sonic the hedgehog
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Sonic 2 soon to be Xbox Live Deal of the Week
According to Sega, the XBLA version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will soon become an Xbox Live Deal of the Week. The deal is scheduled to begin November 30 -- just in time for the holidays -- and will see the game's price drop from 400 ($5) to just 240 ($3). That's an absolute pittance for one of the best Sonic games out there, and with Project Needlemouse still a long way out, you'd be hard-pressed to do much better (seriously).
PlaySega without having to PaySega
Sega's casual games portal PlaySega has just added Genesis classics to its lineup. If, like us, your attention has yet to turn to the browser-based service since its December launch, now would be a good time to check it out. N-Europe reports that you can access a free 10-day trial of the paid "VIP" service now, which allows you to play, in addition to the collection of free games, those that are normally behind a pay wall -- like all the Genesis games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, which also includes (get ready to freak out) a level editor.If you like the service and then sign up for a three-month ($14.95) subscription, Sega will send you one of the Saturn-style USB controllers seen here. Just don't sign up for the controller and forget you've subscribed, or you'll end up paying a lot more than you wanted to.
Sonic the Hedgehog meets Mad Catz, video game accessories ensue
Third-party peripheral purveyor Mad Catz has announced a new licensing agreement with Sega of America, which should see all manner of multiplatform Sonic the Hedgehog-branded accessories make their way onto store shelves sometime in the future. Darren Richardson, CEO and president of Mad Catz, is positively thrilled, saying, "We look forward to offering unique and exciting accessories to fans of this truly iconic videogame and popular culture character." Since the words "unique and exciting" haven't been used to describe anything Sonic-related in years, it's hard to imagine just how Mad Catz will leverage this license -- short of becoming the next anthropomorphic sidekick. (Mad Catz: He doesn't care what you think and wears a beret!) Obviously, next year's release of a high-definition 2D Sonic game, Project Needlemouse, represents a great opportunity for tie-in peripherals. Perhaps a luxurious pillow covered in special tear-absorbing fabric.
Fan releases trailer for feature-length Sonic film
Sonic fans are notoriously devoted to Sega's hedgehog mascot, sticking with the franchise in spite of Sega's best efforts to run it into the ground. However, it's arguable that no one is more dedicated to Sonic than Rich Kuta. Why? He's making a feature-length Sonic film -- and paying for it with his own money.It sounds absurd; impossible, even. However, Kuta has recently released a trailer to prove that he's got the know-how to make it work. The project is currently in the "storyboarding stage," with a planned crew of nearly 60 people. The film will be hand-drawn using a program called ToonBoom, and will be animated by an unnamed studio in Miami. Kuta plans on releasing the film in 2011, in time for Sonic's 20th anniversary, for free. Granted, he may come into a pretty major hiccup, as he admits, "We do not have SEGA's endorsement, permission, or authorization to do so, and it is a clear violation of copyright laws."Should Sega avoid slamming a C&D on Kuta and co., then this film may become one part of the rebirth of the fastest thing alive. We're going to grab our Sonic PJs and dust off our DVDs of SatAM while we join the legions of Sonic nerds that are now anticipating this film in addition to Project Needlemouse.
Sega making 'all new' 2D, hi-def Sonic game for 2010
Just hours shy of Sega Dreamcast's 10 year anniversary comes word that Sega's iconic mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, is due to make a return to his 2D roots in a new game planned for 2010. Currently going by the codename Project Needlemouse, the game will be high-definition and is "built from the ground up," according to a report by GameSpot.The site spoke with Ken Ballough, associate brand manager at Sega America, who said, "Old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay. Many liked the daytime stages in Unleashed, but wanted to see a game that plays purely similar to the early games of the Genesis. Project Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots." In late July, Sega America marketing VP Sean Ratcliffe admitted that core gamers have lost a fair massive amount of faith in the Sonic franchise, saying that, "The quality is something that will be fixed over time." Here's hoping that the Project Needlemouse announcement is a sign the repairs will be made sooner rather than later. Check out the teaser (complete with ye olde "SEGA!" chorus) after the break.[Thanks, Shadsy!]
