sonic the hedgehog
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Sonic Generations trailer reaches the 'modern' era (of werewolves and girlfriends)
How confident is Sega in Sonic Generations? Well, the company's willing to build in a piece -- and thus, a reminder -- of 2006's Sonic the Hedgehog. We hope the loading times aren't carrying over alongside that game's "Crisis City" level.
Sonic the Hedgehog honored with Belgian stamps, Japanese guitar
Sonic the Hedgehog is more than just a blue creature who runs quickly. He's a mascot, a hero, an inspiration to many ... and now, in honor of the 20th anniversary of his first game, he's a guitar. The Japanese branch of guitar company ESP has partnered with Sega to make a limited edition Sonic electric guitar designed to look like Sega musician Jun Senoue's. It features the hedgehog's smirking face on the body, and his shoe on the headstock. It'll be available through the end of the year for ¥136,500 ($1782). After the break, Senoue demonstrates with a little Sonic music. You can find more of his playing at the ESP site. If you're looking for a much, much cheaper collectible, the Belgian Post is launching a series of Sonic stamps on August 29. [Thanks, Jake.]
Sonic Generations demo out now, gone in 20 days; iOS App out in Japan
Sega's going all out for Sonic's 20th birthday, buying him an enormous balloon, building him an iOS App, and releasing a demo of Sonic Generations on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. You can charge through a new(ish) Green Hill Zone with original (chubby) Sonic, and can sample the stereoscopic 3D mode while you're at it. Based on what we played, it doesn't appear as though the flipside of that level could be played with modern (skinny) Sonic. Luckily, we have 20 days to see if it's buried in there as an easter egg. Sega released a free iOS App as well, though it's only found its way to the Japanese App Store thus far -- we've checked with Sega to make sure it's coming here as well. According to Andriasang, it'll only be available for the next six months. The app is composed of the first stage of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1, a minigame named "Sonic the Sketchhog," a news feed, and an area for "weekly wallpaper downloads." Sales are also kicking off on a variety of Sonic titles for XBLA/PSN, which run from today through July 28. And yes, this Thanksgiving, Sonic -- in his skinnier form -- will once again appear in the Macy's parade, taunting our turkey-swelled bellies with his simultaneously svelte and inflated figure.
Report: Sonic Generations demo hitting PSN, XBLM on June 23
A report by Andriasang claims that Sega has chosen tomorrow, June 23 to launch the demo for its remastered retro remix, Sonic Generations. Although it doesn't cite a source for the information, the site says that the demo will be available for PS3 and Xbox 360, the latter requiring an Xbox Live Gold account to download. Additionally, the one-level trial game will evidently expire on July 12, vanishing from both e-stores and disabling itself if it's been downloaded. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has listed the demo as part of tomorrow's European PlayStation Store update, lending a lot of credence to this news, although a representative for Sega America couldn't comment when asked by Joystiq if the demo is planned to hit the US tomorrow, too. It's entirely likely -- though not confirmed -- that the demo's release is being prepared as a surprise to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sonic franchise, which is, conveniently, June 23. PS3 owners in Japan would need another surprise tomorrow in order to play the demo, Andriasang points out -- that country's PSN is still offline, with no indication it will be brought back into service within the next 24 hours. Update: The Sonic Generations demo is now available on Xbox Live -- for the next 20 days.
Sonic 20th anniversary figurine is looking sharp
In celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog's 20th anniversary, Sega is making some pretty slick figurines. They "will not be sold anywhere," according to Sega, and only one thousand are being manufactured. Presumably, the only way to get one will be via contests or promotions. The company didn't offer any specs, though the figure appears to be fairly large -- check out the photo after the break for reference. Fun fact: There are two versions of the figurine, one for the United States and another for other parts of the world (pictured above). The two versions are nearly identical apart from one small detail. See if you can guess what it is.
Footage of canceled 'Sonic Extreme' hoverboarding game
YouTube user ProtonX3 has released a series of videos demonstrating a reportedly canceled Sonic the Hedgehog hoverboarding game for the original Xbox, entitled Sonic Extreme (not to be confused with Sonic X-Treme). Not to cast any aspersions on the potential merits of the game, but the same engine was also used to create a skateboarding game starring anthropomorphic thumbs (also canceled, apparently). But hey, it probably would've been better than Sonic Free Riders, right? Check out some footage after the break and find a lot more on ProtonX3's YouTube channel.
