I’d like to draw your attention to the latest episode of Shay Says. If you’re unfamiliar with the series then it’s a documentary-style video games show that deconstructs certain games of gaming franchises in a similar way to Egoraptor’s Sequelitis.
For the latest episode, Shay is taking a detailed look at the gameplay mechanics of the Sonic franchise (and when I say detailed, I mean detailed). 2 more episodes will follow that look at other aspects of the franchise.
While I wouldn’t normally recommend watching an almost feature length video about a games franchise, Shay has some incredibly interesting things to say about what works and what doesn’t regarding Sonic gameplay mechanics. He’s also one of the few people I’ve seen actively suggest alternative mechanics that might just improve the experience.
If you have the time then please take a look at the below video because it’s an extremely well made and unbiased look at what makes the Sonic franchise work so well and what doesn’t.
We’re on a roll with these merchandise updates! Today’s update mainly focuses on books but we do have a new addition to the magazine section as well. Full details below:
Book Section Additions
– The Official Sonic the Hedgehog Yearbook (1991)
– The Official Sonic the Hedgehog Yearbook (1992)
– Solid Gold Guide No. 1: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
– Sonic the Hedgehog: Adventure Game Book 1
– Sonic the Hedgehog in Castle Robotnik
– Sonic the Hedgehog in the Fourth Dimension
– Sonic the Hedgehog in Robotnik’s Laboratory
– Sonic the Hedgehog and the Silicon Warriors
– Stay Sonic
Have you guessed I’m enjoying updating the merchandise section? Today’s update marks the grand opening of the final sub-section which is Comics and Graphic Novels. The following graphic novels are now featured:
– Sonic the Hedgehog Archives volumes 1 to 9
– Sonic Select volumes 1 and 2
Yes, it’s only a small update but you wouldn’t believe how time consuming scanning graphic novels can be. Go straight to the Comics and Graphic Novels section via this link or alternatively click the link to the merchandise section on our menu.
Our merchandise section gets another update! This time we’ve decided to feature some SEGA-orientated books. The following books have now been added:
– The History of Sonic the Hedgehog (Special Edition)
– Push Start: The Art of Video Games
– SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis: Collected Works
– Sonic Generations: Bradygames Official Strategy Guide
– Sonic the Hedgehog: Adventure Game Book 2
– Sonic the Hedgehog: Joke Book
– Where’s Sonic?
– Where’s Sonic Now?
Crush 40 have just uploaded a pro-shot video of What I’m Made Of… live at the Japan Game Music Festival from 2013. It’s an amazing performance of a great Sonic theme and it features live drummer Act and live bassist Shoyo. Press play on the video below and throw up those horns:
Sonic Team have revealed a new Sonic game at a recent event at the SEGA Joypolis. The new game will be called Sonic Runners and it will be a mobile-only title.
Not much else is known outside of this. There is currently no art, screenshots or video available on the game but we’ll be sure to update you when anything becomes available.
Please be aware that a pretty convincing fan-made reveal picture featuring hoaxed screenshots is currently circulating. Do not be fooled!
The Sonic Show is 8 years old this year. That’s a long time to be running a Sonic-centric video series. Originally hosted on its own website, it now operates exclusively out of YouTube. To celebrate this milestone the show is releasing its first collection exclusive music and it’s called The Complete Mess Collection which to be frank is quite fitting.
First 4 Figures have revealed a 22 inch high Dr. Robotnik statue. This statue marks First 4 Figures’ biggest statue yet and the price reflects this; a whopping $399.99. The reason for the increased size is Robotnik has been made “to scale” so he stands taller than First 4 Figures’ Sonic and Metal Sonic statues for instance. Check out the statue below. We love the look of classic Robotnik and that expression is excellent:
You can pre-order the Robotnik statue from First 4 Figures’ website. The statue is limited to 1000 pieces and will start shipping in quarter 2 2015.
In what has to be one of the most peculiar decisions regarding Sonic Boom, the CG animated series that ties in with the video games will air in Europe in Autumn 2015 despite the games based on the series being released in November of this year.
The Sonic Boom cartoon airs in North America and France later this year which ties in nicely to the releases of the Sonic Boom video games which act as prequels to the series. The closer release windows for both the series and games in these territories are obviously designed to compliment each other and boost sales of the game as well as interest in the show.
So how does SEGA Europe intend on promoting the Sonic Boom games in the rest of Europe now the cartoon as fallen to late next year? Only time will tell but we’d bet some serious cash that the games are not going to sell as well in this territory when compared to France and North America unless SEGA Europe are willing to put some money into a big marketing campaign.
Well isn’t this an interesting little revelation! Julian Hazeldine has produced a book entitled Speedrun: The Unauthorised History of Sonic the Hedgehog. Yes; an actual book! About Sonic!
Reading material about the Sonic franchise is pretty thin when you consider the only other book in this market is Pix’n Love’s The History of Sonic the Hedgehog so we happily welcome some competition. But is the book any good? You can find out in our SEGADriven exclusive review by clicking below.
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