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New Shenmue 3 screens unveiled at Magic Monaco 2016 press conference

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The Monaco Anime Game International Conference kicks off February 27th, and of interest to Shenmue fans is a much anticipated Shenmue 3 presence. As a preview of the event, a press conference was held today which featured new screens and details on the upcoming game. While the details side of things is scant right now, images from the event have hit social media. Twitter user Shenmue Forever posted some cool photos of the panel which features some new screens of the game. The images are kind of hard to see, but thankfully the Magic Monaco Twitter account shared one of the screens (seen above), and another has also found its way online (seen after the break). While the game is still very much in an early state, it’s great to see what feels like what one would see while playing the game. Let’s be honest, nothing is more iconic than the back of Ryo’s head – it is what players see for a majority of the game.

More details from the panel will be shared as we hear them!

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New Project X Zone 2 trailer released, demo coming soon

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A brand new trailer for Project X Zone 2 has arrived! Along with it, we get some of the gameplay in action including a more cartoonish Kazuma from the Yakuza series. Once again, Sega, Capcom and Namco/Bandai come together for one large crossover action RPG (along with some characters from Nintendo’s own JRPG franchises).

If you haven’t played the first one and are curious about the gameplay or just want a sneak peek at the upcoming title, Nintendo will have a demo available on the 3DS E-Shop Thursday, January 26. In the meantime, read on to find out which Sega franchises will be represented in this sequel.

Project X Zone 2 releases on the Nintendo 3DS in North America February 16.

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Indie Dreamcast game Leona’s Tricky Adventures now available to purchase

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The indie Dreamcast game Leona’s Tricky Adventures, a combination RPG/puzzle game that we wrote about back in 2014 on the Dreamcast’s 15th anniversary, has finally been made available to purchase. Initially a Kickstarter project for the Dreamcast and Amiga in 2013, the game’s creator cancelled the campaign. Now, the game is finally available for the Dreamcast. It has been pointed out to us by SEGA Driven’s Sonic Yoda that the PC version has been out for a little over a year and the developer KTX Software accepted PayPal donations, rewarding those who helped with the planned Kickstarter exclusives. The developer had this to say regarding the game:

Leona’s Tricky Adventures is a clever puzzle adventure in a charming retro look. Explore a world of mystery and cutesy residents and recover a lost paradise by solving logic puzzles. With a storyline created by the comic authors Musal M. & B. Samuel and the music of the brilliant
composer Chris Huelsbeck, Tricky Adventures is a perfect treat for connoisseurs.

The release features a manual, jewel case, and printed CD and can be purchased at the KTX Software shop which utilizes PayPal. I should note that if you live outside the EU, shipping is pretty expensive, costing half the price of the game itself. Within the EU the game will cost 35.8 Euros total, outside the EU it will cost around $49 total. If you want a look at the packaging, check out the KTX Software Facebook page.

[Source: The Dreamcast Junkyard]

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Valkyria: Azure Revolution’s soundtrack being done by famous JRPG composer Yasunori Mitsuda

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ValkyriaAzureFamitsu2Famitsu’s latest issue has a nice spread with some new details about Valkyria: Azure Revolution. They revealed a new nemesis named Maxim (pictured above) and showed off what is being called “Battle Demo 1.0” which is set to come with first print copies of Valkyria Chronicles Remaster.

Also confirmed is that the game’s music is being done by legendary JRPG composer Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, Shadow Hearts). Valkyria: Azure Revolution hits Japan this winter, nothing confirmed for the west.

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Chain Chronicle Global shutting down February 29th

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chain-chronicle.jpgIf you play Chain Chronicle outside of Japan, I got some bad news for you, it will be closed down next month, and the app has already been removed from the appstores. Before you go blaming SEGA, Chain Chronicle Global is actually published by Gumi and not SEGA.

This is the game closure notice they gave fans:

Dear Captains,

It is with heavy hearts that we must announce that Chain Chronicle Global is closing on February 29th, 2016.

It was a very hard choice to make, but despite the overwhelming support of our loyal fan base, it was the way it had to go. We appreciate your participation in what ended up being a very positive experience for us all, and we would like you all to know that it was thanks to you that Chain Chronicle Global made it as far as it did.

