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SEGA announces A Certain Magical Index / Virtual-On crossover game

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SEGA has announced A Certain Magical Index / Virtual-On crossover game, which is coming in 2018 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. The game is being based on the 2016 light novel ‘Toaru Majutsu no Virtual-On’  which was a novel having both franchises crossing over and was created to celebrate Virtual-On‘s 20th Anniversary.  It seems that SEGA loved the idea so much, that they needed to create a full blown game based on the light novel. We don’t know if the actual game will use the light novel’s story, which seems to be highly possible.

Here is the summary for the ‘Toaru Majutsu no Virtual-On‘, which seems to be pretty basic in terms of story.  As for what the game will be and how it will play, SEGA has been conservative on those details. If this is just a Virtual-On game with A Certain Magical Index characters playing as the Virtuaroids, I’ll be OK with that. The last Virtual-On game released was ‘Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force‘ back in 2010 on Xbox 360. You can watch the A Certain Magical Index / Virtual-On crossover game trailer above.

What are your thoughts on A Certain Magical Index / Virtual-On crossover game? Do you like the idea of SEGA using in-house properties to relaunch franchises?

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SEGA News Bits: New Sonic Mania Gameplay, Boss & More Revealed Reaction

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We finally got some new Sonic Mania gameplay, boss and more revealed. So on this ‘BREAKING‘ episode of the SEGA News Bits George and Barry sit down to discuss our thoughts on the new information, what Sonic Mania means to other SEGA fan game creators and how the game is being advertised compared to Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Like always let us know what you think of the new Sonic Mania gameplay that has been revealed in the comments below. While its not a new stage, having new Sonic Mania gameplay is always nice, right?

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us. Give us a sub, if you are already subscribed you can always like the video.

 

 

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Floigan Bros. SEGA Dreamcast DLC available to download for first time in sixteen years

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You may remember Floigan Bros., Visual Concepts attempt at an episodic game for the SEGA Dreamcast that wasn’t the usual sports title expected from the developer. Sadly the episodic nature of the series never saw the light of day, as only the first episode starring Moigle and Hoigle Floigan released. Despite being cut short, what we got in the first episode was a very fun and funny game that combined elements of point and click adventures, a-life and platforming mini-games.

The game also took advantage of the Dreamcast’s internet capabilities with DLC called “FMTs” (Fun Moigle Things) that released monthly and were themed to the calendar month, offering up costumes, mailbox goodies and a new mini-game. Unfortunately, by the time the game’s site shut down, only the January DLC was archived online. However, thanks to Tim Meekins, Nick Jones, and John Elliot of the original Floigan Bros. development team and fansite Dreamcast Live all the original DLC is available to download again! To download the DLC, click on over to Dreamcast Live’s blog post, and in an effort to preserve the DLC moving forward we’ve gone ahead and archived it ourself with links after the break.

You can learn more about the DLC in a video after the break. Also worth noting, the SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show podcast had the privilege of interviewing Brian Silva, who originated the idea for the game at Visual Concepts (he also voiced Bubsy!) and if you’d like to learn more about Floigan Bros. history we highly recommend listening to the episode.

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Cave Story gets an almost complete SEGA Genesis port

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We posted last year about a fan working on a port of Cave Story for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, which he is calling ‘Cave Story MD‘. While the developer released a proof of concept demo, which we discussed on the SEGA News Bits last year, it is now mostly fully ported over. While Cave Story might be almost fully playable on the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, it doesn’t mean its perfect. On Cave Story MD‘s GitHub page it says to expect ‘alpha quality’ on this release and that the farthest you can reach in this game is ‘Last Boss room’, which has the hardware hang upon entry.

You can download the Cave Story MD rom over on the game’s GitHub page. The game should be playable on any major emulator or even on official SEGA hardware if you have a EverDrive. Let us know what you think of the work being done on Cave Story MD, tell us in the comments below.

 

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New Sonic Mania Green Hill Zone Act 2 gameplay revealed, new badnik introduced

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In the latest reveal for the upcoming Sonic Mania, Sonic the Hedgehog brand social media manager, Aaron Webber, gave a special first look at Green Hill Zone Act 2 and how transitions work between acts similar to Sonic 3 & Knuckles. The second act of Green Hill Zone demonstrates a new mechanic such as the zip line, interactivity with the elemental shields to enter secret routes, and reveals a much closer look of the mountains and waterfalls in the background.

Aaron also noted that the background layout of Act 2 is a reference to the early prototype of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. While the boss for Act 2 cannot be revealed at the time, Aaron has mentioned that are brand new badniks introduced in Sonic Mania known as the Hard Boiled Heavies and Heavy Gunner which have been revealed on the Sonic Twitter account and are detailed in a new article from Game Informer. What are your thoughts on Green Hill Zone Act 2? Feel free to leave a comment below.

For the video without the commentary and artwork of the new badniks, be sure to hit the jump below.

