While I’ve yet to post up my iOS review for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 2, I can say that after playing a majority of the XBLA version and half the iOS version I am enjoying the game. Not every aspect is perfect, more on that in my review, however there are a lot of things I’m liking. In this week’s Weekly Five we’ll take a look at five things found in Sonic 4 Episode II that I’ve enjoyed the most. My favorites, if you will.
Shining Blade was the last Shining title for the PSP, seems it will be making an appearance on the Playstation Vita via its cameo appearance in Samurai & Dragons. SEGA announced that they will be releasing a special pack of cards for their free-to-play Playstation Vita title that will include appearances from Shining Blade universe.
The special pack will be on sale from May 23rd through June 20th. The back will cost you 300CP. This game is Japan only with no announcement of bringing it over to America.
Famitsu has announced lots of new details for the upcoming 3DS crossover video game called Project X Zone. Project X Zone will include characters from Capcom, Namco, and your favorite publisher, SEGA, in a tactical RPG game. The developer for the title has been announced as non other than Monolith Software. At first you will be excited since they created the Xenosaga franchise and the new(ish) Wii RPG Xenoblade Chronicles, but they also developed Namco x Capcom on the PS2; which wasn’t that great of a game.
Hit the jump to see new gameplay details, Famtisu scans and a full list of confirmed characters!
We’ve friended on Facebook and tweeted on Twitter, and now we’re tumbling on Tumblr! Rather than recycle news and articles that you can find at this very site, we’re trying something a bit different. SEGAbits presents Palmtree Panic! is a Tumblr devoted to SEGA’s iconic palm trees. Think palm trees are only found in Sonic games? Think again. Every day we’re posting a new instance of a palm tree in a SEGA game or a game on a SEGA console. Some famous, like Green Hill’s digital palms, and some obscure. So make sure to check up on our Tumblr for new trees and we’d very much appreciate submissions. Just click “submit a palm tree” to add to our digital garden.
SEGA has unveiled the launch trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II, showing off zones that have yet to be seen in official videos and making the proclamation of “to be concluded…”. So is episode II the end of the Sonic 4 saga? Or will it be concluded with an episode III? I’m assuming they mean once you play episode II, the game is concluded. But seeing as how SEGA likes money, you’d think they wouldn’t be so definite with the end of the episodic releases. Unless Sonic 5 is next…
Update: After watching the Sonic 4 Episode I trailer, I’m now convinced that the Episode II launch trailer actually points towards an Episode III which will act as the conclusion. Episode I’s launch trailer ended with “To Be Continued…”, referring to another episode. So Episode II’s “To Be Concluded…” most likely refers to another episode that will serve as the conclusion.
After the break, all the prices and release dates you could ever want.
In less than thirty minutes from posting this, First4Figures will open pre-orders for their moden Sonic statue. In the meantime, they released this awesome trailer showing off the statue from all angles to the Emerald Coast music. While the links aren’t live yet, you can click refresh for the next thirty minutes here if you want the regular edition and here for the exclusive version.
It’s here! Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II has started to release on the many platforms promised to receive the game. The first to see the game’s release is Steam, the same platform that inadvertently released the game a few weeks back. Those who pre-ordered the game and got the early beta download can now download the completed version. Beta players are reporting that their save file transferred successfully to the new version. American’s on Playstation Network can expect the game to release today. The American XBLA will get the game tomorrow, as will Europeans on XBLA and PSN. Other platforms, such as iOS and other mobile devices, will receive the game between now and July. SEGA has yet to give specific dates. Have you downloaded and played the game? Hit up our forums and share your thoughts!
In SEGA’s first report since the recent news of the restructuring of their consumer division, this was always bound to be an interesting report. The numbers show a very mixed picture for the group as the Pachinko and Pachislot segment operating profits (¥71 billion yen/$889.4 million) and arcade sales (¥7.4 billion/$92.8 million) were quite healthy whilst amusement centres posted minor operating profits (¥355 million/$4.4 million) but the consumer division fared less well, hit back after the break to find out how much money SEGA’s consumer division lost for them.
SEGA has released a press release detailing everything we wanted to know about Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown’s… erm, release. The game will launch on June 5th, for PSN and June 6th for XBLA. Prices will be $14.99/ £9.99/ AUD$18.25/ €12.99 on PSN and 1,200 Microsoft Points on XBLA. As for DLC, check the deatils for that and more in the full press release after the break!
Hey, do you wish that GameStop still sold retro video games like SEGA Genesis carts? Well, if you are a PowerUp Rewards member you can now spend your points on SEGA Genesis games. Right now they only have Shining In the Darkness and Mortal Kombat. Yes, not the greatest selection, but it’s a good start!
I wasn’t going to post this due to the fact that GameStop sold out of their SEGA Genesis games. But, since they are in such high demand they will most likely get more. If you wondered how the PowerUp Rewards point system works, check out this great blog post on it.
The boys over at Gamaustra has a nice article featuring Cliff Bleszinski of Gears of War fame. In the article he talks about his opinion of the Japanese market, considers Vanquish the Gears of War of Japan, but stated that the game would have been more appealing to gamers if it offered multiplayer.
Hit the jump to read his quote.
Via their Facebook page, First4Figures have revealed the first in their modern line of Sonic statues: Sonic the Hedgehog. Like the photo says, pre-orders start May 15th, 2012 and there will be a very limited number of statues available. I have to say, when I heard of a modern line I was iffy, but this statue looks great! While I won’t be getting it, the F4F statues are too rich for my blood, I do love looking at photos of them. What do you think, dear readers? Would you let this hedgehog into your home?
In January we reported on a new SEGA studio called Hardlight, whose goal was to develop “high quality and innovative experiences for both current and future platforms”. Hardlight’s first game was, and may still be, a “unique action adventure” for the Playstation Vita. However, since SEGA’s recent changes, some SEGA fans questioned what was to become of Hardlight’s project. After the break, speculation as to what the status of the game is and why it might be heading to iOS.
This exclusive, never before seen, concept sketch comes courtesy of a GameWorks social media employee who recently joined up with the Sonic Stadium forums. Seems a GameWorks topic brought the forum to his attention. As a special treat, the “GameWorks Social Media guy” shared a very special bit of concept art that he describes as “mock-up art of a Virtua Cop statue from way back when GameWorks was only a glimmer in SEGA & DreamWorks’ eye”. This statue never made it to the construction stage, but it is a very cool piece of SEGA, and Virtua Cop, history. You can check out the full sized image here. After the break, his thoughts on SEGA’s split with GameWorks.
Edit: Updated headline, joke still works.
The long awaited Monster World IV, as well as Super Hang-On and Wonder Boy in Monster Land, are now available to download on the American WiiWare Virtual Console. Each game is 900 Wii Store points, or around $9. If you have a PS3 or XBOX 360, it might be best to wait for the upcoming compilations which will feature sharper visuals, a slicker interface and more games for your buck. Still, great to see Monster World IV finally getting a release. We were talking about it as far back as this time last year.