SEGA files patent for touch screen technology that learns from the player

It seems that people have been digging deeper into what SEGA’s big revolutionary tech news that is suppose to be announced during Famitsu’s June 4th issue. It seems a lot of people have been spreading rumors, one that gained traction was that SEGA would rebrand and release the ‘SEGA Series X’ (Xbox Series X) in Japan. Of course we got a confirmation that it isn’t true. There have also been rumors about SEGA finally bringing they’re full back catalogue in a ‘Microsoft Game Pass’ type service and even rumors of SEGA releasing a new console.

It looks like another thing it might be is a fully programmable touch screen controller if this patent is true. According to the abstract information:

An information processing device includes: a controller that generates a game image of an object disposed in a virtual game space; and a touch panel that displays the game image. The touch panel detects an input of a user’s touch operation on the game image and outputs, to the controller, a detection signal indicating the detection of the input. The controller determines a contact surface area at an indicated position on the touch panel indicated by the user’s touch operation based on the detection signal. The controller determines, based on a size of the contact surface area, whether are first operation or a second operation has been inputted. The controller performs a first control related to the object in response to the first operation, and a second control related to the object when the second operation has been inputted.

From what this looks like, it will be a sort of control scheme that can be updated and learn from the player. The idea would be that the ‘SEGA touch screen controller’ will pick up how far your hands can reach, where you like items to be clicked and sort of make it a universal thing making users jumping from game to game a lot easier? A few things to note, this filing isn’t that “new new” as it was filed in January 2020. Of course its still recent.  Could this be SEGA’s huge revolutionary tech? We will be finding out in less than 48 hours. What do you think?

[Via: MyNintendoNews]

Sega Shiro battles and reveals Sega Hatan’s true identity in latest commercial

SEGA’s 60th Anniversary advertising campaign has been one of my favorites in recent memory with the SEGA Shiro adverts. The first one was alright, but the second add really added a lot of backstory by tying the new character nicely to the original Segata Sanshiro ads. Now above we have the third ad, this time having Sega Shiro facing off Sega Hatan (a play on words for SEGA Bankrupt) and reveals the true identity…

No plot spoiler but really liking the Star Wars lore vibes with this new series and loving every ad they have been releasing. Its cheesy, fun and full of little throwbacks to the old Segata Sanshiro ads. Here is a good quote from the ad:

“And forget about me already. I am the symbol of the old Sega… From now on, you must protect the new Sega.”

SEGA’s 60th Anniversary might really cement the idea of SEGA moving ‘forward’ especially if these ‘new revolutionary tech’ announcement is true.

SEGA ‘Revolutionary’ tech news won’t be them releasing & rebranding Xbox Series X console in Japan says ‘key opinion leader in China’


Famitsu has been teasing ‘Revolutionary’ SEGA news that should be coming out in a few days, we posted an article and video about the news with some speculation. One of the speculations we had in our video was that SEGA could be rebranding the Xbox Series X in Japan as a SEGA console and promote it themselves considering how bad Microsoft’s branding has been in the nation. It seems we weren’t the only people to bring it up that we got subtweet by @ZhugeEX on Twitter. We have at least confirmed that it would be this outlandish speculation, but don’t worry we have other outrages speculations in our full video.

A key opinion leader in China says they have seen the latest Famitsu issue and that they can confidently say that the news is not what has been rumored. (The rumor being that Microsoft would work with Sega to rebrand and launch Series X in Japan). Is something else.”

What could the news be? We will find out in a few days but it does seem some SEGAbits Discord users have brought up a good point about SEGA rebranding their logo with the ‘eye’ back in 2017, which teased ‘eye tracking technology’ that we never saw as a commercial product. People predicting this is what SEGA will show off, makes sense. But what do you think the big announcement will be? Let us know in the comments.

Hatsune Miku joining Space Channel 5 VR as DLC and Fan Art Contest

Morning Space Cats, the official Space Channel 5 VR website has officially announced that Hatsune Miku will be joining Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash! as DLC in the “Space39 Miku Pack” which will be on sale on July 27, 2020.

A Fan Art contest called “I <3 SC5” is also being held on June 1st where contestants can submit illustrations, screenshots, craft works, cosplay photos related to Space Channel 5 VR for grand prizes. Click here for a chance to enter.

