7/12/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sonic Mega Collection - Game List

Sonic Team has announced, via their official website, the list of games included in the Sonic Mega Collection for the GameCube. Check it out.

-Sonic The Hedgehog

-Sonic The Hedgehog 2

-Sonic The Hedgehog 3

-Sonic & Knuckles

-Sonic 3D Blast

-Doctor Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine

-Sonic Spinball

Sonic Team Releases New Sonic Screens

Sonic Team has released a bunch of screenshots from its upcoming Sonic The Hedgehog titles for the GameCube and Gameboy Advance. Here are some screenshots of Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Advance 2. And by clicking on the headlines you can check out the game's official Japanese website, where it will show some more screenshots.

Sonic Mega Collection

Sonic Advance 2

7/10/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sega To Purchase Another Company?

It appears that Sega may be attempting to purchase another company? Why, you may ask, would Sega want to take on the difficulties of another company in addition to their own? After a very successful year, the company has gone a long way toward becoming the profitable gaming giant they once were. And now, the company has made clear their intentions to become the largest third-party game developer in the world. And more publishing resources would no doubt benefit them...

According to a recent story at GameForms, rumors concerning Sega buy-outs of Infogrames and THQ have been making the rounds since before E3. In fact, it was rumored that an announcment was to be made at the show but then fell through just prior to the event.

With THQ currently publishing Sega's GBA titles and Infogrames doing the distribution work on their games in Europe, either company seems a logical target for the software giant. Of course, at present, no concrete details have been released regarding such an aquisition. Both of these two and other smaller companies would provide "interesting opportunities" for Sega. Well, at least that's what Sega Vice President Charles Bellfield told us about the matter.

7/9/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

WOAH! Old News >.< Oh well. I'll post a little of it.

Sonic Mega Collection Details?

GameCube-Europe has got a hold of a list of Sonic The Hedgehog titles that will appear in Sega's upcoming Sonic Mega Collection for the GameCube. Here is the list:

-Sonic The Hedgehog (Megadrive - 1991)

-Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Megadrive - 1992)

-Sonic CD (Sega CD - 1993)

-Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (Megadrive - 1994)

-Sonic & Knuckles (Megadrive - 1994)

-Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn - 1996)

-Sonic R (Saturn - 1997)

-Sonic Shuffle (Dreamcast - 2000)

-Speculated: Sonic Drift (Gamegear - 1995)

These titles haven't been officially confirmed by Sega as of yet, but should give you a good indication what we'll be seeing in the collection.

6/18/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

New House Of The Dead 3 Info

The boys over at the Magic Box have received some new details concerning the upcoming Xbox light-gun shooter, House of the Dead 3. Firstly, the gun used in the gun will no longer be referred to as the hand gun, but rather as the short gun. This new gun will hold fewer bullets than before, but will instead be able to shoot through enemies and hit multiple targets.

Also the gameplay will become more of a time attack than anything else. To explain, you'll be given a certain amount of time to complete a given stage. Also, the HP bar will be removed and instead of an enemy attack taking life away, it'll merely deduct time away from the total amount you have to complete the stage. This alone should change the dynamic of the game quite a bit.

Finally, it has been announced that the story will be a continuation off the one first seen in House of the Dead, and not that of House of the Dead 2. The game should be released later this year. Stay tuned for more updates.

New Crazy Taxi 3 Movie

As you've probably heard, Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller will be a compilation of sorts... it combines the levels from Crazy Taxis 1 & 2 with an all new level plus upgraded graphics and new minigames. The package should be full of gaming fun...but only for the Xbox. Well, if you'd like to take a look at what the upgraded version of the West Coast stage looks like, you may want to head over to the Gaming Age. They've posted a new movie showing off just that stage, in its new form. You can find it right here.

We don't have too much longer to wait for the game either. Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller is scheduled to hit stores in July.

6/12/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sega Arcade Show Yields New Info

Two days ago, Sega held what is being called the Arcade Private Show in Japan. According to the Magic Box, some interesting news has come to light.

