Michael Stearns returns with a new friend, Moon, who shares their infectious enthusiasm with us about the 1990 Sega game, Bonanza Bros. Plus the new DLC Minecraft track for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is covered by David & Grant in the news section, Bo shares updates of Rings of Saturn across time/space, and in the end, we all learn a little bit about friendship (and the shared developer connections between Bonanza Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog).
Originally released for Nintendo Switch and Steam a few months ago, The House of the Dead 2: Remake is officially launching on PlayStation 4 & 5 and Xbox One & Series X|S on October 24th for $24.99. The House of the Dead 2is a remake of the second entry in the well-known and popular rail-shooter series. Take on the lone role of a secret agent as James or Gary, or team up in co-op mode to neutralize the dangerous creatures standing in your way. The remake also includes:
Remastered music (with the classic soundtrack also available in the game)
Today, SEGA officially released the Minecraft Pack for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now hop in and play as fan-favorite characters including Steve, Alex, and a creeper while racing through the Minecraft World course, immersing them in the pixelated and blocky world. The Minecraft Pack includes the following:
Steve, Alex, and a creeper as playable characters
Minecart Vehicle
Six decals for the Minecart Vehicle
Minecraft World Course
Five original Minecraft Music Tracks
New remixes of original Minecraft Music Tracks
Six different emotes per character
Players who own the Digital Deluxe Edition will automatically receive the Minecraft Pack as part of the Season Pass. For those who want to take part in the Minecraft action, the entire Season Pass is separately available for $29.99 USD, which includes access to even more upcoming exciting Season Pass characters, vehicles, and courses. Players can also purchase the standalone Minecraft Pack for $5.99 USD.
Players who do not own the Minecraft Pack will still be able to compete online against those who do and will be able to race on the Minecraft World course against the Minecraft characters.
Barry and the hosts of Sonic Weekly cross through the ring portal – as heard in part 1 – and emerge on the Swingin Report Show LIVE! We learn more about how the Sonic Weekly podcast came to be, discuss the canon elements of the Sonic Racing games and take your questions!
Barry the Nomad returns to the show to settle his fake rivalry with David the Lurker. We cover the weekly news, Rings of Saturn, and give our review scores for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Lastly, David eulogizes Dan Drazen, a legendary figure in the Sonic fan community.
We had our first festival in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and on this News Bits we talk about how it went! Also, news has dropped that Sonic is teaming back up with the Olympics!
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Today, SEGA announced its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for a multi-year licensing agreement. SEGA & IOC are seeking key partners for a full merchandise collection to launch in 2026.
The first look at the upcoming “Five Rings” collaboration is available now, featuring the Olympic rings with a supersonic Sonic the Hedgehog spin. This sneak peek into the custom art highlights the connection with Sonic and the core Olympic values, including excellence, respect and friendship.
Check out further details in the press release here!
On this SEGA Talk, we discuss the first half of the fourth Sonic the Hedgehog game that arrived nearly 15 years after the third game! How did Sonic 4 come to be? Why is it so controversial with some fans? What is the ideal way to play it? Can you physically own it? Find out on SEGA Talk!
David and Bo celebrate the launch of CrossWorlds, deliver a public service announcement about your elderly neighbors and relatives, and decide that when it comes to copyright law, you can’t just live and learn.
The Shinobi legacy returns with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a modern reimagining of SEGA’s iconic ninja action series. Released earlier this year, the game slices its way onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, bringing a mix of stylish combat, retro-inspired flair, and fresh design sensibilities. Behind the project is Lizardcube, the Paris-based studio best known for revitalizing another SEGA classic with Streets of Rage 4. Having earned widespread praise for blending hand-drawn artistry with tight, old-school gameplay, Lizardcube now turns its attention to one of SEGA’s most enduring heroes, aiming to reintroduce Shinobi to a new generation while respecting the series’ stealth-and-slash roots.
