Retro-Bit announces official reprint of El Viento and Sol-Deace for Genesis/Mega-Drive; pre-orders open now until July 30th

 

Guess who’s back with more officially licensed collector’s edition reprints of valuable Genesis/Mega-Drive classics? Retro-Bit have just announced their latest project with Edia Co., the current rights holders to the back catalog from Renovation: Special Edition reprints of El Viento and Sol-Deace. Pre-orders for North America are now open from Limited Run Games and Castlemania Games. European Mega-Drive fans can pre-order both from 8BitMods, Arcade Dreams, Dragon Box Shop, Nedgame, RetroCables.es, and Spel & Sant. Wherever you get them from, act before July 30th 2023, when pre-orders close, as this will be the only run for both, like with all other Retro-Bit collector’s edition reprints.

EDIT: More European retailers have opened pre-orders for both games: Funstock, Just For Games, Strictly Limited Games, and Xtralife. The Sol-Deace pre-order page on Castlemania Games has also gone offline, probably due to a temporary error. Keep checking if you really want to buy it there.

You can check out Retro-Bit’s official website for El Viento and Sol-Deace for the most up-to-date information on pre-orders and links to pre-order as well as to scope out their FAQ on both games. To hear more about each game and see pre-order links, check in after the break.

Yu Suzuki’s Space Harrier-inspired “Air Twister” heading to consoles and PC on November 10th

Released June 24, 2022 to Apple Arcade, Yu Suzuki’s Air Twister was a Space Harrier inspired behind the back 3D shooter from the man who created the original SEGA franchise. In what was perhaps our biggest “get”, we managed to interview Yu Suzuki himself to talk about the game! And yes, I will try to link to that interview whenever given a chance.

SEGA Talk #121: Condemned: Criminal Origins (2005)

SEGA Talk takes a trip to Metro City, in this gritty, serial killer chasing video game Condemned: Criminal Origins, developed by Monolith Software. We take a look at the early titles of the studio, the failed Matrix Online and the plans for a ‘Star Wars’ multimedia franchise that never came to be!

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Sonic Central: New episodes of Sonic Prime arrive July 13th on Netflix

The Sonic Central event revealed new footage of Sonic Prime, the Netflix exclusive animated series, and announced new episodes will arrive July 13th. Check out the clip above and get ready for more dimension hopping this July!

Sonic Superstars physical release details leak ahead of Sonic Central event – LEGO Eggman pre-order bonus revealed

With Sonic’s anniversary just a day away, and a Sonic Central live stream planned, it appears some secrets have slipped out. Making the rounds on Twitter is an image showcasing what fans can expect from Sonic Superstars physical release when the game releases in the Fall. The game will feature a surprising amount of bonuses, including an in-game Eggman character skin (who will presumably replace classic Eggman in the cutscenes and boss battles, but it is possible Eggman could be also playable), reversible cover art featuring 2D art in the style of the 1990s games and an acrylic display stand. Worth pointing out, LEGO Eggman is digital and not an actual minifigure included in the box.

Priced at $59.99, the physical release goodies are very much welcomed. It has been a long time since Western fans received such bonuses in a base Sonic game, outside of the usual art books found in Origins Plus and Mania Plus. It is worth noting that in the lead up to tomorrow, the LEGO social accounts have teased a clip of LEGO Sonic tied up. This could be a hint towards LEGO Eggman pushing Sonic aside for an appearance in Sonic Superstars.

We will learn more tomorrow!

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

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.

Japanese Only Dreamcast Game “Nakoruru: The Gift She Gave Me” Gets Fan Translated English Patch

The SEGA Dreamcast is a great console that received a lot of great games, some of these games only got a Japanese release. Thankfully, in the last few years we have had fans go back and translate the games themselves. Nakoruru: The Gift She Gave Me was released back in 2001 on Windows PC and a year later on Dreamcast. This game is an adventure game that’s actually a spin-off of Samurai Shodown from SNK, since Nakoruru is a selectable fighter from the franchise.

