sonic the hedgehog
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VC Friday: A blue blur
A triple whammy of 500 Wii Point games this week, starting with the Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog, from the days when the world loved and respected Sonic the Hedgehog. With the Mega Drive/Genesis version already available on the Virtual Console for 300 Points more, we suspect the Master System edition is for either Sonic completists or cheapskates. We fit both categories.Then there are a couple of ye olde classics from the Commodore 64: Boulder Dash and Jumpman. The name "Jumpman" is coincidental, by the way, though the game is probably similar enough to Donkey Kong to warrant suspicion. Sonic the Hedgehog -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points Boulder Dash -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points* Jumpman -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points* See all three doing their thing past the break!
Put a bit of yourself in Sonic and the Black Knight
You might be feeling disheartened about not hearing back from the organizers of the Little King's Story "UMA" Contest, a competition that gave fans a chance to have their art appear in the game. But don't pack your crayons away and sulk just yet, because Sega is offering the exact same prize for Sonic and the Black Knight.If you're over 13 years of age, reside in the U.S. or Canada (there will be a European contest in the future), and are willing to draw Sonic or one of his awful friends, then get entering! If you're one of the twenty artists selected by Sega, your art will appear in the title, and you'll get a free copy of the game.Did we say twenty? We meant nineteen. Naturally, we're super-duper drawers and color-inners, so you may be lucky enough to have your art placed next to ours in Sonic's world! That's right: we just asked you to bring it.[Update: removed link][Via Siliconera]
Sega realizes Sonic games haven't been very good
In an interview with GameDaily, Sega's VP of marketing, Sean Ratcliffe, formally acknowledged something that, oh, every gamer and members of the media have known for the past decade: the Sonic franchise has largely gone to poop. Well, Ratcliffe didn't go that far. He did offer explanations, promises, and gently worded ways of saying that Sega is going to continue doing ... the same old thing with the Blue Blur (except for the, um, "werehog" part). In summary:"Some of that criticism is probably warranted. We definitely recognize that a franchise that has been going as long as Sonic, you really have to put a huge amount of effort in to make sure that you maintain that quality ... which is why you're seeing us this year taking the first steps in making sure the quality is right, and we're constantly looking at innovation ... you know, blending classic 2D gameplay with 3D, beautiful landscapes, rich environments. Then with a nice innovative twist, we're taking Sonic in a different direction, slow him down and he transforms into a 'Werehog.' And that changes the gameplay again. For fans of Sonic that have been looking for a next-gen experience, this is the game they've been waiting for."Slow him down? ... *facepalm* (Oh BioWare, save us now!)
VC Tuesday: Too Many Games Tuesday
We aren't sure if Nintendo of Japan operates like Nintendo of America, but if their website can actually be trusted to predict the VC and WiiWare releases for a given week, this week's crop of games is embarrassingly huge. Five Virtual Console games, only two of which are shooters (and one of which, Twinbee, is genuinely worth five hundred points, even if it is a not-so-great port of an arcade game), and three WiiWare games. Of course, one of the WiiWare games is the second Go game on the service, but it's Nintendo's version, and is thus pretty nice, with online play and instruction and such.The less familiar VC games include Gakkou de Atta Kowai Hanashi, a horror visual novel about a school; Eikan no Kimi ni, a baseball management simulation from A-Train developers Artdink; and Dragon Saber, the sequel to Dragon Spirit.Virtual Console: Twinbee (Famicom, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points) Gakkou de Atta Kowai Hanashi (Super Famicom, 1 player, 800 Wii Points) Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points) Eikan no Kimi Ni: Koukou Yakyuu Zenkoku Taikai (PC Engine, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points) Dragon Saber (PC Engine, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points) WiiWare: Tsuushin Taikyoku: Igo Dojo 2700-mon (1-2 players, 1,000 Wii Points) Silver Star Chess (1-2 players, 500 Wii Points) Wild West Guns (1-2 players, 1,000 Wii Points)
VC Monday Madness: SPLATTERHOUSE 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog
Oh, how good it feels to be back. After a brief hiatus (and slight tweak), VC Monday Madness is back and ready for action. Waste no time and get into the video above, then head past the break for even more.
Sonic the Hedgehog on the Master System on the Wii
The latest set of ESRB rating updates features two upcoming Virtual Console games, one of which is just kind of awkward. Namco's Splatterhouse 2 is making the journey from Japan, which is great news for people who like hitting things with a 2x4. The other game is also for a Sega console: Sonic the Hedgehog.Perhaps puzzled by how to identify the Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog in their rating submission, since the two games are now both Wii games, Sega decided to put it right there in the title: Sonic the Hedgehog on the Master System. It would be hilarious if this ended up being the final title for the game on the Virtual Console, but we doubt that will happen.
