UPDATE AT 17:54
A Western release has been confirmed as Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD. The game will release on PS4, Xbox One and Switch on October 29th 2019 with a PC release scheduled for “Winter” 2019. You can watch the announcement trailer above.
ORIGINAL STORY
It’s official – Tabegoro! Super Monkey Ball launches in Japan on October 31st 2019 for PC, Switch and PS4, and now we have our first look at the in-game visuals thanks to 4 high quality screenshots direct from Famitsu (see above).
Tabegoro! Super Monkey Ball appears to be a remake of 2006 Wii title Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, which controversially included boss battles and the ability to jump. It was also the last Super Monkey Ball title directed by series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi who has more recently found fame with the Yakuza franchise.
There is currently no word on a Western release, but this at least confirms the existence of an Asian version after it was leaked on a Taiwanese ratings board last week.
The Super Monkey Ball franchise hasn’t seen an entry since 2012’s Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz on Vita and it’s been even longer since it received a release for a home console (2010’s Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll for Wii if you’re keeping track).
I don’t think many of us were expecting any news of a Western release for Phantasy Star Online 2 in 2019, but 7 years after its original Japanese launch, an English language version of the game for North America is finally coming in Spring 2020 for Xbox One and PC.
Announced during the Xbox E3 Conference, the free-to-play MMORPG has been a Japan exclusive since launch with the only signs of an English language version coming with the launch of the South East Asian version. This will be the first officially sanctioned Western release of the game and the reveal trailer promised all content that is currently available in the Japanese version will make its way to this North American port.
This news is unfortunately bittersweet for European fans as SEGA Europe have stated that they have nothing to confirm regarding a release for that region at this time. Porting PSO2 to a European market is likely a more intensive task as it isn’t as simple as supporting the game in English. European games normally support English, French, German and Italian language options as standard so this is likely causing a delay for a European launch.
Fingers crossed European Phantasy Star fans don’t have to wait long for confirmation of the game in their region, but this is still the most promising PSO2 news for quite some time.
Due to the delayed release of games in specific regions, global ranking and competitiveness can at times encounter disruptions. To ensure that players in regions like Europe can catch up and compete effectively in Phantasy Star Online 2, however, those who don’t have the time to spare, can consider enlisting the help of professional game-boosting services. Websites like https://overboost.pro/ offer valuable assistance in leveling up, acquiring resources, and mastering the game, allowing players to bridge the gap caused by regional release disparities and stay competitive in the Phantasy Star Online 2 universe.
Phantasy Star Online 2 is free-to-play MMORPG that supports cooperative gameplay for up to 12 players. There is no level-cap, but the game supports micro-transactions.
SEGA has announced a surprise follow up to 2015’s Citizens of Earth, Citizens of Space.
The original game has been described as a ‘giant parody of Earthbound’. As the trailer puts it:
The follow-up to 2015’s constituent-pleasing Citizens of Earth features an all-new combat system, deeper recruitment mechanics, and plenty of unique worlds to explore!
The game launches on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam on June 18th 2019. The original game was published by Atlus, and as such the game’s official site (which doesn’t appear to be live yet) is under the Atlus banner.
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.
The previously Eastern-exclusive Puyo Puyo eSports will launch in the West on May 7th 2019 as Puyo Puyo Champions, for PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC.
This title is built heavily on the Puyo Puyo Tetris engine and focus heavily on both local and online multiplayer. You can check out the reveal trailer below:
Puyo Puyo Champions will release for £7.99 as a digital-only release.
For the first time since 2012’s London 2012 video game, SEGA are developing the official tie-in video game for the Olympic Games. Simply titled Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game, this new title will launch for Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One and PS4 in Summer 2019. It features a whole host of disciplines to compete in that include swimming, football, BMX, hurdles and hammer throwing. You can check out the reveal trailer below:
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game was revealed at this year’s SEGA Fes event. The official website for the game can be viewed by clicking here.
A brand new Team Sonic Racing trailer has debuted at SXSW and it showcases a whole host of new customisation options for the various playable characters in the game.
New paint and decals can be applied to all cars and there are even interchangeable tires and horns. These items are unlocked in-game through use of a virtual currency that is earned through play. You can see what options are available if you click the embed below:
Team Sonic Racing is due to launch on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC on May 21st 2019. The game is being developed by Sumo Digital.
It’s time for another new song from the Team Sonic Racing soundtrack! Jun Senoue is back and this time he’s collaborating with none other than Hyper Potions for ‘Market Street’; a remix of the Rooftop Run theme from Sonic Unleashed. Check it out below:
After much speculation given SEGA’s peculiar lack of marketing for the game, it’s now been officially confirmed that Team Sonic Racing won’t be releasing “this winter” after all – it’s now due for a much, much later release on May 21st, 2019.
SEGA has said that the delay is to ensure “the best experience possible”. Given response to game so far has been somewhat tepid, this is perhaps a welcome move – but it’s also a surprisingly hefty delay over the originally expected Winter 2018 release. Perhaps this is Haruki Satomi’s ‘quality-first’ initiative kicking into high gear?
Team Sonic Racing will launch in May on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Playstation 4.
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.
Digital Foundry have managed to get their hands on some work-in-progress footage of a cancelled Shenmue 1 & 2 remake project. Unlike d3t’s Shenmue I & II, this would have been a complete remake of the game with more detailed assets, textures and lighting. Check out the video below to see a comparison of this footage versus Shenmue I & II:
There’s a full article that breaks down what is being shown in the footage and what it does differently to the eventual release of Shenmue I & II. There’s also some speculation as to why these remakes were cancelled in favour of the upscaled HD ports we eventually got. Digital Foundry suggests the remakes were cancelled due to budget restraints and delays.
Pix’n Love have revealed a limited edition version of Shenmue I & II for PS4 and Xbox One that includes the game, an art book, 4 collectible art cards and a cardboard case to house everything in. Pre-orders will go live on Pix’n Love’s website on October 3rd 2018 at 12pm CEST.
It appears this collector’s edition is currently exclusive to Europe as all promotional imagery features the game with the European PEGI rating on the cover. There is no word on a release outside of Europe at this time.
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