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PS3 box shot: Photoshop at its finest? [update 2]
Here's an image that made the rounds on the internet this weekend: a purported box shot of Sonic the Hedgehog for the PlayStation 3 "caught in the wild." Take a close look at the upper-left corner: Zachary Hinchliffe has found the bottom portion of a GameFront watermark that was showing the Xbox 360 cover of Sonic. The box might have actually been made by Sony, and is right now sitting on someone's desk at Sony HQ. The box may be indicative of the final packaging, but don't get too excited just yet. Clever fan art or fortunate leak? We're leaning toward the former, but we'll know soon enough. Continue reading for more pictures of the box (thanks, "Blu ray owns your Soul").
ESRB shows seven Sega games for Wii
While PS2 and PSP users won't be getting the under-appreciated classic Toe Jam and Earl as part of a recently announced Genesis collection, it looks like Wii owners might get the game on their virtual consoles. The ESRB lists these seven classics when you search for Sega games for Nintendo's upcoming system: Altered Beast Columns Ecco the Dolphin Golden Axe Ristar Sonic the Hedgehog Toe Jam & Earl Each game got an E rating, with descriptors for comic mischief, animated violence and animated blood thrown in for good measure. While this isn't an official confirmation that the games are Wii-bound, it does seem to confirm that they have at least been submitted for ESRB rating, a logical first step. We can only hope that we'll be able to spend hundreds of dollars on new hardware just to relive the joy that is the Toe Jam rap.[Thanks, SuicidalMuskrat]
Speculating on the Virtual Console [Update 1]
Play-Nintendo has a "reliable list" (yeah, we know how those are) of games that are rumored to be on the Virtual Console. But it looks reasonable, and in fact, some of the titles are already confirmed by various sources. Their list is packed with classic titles, and some of them (oh, Castlevania, how we love you) are expected but still exciting, and others many of us still play on lazy Sunday afternoons (Ocarina of Time, anyone?) If this list turns out to be the real deal, we may have to take some extended breaks from our actual Wii games. A fanboy's life is full of difficult choices. Play-Nintendo also reports that their "source" confirmed five brand new games for the Virtual Console, but they couldn't reveal the details. We'll see. What are you dying to see? Frankly, we think Super Mario Bros. 3 is a necessity, if only because we know there'd be videos everywhere of fanboys reenacting scenes from The Wizard. If you could add any three games to this list, what would you choose? Full list after the jump.
Sonic Rivals trailer
Sonic has been cursed with some pretty mediocre gameplay in the past generation when placed in the third dimension. But, the 2D platformers found on the Game Boy Advance were all very solid. Sonic Rivals, the upcoming PSP-exclusive title features 2D gameplay, but with 3D graphics.... So, will it fall into the same curse that all the other 3D Sonics have?This trailer shows off some solid (and very speedy) graphics, but the gameplay worries me. Does it seem a bit too shallow? I'm afraid that because of its focus on racing, it might forget the important platforming element so crucial to a platform game. You watch the trailer and you be the judge.
Sonic in the next Smash Bros. game?
According to the September issue of Tips & Tricks, one Shigeru Miyamoto and Masahiro Sakurai have gone on record stating that they would both like to see other third-parties step up and ask to include their characters in the Smash Bros. experience. In citing that Kojima asked to have Snake involved in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the magazine says that the request was made too close to deadline, so they were unable to include him. Shiggy and Sakurai have said that they are close to including one other outside character, and commented that the most requested character is none other than Sega's mascot, and Mario's old rival, Sonic the Hedgehog.Now, we've all heard about the April Fool's joke about Sonic being unlockable in SSBM, but with strong support of the new console from Sega with some launch title, one of which being an all-new Sonic adventure, we're inclined to say that this is likely to happen. Is the character they're in talks to include none other than the speedy, ring-obsessed Sonic?[Via QJ; Thanks vidGuy!]
Games Convention to feature Vice City & Sonic
According to GameFront, it appears that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be presented to members of the press in next week's Games Convention in Germany. Also on-hand at the show, according to GamesIndustry.biz is Sonic Rivals, the first ever original PSP platformer starring Sega's famous mascot. With the convention pending, it appears that new screens of both games are making their way around the internet. CVG has posted new screens of Sonic Rivals, featuring the aptly named Silver, who boasts psychic powers. GAME also has new direct-feed screenshots of Vice City Stories in action, showcasing the "new" rocket launcher.[Thanks, Adriaan!]