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Sonic Generations “Unleashed Project 2.0” project cancelled

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Bad news for people looking forward to the Sonic Generations Unleashed Project 2.0 mod, as it has been announced that the project has been cancelled. The project’s former head, S0LV0, has announced that she is stepping down from her position and canning the project as a result. According to her via a TwitLong post, it was due to a lack of passion on her end causing a lot of stress, and being unable to pass the workload onto someone else.

So, here it is. I can’t begin to express how sorry I am about this, but I’m cancelling Unleashed Project 2.0. For a long time I was really passionate about it, and I felt I had something special to share with people by working on it, but that passion is gone. I know of no one I could pass the workload onto, nor do I plan to release my “completed” work as none of it is fully polished. I’m sincerely sorry to those who were looking forward to it, but I hope you’ll understand by this far into my post that it was extremely unhealthy for me.

The project itself was designed to replicate Sonic Unleashed levels, including bonus and DLC stages, using the PC version of Sonic Generations as a base. Though intended to replicate levels, some designs were changed as a form of compromise due to technical limitations. Ultimately the project was ambitious, with over 30 levels planned for the Unleashed Project, with the ultimate goal to expand Sonic Generations with a DLC-esque experience and a way to re-introduce Sonic Unleashed levels.

As for any hope of Unleashed Project being revived in the future, it may be a possibility. Former head DarioFF may return as the head of the project, expressing interest in reviving the project. Whether or not it will happen remains to be seen.

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Persona 5 free and paid English DLC schedule released

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persona5dlcWhile I don’t hate paid DLC, per say, I do miss the days when games came complete for a price instead of having a ton of paid DLC over the course of months. Sadly, Atlus seems to find their DLC practices to be working. They will continue them with Persona 5, which will feature free and paid DLC. Today, Atlus USA published the schedule for the free and paid DLC on the Persona 5‘s official English site. Plot spoiler, only the swimsuit outfits will be free and the rest is paid for DLC:

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SEGA News Bits: What does Nintendo Switch mean for Project Sonic 2017?

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On this SEGA News Bits, we are doing things a bit differently since SEGA news seems to be slow. This week we will be discussing what Nintendo Switch means for Project Sonic 2017. While the Nintendo Switch is a nice piece of portable hardware, there is a big difference between Nintendo Switch and its competitors when it comes to power. Tune in to hear us talk about what we think the differences between the full game’s graphics will be, if Sonic the Hedgehog games need state of the art graphics and the idea of taking a Sonic the Hedgehog console game on the go. Let us know what you think of all this in the comments below.

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us. Give us a sub, if you are already subscribed you can always like the video.

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Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap launches April 18

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WonderBoyDragonsTrapHey SEGA Fans, the remake of Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap, which is dropping the numerical number will be launching on April 18, 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The company stated that the PC version will arrive at a later date, that its still under production. Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap will include a brand new art style with the ability to switch to 8-bit graphics at the switch (click) of a button.  If you are a PlayStation 4 owner in Europe, the PlayStation Store is offering a 20% off on Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap if you pre-order it.

DotEmu, the publisher released this handy description:

“Boasting beautiful, hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure. Play as Lizard-Man, Mouse-Man, Piranha-Man, Lion-Man, and Hawk-Man, and use their unique abilities to uncover the land’s deepest secrets. Switch in real-time between the original retro graphics and the visually stunning modern remake, and input your old Sega Master System passcode to unlock all of your old saves and progression – just how you left them in 1989.”

But that isn’t all, DotEmu has been teasing that there is one more Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap surprise that will be revealed on March 22, 2017. What do you think this surprise is and are you excited for this fantastic looking remake?

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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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New Puyo Puyo Tetris footage shows off gameplay modes

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New Puyo Puyo Tetris has been released and uploaded, courtesy of Perfectly Nintendo. This nearly 25 minute video shows off matches between the five multiplayer modes, Versus, Fusion, Swap, Party, and Big Bang.

  • Versus: Players pick either Puyo Puyo or Tetris and try to knock out the other players. Tetris based on Super Rotation System while Puyo Puyo based on Puyo Puyo Tsu rules.
  • Fusion: Players use both Puyo and Tetrimino on a single board, utilizing character specific dropsets. Clearing rows or popping Puyo does not interrupt controls, allowing players to continuously chain and create combos between Puyo and Tetrimino clearing.
  • Swap: Change between Puyo Puyo and Tetris, swapping to the other playstyle after a set time limit. Any Puyo or Tetrimino in the background when swapped will still create chains, potentially creating a combo if utilized at the right time.
  • Party: Players choose Puyo Puyo or Tetris, utilizing power blocks that hamper the opponent or benefit the user. The objective is to score the highest amount of points within a time limit, getting knocked out costing you points.
  • Big Bang: Players pick Puyo Puyo or Tetris, utilizing preset boards in order to power up. Successfully clearing a chain extends the next one, while failing to clear a chain reduces the next one. After the time limit is done, players attack each other, the strongest chain hitting all other opponents and reduce their health. This continues until all other players are knocked out, the last one standing being the winner.