Sega puts entire XBLA catalog on sale
Frugal, Xbox-owning Sega fans, this is your week! Sega's entire Xbox Live Arcade catalog is currently heavily discounted. Again, that's the entire XBLA catalog, from Altered Beast to Virtual On. See all the discounts after the break. The sale ends April 25.
Sonic Adventure and sequel get 20th anniversary soundtracks
The soundtracks to the Dreamcast's Sonic Adventure games are being re-released in Japan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first game's arrival back in 1991. The track listing isn't the full version of the soundtrack, evidently, but the first disc will have the classics, including the "It Doesn't Matter" theme as well as "Open Your Heart." The Sonic Adventure CD is due out on May 18, with Sonic Adventure 2 following on June 22. CDJapan will be selling both for about $27, and Amazon Japan also has preorders available. Ah, the memories -- we can almost feel that giant killer whale smashing up the pier behind us.
Overclocked Remix releases free Sonic: The Sound of Speed album
Though your memory of Sonic the Hedgehog may have tarnished over the past few, murky years, we'd wager you've lost no love for the franchise's earliest anthems. If that is indeed the case, you'll be pleased to introduce your ears to Overclocked Remix's latest, totally free project: The Sound of Speed, a tribute album for the original Sonic the Hedgehog featuring 13 original arrangements based on Masato Nakamura's iconic score. Did we mention that it's free? We're fairly certain that we did, but we were confused, because you're still sitting here, reading this, instead of visiting OC Remix's site, and downloading, and listening. Did you miss the link? Look, here it is again. We literally can't think of anything else we can do. Help us help you.
WRUP: 'Chubby' or 'eating disorder' Sonic? Fight!
There is no "both" or "either" when it comes to Sonic size preference. This week's teaser trailer of the blue mascot's upcoming game brought the question to the forefront again (now more than ever): Do you prefer Sonic with a belly or his slender modern interpretation? What's everyone playing?
New Sonic the Hedgehog game revealed, speeding to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Sega has revealed a brand new Sonic the Hedgehog game via Sonic's Facebook page (Dr. Robotnik friend request -- rejected). A short teaser trailer depicts Sonic running through a sparsely colored sequence of checkered hills and loops, before meeting up with an old pal. Classic Sonic is back, pudge and all! Also, we hate to worry you, but it looks like he's been cloning himself. The game is expected to arrive on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 sometime in 2011. We're sure to see more before the blue speed demon's 20th birthday.
Sonic and Football Manager iOS games discounted for charity
Speaking of iPhone ports of classic console games being discounted and the profits directed toward Japanese earthquake relief ... Sega has knocked down the prices on its iOS Sonic the Hedgehog games, including (App Store links) Sonic the Hedgehog ($1.99), Sonic 2 ($2.99), Sonic 4 ($3.99) and Sonic Spinball ($0.99), with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Red Cross through March 20. Additionally, proceeds from the $10 Football Manager Handheld 2011 will also be donated. Normally, we'd recommend against iPhone ports of console games, but when your money goes straight to helping save lives, we couldn't recommend them enough. You get a game that you may derive some enjoyment from, and the Red Cross gets a little more help.
The Road to Mordor: Rating Eriador
Lately I've been playing world traveler with my level 43 Lore-master as he's bouncing all over Middle-earth in what used to be the high-level zones of the game: Trollshaws, Angmar, Forochel, Misty Mountains, and Eregion. Once again, I'm struck by just how cohesive this place feels -- it's not a collection of Sonic the Hedgehog-themed areas (Green Zone 1, Lava Zone 4, etc.) but a world that connects together in a tangible, real way. Even though it's fiction. Until November 2008, Eriador was the only place in Middle-earth that we could explore, and although some criticized Lord of the Rings Online for not shipping with, well, every locale in J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginarium open for business, it was a smart decision. The devs could take this section of the world and focus on building depth and detail instead of spreading it thin, like butter scraped over too much bread. As a result, Eriador remains a wonderful starting point -- not to mention the bulk of any current player's journey -- and many of us have grown attached to these familiar sights and sounds as a result. Today I'd like to take a brief overview of all of Eriador's zones (we'll leave Rhovanion for another day) and rate them from best to worst in terms of zone design, questing, and that slippery cool-factor that's hard to define. Where would I suggest a summer vacation home and where would be an ideal spot for a penal colony? Hit the jump and let's run it down.
