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Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom to feature graphical overhaul, hand-drawn animation

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The latest development blog update for Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, an upcoming game from FDG Entertainment which carries on the Wonder Boy/Monster World franchise, has revealed that the game will have a graphical overhaul. The team says they plan to “rework the characters and their animations in the game”, shifting from a Flash animation-style look to hand-drawn anime characters. The change was made following online feedback and, in my opinion, is a reaction to the recently released Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap. The new style will feature brighter coloring, and different weapons and equipment will appear right on the sprite thanks to a technology the team has implemented.

The change is a positive one for sure. What do you think of the new style? Sound off in the comments below!

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Retro City Rampage DX physical edition for Switch to feature Master System style reversible cover

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Calm down, we haven’t become a Nintendo new site! (Though I hear that’s where the money is these days…) Vblank Entertainment has announced that the retro gaming-inspired action-adventure game Retro City Rampage DX will be receiving a physical Nintendo Switch release in both collector’s edition and retail edition options. Of interest to SEGA fans is the fact that the reverse of the cover art is inspired by SEGA Master System box art, complete with the grid and simplified drawings of characters and enemies. You can learn more about the release in the trailer above and at the Vblank Entertainment website. The physical edition releases October 9th!

2017 appears to be the year of Master System covers, as Limited Run Games released Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap with a reversible Master System cover as well.

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SEGA News Bits: Sonic Forces Reveals ‘New’ Chemical Plant Zone Discussion

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Sonic Forces has just revealed a sorta, not really new stage with Chemical Plant Zone. While the name suggests its the same stage, its actually quite different now that Eggman took over in the world of Sonic Forces. On this episode we discuss the new Sonic Forces stage reveal, the new wisp costume hero drill and theorize that we could be seeing a Episode: Knuckles? Tune in on the discussion and let us know what you think in the comments below.

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.

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Data Discs announces Metal Slug on vinyl

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DATA013_Ltd_Ed_2Data Discs has announced their 13th number release, this one being Metal Slug. Which is kind of strange considering that each of their prior releases was a SEGA published or owned IP. In the end of the day I decided to post this because Metal Slug was on the SEGA Saturn, so technically its sort of SEGA related? Metal Slug vinyl will be worked on with collaboration from the SNK Sound Team! Each shipped copy will come with a double-sided lithographic insert featuring artwork from SNK’s Japanese archives.

The Metal Slug vinyl will come in three flavors:

  • 180g Tri-Colour with White Splatter (Limited Edition)
  • 180g Opaque Yellow
  • 180g Classic Black

Pre-orders for the vinyl start on October 7th, you can listen to some of the sample tracks here. Are any of you guys big fans of SNK’s Metal Slug? Will you be picking up the vinyl?

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New Sonic Forces custom hero Chemical Plant stage and Drill Wispon weapon revealed

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New Sonic Forces content has been revealed by way of four screenshots and a press release from SEGA PR. The custom hero, the player’s in-game avatar, will return to Chemical Plant in what appears to be the modern day. The classic zone appears a bit dirtier and the stage takes place during the day. Also revealed is the Drill Wispon, which allows players to drill dash on the ground and climb walls. Players can also attack enemies by charging and launching a drill punch.

Interestingly, all these enhancements sound very much like how Knuckles would play. This makes me wonder if we will see an Episode Knuckles with the character playable in select custom hero stages much like how Shadow will be playable in select modern Sonic stages. Just speculation on my part, but it would be cool. As for Chemical Plant… I love the stage, and always will, but it does sort of smell of recycling assets from Sonic Generations, much like how Green Hill is also making a return. Here’s hoping enough new elements are added to make it feel fresh.

You can pre-order Sonic Forces via Amazon Prime and save 20% off the home console versions, making the game just $31.99. After the break, check out the four new screens!

Sonic Forces Bonus Edition pre-order
Nintendo Switch | PlayStation 4 | Xbox One | PC

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Yakuza Kiwami 2 demo hits Japanese PSN in late November

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yakuza-kiwami-2-and-fist-of-the-north-star-game-announced-fo_mhjtYakuza Kiwami 2 is coming out this December 7th in Japan, so SEGA is starting to get their hype train going over there. They have promised a Yakuza Kiwami 2 demo by the end of November, starting on December 2nd to the 17th, SEGA will be launching TV advertising campaign for the game. SEGA will also be holding signing events in November.

