sonic the hedgehog
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Every Sonic game on Steam is half off for a few hours starting... Now
All Sonic the Hedgehog games on Steam are 50 percent off, from right now through 10 a.m. PT tomorrow, March 21. The sale makes Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed $15, Sonic Adventure 2 $5, Sonic Generations $15, and Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 and Knuckles, and Sonic CD $2.50 each, among other deals.Check out the entire list of discounted Sonic games below, and catch those crazy hyperlinks on the Sega blog.
Sega announces Sonic Dash, an endless runner starring the blue hedgehog
Having tried some traditional Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay with Sonic Episode 4 (which didn't seem to do that well for them), Sega has now moved to the strategy of using Sonic in much simpler, arcade-style iOS games. Sonic Jump came out a little while ago, featuring an endless jumping/Doodle Jump-esque premise, and now Sega has announced Sonic Dash, an endless running game featuring all of the series' mainstays. It's a 3D game, however, so it'll likely have a lot of similarities to Temple Run, which is certainly a franchise that a lot of game developers have been emulating lately. Sonic Dash is due out "soon" on the App Store, which probably means later on this week. We'll keep an eye out for it then.
Jaleel White returns for Sonic fan film
Eddie Lebron, best known for his full-length Mega Man fan film, has released a new short film representing a more realistic take on Sonic the Hedgehog. Lebron brought back Sonic cartoon voice actor (and, yes, Urkel) Jaleel White for the role, and combines a CG Sonic with live actors, including a live-action Dr. Robotnik who is even more evil than usual.There is a torture scene.The 18-minute movie is meant as "a spec film, with the primary purpose being to show how a Sonic the Hedgehog film, in a live action environment, can be executed." We think it has a very interesting take on Sonic's quills.
PlayStation Plus deals: Dungeon Defenders, Sonic 1 and 2 for free, Sega discounts
This week may play host to the big debut of PlayStation Plus on Vita, but a smattering of other deals also await subscribers. The free game this week is Dungeon Defenders, the tower-defense online co-op RPG hybrid from Trendy Entertainment. The Classic Sonic bundle, which pairs Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, is also gratis to all PS Plus members this week.Deals come from Sega's staple of games too, the PlayStation Blog reports, with discounts on Nights Into Dreams HD, Jet Set Radio, Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown and even a bundle on Hell Yeah and two supplementary DLC packs on the docket. And if you got into the PS Plus membership for the non-gaming stuff (sure, we totally get it) then an 80% discount on one year of Music Unlimited Premium may entice your earbuds.
Ezio Auditore/Chris Redfield to play Sonic the Hedgehog in Wreck-it Ralph
No, Ezio Auditore da Firenze and Chris Redfield won't be trading in their various killing implements for pointy red shoes, nor will they be playing a grotesque two-headed version of Sega's iconic mascot, but the man who voices both those characters will be.Okay, maybe not the grotesque two-headed monster thing, but Roger Craig Smith (who voices both Ezio and Chris) will be playing the role of Sonic the Hedgehog in Disney's forthcoming reference vehicle Wreck-it Ralph. As it happens, Smith has become the blue blur in days past, having voiced the character in Mario & Sonic at the London Olympic Games, Sonic Generations and Sonic Free Riders. Let's just hope that any dialogue they give him will be better than what we're used to.
Hello Kitty Sonic is first character collaboration from Sanrio and Sega
This is a picture of Hello Kitty as Sonic the Hedgehog. Please, take a minute from your hectic, stressful day and really let the majesty of that concept sink in. Enjoy the contrast of bright blue against fluffy white and red; pay attention to the detail of the gloves, the golden buckles and traction lines decorating her shoes, the adorable button nose.Disregard all thoughts of how exactly Hello Kitty got a hold of Sonic the Hedgehog's skin. Don't question the amount of fanatical cutting and sewing it would have taken to make a hedgehog pelt fit over a cat's ears. Pay no attention to the determination in those black eyes. We're sure Sega made sure Sonic was treated with all the respect owed him.Sega and Sanrio are joining forces to create a series of character collaborations, the first of which is the adorable Hello Kitty Sonic we've dissected (too soon?) above. The Sonic x Hello Kitty Jumbo Plushy will be available at Sega amusement parks in Japan starting in late July, made to commemorate the re-opening of Sega's Tokyo Joyopolis on June 14.The Sega/Sanrio crossover project will strike worldwide in summer 2013. Until then, enjoy the Hello Kitty Chun Li plush that will be available at Capcom's booth at San Diego Comic-Con for $40. Enjoy it, lest we end up with a line of Hello Kitty "You" toys in the immediate future.
