The earliest known prototype has been located and dumped by the good people at Hidden Palace and you can now download and play it yourself through emulation. This prototype dates back to December 4th 1992 and features the ‘CD Sonic’ title screen alongside an earlier build of Palmtree Panic which is known here as Salad Plain Zone. If you’d like to see the prototype in action then SEGADriven’s very own Tracker_TD has recorded a playthrough on his YouTube channel:
Alongside this release, Hidden Palace have also released a dump of a trade show-only multimedia disc that features some new artwork and animations of Sonic and Dr. Robotnik. Images of this artwork was previously referenced in magazine news articles that discussed Sonic 2 being ported to Mega-CD, which ultimately never came to pass:
The next SEGA Ages title coming to the Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop is SEGA Ages: Shinobi and it will launch on the 31st of October 2019.
This new port of the game by M2 features a whole raft of enhancements that include:
– a dedicated button for melee attacks (these were previously context sensitive)
– a stage select option
– new difficulty options
– rewind functionality
– replay functionality
– online leaderboards
– support for HD rumble
– an arcade cabinet mode that simulates the background noise of a bustling arcade
– a brand new ‘Ages Mode’ which acts as an easier difficulty where you play as Joe Musashi in his white ninja garb with permanent buffs and the ability to take 2 hits to kill
Check out some screenshots below which showcase this new port in action. You can see the famous Marilyn Monroe images have been replaced with an image of the wolf transformation from Altered Beast – a nice little touch:
The Panzer Dragoon: Remake being developed by MegaPixel Studio S.A. and published by Forever Entertainment had previously been confirmed as coming to the Nintendo Switch and PC, but we now have official confirmation that the PC version will be distributed via Steam. You can wishlist the game now. The Steam store page for Panzer Dragoon: Remake also lists the release date as “This Winter”, confirming a Winter 2019 release is currently planned.
Panzer Dragoon: Remake is not the only SEGA remake in development under publisher Forever Entertainment. Panzer Dragoon Zwei is also getting the remake treatment alongside remakes of the original 2 The House of the Dead titles.
SEGA has released a new “Special Announcement” trailer for Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD. It confirms the monkeys will have alternate costumes in the game, including some referencing other games in the series, such as Baby’s Secret Agent costume from Super Monkey Ball 3D for the 3DS.
But the real special announcement here is the confirmation of one of the worst kept secrets in recent SEGA memory – Sonic the Hedgehog has been added to the game as an unlockable character, in his Classic design! This was actually leaked three times, first through achievements that referred to him and then through a datamine of the recently released Japanese demo, and finally just earlier today through a leaked trailer. However we now have official confirmation, and our first look at him in action! There’s no word on how to unlock him in the game as of yet, but given this is Monkey Ball we can’t imagine it’ll be a walk in the park.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD launches October 29th for Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4 and Xbox One, with a PC port coming later in Winter.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
Currently working on a Switch remake of Panzer Dragoon, Forever Entertainment have now confirmed they will be developing remakes of the original 2 The House of the Dead titles.
No platforms have been specified at this time, but given that the Panzer Dragoon remake is coming to Switch, it’s a safe bet that the Switch will be one of the platforms that Forever Entertainment will be targeting.
It’ll be interesting to see how Forever Entertainment develop a modern on-rails shooter as it is not a genre that has seen much of a resurgence this generation. We’re only speculating but perhaps they will incorporate gyroscopic controls or VR support.
Hopefully it isn’t too long before we get to see Forever Entertainment’s efforts. The company have stated that it would be wise to follow their official channels if you’re interested in any of their SEGA remake projects.
It’s time for a new independent Mega Drive development! This time we have Demons of Asteborg; an action title from Neofid Technology based in Manosque, France.
Demons of Asteborg is a game very much in the Ghouls ‘n Ghosts/Volgarr the Viking mold. The game is due to be released on Steam, Nintendo Switch and most importantly, the SEGA Mega Drive in August 2020. However, it requires £30,892 of funding to be made a reality, and that’s where Kickstarter comes into play.
If this all sounds interesting to you, you can pledge towards the game’s development and receive the game for whatever format you desire as either a physical product or a digital download. There are many tiers to choose from to suit as many people as possible so click here to check out the Demons of Asteborg Kickstarter page and see what takes your fancy.
The new iOS subscription service Apple Arcade is available now and with it comes the launch of 2 new SEGA titles, Sonic Racing and ChuChu Rocket! Universe.
Developed by Hardlight, Sonic Racing is a paired down version of Team Sonic Racing with more of a single player focus. ChuChu Rocket! Universe is definitely the more interesting of the bunch as it’s the first ever sequel to ChuChu Rocket! which originally released for Dreamcast back in November 1999. You can see what both games look like in action via the embed below:
Along with Apple Arcade comes the launch of iOS 13 which allows for controller support with bluetooth devices like the PS4 and Xbox One controllers. It’s certainly a more comfortable option for those who prefer buttons to touch and gyro controls.
Apple Arcade costs £4.99 a month but during the launch window you can try the first month for free. It works on all modern iOS devices.
The next Total War game takes the strategy action to Greece for Troy: A Total War Saga. While there isn’t any in-engine footage to showcase at this time, a lovely pre-rendered cinematic has landed on the Total War YouTube channel which gives you a taste for the game’s setting. Check it out below:
A new Japan-only compilation of early Virtual-On titles is coming to PS4 on November 27th 2019 as Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Masterpiece 1995-2001. This collection will be a download-only affair and include the following titles:
SEGA Japan are working with TANITA to bring this collection to PS4 alongside a new twin-stick controller for Virtual-On purists. This twin-stick controller was funded by Kickstarter back in January 2019.
A new anime series based on Shin Sakura Wars is due to start airing in Japan in 2020. Titled Shin Sakura Wars The Animation, the show will be directed by Manabu Ono of Sword Art Online: Alicization fame and animated by studio Sanzigen. The show features your standard modern anime blend of 3D and 2D animation. You can check out the first trailer by clicking the embed below:
Sakura Wars is a series that’s no stranger to anime. A series produced by studio Madhouse ran for 25 episodes back in 2000.
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