Most importantly, Sega is developing a new version of Virtua Fighter 4 called Virtua Fighter Evolution. The update will feature two new characters in addition to the already wonderful returning cast; the new boys are Gou Himori, a Judo fighter and the kick boxer, Brad Burns. Also, the games will have a new single-player quest mode which will no doubt increase replay value. Sega is also working on adding new moves and stages to the game as well as balancing gameplay as much as possible.

The real question is whether or not we'll see a home version... I'd say we will, seeing how well the PS2 version of VF4 sold. But which system will we see it on? I'd guess, and hope, that both the PS2 and the Xbox get this update, but something tells me that only one console will be the lucky one.

The other news revealed at the show is that Sega will be supporting four different arcade hardware sets: the NAOMI family, the Chihiro board (Xbox compatible), the Namco/Nintendo/Sega built TriForce, (GameCube compatible) and System X. (co-developed with Sammy) With this in mind, it should be easier to tell which system the home versions of Sega's arcade titles will appear on by checking out which board it has been developed for... What about Virtua Fighter Evolution, right? It's a NAOMI game. Dreamcast port, anyone? Yeah right...

5/16/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sega's Multiplatform Online Plans

Sega is, in my opinion, the master of online console gaming. This will be more evident than ever before later this year when they release online games for not one or two, but all three of the major consoles this year. That's right, the GameCube, Playstation 2, and Xbox will all be getting online titles from Sega's sports line-up this year.

"SEGA is the undisputed industry leader when it comes to online console gaming," said Peter Moore, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "While other publishers are taking their first steps in online console gaming, SEGA is already running full speed ahead, shipping our sixteenth title before they even ship their first."

Here's the list of titles that will be available to play online this year from Sega Sports:

SEGA Sports NFL 2K3 - PlayStation 2 and Xbox

SEGA Sports NBA 2K3 - PlayStation 2 and Xbox

SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3 -

PlayStation 2 and Xbox

Phantasy Star Online (working title) - Xbox

Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II - GameCube

It should also be noted that Sega will be responsible for the first online games for the Xbox and GameCube. That's a pretty cool record considering they also created the first online games for the Dreamcast, as well. They're my favorite game company for a reason... Go Sega!

THQ Publishes More Sega GBA Games

Sega, like Nintendo, has a load of old 16-bit games that are absolute classics. In attempt to allow a new generation of gamers to give those classics a try, and evoke fond memories in those who played them during their time, some of those classics are being revisited of the Game Boy Advance.

Today, Nintendojo has revealed that THQ will be releasing three more classic Sega titles for the GBA. The first two games, Altered Beast: Guardian of the Realms and The Revenge of Shinobi, will be released before the end of the year. The third title, Space Channel 5 will be released towards the beginning of next year. The first two titles will be easy to port, seeing as they are 2D, 16-bit side-scrollers. Space Channel 5, though, will apparently be made to use the GBA's full-motion video capabilites. So, I guess we'll have to wait and see how it'll work. Stay tuned.

5/13/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sega To Publish New Games By Ex-Xbox Stars

The news of the departure of former Microsoft employees from Team Xbox, Seamus Blackley and Kevin Bacchus, was staggering last month. The men had so much to do with the development of the new console, and then they decided to leave? Why? Because they were so excited about the new system and what developers were doing with it that they wanted to make games for it themselves. They have since formed a new company called Capital Entertainment Group or CEG for short.

According to GameForms, the company has set out to publish "innovative, edgy games." The distribution for these titles will not have to be too, too high for the company to break even - 250,000 copies. Small, hip, development teams will get a chance to make new and different games and CEG will help make their games a reality. Think of it as the independent film scene, only, you know... with games.

Where does Sega fit into all of this? Well, our favorite game company will be publishing the first two CEG games. Unfortunately, at this point, no information about those two games has been revealed. Not to fret, though. E3 will no doubt shed some light on this subject. Oh, and I bet you want to know which platforms the games will be released on. Because of both Blackley's and Bacchus's connection to Microsoft, the company will definitely have an Xbox bias, but games for alternate platforms will be developed as well. Stay tuned for more.

5/10/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sega Selling Xbox?!