Overdue: Sega to fix Sonic the Hedgehog 'over time'
Would you consider it a small victory if Sega of America's marketing VP, Sean Ratcliffe, was cognizant of the company mascot's ongoing and unceasingly spectacular nosedive? "The quality is something that will be fixed over time," he told Industry Gamers, addressing Sonic the Hedgehog's well-publicized fall from blast-processed grace. Though Ratcliffe insisted that last year's Sonic Unleashed proved to be a hit with "the kids," it's the "die-hard Sega fans" that were "fairly critical." Which is putting it quite "nicely," we think. Sega is investigating numerous options for Sonic's future -- including digital distribution through iPhone, XBLA "and so on" -- though Ratcliffe warns that "it's always a challenge to raise that quality bar."Really? When it's all the way down there?
Sonic turns 18 tomorrow, Sega giving you all his presents
It's Sonic's birthday tomorrow. He's turning 18 and leaving the awkwardness of puberty behind to become an adult hedgehog. To celebrate this special time in every blue speed-demon's life, Sega is going to hold a bash and give away many Sonic-related gifts to all of his fans. On Tuesday, June 23 (that's tomorrow), keep your eyes glued to both @sonicgames on Twitter and Sonic on Facebook for a chance to win any one of the 15 prize packs up for grabs (see after the break for deets). All prizes are available to win worldwide -- there's no silly regional restrictions it would seem (except for Quebec because you're too good for foreign goods*). The Sega Blognik has the full rules on how (and when) to enter the contests, so make sure you hit that up.*Not an actual restriction
No place left to run: Sonic the Hedgehog now on iPhone
Running out of platforms to cash in on, Sega's original Sonic the Hedgehog has made its inevitable appearance on the iPhone, notes PocketGamer. The Genesis (Mega Drive) classic is available for $6. We know it's not exactly mobile, but we feel obligated to point out that Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection (which includes the original Sonic, plus a whole lot more) is $30 or less.We've yet to play Sonic on the iPhone, so feel free to leave a comment below if the title is worth the entry fee to Green Hill Zone.
Second batch of Sega Vintage Collection titles confirmed
Sega has announced plans to release seven more of its classic titles under the Sega Vintage Collection banner later this year, thus confirming one of Xbox Live Arcade's worst-kept secrets. Included in Sega Vintage Collection 2 are Shinobi (arcade port), Comix Zone, Altered Beast, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Phantasy Star II, Sonic & Knuckles and Gunstar Heroes. Interestingly, Gunstar Heroes is the only title also announced for the PSN.According to Sega, each title will include online leaderboards, re-worked graphics (using smoothing filters, not HD upgrades) and most will feature network play (Comix Zone, Phantasy Star II and Shinobi excluded). No word on pricing or release dates but Sega plans to release the titles separately this summer, with Sonic & Knuckles appearing last. Why the delay? With Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 2 XBLA and Sonic 3 XBLA owners will be able to use the classic lock-on feature from the Genesis-era to import Knuckles into each classic adventure. Of course, if patience isn't your best quality, you could just buy Sonic's Genesis Collection now (which doesn't support lock-on).%Gallery-63190%
Fan made Sonic Xbox paintjob looks angry, bathroom ready
Not too long ago we featured a Domo Kun themed Xbox 360, painted to showoff the mascot of Japan's NHK television station. Today, deviantART user ricepuppet has sent us an image of his latest work. Featuring the blue blur himself from the Dreamcast era, this Xbox 360 stars Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog as he attempts to intimidate gamers with his angry (possibly, constipated) gaze. Do not attempt to run, Sonic can smell fear.
ESRB rates Sega classics, to appear on PlayStation Network
Classic Sega games are coming to the PlayStation Network, if leaked ESRB ratings are to be believed. Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 can all be seen with new ratings from the board. These games are already available as re-released on Xbox LIVE Arcade, so it makes sense that the PlayStation Network should get them as well.Fans of Sega compilations may also want to look into the upcoming Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, which houses a number of classic 16-bit games.
Sonic fan gets town's pet hedgehog ban overturned
An 11-year-old Sonic fan's crusade has overturned a citywide ban on hedgehogs in Lawrence, Kansas. As reported by KTKA, young Judson King wanted one of the super-fast and incredibly agile rodents as a pet, but they were illegal, so he spent three years getting a brief together petitioning city commissioners to overturn the law. The town elders couldn't find a reason behind the blue creatures' banning in the first place, so Master King now has his own pet hedgehog -- Luke.After doing some research of our own, we've discovered the reason Lawrence banned hedgehogs in the first place. In 1944, a Dr. Eikopf Robotniksky settled in Lawrence, and he just so happened to own a pet echidna. Echidnas and hedgehogs do not get along well, and thus hedgehogs were given the boot. No, really. We're not making this up.[Via GamePolitics]
VC Monday Madness: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Master System)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)Wii Fanboy says: do not download This week, we've got one new Virtual Console game to play and it's Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Master System. For those of you who tune in to our VC Monday Madness videos regularly, you may know that I've already covered this game on the Sega Genesis. So, why would you want the Sega Master System version of the game? You wouldn't.Oh, and sorry for the lack of game music. The program I use to capture videos has been acting up on me today and I couldn't figure out how to fix it before deadline. Sorry! Each week, we here at Wii Fanboy like to check out the latest Virtual Console releases in our VC Monday Madness feature, in the hopes that you can make the most sound decision possible regarding purchasing retro titles from the Wii Shop Channel. If you're looking for more retro goodness, check out Virtually Overlooked, which talks about games that should be on the Virtual Console.
