now, untitled game is, Koshiro-san makes it clear this is being made in the spirit of actual official Genesis releases from the 90’s and 80’s and that it will be his first time composing music for a new Genesis game since Beyond Oasis from 1994. (Known as The Story of Thor outside North America).

Hear more about Koshiro-san’s intentions after the break.

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Lizardcube’s Art/Creative Director, Ben Fiquet, explains how Streets of Rage 4 came to be

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After the recent release of Streets of Rage 4: Mr. X Nightmare, Lizardcube’s Art/Creative Director, Ben Fiquet, explains how the Streets of Rage project came to be after finishing Wonder Boy on his latest blog post.

The blog post contains early artwork/animations and screenshot mock-ups of a remastered version of Streets of Rage 2 and an earlier version of Streets of Rage 4 along with details on how the project was greenlit by SEGA of Japan and his experience working with Guard Crush, Dot Emu and several composers together on the game. Check out Ben’s blog to see cool concepts on Streets of Rage 4.

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Streets of Rage 4 soundtrack composers revealed, featuring all-star talent

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Today it was announced that gaming music label Brave Wave Productions have teamed with DotEmu and Lizardcube to create the soundtrack for the upcoming Streets of Rage 4. This means the strong talent already working with Brave Wave are assembled and are working on the new music! Who is involved? Series stalwart Yuzo Koshiro, Motohiro Kawashima (Streets of Rage 2, Streets of Rage 3), Yoko Shimomura (Street Fighter 2), Keiji Yamagishi (Ninja Gaiden) and our friend Hideki_Naganuma (Jet Set Radio, Sonic Rush). This undoubtably means we will see some sort of soundtrack release from Brave Wave.

After the break, check out a preview video featuring Yuzo Koshiro.

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SEGA announces SolSeraph, ActRaiser inspired game with Yuzo Koshiro involved

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SEGA really kept this digital title under wraps, Sol Seraph is a brand new title by ACE Team (Rock of Ages, Zeno Clash) which will be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam on July 10th for only $14.99! Above you can check out the debut trailer for the game.

If you check out the gameplay in the trailer above, you would probably agree that it seems like this game is directly inspired by the 1990 platformer/building simulator game on the SNES, ActRaiser. Unsurprisingly Yuzo Koshiro who worked on the soundtrack to ActRaiser is involved with SolSeraph. he will be doing the theme song!

What do you guys think about SEGA publishing a spiritual successor to ActRaiser? you excited for this game come next month?

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7th Dragon 2020-II For Sony PSP Gets English Fan Translation

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As you already know that SEGA has only localized one of the four released 7th Dragon games from Japan. That one was the last one 7th Dragon III Code: VFD on the Nintendo 3DS. But if you didn’t already know the game debuted back in 2009 on the Nintendo DS with 7th Dragon (translated here), then 7th Dragon 2020 (translated here) on PSP and then comes this newly translated title 7th Dragon 2020-II. Obviously 7th Dragon 2020-II is a direct sequel the previous PSP game and its recommended you play that first.

If you guys didn’t know 7th Dragon was requested by most hardcore SEGA fans due to the involvement of big named SEGA creators including producer Rieko Kodama (Phantasy Star, Skies of Arcadia) and composer Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, Etrian Odyssey). I love these sort of fan translation projects because lets be honest, there is no way that these past three 7th Dragon games will get localization in the west especially considering that the Nintendo DS and PSP are both obsolete.

[Source: Romhacking]

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Atlus Unveils Etrian Odyssey Nexus Launch Edition

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Atlus has taken to Twitter to show off the launch edition for Etrian Odyssey Nexus (known as Etrian Odyssey X in Japan), which is being considered the last entry on Nintendo’s dual screen handheld. If you haven’t kept track, Etrian Odyssey has had ten games debut on Nintendo’s dual screen handheld systems (DS and 3DS) and those include remakes, new entries and spin-offs. Seems that the franchise will make its move to the Nintendo Switch soon, but what better way of saying goodbye to a long running franchise than getting the last entry?

Pre-ordering the game or buying it on the day it launches will get you an exclusive art book featuring character art by Yuji Himukai and monster art by Shin Nagasawa, a pin featuring Vivian and a copy of the game itself in a special big box. If you are strictly a SEGA fan, the franchise (including this entry) features music by Yuzo Koshiro and as you know he is pretty good at making music.

You can pre-order Etrian Odyssey Nexus on Amazon

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Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth Demo Hits 3DS eShop

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If you have been waiting for Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth for the Nintendo 3DS, it seems you can now play the demo since it has hit the Nintendo eShop.

The Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth demo will let you create a party with every character and class available. The only limit imposed in the demo, compared to the full version is that it only lets you reach level 10 and explore until the third floor in the tree dungeon. But if you like Etrian Oydssey V: Beyond the Myth demo and you buy the full game, your demo data will transfer over to the full release. Pretty cool and worth giving the franchise a try, if you haven’t already.

