Today is officially Sonic the Hedgehog's 10th birthday. Be sure to give all your Sonic toys a great big hug and wish him Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday everyone's favorite hedgehog! You rule!
Today is officially Sonic the Hedgehog's 10th birthday. Be sure to give all your Sonic toys a great big hug and wish him Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday everyone's favorite hedgehog! You rule!
Now would you look at this...
IGNDC has reported the existance of a soccer team called F.C. Sonic in the arcade version of Virtua Striker 3. You can get more details and screens by clicking here.
Some VERY good news to pass along from GameSpot:
Sega of America has announced that it will release the new maps from the Dreamcast version of Quake III: Arena to PC players. The so-called Dreamcast Map Pack includes a collection of 23 maps from the Dreamcast version of the game, and it can be downloaded from Sega of America's official Web site. The pack also includes slightly altered versions of existing maps.
Additionally, the Dreamcast Map Pack will allow PC players to play in the new maps against Dreamcast players. The only criteria are that PC players must have a 1.16n or lower version of Quake III: Arena available and use the GameSpy 3D or PingTool utilities to browse the Sega Dreamcast servers.
Quake Arena players will certainly be pleased...
Source: GameSpot
From SegaWeb...
Sony will be publishing Sega's first seven PlayStation 2 titles in Europe, the two companies announced jointly today. Sega will turn over the publishing, advertising, and distribution reigns over to Sony in the territory, who will distribute the titles in five languages. The titles include the previously announced Virtua Fighter 4, K-Project, and Space Channel 5 games; the four new games are Ecco the Dolphin, F-355, Head Hunter, and a second Space Channel 5 title.
At least two of the seven titles will be released this year, though which ones were not specified. It is unknown if the confirmation of Head Hunter coming to the PS2 will impact the Dreamcast version of the title.
The partnership was made for a number of reasons, not the least of which being logistics. "Since we do not have our own marketing network in Europe, we decided to have SCE to handle distribution of our games for PlayStation 2," a Sega spokesman said. While Sega will continue to distribute their own Dreamcast titles in Europe, the additional titles will not put a strain on the company, which is currently undergoing a major reorganization. Whether the partnership will be renewed after these seven games are released was not addressed.
This is the third major partnership between Sega and Sony this year. In February they announced plans to co-develop a network of arcades using Sony's PS2-based arcade technology, and earlier this month announced plans to create cross-platform online titles for consoles and PC. The latest announcement was made after the stock market had closed in Tokyo, though Sega's share price rose nearly 2 percent prior the announcement, following weeks of declines.
For those keeping track, Sega has also announced a Sakura Wars title, two 'Let's Make a Sports Team' games, an online horse derby title, Guru Guru Onsen 2, and two Sega Sports games (NBA and NFL) for the PS2, bringing the total number of announced Sega games coming to PS2 up to 14.
Source: SegaWeb
IGNDC has released new SA2 media. Check it out by clicking here, and prepare to see the word 'grind' a lot.
Sega, naturally, is looking at new ways to handle their expertise. From Gaming Age:
Sega is looking towards non-game areas to boost profitability. The new strategy should help the company spread its wings to gain revenue on top of traditional videogame sales.
Munehiro Umemura, a general manager for Sega's future entertainment division, told a news conference that Sega's computer graphics technology and know-how in content development and in managing arcade facilities should present opportunities.
Non-game ventures include educational software that uses computer graphics, and training software such as computer simulations of earthquakes. The new businesses are expected to make up more than 10% of sales in the next five years.
Source: Gaming Age
Many people have now reported getting their hands on copies of Sonic Adventure 2, and SegaDojo, with no doubt a lot of other sites, have confirmed Sega's shipping of the game.
As I said on the Mobius Forum, 'Let the Chao(s) begin...'
There has been a ton of confusion over just when SA2 is supposed to come out. Different branches of SEGA and numerous gaming news sources put the dates as June 19, 21, and 23. Some software retailers are saying it's going to be released on Junew 20. Of course, SHQ will report it as soon as the game is spotted in stores or a definite release date is confirmed.
Recently, there have been a lot of questions about DiC's "Sonic" (cartoon series unspecified) DVD release. People have been asking abut it at video stores only to get weird looks from confused clerks. Well, we don't know when it's coming out, but it is still planned forr the market. Sonmanic wrote DiC and got this response, reconfirming the videos.