Sonic Unleashed trailer is mostly the game we want
IGN has uploaded a new video for Sonic Unleashed, showing off plenty of Sonic doing what Sonic does best: running at high speeds and collecting rings. Of course, because it's Sonic Unleashed, we're also forced to be reminded that there's a whole different game in this package: the Werehog battle and platforming segments. Thankfully, that's kept to a minimum in the video above, so feel free to enjoy.As critical of the game as we are, we still hold out hope that we're wrong and the game will be really good. Of course, history tells us to expect something else ...%Gallery-19031%[Via Go Nintendo]
Sonic Unleashed trailer is half the game we want
Look, you can be excited all you want about Sonic Unleashed. We're excited for it, too, and we know how long you've been waiting to play a decent Sonic game again. But, we're only excited for half of the game. You know, the parts where Sonic runs around. The stretchy-armed, night-time battle portions of the game? Yeah, we couldn't care less.%Gallery-19031%
Sonic busts ghosts in upcoming 'Night of the Werehog' short
If you're a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog's non-video game outings, you'd be wise to check out the trailer for an upcoming animated short featuring Sega's spiny mascot, titled Night of the Werehog. The movie, which will be available online sometime before the launch of Sonic Unleashed, features the speedster (in his new, lupine form) battling all manner of unmannerly ghosts. Though the trailer (which we've courteously posted after the break), doesn't do much to tell how the short relates to the story of Unleashed, the CGI is extremely well done -- though we're somewhat disappointed by the movie's apparent lack of Jaleelitude.
DS Daily: Has it changed your view?
With Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood finally releasing and all of us having ample time to play it, we'd like to know: has it changed your opinion of the blue, spiky hedgehog? It's quite the good game, which is weird for us considering Sonic hasn't been in one of those for quite some time. Maybe it's changing our view of Sega's mascot a little. How about you? If you haven't given the game a try yet, may we ask why?%Gallery-16398%
Another peek at Sonic and the Black Knight
We're slowly building a picture of Sonic and the Black Knight, and from the last we saw of the game, there's a real split among Wii owners on the game. Certainly we can all agree on one thing, though: these are probably not in-game shots. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy 'em, though!As you see more of the game, does your opinion change, or had you pretty much made up your mind upon first hearing about Sonic and his new big bad sword?%Gallery-33434%
First look at Sonic and the Black Knight
And here's the other Sonic game. After this morning's gameplay trailer of Sonic Unleashed achieved the seemingly impossible and impressed us, this Sonic and the Black Knight footage wasn't quite as jaw-dropping.It looks like most other 3D Sonic games since the first Sonic Adventure, in that's it's very fast and very whizzy, and appears to restrict levels of player input. It could, potentially, be fun, but we're still not sold on the idea of tying Sonic into Arthurian legend, or even equipping him with weapons. Mind you, Sonic with a talking sword is still preferable to Shadow with a gun. Sheesh, we just remembered Shadow is in this and depressed ourselves.%Gallery-33434%
Sonic creator's studio working on Sonic-like game
Shown for the first time at TGS, Let's Tap! and Let's Catch! – the inaugural Wii games from former Sega executive, designer, and co-creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, Yuji Naka – were (refreshingly) not what we'd expected from his new studio, Prope. Frankly, we'd expected a Sonic or Billy Hatcher-esque platforming title. Wait – what's that, Gamasutra? Prope's working on a Sonic-style game? Shocking.Speaking to Gamasutra during the show, Naka revealed that, "At Prope, we're actually actually planning on making a game like Sonic right now," when asked about his future with character-based action games. "That's what we're making now," he further affirmed.So ... time for a game of "animal, vegetable, or mineral?" We're going to go with "animal." You can play along in the comments.
