Sonic 2 HD fan remake on the way [SavyGamer via UK:R]

"It hit the victim in the leg, causing a large, red welt and several puncture marks," said Senior Sgt Bruce Jenkins, in the North Island town of Whakatane.

NZ man 'used hedgehog as weapon' [BBC - Ninja Girlden]

Retailer GameStop is currently listing Sonic Unleashed for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as the Wii and PlayStation 2. All listings are labeled with November 4 ship dates, along with platform appropriate pricing.

Thanks for the heads up, Daniel!

New Sonic Game Screenshots Discovered [Sonic Stadium - thanks, Dylan and Daniel!]

MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo asked BioWare founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk about the challenge of making, say, Rouge the Bat or Big the Cat tolerable to play.

"I think maybe the challenge there, if people are not as excited about having the friends, is making them worthwhile, making them a good part of the game," Zeschuk says. "They're not going to be gimmicky. They're not going to be side things. It is actually a core part of the gameplay mechanic. It's actually, we think, going to revitalize the love of the Sonic friends, especially Big the Cat."

We'll give it a fighting chance and promise to go in with an open mind. We might even learn to... like Shadow the Hedgehog in some tiny way. But you've got your work cut out for you BioWare.

BioWare: New RPG Will 'Revitalize The Love Of The Sonic Friends' [MTV Multiplayer]

Sega Superstars Tennis gives us the most conflicted early feelings of any game we know of in development. On the one hand, it's Sega. On the other, Sumo Digital is actually doing the work. On the original hand, it's going to prominently feature Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog. On that other hand again, it has Ulala and Gum and Beat. But back on the negative hand, this is certainly not how we expected to hear from Space Channel 5 and Jet Set Radio's main players. Returning to the positive hand, we are pleasantly surprised to see how well Chu Chu Rocket mini-gameplay seems to be integrated.

My brain is about to be ripped in half as I struggle to come to terms with Sega's answer to Mario Tennis. Do we hate it to death or smother it into oblivion? Someone! Do the thinking for us!

Sonic The Hedgehog-05-FEB-2008 [First 4 Figures]

The rest of the list features properties that many wouldn't mind seeing taken out back and put out of their misery—looking at you Tony Hawk—but there are a few choices I take issue with.

I'd be perfectly happy to see another (good) Tomb Raider, for one, and hope that Underworld is giving proper time to incubate. But I can't agree that Spyro the Dragon should be put to bed before yet another awful Sonic the Hedgehog game. And Guitar Hero's getting better with each iteration? Really? I guess we can agree to disagree.

These video game sequels need to be retired [San Francisco Chronicle - thanks, Matthias!]

Monday: Take a look Wario's overalls. You might prefer these over his WarioWare biker duds.
Tuesday: Sonic's Final Smash makes him into a golden god. For more of the hedgehog, listen to the Angel Island Zone theme remix.
Wednesday: Collection obsessives will want to learn more about Trophy Stands and how they're used.
Thursday: Looking to earn more trophies (and stickers)? You'll have to try your luck at Coin Launcher a simple shooting game.
Friday: The Dragoon item is detailed as is info on how to Share your data with Smash Bros. Friends. Good times.

We'll see you in a fortnight!

It's the day after Christmas and, for many, a time to check out new gaming rigs.I suspect this may have been the year for many of those reluctant gamers to make the switch from old gen to current gen hardware, or for parents to take the plunge into the world of console gaming for the first time.

I know at least one of my neighbors were suspecting a Wii for Christmas and another a 360. I introduced my dad to the Wii last night and after spending a bit of time playing Carnival, Jenga, and Excite Truck I showed him how you could check news, browse the internet and get weather updates. Now he's talking about getting a Wii, or a next-gen console, when he retires in a few months.

I, of course, didn't get any new gaming hardware, because I've already got all of the systems, but my son received one of the newer iPods with a copy of Sonic installed on it. So even he get a chance to check out a new gaming platform. What about you, are you new to a gaming system today or did anyone in your family receive a new console this holiday?

"Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most beloved video game characters of all time," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO of SEGA of America, "And with the installed base that iPod enjoys Sonic now becomes available to a whole new group of casual and hardcore gamers just in the time for the holidays."