It may be happening soon, according to a recent post at SelectButton. Beginning this Summer, and directly coinciding with the release of the Xbox release of Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller in Japan, Sega will begin selling the Xbox hardware in their online store D-Direct. While this doesn't really have any major impact on American gamers, it is notable that Sega will be selling another company's hardware in their store. You don't see other third parties doing that, do you? Hmm...

PSO: E 1 & 2 Release Date?

Today, the Magic Box has been updated with news that Sega has announced an American release date for the GameCube update to PSO entitled Phantasy Star Online: Episodes 1 & 2. While I wouldn't be too sure about the information just yet, the site claims that the title will be released on October 15th of this year, following the Summer release in Japan. Does this mean that Nintendo will have their online network up-and-running in the US by that time? It's hard to say. But most sources have been stating that Nintendo's online plans will be unveiled at E3. So I guess we'll just have to wait until then for the full scoop.

ESPN And Sega Join Forces

Beginning with the titles in their 2K3 line-up, which are due out this year, Sega and ESPN will be working together to bring you a more realistic sports experience... well, maybe realistic isn't quite the right word. How about, more ESPN-like experience. Yeah...

To give the game a more realistic look and feel, many little touches will be made to the games to give them a more ESPN SportsCenter look and feel. Sega hopes that this will, in turn, make their games feel more authentic than ever before.

"Building upon the strongest foundation possible - our world renowned SEGA Sports franchises -- this relationship helps solidify our commitment to authenticity by continuing to bring the SEGA Sports gaming experience closer to the true experience of the sport," said Peter Moore, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "With the unique features and the additional sports expertise that ESPN will infuse into our games, we expect to continue to set the standard for authenticity when it comes to sports simulation videogaming."

"ESPN and Disney Interactive are pleased to be working with SEGA Sports to push sports video gaming to the next level," said George Bodenheimer, president, ESPN. "ESPN's mission is to serve sports fans in every way possible, and working closely with SEGA Sports' outstanding product gives us a significant advantage in the video game arena."

"ESPN is absolutely the best when it comes to sports telecast presentations," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts Entertainment -- the development house behind the "SEGA Sports 2K" series. "Incorporating ESPN elements into SEGA Sports games will make them even more authentic, bridging the gap between a sports TV presentation and an immersive sports video game experience. Our development team has added key features that people recognize and identify with -- so that the end result is a sports video game that is unmatched in the industry."

Konami was the previous holder to the rights to the ESPN brand name for their sports titles. Unlike their games, Sega's latest bunch will not be heavily stamped by the ESPN brand. Their logo will simply appear on the lower right-hand corner of the box art stating that the games are "Powered by ESPN." And though all of the upcoming 2K3 titles will benefit from the ESPN enhancements, the first to be released will be NCAA College Football 2K3.

Stay tuned for more on these titles in the near future.

NFL 2K3 Screenshots

If you thought the sports gaming scene had tight competition last year, wait until you see what the major players have up their sleeve this year. The big difference is that Sega will not just be porting over Dreamcast software to more powerful hardware...no, they are creating all new software with these newer consoles in mind. This means that they'll be able to use the extra power under the hood for all sorts of things including, but not limited to exhanced graphics. Well, the company has released a few new screenshots from the upcoming PS2 football title, NFL 2K3. As such, you can take a quick look at those enhanced graphics for yourself.

The boys at IGN are responsible for posting these new screenshots. You can take a gander at them by clicking on this spot.

5/9/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

House of the Dead Movie Website Launched

Sega has launched the website with material relating to the upcoming film based on the House of the Dead series of games. The site itself comes in the form of a homepage for the Agency of Mystical Services. This will apparently be the group of people who the main characters in the film belong to... and their reason to fight countless hordes of zombies. The site is fairly minimal but it does have a fun little HotD inspired, Shockwave game where you can blast zombies in a graveyard.

Check out the brand new website by clicking here.

4/25/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

DC Accessory Production Ends

Sega and electronics manufacturer CSI have stopped production on all Dreamcast accessories, according to Xen Gamers. Even though production on Dreamcast consoles ended last year, the company was still producing some of the more highly demanded accessories such as VMUs and Braodband adapters. As of now, that has all stopped. The last btach of these accessories will be sent to customers who have preordered later this month, then, it's the preowned bin!

