You’ve seen him introduced in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and he’s coming back for the sequel at the end of this year - but before all that, SEGA and Paramount Pictures want to hit fans with something big with the long awaited spin-off series for “Knuckles”!
Check out the trailer below!
Idris Elba returns to voice Knuckles, and it will begin streaming on Paramount + starting this April 26!
As The Batman descends in theaters worldwide, Paramount Pictures and Sega bring out some way past cool fun by paying tribute to The Dark Knight with a nice little "Blue Justice" TV Spot and poster that also promotes the coming of the highly anticipated sequel that is "Sonic The Hedgehog 2"!
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - "Blue Justice" -
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 speeds into theaters this March 30!
As promised following the reveal of the first poster for the sequel - Paramount Pictures, Sega, and The Game Awards present the world premiere of the official trailer to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - which sees Ben Schwartz returning as the voice of Sonic, Jim Carrey back as Dr. Eggman, and the introductions of Tails and Knuckles... With the latter character voiced by Idris Elba!
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) - "Official Trailer"
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be released in theaters in the US on April 8, 2022.
Prepare for the continuation of the way past cool adventures of Sega's blue mascot and his world, as Sonic The Hedgehog 2 unveils its first teaser poster in time for The Game Awards - with a trailer coming up soon during the ceremony proper on December 9!
Seen in the poster of course is our hero returning and riding on the plane of his well known sidekick and pal Miles "Tails" Prower - who makes his proper introduction in the sequel after a cameo appearance at the end the first film! Also returning is Dr. Robotnik - who now goes by the name "Dr. Eggman" and has a new parttner in Knuckles!
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is slated for release in the US on April 8, 2022!
It looks like the way past cool hedgehog mascot of SEGA is officially getting a live action movie sequel after his successful first film hit theaters last February!
That's right, Sonic The Hedgehog is getting the sequel he deserves - as Variety reports that Paramount Pictures and SEGA Sammy have confirmed that development for the follow-up has begun. Jeff Fowler returns in the director's chair, while Pat Casey and Josh Miller are back to handle script duties.
After the first trailer for the film did poorly and negative reaction was given to Sonic's design - the filmmakers listened and went back to post-production for three months to redesign Sonic with an appearance that was more in line with his video game look. The family oriented film did well for an early 2020 release, and featured James Marsden and Jim Carrey in the cast, along with Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.
In what is certainly a milestone for one of the most recognizable characters in video game history, SEGA honored its most famous blue mascot Sonic The Hedgehog - as the "way past cool" hero and freedom fighter celebrated his 25th anniversary!
Naturally, Sonic's origins stem way back in 1991 with the release of the original "Sonic The Hedgehog" video game for the Sega Genesis/ Mega Drive 16-Bit platform on June 23, 1991. That game introduced us to the blue hedgehog as he fought to stop the evil Dr. Robotnik from conquering his world and enslaving his friends by turning them into robots. That platform title was a hit, and spawned an immediate sequel the next year with Sonic The Hedgehog 2, followed by a 3rd game and then more spin-offs that eventually led to the birth of a franchise.
25 Years of Sonic the Hedgehog!
To celebrate 25 years, SEGA has released a video for Sonic's birthday!
Back in my early gaming years, I was more of a Sega guy than a Super NES player during the infamous 16-Bit "Console Wars" generation. It wasn't just because I owned a Mega Drive console (my cousin had a SNES I could play as well); the line-up of games SEGA chugged on back then were pretty impressive, and titles like Altered Beast, Bare Knuckle, Shinobi, Spider-Man vs The Kingpin, and even a port of Street Fighter II already kept me happy as can be. However, anyone who owned a Mega Drive or Genesis can attest to the fact that there was one game in the list that was easily a MUST PLAY title. I'm sure those who bought a Genesis the first time got this packed along with the machine. This game's arguably synonymous with the system itself!
Yes, Today is the 19th year anniversary of the release of the original Sonic The Hedgehog game for the Sega Mega Drive/ Genesis, and conversely, it's also Sonic The Hedgehog's birthday! That's right, everybody's favorite little blue hedgehog celebrates almost two decades of existence, and it's hard to believe that it all started in 1991, turning into a lucrative franchise that has persisted through several generations of console platforms. To celebrate this occasion in gaming history, this post will be all about how I remember the heroic freedom fighter, and how much he meant to me then, as well as now.
