Latest Posts

SEGA Europe responds to #TakeMyMoneySoE campaign to localize Japanese games

by

Screen Shot 2016-04-18 at 12.57.29 PM

Last Friday, over at the Sonic Retro forums, the idea for a campaign came about which would target SEGA Europe to localize Japanese titles that had already been confirmed for release in the Americas. The campaign has since become a joint effort by SEGAbits and Sonic Retro, and other fan sites are welcomed to join in! Dubbed #TakeMyMoneySoE, details of which can be read here, the campaign tasked European SEGA fans to take a photo of money totaling the price of a game that they want SEGA Europe to localize alongside the name of the game written down. Then, fans are to tweet the image to @SEGA_Europe accompanied by the hashtag #TakeMyMoneySoE. The campaign gained a fair bit of traction, and the next day SEGA Europe replied.

SEGA Europe’s response, seen above, was “we’re working on this & when we are ready to share info we will do so – thanks for your support & being awesome fans!”. SEGA Europe also responded to a fan asking specifically for SEGA 3D Classics Collection with the reply from SEGA Europe being “we’re working on bringing them to Europe – we don’t have a date to share at this time”. These responses are far better than the usual “we don’t have any information about that title releasing in Europe at this time” answers. It appears that the wheels are (hopefully) in motion, so thumbs up to all the fans who helped share our message. If you haven’t done your part, keep sending SEGA Europe the message that you have money for them. Just remember to be polite and respectful.

3 Comments

#TakeMyMoneySoE – a campaign to get Sega Europe to localise games

by

TAKEMYMONEYSOE

This is Sega Europe: https://twitter.com/SEGA_Europe. They do things like localise games from Japanese and release them in the UK, Germany, France, Australia, etc.

Oh, did I say localise games? Old hat. Their current job is to say “no information at this time” to any questions on Twitter. Over and over and over again. This is a shame, because SoE used to be the best Sega division, and SoA has rather cheekily stolen this title in the last couple of years.

The only reason I can think of for them doing this (other than just tormenting the audience, and I can’t see this as a logical business decision), is that they don’t think they’ll make any money on a release. That the translation won’t get them sales, and that they need some incentive or something.

Right. They want some incentive? Let’s bloody GIVE them an incentive! If the only thing they’re going to listen to is cold hard cash, I think we can do that.

Continue Reading ➜

6 Comments

SEGA Retrospective: From Wonder Boy to Monster World to Adventure Island and beyond

by

wonderboyheader

Over the years, video game franchises have come in many styles. Platforming, fighting, puzzle, shooting, the list is never ending. But one thing many franchises have in common is that they have to start somewhere, setting up the foundation for future titles to follow up and improve on. However, on occasion, something happens down the line that causes the franchise to become twisted, causing things to become complicated. Copyright issues might make the prospect of new titles impossible so spiritual successors might be necessary (For example Bayonetta being the successor to Devil May Cry), or the franchise suffers from an identity crisis when localized like with Puyo Puyo, or games having inconsistent releases cause confusion like the infamous Final Fantasy I to VI problem.

By far one of the most curious cases is with a franchise called Wonder Boy (Aka Monster World).

Continue Reading ➜

1 Comment

Meet Sonic & Knuckles Rock the Rock champion Chris Tang at Galloping Ghost Arcade’s SEGA Week

by

ggct

SEGA Week at Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, IL runs from April 25th to the 30th, and we’re excited to announce a special guest who will be in attendance all week long: Sonic & Knuckles Rock the Rock finalist and champ Chris Tang! Back in 1994, SEGA of America held an insane Sonic & Knuckles event on Alcatraz Island dubbed “Rock the Rock”, featuring TV coverage by MTV and co-hosting duties by Daisy Fuentes. Sounds crazy, right? Well that’s the 90s for you. Chris Tang’s other accomplishments include the 1990 Nintendo World Championships grand finals and in later years becoming a creator in the game industry, contributing to franchises that include Street Fighter, Transformers, Marvel vs. Capcom and Power Stone.