Even though the game alludes to you playing as Nakoruru in this game, it seems that isn’t the case. Here is an overview of the game from SNK Fandom Wiki:

“The player is a seven year old girl named Mikato, a villager in Kamui Kotan who looks up to Nakoruru. She watches and idolizes the priestess, trying to help her in anyway that she can. During the time of peace, she spends time acquainting herself with the residents and the beautiful yet sometimes unforgiving environment. Their serene lives are invaded by an evil force, making once tame animals into berserkers and allies into sudden foes.

The basic flow of the game uses traditional elements from the adventure game genre. Players select their answers and proceed along a path that hopefully gets to the good ending of the game. Along the way, they’ll also have to complete a variety of mini-games that test typing and reflexive skills.”

This translation was brought to us by Derek Pascarella who posted his English translated patch on Github. He also points out that there is a bonus disc for the game that features brand-new supplement to the full game including music and a 30-minute OVA with English subtitles.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth coming in 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and PC

It looks like SEGA really is dropping the Yakuza name from its upcoming releases, while Ichiban’s debut game was called ‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’, the sequel is being titled ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth‘. The game just game a gameplay trailer shown off via the Xbox Showcase. I guess in Japan this game will still be known as Like a Dragon 8. Yeah, the naming and changing is getting a bit confusing.

Yes, the debut trailer is just one big gag about Ichiban being naked on the beach. Yes, the Yakuza, uh I mean Like a Dragon franchise is back to what we love. I can’t wait for it to come out early 2024!

(Note: I know the franchise has always been known as Like a Dragon in Japan)

Sonic Superstars opening animation, gameplay footage and development studios revealed

Following the reveal at Summer Game Fest 2023, a demo of Sonic Superstars is now available to play at the event. The footage gives fans a lot to chew on. First, the opening title screen which harkens back to the Genesis/Mega Drive days. Second, the opening animation which is very Sonic Mania and Sonic Origins in style. Third, a look at returning villain Fang and a new villain which appears to be some furry animal in a metal lizard suit.

Fourth, the names of the development studios: Sonic Team and Arzest, Arzest being Sonic designer Naoto Ohshima’s studio which also worked on Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games for the 3DS and Balan Wonderworld. Ohshima was previously announced as returning to the series with character design contributions, though it is possible he and his team are contributing more than just design work. Fifth and lastly, there is a lot of gameplay footage which gives fans a good idea of how the game looks and plays. We will let you do your own YouTube searching for videos, but after the break we have a short one giving a nice overview of different moments in the game.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name set to launch November 9, 2023

During Summer Game Fest, SEGA dropped a new trailer and release details for Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Set for a November 9, 2023 release date to PlayStation 4, 5, Xbox consoles and PC, the game will be priced at $49.99. Pre-orders will get players a Legendary Fighter Pack.

ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.

When we learn more about release details, including physical copies and those steelbooks we like so much, we will be sure to share the news!

SEGA Talk #120: The Ring: Terror’s Realm

On this SEGA Talk episode we pop in the VHS tape, take a job at the CDC and enter… The Matrix? Let’s take a look at the obscure SEGA Dreamcast game The Ring: Terror’s Realm!

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Support us on Patreon! Get early access, have your memories read on the show, select the games we talk about!

Sonic Superstars brings four player action to the classic formula in 2.5D – Releasing Fall 2023

SEGA has just announced a new 2D Sonic game, and it’s not Sonic Mania 2! Titled Sonic Superstars, the game takes the 2D formula into 3D (well, 2.5D) and allows players to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose on their own or with friends. Even more exciting, Fang the Sniper aka Nack the Weasel is back, and will make his transition to 3D! The game is due out Fall 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Check out the trailer and read the official press release below. Also, signing up for the newsletter gets you free Amy Rose DLC which allows classic Amy to wear modern Amy’s dress.

The SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show LIVE: Ghostbusters – Special Edition with BillyTime! Games

39 years ago today, the original Ghostbusters movie hit theaters and kicked off a franchise that has endured to this day! Heck, they’re in New York right now filming the fourth film! On this Swingin’ Report Show, BillyTime! Games stops by to talk about his SEGA Genesis ROM hack Ghostbusters – Special Edition.

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