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.”
Dr. Robotnik still plays his Dreamcast
Posted by George. Filed under George, Microsoft Xbox 360, Multi-platform, News, Nintendo Wii, Sonic, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3. Tagged with Dr. Robotnik, Dreamcast, Sonic Unleashed.
Do you see it? It’s the Dreamcast, and it’s a good sign that Sonic Team hasn’t forgotten the white machine. We haven’t either!
The screen is from the upcoming Sonic Unleashed, and I have to say it’s looking better and better.
[Via the forums]
Valkyria Chronicles ships to retailers in North America
Posted by Chris. Filed under Chris, News, North America, Sony PlayStation 3. Tagged with Valkyria Chronicles.
We’ve got some good news, and for some of you we’ve got some bad news. Want the good news first, right? Okay. Sega has announced that Valkyria Chronicles, arguably the company’s most-anticipated RPG in like forever, has now shipped to retailers across North America.
That means all of you need to go out first thing and buy up all the copies you can.
Now time for the bad news. Sega won’t throw in a free copy of the Valkyria Chronicles yaoi manga with your purchase of the game. However, Graham is still holding out hope that a translated version will hit soon!
PETA praises Sega for removal of Samba commercial
Posted by Chris. Filed under News. Tagged with Samba De Amigo.
Our friends at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals dropped us a line today to let us know Sega has just entered their good graces. It seems PETA took issue with the fact Sega used live chimpanzees in the above Samba De Amigo commercial, and Sega quickly removed the commercial from its website, and we assume will cease any tv spots if they’re even airing anymore.
“Faster than you can mangle a Metallica song on Guitar Hero, Sega pulled the video from its site and promised to keep all great apes out of its ads,” a PETA rep wrote on the organization’s blog.
According to PETA, chimpanzee actors are often taken from their mothers at a young age and are sometimes subjected to electric shock, beatings or food deprivation from their trainers. When they’re deemed too old for the limelight, the chimps are then sent to zoos or donated to science.
In appreciation for Sega’s cooperation, PETA has said it will send the company a thank you card and vegan chocolates shaped like monkeys.
Shenmue Project: Mass Mailing Sega
Posted by George. Filed under News. Tagged with Shenmue.
Shenmue fans have decided to mass mail Sega of Japan with a simple request: Shenmue 3. Most of us here at Sega Nerds love this series, so we decided to post about their effort.
What are they going to mail? Toy capsules of course. Hit the jump to see more detailed instructions.
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 wants to solve your cleaning problems
Posted by George. Filed under George, Japan, News. Tagged with Research, Robots.
Remember when people thought that by the year 2000 we’d have a cure for cancer, hover cars and sexy maid robots? Well, we might be close to the last one, if you drop the sexy.
The robot, cleverly named ‘Assistant Robot,’ can mop up, do laundry and clean up your filthy kitchen. It has been made by Tokyo University’s Information and Robot Technology along with big companies like Toyota Corp, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and of course, Sega.
The cool thing about the robot is that it has the ability to see three dimensional objects and to recognize when the job has not been done right, then go and correct the problem.
EGM’s Jennifer Tsao joins Sega
Posted by George. Filed under News.
Jennifer has just left EGM and 1up to join Sega. She posted an entry at her 1up blog about the move, saying she wanted to be involved in making games for the whole family. I guess it’s a natural move, especially since she has a family. She will be Associate Creative Director for Family/Casual games over at Sega.
Here is a quote that will make most of you guys mad:
“Yes, the era of the hardcore gamer is coming to an end, and while I’ve loved my years at EGM, I’ve also been waiting eagerly for this time to come.”
I don’t personally think that hardcore gaming is dying or will die. I do think that the market will be expanded with a solid chunk of mainstream family games. If Call of Duty 4 has the ability to sell over 10 million units, there is room for hardcore titles.
[Source and Image 1up]
[Update] Halloween Nerdaway: House of the Dead caption contest
Posted by Graham. Filed under News.
~Click for full size image~
We have teamed up with Sega Europe to hold a lovely little contest, or “Nerdaway” as we like to call them, for Halloween this year.
Not only is the contest in aide (fear) of Halloween, but it is also to help celebrate House of the Dead: Overkill. As those lucky Sega Europe employees got their freak on (literally) last night, at a special House of the Dead/Halloween party. Check it out here.
Ah, nothing better than a sexy nurse, covered in blood. Or is there? There could be, as the winner of the contest will receive a some rare House of the Dead: Overkill goodies and a lot of self pride (I’m sure).
Interested? Check after the break to see the prizes, and rules on the contest.
Phantasy Star Zero gets cross over weapons
Posted by George. Filed under George, Japan, News, Nintendo DS. Tagged with downloadable, Free Stuff, Phantasy Star 0, Phantasy Star Zero.
It seems that Sega has posted some new weapons for the upcoming Phantasy Star Zero.
The new weapons come from other Sega games . You get Valiant from Blazer Drive, Selvaria’s Spear from Valkyria Chronicles, the Gunsword Blade Cannon from Shining Wind, and Miku’s Green Onion from fan favorite Project Diva.
They are called “Guest Cards”, there are four in total. You can only use the weapons on certain story missions. On the cards are special codes that you input on the official site, giving you the weapons.
[Source and Image STORM!]