Joystiq

Old-school Sega dev Hirokazu Yasuhara starts work at Nintendo

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST

Hirokazu Yasuhara, co-creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, has begun working at Nintendo Software Technology in Redmond, Washington, Gamasutra reports. Yasuhara worked at Sega from 1988 until switching to 2K Sports in 2000, Naughty Dog in 2002 (senior game designer for the Jak & Daxter and Uncharted franchises) and finally Namco Bandai, which he left last month.

Nintendo Software Technology generally develops DS and DSiWare titles, having worked on Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem and Metroid Prime Hunters.

Old-school Sega dev Hirokazu Yasuhara starts work at Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prepare yourself for Sonic Boom 2012 at SDCC

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST

The House of Blues in San Diego will play host to Sonic Boom 2012 on Friday, July 13, during the San Diego Comic Con. Comic Con badges will not be required to enter the event, although what the event actually is still remains completely unknown, save for the fact that Sega's ultimate goal is to "make it a great time for Sonic fans of all ages." Last year's Sonic Boom centered mostly on Sonic Generations, prize giveaways and a musical performance by Crush 40, the greatest band in the world.

If we had to guess, we'd figure that this year's Sonic Boom will focus mostly on Sonic 4: Episode 2, since that's the only pressing Sonic release on our immediate horizon. We'll be keeping our collective ear to the ground for more ~~Crush 40 live show~~ Sonic Boom 2012 news as it develops.

Prepare yourself for Sonic Boom 2012 at SDCC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adorable Valentine's Day card templates from PaperRockScisorz

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST

Despite previous indications to the contrary, the Joystiq Qrew is actually pretty keen on Valentine's Day. We're all hopeless romantics, but you don't need to be as in love with being in love as we are to recognize how precious, touching and clever these gaming themed Valentine's Day card templates are.

Made by Etsy user PaperRockScisorz and available at her shop, these print-your-own card templates feature Pokemon, Dr. Mario, Sonic, Zelda and Portal motifs with cutesy sayings and pixel hearts at $2.75 a pop. It's an easy and inexpensive way to show your significant other that you care, assuming you're lucky enough to share your life with a person that loves games as much as you do. If you're not that lucky, well, maybe get them a gift card or something. Single people are advised to dress up like a member of their preferred gender and have a romantic candle-lit dinner with themselves in a mirror. Ain't love grand?

Adorable Valentine's Day card templates from PaperRockScisorz originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dimps expanding into original IPs for mobile and social platforms

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST

Takashi Nishiyama has been in the game for about as long as "the game" has existed. Responsible for Moon Patrol, Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, the Neo Geo and more Sonic games than you can shake a stick at, Nishiyama's design portfolio spans 30 years and includes some of the most fundamental design philosophies that still serve as a foundation for many genres to this day.

His company, Dimps, has made a name for itself developing titles for other publishers' IPs; Dragon Ball Z, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, etc. After nearly twelve years of development-for-hire work, however, Dimps is looking to branch out and create its own original IPs, according to statements made by Nishiyama during an interview with 1UP.

"I feel that it's time that we need to create our own social and browser IPs," Nishiyama said. "We're going to start with things that have more manageable budgets, like social and browser games. I believe that's more realistic."

Nishiyama sees mobile platforms as a lower-risk entry platform for a new IP, as compared with the astronomical costs associated with console game development. His company must be cautious, however, because creating original IPs will position Dimps as competition to publishers, rather than a developmental ally: "As soon as we announce that we're creating original IP, we become their competitor. So we need to approach it carefully and be sensitive to the politics involved."

Dimps expanding into original IPs for mobile and social platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Generations Casino Nights Pinball DLC on Steam Dec. 26

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST

Remember Sonic Spinball? Remember its infuriatingly addictive levels and flat-out fantastic music? Well don't get your hopes up, this is probably not going to be anything like that. Industrious hedgehog lovers who purchased Sonic Generations through Steam will have the opportunity to purchase the pinball-mini-game-packing Casino Night Pinball DLC pack on December 26 for $1.59 USD, just in time for the day after Christmas.