Sonic fan film proves the continued existence of Sonic fandom
Who still loves Sonic the Hedgehog in 2011? Enduring hardship after hardship, Richard Kuta has managed to remain devoted to the prickly blue speedster to commit his time to an animated fan film. That kind of loyalty is pretty noble! And the animation in the preview isn't bad, either.
PlayStation Plus users get free, timed-exclusive Genesis games starting in March
The latest venue for the same set of Genesis ports seen everywhere else is the PlayStation 3's PlayStation Network, which adds another console to the system's retro roster. Sega is releasing them all for free to PlayStation Plus members for a limited time, starting with the March 1 release of Sonic the Hedgehog, which is free to Plus members through April 5. Sonic 2, Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe 2, Comix Zone, and Altered Beast will all follow on the day the previous game is removed. Those without Plus will have to wait for the opportunity to buy these Genesis games for $4.99 each: Sonic won't hit the normal PSN store until March 29, with the other games showing up around a month apart. You could wait for that, or you could get the Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection disc, which has all of these games and 42 more for ... $16.79.
More Sega Genesis classics added to Steam
Are you just a few marks short of achieving your dream of being able to play Gunstar Heroes on every gaming platform known to mankind? You can go ahead and check "PC" off your list -- the game, alongside other classics like Alien Soldier, Landstalker, Light Crusader, Shining Force, Shining Force II, Shining in the Darkness, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic and Knuckles, Streets of Rage, Streets of Rage 2, ToeJam and Earl, ToeJam and Earl in Panic on Funkotron, and Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair have all arrived on Steam as part of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive Classics Collection 4. You can grab each of these gems (well, some of them are gems, anyways) for $2.99 a pop. You could also grab a bundle featuring 10 of the games above for $7.50 -- though this collection is missing both ToeJam and Earl games, so like, what's the point?
Pakistani Sonic Happy Meal commercial will make you believe in love again
Here's a brief list of delightful things waiting for you in the Sonic-themed Happy Meal ad posted below: The worst 3D graphics ever rendered, Tails kicking a soccer ball into his own face, and a totally nude Rouge the Bat. (If you found this post using that as a search term, then shame on you.)
Sega teases Sonic and Puyo Puyo anniversary projects
2011 marks the 20th anniversary for two Sega franchises: the Compile-developed Puyo Puyo puzzle series (which technically wasn't even a Sega-published game until 1992), and something about a blue hedgehog with shoes on. Sega has plans for both series in this milestone year, according to a Japanese press release received by Andriasang. According to Andriasang, Sega teased multiple "projects" for both series' anniversaries, though the nature of those projects is unannounced. The last Puyo Puyo game was 2009's Puyo Puyo 7 for PSP, Wii, and DS, so that series is ripe for another sequel. As for Sonic, it seems safe to assume we'll see a few Sonic games in 2011 -- not because it's a big anniversary, but because it's a year.
Sonic games -- and The Notebook -- discounted on Xbox Live
The penultimate day of Microsoft's Xbox Live Countdown to New Year's promotion coincides with the December 30 "surprise" listed by Sega in its winter sale announcement. You can see where this is going -- Sega games are on sale today. Specifically, the sale covers a bunch of Sonic games ... a deal that was somehow hinted by this clue: "One Foe -- A world of good vs evil." Surprise! Microsoft is offering one-day discounts on Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, and 3, (now 200 MS Points each), Sonic & Knuckles (120 MSP), Sonic Adventure (400 MSP) and Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (800 MSP). The Sonic car Avatar prop is on sale for 120 MSP. Also, The Notebook is discounted today to 380 MSP. We don't think that's part of the theme, but if you're buying all those Sonic games, you should probably go ahead and buy The Notebook to try and spot any Sonic the Hedgehog references in it. Just to be sure.
Sonic the Hedgehog will charge your Wiimote inductively, but he won't like it
He may be flashing a peace sign, but you can tell from the look in his eyes that Sonic isn't exactly thrilled to be doing anything to support Nintendo. This is the cat that made blast processing a reality, whose addiction for gold rings is legendary, and who hasn't starred in a truly great game since, well, since Sega stopped making hardware, now reduced to this. Look at him, perched atop a mock floating platform, brown and tan checkerboard base with a green top where you can set your Wiimotes for charging without stripping them of their prophylactics. Though the press release makes no mention of this, we were led to believe that this is not actually powered by your AC outlet, instead by the spirits of fuzzy little squirrels and rabbits trapped within, making this $49.99 figurine from Mad Catz all the more nefarious.