Rumor: Nintendo Power to reveal Wii exclusive Sonic and the Black Knight
At the end of last month's issue of Nintendo Power, the editors promised a huge reveal in the magazine's following issue, teasing those anxiously awaiting Wii-exclusive installments in the Earthbound and Kingdom Hearts franchises. However, if the supposed scans of the cover of the upcoming edition of Nintendo Power that have begun to trickle onto the internet are legit, then the publication's big surprise could be coming from an unexpected source -- a new adventure of a recognizable blue rodent, titled Sonic and the Black Knight.Assuming the scans are real, the twentieth anniversary edition of Nintendo Power will give readers their first look at the title. No other details are given on the supposed cover, though we're sure the sole image of the cerulean speedster brandishing a broadsword is enough to send you into a tizzy. However, let us not forget the disaster that resulted the last time we bestowed a lethal weapon upon a hedgehog.
Sakurai: 'I had a lot more characters' in Brawl
What do you think of Smash Bros. Brawl? Great game, right? Yeah, we think so, too. Is it missing something, though? Perhaps extra characters?According to ONM, Sakurai himself cut a couple of characters from the roster. "I had a lot more characters, for example.. but sadly I can't discuss which ones didn't make it," he said to ONM in an interview that will be featured in their next issue, hitting newsstands on Friday. How does that sit with you?For us, it's not much of a big deal. The game's already packed with a ton of characters, and even includes wonderful bits of fan service in Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog. So, we're not complaining.%Gallery-3347%
New Sonic Unleashed clip highlights speedy foot-age
Well, that was terrible. The headline, we mean. IGN's new video of Sonic Unleashed gameplay (check it after the break!), on the other hand, is actually quite exciting. Though gameplay looks a little on the simplistic side, the side-scrolling shots of Sonic speeding through a colorful city certainly show off a solid graphics engine, not to mention an electric pace. And no grating sidekicks in sight! We'll have more of this, please.
LotRO: Seven genres in one game
Part of the genius of Lord of the Rings Online is how Turbine managed to wrap seven genres into one game. No, I am not talking about their Web games promoting the Mines of Moria. Rather, I am talking about how utterly different the play of each class is while being in the same environment. This is great because it aids the replayability of a game whose content, shall we say, lends itself to considerable replay for the committed player. Each class is its own game – so much so that each actually typifies not merely a different RPG character type, but actually completely different genre of gaming.Can you match the genre to the character class?
Sonic the Hedgehog mobile surpasses 8 million downloads
Sega Mobile says that its version of Sonic the Hedgehog has reached the milestone of being downloaded 8 million times since it launched in early 2006. Verizon Wireless has seen the most success from the $8 download of Sonic, with the company stating that the game has made a "substantial contribution" to the company's sales these past two years. Sega Mobile plans to introduce Sonic 2, Sonic Spinball and Sonic at the Olympic Games this year.For those keeping track, this would be our second mobile success story of the day. We got this weird feeling ... could somebody check on Alderaan? Oh, really, not there you say? That's too bad.
Joystiq impressions: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
A turn-based RPG, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood moves the speedy Sega characters into a role-playing world. After a big, "Huh?" I gave this DS-only game a shot at the Nintendo Media Summit. But especially with Bioware behind the project, I came away thinking it could be a fun game for kids and even adult RPG players. And forget Sonic; the deep game mechanics, dialogue options, and great-looking world could combine into a portable RPG favorite.%Gallery-20608%
Sonic Unleashed: "no relation" to latest Sonic titles
Well, thank God. In a recent interview with Official Nintendo Magazine (what, you don't subscribe?), Sonic Team's Yoshihisa Hashimoto noted that Sonic's latest outing, Sonic Unleashed, "has no relation" to his previous next-gen effort Sonic the Hedgehog (or the Wii's Sonic and the Secret Rings for that matter). For those of you who missed out on Sonic the Hedgehog, you should know that Sonic Unleashed having no relation to it is a very, very good thing. Giving us more reason to hope (and thus greater hopes to be dashed), Hashimoto says that Sonic Unleashed began as Sonic Adventure 3, adding that "this game will have more in common with the older Sonic Adventure series." While many would argue that Sonic Team should look back even further for inspiration (oh sweet, sweet Sonic 3), it's still a damned sight better than the 360 Sonic the Hedgehog.So, potentially good news then. Dare we have the audacity to hope that Sonic Unleashed might actually be good?