As far as what the demo will contain, that is all a mystery but I hope it gives us a glimpse at some of the Goro Majima content that is exclusive to this title. This will also give us a look to see how this title is running on the Yakuza 6 Dragon Engine, since this is the second title by the studio to use the new engine. The first Kiwami game actually ran on the Yakuza 0 engine.

[Via: Gematsu]

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‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ movie moves on to Paramount Pictures

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If you didn’t know about the Sonic the Hedgehog movie that has been in the works for a couple of years now, basically it started life over at Sony Entertainment. It is now revealed that the IP will be heading to Paramount Pictures as Sony has dropped the project. Neal H. Moritz and his company have signed a ‘first look deal’ with Paramount. They will be producing the project.

While the project is shifting publishing houses, it seems most of the staff from Sony Entertainment will be staying. This includes Deadpool director Tim Miller as executive producer, Blur Studio collaborator Jeff Fowler will make his directorial debut, Toby Ascher is executive producing, Dmitri Johnson, and Dan Jevons will be co-producers. Sadly the movie is still aiming at being a blend of CGI and live action, which honestly sounds terrible.

Now its making me wonder if we will ever see a Sonic the Hedgehog movie and if we do if it will be any good. What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below!

[Source: Hollywood Reporter]

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DARTSLIVE reveals Darts of the Dead limited time tie-in event

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The popular ‘DartsLive’ machines will have a House of the Dead tie-in event being titled ‘Darts of the Dead‘. A few weeks ago SEGA Japan filed a trademark for ‘Darts of the Dead‘ and now we know what its all about. The machine will play footage of The House of the Dead 4, giving you a number to hit on the dart board. If you hit each number you survive. You can see even more mini-games for Darts of the Dead  in the video above.

It seems that this update is a limited release and will begin on Monday October 2nd (today) and finish on Halloween. If you have a ‘DartsLive’ machine near you, I suggest you give it a visit if you are looking for some SEGA zombie filled darts action this October.

[Source: DARTSLIVE]

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New Sonic Xtreme prototype concepts surface

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Ah, Sonic Xtreme, arguably one of the most infamous games that never came to be. Despite this, both fans and even the original staff that worked on the game have for years been documenting it’s development history from it’s gameplay concepts to it’s plot, and everything in between.

Today, new Sonic Xtreme concept material has surfaced via a YouTube channel called RDPH Games, with several videos showing never before seen prototype material. Notably this highlights some aspects of Sonic Xtreme before it was a SEGA Saturn title, back when it was still being conceptualized as a game for the failed 32X add-on. These videos include a running animation clip that according to the description was made hours before a meeting with SEGA of Japan, an animation test with a possible title screen for “Sonic 32X”, and a mock up of a hypothetical bonus stage.

While at first glance these clips may not seem significant, every bit of information helps shed some more light of what happened behind the scenes when it came to Sonic Xtreme. In this case, seeing more of Sonic Xtreme before it’s jump on the SEGA Saturn, along with general never-before-seen clips.

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Fist of the North Star (Hokuto ga Gotoku) Extended Trailer shows off gameplay systems

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The Fist of the North Star (Hokuto ga Gotoku) seemed to come out of nowhere. It was announced a few months ago and in Japan its already going to get a early February 2018 release. It seems that the Yakuza Studio people are on a roll with releasing Yakuza Kiwami 2 in December, 2017, then a few months after that releasing this! I have to say, very ambitious studio.

This extended Tokyo Game Show 2017 trailer gives you a look at the story, some fighting mechanics, how leveling up works, mini-games (which we wrote about), and the most important thing is that they confirmed that Out Run is playable in the game. What is your opinion on The Fist of the North Star (Hokuto ga Gotoku)? Do you want to see the title come to the west?

