A new mode called Ring Keep has been revealed for the 3DS port of Sonic 2.
3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will now feature a mode that allows you to start a stage with 10 rings but every time you take damage the amount of rings you lose are halved. This also means the amount of rings you’re allowed to scrape back after a hit is greatly reduced. It’s an interesting addition that should make for some challenging gameplay for seasoned players.
Also announced is 2 player co-op and versus modes will be available to play through wireless connectivity but both players will need their own copy of 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The game will have the standard M2 features of quick saves and the option to play the Japanese or international version of the game.
SEGA Japan CEO Hajime Satomi has recognised an issue with SEGA’s recent game output and a decrease in quality vs the SEGA output of the 90s.
In a very honest interview that pledges to ‘win back the customers’ trust’, Satomi also reveals that a big home console game announcement is due at September’s Tokyo Game Show. Could this be the next big Sonic title?
Satomi’s words are below:
“We did our best to build a relationship of mutual trust with older fans of SEGA, but looking back, there’ve been some titles that have partially betrayed that in the past 10 years. Sega in the ’90s was known for its brand, but after that, we’ve lost trust, and we were left with nothing but reputation. For this reason, we’d like to win back the customers’ trust, and become a ‘brand,’ once again. Since we’re seriously considering quality, I can’t make that promise for the time being, but I believe we will announce something for home console at Tokyo Game Show.”
The unofficial hybrid retro machine known as the RetroN 5 will get a system expansion thanks to a new adapter that allows it to play Game Gear games.
Hyperkin’s product manager Paul Leung confirmed that work on the Game Gear adapter is already underway and it is due for release by the end of the year. No exact release date or pricing has been revealed at this time.
The system already allows you to play NES, Famicom, SNES, Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games out the box. Master System games can also be played with the assistance of a Power Base Converter. While the machine is powered by console emulation instead of the actual guts of the systems it supports, it actually offers some of the best emulation available on these hybrid machines and offers 720p output as well as a save state feature.
SEGA need to calm down with their mobile releases. Within a week we’ve had Sonic Runners launch worldwide, Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom released for Android and now Heroki by Picomy is out for iOS devices.
The flying/action adventure game is a “premium” iOS release meaning it has a price and isn’t loaded with in-app purchases and adverts (thank God). The game is £5.99 in the UK and €7.99 for the rest of Europe.
Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom has been surprise-launched for Android devices.
The sequel to Hardlight’s Sonic Dash takes its visual influence from the recent Sonic Boom animated series. The complete list of features as taken from the Google Play store can be seen below:
The dazzling sequel to SEGA’s hit endless runner, SONIC DASH. Featuring the cast and world of the new TV series, SONIC BOOM.
New and amazing 3D worlds, challenges and game play. Play as Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, and Sonic’s new friend, Sticks. Let’s do this!
SONIC DASH 2 FEATURES
– RACE with up to three characters in new Team Play mode! Swap runners mid-race to earn high scores
– UNLEASH new special powers – Amy’s Hammer, Knuckle’s Jump Up & Slam attack, Sonic’s even faster Dash, and more
– CONQUER new obstacles and badnicks
– DASH on new fast-paced tracks in and above the beautiful Sonic Boom world
– MASTER new Swing & Tilt gameplay with the super charged Enerbeam; tilt your device to swing the runner towards the rings and orbs
– COLLECT, evolve, and run with new magical Sprites
– EARN special prizes in new Events and Daily SEGA Challenges
Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom is free-to-play and available to download from the Google Play store for Android devices right now.
The 7th Dragon series returns to Japan for its third installment, 7th Dragon III: code:VFD for the 3DS.
The RPG series has stayed Japan exclusive for its entirety but it’s notable for being produced by Rieko Kodama, creator of the Phantasy Star franchise.
Not much is known about 7th Dragon III outside what is currently displayed on the official website. The main theme will be produced by famed vocaloid artist sasakure.UK.
Unseen 64 have unearthed concept art for a planned (but ultimately scrapped) third Vectorman game. The working title for the game was Vectorman 3: Ultra and it was in development for the SEGA Saturn by the original Blue Sky development team.
It’s also worth noting that this is a different Vectorman game than the one SEGA would later try and revive the franchise with. That game was a PS2 game that was being developed by Pseudo Interactive but this was eventually cancelled as well.
SEGA will publish Picomy’s new mobile title Heroki. The game has been in development at the little Dutch studio for 5 years and is an action-adventure-flying game. You can check out a new trailer below:
Heroki will be launched as a “premium” title at $7.99 on the US app store. More on the EU pricing as we get it.
Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax will release in North America on August the 25th.
A European release date has yet to be set in stone but the North American release date allows us to ballpark the EU one. Keep your eyes set on the 28th of August as EU games are generally released on a Friday. Those lucky Americans also get a physical release of the game on PS3 and Vita while us Europeans only get a digital release.
Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax is a 2D one-on-one fighter based on various manga franchises like Sword Art Online and Accel World. SEGA cameos are also included by way of Akira Yuki from Virtua Fighter and Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles.
The worldwide launch date for Sonic Runners has finally been confirmed!
The iOS and Android downloadable endless-runner from Sonic Team will launch worldwide on June the 25th. The game had previously only been available in Canada and Japan from February this year.
Sonic Runners is free-to-play (AKA free-to-download with in-game microtransactions).
SEGADriven and its original content are copyrighted to their respective authors. Media related directly to SEGA is copyrighted to its respective authors. Any comments on SEGA-related materials do not represent SEGA themselves. All rights reserved 2008-2026.
We use cookies to analyse site usage, provide social media features and personalise content and ads. We may also share information about your use of our website with our partners.
