The SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show LIVE: Our Favorite and Most Disappointing SEGA Games of 2024

It’s a new year, which means we need to look back on SEGA’s releases in 2024 and pick our favorite and most disappointing games, moments and company decisions.

Joining us are Sonic Weekly podcast host Grant to talk Sonic in 2024 and beyond and our own Patrick aka Kori-Maru to look ahead to what SEGA has planned in 2025.

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Humble Bundle begins selling a limited time Sonic the Hedgehog IDW Comics Collection

Are you really into the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog comics or looking for an affordable opportunity to start getting into them? Like the idea of also benefiting a great, noble cause at the same time? Humble Bundle’s just given you your chance with their new Sonic the Hedgehog Comics Bundle.

From now until January 8th, 2025, you can pay whatever price you want for a bunch of digital Sonic comics in DRM-free PDF and ePUB format to read on the device of your choosing. You’ll get several books leading up to the end of the Metal Virus saga, one book from the Scrapnik Island saga, and the 30th Anniversary Deluxe book. Portions of the proceeds from this bundle will also benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: A series of 170 pediatric hospitals in the USA and Canada that provide special, critical medical treatment to children in need. You even get to decide how much of your payment is split between them, IDW Publishing, and Humble Bundle.

Have a look after the break for a detailed list of the comics on offer and a link to the bundle page.

SEGA and My Arcade Team Up To Produce Retro Gaming Devices of SEGA Classics

Update: My Arcade has uploaded teaser images of their upcoming SEGA products. Check out the gallery in next section of the article below.

Today, My Arcade announced that they would be working together with SEGA to launch retro gaming devices featuring of SEGA Classics such as:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • OutRun
  • The Revenge of Shinobi
  • Golden Axe
  • Streets of Rage

The mini arcade devices will be making an appearance at CES 2025, Jan 7–10, My Arcade booth #15146 (Central Hall) in Las Vegas. Check out teaser images below!

SEGA Talk #155: Blue Stinger (1999)

Rewind to the Dreamcast era and join us as we revisit the cult classic survival horror game, Blue Stinger. Developed by the short-lived but talented studio Climax Graphics, this forgotten gem blends thrilling action, immersive exploration, and a captivating storyline. We delve into its groundbreaking graphics, haunting sound design, and the unique challenges it presented. Tune in to discover why Blue Stinger, despite its limited audience, deserves a place in the pantheon of cult classic games.

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – Download]

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

The SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show LIVE: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Review

Happy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 release day! The movie that brings the events of Sonic Adventure 2 to the big screen is here, and Barry shares his thoughts on the movie in an hour long spoiler heavy review! Oh yes, I’m Barry. I’m typing this and referring to myself in the third person.

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First Look at the English Dub Trailer of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii + SEGA Steam Winter Sale

Take yer first gather and hear the english dub of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii recently revealed by SEGA and RGG Studio. Voice actor, Matthew Mercer, reprises his role as Goro Majima in his latest adventure journeying into the vast sea. Here is the full English V.O. cast for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii:

  • Goro Majima – Matthew Mercer
  • Raymond Law – Samoa Joe
  • Noah Rich – Maya Tuttle
  • Jason Rich – Jeremy Brandt
  • Masaru Fujita – Brent Mukai
  • Taiga Saejima – James Kirkland
  • Queen Michele – Debra Wilson

If you’re also looking into trying out other Like a Dragon games until the release of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, be sure to check out SEGA’s Steam Winter Sale! This sale is a perfect opportunity for those looking for a last-minute gift for that Like a Dragon fan or fan-to-be in their life.

Featured Titles Include:
– Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – All editions 50% off
– Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name – All editions 50% off
– Like a Dragon: Ishin! – All editions 70% off
– Yakuza: Like a Dragon – All editions 50% off
– Yakuza 0 / Yakuza Kiwami / Yakuza Kiwami 2 – 45% off
– Yakuza Remastered 3/4/5, Yakuza 6 – 70% off

For details on all participating SEGA titles, pricing, availability and more, please visit SEGA’s Steam Winter Sale page.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Reveals A Look At Activities and Mini-Games

SEGA and RGG Studio has recently unveiled the activities and minigames players will be able to experience in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, available on February 21st. From karaoke to arcade gaming, we have the scoop on everything that fans would love and appreciate with details and screenshots in the next section of the article.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Standard Edition: PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

Collector’s Edition: PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

Future Press Announces Official Guide for Metaphor: ReFantazio

Future Press today announced an uncompromising 592-page official guide for Metaphor: ReFantazio, which is available for pre-order now for only $54.99.

The world ATLUS has created in Metaphor: ReFantazio is so rich, it warrants an entire book devoted to exploring its every detail. Future Press is delivering exactly that, with a focus on absolute completeness, lavish design, and impeccable production quality. The book is hardback, printed on premium, fingerprint-free paper, and comes with a world map poster and bookmark ribbon.

This gigantic volume catalogues everything in the game across almost 600 pages of beautiful design, aiming to recapture ATLUS’s wonderfully unique style on the printed page. It will release in early 2025, and pre-orders are open now on the Future Press website and select online retailers.