It's unfortunate that gamers in the US weren't given access to any of these accessories. I mean, I know quite a few people that would have liked to have a broadband adapter, but as you well know, those were impossible to get even when they were first released here. Oh well... I guess there's nothing we can do about it. That is, other than complain.

The Magic Box has posted a very small update stating that Sega and AM2 are working on Super Monkey Ball 2 for the GameCube, the sequel to last year's smash hit. The game will have 150 new stages and advanced multiplayer game modes. Look for it this Fall. And be sure to check out the first screenshots right here.

4/23/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sonic Fan Game HQ Magazine!

Well, I think I'm a bit late on this news, but oh well. SFGHQ Magazine first issue was released! Go here and check it out: http://www.sfghqmagazine.tk/ Looks good!

4/18/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sega Goes Mobile

Sega has opened up a new division of Sega.com called Sega Mobile "to [bring] the thrills and excitement of Sega gaming to cellular phone and PDA users in North America." Sega has been working in the mobile gaming realm for quite a while in Japan. But now gamers in America will finally get a chance to play the rest of Sega's handheld offerings.

"Staying true to our history of innovation in the gaming industry, Sega.com continues to push the boundaries and expand the video game market into new territories with the launch of the Sega Mobile division," said Mr. Ryoichi Shiratsuchi, CEO of Sega.com and general manager of Sega Mobile Japan. "Bringing great Sega content to wireless platforms is another step toward Sega.com's goal of bringing networked gaming to all devices and thereby extending the pastime to mainstream audiences across the world."

It will be bringing some of the more obscure games to the Phone. Such as Flicky, Pengo, Monaco GP, and Puyo Puyo.

This is an interesting new realm for Sega... well, at least in the US. I guess it's really a new realm for us gamers. Stay tuned for more on Sega Mobile. We'll be covering it.

Lets make some crazy money! Gamespot has just released 6 screenshots of Crazi Taxi 3 for Xbox. Since it is coming out for Xbox, it will be much better graphics then the other Crazy Taxi's out there, and it does seem good! Hereis where the screenshots are: Crazy Taxi 3 screenshots

Check em out!

4/17/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

PSO Release Date Announced?

Infogrames may have spilled the beans concerning the release dates of a few of Sega's biggest Xbox titles, including Panzer Dragoon Next. (which we saw referred to a few days ago as Panzer Dragoon X) "Why Infogrames?" you may ask. It's simple... Infogrames handles the releases of Sega's titles for the Xbox and GameCube in Europe. And in a recent report, the company had both Panzer Dragoon Next and House of the Dead 3 listed as October releases. Also on the list was Phantasy Star Online for the GameCube which was listed as another October release.

I'd still think of these dates as tentative, but it's nice to know when the European publisher wants to release the titles. They may be closer to being finished then we had previously thought. And though I've said it many times before, we'll probably just have to wait until E3 for the full details to be announced about these and other large Sega releases.

4/16/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

PSO for GC delayed

The Magic Box says that PSO is being delayed for GC. No reason is specified yet, but we hope things will clear up on this matter.

4/16/2K2 -=Sonic2002=-

Sega Dreamcast outsells Xbox in Japan

This is actually a bit of old news. I had to bring it up tho because its just plain cool...

This is from Planetdreamcast.com who got their report from Gamers.com:

Late last week, Gamers.com posted a very interesting report concerning Xbox sales in Japan. While Microsoft's new console is selling rather swimmingly in the States, it seems that Japanese gamers aren't taking to the new console quite as well. In the first week of April, a measley 2,179 units were sold in Japan. To put this into perspective, 80,734 Playstation 2s and 15,068 GameCubes were sold in that same week. But what is really staggering, is that even the now defunct (but lovable as hell) Sega Dreamcast was able to outsell the Xbox during that week. That's right... 3,427 happy customers walked home with Sega's console during that same week. I guess when you look at it that way it's pretty sad. Microsoft has their work cut out for them in Japan It seems that right now, there are few games on the console that appeal to gamers in that territory. But kudos to Sega for continually selling units in Japan. Some people apparently still know what an awesome console the Dreamcast is. And that's a pretty wonderful thing.

Wow....