The History of Sonic the Hedgehog available for pre-order on Amazon
A forthcoming book will document the history of Sega's mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega announced today. The 300-page book, The History of Sonic the Hedgehog, covers the Blue Blur in exhaustive detail, including "every 2D and 3D Sonic game" and "every spin-off game, every crossover, and even rare cameo appearances by Sonic across the gaming universe." You can see some preview pages over on the Sega Blog.The History of Sonic the Hedgehog is now available for pre-order on Amazon. We're guessing it gets pretty dark after the first 30 pages or so.
The Soapbox: This fantasy is far from fantastic
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column. "More innovation!" is the common rallying cry of the disgruntled MMO player. Push forward the genre, build awe-inspiring giant statues instead of sixth grade art projects, do that one magic thing that nobody can agree on to make this genre as fresh and great and interesting as it was. You know, as it was when you first got into these games, that is. For all of the "more innovation!" speeches that I've seen, I never see the one that touches on the most irksome areas of stagnation in the industry, and that is how incredibly lame most MMO fantasy worlds are. Cut 'n' paste, mix and match elements between any two fantasy MMOs, and I guarantee you that nobody would really notice. The truth is that for all their desire to be seen as unique and special, most of these games feature a world carbon copied from each other with minor Mad Lib deviations. Case in point: Have you ever realized just how many of these MMO worlds share almost the same name? Start with T, usually end with A, there you go. Telara. Telon. Tyria. Atreia. Taborea. It doesn't stop there, but it really should. MMO designers need to realize that fantasy is more than just D&D and Tolkien derivations and explore the unlimited scope of what the genre could be.
Elaborate Nike YouTube video has hidden Sonic Game (video)
When you've got a marketing budget the size of Nike's, a few international footballers and a glossy video aren't really enough. That's why its latest "My time is now" campaign is an all out interactive spend-fest, complete with a hidden Sega Sonic the Hedgehog mini-game. The standard YouTube version (as seen over the break) isn't interactive, but head over to Nike's official channel, and it's a whole different ball game. Clicking on players slow-mos the action, bringing up player details etc., and there are nine hidden "tunnels' to find -- one of which being the Sonic game. Can you find it? Hint: look for the pitch-side adverts with go faster boot on. Your time is now...
BlackBerry gets its game on at BBW, scores Jetpack Joyride and Sonic
One of the things BlackBerry has never really had going for it, is a deep games catalog. Now, that isn't about to change in one fell swoop, but things are about to get a lot better at BlackBerry World 2012. RIM's head of gaming, Anders Jeppsson, took to twitter to let the world know about the impressive pile of titles heading to the PlayBook and BlackBerry 10. The biggest names are certainly Jetpack Joyride, from Halfbrick (the studio behind Fruit Ninja), and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. Other games in the pipeline include Galaxy on Fire 2 and Star Marine, while Tomb Raider fans can get down with Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light starting today. Keep an ear out for more to hit during this week's BBW.
Sega streamlines US, European operations after posting $86 million loss
Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. has announced that it will begin streamlining its American and European operations after posting an 7.1 billion Yen ($86 million dollar) extraordinary loss for the 2011 year. The move is expected to create a "smaller company positioned for sustained profitability" with the company planning a shift to a new "digital content" strategy. It'll cancel work on new, forthcoming titles and just concentrate on key earners like the Sonic, Football Manager and Total War franchises. There's no official word on if it'll involve job losses, but the company is setting aside 4.9 billion yen ($59.7 million) of that loss figure in order to cover the costs of the corporate reorganization. In the meantime, we're off to pour one out for one of our childhood staples.
The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The highlights
The Dreamcast was a brief but shining aberration in the gaming world. Coming along years after Sega had fallen out of its position as a top-runner in the console market, it represented the company's big attempt to reclaim its former glory. While it failed to succeed in that respect and ultimately closed up shop in 2001 (ending Sega's interest in the console market), the Dreamcast became a gaming cult favorite responsible for some of the most innovative titles ever made. Games like Jet Grind Radio, Space Channel 5, and Shenmue have remained fan favorites long after the Dreamcast's demise, which shows the legacy that these dev teams left behind. But perhaps the Dreamcast's greatest gift to the gaming world wasn't crazy taxis or space dancing but a surprisingly forward-looking approach to online gaming. In 2000, the Dreamcast took the first steps to bringing an online console RPG to market, and while it wasn't a true MMO, it certainly paved the way for titles like EverQuest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI. It was bold, it was addictive, and it was gosh-darned gorgeous. Ladies and gentlemen: Phantasy Star Online.