Check out screenshots to see Miku in action!

 

SEGA News Bits: Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Sequel Announced

A sequel to the Sonic the Hedgehog movie has been announced, and on this SEGA News Bits we discuss who is confirmed to return, the possible plot and our hopes for a sequel.

If you want to support this type of content, you can check out our Patreon!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a thumbs up so it shows up on more like-minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

SEGA Talk Podcast #45: Die Hard Arcade/Dynamite Deka (1996)

Yippee-Ki-Yay, Motherf-! On this SEGA Talk, Barry and George fight their way through AM1 and SEGA Technical Institute’s Die Hard Arcade/Dynamite Deka! We discuss how SEGA’s first 3D beat ’em up has the DNA of Altered Beast and Golden Axe, the differences between the Japanese and western versions and we cover the remakes and sequels.

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – Play Music – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

‘TMNT of Rage – The Final Shell Shock’ the ultimate Streets of Rage TMNT rom hack arrives


The modding community for retro games is great and now we have a new project released by eskayelle which includes a final set of modes for the long modded ‘TMNT of Rage’ series. The game’s story has you playing an alternative universe where you have to take down Mr. X and the Syndicate as everyone’s favorite turtle brothers.

According to Romhacking.net the game features:

  • A throwback to the old 90’s arcade splash screens starts off your gaming experience.
  • A six sequence ending specific to this game, the first for any SoR2 hack out there, incorporates redesigned images from the classic TMNT II and III NES games. These images also put some artistic spins on the palettes / color schemes for a bit of extra fun.
  • Those bumbling buffoons, those moronic mutants, Rocksteady and Bebop, have now joined the Syndicate! Dumber than advertised, but stronger than ever, get ready to go toe to toe with them, Bebop making his first appearance in a Genesis / Mega Drive game.
  • An updated story in attract mode complements the new ending sequence.
  • A new title screen takes greater advantage of the Genesis / Mega Drive’s palette options.
  • Thanks to Yoni, gone are road apples in favor of a nice slice! Try not to smile the first time you hear Mikey calling out “Pizza Time!” as he grabs some grub.
  • With the additional Re-Shelled patch, play the game on a Terraonion MegaSD (or with any emulator that supports MD+ functionality) to enjoy that sweet soundtrack from eskayelle’s TMNT MD+ Remix. Grab that soundtrack here!

You can also check out the post by eskayelle here talking about what he changed and added.

Paramount Pictures announces Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Sequel in the works

According to Variety, Paramount Pictures and SEGA Sammy announced that the sequel to the Sonic the Hedgehog Movie is in the works with Jeff Fowler returning, and Pat Casey and Josh Miller writing the script. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher and Toru Nakahara are also producing the movie, while Hajime Satomi, Haruki Satomi and Tim Miller are executive producing.

So far we know that Tails made a cameo appearance during the post-credits scene and in an interview with Jim Carrey on a sequel, he would be interested in portraying Dr. Robotnik once again as there is “so much room” to explore with the character. What would you like to see unfold in the sequel? Let us know in the comments below.

 

SEGA News Bits: Revolutionary SEGA News Teased – Analysis & Speculation

Some “revolutionary” tech news pertaining to SEGA is set to hit next week, and on this SEGA News Bits we discuss what exactly the news could be. SEGA turns 60 on June 3rd, and just a day later Famitsu magazine will be printing the news. Could it be new hardware? A SEGA streaming service? A Microsoft partnership? We will soon find out! In the meantime, let’s speculate!

If you want to support this type of content, you can check out our Patreon!

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a thumbs up so it shows up on more like-minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

 

Japanese tech journalist teases “revolutionary” SEGA news in June 4th Famitsu magazine

In a YouTube live stream, Japanese tech journalist Zenji Nishikawa has teased what he calls a “huge scoop” for the June 4th issue of Japan’s Famitsu magazine. He calls the news “revolutionary” and claims it is on the level of Wired’s PlayStation 5 article. What more, it will “rile up the games industry”. Nishikawa says he interviewed a company executive and technical staff, and later let slip that the company in question was SEGA.

Nishikawa has said it is NOT Dreamcast 2. With SEGA’s 60th anniversary on June 3rd, it does line up with the June 4th issue release. We will have more news soon on this big announcement! What could it be? Speculate in the comments below.

