Since leaving the hardware side of things, Sega have attempted to establish themselves as one of the world's leading third party software developers. While they have seen mixed results in their first year and a half of being software only, Sega's E3 booth indicates that they aren't ready to give up just yet.
Multi Format
Sonic Heroes
SEGA's legendary mascot Sonic The Hedgehog makes his historic PlayStation 2 and Xbox debut! In Sonic Heroes, Sonic embarks on his biggest adventure ever, with his trademark blazing speed and a new gameplay twist. Sonic and his friends have evolved, adopting a configuration feature that allows gamers to control three playable characters simultaneously, using Sonic's speed, Knuckles' power, and Tails' ability to fly, to conquer massive worlds. This team-based gameplay marks the next evolution in Sonic's gaming career, taking platform gaming to a completely new level. Using the three formations and the powerful moves that each team member has, Sonic and his friends combine forces to battle the ultimate evil.
- Play as one of four teams for a total of 12 playable characters - Team Sonic, Team Dark, Team Rose, or Team Chaotix - each with their own unique signature moves and story line
- Each team boasts multiple specialized stages with unique missions and CG movies driving each "team" story forward
- Experiment with team formations to learn the best way to defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and navigate massive environments
- Each stage contains multiple paths and missions for maximum replayability
So far it sounds as if Sega are digging up a few old concepts from the back catalog - remember Chaotix on the 32x? Sonic Heroes will be launching on the Playstation 2, Gamecube and Xbox towards the end of the year.
Worms 3
While not strictly developed by Sega (Team 17 are still in charge), they managed to pick up the rights to publish this little baby. The Worms series is going into 3D for this iteration and while the core gameplay remains the same, Team 17 promises that the game will be a whole lot more strategic than any of the previous Worms titles. Worms 3 features all your favourite bits from the previous games, such as randomly generating levels and all sorts of crazy weapons, as well as the following:
- All new mission, play modes, 'Wormpot' modes, training and challenge modes.
- A more immersive single player experience based on unlocking challenges, secret missions, sound sets and landscapes.
- A choice of camera modes, including 1st person and 'blimp' views.
- Environmental conditions such as rain, snow, night and day.
- Randomly generated and fully deformable landscapes, all in true 3D.
- Inclusion of Wormopedia and the gallery.
- All new artificial intelligence, sound effects, music, interface and much, more.
Worms 3 is set to hit the Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube and PC in the 4th quarter of this year. With the right touch, and a look at how to do 3D transitions properly (and a peak at the homebrew Scorched 3D), Team 17 can easily succeed with Worms 3, but we'll have to wait til the end of the year to see how things pan out.
NFL2K4
We know how much you all love these American sports games, so we'll keep it brief.
NFL 2K4 hits the line hard, challenging the conventions of football video gaming once again, with a fresh new experience that will put gamers right into the action. Enter a new world of ESPN integration, bringing you behind the scenes and into a captivating environment of new presentation schemes. A new play calling system makes it easy for gamers to navigate through menus while the more than 1,000 new animations and enhanced moves gives NFL 2K4 a new level of realism that is unmatched. Playable online and ready for the season to begin, NFL 2K4 is destined for greatness.
The extended ESPN coverage could prove to be crucial in helping Sega topple the Madden giant in the USA. Hopefully Sega will see it fit to release the PAL versions in a timely matter this time around. All 2K4 sports games will be releeased on the Playstation 2 and Xbox.
NBA 2K4
While basketball is a much more interesting sport than American Football, we'll still keep it brief.
NBA 2K4 advances to the next level of the game with a blowout of new and innovative gameplay improvements. Replicating the quickness and athleticism of the NBA like no other basketball video game, NBA 2K4 rises to the top with online play, an all-new franchise mode, redesigned player models and arenas and hundreds of new animations including highlight-reel dunks. An unrivaled telecast presentation brings this all to life with a more dynamic production that only ESPN can deliver.
To me, Sega Sports' NBA games cannot be toppled, so I'm definitely interested in seeing how the improved presentation and gameplay tweaks go down. As with the rest of the 2K4 sports games, NBA 2K4 will launch on the Playstation 2 and Xbox.