Sonic Generations Casino Nights Pinball DLC on Steam Dec. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spin-dash to iTunes for downloadable Sonic soundtracks

JC Fletcher — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST

Sega has released a bunch of Sonic the Hedgehog game soundtracks to iTunes, allowing you to speed up your workday with appropriate background music.

The available albums include the Japanese soundtrack to Sonic CD, featuring a couple of new arrangements by Crush 40; Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 collections for rainbow followers; Heroes; and a collection of "greatest hits" called Super Sonic Songs - The Best of Crush 40. Sega even announced two non-Sonic-related projects from series musicians: "Song of Hope," a charity single by Crush 40, and an album of performances by composer Jun Senoue. Ever wanted to hear a Sega musician from Japan play "The Star-Spangled Banner" on guitar? You do now!

Because we wanted a nice image for the header of this post, and because we haven't had an excuse to talk about this yet, the image above is Good Smile Company's Nendoroid Sonic the Hedgehog figure, coming out in Japan next April. It's amazing.

Spin-dash to iTunes for downloadable Sonic soundtracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-order Sonic Generations on Steam, receive classic Sonic games free

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST

Today has been a pretty good news day for the dusty old codgers here at Joystiq; not only will the original Sonic the Hedgehog be included in Sonic Generations as an unlockable, but Steam has gone and sweetened the nostalgia pot by giving away Sonic 3D Blast and Sonic 3 and Knuckles with every Generations pre-order.

Sonic Generations hits Steam November 4, but the pre-order bonuses become instantly available at check-out. And look at it this way, even if Generations ends up being a flop, you can tell yourself you spent 30 dollars on two Genesis ports, which is a much more palatable sense of disappointment.

[Thanks, Prezten!]

Pre-order Sonic Generations on Steam, receive classic Sonic games free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic CD coming to XBLA, playable at PAX [update]

Jordan Mallory — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:24:00 EST

Major Nelson, majordomo of all things Xbox, took to his blog this afternoon and posted a detailed list of all the games and events that will be spread out across Microsoft's five booths at this week's Penny Arcade Expo. It's about what you'd expect; Gears of War 3 Horde mode, Forza 4, Mass Effect 3, etc, until you get to the list of Booth 432's XBLA titles. Right near the end, snuggled squarely between Retro City Rampage and War of the Worlds, is an unannounced XBLA port of Sonic CD.

We've reached out to Major Nelson and Sega for comment, but as of yet no additional confirmation has been provided by either party. We suspect they're too enthralled by Sonic CD's masterful theme song to even move, let alone respond to our e mails.

Update: A communique has hit our inbox from Sega PR: "We don't have any details at this time, but we'll be sharing some more information soon."

Sonic CD coming to XBLA, playable at PAX [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Generations 3DS has exclusive levels, StreetPass bonuses

JC Fletcher — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST

Sonic Generations is coming to the 3DS, as revealed in the last issue of Nintendo Power. A press release issued by Sega reveals that the handheld version won't be exactly the same as its PS3/Xbox counterpart -- a concept that should be comfortable to people anticipating a game about two different versions of the same character.

According to the announcement, the 3DS game has new levels designed specifically for that version, along with an unlockable 3DS-exclusive 'special stage.' Generations also uses the 3DS's StreetPass communication feature to unlock "bonus material" when two players' 3DSes come within communication range.

Both the console and 3DS Sonic Generations won't be out until November. Following standard Sonic protocol, we're not going to get our hopes up for either yet.

Continue reading Sonic Generations 3DS has exclusive levels, StreetPass bonuses

Sonic Generations 3DS has exclusive levels, StreetPass bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Try out Sonic Generations at E3 'Sonic Boom' party

JC Fletcher — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:30:00 EST

Sega's throwing a Sonic party during E3, offering perhaps the best possible situation in which to try out Sonic Generations. If you go to Club Nokia on June 8, play the game, and find, to your delight, that it really does bridge the gap between "classic" and "modern" Sonic, that its physics simulation is above reproach, and that it's truly fun -- you can then immediately celebrate Sega's triumphant return to form with a gathering of other euphoric Sonic fans.

If the game turns out to be disappointing, there'll probably be free food! As well as " exclusive Generations collector's merchandise!" If you want to go, keep an eye on the Sega blog for your chance to reserve a pass. The first 500 passes have already been snapped up by appropriately speedy people!