Thanks for your interest in Sonic. Yes, it is true, we will be releasing Sonic on Home Video and most likely DVD as well. There will be a Sonic release this year and most likely some in 2002 as well. We are working with Sega on cross-promotional activities to tie in with the 10th anniversary of Sonic. Unfortunately, as of now, that is all the information we can release.
Again, thanks for being a loyal supporter of Sonic!
Jedd Gold
Manager, Marketing & Promotions
DIC Entertainment
The following is from SegaDojo:
A few interesting tidbits that was recently put into public (although not surprising). It seems that Sega Corp. has become the largest shareholder in CSK along being the second largest investor in NextCom KK. This news was recently posted in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun Saturday morning edition. After Isao Ohkaw, the company's former President and Chairman, passed away in March, he donated his stakes to the company. With Sega holding 4.4 million shares (or 5.9% in stake) in CSK along with 19.88 million shares of it's own company (or 12.2% in stakes), it will be very interesting to see what the financial state will be for them in the near future.
Probably not particularly interesting for most folks out there, but this is worth noting, nonetheless.
Source: SegaDojo
It's Sonic's tenth anniversary in Japan, and to celebrate, Sonic Team is holding a birthday party! The party is set to take place in Japan on June 23rd starting at 8:00 (in Osaka) and June 24th starting at 4:30 (in Tokyo). Those who attend will get to meet members of Sonic Team and socialize with fellow rabid fans and Sega of Japan PR reps.
Believe it or not, it's actually suggested that you bring a present for Sonic! Sonic Team does ask that you not bring anything too valuable, though. Those who attend will receive a special piece of Sonic merchandize which we presume will be sellable on Ebay for thousands and thousands of dollars fifty years from now.
We've heard that Sonic Team is hoping to hold similar events in America, although nothing has been confirmed at this point. Sega of America… how about it?
If you're in Japan, turn to this page for more details.
?
Source: DCIGN
Dreamcast.ign.com have released 4 interviews. From SEGAs Hitmaker (Crazy Taxi), Smilebit (Jet Set Radio), Amusement Vision (Planet Harriers), and of course, Sonic Team's own Yuji Naka. Only a few questions were asked unfortunately, as they did not have enough time to give a full interview (it's not like we don't know all about whats coming out anyway) so enjoy.
Source: Sega Unleashes Interviews by IGN
Wizzywig is offerring Sonic 10th Anniversary Plushies for pre-order. The five plushies to choose from are of Sonic, Tails, Shadow, Rouge, and a Chao. More information is at their site under Preorder Toys or Characters (and then Sonic).
Source: Wizzywig.com
Gaming Age has provided more news to make us envious of Japan... I guess the Sonic crew's gonna be in the PSO Ver. 2 lobby between June 16-30 over in Japan... follow this link to more info, including screens.
There's another short interview with Naka on IGN, this time asking him what he thinks of the gamecube. Read the article here: http://cube.ign.com/news/35432.html
Although IGN had this interview on their IGN Insider, they have released the interview to the public! check it out.
IGNDC: Will there be online features for Sonic Adventure 2?
TI: Right now we're still in the planning stages of our online features, and while it hasn't been completed yet, basically the player will play the game and once they complete a stage or level, they'll receive a certain ranking. And through the Internet, they'll be able to upload their score and see how he ranks against other players on a worldwide basis.
IGNDC: Having played through the game numerous times, we've been able to see the big changes in Sonic Adventure 2 in terms of the faster gameplay and improved frame rate. What other major improvements have been made in Sonic Adventure 2 over Sonic Adventure?
TI: (laughs) There are so many, it's pretty hard to answer that. Obviously we wanted to make Sonic Adventure 2 run at 60 frames per second and design the stages so that when you play the game, you feel like you're going a lot faster. And then, the two-player versus modes was the next big benchmark after we established the 60 frames per second.
And for the future of Sonic's actions, instead of blazingly running through a stage, we've given him more actions so he's not just constantly running. So he'll run, he'll grind on a rail, then he'll spin dash into an obstacle, etc. It's not just about running fast; we wanted to create a "tempo" for the action.
IGNDC: Speaking of the two-player mode, right now in our preview version, there are three versus games – Sonic Vs, Shadow, Tails Vs. Dr. Eggman, and Knuckles Vs. Rouge. Are there any more mini-games planned and will other characters be able to battle each other (i.e. Sonic Vs Tails)?
TI: Ahh... well, that's your preview version (smiles). For that preview version, we've only included one stage per versus game. With the full version, you'll see a lot more stages for each versus mode. I really can't say too much about the versus games yet, but there are two other versus modes we're thinking about incorporating outside of the three that you've played.