In many ways, Sonic was Sega's answer to Nintendo's Mario, only that instead of relying on headjumps and mushrooms, this guy excelled using his most famous asset - his speed, to conquer evil and take back his home planet Mobius from the evil reign of Dr. Robotnik (Dr. Eggman in Japan). Controlling and playing the character was similar to any Mario game sure, but there were obvious differences. He collected rings that served as his extended "lifebar", and roamed around several zones to fight and free his roboticized friends, as well as face Robotnik numerous times. That was how I remembered playing Sonic for the most part, and the game's success spawned several sequels on the Genesis, earning him a sidekick and more allies in the fight to free Mobius from tyranny. Sonic 2 was actually my favorite in the series, but the first game also holds a special place in my list, especially with its awe-inspiring soundtrack. Ah 16-Bit music, how I missed you.
Sonic The Hedgehog Gameplay
Besides his "way past cool" attitude, what I enjoyed about Sonic was the thrill of playing the character and experiencing his adventures hand-on. Apart from the sequels that followed in the Genesis, more titles eventually popped up as Sega began producing more powerful consoles to further their evolution in the gaming industry. Probably the other Sonic series I appreciated the most was the Sonic Adventure games for the Dreamcast. Sure, it wasn't 2D sidescrolling platform gaming anymore, but there was something appealing about playing this new three dimensional take on the blue hedgehog's adventures, especially with Sonic Adventure 2, which brought a whole new meaning to the words "fun" and "speed". Same emphasis was still placed on spinning, running, collecting rings, and evading/ defeating bad guys, but these Sonic games were on a completely different level compared to the classics, and that was somewhat of a good thing back in the day. Heck, Sonic even got his own comic book and cartoon series to boot, and I used to follow the latter in Cartoon Network diligently. There were several animated shows, but my favorite was the one with Princess Sally and the freedom fighters, offering a more serious form of storytelling to the hedgehog's escapades.
Sonic The Hedgehog SatAM Intro
Unfortunately, the day came when Sega decided to pull out of the console business and focus all of its efforts into producing games only, and Sonic practically became a "free agent", meaning the property could appear in any console that was formerly a competitor. As such, Sonic teamed up with his once eternal rival, Mario, and through several crossover games, fans finally had the chance to duke it out - Plumber vs Hedgehog. That was not to say that Sonic didn't have his own series of solo games produced anymore - there were several in fact. Unfortunately, they didn't capture the charm of the character, and recent attempts strayed away from what made the character cool in the first place. Luckily, all that is about to change with the upcoming 2010 release of the "true sequel" to the series - Sonic 4: Episode 1. The blue hedgehog returns to sidescrolling action in a 2.5D setting. Everything old is new again, and if it wins the appreciation of the fans once it comes out, then it would be a fitting gift to the hedgehog's 19 years of existence.
With several games, cartoons, and even a comic book series published by Archie Comics, Sonic is truly one of the best gaming characters I've had the privilege and pleasure of knowing since I got into gaming all those years ago. He certainly entertained many with his cocky attitude, and he remains a cool character through and through, and we have artist Naoto Oshima, designer Hirokazu Yasuhara, programmer Yuji Naka, and Sonic Team to thank for. Happy Birthday, Sonic The Hedgehog!
The secret is no longer a secret anymore! Gamespot, Kotaku, and the rest of the videogame network have reported the big reveal Sega has just announced - The mysterious "Project Needle Mouse" is indeed a new Sonic The Hedgehog, but it's officially "Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1"!
Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1 Trailer!
Why Episode 1? Obviously, it will be the first chapter of a bigger story, taking cues from the Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles days where the latter was essentially a continuation of the other. The game will be a 2.5D downloadable game, meaning that it's 2D gameplay with 3D Graphics, and it's going to be available this summer for the Playstation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and WiiWare. More details are revealed via Gamespot and Kotaku's report, but it's good to say our favorite blue Hedgehog is back... IN AWESOME OLD SCHOOL STYLE! Go Sonic!
Back in September 2009, SEGA announced a new game in development that would be part of the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise and usher in the return of the "old school 2D platform gaming" that fans have long been asking for. Known only as by its codename "Project Needlemouse", no other details of the game have surfaced thus far with the exception a selected list of Sonic Characters that "may" appear in the game, as well as this trailer that debuted with last year's announcement, clearly showing something that's all too familiar to those who crave the need for speed.
Project: Needle Mouse Trailer
Clearly by the looks of things, we're seeing the makings of a possible another classic Sonic title, with the 2D Sidescrolling platforming action present and intact. Destructoid even has an article up that follows a rumor stating that this game may actually be "Sonic The Hedgehog 4", with fans from the Sonic Fan Community uncovering a newly registered URL - sonicthehedgehog4.com. Only time can tell for certain whether this information holds up, and Sega has promised to reveal all by next week.
