Tag Archives: Sega

News

Yakuza 5 dev diary talks Hostess Clubs and brawls

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Yakuza 5 is somewhat overdue on these shores. It landed in Japan in 2012 on PS3 and eager fans have been waiting ever since for a Western release. Yakuza 4 was a great game, and is still worth picking up, but for those of us that snapped it up in 2011, the wait is getting unbearable for Sega’s latest.

Fortunately, we’ll finally see the game release later this year on PS3. We’re surprised there’s no PS4 version as it would seem like a natural choice for a remaster, but we’re more than happy to dust off last-gen for this series. Now, can we have a Western Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! please, Sega?

For now, you’ll just have to whet your appetite with the latest in the dev diary series on Yakuza 5. The main focus seems to be on the extensive research they did on Japanese Hostess Bars (I’m sure they were meticulously studied) and the influences on those brutal brawls. The video is the second in a three part series and the first video is included below too. Continue reading Yakuza 5 dev diary talks Hostess Clubs and brawls →

Platformer, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PSN (PlayStation Store), Reviews, XBLA, Xbox 360

Castle of Illusion HD (Review)

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Castle of Illusion HDRolling back the clock with the haunted house of mouse


Following the recent retro remake of DuckTales, we now get to see how the classic Mega Drive game, Castle of Illusion scrubs up by today’s standards. As a big fan of the 90s original, I had my fingers cautiously crossed for a nostalgic blast.

The story remains true to the original, with Mickey setting off to rescue long-time sweetheart, Minnie from the evil witch, Mizrabel. Rather than animate some traditional Disney-style cartoon scenes to set up the game, Sega Australia have gone low-budget and opted for some mildly animated illustrations.

Continue reading Castle of Illusion HD (Review) →

News

Creative Assembly’s Aliens Game Not Cancelled

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In 2011, Sega and Creative Assembly announced they were working on an Aliens title and bar one blurry monitor screenshot from a team photo at the CA studio, we’ve seen nothing of it since.

However, in an MCV [print edition] interview, Sega’s European boss Jurgen Post said, “Aliens is still one of our pillars. In May 2011 we announced that Creative Assembly is doing something with that brand – we’ve said nothing else so you have to read between the lines there.” Continue reading Creative Assembly’s Aliens Game Not Cancelled →

News

Sega and Gearbox Respond to Lawsuit

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Earlier this week we reported that a class action lawsuit had been filed against Sega and Gearbox software on the grounds of false advertising for Aliens: Colonial Marines. As we all found out on launch day, Sega released a game that bore little resemblance to the one displayed during numerous trade shows like E3. Animations, lighting and scenes were obviously spruced up for a stage demo before being returned to the ugly mess for the actual game committed to disc. Review embargoes also meant there was no time to warn faithful fans who pre-ordered the game.

Well, both Sega and Gearbox have given statement via IGN. Gearbox seem bullish straight out of the blocks, “Attempting to wring a class action lawsuit out of a demonstration is beyond meritless. We continue to support the game, and will defend the rights of entertainers to share their works-in-progress without fear of frivolous litigation.”

While Sega made a similar statement, it was slightly more reserved, “Sega cannot comment on specifics of ongoing litigation, but we are confident that the lawsuit is without merit and we will defend it vigorously.” Continue reading Sega and Gearbox Respond to Lawsuit →

News

Confirmed: Sega Are Remaking Castle of Illusion

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Last weekend we posted a teaser trailer that had us believing (hoping) that Sega were going to answer our demented fan mail and remake the classic Mega Drive game, Castle of Illusion, starring Mickey Mouse. Well, the big teases have finally confirmed that they are working on a HD re-imagining of the game for PSN, XBLA and PC platforms.

Sega Studios Australia are handling development and they are also working with the original game’s director. From the screenshots released so far, it seems that they are sticking with 2D gameplay, which is something of a relief. Sega’s Senior Digital Brand Manager, Mai Kawaguchi, supported this by saying, “If you have played the original game, you will also see that we have kept intact many of the major iconic elements of the game that helped define this groundbreaking game at the time of its original release.”

No pricing details are available at this time but we know the game will be released this summer. Check out a few new screenshots and a trailer after the break.

Continue reading Confirmed: Sega Are Remaking Castle of Illusion →

News

Project X Zone Trailer Looks Blindingly Awesome

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If only we could see more publisher cross-overs to bring our favourite characters together. Sega, Namco and Capcom have thrown their best stars into an epic battle on the 3DS. Not that the trailer shows it, but the game is supposedly an RPG in a similar vein to the isometric Final Fantasy Tactics. This trailer shows what happens when characters actually attack each other though, as the camera zooms in and goes side on, more akin to something like Street Fighter. Using combos and team-up abilities gives the game a very action-heavy look that appears to be making the best of the game’s stars.