Sonic The Hedgehog Comes to the iPod

Fan-favorite Sonic The Hedgehog Now Available for Purchase or Gifting on the iTunes Store

SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—SEGA of America, Inc. today announced that Sonic The Hedgehog is now available for play on the new iPod nano with video, the iPod classic and the fifth generation iPod. Sonic The Hedgehog was originally introduced in 1991 and has become one of the most popular video game franchises in history, selling well over 45 million copies. Sonic fans can purchase and download the game from the iTunes Store for $4.99 (www.itunes.com). Sonic has been designed specifically for the iPod and is available on the 22 iTunes Stores around the world.

"Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most beloved video game characters of all time," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO of SEGA of America, "And with the installed base that iPod enjoys Sonic now becomes available to a whole new group of casual and hardcore gamers just in the time for the holidays."

iTunes customers can buy the game for themselves, or easily give the gift of Sonic The Hedgehog. Similar to music and video content on the iTunes Store, customers simply find the game on iTunes and click the "Gift This Game" button.

Wonder if he got in some time with Sonic in Super Smash Bros. Brawl? He orbited the Nintendo booth during my eagle-eyed stalking, but never dove in. He may disapprove.

It's coming to everything—PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS—for maximum profit. A handful of screens await you.

Hit the jump for a clip of the TV.

Sonic at 140 Inches [Gizmodo Japan]

Business Week recently examined the new Sega, the Sega that doesn't need to rely on Sonic the Hedgehog, nor any of his shitty friends. Sure, Sonic will be properly whored out for Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games, but even Sega of America president Simon Jeffrey admits the blue rodent "loses its cool factor when you get about 12 years old."

Fortunately, there are 14 year olds who will graduate to Shadow the Hedgehog games after they've outgrown watching human on hedgehog on-screen romances. Don't worry, Sega's got all the bases covered.

Sega Goes Beyond Sonic [Business Week]

Actually, Ken was selling some of his Star Trek artwork and The Lost Ones material, too, but I wanted to make sure this gets linked from UK: Resistance. [Note to Cmdr. Zorg - I have plenty of other pictures of Ken Penders and the Sonic the Hedgehog comic books he was selling if you're interested.]

GL: Many feel that the Sonic franchise has lost its way. Do you see this RPG as a chance to revitalize the property?
RM: Sega and BioWare are committed to delivering a high quality game. Story driven games have been BioWare's bread and butter for years, so we're certainly utilizing the knowledge and experience we've learned to create a brand new and immersive Sonic with a rich adventure and story that's fast-paced and incredibly fun to play.

Susan Arendt did her very best to get the goods on the game, but almost every answer she received in return sounded exactly like that, filled with all the adjectives they teach you on flash cards during 'Hyping Your Game 101'. All I really walked away from the Q&A with was that Sonic is good, BioWare is excited, and the game will be easy to pick up and play, which is awesome considering I eventually plan on picking it up and indeed playing it.

All we can do now is sit and wait for more details, taking solace in the fact that BioWare could simply swap Sonic for a character in anything they've developed in the last five years and it would still be the best Sonic the Hedgehog game since Sonic Adventure hit the Dreamcast.

Q&A: BioWare Speaks About Sonic RPG [Wired's Game | Life via Slashdot]

New power ups, new cards to collect, a new "jostling" gameplay feature and new wi-fi game sharing multiplayer modes will surely make the original pale in comparison. Four screens of the game were released and are available in our gallery.

Who's pumped for yet another Sonic game?! Wooo! Michael McWhertor

This Saturn-era Sonic the Hedgehog never made it past this conceptual stage. Why? I'll let YouTube uploader AssemblerX explain.

This is a video of the concept "nights" version of Sonic Xtreme for Sega Saturn. Looking to produce a concept for a 3D sonic, a Sega USA team either used or closely followed the design of "Nights" and caused problems internally at Sega. Thinking or knowing that the US team had used their engine, the Japanese nights team had a fit. The engine was scrapped and a different engine, the so called "fish eye" version was used. This engine was later canceled as unworkable.

There's not much to it, but it looks at least somewhat workable from my perspective. Michael McWhertor

Today, a new batch of ratings from the ESRB turned up two potential Vintage Collection additions, Ecco the Dolphin and Sonic the Hedgehog for the Xbox 360. The latter is, of course, a different entry from the awful 3D version Sonic Team shat out for Microsoft's console last year. Sega announced a singular Genesis title for the 360 at E3 2006, then called Sonic the Hedgehog High Speed.