If you live in the area, or have never visited Chicago, head on over to the Galloping Ghost Arcade! On April 30th join us for SEGAbits Saturday, which will highlight the many SEGA games celebrating anniversaries as well as the arcade originals of the SEGA 3D Classics titles – SEGA 3D Classics Collection releases that same week to the Nintendo 3DS. We also plan to feature special tournaments with prizes . There will also be surprise reveals of classic SEGA arcade machines, playable for the first time at the arcade, and Chris Tang will be there.

No Comments

Shmuplations releases translated interview with SEGA of Japan hardware legend Hideki Sato

by

SegaHardware

Thanks to shmuplations.com, we now have the full interview with SEGA of Japan’s Hideki Sato, the legend who helmed SEGA’s console R&D during the 16-bit era and later became the company president in 2002. The interview initially appeared in the Japanese publication Famitsu DC in 1998 and was later republished in the 2001 “SEGA Consumer History” book. Several hardcore fans, myself included, have that book in their collection, but were unable to read the interview due to the obvious language barrier. Now we have the whole thing in english! Check out the full translated interview here. The interview is in two parts, with part one covering the Dreamcast and part two covering past hardware.

Thanks shmuplations.com!

 

4 Comments

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse coming to the Americas summer 2016

by

Atlus USA has just announced that Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse (Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final in Japan) will be releasing to the Americas this summer. The game is said to overlap with the original SMTIV, with the game’s story focusing on a Hunter cadet who gets killed by one of the demons wreaking havoc on post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Thankfully, the fallen Hunter is resurrected by the mysterious god Dagda and is set on a path that walks the line between good and evil. The game is set to hit Nintendo 3DS systems physically and digitally for $49.99/CA$64.99.

Check out the trailer above, and after the break check out the Atlus press release and some screenshots.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

A User’s Guide to Puyo Puyo Tsu (Puyo Puyo 2)

by

puyopuyotsu

3D Puyo Puyo 2, better known under the Japanese name Puyo Puyo Tsu, is one of several games as part of the upcoming SEGA 3D Classic Collection. Puyo Puyo Tsu is considered an arcade classic in Japan, with it being played on a high level even today and setting the standards for future Puyo Puyo games like the concept of offsetting, All Clear, and standardizing four colors. But playing the game might be intimidating since for people this might be the first time playing the game. Luckily this guide will explain how the game works so you can feel more confident.

Continue Reading ➜

6 Comments

SNK PLAYMORE teams with ATLUS to bring THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV to the Americas

by

SNK PLAYMORE and Atlus U.S.A. have just announced that the two are joining forces to bring THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV to the Americas. The game is set to release exclusively to the Playstation 4 later this year. KOF XIV is most well known to fans as the game that brought the series from pixel art to 3D models, whether or not this is a good thing is up to you. Personally, it is just great to have confirmation that the game is heading our way. Atlus promises that KOF XIV will have vastly improved netcode for competitive level multiplayer to fully use the PS4’s online features.

After the break, check out the press release and screens of the upcoming game!

Note: Sega Games Co., Ltd. is Atlus’s parent company, however THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV is coming west thanks to ATLUS U.S.A. Confusing, I know, that’s just how corporations work. It’s like how Disney fan sites can news Star Wars stuff.

Continue Reading ➜

5 Comments

DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours Fantasy Zone, Space Harrier and Galaxy Force II DLC now available

by

Back in February, we reported that DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours, Taito’s latest entry in the DARIUS series of side-scrolling shoot’em up games, was getting SEGA themed DLC packs that included Fantasy Zone, Space Harrier and Galaxy Force II. The reveal came with a trio of trailers that were unfortunately posted and pulled within a day. Seems the Japanese news site Game Watch put the previews up by mistake. Thankfully, now those trailers can be seen again, as you can now buy each of SEGA DLC pack for $4.99 or pay $11.99 for all three!