With any luck this will sell millions and inspire Sony and Square-Enix to make a Uncharted / Tomb Raider crossover (OMFG!). Anyway, Project X Zone is already out in Japan and is currently lined up for a Summer release in the West. Which will probably explain a lengthy ‘illness’ from our editors, Matt and Jon, around the same time. Me too, if they release it on the Vita that is. Check out the insane trailer after the break.
Continue reading Project X Zone Trailer Looks Blindingly Awesome →

News

Castle of Illusion Remake Teased By Sega

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Sega have released a new video simply named, ‘Teaser Trailer.’ The imagery prompts fond memories of the 1990 Mega Drive classic, Castle of Illusion, starring Mickey Mouse. This leads us to believe we’re getting a remake or maybe even a proper sequel.

The sinister figure staring out of a gloomy castle window appears to be Maleficent, the villain of the original who also featured in Sleeping Beauty and more recently, the Kingdom Hearts games. A rolling apple at the end of the video is also another hint as the player collected apples during the original game. The small copyright logo in the corner also says 1990, the same year the original was released.

We’d love to get our hands on a new Castle of Illusion game and it looks like we might in the summer. While you’re at it Sega, feel free to give us a reboot of the co-op antics of World of Illusion too. Continue reading Castle of Illusion Remake Teased By Sega →

News

Aliens: Colonial Marines Axed on Wii U

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Sega have just confirmed that the upcoming Wii U version of Aliens: Colonial Marines has been cancelled despite it having been due in 2013’s first quarter. The company confirmed the news to Joystiq, but without giving a reason: “Sega can confirm that the Wii U SKU of Aliens: Colonial Marines is no longer in development.”

This isn’t the first Wii U game to take a beating and this is where we’d usually once again comment on the struggling console. Not this time though, the last thing the Wii U is another underachieving game that will send gamers racing back to the stores clutching their receipts. Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines Axed on Wii U →

First Person Shooters, PC, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews, Xbox 360

Aliens: Colonial Marines (Review)

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Gearbox’s first -and hopefully last- bug hunt

After Duke Nukem’ Forever, you wouldn’t be insane to doubt Gearbox Software’s capabilities. But hold on a sec, they were only finishing off someone else’s mess right? They were just keen to finally get the game out. Even so, pride should have stopped them releasing it in such a poor state.

Then Borderlands 2 came along and was met with great sales and wide critical acclaim. So, maybe their frequently delayed Aliens: Colonial Marines would be ok on the day. After all, it’s been Gearbox’s game since birth and numerous videos clearly show a franchise-adoring staff. So, they wouldn’t f**k it up, right? Cue the angry sobbing.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines (Review) →

Action, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews

Yakuza: Dead Souls (Review)

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Shuffling up to the zombie party the day after the night before can hardly be called fashionably late, but here we finally are. The Yakuza series is renowned for its unique blend of beat em’ up RPG, so it was surprising and (whisper it), slightly disappointing to see them announce a gun-packed zombie game when all I really wanted was a new city to play in with Kiryu and the rest of the face-stomping gang.

Previously, the series only used firearms as brief power-ups before the game got back to doing what it did best: letting you swing street thugs by their ankles face-first into lamp posts. Sadly, there are no options to enjoy such violent delights here. A few melee weapons remain, but for the most part it’s all about the boomsticks.

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Platforms, PS Vita, Reviews, Sport

Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition (Review)

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Sport games are off to a good start on the Vita and the trend continues with Sega’s Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition. This game is almost identical to the PS3 version, which is certainly no bad thing. In fact, I’d go as far as to recommend this version over the PS3 one as the gameplay is better suited to the stop/start nature of handhelds, not that you can’t lose yourself for hours as well.

Graphically the game is on a par with the big consoles and has even inherited the dodgy likenesses. Take Djokovic, they’ve nailed the geeky haircut, but there’s something unsettling about his face. Oh and talking of unsettling, wait until I tell you about putting your own face into the game later on. It’s a bit Silence of the Lambs.

Continue reading Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition (Review) →

Party, Platforms, Reviews, Sport, Wii

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games Review

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If the Wii U makes it in time for next Christmas, this could be the original Wii’s last family outing. We’ve had some great times with Wii Sports, Resort, Play, Mario Kart and the last two Olympicstitles, so we were looking forward to a warm-up for next year’s London Games.

Thinking we’d start with some multiplayer games, we headed straight to the London Party mode. Instead of simply choosing a random mix of games or selecting specific ones from a list, we’re given something much worse.

Continue reading Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games Review →

PC, Platformer, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews, Xbox 360

Sonic Generations (Review)

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Aiming to please fans of both traditional and modern Sonic titles, Sega have included both styles in one game. Surprisingly this hasn’t resulted in the partial disaster I expected. But is Sonic still capable of a decent result in a genre that has unfortunately all but faded?