Try out Sonic Generations at E3 'Sonic Boom' party originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega puts entire XBLA catalog on sale

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST

Frugal, Xbox-owning Sega fans, this is your week! Sega's entire Xbox Live Arcade catalog is currently heavily discounted. Again, that's the entire XBLA catalog, from Altered Beast to Virtual On. See all the discounts after the break. The sale ends April 25.

Continue reading Sega puts entire XBLA catalog on sale

Sega puts entire XBLA catalog on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Generations trailer takes a second look at Green Hill Zone

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:45:00 EST

Are you having a hard time wrapping your noodle around the perspective-shifting gameplay we outlined in our recent preview of Sonic Generations? Sounds like a visual aid is just what the doctor ordered -- check out the gameplay video below to see Generations' two distinct angles.

Continue reading Sonic Generations trailer takes a second look at Green Hill Zone

Sonic Generations trailer takes a second look at Green Hill Zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Adventure and sequel get 20th anniversary soundtracks

Mike Schramm — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST

The soundtracks to the Dreamcast's Sonic Adventure games are being re-released in Japan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first game's arrival back in 1991. The track listing isn't the full version of the soundtrack, evidently, but the first disc will have the classics, including the "It Doesn't Matter" theme as well as "Open Your Heart." The Sonic Adventure CD is due out on May 18, with Sonic Adventure 2 following on June 22.

CDJapan will be selling both for about $27, and Amazon Japan also has preorders available. Ah, the memories -- we can almost feel that giant killer whale smashing up the pier behind us.

Sonic Adventure and sequel get 20th anniversary soundtracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: 'Chubby' or 'eating disorder' Sonic? Fight!

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST

There is no "both" or "either" when it comes to Sonic size preference. This week's teaser trailer of the blue mascot's upcoming game brought the question to the forefront again (now more than ever): Do you prefer Sonic with a belly or his slender modern interpretation?

What's everyone playing?

Continue reading WRUP: 'Chubby' or 'eating disorder' Sonic? Fight!

WRUP: 'Chubby' or 'eating disorder' Sonic? Fight! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fan-made Sonic the Hedgehog 2 HD remake trailer runs loose

Andrew Yoon — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST

Fans continue their attempts to make a better Sonic game than Sega can -- this time, by remaking one of the franchise's all-time favorites. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 HD is an update to the Genesis classic that, barring any ceast and desist letters, should be available to everyone in alpha form in "Q1" of this year.

Unlike the previously-released Sonic Fan Remix, Sonic 2 HD isn't trying to stray too far from the simplistic visuals of the 16-bit original. While we think it's a rather impressive fan endeavor, many Sonic fans disagree. One outspoken commenter noted on the game's official site: "I thought you guys were gonna show us something that would blow away a project like Sonic Fan Remix. Guess not guys ... I'm not following this sh-t anymore."

Sonic fans really are hard to please, huh? Check out the trailer after the break.

Continue reading Fan-made Sonic the Hedgehog 2 HD remake trailer runs loose

Fan-made Sonic the Hedgehog 2 HD remake trailer runs loose originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega teases Sonic and Puyo Puyo anniversary projects

JC Fletcher — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

2011 marks the 20th anniversary for two Sega franchises: the Compile-developed Puyo Puyo puzzle series (which technically wasn't even a Sega-published game until 1992), and something about a blue hedgehog with shoes on. Sega has plans for both series in this milestone year, according to a Japanese press release received by Andriasang.

According to Andriasang, Sega teased multiple "projects" for both series' anniversaries, though the nature of those projects is unannounced. The last Puyo Puyo game was 2009's Puyo Puyo 7 for PSP, Wii, and DS, so that series is ripe for another sequel. As for Sonic, it seems safe to assume we'll see a few Sonic games in 2011 -- not because it's a big anniversary, but because it's a year.

Sega teases Sonic and Puyo Puyo anniversary projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO art pays homage to some of gaming's best

David Hinkle — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST

You don't know flickr user Encaja en Camon, but rest assured that the account in question has some pretty awesome and simple LEGO adaptations of famous games and their characters. Above, you can check out Sonic's blocky noggin, while just past the break we've included a couple of our other favorites.

