SEGA News Bits: Sonic the Hedgehog Joins LEGO Dimensions Reaction

Sonic the Hedgehog is heading to LEGO Dimensions! Revealed in an E3 Expo Trailer for the game is a number of new franchises hitting the Lego toys-to-life multi-platform game, including Gremlins, Harry Potter, Adventure Time, The A-Team and others. At the moment, not much more is known. Sonic the Hedgehog could be a minor addition by way of a Fun Pack (figure and item) or a full-blown Level Pack (figure and items, plus levels) or a Team Pack (multiple figures and items). Sonic Stadium did spot the Tornado in a LEGO Dimensions graphic, so it is possible we will at least get a Fun Pack of Sonic and the Tornado.

Sit back and enjoy our thoughts on the announcement. Tell us what you think of Sonic the Hedgehog coming to LEGO Dimensions in the comments below.

SEGA News Bits: SEGA & Atlus E3 2016 Game Lineup and Stage Show Schedule

Its that time of year, when gamers and nerds from across the country come to LA to see upcoming video games. I’m talking about E3 2016 and this time we will be looking at what SEGA & Atlus has in store for you. We will be talking about their confirmed game lineup which includes titles like Yakuza 0, Dawn of War III, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD and even Persona 5.

On the second half of this SEGA News Bits we will be talking about SEGA & Atlus’ E3 2016 stage show schedule which will even include a Q&A with Yakuza series developer Toshihiro Nagoshi! Tell us what you think about SEGA & Atlus’ E3 2016 presence in the comments below. If you like the video don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Dawn of War III gameplay footage emerges

SEGA and Relic Entertainment have now shown the first glimpse at gameplay for their upcoming game Dawn of War III. While the first trailer they showed had a dark paint like art style, making some fans think that was going to be what the game looked like. It seems the actual game will have a more ‘comic book cartoon’ like art style. Also surprising to see how much color the game has, which in my opinion is a good thing.

I know Dawn of War III isn’t on every SEGA fans radar, but what do you think of the gameplay shown? Let us know in the comments below.

Atlus to feature NicoNico stream for Persona 5 on June 15th

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Persona 5 is shaping up to live up to the hype, but for those that are still not sold on the game, a NicoNico stream tied to E3 will be hosted called “Uncover the Phantom Thieves” that will provide more details on Persona 5. What this stream will feature is unknown, but will feature the reveal of a “classified video” and general new information. The stream will be live on June 15th at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. ET / 21:00 JST.

To actually view the stream, you’ll need a NicoNico account in order to access the general website. Be warned as the website is in Japanese, so navigate with caution. When information drops on the game, anything new will be reported. Persona 5 itself will be released on Playstation 4 in Japan on September 15th and February 14th for American regions. A release in PAL regions is unknown as of this writing, not helped by the relatively recent SEGA buyout complicating releases of Atlus titles in European countries.

[Source: NicoNico]

SEGA News Bits: Dreamcast 2 Fan Project Shuts Down Reaction

Late last year a group of SEGA Dreamcast fans announced they where petitioning SEGA to start Project Dream, which was basically a Dreamcast 2 console. The users behind the project used a Change.org petition to garner support for their Dreamcast 2 project. After getting over 30,000 signatures from fans around the globe, getting some mainstream press coverage and showing off a few Dreamcast 2 video concepts the team has now called it quits.

We give you all the information you might have missed on the project, talk about why they shut down and our opinions on the whole thing. Tell us what you think in the comments below. If you haven’t, make sure to subscribe to get more SEGA News Bits videos.

Archie Comic’s “Sonic: Mega Drive” sequel issue announced, titled “Sonic: Mega Drive – The Next level”

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Back in February we were very excited to share the news that Archie Comics would be releasing a special one shot special comic in celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 25th anniversary. Dubbed “Sonic: Mega Drive”, the story was said to take place in the games continuity, just after the events of Sonic & Knuckles, and would feature the original classic Sonic designs. Written by Ian Flynn and drawn by Tyson Hesse, creator of the web comic Boxer Hockey, “Sonic: Mega Drive” looked and sounded like a classic Sonic fan’s dream comic.