We find ourselves taking turns to play as the 2D side-scrolling scamp of old and the free-moving chatty rail-grinder. Time travel is the logic behind this merging of styles, as modern-day Sonic joins forces with his younger 1990s self. Together they must defeat Dr. Robotnik and Dr. Eggman, essentially two versions of the same villain. In addition to the fat moustachioed one(s), there’s a sinister creature that caused the time rift in the first place.

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News, Wii

Nintendo Launch Blue Wii for Final Christmas Assault

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Console bundled with Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games on November 18th.

With Nintendo hoping the Wii U will be bringing in the cash next Christmas, the blue console will be the Wii’s last chance to shine at gaming’s busiest season. Backwards compatibility for GameCube games and controllers will no longer be supported though.

Continue reading Nintendo Launch Blue Wii for Final Christmas Assault →

Hands-on previews, Previews, Wii

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Hands-on Preview)

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After a brief panic of thinking I’d spent a full year queuing for games at Gamescom I stirred myself awake to remember an early Olympics title would of course be released the Christmas before the event itself. Especially after the previous games on the Wii sold by the tonne. It’s still heart breaking to see Sonic standing next to archrival Mario with no signs of murderous intentions though.

Our hands-on session with some of our German cousins was in the form of a multiplayer party with laughs and smiles hiding the pride of wanting to win at all costs. Wiimotes at the ready then.

Continue reading Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Hands-on Preview) →

Hands-on previews, PC, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Previews, PSN (PlayStation Store), XBLA, Xbox 360

Renegade Ops (Hands-on Preview)

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From Avalanche Studios, the minds behind the Just Cause series, we have the new twin-stick vehicle shooter, Renegade Ops. A downloadable title, that’s less than a month away and looks like one of the hottest downloadable titles at Gamescom 2011.

The twin-stick shooter controls for these armoured vehicles are comfortingly familiar -left for driving, right for aiming and shooting- and allow you to enjoy the simplistic gameplay immediately. An extra boost of speed and braking is handled with the face buttons. A secondary weapon is assigned to R1, while L1 initiates a special ability like EMP strikes to stun enemies, extra armour, helicopter backup or a flare to mark a target for an airstrike, with their use limited while they recharge over time.

Continue reading Renegade Ops (Hands-on Preview) →

Action, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews

Captain America: Super Soldier (Review)

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After the recent relentless slew of comic book movie tie-ins ranging from hideously deformed horrors to the dizzy heights of ‘not awful’, it’s a great relief to be able to report we have a game we can call ‘good’.

Captain America: Super Soldier borrows from all the right places, namely Arkham Asylum, and stuffs its world with hidden objects to find to appeal to the gamer’s hunger to collect everything possible.

The game seems to run alongside the film rather than portray the same events. But you’ll hear Chris Evens as Cap and see enemy soldiers resembling the movie ones. The story is simple fodder, Cap must clear the way in a Bavarian fortress for the good guys against the Hydra army. The setting is WWII, which provides plenty of faux-German accents. They’re terrible and the dialogue is laughable but it all adds to the game’s charm and will raise a wry smirk and even a laugh or two.

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Platforms, Racers, Reviews, XBLA, Xbox 360

Sega Rally Online Arcade (Review)

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Not the best time to release a rally title as Dirt 3 is power-sliding into stores on Tuesday. But if you can’t afford that right now Sega hope you might drop a few points for their bite-sized rally release.

This really is a small game though. Five tracks are all you’ll find here, along with 13 cars and modes. The initial tracks are a tropical jungle with mud and sand, a canyon with dirt and tarmac, and an alpine mountain pass with tarmac and snow sections. The time limit between sections returns, but never actually presents anything resembling a challenge, unlike the older games.

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Action, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews

Thor: God of Thunder (Review)

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I wanted one thing from this game: for it to be better than last year’s Iron Man 2 game that I gave a 5/10. Thor needn’t worry though as this is a much better tie-in.

Rather than follow the earth-bothering, flannel-shirted nature of the movie, this game simply takes place in the fantasy realms of the Thor universe in a separate story-line, which turns out to be a good move.

Famed comic book writer (and unfortunately the scribe of the afore-mentioned Iron Man game), Matt Fraction, has penned a very basic plot, but it is at least unobtrusive. We’ll presume he saves the compelling material for the comics.

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Platforms, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move, Reviews, Sport

Virtua Tennis 4 (Review)

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After not quite doing the job Henman and Murray style with Virtua Tennis 3 and VT2009 on this generation’s consoles can Sega’s arcade tennis classic still cut it? Thanks to a long awaited upgrade to the World Tour career mode, they’re in with a fighting chance.

Before getting stuck into the World Tour mode you might want to warm up with a few exhibition matches. The leading names of modern tennis are all present except for one of the Williams sisters for some reason. The PS3 has a few exclusive classic characters too, leaving the 360 version with a comparatively small roster. There isn’t particularly much scope for extra players via DLC either as the favourites of Nadal, Federer, Murray, Sharapova and so on are all present and tennis isn’t exactly brimming with superstars like the WWE.

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