Thanks Budls & Tristan for the pics
Everyones favorite blue hedgehog is back, facing down his old nemesis, Dr. Robotnik. This time Dr. Robotnik has a new surprise in store...
It seems that Dr. Robotnik has uncovered an abandoned military experiment, one that has yeilded what promises to be the ultimate weapon! He only has to force his way past the robot guards and unlock the weapon - a black hedgehog named Shadow, who can utilise the energy of the Chaos Emeralds to increase his speed to warp capabilities. Fighting alongside Robotnik and Shadow is a bat named Rouge. But just who is leading who in this motley group of villians remains to be seen...
Many questions remain to be answered: who is Maria, the girl who helped to raise Shadow from infancy? Where is the Professor, who designed Shadow to be the ultimate life form? What is Rouges ulterior motive?
The fate of the planet is in the hands of Sonic and his friends; will it be peace on Earth, or Earth in pieces?"
This page truly is something worth to look at. It shows so much more information than the Sonicteam page, all about the backgrounds of the characters (Rouge has a crush on Knuckles ;>) To the map screen which you select levels from. Also it shows:
Kart Racing!'
Not much longer to go now, can't wait! The page also includes screensavers, wallpaper, a Timeline, a new large competition, and many other great things! Be careful though, it needs Flash, and it seems that this hates loading to the full. you may need to refresh it a few times.
Sonic Adventure 2 showcases Sonic and company like you've never seen them before. Sporting all-new animations and a higher polygon count, Soinc Adventure 2 taps into the hardware muscle of the Dreamcast system like nothing before it. Fast and smooth, Sonic Adventure serves up a heaping helping of Dreamcast goodness.
* Play as either the heroes to save the world of the villains to conquer it.
* More than 30 unique missions across 5 visually stunning zones (desert, canyon, island, city, outer space). Explore a forgotten pyramid, an abanoned military base, and a giant space station.
* New scoring system rates your performance in each level. In Stage Select mode, you'll play each mission with five different objectives--see if you can get 'A' ratings on all of them.
* Chao, Chao, and more Chao! Your favorite cuddly critters from the original Sonic Adventure are back, and better than ever. Raise them right, and they could be champions. Collect the whole set, or trade them with your friends.
The Chao Gardens have been revealed at the SonicTeam webpage, in Engrish! Now thats some fast updat'n. :)
Chao are back and better than ever!
Now's your chance to raise your very own hero or dark Chao. Imagine your Chao taking on hero traits as they hang out with Sonic, Tails or Knuckles. Better yet, how about raising you Chao to be a little "rascal" being with the likes of Shadow, Dr. Eggman or Rouge. This is all possible with the new breed of Chao in Sonic Adventure 2. Chao are now directly affected by which game characters interact with them, and over time, their personality and appearance will change. Also, your Chao's personality is affected by how you interact with them...bully your Chao and he might just turn out to become a little rascal...
Chao Garden
Welcome to Chao garden that will be your first stop when you acquire the "Chao key" in the action stage. Here you will find Chao eggs, which you have to hatch and then raise. Let's have some fun raising Chao!
Hero Garden
Welcome to the most heavenly garden of them all... which opens when you do something very special!
Dark Garden
Welcome to the garden filled with darkness and chaos! How did we get here?
There are also pictures of the Chao Races. But these Hero/Dark Chao rooms show that Tails and Robotnik Actually get outside of their vehicles! Hazzahs are in order, lets hope some normal levels are like this. But what could Eggman do? Find an toaster and toast? "I've made toast! Delicious!" :)
Also, a New SA2 Movie has also been posted, download now!
Again, thanks goes to CyClone for locating this. The intrepid reporters at planetgamecube.com interviewed Yugi Naka at E3. All references to Nights and Sonic are vague, as usual, but there might be hope that Sonic will come to Gamecube.
Max Lake: I was wondering if there is any chance we'd see a Sonic game on the GameCube in the future?
Naka-san: (smiling) I have to ask Sonic which hardware he wants to run on.
...
Max Lake: Is there any chance we'll see any new Nights games in the future?
Naka-san: A lot of people tell me that! I haven't even made it for the Dreamcast, so we'll have to see.
Sega Europe have announced that the Limited Edition Birthday Box version of Sonic Adventure 2 is heading to PAL territory.