[Source: Gematsu]

Don’t Forget: Phantasy Star Online 2 releases to Windows 10 PC in North America

Phantasy Star Online 2 has been available on the Xbox One for a few months in North America, but very soon the game will also be hitting Windows 10 PC. How soon? The release date is set for May 27 at around 5 AM PDT, after scheduled server maintenance, and you can download the game today, May 26, at 11 PM PDT.

The game will feature crossplay with Xbox One players, so there will already be a sizable community already enjoying the game. Want more? Phantasy Star Online 2 is a Play Anywhere title that features cross-platform play and progress. Xbox One players can keep their progress on Windows 10 PCs by accessing the game using the same Microsoft Live ID used to play on Xbox One.

There are a number of special events and item giveaways planned, so check out the PSO2 blog for all the details on how to obtain the goodies. See you online!

Wayô Records releasing Grandia Memorial soundtrack on CD, Vinyl and Music Box; including ‘Saturn Marble Green’ Edition


It looks like Wayô Records has added another fan favorite JRPG soundtrack to their arsenal, Grandia. Last time we covered their limited release of the Skies of Arcadia soundtrack. Just like their pervious release, there will be a few limited edition versions including the really cool ‘Saturn Marble Green’ Edition which has the green marble look of the ‘SEGA Saturn’ release of Grandia. Problem? Its only limited to 500 units!

Here are the versions you can buy:

But if you are a big spender and all these versions are too cheap, you can get the ultimate ‘Grandia Music Box’:

“This collectible Grandia Music Box, arranged by Noriyuki Iwadare himself is an unique artifact of pure nostalgia that will revive your adventurer memories from the Edge of the World!”

This Grandia Music Box will put you back 252,00 € tax incl.(USD: 274.60). Of course Wayô Records has world wide shipping.

SEGA Game Gear title Eternal Legend gets an English fan translation

A new English translation has been produced by TheMajinZenki, Supper, and cccmar, for the Game Gear title Eternal Legend. Eternal Legend, originally developed by Japan Art Media (aka “JAM”) and published by SEGA, was one of the earliest JRPGs released for the SEGA Game Gear, even predating Phantasy Star Gaiden. It was originally released back in August 9th, 1991 for Japanese markets only.

In Eternal Legend, you take on the role of Arwyn, a young treasure hunter who accidentally got himself roped up in searching for a long lost city called Millennium. Together with Ryall and Blue Moon, you will go on an adventure across the world fighting monsters and finding secrets, all to solve the mysteries of Millennium and it’s rumored lost treasure and technology. This patch translates the game entirely in English, along with other minor changes such as different fonts.

[Source: ROMhacking.net page]

SEGA Talk Podcast #44: Streets of Rage 2 (1992)

On this episode, we bare our knuckles and return to the streets to rage about the sequel to the classic SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive beat ’em up. I am of course talking about Golden Axe 2! Oh wait, sorry, I mean Streets of Rage 2! Learn about the new team behind the sequel, development secrets, how SEGA marketed the game and more!

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – Play Music – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Mega Mix Review – Rock It On (Nintendo Switch)

Review code provided by SEGA.

Rhythm games are cool. Anime is cool. Anime rhythm games are pretty cool. Sure, Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Mega Mix is not an anime game, but its energy, style, and content are sure to catch the attention of anyone who has even a passing interest in Japanese pop culture. At the very least, it might catch the attention of people who recognize the name attached: Hatsune Miku. I assume our readers have at least some grasp on who and what Hatsune Miku is, but I’ll give the skinny anyway.

Hatsune Miku is/was (the name situation is currently up in the air if I remember) a Vocaloid, a Japanese voice synthesizer program from the late 2000’s that became hugely popular, influential, and got massive worldwide attention. While most musicians and Japanese idols (whom Miku is meant to evoke) have a stable cast of producers, writers, and other musicians, Vocaloid is for anyone to use, and so, a rhythm game showcasing the best of what her users create was a no-brainer. This game is a tenth anniversary celebration of that game, and is chock-full of fantastic and funky beats and tracks.

However, to find out if it’s a game worth your passing attention or a deeper dive, you should read below to see if this is a ‘cool’ you want to get down with.