So, Xbox 360 owners, expect even more Sega Genesis to be dredged up yet again for future XBLA releases. I've completely given up hope of Sega actually tapping into their arcade library. Michael McWhertor

ESRB Watch: Ecco, Sonic on 360 [IGN]

Despite my misguided and wishful thinking that Sonic Rush Adventure would introduce new gameplay mechanics or shift to the newest generation of consoles, the game is indeed a relatively straight sequel to the Dimps developed 2D platformer, featuring speedy, Genesis-era sidescrolling action with 3D boss battles.

This time Sonic takes to the high seas, looking to score some pirate booty and take out robotic bad guy "Captain Whisker." Scary! Yes, you'll also get to take Sonic out for a few jet ski races, just like you always wanted.

Okay, Sega, now is it time to give Sonic a much needed rest and invigorate the series with some new ideas? Maybe? Please?!

Press release in 2D after the jump. Michael McWhertor

SEGA ANNOUNCES SONIC RUSH ADVENTURE FOR THE NINTENDO DS

Sequel to Critically-Acclaimed Sonic Rush is now in Development

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (April 16, 2007) - SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America Inc. today announced the development of Sonic Rush Adventure for the Nintendo DS system. Sonic Rush Adventure will seamlessly utilise both screens of the Nintendo DS to navigate the high seas in search of pirate treasure, delivering Sonic's classic high-speed 2D gameplay in the ultimate Sonic handheld experience. Developed by SEGA Studios, Sonic Rush Adventure for the Nintendo DS will be available in Autumn 2007.

Sonic returns to the Nintendo DS in an all-new frantic adventure complete with dizzying dives, near vertical curves and brain twisting loops. Sonic Rush Adventure will retain the DS action that fans loved so much from Sonic Rush , as well as providing a new high seas adventure where Sonic clashes with ruthless pirates. Players will set off from Windmill Village as Sonic and blast their way through seven action-packed and widely diverse levels. Sonic Rush Adventure will make full use of the DS Download Play feature and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which enables gamers to compete with friends in wireless racing and mission-based battles.

Guide Sonic through numerous action stages in the fast and furious single player mode, whilst collecting valuable items and materials that enable Sonic and Tails to track down the villainous pirates. With a fleet of up to five ships, including a submarine, water bike and hovercraft, Sonic Rush Adventure uses the Touch Screen technology in exciting new ways. Use the Nintendo DS Stylus to help control vessels as they race across the ocean gathering rings, performing tricks, and torching pirate boats, whilst engaging in fierce ship-to-ship battles. At the end of each level, epic 3D boss battles spanning both screens will test gamers skills to result in an ultimate showdown with the evil boss character, Captain Whisker.

Sonic Rush Adventure allows players to bounce, fly, swing, ride and run through grand environments of lush forests, an ominous ghost ship, snow covered mountains, pirate villages and a vast underwater sea cave. Along the way there will be a variety of enemy characters to battle against including robots, skeleton warriors, pterodactyls, and a robotic triceratops.

For more information on Sonic Rush Adventure and other titles from SEGA, please visit www.sega-europe.com. For assets, please visit the SEGA Press site at www.sega-press.com

- ends -

About SEGA Europe, Ltd.
SEGA Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe's Web Site is located at www.sega-europe.com.
About SEGA of America Inc.

SEGA of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web Site is located at www.sega.com.

NINTENDO DS IS A TRADEMARK OF NINTENDO.

###

Is it simply a sequel to the Nintendo DS sidescrolling game Sega released in the fall of 2005? It could very well be. It was one of the best rated Sonic games of the past five years, performing just as well critically as Sonic's first forays into 3D gaming, Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2. Sonic Rush did pretty well in the sales department, too.

Maybe Sonic Rush Adventure is a totally new title, distinct enough from its DS ancestor to warrant new branding.

Given Sega's recent comments that a "reinvention" of the series is overdue, comments made after the release of Sonic the Hedgehog for PS3 and Xbox 360 and Sonic and the Secret Rings for the Wii, I wouldn't be surprised to see a new take on the Adventure series.