Continue reading LEGO art pays homage to some of gaming's best

LEGO art pays homage to some of gaming's best originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two more colors for Sonic Colors DS

JC Fletcher — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST

Sonic Colors on DS is more than a hat delivery vector. It's also a Sonic Rush-style platformer with new powerups, like the DS-exclusive "Burst" and "Void," which turn Sonic into a bomb and a black hole, respectively. The new footage is worth enduring the erratically moving DS screens in the trailer.

Continue reading Two more colors for Sonic Colors DS

Two more colors for Sonic Colors DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Colors review: A bolt from the blue

Randy Nelson — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST

Believe me, I'm as surprised about this as you are.

Sega has shoved its mascot character into so many wretched games over the past dozen or so years that the phrase "good Sonic game" may as well be akin to saying "don't touch that fire; it'll freeze your hand." Yet here I am, trying to make the muscles in my hands type the words, "Sonic ... Colors ... is ... is ... good." Not just good for Sonic, but good good.

Gallery: Sonic Colors (E3 2010)

Continue reading Sonic Colors review: A bolt from the blue

Sonic Colors review: A bolt from the blue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Give Sonic Fan Remix a spin

JC Fletcher — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST

We're so glad someone finally hit upon the idea of taking classic side-scrolling Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay and updating it with HD graphics. We're talking, of course, about Pelikan13, who has released a demo for Sonic Fan Remix, an unofficial Sonic game for PC.

The demo contains three stages inspired by Sonic 2's Emerald Hill Zone, and seems to have struck a nerve among Sonic fans. At least, it's generated enough interest to overwhelm the original site. You can check out the demo for yourself at this mirror site. Grab it quickly -- both to stay in keeping with Sonic's style and to make sure you have it in case it's taken down.

Continue reading Give Sonic Fan Remix a spin

Give Sonic Fan Remix a spin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Free Riders trailer requires extreme flexibility

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST

Okay, we think we understand most of the motion-sensing controls demoed in the Sonic Free Riders trailer posted below, but -- man, are we going to have to bend our backs that far in order to adequately hover-race? We're not sure we ... hold on, we'll try. (oh god doctor call a doctor)

Continue reading Sonic Free Riders trailer requires extreme flexibility

Sonic Free Riders trailer requires extreme flexibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega 'looking to improve Sonic strategy,' reducing supply of older Sonic games

Christopher Grant — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

There are stories emanating from the mysterious coalition known simply as "Europe" that Sega -- responsible for some of your dearest childhood memories and, maybe, your first heartbreak -- is busy "delisting" less-than-stellar Sonic the Hedgehog titles from European retailers. Jurgen Post, Sega SVP of EMEA (that's Europe, the Middle East and Africa), told MCV, "Any Sonic game with an average Metacritic has been de-listed," continuing, "We have to do this and increase the value of the brand. This will be very important when more big Sonic releases arrive in the future."

While that certainly sounds ominous, we asked Alan Pritchard - newly instated veep of sales and marketing for Sega US and the man who held Mr. Post's spot until just a couple month's ago - to clarify what it means for Europe, for Sonic and (jingoism be damned!) for North America.

"I think perhaps Jurgen's comments have somewhat been taken out of context," Pritchard told Joystiq. "It's not quite as drastic as what Disney do for example. They bring out Lion King and all of a sudden there's a cut-off date, and you can't buy Lion King for another six months. It's not quite as drastic as turning the tap off completely. We want consumers and retailers to defocus from the back catalog, the older titles and focus more on the new-release titles."

Continue reading Sega 'looking to improve Sonic strategy,' reducing supply of older Sonic games

Sega 'looking to improve Sonic strategy,' reducing supply of older Sonic games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic 4 iPhone trailer spin-dashes into view

David Hinkle — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST

It's odd: even though the iPhone version of Sonic 4: Episode 1 is due to launch tomorrow, we've yet to see any footage of the game in action -- well, until now.