There were hopes that if the one shot sold well, we’d see a sequel or ongoing series. But, in an interview with IGN, editor Vincent Lovallo shared some news… it looks like we won’t have to wait! Before “Sonic: Mega Drive” even has a chance to release on July 6th, Archie and SEGA have decided to move forward with a sequel entitled “Sonic: Mega Drive – The Next level”. Also a one shot, “Sonic: Mega Drive – The Next level” will follow the events of “Sonic: Mega Drive”. Also of note, when asked if the story will tie into the ongoing Sonic comics, which is a separate continuity, Lovallo said “It will, but I can’t say how at this time.”

After the break, check out a gallery of images including a peek at the inside of the first one shot.

[Via: IGN]

SEGA News Bits: Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice Launch Day Edition Revealed

After a lengthy delay, Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice for the Nintendo 3DS is on its way with a release date of September 27th in the Americas and a recently revealed launch edition. In this SEGA News Bits, George and Barry discuss the upcoming game, the delay, its E3 showing and the Launch Edition itself. As for the European release, no word yet on a Launch Edition, however the game will be releasing across the pond on September 30th. We’ll know ourselves how the game plays after this year’s E3 and the Sonic 25th Anniversary party.

Like our video content? Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube.

Sonic the Hedgehog heading to LEGO Dimensions

Back in May we reported the rumor, but now it is official. Sonic the Hedgehog is heading to LEGO Dimensions! Revealed in an E3 Expo Trailer for the game is a number of new franchises hitting the Lego toys-to-life multi-platform game, including Gremlins, Harry Potter, Adventure Time, The A-Team and others. At the moment, not much more is known. Sonic the Hedgehog could be a minor addition by way of a Fun Pack (figure and item) or a full-blown Level Pack (figure and items, plus levels) or a Team Pack (multiple figures and items). Sonic Stadium did spot the Tornado in a LEGO Dimensions graphic (seen after the break), so it is possible we will at least get a Fun Pack of Sonic and the Tornado.

More news as we hear it.

SEGA and Atlus’ Full E3 2016 Stage Schedule Revealed

SEGAATLUSThe full stage schedule for SEGA & Atlus’ stage shows has been revealed via RPG Site’s twitter account. SEGA and Atlus have multiple ‘special presentations’ at the event, what will be at the presentations? I guess we will find out soon enough since E3 2016 starts on June 14th!

This is SEGA/Atlus’ E3 2016 stage schedule:

Tuesday, June 14

  • 1:00 PM: Special presentation.
  • 2:00 PM: Yakuza 0 presentation with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi.
  • 3:00 PM: Persona 5 character design talk with character designer Shigenori Soejima.
  • 4:00 PM: Special presentation.
  • 5:00 PM: The King of Fighters XIV pro exhibition matches.

Wednesday, June 15

  • 11:00 AM: Persona 5 exclusive E3 print autograph session with Shigenori Soejima.
  • 12:30 PM: Special presentation.
  • 2:00 PM: The King of Fighters XIV pro exhibition matches.
  • 3:00 PM: Yakuza 0 demo.
  • 4:30 PM: Special presentation.

Thursday, June 16

  • 11:00 AM: Persona 5 fan Q&A with Shigenori Soejima.
  • 12:00 PM: Special presentation.
  • 2:30 PM: The King of Fighters XIV pro exhibition matches.
  • 3:30 PM: Special presentation.

I’m assuming SEGA and Atlus will be live streaming their stage shows on their respective online streaming channels like Twitch. I mean, if they don’t then whats the point? What are your thoughts on SEGA and Atlus’ E3 2016 stage schedule? SEGA is back with stage shows, hyped?

SEGA News Bits: SEGA Teases Possible Sonic Crossover Games?

SEGA put out a new survey that asked fans a ton of questions of what they would like to see the company do. One of the questions that stood out to Sonic the Hedgehog fans was the on about what franchises people would be interested in seeing Sonic crossover with. The list included Adventure Time, My Little Pony, Pixar, Capcom, Looney Toons, Disney, Nintendo, and Dragon Ball Z. As you can see this list of franchise both upset and delighted most Sonic the Hedgehog fans.

We all know this isn’t the first time Sonic the Hedgehog has had a crossover game, right now the blue blur is still crossing over with Nintendo’s Mario franchise with their Mario & Sonic Olympic titles. We sit down, discuss the franchises listed and even get to the bottom of where this survey came from! Like our video content? Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube.

SEGA 3D Classics get discounted on the American eShop

SEGA3DClassicsGunstarShinobiOutrunNine of SEGA’s fantastic SEGA 3D Classics remake/re-releases are getting a discount on the North American eShop. If you haven’t picked up some of these titles I totally think its the time to get on it. If I had to recommend one of the following nine titles, I would totally recommend 3D Out Run. Read my review on that title here.