Wildfire no more
The Sonic Team has come forward and announced that their flagship Wii title, Sonic Wildfire, has officially undergone a name change. The result? A slightly more dubious Sonic and the Secret Rings.We happen to think that Wildfire is a far more attractive name, but hey, it's their game. While the title does seem to imply vague references to drug circles, we can only hope our spiky-haired hero can resist temptation and continue to fight the good fight. What do you guys think about the change?[Thanks, UNCCShannon!]
Pocket Pad DAP / Game Gear handheld device
While we've seen our fair share of off-the-wall handhelds that do a dab of everything, including aplenty of overseas knockoffs that usually aren't what they claim to be, this little gadget seems to have a bit more credibility than the usual mishmashed portable. The Pocket Pad, reportedly sold through Alpha Plus, is a handheld gaming device with a button layout reminiscent of the original Game Boy, and rocks a 2.4-inch LCD that could potentially induce uncomfortable amounts of squinting while gaming. The 'Pad doubles up on the fun by providing a built-in MP3 player with 1GB of flash storage to accompany the nine internally-housed retro Sega titles, reportedly including Ecco the Dolphin and the obligatory Sonic the Hedgehog. While there's no word on whether this thing plays any other games, it does sport an SD slot in case your music library exceeds the 1GB barrier (or you just want to give your homebrew apps a try). A rather unexpected addition to the feature set is the inclusion of a TV-out jack that should enable you to pipe that button-mashing mayhem onto the big screen while at home. Deets concerning the battery life and included accessories (not to mention a warranty) are unsurprisingly missing, but if you've got money to gamble and a hankering for pocketable Sega action, the Pocket Pad will supposedly drop in October for £80 ($151).
Sega does what Nintendon't on your PSP
If you're into classic games like me, you're probably eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console feature so that you can play not only some Nintendo games, but some Genesis games as well. For those of you Sony fanboys that'll avoid the Wii like its a smelly grandmother, there's finally an alternative: Sega Genesis Collection, a compliation of nearly thirty Genesis games is heading to the PSP. The disc will not only come loaded with the games, but exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. PSP owners can rejoice in knowing that an exclusive wireless multiplayer mode is being created just for them. Maybe it'll even support Game Sharing? (I hope so!) Here's the list of games: Alex Kidd Altered Beast Bonanza Bros. Columns Comix Zone Decap Attack Ecco the Dolphin Ecco: The Tides of Time Ecco Jr. Eternal Champions Flicky Gain Ground Golden Axe Golden Axe II Golden Axe III Phantasy Star II Phantasy Star III Phantasy Star IV Ristar Shadow Dancer: Secret of Shinobi Shinobi III Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Super Thunderblade Sword of Vermillion Vectorman Vectorman 2 Virtua Fighter 2 Whoa... out of breath just reading that list. Visit 1up to see details about all of these classics.
Screenshot roundup: Sonic Wildfire
While some of us were more fortunate than others, undoubtedly laughing themselves all the way to the bank as they watched us cry, deep in the back of a long line. That's OK, we can forgive and wait until the game is released. We'll just have to scour the internet, looking for new screenshots to sustain us, much in the way someone who might devour a world would seek out new planets teeming with life. We'll bide our time...for now.Oh, hey, CVG posted some new screens! We'd best get to the devouring.[Via Joystiq]
Sonic Wildfire in development for two years?!
Go Nintendo has an interesting snippet taken from issue #6 of the UK Official Nintendo Magazine where Sonic Wildfire is discussed. Apparently in development for two years, the game is based off of Arabian Nights and will follow Sonic as he adventures through a book and looks to go back to the roots of the title by instilling that sense of speed once again. The game also will see the return of Dr. Robotnik Eggman and is to feature even more ways to use the Wiimote than were presented in the E3 demo.Yojiro Ogawa also expressed some interest in bringing another franchise to the Wii in the article. Thinking that it is "fantastic hardware," he would like to bring a new franchise, completely unrelated to Sonic, to the console, utilizing the entire spectrum of capabilities the Wiimote offers.
Relive 15 years of Sonic in 5 minutes
There's a video up on YouTube showcasing the past 15 years of what can only be described as purely awesome Sonic-ness. This fast-paced video tribute takes you back through time to relive all the memories we have of that lovable blue-haired chap. Our favorite moment: The totally kick ass early-90s cheese pop of Sonic CD. "You can fly! You can reach the other side!" Our not-so-favorite moment: Anything that has to do with Knuckles. Sorry buddy, we just don't trust ya and that smarmy look. Either way, very well done video and makes for a nice bit of nostalgia.