Continue reading Sonic 4 iPhone trailer spin-dashes into view

Sonic 4 iPhone trailer spin-dashes into view originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic 4's 'Mad Gear Zone' isn't what we thought

JC Fletcher — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:40:00 EST

We're not going to lie. We were disappointed to find out that Sonic the Hedgehog 4's "Mad Gear Zone" didn't take place in Final Fight's Metro City, with Mike Haggar teaming up with Sonic to eliminate the Mad Gear Gang.

Instead, we get an industrial-type level with pistons and gears and such, kind of like Sonic 2's Chemical Plant Zone. That's pretty neat, too. We guess. Check it out for yourself after the break. We're sorry we mentioned our Final Fight idea, because now you're as doomed to disappointment with the real thing as we are.

Continue reading Sonic 4's 'Mad Gear Zone' isn't what we thought

Sonic 4's 'Mad Gear Zone' isn't what we thought originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Free Riders on board for Kinect launch day

JC Fletcher — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Sega announced the release date for its Kinect-exclusive animal snowboarding game Sonic Free Riders: November 4, the same day that the Kinect device launches in North America. That's right, you'll be able to use your body as a controller to make Sonic fall down a mountain on day one.

"Kinect's unique motion sensor means Sonic Free Riders will see family and friends controlling their favorite Sonic characters and their fully customizable hover boards or bikes," Sega's announcement notes, "by twisting, turning and jumping in an exhilarating race to be the first to cross the finish line!" It will see you, and it will judge you.

Continue reading Sonic Free Riders on board for Kinect launch day

Sonic Free Riders on board for Kinect launch day originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Colors preview: Wisp you were here

David Hinkle — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST

We can all agree that Sonic Unleashed had some pretty deep lows -- specifically, the Werehog. But the daytime segments in the game showed promise; almost a return to form. These areas of the game, for the unaware, combined Sonic Adventure-like 3D free-running elements alongside more classical, 2D elements from the series' past. It was easily the highlight of that game.

And Sega knows it, which explains why Sonic Colors is pretty much nothing but those portions of gameplay. That alone would make for a pretty serviceable Sonic game, but Sega has also added Wisps: small alien creatures who imbue Sonic with one-time-use powers.

Gallery: Sonic Colors (E3 2010)

Continue reading Sonic Colors preview: Wisp you were here

Sonic Colors preview: Wisp you were here originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reminisce about classic Sonic over this six-pack

JC Fletcher — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If you demand tiny figures of Sonic and his pals, and you demand them to be in their "correct" Genesis-era forms, you're going to be pleased with this set of six from First 4 Figures. Sonic fans can be quite demanding.

Continue reading Reminisce about classic Sonic over this six-pack

Reminisce about classic Sonic over this six-pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Colors to (maybe) spin dash our hopes on November 16

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Your next opportunity to feel pleasantly surprised or expectedly disappointed by Sega's azure mascot will come November 16, the recently announced release date for Sonic Colors on Wii and DS. We know you've been hurt so many times in the past, but we suggest watching the new trailer posted after the jump before deciding how you really feel about the Hedgehog's upcoming outing.

Hey, at the very least, this one comes with a special hat for pre-orderers. That's gotta count for something, doesn't it?

Continue reading Sonic Colors to (maybe) spin dash our hopes on November 16

Sonic Colors to (maybe) spin dash our hopes on November 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Colors pre-order GameStop bonus is this Sonic hat

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:01:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

You may get burned for the umpteenth time by pre-ordering Sonic Colors before the reviews are in, but at least you'll get an awesome hat out of it. Reminiscent of the Scribblenauts "Rooster Hat" bonus, this Sonic hat is the worm on GameStop's hook for purchasing either the Wii or DS version of the game.

The hat will be handed over for both online and in-store purchases when the game launches. If recent history serves as any indication, it may be easier to justify spending the money if one thinks of the game as being the pre-order bonus for the hat.

Gallery: Sonic Colors (E3 2010)

Sonic Colors pre-order GameStop bonus is this Sonic hat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A super expensive Super Sonic figure

JC Fletcher — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Just in time for Sonic's birthday, high-end figure company First 4 Figures is taking pre-orders on a new statue of the hedgehog hero's occasional Chaos Emerald-infused Super Saiyan form, Super Sonic. The figure depicts Super Sonic in the "classic" Genesis-era art style, sparking across a platform in Sonic 2's Chemical Plant Zone.