In addition, for those that are curious about the English voices, you can hear those from Ringo, Tee, Amitie, Arle, and Ess extensively. Puyo Puyo Tetris is due for a western release on April 25th in North America and April 28th in Europe for both the PS4 (physical only) and Nintendo Switch.

 

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PlayStation Now adds 13 SEGA Games to streaming line-up

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Sony has announced that they are celebrating ‘SEGA & Sonic Month’ over on PlayStation Now by adding 13 SEGA titles to its streaming line-up. If you don’t know what PlayStation Now is, its basically a pay-per-month service that allows you to stream titles on a number of devices including PC, PlayStation TV, PlayStation 4 and other smart appliances. Since the service uses ‘the cloud’, you’ll be able to play on one device and pick up where you left off on another. PlayStation Now is a great concept but I only recommend it if you have really fast and stable internet.

These are the 13 SEGA titles that are now available to stream on PlayStation Now this month:

  • Alex Kidd in the Miracle World
  • Altered Beast
  • Comix Zone
  • Fighting Vipers
  • Golden Axe
  • Revenge of Shinobi
  • Sega Bass Fishing
  • Sonic Adventure
  • Sonic Adventure 2
  • Sonic the Fighters
  • Sonic Unleashed
  • Super Hang-on
  • Virtua Fighter 2

If you think your ISP is fast and stable enough to stream playable games, you can give the service a try with Sony’s seven-day free trial. A bit weird that they added SEGA Genesis titles to the service, I would have assumed they would have tried getting more full fledged games like Vanquish, Binary Domain and other bigger titles. What are your thoughts on PlayStation Now?

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New Initial D Arcade Stage Zero trailer hits the net

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SEGA’s long running arcade series Initial D, which is based off a manga and anime with the same name, is ready to launch its 9th arcade release (give or take due to re-releases under new titles). But this isn’t being called Initial D Arcade Stage 9, it is being titled Initial D Arcade Stage Zero! You are probably asking yourself why this arcade game is being called Initial D Arcade Stage Zero and that’s because its being based on the New Initial D The Movie which a retelling of the early chapters of the Initial D manga. Even the designs in this game are being taken directly for the new movie which is setting to reboot the franchise for a new audience.

Initial D Arcade Stage Zero will also be the first arcade title in the franchise to feature a 6-speed gear shifter and will have completely new background music. You can check out more information about Initial D Arcade Stage Zero on the game’s official website.  While the title does seem to have some pretty low quality graphics, the game play seems fun enough. What is your take on the Initial D franchise of SEGA games? Let us know in the comments below.

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SEGA Europe Community Manager Dan Sheridan leaves company

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It is a sad day for those of us in the SEGA fan community who liked shouting “WOO!”. SEGA Europe’s Community Manager Dan Sheridan, who joined the company in September of 2015, is leaving SEGA today. From reading his tweets, Dan will be taking a job in the world of VR, so it’s not game over. Dan is notable for becoming the face of SEGA Europe and for rebooting the SEGA Central video series following a rocky transition that affected both American and European offices of the company. Thanks for your service to our favorite company and best of luck from all of us at SEGAbits, Dan!

After the break, check out Dan’s introduction video from when he started his job at SEGA.

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SEGA acquires Crytek Black Sea, forms Creative Assembly Sofia

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SEGA Europe and Creative Assembly have finished acquiring Crytek’s former Black Sea studio and have now created a new team known as Creative Assembly Sofia. The studio was best known for the 2004 game Knights of Honor, a historical real-time strategy game. The team was picked up by Crytek in 2008 and renamed Crytek Black Sea. Under the name Crytek Black Sea they finished one game in 2015, a free-to-play MOBA title named Arena of Fate which only made it to close beta before having its plugged pulled.

The new team Creative Assembly Sofia will be developing brand new titles and has 60 employees based in Bulgaria. With these new employees under the Creative Assembly umbrella, it means that the developer has grown by 37%, taking the developer to over 500 employees. Last year Creative Assembly continued to grow increasing its development space by 88% by adding a new 45-camera motion-capture studio and dedicated audio suites.

This is what Tim Heaton, Creative Assembly studio director had to say about the acquisition:

“Now in our 30th year of games development, with an army of multi-million selling titles to our name and a history of world-renowned partnerships, Creative Assembly is proof of the UK games industry’s potential for global success. Due to this success, we are further expanding our UK base and developing additional projects overseas, whilst pursuing top talent from across the globe to join us, all in support of our commitment to creating high quality, authentic gaming experiences.Our continued growth allows us to be dynamic with our future projects, constantly seeking new opportunities and reaching a wider audience with our games.”

It seems that SEGA Europe’s new team, Creative Assembly Sofia will be part of the big Creative Assembly machine helping work on unannounced titles that we will be covering in the near future. While more of our readers care more about console games, its nice to have SEGA find big success in the PC market and expand with Creative Assembly Sofia. Check out a quote from Jurgen Post after the jump.

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