The app is to be removed from the stores, though you will still be able to play the game for a period of time afterwards. Sales of Prysma, however, will end on January 18th, 2016.

While Gumi dropped support, the franchise is far from dead. SEGA is planning to release a anime series based in the game’s universe this year and the game still gets updated in Japan. Maybe now that Gumi has dropped the title, SEGA Networks can relaunch it with all the same content the Japanese version has (the Gumi version was behind).

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Swingin’ Report Show #83: Monster Boy And The Cursed Kingdom Developer Interview

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Refresh your podcast playlists, because the SEGAbits Swingin’ Report Show podcast is BACK! On this episode George and Barry are joined by Fabien Demeulenaere, Director of Game Atelier, the French game studio working on the upcoming Monster Boy And The Cursed Kingdom. If that title sounds familiar, it is because Monster Boy is both a revival and sequel in the Wonder Boy/Monster World franchise, due out later this year to Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms.

In this exclusive first podcast interview for Fabien, he walks us though how the game transformed from a fan project to an official title in the franchise and talks about how the game both celebrates the franchise’s past and moves it into modern gaming. If you ever played a Wonder Boy or Monster World game on the Master System, Genesis, Mega Drive – or any other platform for that matter – this interview is a must listen.

Follow Monster Boy’s development by checking out their official site.

[Download] [RSS] [iTunes] [Archive]

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Phantasy Star Online 2 coming to Japanese PlayStation 4 owners on April 20

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PhantasyStarOnline2Playsation4SEGA Japan have finally given a specific date as to when their free-to-play online game, Phantasy Star Online 2 will hit the Playstation 4. That date is April 20. Right now SEGA will accept 50,000 beta testers between January 25 and February 15.

SEGA will also repackage the game with the upcoming ‘Reborn: Episode 4‘ content update and release it in retail for the PS4, PS Vita and PC. Those that pay ¥4,990 ($43) will get a variety of in-game items.

As for a Western release, SEGA has already said they have no plans on bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 outside of Japan. Which led us to write a decent rebuttal here. So tell us if any of you are planning on importing the game or give us your two cents on the whole ‘no Phantasy Star Online 2 outside of Japan’ issue in the comments below!

[Via: Gematsu]

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Valkyria Chronicles Remaster Story Introduction Trailer Released

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SEGA is inching closer to releasing Valkyria Chronicles Remaster in Japan, which means we will be seeing more trailers for the game. In this trailer SEGA tries to recap the basic plot points of Valkyria Chronicles which includes our heroes being spurred into war, first encountering the war witch Selvaria Bles and the relationship between Alicia and Welkin.

Valkyria Chronicles Remaster hits Japanese retail shelves on February 10th only on PlayStation 4. All first print copies will include a demo for Valkyria: Azure Revolution. No Western announcements have been made for Valkyria Chronicles Remaster or Valkyria: Azure Revolution. If anything changes, you bet we will keep you posted. 

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Sonic Retro webmaster celebrates Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in the latest issue of Retro Gamer

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The latest issue of the UK classic gaming magazine Retro Gamer is celebrating its 150th issue in a big way by counting down the 150 Greatest Games Ever as selected by readers. What’s so cool about the issue is that for many of the entries, they turned to those in the fan community to wax nostalgic on the greatest games. Seeing as Retro Gamer‘s readers have taste and didn’t completely avoid SEGA like another publication out there, several classics from the developer have made the cut. Just some include 1986’s OutRun with a piece written by Sumo Digital’s Steve Lycett, Shenmue with thoughts from the Shenmue Dojo webmaster, and (as stated in our headline) a write-up on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 by Sonic Retro’s very own webmaster Scarred Sun.

Seeing as the magazine is out there for sale right now both physically and digitally, I’m not going to spoil the surprise of the game’s placement or what was said, so you’ll just have to find out for yourself.

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Bayonetta 2 standalone re-release hits retail February 19

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bayonetta-2.jpgSeems that Bayonetta 2 became a highly wanted game after they announced that she will be coming to Super Smash Bros later this year.