But will their trademark flair fit seamlessly with the iconic Shinobi franchise? I spent time with Art of Vengeance, and in this review, we’ll talk about what works, what doesn’t, and whether this revival lives up to its legendary name.
SEGA has announced another iconic SEGA villain that will be appearing as a guest in the upcoming SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance DLC.
That villain is none other than the mighty Death Adder, the fearsome giant from the Golden Axe series, responsible for murdering the loved ones of Yuria’s heroic warriors.
Take on Death Adder, Dr Eggman and another mysterious villain as Joe Musashi in the SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, coming later in 2026!
Yuzo Koshiro’s studio Ancient has been kind enough to offer us a review code for Earthion on Steam, and I have run the game through its paces many a times. Now that the wait to experience this modern Genesis classic is finally over, it’s time for me to report on how this shooter turned out. Suffice it to say, the game pushes the Genesis to limits never thought possible, but is the game fun to play? Find out now after the break.
(Neither Ancient nor Limited Run Games have influenced this review or seen it before it has gone live.)
SEGA & RGG unveiled new information on the battle system and gameplay rules for the brand-new entry in the “Virtua Fighter” series, the New VIRTUA FIGHTER Project. Additionally, an archive of the Tokyo Game Show presentation is available to view, including a short teaser of the game.
This game offers two distinct battle rules to suit different playstyles and preferences:
Standard: Victory is determined by either depleting the opponent’s health or causing a ring out. By default, matches are won by taking 3 rounds.
Uprising: A completely new battle rule that introduces dynamic momentum-shifting opportunities, offering a new gameplay concept that stands apart from standard rules.
The game also features three groundbreaking battle systems that drive the evolution of the series:
Break & Rush: This innovative system introduces a dynamic damage accumulation mechanic. As specific regions of the body take repeated hits, damage builds up, eventually allowing for a targeted break. Once the attacker lands a break attack, they gain a strategic advantage, opening up new offensive opportunities. A ”broken” status carries over across rounds, creating a tactical layer that adds depth and tension to every match.
Stunner & Stun Combo: Introducing a new strike technique called the “Stunner,” this system unlocks a fresh combo mechanic that emphasizes fluidity and realism, without requiring complex inputs.
Flow Guard: A stylish new defensive mechanic, the Flow Guard system emphasizes fluid motion and visual flair. Working in tandem with the Break & Rush system, it introduces dynamic shifts in offense and defense across a variety of combat situations.
We also got another small glimpse of the new character towards the end of the presentation. Could it be a new protagonist for New Virtua Fighter Project’s story mode? Let us know your thoughts on the presentation below!
During RGG Summit 2025, SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio revealed Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a dual release celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary. The package includes a full remake of Yakuza 3, following Kazuma Kiryu and Haruka’s life at Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa and Dark Ties, a brand-new story starring antagonist Yoshitaka Mine that explores his origins and descent into the world of the yakuza. The game launches globally on February 12, 2026 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
Kiwami 3 is rebuilt from the ground up with new cutscenes, side activities, and two distinct combat styles: the brutal “Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami” and the weapon-based “Ryukyu Style.” Players can also dive into the quirky new “Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon” biker-gang mode. Meanwhile, Dark Ties lets fans control Mine for the first time, featuring stylish boxing-based combat, the devastating “Dark Awakening” mode, and the brutal “Hell’s Arena.” Pre-orders come with exclusive DLC, while the Digital Deluxe Edition adds extra characters, outfits, customization packs, and more.
You can read the full press release below for all details straight from SEGA and RGG Studio.
Today, during Sony’s State of Play showcase, SEGA revealed Capcom’s mascot, Mega Man and his older brother, Proto Man as the latest additions to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ growing roster of Season Pass content, as well as a new Mega Man-inspired course.
Fans can also get excited for a new vehicle inspired by Mega Man’s companion, Rush. Mega Man and crew will be available in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds’ Season Pass later in 2026!
Check out more details on the Season Pass in the press release here!