NHL 2K4
NHL 2K4 is more than just a game of hockey. It is true grit, true skills, true intensity and your ability to bring those elements to each and every matchup. It is taking on anyone, anytime, anywhere. It is feeling the impact of a precision hit and splitting the D with a skilled skater. It is the battle for the puck and the glory of burying it in the back of the net. It is achieving milestones and setting the standard for others to follow. It is everything you'd want in a hockey game and nothing you'd expect - NHL 2K4 - true to the NHL.
I'm still new to Sega's style of Hockey, but I look forward to seeing how the latest installment in the series works out. If NHL 2K4 can live up to the high standards of NFL 2K4 and NBA 2K4, Sega will be onto another winner.
NCAA College Basketball 2K4
The risky steal, the well-timed block, the buzzer beater...mind-blowing plays in the final seconds holding every moment suspended in time. Tears, yells, chest pumps...every expressable emotion at its peak - flowing through the veins of every player, coach and fan. Deafening chants, face-painted students, music-blaring bands...unforgettable experiences sending all five senses into overtime. Tradition, pageantry, pride...the definition of college basketball. The moment, the championship, the legacy...NCAA College Basketball 2K4...real play, real emotion, real heart.
We probably won't see this one in PAL regions, unfortunately.
Playstation 2
It would appear that Sega have finally discovered that Sony are the market leader in this console race, and hence their Playstation 2 support has increased substantially.
Altered Beast
As a special military operative, you are sent to investigate a deadly genetic outbreak in a small West Coast town. Operating alone and with minimal information, you quickly realize that your mission will ultimately become a battle for survival. Hunted by unspeakable horrors and haunted by your past, you soon discover that in order to overcome evil, you must become more than evil.
The only thing that can save you is your darkest power, the ability to transform into a variety of powerful beasts. As you defeat wave after wave of failed genetic experiments, the line between human restraint and primal instinct will blur, until nothing is left but the savage desire to uncover the true nature of the beast.
Explore your inner demons. Unleash your fury. Alter your reality.
- Morph into more than eight creatures, such as a Werewolf, Dragon, Minotaur, and more - each with their own combat techniques and skills
- Manipulate your Genetic DNA system to assign powerful and strategic attributes to each beast
- Graphic CG sequences display the horrific transformations from man to beast
- Huge 3D areas to explore, each with their own mind-numbing boss to defeat
- Uncover clues, interact with NPCs, and follow a twisted tale of genetic experimentation to discover your true origin
PS2 screenshot not available at the moment.
Looks like Sega are getting stuck into that massive back catalog of theirs. I was originally expecting a straight out action game rather than the more story driven game, but I won't complain if it is executed well. Now if they could just bring us a new Streets of Rage game, I'd....nevermind.
Dororo
Dororo is a modern day action epic adapted from the classic manga by Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy). Like the original manga the game follows the adventures of Hyakkimaru, a samurai haunted by a shocking secret, who is on a quest to uncover his past and regain his humanity. As a newborn baby he was robbed of every limb, organ and even his flesh and had his humanity replaced with a myriad of ways to deal out death.
Players can choose to battle with various weapons such as blades embedded inside Hyakkimaru's arms, a bazooka hidden inside his leg, or weapons that are found during the course of the adventure. At every step of the way Hyakkimaru's friend Dororo will be there to help you, guide you, and fight alongside Hyakkimaru as you explore and unravel the mystery of his past. Dororo delivers the ultimate Samurai fighting experience with intense 3D action from one of Japan's most famous storytellers. Only through cooperation, exploration and extreme violence will Hyakkimaru ever be able to live a normal life. Until that time you must learn to live life as the ultimate concealed weapon.
- Huge 3D environments – explore, solve puzzles and battle in an immense world based on Osamu Tezuka's influential classic Manga
- Discover and destroy over 100 demons and monsters
- Every body part deals out death and destruction – your arms conceal swords and your legs hide missiles
- Control both Hyakkimaru and Dororo - Use each character's unique abilities to defeat enemies and solve puzzles
- 2 player cooperative play – both Hyakkimaru and Dororo can be controlled simultaneously allowing you and a friend to team up to uncover the past and defeat evil
- Deep story offering over 20 hours of gameplay
Screenshot not available at the moment.