Here's crossing my fingers and hoping that we get old school way past cool Blue Hedgehog goodness soon!
It's September 9, 2009... a memorable date that's a cause for celebration for many. Its unique numbering sequence and configuration have been the subject of many special coverages, one of them coming from Yahoo itself, but the date also holds a lot of significance for gamers, especially those who keep track of monumental releases in gaming history. For owners of the original Sony Playstation, this day marks the official release of Square's (presently Square Enix) Final Fantasy VIII, a game that celebrates a decade of existence today. My friend Billy shares his memories of the game in his official blog. I, however, will be talking about something a little more personal. It's a piece of hardware that has stood the test of time, and remains as a symbol that dreams can come true... especially in videogames.
Exactly ten years ago to this very day, Sega unleashed their sixth generation console, the Dreamcast, to the American gaming public. The graphics and 128 bits of power it boasted were just the tip of the iceberg, as the shiny white piece of hardware had success and potential written all over it. During its time in the console market, the Dreamcast has birthed several memorable titles, many of which remain cult classics to this very day. Many arcade games back in that era also saw nearly flawless translations to the machine, effectively giving the console dominant status over the console market a few years prior to the launch of Sony’s Playstation 2 or Microsoft’s Xbox. Indeed, the Dreamcast has made its mark in history, and it would truly be an understatement to call it a failure, for it has done quite the opposite during its short-but-sweet lifetime. With its huge controllers, Visual Memory Units, and several other unique features, what’s not to love about this console? Rather than dictating its entire history (which can be looked up in the web), I’m going to take this time to reflect on my experience with Sega’s final videogame console, and the joys it bestowed upon me and everyone else in my life all those years ago.
Dreamcast Boot Up Screen. It felt somewhat magical back then...
Truth be told, I wasn’t really planning to buy a Dreamcast at first. I was clinging on to my beliefs that I would remain with the Playstation brand for all time to come. For as long as games continued to be released for the PS1 and a successor came to take its place, I wouldn’t be shifting brands anytime soon. However, the urge to play new and upcoming titles became stronger than I thought. Things took a turn for the worse when almost every Capcom fighting game I loved subsequently saw release for the Dreamcast, and when the publisher announced it was going to bring its next entry to the Resident Evil/ Bio Hazard series to that console, I finally relented and decided to buy the machine to satiate my videogame cravings. Around the summer of 2000, I became the happy owner of the first 128-bit console to ever be released, and it was the start of a prosperous relationship I would have with Sega’s ultimate platform that would last for several years to come.
The first and finest iteration of Marvel vs Capcom 2 for the sixth generation of gaming consoles... 'Nuff said.XD
The first games I bought alongside the Dreamcast were both Capcom games, yet each was from a different genre and held on its own ground to consider them must buy titles back then. The two, namely Marvel vs Capcom 2 and Resident Evil Code: Veronica, were much anticipated titles, and as I stated earlier, these two games were the sole reason why I gave into my “Dreamcast desire”. Suffice to say, both proved to be worth the price of admission, as I embarked on several weeks of epic game time one after the other. MvC2 was a monster upon its initial release in arcades, but when the DC port arrived in stores, it became a legendary beast of a game nobody could take their hands off of. To this very day, many consider the Dreamcast version of Marvel vs Capcom 2 THE definite version to own, and this claim was only contested recently with the rerelease of the game for Xbox Live and Playstation Network… with all characters unlocked and everything represented in full High Definition glory. Still, anyone with a nostalgic eye for things would know that the MvC2 engine was built around the NAOMI hardware, which uses the same hardware components as the Dreamcast.
Japanese Commercial of Resident Evil/ Bio Hazard Code: Veronica. Sweet.XD
The other game that virtually ate up my time with the console was RE Code: Veronica. As a direct sequel to Resident Evil 2, it features Claire Redfield returning as the main character, together with her brother, Chris Redfield – the main protagonist from the first game. Bundled in a two disc GD-ROM package (Giga Disk-Read Only Memory – the disc medium the Dreamcast utilizes), Code Veronica was the first non- Playstation Resident Evil game, and was the first entry in the series to see several changes in gameplay and various graphical improvements. Despite retaining it’s B-movie inspired plot elements, the game was very successful, and I enjoyed every moment playing the game and living the adventure. I must admit, I wasn’t truly impressed with the inclusion of the whiny secondary character Steve Burnside, but I was more than thrilled to see Chris back in action, as well as the return of the diabolical Albert Wesker, who didn’t turn out to be dead after the events of RE1 after all. Anyway, that being said, Code Veronica proved successful enough to get a new “Director’s Cut” release in the form of Code: Veronica X, which was Japan exclusive for Dreamcast owners, but was eventually ported to the Nintendo Gamecube and Playstation 2 when they were released a couple of years later.
