Could SEGA be planning to reveal a new Yakuza game on September 15th?

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The official Japanese Yakuza site (that’s the one for the SEGA games, not the official Japanese site for the yakuza) has updated with a banner teasing a September 15th reveal. The reveal is two days before Tokyo Game Show 2015, and the same date as the SCEJA Press Conference. So it is likely that this reveal will take place during the Sony press event. It is likely to be a game, but for what piece of hardware is unknown.

It’s important to note that the Yakuza series turned 10 this year, so perhaps it is an anniversary initiative or a boxed release of the entire series or a rerelease of earlier games or a new game. Earlier today we shared the reveal of a PS3 and PS4 title from SEGA named LEXUS, and while I speculated that this is a new non-Yakuza title from the Yakuza team, it could end up being that LEXUS is the code name for this reveal. Yakuza turns ten… the X in LEXUS could be the roman numeral for ten… who knows! All will be revealed on September 15th, and in the meantime we’ll share whatever news and rumors we come across.

SEGA reveals Tokyo Game Show 2015 lineup – we may know what game the Yakuza team is working on!

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SEGA’s Tokyo Game Show site opens today, offering fans a glimpse at what the company will have on display. While we’ve known what plenty of the games will be for a while, there were a few surprises that SEGA have tried to keep a secret. Thankfully, Gematsu dug around in the site’s source code and found mention of two unannounced games! The code has since been removed, but thankfully Gematsu saved the info.

New SEGA 3D Classics announced; including Power Drift and Puyo Puyo 2

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My life has been made. SEGA has officially announced new SEGA 3D Classics; 3D Power Drift, 3D Puyo Puyo Puyo 2, 3D Maze Walker, and 3D Fantasy Zone II!

The full version of the teaser art we posted yesterday has been released (isn’t Arle adorable?), showing that the new physical SEGA Reprint Archives 2 collection will feature Power Drift and Puyo Puyo Tsu, with the bonus games this time around being Maze Walker and Fantasy Zone II; the Master System versions! Whether these games are to be released internationally is unknown, but honestly by this point I think we’ll be seeing at least Puyo and Power Drift on the western eShop soon.

More information on the new physical collection was released yesterday, but it’s damn cool to see not one but four new games for the collection!

I’m pretty ecstatic right now, but let us know what you think in the comments!

Project X Zone 2 screens and art of Segata Sanshiro and Space Channel 5’s Shadow surface

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Yesterday, Japan’s SEGA Saturn mascot Segata Sanshiro was revealed to be appearing in the Capcom/Bandai Namco/SEGA crossover Project X Zone 2. Today, we have official art and screens of Segata Sanshiro via a new article from Famitsu! Segata will be a Solo Unit in the game, meaning he can be attached to a Pair Unit acting as an assist. Also in the Famitsu article is character art and screens of Space Channel 5 Part 2‘s Shadow, leader of the Rhythm Rogues. Shadow will be a non-playable enemy character, meaning players can pit Ulala against her former foe. Also revealed is the trio of Zephyr, Vashyron and Leanne from Resonance of Fate, all of which appeared in the last game. However, it looks like Vashyron and Leanne are trading places, making Zephyr and Vashyron a Pair Unit and Leanne a Solo Unit.

After the break, check out the new art and screens from the upcoming game!

16 years and still thinking: Happy September 9th, SEGA Dreamcast fans!

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Another September 9th is upon us, a date that is very important to American SEGA fans. Sixteen years ago today, SEGA released the Dreamcast to the American public. Looking back, it was a bittersweet launch, as it was the last home console to be released by SEGA. Of course, we didn’t know that at the time. Back then, September 9th was nothing but excitement, and there was so much to be excited about! I know I may get some flack for saying this, but the Dreamcast’s American launch lineup stands as the best launch lineup in video game history. Just look at what games were available on day one: Air Force DeltaBlue StingerExpendableFlag to FlagHouse of the Dead 2Hydro ThunderMonaco Grand PrixMortal Kombat GoldNFL 2KNFL Blitz 2000PenPen TriIcelonPower StoneReady 2 Rumble BoxingSonic AdventureSoulCaliburTNN Motorsports Hardcore HeatTokyo Xtreme RacerTrickStyle. A variety of first and third party titles spanning multiple genres, some returning franchises like Sonic, House of the Dead, and Mortal Kombat and some new ones that would go on to become major successes like SoulCalibur and the 2K series of games.