This sounds excellent. It's good to see Sega putting the Tezuka license to good use - we just hope that they can do justice to the source material.
Headhunter: Redemption
Twenty years after the devastation caused by the Bloody Mary Virus, a new order emerged based on two distinct but totally independent worlds, divided by the ultimate consumerist society – 'Above' and 'Below'. 'Above', a glittering metropolis of glass and steel towers, entwined by elevated highways, its citizens controlled by ever-present media and the powerful corporations behind it. 'Below' is the home to criminals, undesirables and misfits. Meeting all the needs of 'Above' in return for the right to survive. Society's conscience wiped clean.
Maintaining law and society order is veteran Headhunter Jack Wade, older, wiser and battle hardened. At his side is the reluctant new sidekick, the rebellious street kid Leeza X. Whether ripping up the highways of the silver metropolis on a super bike or stalking the criminal masterminds of the shadowy underworld, they are led into the greatest danger of their lives and must overcome something much more sinister than a simple human threat. Each must face their darkest fears. Together they must redeem a world facing chaos...
- 2 playable characters: Jack Wade & Leeza X, each with unique abilities, weapons and style
- Epic storyline based on two distinct worlds, comprising of unique mission structures and objectives
- Lightning-fast motorcycle thrills on futuristic highways
- Gritty action-packed combat environments
- Orchestral score, created by industry award-winning composer Richard Jacques
The original Headhunter was one of the last great Dreamcast games, but it did have a few niggly problems, so hopefully Amuze has worked these out. Headhunter 2 definitely has a lot of potential. I just hope they keep those kickass news broadcasts in there, very reminiscent of Robocop.
Kunoichi
This "side story" to SEGA's popular Shinobi invites players to live out the events following Hotsuma's victory over Hiruko's evil minions. But like all things, victory is fleeting, and an evil such as Hiruko's is not so easily vanquished. Just as Tokyo begins the slow and tedious process of repairs, a new rift opens between Earth and the demon realm. Unwilling to take such supernatural threats lightly, the Japanese government enlists the talents of "Kunoichi," a skilled female ninja with a keen understanding of both martial and mystical arts. As Kunoichi, players will battle countless demonic foes within a wide assortment of unique urban environments spanning rooftops, construction sites, industrial factories, and more.
- Fly higher, move faster, and dole out even more damage as "Kunoichi"
- Enhanced combat system provides greater depth, all-new attacks, and intense aerial action
- Improved "Tate" system supports unlimited combos and a wider variety of attacks
- Unique scenarios allow you to fight atop fighter jets, moving trains, and industrial cranes
- Perform combos to fill the new "Chakra Gauge" in order to perform powerful ninja magic
- Use consecutive stealth dashes to surround your opponents and unleash the deadly "Shadow Dance"
Whatever happened to old Joe Musashi? PAL audiences haven't had a taste of the first Shinobi game, so we don't really know what to expect from this title just yet.
Vectorman
Gamers become Vectorman, a veritable walking arsenal, in his journey to find his creator, Aura, and free his land from an oppressive robot dictator bent on galactic conquest. The game's dark storyline is packed with explosive combat and vast opportunities for exploration. With a high-tech arsenal of more than 15 weapons and more than 25 powerful upgrades, Vectorman has all the resources he needs to take on Volt's evil minions.
With a focus on player freedom, Vectorman's game design encourages players to explore the world at large and utilize any number of different combat strategies. Whether gamers prefer the direct approach of guns-blazing action, or a more cerebral type of combat composed of sniping and full use of the environment, Vectorman will not disappoint. The game's advanced physics engine and complex AI routines serve to fully immerse players in a "living world" where Orbots work and live, reacting to the player's every move.