Nintendo will re-release Bayonetta 2 as a stand alone version, which means it won’t come with the first Bayonetta (which is available as a stand alone as well, just digitally). But it will cost half the price, at $29.99. If you can find a copy used at your local GameStop, it will run you around $30 dollars as well but come with both games. Good luck with that one.

[Source: Nintendo]

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Yakuza Kiwami first print copies to come with Yakuza 6 demo

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Yakuza6demoFor those that are importing Yakuza Kiwami, a remake of Yakuza 1, the game will come with a product code to download a trail demo of Yakuza 6 on January 28th. The demo will allow you to play as protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and explore Kamurocho on the new gameplay engine that was teased back in December of last year.

The thing is Yakuza Kiwami is coming out on both Playstation 3 and Playstation 4, so I’m unsure if both versions come with the code for the demo, seeing as Yakuza 6 is Playstation 4 exclusive. Yakuza Kiwami is set to release on January 21st while Yakuza 6 is slated for later this fall.

[Via: SEGA]

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Yakuza Kiwami Limited Edition Japanese PlayStation 4 model revealed

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YakuzaKiwamiPS4The Yakuza series isn’t particularly new to getting limited edition models of PlayStation consoles, so its no surprise that Sony has announced the Limited Edition Yakuza Kiwami model for Japan. I’m not a big fan of the Playstation 4 limited edition consoles because it just seems like they put a decal on the HDD bay cover and call it a day. But if you gotta have it, it will run you 36,980 yen (about $314) plus tax. What does the package include?

  • 500GB PlayStation 4 model (Jet Black/Glacier White) x1
  • Wireless Controller (DualShock 4) x1
  • Yakuza Kiwami PS4 HDD Bay Cover x1
  • Monoaural Headset x1
  • Power Cord x1
  • HDMI Cable x1
  • USB Cable x1

What about the game? Sorry, the bundle does not include the game and you will have to purchase that separate. This is basically a Playstation 4 with a Yakuza Kiwami themed decal. Worth the price? That’s up to you.

[Via: Siliconera]

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SEGA partners with ‘goGame’ to publish Japanese mobile games globally

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SEGA has now moved forward in their next step for mobile publishing by partnering up with goGame, which is a company SEGA Networks has a large stake in. They will be launching ‘goPlay’ a publishing platform for mobile developers (mostly being aimed in Japan). The idea is that there will be tiers of services the developers can purchase to fit their needs.

While stuff like localization, customer support and other features offered with this service cost money, there is a free option that includes access to SEGA’s Noah Pass ad network of over 100 million users in Japan. This will allow mobile developers to get ad revenue for their creations while SEGA gets a bit off the top. Another ‘free’ service is ‘goPay’ which allows developers to easily receive payments globally, goGame only starts to take 3% from transactions after the game generates over $100,000 dollars in revenue.

Its pretty ironic that SEGA is investing in these sort of companies focused on global publishing when they have one of the worse track records of localizing their own products.

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PlayStation Essentials Sale slashes prices on Persona games

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Persona_4_investigation_team_2Are you a SEGA fan that still hasn’t tried any of the popular Persona series video games? I think now is the time for you to jump on board since Sony has put three entries on sale! All prices are USD. Persona is like Final Fantasy as you don’t need to play the prior ones to enjoy a new entry. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a fighting game that continues the plot after the RPG games, FYI:

If the prices aren’t low enough, Playstation Plus members get an extra savings (ranging from 10%-20%). If you have a Playstation Vita I would suggest picking up Persona 4 Golden instead of the PS2 classic version, since it has more content. You can read about that here. The sale ends on January 19th.

If you have an extra $4.00 dollars I suggest you also pick up one of my favorite Playstation One games, none other than Tomba!  a game created by Capcom legend Tokuro Fujiwara.

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Review: Yakuza 5 (PS3)

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Yakuza5ReviewIf you have been on this blog and read my writing over the years you would know that I’m a huge fan of SEGA’s Yakuza franchise and was really pleased to hear that they decided to bring over Yakuza 5 even though it’s been out since 2012 in Japan. After years of contemplating whether or not to just import the game and play with an online guide, I decided it was best to wait. Now that Yakuza 5 has an official English release, was the wait worth it?

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