Segata Sanshiro is confirmed for Project x Zone 2

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Segata Sanshiro, the fictional marketing character created by SEGA Japan during the Sega Saturn era seems to be making a sort of ‘revival’. It was confirmed on Weekly Famitsu that Segata Sanshiro will have  his own playable solo unit character on the upcoming Project X Zone 2! No screenshots yet, but we will post them when we get them.

The following characters from other publishers have also been confirmed:

  • Captain Commando (Captain Commando, Capcom)
  • June Lin Milliam (Star Gladiator, Capcom)
  • Heihachi Mishima (Tekken, Bandai Namco).

Project X Zone 2 hits Japan on November 12th, North America and Europe players get it early 2016. Check out all the Segata Sanshiro commercials while you wait!

[Source: Gematsu]

SEGA 3D Reprint Archives 2 announced, with more boxart by Ken Sugimori and a new 3D Classic teased

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Well, this came out of nowhere! SEGA 3D Reprint Archives 2 is officially a thing, in Japan at least.

For those unaware, a while back SEGA released a few of M2’s amazing 3DS remakes of various SEGA games in a physical collection. Now Japan’s getting another one of these packs, but it looks to be something special; notice the mosaic. There’s clearly another character there, and it seems to be hinting at a new 3D Classic. I think the best guess I can muster is that it’s Gillius Thunderhead of Golden Axe riding a Chickenleg, but we’ll have to wait and see!

Currently confirmed for the collection are Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, Fantasy Zone II W, Thunder Blade, and Galaxy Force II, all in their remastered 3D Classics state. Various bonuses are also slated to be included; for reference, the previous physical release contained an improved version of Space Harrier’s 3DS port, as well as ports of Space Harrier 3D and OutRun 3D from the SEGA Master System; all of which we haven’t gotten over here on the eShop.

The new collection’s also rocking some amazing cover art by Pokemon legend Ken Sugimori once again; it’s surreal seeing someone well-known as a Nintendo and Pokemon artist drawing Sonic!

As mentioned, there’s no word of this coming here; and given the fact the last collection didn’t release here it’s really unlikely this will (unless SEGA decide Sonic gives it selling power…).

We’ll keep an eye out for any further news on this, including that mystery game and any new bonus features.

Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition is coming to PS4, PS3 and PS Vita

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SEGA has updated last year’s Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax in arcades as Ignition, it was only a matter of time that it would come out on consoles. Well, it came out sooner than I expected, its going to hit Japanese consoles on December 17th. That’s right, a couple of months after the US release of the first one, the expanded version will hit Japan. Talk about deflating a release in America before it happen, I’m sure lots of Western buyerz that where going to get Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax are second guessing themselves and its something SEGA’s localization team has to improve on. Releasing Japanese games closer to their Japanese release date, not a year after. Atlus has done a great job, sometimes releasing their text heavy JRPGs two months after their Japanese release.

The game is hitting the Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita again, while finally debuting on the Playstation 4. The game will have a expanded “Dream Duel” story mode that will expand the game new situations. Modes like “Network Mode”, “Training Mode” and “Gallery Mode” all make their appearance. As covered before this version of the game has two new playable characters: Quenser Barbotage (from Heavy Object) and Emi Yusa (from The Devil is Part-Timer).

[Source: Gemastu]

Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces Launch Trailer

The British aren’t coming… They’re already here. Yes, the latest standalone entry in the Company of Heroes 2 series, (the highest rated WWII RTS franchise of all time,) has arrived.

The British Forces boasts a new allied faction; the iconic British army. The Tommies use a unique tech-tree which challenges the player to balance the constant trade-off between mobility and defense. The package also brings 8 brand new multiplayer maps for you and your allies to battle your way across.

The British Forces is available now on Steam for just £/$/€ 9.99!

Total War: WARHAMMER – High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer Trailer

Deep beneath the World’s Edge Mountains, in the throne-room of the Dwarfen capital Karaz-A-Karak, High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer broods.