Etrian Odyssey V Beyond the Myth will also have a launch edition as shown above that will come with a 24-page art book, six track music CD and an outer box. SEGA fans might also like to know that Etrian Odyssey franchise features music by Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, Revenge of Shinobi), which to me is a huge selling point. Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth comes out in North America on October 17, 2017 only on Nintendo 3DS.

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Etrian Odyssey V launch edition comes with soundtrack and art book

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Atlus USA has begun teasing the Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth launch day edition which will include extras like a physical 24-page art book, six-track CD and a outer box to hold all your goodies including the game. Like always, these ‘Launch Day’ editions cost the same as the regular game. Amazon has the game for pre-order, if you have Amazon Prime the game will cost you $31.99.

The 24-page art book will have art by series artist Yuji Himukai who has also done artwork for Persona Q and Fire Emblem Heroes. While the soundtrack CD only has six tracks, but they are composed by Yuzo Koshiro who composed the Streets of Rage series, The Revenge of Shinobi, and many more. Etrian Odyssey V is set to come out this fall.

Is the Etrian Odyssey V launch day edition juicy enough to get you to pick it up? Where you planning on getting it anyway? Let us know in the comments below.

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Atlus shows Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 Japanese box art

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Atlus is now showing off the box art for Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2, this box art is for the standard edition of the game. Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 was announced back in March, when they detailed that there would be two versions: standard version and the ‘Etrian Odyssey 10th Anniversary Box Limited Editon’. The cover is illustrated by series veteran Hiroshi Sasadzu with the cover featuring Kenkaku, Buccaneer, Alchemist, Monk, and Farmer. All classes you’ll be able to play in Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2.

Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 comes out exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan on August 31st. Atlus USA has been pretty silent on releasing Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 or even last year’s Etrian Odyssey V over here in the West. Maybe they have given up on the franchise? I hope not, since the games feature fantastic music by Yuzo Koshiro and you know I love me some Yuzo Koshiro music. What is your thoughts on the game’s cover art? Let us know in the comments below.

 

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Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 announced for Nintendo 3DS

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While we covered two Nintendo DS remakes coming to the Nintendo 3DS from Atlus, they also have a brand new title. Atlus and Spike Chunsoft announced Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 for the Nintendo 3DS which expected to launch in August 31 in Japan for 6,480 yen ($58 USD).

The company announced that all first print copies of Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 will include a two-disc “User’s Best Album” containing popular songs from the Etrian Odyssey series. Atlus is allowing users to vote for what tracks make it into the Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2‘s “User’s Best Album” OST by voting here. Votes end in April 9th. The OST will be housed in a digipak case that will be illustrated by Yuji Himukai. Since the Etrian Odyssey soundtracks, including Etrian Mystery Dungeon, are done by Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, Revenge of Shinobi) this is probably something that will appeal to SEGA fans.

But wait there’s more! Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 will also be getting a Etrian Odyssey 10th Anniversary Box limited edition that will cost 9,800 yen ($88 USD) and will include a copy of the game, special box, and a 200 page Character Art Works book featuring art from all the Etrian Odyssey series. Hit the jump to see gameplay, screenshots and story details on Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2. 

[Source: Gematsu]

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SEGA Talk Podcast #09: Streets of Rage (1991)

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Clench your fists, pump up the stereo and get ready to rage in the streets as we talk about the iconic SEGA beat ’em up classic Streets of Rage! On this episode of the SEGA Talk podcast, George and Barry discuss their history with the Streets of Rage franchise, the original game’s development history and Yuzo Koshiro’s iconic soundtrack. There is even some Streets of Rage vs. Final Fight talk for all you fanboys that love rivalries. What are you waiting for? Hit that play button and tune in.

In the comments below, share your memories of the original Streets of Rage!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – Play Music – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

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SEGA in the Media: Pablo Escobar plays Streets of Rage on Narcos

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Netflix launched the second season to their highly rated series Narcos, which follows the life of Colombian drug king pin Pablo Escobar. In the second season, second episode titled ‘Cambalache’ (slang for ‘junkshop’) it shows Pablo Escabar playing Streets of Rage with his son which is why the show being featured on our SEGA in the Media segment.

Netflix seems to always have a reason to show product tie-ins in their shows and isn’t just there to promote a product but to advance the story. This has been shown with the types of video games they showed in House of Cards episodes and it seems to be a continuing trend with Narcos. While most other TV shows just show characters frantically hitting controller buttons, Narcos really shows that the characters are playing the game with the dialogue back and forth. Its minor details that really make a scene seem genuine. Pablo is talking about hitting phone booths, grabbing pipes and questioning the game when he is confronted to fight a woman. His son even tells him that the Streets of Rage female baddie is called Nora, which is actually correct. Seems that Netflix did this cameo just in time, considering Streets of Rage just turned 25 years old a month or so ago.

Its also ironic that Pablo Escabar, who is basically a real life version of Mr. X, is playing a game where he is helping take down a evil organization since that is the main plot of the show Narcos. Only in real life he is the one everyone is trying to take down. It is also funny watching him question the game giving him a female opponent considering one of the big rivals pulling strings this season is a female.

Click here if you wanna read more SEGA in the Media style articles and if you have a SEGA in the Media sighting, contact us!

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