Sonic Adventure 2 is released on the prickly one's tenth birthday on June 23, and there will a strictly limited version of the game available exclusively from our online store. The Sonic Adventure 2 folder contains a copy of the fantastic new game, a 23-track CD of music from Sonic's history, a commemorative gold coin and a booklet covering the 10-year history of Sonic and his friends, all presented in a deluxe blue package.
As there will only be 200 copies of this promotional item released it will become an instant collector's classic, so you'll have to be faster than Sonic to get hold of one. The limited edition of Sonic Adventure 2 goes on sale from midnight on June 23 for a mere ?29.99, and remember, it's only available in our online store.
Source: SoE Birthday Box page.
A new Sonic Dreamcast Bundle is now avaliable across the county. A must for a Sonic fan, who doesn't have a Dreamcast yet.
The Sega Dreamcast Sonic bundle features: a Dreamcast Console, a blue VMU, Sonic Adventure game, Sonic Shuffle game, and a demo of Sonic Adventure 2. All this for one very affordable price!
At $119.00 US dollars, its pretty cheap. That Blue VMU also seems to be that special edition Sonicteam one.
Source: EB Games
Earlier this month, it was mentioned that Amy IS in Sonic Adventure 2, and is a big part of the plot, but is not a playable character. In the latest Electronics Gaming Monthly magazine, the first picture of Amy has been shown.
Thanks to Staroxide and Teila for the image.
SonicTeam.com have just updated with a array of new pictures, of new levels, and new bosses!
?
SONIC, Metal Harbour: You are Sonic,? imprisoned with false crime. The prison facility "prison island " empty their troop as it escapes. Here metal harbor is the marine military establishments which were made making use of the shoal of the prison island.
?
?
KNUCKLES, Pumpkin Hill: Breaking searching the fragment of the master emerald which scatters, to mountain zone the .......... which is done. When perceives, as for there, the mountains of the weird pumpkin line up, it was strange mine zone...
MILES "TAILS" PROWER, Mission Street: Sonic, which becomes the wanted person from the troop and the police. In order to shake off the chaser of the troop who is chased obstinately, the night it forces breaks throughout the city in the cyclone!
DR. ROBOTNIK/EGGMAN, Sand Ocean: In order to return to the secret base of the egg man who is hidden in desert zone, it pierces the encirclement of the troop and tears. It jumps over foothold, using the dynamite, it levels the stone pillar of several dozen meter thing heights, that keeps crossing the sea of the quicksand the bridge substituting.
Stage of the rouge which appears in the story first half. Chasing after the egg man, the rouge which it disappears to the secret base of the egg man. But, in order to advance to the inner part of the base, the key of three To handbills must be gathered, it seems....
Note: Yes! That IS E-102 Gamma. The Description reads: Mass production type " E of E - 102 gamma which appear in the previous production - 1000 ", protects here.
O_O! WOW! Not only that, but they have new picture of 2 new boss fights! Shadow Vs. Sonic (Sonic Game), and Dr. Robotnik Vs. Tails (Eggman Game)
More picture and More Info can be found at this address, for the Japanese version of the Sonicteam site (They take about 2 weeks to update the English website), and since E-lingo now hates us all, we'll have to use the Babblefish Translation. Not the best, but you can make some words out :)
This info is from Sega Dojo:
The man who can't be stopped (AKA Mojoe) has uncovered even more tidbits of information for the two upcoming Sonic titles, Sonic Adventure 2 for Dreamcast and Sonic the Hedgehog Advance for the Game Boy Advance. What kind of information, you ask? Multiplayer modes, of course!
Sonic Adventure 2
We already knew that Sonic Adventure 2 would have multiplayer games, as we played a few of them at Sega's booth at E3. However, what we didn't know is that one of the games would be kart racing! Yes indeed, boys and girls. A new kart racing multiplayer game will be added to the final version. Also, in regards to chaos, collecting them will in fact open up hidden game features and mini-games. Perhaps the chao side quests will be worth it this time around, hmm?
Sonic the Hedgehog Advance
In our fresh-off-the-presses Sonic the Hedgehog Advance screenshots story, we revealed to you a picture where you play as Amy, a character introduce in Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast. To elaborate on this, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy will all be playable in the final game. Could this be the biggest 2D Sonic game yet?
Also, Sonic the Hedgehog Advance will also support multiplayer games between multiple Game Boy Advance. While details on the games haven't been fully revealed to us yet, we do know that there will be a Chaos Emerald Hunt and Battle mode.
More as we receive it!
Source: Sega Dojo