Sonic Unleashed officially announced, slated for Holiday 2008
Though we've been feeding it leftovers since last month, Sega of America has finally knocked on our door and confirmed that the adorable stray cat in our care did indeed have its origins in the publisher's bag. Much to our surprise, Sega also informed us that the cat is actually ... a hedgehog. We thought it felt a bit strange petting the dear thing, but are no less alarmed by Sega's evil habit of stuffing small creatures in bags. Developed by the "renowned" Sonic Team, Sonic Unleashed promises a return to the blazing blue mammal's roots in "an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe." Set for release on the Xbox, PlayStation 3, Wii and PlayStation 2, the game ditches low-tech blast processing for the "Hedgehog Engine," which "introduces seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, whilst delivering a rich and expansive world with multiple paths to choose from." It certainly sounds like we're taking a step in the right direction, but given our previous next-gen brush with Sonic, we're not convinced we won't just clip right through the floor and fall out of the level.Sega further notes that Sonic is faced with an "unusual situation" this time around, with gameplay changing from day to night (must be the wolf thing) and "combat fighting" becoming possible. We'll learn more about what exactly that means closer to the game's late 2008 release. (For now, watch the trailer -- posted after the break.)%Gallery-19737%
Apple unleashes Sonic the Hedgehog for iPod
Listen up iPod nano (3rd Generation), iPod Classic and 5th Generation iPod owners! Your ability to abstain from buying iPod games could be challenged, for Apple have quietly released Sonic the Hedgehog for your favorite pocket music players. Yes, Sonic the Hedgehog. I can wait here -- you go celebrate this gaming icon making it to Cupertino via the iTunes Store.You're back? Excellent. Complete with MIDI-esque soundtrack for true 'throw-back-to-Sonic's-golden-era' effect, this new game will cost you $4.99 / £3.99 (yes, almost $8 - pity us Brits) or €4,99 via the iTunes Store and is available now; there's also the usual gifting option, should there be an iPod user in your life you've yet to find gift inspiration for.[Via CVG / David Chartier] - UK iTS Link - US iTS Link
Sonic and Golden Axe speed to Xbox Live Arcade
This week's Xbox Live Arcade titles are Golden Axe and, finally, Sonic the Hedgehog. Both cost a mere 400 Microsoft Points, with Golden Axe allowing for co-operative play on Live and locally. The Achievements for both titles were made available yesterday, and led us to believe that at the very least, GA was coming today. Fortunately, we were only half right, as Sonic finally made its debut under the Sega Vintage Collection line of titles. With any luck, we'll see Ecco and Sonic 2 follow suit.
Virtual Console adds Sonic 2, Golden Axe 2 and Lode Runner 1
This Virtual Console Monday highlights not only gaming's underlying obsession with golden objects, but our disgusting habit of putting painful puns in paragraphs where they don't belong. Indeed, golden weapons, golden rings and golden nuggets have combined to provide one Au-some selection of retro titles: Lode Runner (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): The Runner being some sort of crazed kleptomaniac with a shovel, as best we can tell. Grab the gold, avoid the robots and scream in agony as you plummet into your own hole. Again. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii points): A true platforming classic, Sonic 2 takes the 'hog to space and back. Note: Playing this game may cause the Chemical Plant Zone theme to become permanently lodged in your brain. Golden Axe II (Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii points): With names like Ax-Battler, Tyris-Flare and Gilius Thunderhead, is there any question as to why your band of heroes would need to defeat someone called Dark Guld? We think not.
Sonic 2 speeding to XBLA says ESRB
We sort of missed this yesterday, and it's time to make it right. In addition to the ESRB revelation that Lara Croft's latest adventure, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, is heading to the Xbox 360 (possibly as DLC), Joystiq also uncovered an ESRB entry for Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Add this title to the ever growing list of Genesis classics rated by the ESRB -- Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, Ecco the Dolphin, and now Sonic 2 -- and the existence of the SEGA Vintage Collection is becoming harder and harder to deny. Our only question: how many more titles does the ESRB need to reveal before SEGA makes an official announcement?
Ecco and Sonic receive ESRB ratings for XBLA
Further validating the screenshots of SEGA's Vintage Collection discovered earlier this month, ESRB ratings have been discovered for two of SEGA's classic titles. One of them, Sonic the Hedgehog, we've known about for some time. The other, however, is something of a surprise. Ecco the Dolphin is also listed for the Xbox 360. While we love the original Sonic as much as any self-respecting gamer, we have a special soft spot for Ecco. Given an HD makeover and the spiffy new age soundtrack from the SEGA CD version and we'd really have a special title on Xbox Live Arcade.What other titles would you like to see in the SEGA Vintage Collection? Kid Chameleon, Altered Beast, Phantasy Star?[Via Joystiq]Read
Rumor: Sega Vintage Collection heading for Xbox 360
If an Xbox 360 site based in the Netherlands is to be believed, then Sega has a "Vintage Collection" bound for that console. It'll contain at least Sonic the Hedgehog, and we're hoping some other classic titles. One question bugs us though, what took them so long?Although our Dutch is rusty, we sent the website through a translator and got this poetry, "That Sonic the Hedgehog arrives there we let us not know all, but that the game under the SEGA vintage collection falls." Words to live by. Check out the site for more images, and we'll try to get a list of what other titles this might include.