If you want to buy one of these 15-inch-tall figures, you'll have to dig up some Chaos Emeralds or other precious materials of your own. Two versions will ship in the first quarter next year: one for $140 and a deluxe version that lights up for twenty dollars more.

Gallery: Super Sonic figure

A super expensive Super Sonic figure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega announces Sonic Colors, coming to Wii and DS in late 2010

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:55:00 EST

Man, Sega's just full of surprises, isn't it? Earlier today, the company announced Sonic Colors (or Colours, if you live in a country that spells that word that ridiculous way). a new platformer featuring the blue hedgehog and his new troupe of polychromatic friends. Sonic will have to navigate a sci-fi themed amusement park to thwart the plans of -- who else -- Dr. Eggman by saving multicolored aliens, each of which bestow a certain special ability upon the series' attitude-filled protagonist. That sounds like it has the propensity be be more colorful and trippy than a Flaming Lips concert.

According to Sega Europe's blog, the game is set to drop for Wii and DS in late 2010. You can check out an extremely brief announcement trailer posted after the break.

[Thanks, RupeeClock]

Continue reading Sega announces Sonic Colors, coming to Wii and DS in late 2010

Sega announces Sonic Colors, coming to Wii and DS in late 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic 4 delayed until late 2010, will be released on iPhone

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Sega just dropped two items of information about Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, one slightly disappointing and one ... interesting? First for the kind of bad news: it's been delayed from its original "summer" release to "late 2010."

"The additional time will allow the Development Team to focus on ensuring overall high-quality throughout the game by continuing to tune, balance, and maintain the kind of polish that an important title like this demands," the press release reads, "and ultimately providing fans with an unrivalled classic Sonic feel."

The other news: as many suspected, the downloadable game will be released not only on PSN, XBLA and WiiWare, but for the iPhone / iPod Touch as well. You'll have the choice of portability or buttons!

Gallery: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1

Sonic 4 delayed until late 2010, will be released on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Sonic 2 spin-dashing to iPhone

JC Fletcher — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST

[VGMuseum]

Those of you who bought Sonic the Hedgehog on iPhone and liked it will be pleased to hear that, according to Appolicious, Sega will release an iPhone port of Sonic 2 next week.

The site reports that the port of the sequel is at least marginally improved over the first iPhone Sonic in terms of control responsiveness, though it still relies on a virtual D-pad and button. Despite the multiplayer capability of Sonic 2 on Genesis, however, this iPhone port is strictly a solo game. Tails follows behind Sonic as an AI-controlled character, but can't be operated by a second player.

If Sonic 2 does make it onto the App Store next week, it means enough of us bought the first game to make continued iPhone emulation worthwhile for Sega, which in turn means the porting is really cheap or the first one sold really well.

Update: Sega has confirmed the existence of the game, now slated for "late April."

[Via Destructoid]

Rumor: Sonic 2 spin-dashing to iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked Sonic 4 mine cart footage is all yours

Randy Nelson — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

Adding to last week's leaked footage of Sonic 4's Splash Hill Zone is a new clip (embedded after the break) from the downloadable game's Lost Labyrinth Zone. There's more to be seen at the source, but we singled out one clip in particular because it served as the best evidence that Sonic 4 really is drawing a lot of inspiration from the 16-bit era -- after all, how else would you explain a mine cart level? (In case you'd forgotten, they were outlawed by a U.N. resolution passed in 1998.)

So hey, if some random people on the internet can get their hands on Sonic 4, it shouldn't be too long before we can, too. Right?

[Thanks RPK!]

Continue reading Leaked Sonic 4 mine cart footage is all yours

Leaked Sonic 4 mine cart footage is all yours originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing DLC released early on PSN, removed

JC Fletcher — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST

On Thursday, the UK PS3 version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing received a new downloadable racer and a new stage: Metal Sonic and the Egg Hangar, respectively. Then, in what seems like an inadvertent April Fools prank, it disappeared, having evidently been released early as a mistake. The Sega blog post announcing the actual DLC release for this week (Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki in his forklift) makes a point of noting that "This is the only DLC item out today."