Will Sega keep the Sonic Rush 2D gameplay, adding more story driven elements and exploration? Could they take a Super Paper Mario approach, merging the series' 2D and 3D strengths, eliminating one of its biggest weaknesses, shoddy 3D camera control? Why wouldn't they simply name a standard Sonic Rush sequel Sonic Rush 2?

I'm just riffing here and fully aware that all this conjecture based on a simple trademark registration is mostly wishful thinking, but I'm hoping that Sonic Rush Adventure isn't just Sonic Rush 2 and will give Sonic an opportunity to shine. Michael McWhertor

New Sonic Rush game in the works? [Sonic Stadium via NeoGAF Forums]

Now at indie developer Prope, Naka and his team of roughly two-dozen staff members instead want to focus on "works that have the power to fill the children of the world with dreams." Magical! He's sounding more and more like he would be at home in the Tokyo equivalent of Neverland Ranch ensconced in purple velvet atop a throne built from gingerbread and lollipops.

Sadly, we have little more to go on in regard to Prope's plans, only that they're going to platform agnostic in the Sega tradition. Michael McWhertor

Interview: Life after Sonic [CVG]

Poor, poor Sonic. The once heroic character was subjected to last year's cross-platform travesty Sonic The Hedgehog. The glitch-ridden game received scathing reviews and disappointing sales. So, Team Sonic leader Yojiro Ogawa what the hell happened?

The reason why probably ended up with what we see today, involves a lot of reasons. One is that we did want to launch the title around Christmas, and we had the PS3 launch coming up, but we had to develop for Microsoft's 360 at the same time and the team had an awful lot of pressure on them. It was very hard for the team to try and see how we were going to come out with both versions together with just the one team. It was a big challenge.

That still doesn't excuse the human kissing. WE SHALL NOT FORGET! Brian Ashcraft

Team Sonic Interview [Kikizo]

Cross your fingers, hope that Shadow is not unlockable and wait patiently for reviews. Michael McWhertor

A few good titles out this week including Rouge Galaxy, Mario Kart for the VC and Sony opens the curtain on it's new MMO, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. With the exception of possibly grabbing Mario Kart, games won't be on my shopping list this week. I'll be nursing my poor credit card back to health after a week in NYC. Flynn De Marco

• Rogue Galaxy (PS2) Level 5's new RPG space opera. Wait, is that Crecente on the cover?
• Battlestations: Midway (PC, X360)
  More WW II strategy fun.
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes (PC)
  Sony Online entertainment's entry into the MMO melee.
• Sonic the Hedgehog (PS3)
  The most famous blue hedgehog ever speeds his way on to the PS3.
• Fuzion Frenzy 2 (X360)
  Spastic Party games: Now for the Xbox 360!
• City Life: World Edition (PC)
  Build a city using landmarks from around the world
• Monopoly Here and Now (PC)
  The all new updated version of the famous game that no one ever finishes.
• Earache Extreme Metal Racing (PS2)
  Race to the dulcet tones of death metal.
• Mario Kart 64 (WII VC)
  FINALLY!
• Comix Zone (WII VC)
  Help Sketch Turner escape from his own comic.
• Bonanza Bros (WII VC)
  You and your brother get together and steal stuff. Just like real life!

The saddest entry on the list though, in my opinion, is the Viewtiful Joe franchise. After an amazingly creative debut, my enthusiasm for the character and the gameplay plummeted at record speeds.

Read on for an appropriately jaded look at the best games that have simply worn out their welcome. Michael McWhertor

The Top 7... series run into the ground [Games Radar]

The Sonic entry that Sega finds so contentious contains a still from the Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon which appears to have Tails mounting Amy from behind while Sonic looks on bewildered. One look at the URL here should give you an idea of the type of content Sega is unhappy with.

You know Sega, if you really cared about the Sonic property that much you wouldn't have released the latest Sonic the Hedgehog game at all. The same goes for Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Shuffle, Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis, Sonic Riders... you get the idea.

You can read the complaint below. Michael McWhertor

Still, it's worth noting that LG has partnered with Sega to show off their 1080p displays with pre-rendered movies from Sonic the Hedgehog and Virtua Fighter 5. And, strangely enough, cinematics from Q Entertainment and Phantagram's Ninety-Nine Nights also were on rotation.