Sonic CD was December's top PSN game
Not that we're necessarily surprised by Sonic CD taking the number-one spot on December's PSN charts, but it's always a little sobering when the classics of yesteryear outsell brand-new titles like Trine 2. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, friends.Well, the fact that Sonic CD is arguably the best 2D Sonic game of all time probably has something to do with it too, but we all know most of us bought it just to hear Sonic Boom again. Hop past the break for the full list of December's best-selling PSN titles.
Sonic the Hedgehog store offers one-stop Jet the Hawk memorabilia shopping
Sega of Europe just opened a new online Sonic the Hedgehog shop, allowing you to get all the backpacks, school supplies, figurines and other hedgehog-bearing material you could possibly want. Need a figure of one of the robot bug enemies, or Jet the Hawk on a hoverboard? You got it! Need Sonic the Headhog? No problem! Right now, the shop is only available in Europe -- and offering 15 percent off almost everything -- but Sega plans to open an American version later, for those of you stateside looking to get a ring binder (for paper, not rings).
Sonic is in this Progressive commercial
We don't know about you guys, but when we play word-association games during our Tuesday therapy sessions with Dr. Busklokavitch, "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Progressive Auto Insurance" go together like "peanut butter" and "jelly," or "plastic sheets" and "reciprocating hand saw."
Sonic sale today on Xbox Live
The ninth day of Xbox Marketplace holiday deals rings in several Sonic the Hedgehog discounts. The blue mammal's escapades in Sonic 4 and Sonic Adventure are 320 MSP ($4) each, a 60 percent savings, and his Genesis games are down 60 percent, at 160 MSP ($2) apiece. The discounts are only available today, so run and catch 'em before they're gone -- just don't run like an idiotic Sonic.%Gallery-103055%
Dimps expanding into original IPs for mobile and social platforms
Takashi Nishiyama has been in the game for about as long as "the game" has existed. Responsible for Moon Patrol, Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, the Neo Geo and more Sonic games than you can shake a stick at, Nishiyama's design portfolio spans 30 years and includes some of the most fundamental design philosophies that still serve as a foundation for many genres to this day. His company, Dimps, has made a name for itself developing titles for other publishers' IPs; Dragon Ball Z, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, etc. After nearly twelve years of development-for-hire work, however, Dimps is looking to branch out and create its own original IPs, according to statements made by Nishiyama during an interview with 1UP. "I feel that it's time that we need to create our own social and browser IPs," Nishiyama said. "We're going to start with things that have more manageable budgets, like social and browser games. I believe that's more realistic." Nishiyama sees mobile platforms as a lower-risk entry platform for a new IP, as compared with the astronomical costs associated with console game development. His company must be cautious, however, because creating original IPs will position Dimps as competition to publishers, rather than a developmental ally: "As soon as we announce that we're creating original IP, we become their competitor. So we need to approach it carefully and be sensitive to the politics involved."
Spin-dash to iTunes for downloadable Sonic soundtracks
Sega has released a bunch of Sonic the Hedgehog game soundtracks to iTunes, allowing you to speed up your workday with appropriate background music. The available albums include the Japanese soundtrack to Sonic CD, featuring a couple of new arrangements by Crush 40; Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 collections for rainbow followers; Heroes; and a collection of "greatest hits" called Super Sonic Songs - The Best of Crush 40. Sega even announced two non-Sonic-related projects from series musicians: "Song of Hope," a charity single by Crush 40, and an album of performances by composer Jun Senoue. Ever wanted to hear a Sega musician from Japan play "The Star-Spangled Banner" on guitar? You do now! Because we wanted a nice image for the header of this post, and because we haven't had an excuse to talk about this yet, the image above is Good Smile Company's Nendoroid Sonic the Hedgehog figure, coming out in Japan next April. It's amazing.
Sonic Generations will include the original Sonic The Hedgehog (if you can unlock it)
The original Sonic The Hedgehog will be available as a complete, unlockable game in Sonic Generations, Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka said during a panel at Paris Games Week. Iizuka didn't specify how exactly to unlock Sonic The Hedgehog, but we assume it has something to do with curling into a tight ball and rolling up some loop-the-loops at breakneck speeds. You, not Sonic. This is a really special unlock, so we expect you'll really have to earn it.
New(ish) Sonic Generations demo coming to PS3, 360 starting this week
Sega is sending out a second demo for Sonic Generations, its multi-year mascot mishmash coming to PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on November 1. The new demo, which should be available on Xbox Live Marketplace starting tomorrow (followed by a North American PSN version on October 25), revisits the checkerboard loops of Green Hill Zone, this time with a "modern Sonic" component. The classic version of the level (see: slightly rotund Sonic) will also be available in this demo, just in case you missed it in the first round back in June.