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Yakuza Kiwami 2 extended trailer shows why its the best remake SEGA’s ever produced

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Yakuza Kiwami 2 had its big showing at the Tokyo Game Show 2017 and is set to hit Japan in a few short months. SEGA has gone out of its way to impress Japanese consumers with a extended story trailer giving them a look at all the plot points from the 2006 PlayStation 2 game and brand new plots being introduced in the remake.

This remake is one of the best (if not the best) remake SEGA has ever produced. Or at least its looking that way. Though stating that is sorta a given considering that SEGA doesn’t produce many remakes, which I really do feel that they should. Especially of a high caliber such as this. SEGA always seems like a company that loves moving forward, so I’m glad that they are remaking these decade old titles. What are your opinions on Yakuza Kiwami 2? Will you be picking it up when it finally comes West?

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Classic SEGA Magazine Corner: Playboy showcases SEGA’s big screen television (safe for work)

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The death of Hugh Hefner reminded me of all the times Playboy crossed paths with my favorite pieces of pop culture entertainment, and while franchises like The Simpsons (Marge Simpson’s “photoshoot”) and Star Wars (Episode III’s Bai Ling) have had their day on the Playboy cover, SEGA fans have to dig a bit deeper. Back in the 70’s, SEGA had not yet entered the home console market as they were largely an amusement machine company. However, in the spring of 1977 (just prior to the Atari 2600 and around the time Star Wars hit theaters) SEGA debuted their big screen television Sega-Vision.

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Total War: Warhammer 2 Denuvo DRM cracked in just 10 hours

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Right now SEGA has been getting a lot of heat due to putting Denuvo DRM on Sonic Mania, if you google the DRM right now you will probably find a ton of Sonic Mania related articles. One thing that most people miss is that SEGA Europe’s PC games, like the Total War series have been using Denuvo for awhile. The newly released Total War: Warhammer II came out earlier today and has already had its Denuvo DRM cracked in just 10 hours.

While we can debate if piracy hurts game sales all day, according to a EU suppressed 300-page study, piracy doesn’t harm sales all that much. Is it true? I guess that is up for publishers to decide. I will say this though, if Denuvo is suppose to be protecting your games from piracy, its not doing a great job if its being cracked in less than a day. Not to mention the bad word of mouth that Denuvo DRM has, meaning putting the DRM in your game is automatically a bad PR move. If you didn’t already know, Sonic Forces on PC will also be using Denuvo DRM. How long do you think it will take people to crack that?

This whole PC games, DRM and piracy has been a huge issue with publishers. What are your thoughts on Denuvo DRM and SEGA using it for their PC games? Let us know in the comments below.

[Via: Reddit]

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Persona 5 to release Ann’s Hoodie and Futaba’s Jacket, pre-orders up now

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Japanese clothing company Cospa, who mostly does cosplay costumes and appearl have announced that they are working with Persona 5 character designer Shigenori Soejima to bring in-game clothing to real life. The first official set that they are releasing are Ann Takamaki’s hoodie and Futaba Sakura’s jacket. These pieces will hit Japan in early 2018.

The Ann Takamaki hoodie is up to pre-order right now on Atlus’ shop for 18,500 yen ($165 USD) plus tax. They ship in January 2018 for pre-orders and will be at general shops in February. Futaba Sakura’s jacket on the other hand features removable fur for its hood and is available to pre-order for 19,800 yen ($176 USD) at the Atlus shop. It will ship on February 2018 for pre-orders and March for general sales.

[Source: Siliconera]

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Sonic Adventure available on Xbox One via backwards compatibility update

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If you have been waiting to replay Sonic Adventure but have been too lazy to hook up either your Dreamcast, GameCube or Xbox 360; you’re in luck since its now fully playable on the Xbox One thanks to the latest backwards compatibility update. As you can tell by the photograph above, the XBLA version of Sonic Adventure uses assets from the GameCube version and sticks with its original 4:3 image.

While I have plenty of not so great things to say about how Xbox One brand has been handled, one thing I do think is very ambitious is how Microsoft is setting up the console to be the only Xbox console you would need to own thanks to its focus on backwards compatibility. I find it to be a great solution and a lot better than ‘streaming’ your last generation games like on PlayStation 4. How many of you guys are giving Sonic Adventure another go on Xbox One?

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