- Advanced physics engine and AI routines create a fully-immersive "living world"
- Unique morphing abilities diversify the action
- Advanced Weaponry - take on Volt's minions with 15 weapons and 25 different upgrades including: Incinerators, Freon Cannons, Starblasters, Bazookas, and Grapplers
My experiences with the original two Vectorman games were rather limited, but many gamers speak highly of the titles. Only time will tell whether the latest Vectorman game will live up to its predecessors.
Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution
Remember the old Street Fighter 2 updates? Well, it would appear that Virtua Fighter is going down the same path, but thankfully Sega will be releasing this update to Virtua Fighter 4 at Platinum Range price. The graphics have seen a small makeover, with a large portion of the jaggies from last years release being smoothed out, AI has been tuned up, there are now more than 750 new costume items have been added to your character, and much more.
- Two new characters (Goh the Judoka and Brad the ferocious Muay Thai Kick Boxer) will be added to the 13 existing characters for a grand total of 15 fighters
- New attacks, counters, and defensive moves for every character allow players to switch up their stance and fighting styles mid-fight
- Newly optimized graphics for the PlayStation 2 eliminate jaggies and shimmer - High-polygon character models, exquisite detail, and brilliant light sourcing combine to create breath-taking visuals
- Quest: Battle around the world through a series of simulated arcade tournaments to become the world champion
- Twice as many customization options: More than 1,500 accessory items allow gamers to alter clothing, hairstyles, and more
I thoroughly enjoyed the first version of Virtua Fighter 4, and releasing Evolution at a budget price is a sure fire way of ensuring that I'll be picking it up. Thumbs up to Sega.
Virtual On: Marz
Mech combat meets street brawling in a lightning-fast weapon-intensive arena-based Battle Royal. As a member of "Marz," a Robotic Special Forces unit, players are thrust into the pilot's seat of a giant mech known as a Virtuaroid (VR), an immensely capable machine built specifically for combat. Blasting through a variety of missions on various planets, players will set out to defeat enemy VRs, locate new areas, attack enemy locations and convoys, defend allied bases, and fight alongside other VRs in explosive 2-on-2 battles.
Along the way, rival characters will appear, gigantic boss enemies will attack, and headquarters continuously keep gamers updated on their position through 2-way communications. With strategy and skill, gamers will ultimately discover the true identity of the mysterious enemy forces that have infiltrated Mars and wreaked havoc on the solar system.
- Challenge Mode, Dramatic Mode, and 2-player Versus Mode
- A variety of computer-assisted control interfaces allow total beginners to jump into the fray and compete at the highest level
- For Virtual On experts, a new "Virtual twin stick" setting enables the analog thumbsticks to be used just like the famous arcade unit "twin sticks"
- Exciting and varied missions include assisted combat, boss battles, exploration, destruction of placement turrets, and more
- Character Roster includes more than 40 playable characters
- Unlockable content includes secret characters, concept art, and additional Virtuaroid color schemes
There ain't no business like the big mech business. I'm a tad disappointed by the fact there will be no twin stick peripheral this time around, but the game still has a lot of potential.
Xbox
Otogi: Myth of Demons
Set in ancient Japan and steeped in real-life folklore and mysticism, Otogi – Myth of Demons is the story of Raiko, an undead warrior who must stop a ferocious demonic army that has been unleashed upon the Earth. As a long-forgotten doomsday myth materializes, Raiko must quickly master more than 30 weapons and 12 varieties of magic to dispatch endless hoards of demon warriors, massive boss characters and everything else that gets in his way.
Blending frenetic fast-paced 3D action with deep RPG elements that allow gamers to upgrade weapons, magic and character attributes, in addition to managing an inventory of special items, Otogi – Myth of Demons delivers more than 25 massive, highly-destructible environments to explore and decimate. Trees, walls, furniture and even entire buildings can be destroyed as gamers master dozens of special moves and techniques that make for the most intense, stylish combat available on Xbox.
- More than 25 levels - face down hordes of demons, destroy mammoth bosses, and set the world right as an undead warrior in search of peace
- Collect and customize more than 30 weapons, 12 varieties of magic and more than10 special demon slaying items
- Deep story based on classic Japanese mythologies
- More than 15 hours of gameplay
I've heard nothing but good things from people who imported this title from Japan, so kudos to Sega for deciding to bring the game to the West.