Metaphor: ReFantazio, a recipient of the Best RPG, Best Art Direction, and Best Narrative award at The Game Awards last week is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Steam.

ILTHY Collaborates with Paramount Pictures and SEGA for Limited Edition ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Streetwear Collection

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is only a few days away until the premiere and to celebrate the upcoming release from Paramount Pictures, Midwest-based streetwear brand ILTHY has launched a limited-edition collaboration with Paramount Pictures and SEGA bringing the movie’s characters to a range of premium apparel.

The collection includes sweater hoodies, heavyweight t-shirts, caps, and jackets, all inspired by the iconic Sonic franchise. The ILTHY® x Sonic 3 Collection are available now on ILTHY®’s official website and select retailers nationwide. Hit the next section of this article for the full press release and photos.

SEGA Talk #154: Border Break (2009)

Welcome to SEGA Talk! Today, we’re diving into the high-octane world of Border Break. We’ll explore the epic battles, the customizable robots, and the passionate community behind this beloved game. Join us as we revisit the legacy of this mostly overlooked SEGA-AM2 classic!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – Download]

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

Virtua Fighter, Project Century and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds | SEGA News Bits LIVE

The Game Awards did not disappoint! Virtua Fighter is BACK, RGG Studio has a brand new game AND Sonic returns to the world of racing in CrossWorlds. On this SEGA News Bits LIVE, Barry discusses the reveals and shares his thoughts on the recently released Limited Run Games merch.

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Virtua Fighter is Back! Celebrate VF’s 30th Anniversary with Multiple Announcements through VF Direct!

The time has finally come for the Virtua Fighter series to return, with multiple projects underway! In the very first VF Direct, the development team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA AM2 unveiled a plethora of exciting announcements about the future of the Virtua Fighter franchise. Here’s everything fans need to know from the VF Direct:

  • The next chapter in the Virtua Fighter series is officially in development! At the Game Awards, a teaser showcased Akira Yuki and Sarah Bryant with stunning new designs. More details about the game will be revealed in future VF Directs.
  • The 2.0 update for Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is now available as a free download on Playstation 4. The 2.0 update includes returning moves from Virtua Fighter 5 R, balance adjustments, new combos, and revamped hit effects.
  • Pre-Orders for Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O is available now on Steam with Standard and 30th Anniversary Edition for $15.99 and $39.99, respectively. The 30th Anniversary Edition will include exclusive 30th Anniversary themed costumes for all characters, collection of all Virtua Fighter titles original soundtracks*, plus 2 new songs and previously unreleased themes from the Virtua Fighter 2 era, ultra rare preliminary sketches and artwork straight from the pre-production of the original Virtua Fighter, and 30th Anniversary in-game rank titles. Exclusive set of character customization items featuring SEGA’s legendary consoles will be available for both editions if you pre-order the game.
  • The Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O Open Beta is now live on Steam and will run for five days. Be sure to jump in and experience the updated mechanics while you can!
  • Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O tournaments have been announced for major fighting game events at Frosty Faustings XVII 2025 in Chicago on January 23-26, 2025 and EVO Japan on April 12, 2025.
  • Official Virtua Fighter merchandise will soon be available for purchase on Amazon. Stay tuned for the release date.
  • Physical editions for Virtua Fighter 2 and Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown will be available to purchase through Limited Run Games website at 10 AM ET for a limited time from December 12, 2024 – January 12, 2025.

The future of Virtua Fighter looks incredibly promising. With a new game on the horizon, major updates, special editions, and tournaments, the iconic fighting game franchise is making a triumphant comeback.

What are your thoughts on all this exciting Virtua Fighter news? Which announcement are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from everyone in the community!

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds announced for 2025 – All-Stars return?

Sonic returns to the race track with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, a new entry in the Sonic racing series which was revealed at The Game Awards. Due out in 2025, little is known about the game aside from the fact that Shadow locks his car and the game will feature portals to other worlds. The end of the trailer appears to play the SEGA Saturn Japanese startup sound, perhaps a not to Sonic R or that the series will jump around Sonic’s racing history as well as other SEGA titles. We have read that Hardlight will be developing the game.

Project Century revealed as new title from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has another game up their sleeve at The Game Awards, and unlike Virtua Fighter it appears to be a brand new original title. Project Century, which is more than likely a placeholder, takes place in 1915 Japan. Though based on the clothing, architecture and presence of some supernatural elements it’s not the one from our own history. The game features the studio’s trademark over the top combat, though this time it is a lot more bloody than most titles from the studio. Not much more was revealed, but we’re intrigued and can’t wait to learn more!

Virtua Fighter is back with an all new entry from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Revealed at The Game Awards 2024, Virtua Fighter is back with an all new entry from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The game is not a rerelease or remake, it’s all new though interestingly not being billed as “6”. What is the title of this new game? I guess we will find out soon as VF Direct will have more details on December 13th at 12AM Eastern Time. In the meantime, enjoy the trailer and let’s all celebrate the return of the best fighting game series of all time!