The following games are being discounted (from $5.99 to $3.99):

  • 3D Super Hang-On
  • 3D Space Harrier
  • 3D Ecco the Dolphin
  • 3D Streets of Rage
  • 3D Streets of Rage 2
  • 3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
  • 3D After Burner II
  • 3D Out Run
  • 3D Gunstar Heroes

Which SEGA 3D Classics do you own and which SEGA 3D Classics are you looking into purchasing in this sale? Let us know in the comments below.

[Via: Go Nintendo]

SEGA bringing Zero Latency’s VR multiplayer game to Japan

It seems that SEGA of Japan is showing some interest in the world of Virtual Reality. SEGA Live Creation announced on Tuesday that it will be bringing Zero Latency (and its technology) to Japan. The VR system including software was built by a Melbourne-based company and features a free-roaming virtual world with built-in multiplayer.

So what is SEGA going to do with the game? Well from July 16th the game will have a permanent home in SEGA’s Joypolis in Tokyo. This isn’t just software as the team created its own VR headset that allows for players to roam huge warehouse sized areas, unlike something like HTC’s Vive that only does smaller rooms. SEGA seems rather impressed by the technology:

“When we first tried the Zero Latency experience we were blown away. We are only at the early stages of understanding what free-roam VR is capable of. It’s one of the most exciting technologies coming to market today.” – Kazuhiko Hayami of SEGA Live Creation

Zero Latency announced they are developing a shorter, more arcade-style version of their zombie shooter for SEGA’s Japanese launch. The team still has deals to bring the technology to USA, China, Europe, and Australia but isn’t ready to talk about that.

[Source: Mashable]

SEGA and Atlus E3 2016 line-up revealed

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SEGA has just issued a press release laying out just what attendees can expect to find at their E3 2016 booth, which as we’ve detailed before will be shared with Atlus. While the press release was issued by the London offices, the booth itself is being run by SEGA of America and Atlus USA, however there will be select titles that will also be making their way to Europe. First up is Relic Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, which is set to release in 2017 for Microsoft Windows PC. SEGA’s Yakuza 0, due out in 2017 for PS4 in the Americas and Europe, and Atlus’s Persona 5, due out in February 2017 in the Americas, will also be playable. Sonic will also have a presence with Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice for the Nintendo 3DS which is due out in the Americas and Europe in September 2016. And last but not least, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD for the Nintendo 3DS, which is due out in July 2016 in the Americas, will also be on display.

Jurgen Post, COO For SEGA Europe Ltd., called the lineup “one of the strongest line-ups we have had at E3 for quite a few years”, which is arguably true. Though given SEGA didn’t have a booth in 2015, and 2014 heavily featured the critical bomb that was Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, it’s not hard too hard to declare 2016’s showing as a strong one comparatively. Personally, I think 2016’s E3 lineup is lacking that one big new title that 2014 had with Alien: Isolation. Yakuza 0 and 7th Dragon III Code: VFD are sure to be fun, but they are also titles that have already been released in Japan for some time. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III and Persona 5 both look great, but I wouldn’t say Warhammer is game your average SEGA fan has been chomping at the bit for, and obviously the other is an Atlus title. Also of note, no signs of any Xbox One or Wii U games.

Still, it is great to see SEGA returning to E3 and we wish them a great show. Hopefully this is just a baby step after their massive restructuring and we have more reveals to come leading up to or after the event. Sonic fans and even SEGA themselves have been heavily teasing that the Sonic 25th Anniversary event in July is something to watch out for, so maybe the big new Sonic game will be revealed there amongst one thousand fans who will undoubtably spread the word via fan sites and social media rather than at a trade show.

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SEGA News Bits: SEGA to Shut Down Sonic Runners

Sonic Runners has traversed a rocky road, after personally disappointing us in 2015 and ending up a financial failure in SEGA’s eyes. Now, SEGA Networks has confirmed that the game will be shutting down in late July. In this SEGA News Bits, Barry and George break down what they think caused Sonic Runners to be killed, if we can expect to ever play the game after its servers shut down and what lessons SEGA could learn from the game’s failures. It’s not all negative, as we also talk about what we liked about the game and give it a fitting eulogy.

If you enjoy the SEGA News Bits video formats make sure to like, share and subscribe to our YouTube for more.

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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.

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