House of the Dead: Overkill contest reminder
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, News, Nintendo Wii. Tagged with Contest, House of the Dead, Overkill.
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Hey all, this is a reminder that we are still running the House of the Dead: Overkill contest, but it closes midnight on Friday night (Saturday morning), so you have just a couple of days to get your entries in!
Sega: Buy ThunderForce VI and we’ll make a new Space Harrier
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Japan, News, Sony PlayStation 2. Tagged with Space Harrier, Tez Okano, ThunderForce VI.
In a recent interview with Edge, Tez Okano, the director of ThunderForce VI, made quite a bold statement in regards to reviving the classic franchise Space Harrier. It seems that if any die-hard fans of the Space Harrier franchise want to see a new title, they will need to buy (and most likely force their friends and neighbours to buy) a copy of the upcoming PS2 shooter, ThunderForce VI.
“I need to demonstrate our approach is viable. But for my next step, I’d really like to work on Space Harrier. This is a unique game in Sega’s history that projected us into some incredible worlds and experiences. But the success of Thunder Force VI is the key to any future projects.”
Empire: Total War goes Steam powered
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, News, PC. Tagged with Creative Assembly, Empire, Steam, Total War.
Sega Europe has announced that the upcoming PC title, Empire: Total War will be incorporating Steamworks as it’s online client.
Players will be able utilise Steam for the game’s online multiplayer, enabling game updates, downloadable content, friend-list support and achievements. Plus server browsing and match-making functions.
“We are delighted to be working with an infrastructure as effective as Steam” said Mike Simpson, Studio Director at the Creative Assembly. “Having their matchmaking and support systems on board for Empire; Total War makes a huge difference both for players and for the development team. It not only helps make multiplayer slick and sizzling, it also frees up a huge chunk of the team’s time which helps make the whole game better.”
“Total War has become one of the most successful franchises in PC strategy gaming, one of the industry’s mainstay genres,” said Gabe Newell , president of Valve. “We’re honored Sega selected Steamworks as they expand the franchise with leading-edge online services.“
For more details see the full press release, after the break.
Sega reveals Night of the Werehog
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, News, Sonic, Video. Tagged with Night of the Werehog, Short Film, Sonic Unleashed, Teaser, Trailer.
Above is a rather intruiging teaser for Sonic: Night of the Werehog. No this isn’t a new game, it is in fact a short CGI movie that is due to be released this November, to coincide with Sonic Unleashed’s launch window.
The teaser states “Full Movie Coming November 2008″ but it has been confirmed by Sega that “Full Movie” might not be totally accurate, rather a “Full Short Movie” is coming - but saying that sounds kind of silly.
The movie is said to be between 10-15 mins long (so very short), and I would assume that it will be shown online, though Sega has not confirmed this.
[Source: Sega PR]
DIY Sega Neptune
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, News, Video. Tagged with Fan Stuff, Genesis, MegaDrive, Neptune.
To help mark the 20th anniversary of the Megadrive, one plucky NeoGaffer decided to spruce up his Megadrive (well Genesis in this case), by manufacturing his own Neptune.
The Sega Neptune never officially got off the ground. The idea was to make a combined Megadrive/Genesis and 32X games machine. But, by the time the prototypes were ready, the Saturn was due to be launched and so, wanting to back their new, more powerful system, Sega scrapped the Neptune altogether.
As you can see from the above video, this fan-built system actually works, and it looks pretty decent. He starts by playing the Genesis version of Earthworm Jim and then swaps the cartridge for the 32X version of Star Wars Arcade. Good work.
If you want to see more on how he built it, then check the NeoGaf forums here.
[Source: NeoGaf]
Sega confirms The Conduit rumours
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, News, Nintendo Wii. Tagged with High Voltage Software, The Conduit.
Just yesterday a rumor emerged saying that Sega was chosen to be the publisher of the highly anticipated Wii title The conduit, after someone stumbled across a folder on Sega America’s FTP site.
Well now the wait is over, as Sega and High Voltage Software have confirmed that The Conduit will indeed be published by Sega.
“Bringing The Conduit into our library is yet another show of SEGA’s belief that the Wii is more than a casual games console,” says Gary Knight, European Marketing Director at SEGA of Europe Ltd.. “As one of the most anticipated Wii games for next year, The Conduit will be the new benchmark for first person shooters.”
“High Voltage Software’s partnership with SEGA to publish The Conduit represents an important milestone for this studio,” said Kerry Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software, Inc. “SEGA shares our vision for the title and its tremendous potential, which is why we chose them from a long list of potential partners. With their support, we are confident that The Conduit will deliver the definitive shooter experience that Wii fans have been waiting for since the system’s launch.”
This should delight many Wii-owning Sega Nerds, even though the game may not have had the obvious in-your-face hype of other titles, it has been receiving a lot of praise and anticipation, especially since winning several awards at this year’s E3.
Full details in the official press release, after the break.
Happy 20th Mr. Megadrive!
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Japan, News, Retro. Tagged with Genesis, MegaDrive.
That’s right, today marks the 20th anniversary of the magnificent Megadrive! Most specifically it marks the date the console was launched in Japan (rather than the later US and European launches), October 29th 1988.
Sonic World Adventure to get no love on the PS2 in Japan
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Japan, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, News, Nintendo Wii, Sonic, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3. Tagged with Sonic Unleashed.
According to Siliconera, the PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed, or rather Sonic World Adventure (as it is to be known in Japan), will not be making it to Japanese shores. No reason has been given so far, which begs the question: “Why?”
It is a little strange as the game is being released on the four main systems (360, Wii, PS3 and PS2) in Europe and America, so why not Japan?
As Siliconera also points out, it’s not like Sega is shunning the PS2 in Japan completely, as Thunder Force VI is due for release in Japan next week, and Sega has released several PS2-only titles in Japan over the last couple of years.
[Source: Siliconera]
[Image: Sega]
Review: Golden Axe: Beast Rider
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, Review, Sony PlayStation 3. Tagged with Beast Rider, Golden Axe, Secret Level.
“Golden Axe is one of our most treasured brands and is a complete re-imagining of the story that will take gamers on an unforgettable journey,” said Scott Steinberg, vice president of marketing at Sega of America, during the game’s announcement at E3 2006. “The vision we have for the remake of Golden Axe is nothing short of remarkable, and it can only be realized on the PS3 and Xbox 360.”
Ever since Golden Axe: Beast Rider was first announced, fans of the series have been anxiously awaiting its release, and for many Sega Nerds, it’s been one of this year’s most anticipated titles.
Now, that wait is over thanks to developer Secret Level’s shot at re-establishing the Golden Axe franchise as a household name. Will Steinberg’s lofty expectations be met and recapture the hearts of gamers like the original, or will it disappoint like so many other classic remakes?
New Sonic Unleashed level revealed
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, News, Nintendo Wii, Sonic, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Video. Tagged with Adabat, Gameplay, Sonic Unleashed, TeamXbox, Trailer, Werehog.
The lucky guys at TeamXbox have been given an exclusive look at the newly revealed level from Sonic Unleashed, “Adabat.” Yep, weird name for a level anything really, but the level does look pretty damn cool.
The Sonic level looks pretty damn amazing and the Werehog level also looks like it is going to be fun. But (I’m never going to shut up about this) it’s the same stupid robots in the Sonic level again - it still angers me seeing how rubbish they all look.
Anyway, the level is looking good, with some very impressive set pieces. Definitely looking forward to playing this now.
[Source: TeamXbox]