Sega GT: Online
Bringing all the thrills of the most realistic driving game for Xbox online via Xbox Live, Sega GT Online allows up to six gamers to put their cars – and their skills – to the ultimate test against thousands of gamers from around the country.
A blend of deep simulation detail and high-octane arcade action, Sega GT Online challenges gamers to qualify for licenses and earn money to soup up their rides and buy newer, more powerful cars. Players can then fine-tune nearly every aspect of their car's performance – from the muffler and brakes to the suspension, body weight and tires, before hitting the online racing circuit. Gamers even have the option to trade or bet their hard-earned cars and parts with other gamers before hitting more than a dozen devious, high-speed raceways. Of course, gamers can also talk trash as they take turns at 180 miles per hour with Xbox Live's voice chat capabilities.
- Race online in multiple modes, trade parts and cars, and engage in real-time voice chat
- New offline mode challenges you to complete multiple tasks to unlock new cars, parts, and tracks
- Transfer your Sega GT 2002 save data and blow the doors off the competition online with your high-powered customized cars
- More than 40 new cars ranging from 70's muscle cars to the latest rockets from Japan
- New tracks, weather effects, and special time-triggered events
- Newly enhanced for Xbox Live with multiple ways to floss your phat ride
FIX THE AI!!!! If there is one thing that gave me the willies about Sega GT 2002, its that dastardly rubber band AI. Otherwise, I don't see any reason why Sega GT Online can't be a good thing for people looking for a Live enabled racing game.
Gamecube
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg
Darkness has fallen upon a once-magical land. An evil King who seeks to rule with an everlasting night has captured the creatures that inhabit this realm. Now, a young boy must use the powers of a legendary suit to control special eggs in order to restore light to the land.
Gamers will collect magical eggs, use them to solve puzzles and nurture them with items found while exploring the world. Gamers will be able to hatch the eggs and discover magical creatures with a variety of skills, introducing a strategic planning element to the combat and puzzles. Players will explore massive, colorful environments, each with their own missions and secrets, and then defeat the evil boss of each stage. It's up to Billy Hatcher to return light to the land!
- Use special eggs and the animals that hatch from them to solve puzzles, navigate a variety of environments, and defeat enemies
- Explore a vast 3D world with many huge stages to uncover secrets and find hidden items
- Tackle a wide range of unique missions for multiple gameplay experiences
- Battle with up to four players in split-screen play
Currently, this title has a lot of promise and the potential to be a big hit this Winter. It's always a good sign to see developers who are willing to produced original titles.
Phantasy Star Online III: C.A.R.D. Revolution
Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution expands the Phantasy Star Online (PSO) universe, offering a new style of strategic combat. Combining the excitement of card collection and deck settings with team-based battle tactics, PSO Episode III allows users to chat in the lobby about status upgrades and tactics, and then journey to the planet surface to engage in strategic combat using a turn-based Card system. The game continues the story arc of the previous PSO games, as players once again become Hunters and explore the mysteries of the planet Ragol. Featuring both online and offline play, as well as multiplayer modes, PSO Episode III adds new content and players to the ever-growing PSO community.
- Play online and interact with Hunters from PSO Episode I & II in the lobby
- Engage in offline team battles for up to four people, where players are divided into friends and enemies
- Choose from either the Item Deck or the Enemy Deck, depending upon whether you will fight as a member of the Hunters or the Arks (enemies)
- Collect an enormous number of weapons, gear, and items to create an original deck with your character
- Use Action and Assist cards to compose a powerful deck, supported by Hunters and Items or Bosses and Enemies
- Position your characters on the battle field and move them as the battle unfolds to take advantage of your opponent's weaknesses
- The next chapter in the PSO universe continues the story of PSO Episodes I & II
PALGN's Red was rather excited at the prospect of the new Phantasy Star Online giving a little bit of a nod to the Phantasy Star games of old, so lets see if Sega can deliver to the nostalgic bugger
Should certainly be a unique mix of online RPG and card RPG.
Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut
The original Sonic Adventure returns with enhanced graphics and more than five hours of new gameplay, including an all-new Mission Mode featuring more than 50 missions and hidden surprises for gamers to discover.
It's up to Sonic and his pals to save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman, who has returned to once again try his hand at world domination. The evil Doctor's scheme is to steal the seven Chaos Emeralds and raise the all-powerful Chaos monster to do his bidding. Entangled in the plot of the sinister Dr. Eggman, Sonic must enlist the help of his friends Amy, Tails, Knuckles and Big to foil Eggman's every move.
- New graphically-enhanced 3D world harnesses the power of the Nintendo GameCube
- Six playable characters each with his/her own skills and abilities
- Thirty massive levels, over-the-top boss battles and mini-games featuring the one-of-a-kind Chao AI characters
- Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut connects to Sonic Pinball Party, Sonic Advance and Sonic Advance 2 via the Nintendo GameCube-Game Boy Advance cable for endless on-the-go Chao raising fun
- All new Mission Mode with 60 mini-missions, allowing gamers to discover exclusive items and unlockable secrets, including 12 hidden classic SEGA Game Gear titles
You can never have too many subtitles. The addition of 12 Game Gear titles is tempting, but how many of us can truly justify the purchase of a slightly enhanced update of a 5 year old game?
Game Boy Advance
Sonic Battle
Sonic Battle brings furious combat action to the Game Boy Advance, as Sonic and his friends set out to determine which one of them is really the best fighter! Choose from eight characters such as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Choose the arena, set the rules, customize your special attacks, and then engage in non-stop battles. With three types of special attacks, as well as Ground, Aerial, and Defense fighting techniques, you can customize your character to suit your fighting style. You'll also need to strategically plan and execute your attacks to take full advantage of each character's unique abilities. Up to four friends can link their systems together using the Game Boy Advance Game Link cable for team battles, and then combine special attacks into devastating combos! If you prefer to battle solo, work through the Story Mode to develop your own AI fighting partner. Either way, Sonic Battle is the ultimate showdown between Sonic and his friends.
Features:
- Fast gameplay and furious battles starring Sonic, Tails, Shadow, and more!
- Eight playable characters and one mystery fighter to unlock
- Multiple special attacks for each character, as well as team-based cooperative attacks
- 3D battles for up to four players, either solo or in teams
- Single player mode lets you create and train your own AI fighter
- Features an additional Party Game that lets up to four players compete with one cartridge
Sega Smash Brothers? Well, not exactly, but we can always dream. We hope that Sonic Battle will be a genuinely good game, and not just a sad clone of Super Smash Brothers, but once again, only time can tell.
Sonic Pinball Party
It's time to get the party started right with Sonic Pinball Party for the Game Boy Advance. Sonic The Hedgehog returns to the Nintendo Game Boy, with the ultimate handheld pinball experience, delivering all-new madcap pinball boards filled with SONICTEAM characters, and a huge assortment of multiplayer party games.
With SonicTeam characters from Sonic The Hedgehog, Samba de Amigo and Nights, Sonic Pinball Party challenges players to shoot, tilt, and flip their way through a slew of pinball boards, lightning fast mini-games and party games that promise to give gamers the pinball fix they've been craving!
- Fast and furious pinball challenges with boards based on classic Sonic The Hedgehog, Samba de Amigo and Nights characters
- Five modes of play including Arcade Mode, Vs. Mode, Story Mode, Casinopolis and the Chao Garden!
- Hidden zones and mini-games including Roulette, Slots and Bingo.
- Amazing multi-tiered animated boards with vibrant images characters, and exciting music to get the party started right!
- Multiplayer mode allows gamers to connect and play with a friend via the Game Boy Advance Game Link cable
- Three party games to choose from: Hot Potato, Air Hockey, and Ladders
- Connect Sonic Pinball Party to Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut via the Nintendo GameCube-Game boy Advance cable for Chao raising
Another Sonic Pinball game? While I found Sonic Spinball to be rather lacking, I'm willing to give this one a chance, especially due to the inclusion of characters from NiGHTS and Samba Di Amigo.
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