See the Blue Blur in motion
Now that we know when Sonic is coming, why not take a gander at some movies shown at the Japan Expo -- which was held in Paris, oddly enough. The videos have no sound it seems, but they do give us a glimpse at the telekinetic powers of Silver (the white one) and show off one of Sonic's levels, too. Also in the video: a rather lengthy load screen and a cameo by some guy's face. Enjoy.
Sonic just in time for the holidays
IGN has the scoop that Sonic the Hedgehog -- of the next gen variety -- will launch for the 360 on November 17th. This rendition of the classic franchise is supposed to take Sonic back to his roots. One can only hope, I suppose. The mere fact that the number of playable characters has been reduced to three is a huge improvement in my book. Anybody out there think this one will recapture the Blue Blur's glory days? [Via QJ]
Sega confirms pair of PS3 launch titles, no exclusives
Speaking with GameDaily BIZ, Sega's Scott Steinberg confirmed plans to contribute two titles, Sonic the Hedgehog and Full Auto 2: Battlelines, to the PlayStation 3 launch lineup -- Virtua Fighter 5 will follow next March. Neither game gives Sony an advantage at launch, since Sonic has already been confirmed for Xbox 360 and Steinberg couldn't deny that the Full Auto sequel is also destined for Microsoft's platform. By contrast, come next spring, Virtua Fighter 5 will give us a reason to invest in PS3. It's easy to see how the Virtua Fighter delay works in Sony's favor. PS3 will sell out at launch no matter what software is available. But 4–6 months down the line, when the diehards have already cashed in, Sony will be banking on exclusives to keep units flying off the shelves.
Build Sonic a papercraft playground for his Bday
It was the speedy blue hedgehog's fifteenth birthday on Saturday so, to commemorate the occasion, Sega of Japan has created this gorgeous little papercraft (.pdf) of Sonic the Hedgehog's equivalent to World 1-1: Green Hill Zone. Just cut it out, assemble it, and place it in the center of your retro-gaming shrine and, just for a little while, Mario and his army of nostalgia-laced tchotchkes will play second fiddle to Sonic and his paper playground. Live it up. Build - Sonic Green Hill Zone papercraft (.pdf) Read - Build Sonic a paper model to celebrate his big birthday!
GameTap celebrates Sonic anniversary, Knuckles-style
GameTap is now celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog's 15th anniversary by offering subscribers a trio of rare Sega Genesis "lock-on" titles. Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles, Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic 2, and Sonic 3: Sonic & Knuckles are now available through Turner Broadcasting's on-demand service, which is now over 500 titles strong.GameTap TV is also joining the party with three behind-the-scenes looks at one of the most popular characters in video game history.Related GameTap news: A second life for Uru Live GameTap E3 booth tour GameTap now $9.95/month; GameTap TV announced
Sonic screens aplenty
In celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog's fifteenth anniversary, SEGA has released a veritable bounty of next gen Sonic the Hedgehog screens. The shots effectively showcase the game's detailed and otherwise "real perty" graphics. It also looks like one of the new characters will sport psycho-kinetic powers á la Psi-Ops. I'm still not sure of a hedgehog's odds against a giant lava monster, though. On a side note, if Big the cat is in this game, I may never play Sonic again. [Via QJ]
2 new Sonic Wild Fire gameplay vids
A couple of new videos showing gameplay from Sega's upcoming Wii game Sonic Wild Fire have been uploaded for your viewing pleasure over at IGN. Both videos play just how you'd expect them to with Sonic running really fast and collecting rings. Sadly, this was one of the couple of Wii games I never got my hands on during E3, but according to Ludwig I shouldn't really be too excited for it.
Sonic 2 mobile exclusive to Panasonic P902iS, for now
Sonic Team has announced that Sonic 2 will be going mobile as a preinstalled addition to the Panasonic P902iS cell phone. While a standalone release has not yet been confirmed -- judging from the current success of the original Sonic on the mobile platform -- it would seem to be the next logical step. But for the time being, to get your Sonic 2 fix (on a cell phone) you'll have to purchase the Japanese P902iS when it's released.Anyone else suspicious of the link between 'Sonic' and Pana'sonic.' Think Sonic Team's playing favorites?