For a few lucky, Sonic-fast buyers, it was some early DLC. But for the rest of us, it's the source of some footage, captured by reader Hogfather, that we can watch after the break to preview some upcoming DLC.

Continue reading Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing DLC released early on PSN, removed

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing DLC released early on PSN, removed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked video tours Sonic 4's Splash Hill Zone

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:31:00 EST

Wondering what you'll see the first time you boot up Sega's upcoming, returning-to-roots platformer, Sonic 4? Well, it'll probably be that blue-on-white logo where the robot choir sings the company name. Then, some kind of circular logo for the game, which Sonic will burst through, making an edgy hand gesture. After that, though, you'll see Splash Hill Zone Act 1 -- the entirety of which was recently captured on video and posted after the jump.

In fact, if you're not very good at Sonic, you'll see the exact series of events depicted in the video. Seriously, dude dies in, like, 12 seconds.

Continue reading Leaked video tours Sonic 4's Splash Hill Zone

Leaked video tours Sonic 4's Splash Hill Zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega All-Stars Avatar items are looking for sales

JC Fletcher — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST

We may not usually condone the capricious waste of Microsoft Points on Avatar frippery, but we must admit that the Sonic & Sega All-Stars clothing set makes a pretty good argument for the existence of Avatar clothes. And that argument is "here's Ryo Hazuki's jacket." It's available for men and women for 160 ($2).

The other available items strike similarly at the heart of Sega nerds, including Beat's sunglasses, a little AiAi-in-Monkey-Ball prop, and a Samba De Amigo sombrero! You can even buy a Crabmeat to decorate your virtual Green Hill Zone (by which we mean your dashboard). See the full set at Xbox Live Marketplace.

[Via Sega]

Sega All-Stars Avatar items are looking for sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Sonic 4 screens capture sundown in Splash Hill Zone

Randy Nelson — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST

Click to enlarge

Feeling blue today? Maybe it's because you sensed that Sega was going to make your eyes tear up (in a good way) with these razor-sharp new Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 screenshots. Or maybe you're just down in the dumps; in which case, we're sorry to hear it -- and we really hope these screens cheer you up.

The new images feature the already revealed Splash Hill Zone, this time with Sonic racing through it at sunset. Of course, without any more information, we don't know if this is a later act in the stage, or if the time of day will change dynamically mid-level. We can tell you that we think the lighting looks great, even if Sonic's true blue coloring appears to be unaffected by it (probably due to a clause in his contract).

Check out the full set of screens in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1

New Sonic 4 screens capture sundown in Splash Hill Zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic the Hedgehog pack coming to LittleBigPlanet this week for $5.99

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST

Tired of making replica 1-1 levels from Super Mario Bros. in LittleBigPlanet? Well, it's time to explore the other retro gaming classics. Sonic the Hedgehog is coming to LittleBigPlanet this week with a new sticker and costume pack for $5.99. Unfortunately, this isn't a level pack akin to Metal Gear Solid 4 or Pirates of the Caribbean, so don't expect any high-speed game modifiers. Instead, this pack is solely for Sonic fans that want to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Dr. Robotnik, and yes ... the Werehog.

In addition to the costumes, the DLC will introduce new Sonic-themed stickers, making it even easier to make real Sonic-themed levels, a la "Sonic the Hedgehog: Greenhill Zone" from Kiminiski. You can check out a video after the break.

Continue reading Sonic the Hedgehog pack coming to LittleBigPlanet this week for $5.99

Sonic the Hedgehog pack coming to LittleBigPlanet this week for $5.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See Sonic 4's Splash Hill Zone, Eggman

JC Fletcher — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST

For those of you who have yet to decide to boycott Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sega has released some new media of the downloadable rodent-racing platformer. Including ... the second known character to appear in the game. Okay, before more of you start boycotting, it's just Eggman (or Dr. Robotnik, or whatever). And he's shown in one of his spheroid flying vehicles, implying that he's in the game in boss capacity only.

The site also features a few screens, music and a description of Splash Hill Zone, which can be summed up as "Green Hill Zone in HD." And that's a good thing, right?

See Sonic 4's Splash Hill Zone, Eggman originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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