This spectacular new trailer uses in-engine models and animations to introduce the sturdy, redoubtable Dwarfs, one of four playable races in Total War: WARHAMMER.

The Dwarfs are as tough and unmovable as the mountain they dwell beneath, using black powder weaponry and machines like the gyrocopters they’ll prove either a formidable foe or valuable ally… The choice is yours.

Review: Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX (Nintendo 3DS)

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If you read last week’s preview, you’d know that I was feeling quite positive about what I had experienced in playing SEGA’s latest Nintendo 3DS title Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX. Now that I’ve had an additional week, I’ve experienced a bit more of what the game has to offer. Rhythm modes have ramped up the difficulty factor, I’ve been able to experience the game’s StreetPass/SpotPass functions, and it was even a certain vocaloid’s birthday. SO without further ado, let’s turn on the lights, grab a mic, and hit the stage for our review of Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX!

SEGA’s publishes new trailer for their next big JRPG ‘The World Ends Eclipse’

SEGA Has released the following trailer for their next big upcoming JRPG titled ‘The World Ends Eclipse‘, which will be coming to Windows PC, Playstation Vita, and mobile devices. The game will have you conversing with big breasted, scantily clad dressed women who continuously call you ‘Captain’. This title is probably one of the bigger cross platform titles SEGA has done for mobile. What it seems like, that this is a mobile game that will be converted to play on both PC and Vita. I would say that’s a decent compromise for people that don’t like to play games on their phones.

We got a few more screenshots down below for you gander at. Yeah, the graphics aren’t anything impressive. Though I do like some of the character designs and if its got writing like Chain Chronicles, it will probably have good character stories as well. But will the game come West? With SEGA’s track record, maybe in a few years but reskinned to appease some focus group.

Rumor: Universal Studios on track to make a movie or TV show based on SEGA’s Golden Axe

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Via superhero movie news site Heroic Hollywood comes a rumor that, if true, shows that SEGA’s plans to turn classic franchises into movies and television shows is progressing. The rumor is that Universal Studios is either interested in or has already made a deal with SEGA to acquire the television or movie rights to Golden Axe. The rumor also states that Universal was interested in other properties as well, but may be playing it safe and is only going with Golden Axe for now.

The idea of a Golden Axe movie isn’t too crazy, given Universal is also at work on the long awaited The Legend of Conan and NBC (owned by Comcast which also owns Universal) is at the moment working on a Xena reboot. Given The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings have completed, and the Harry Potter franchise is in hibernation until 2016, there is a void for sword and sorcery films that studios are likely looking to fill with established franchises.

Universal could be hedging their bets on the genre and are looking to Golden Axe, Conan and Xena to make them big money. Also consider that Universal Studios has Harry Potter attractions at their theme parks. While Disney has cornered the market on sci-fi and superheros, could Universal be eyeing fantasy? Hey, the studio hedged their bets on monsters years ago and look where that took them.

Why SEGA refusing to localize Phantasy Star Online 2 is a bad sign

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Given that we know the news that SEGA doesn’t have plans on publishing Phantasy Star Online 2 outside of Japan, at least for the Playstation 4 (though the PC and Vita versions have been out for over 3 years, so I assume those aren’t coming either). I stated in my original article that I thought it was a really bad decision and got many people upset while they tried  to debate me on the topic even though I never really stated why I felt it was a bad decision. So, here it is, my article talking about why SEGA West not bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 is just another stupid decision by the company that has had a long history of bad decisions.

I decided that it was time I did a write up about why SEGA West not bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 outside of Japan is bad,  not only for their in-house IP but also for their overall brand.

Shenmue 3 Kickstarter reveals development progress and future plans

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It’s normal for most Kickstarter campaigns to go silent for a bit following successful funding, mainly because those behind the campaign are now hard at work creating whatever it is you backed. Of course, in the case of Shenmue 3 which raised over $6 million, backers were more eager than usual to hear something new. Thankfully, the radio silence didn’t last too long as backers received an update last night on the development progress and future plans. Better yet, we heard it straight from Yu Suzuki himself!