Above, check out the Space Harrier trailer, and after the break see the Galaxy Force II and Fantasy Zone trailers.

Continue Reading ➜

1 Comment

Neptunia and SEGA Hard Girls crossover coming to the West this Fall to PS Vita

by

Screenshot_331

Today, it’s been announced that the Seha Hard Girls and Hyperdimension Neptunia crossover game is coming to the West, both USA and Europe, as Superdimension Neptune vs SEGA Hard Girls, exclusively for the PS Vita. According to the game’s US website, it will feature an English dub and have the option to keep the original dub with subtitles. Oddly enough, SEGA is not publishing the game in the West, rather it’s being done by Idea Factory International, the regular publishers of Hyperdimension Neptunia games in the West.

The game seems to follow in the footsteps of other Neptunia games, being a 3D RPG with a cross between active and turn-based combat, with platforming on the overworld. Fans of the main series will probably find a good enjoyment out of it, and SEGA fans will probably want to tune in for the likely hefty amount of cameos that will doubtlessly be in the game.

Superdimension Neptune vs SEGA Hard Girls comes to the west in Fall 2016.

8 Comments

Fastest Food Alive: A look back at the 1993 & 1995 Sonic the Hedgehog Cookie Crisp Cereal promotions

by

Our Fastest Food Alive video series continues as we look at more food promotional items from Sonic the Hedgehog’s past! Last time we took a trip to McDonald’s, this time we’re staying home and having breakfast. What’s on the menu? Cookie Crisp Cereal! In 1993 and 1995, Sonic was a toy surprise in specially marked boxes of the chocolate chip cookie inspired cereal. First as a plastic figure in 1993, oddly standing on a skateboard, and again in 1995 as a set of 16 POGS. Remember those things? Click play on the video above and take a trip down memory lane as we check out this food promotions and give a short history lesson on Cookie Crisp Cereal.

If you enjoyed the video make sure to like, share and subscribe to us on YouTube if you haven’t already. Thanks for the support!

1 Comment

SEGA to publish War Child compilation this summer for charity

by

SEGA War Child

SEGA is publishing a special compilation for PC, with profits being donated to the UK based War Child charity. The compilation consists of various games from different developers including 343 Industries, Creative Assembly, Team17, Stealth Inc., and more. The purpose of the compilation is to not only donate profits to charity, but to also draw attention to the developers that make these games, effectively killing two birds with one stone.

Continue Reading ➜

1 Comment

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 for iPhone and iPod Touch receives graphical update

by

screen640x640

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1, that highly controversial 2D episodic game that has since released to just about every platform, has received a long overdue graphical update for the iPhone and iPod Touch version of the game. When Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 first released, there were several different versions out there. Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 received the version of the game with the best graphics and sound while the Wii version was a step below, with less than stellar graphics and sound. Below that was the iPhone and iPod Touch version which not only featured very blocky graphics, but also had stages that existed before SEGA overhauled the game and did away with the mine cart and pinball machine levels. SEGA marketed these as “2 EXCLUSIVE LEVELS!!!”, but savvy fans knew that SEGA likely just didn’t have the time or resources to retool the mobile versions as they did the console versions.

Continue Reading ➜

2 Comments

Alien: Colonial Marines Overhaul Mod tries to fix the game

by

ACM_2016-03-25_18-08-54-942Alien: Colonial Marines was a big fat mistake, a game that should have never been released and earned SEGA (and developer Gearbox) lots of ill will from gamers due to the disaster that it was. From false promises in advertising to the game being rushed to store shelves to make a quick buck out of the license, Alien fans felt betrayed.

Well, if you still have the game on your Steam list, you might want to give TemplarGFX’s new Alien: Colonial Marines Overhaul mod a shot! The team went into the game to heavily re-balance it and make it fun to play. Want to see all the stuff they changed? Hit the jump or check out the moddb page to download.

Continue Reading ➜

2 Comments