Okay, okay, they actually look pretty damn good. Seeing Sarah's leather-clad butt in 1080p does give one a little bit of gadget lust. Michael McWhertor

Not only do owners of Sonic the Hedgehog have to suffer through bad gameplay, poor camera angles and lousy design decisions, but they also must endure painful loading, the kind that hurts in waves like a series of soft flicks to the family chaos emeralds. Anyone with the PlayStation 3 version on pre-order ought to watch the above clip, just to see what kind of mess they might be getting themselves into. Bravo, Sonic Team! Another job well done! Michael McWhertor

Besides, our hero Ebee Dbee wears cool-ass headphones! Did Sonic ever wear headphones? I don't think so.

So yeah, completely ripping off Sega's mascot here. It's almost as if they took the same sprites and just recolored them to look like an obnoxious kid. The saddest thing? It's still more faithful to the series than the new 360/PS3 game. Michael Fahey

School Food Trust Snack Dash [Thanks Greg!]

Another PlayStation 3 launch game bites the dust.

Following yesterday's announcement that Sega's next-gen Sonic the Hedgehog would ship after November 17th and the cancellation of NBA Live 07, comes word from Bethesda that The Elders Scrolls IV: Oblivion would also see a delay.

The game is now schedule to ship in the first quarter of 2007, with no specific reason given for the delay, but we're guessing the limited number of PS3 launch units, combined with alleged issues on the downloadable content front might have something to do with it. PC gamers and Xbox 360 owners will still get their expansion, Knights of the Nine, before the holidays.

You know what this means? More money for extra copies of Resistance! Michael McWhertor

The Elder Scrolls Forums: News and Information

Those of you looking forward to spending more time with Shadow the Hedgehog, this time on your PlayStation 3, are going to have to wait a little bit longer. Another PS3 title is going to miss the launch, and this time it's Sega's own flagship mascot, Sonic.

Why the delay, this close to launch? It seems Sega wants to spend more time working on downloadable content, but didn't specify exactly what that downloadable content was. I can only assume they're working on new ways to ruin my positive childhood memories of the Sega Genesis or they've finally inked a deal to get some 50 Cent tracks for Shadow's in-car stereo.

The game is specified now as "holiday 2006". Hopefully, they'll update it to "never". Sorry, I'm surly tonight. Still bitter about that whole Shadow thing. Michael McWhertor

Sonic PS3 Delayed [IGN]

According to Aeropause, the Sonic the Hedgehog demo is now up on Xbox Live. Run faster than you can possibly react into walls full of spikes! Jump at supersonic speeds into bottomless pits! If you're a furry, unzip! The demo weighs in at 384 megs. Florian Eckhardt

Sonic The Hedgehog Demo On Live [Aeropause]

As Sega didn't actually let any of the Kotaku editors touch their Wii titles, we instead decided that we'd just watch the six extremely attractive booth girls play for an hour. Decked out in outfits that matched the games they were playing, they'd clearly been playing Wii games all day since they had a thin layer of sweat and a solid grasp of the gameplay—both rare for booth girls.

Bleach, the fighting game based on the popular manga, has a very interesting cel shaded style, with a sketch-like cross hatching effect thrown on for good measure. Watching the Sega cutie frantically stab at the screen made me cautious than ever about using the Wii wand to control a traditional fighter. This really requires some personal play.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz looked like a bunch of minigame fun. The girls played the party game version of frisbee golf, which looked fair but still enticing, and a running/hurdling bit that looked exhausting. Check the video at the end of the post to see the... err, gameplay.

Sonic The Hedgehog was my favorite Sega Wii title on display. Looking surprisingly good for the underpowered Wii, it finally got me interested in playing a Sonic game again. Essentially a Sonic driving game with jumping and occasional platforming action, it had a great sense of speed and a fun control scheme. Far better looking in motion than simple screenshots.

Even though it's too bad we didn't actually get to touch the damn games at TGS, watching girls in ninja outfits and grass skirts was a fairly good replacement. Michael McWhertor

PS3 Fanboy snagged a shot of a genuine Playstation 3 game in the wild. The image shows Sonic the Hedgehog for the PS3 clothed in it's freshly printed, blue-capped case. It makes sense that as we approach the official launch date for the console more of these will be getting out. Brian Crecente

PS3 Game Caught in the Wild [PS3 Fanboy]