My fighting game setup. This was the reason why I adored the Dreamcast so much... It was literary "The Fighting Game Console" to have back then.XD
Down the line, the Dreamcast proved to be a great investment on my part as a fighting game fanatic. I affectionately call it the “Fighting Game Console” because to me, at least, that’s what it’s best known for. Aside from releasing the first two Marvel vs Capcom games, several near perfect translations of classic arcade fighters saw the light of day with the machine, such as Soul Calibur, the Power Stone series, Street Fighter III series, Dead Or Alive 2, Tech Romancer, Project Justice, Guilty Gear XX, The King Of Fighters series, and even Garou: Mark Of The Wolves. Later on, two rival gaming companies would collide and release the Capcom vs SNK series of fighting games, which would prove, yet again, why the Dreamcast is a fighting game maniac’s dream machine come true. Despite its bulky, 2-trigger, 4-button, single analog stick and D-pad controller, nobody complained about the results and enjoyed kicking ass anyway. If anyone had a problem, they could always buy a modified controller or arcade stick to even the odds fairly.
Trailer to Sonic Adventure 2. Fun times with the Blue speedster mascot of Sega back then...
As far as the other games go, adventure games were fairly short in numbers during the Dreamcast’s lifetime. Sonic still led the charge with his Sonic Adventure games, and several other titles like Headhunter tried to keep me preoccupied for a while. In the end, however, none of these games would satiate my appetite for a good long journey…until legendary game developer Yu Suzuki came into the picture and introduced his masterpiece. Working on an action game project dating back to the days of the Sega Saturn, Suzuki’s work was one of epic proportions, and when it finally saw release in the Dreamcast, it changed the adventure game experience forever. That game was none other than Shenmue.
The Dreamcast Magazine Shenmue Trailer... Nostalgia's kicking in again!
Above anything else back then, Shenmue was THE definite reason why a person should own or experience playing a Dreamcast. It was an ambitious and larger-than-life game that borrowed many elements from different genres, seeking to immerse players in an almost real life gaming experience. Set in 1986 Japan, the game chronicles the story of Ryo Hazuki, a teenaged martial artist who returns home to witnesses the brutal death of his father Iwao at the hands of a mysterious Chinese man named Lan Di. Seeking revenge for his father’s murder, Players take control of Ryo as he embarks on a quest that takes him around the streets of his neighborhood Dobuita and all the way to the harbor located in Yokosuka.
Shenmue was most certainly "The Dreamcast Experience" incarnate... and it's amazing I'm playing it again after so many years!
Shenmue, for its time, was a complete experience althogether. Combining several gameplay methods, the player could interact and pursue the narrative through exploration and conversation with various individuals throughout the game. Introduced in the game were QTE or Quick Time Event sequences that required button presses at the precise moment they flashed on the screen. This, combined with several battles the player engaged in as Ryo using his martial arts skills, made up the action sequences of the game. The player could also shop, buy items, or even play in the local arcade as Ryo, making Shenmue a true and worthwhile feat in gaming history.
Trailer for Shenmue II, which never saw a US Dreamcast release, but it did manage a European release with English Subtitles over the Japanese dub. Even better.
As the years went by, Sega started to feel the pressure and faced stiff competition, as the Sony Playstation 2 finally made its long awaited debut in fall 2000. This marked the beginning of the end for the Dreamcast, as it saw less support from third party developers who opted to move operations to the newer consoles. Production went down, and games that were once “exclusive” to the console were no longer such a thing, with titles like Shenmue II seeing a release for Microsoft’s Xbox instead. Fortunately for some, that game still saw release for English audiences, albeit in Europe only with English Subtitles placed over the Japanese Audio. Indeed, the inevitable was going to happen, and while many saw this as the perfect time to jump ship and grab a PS2, I still held on to my Dreamcast, clinging to it like a kid would with his stuffed teddy bear by his side. I just couldn’t let this thing go, even in the face of change and defeat.
In the end, Sega decided to cease and desist production of the Dreamcast on January 31, 2001. About 60 titles still saw a North American release until early 2002, but after that, there was no more official support given to the console. Sega made no attempts in creating a new successor either, as they eventually became a third party developer themselves, releasing their games for the PS2, Xbox, and Nintendo Gamecube. Yes, what was once unthinkable finally happened eventually; Mario and Sonic together on the same platform and the same game.
US Commercial of the Sega Dreamcast. Back then, it was full of characters and potential, alright...
While the Dreamcast may be long gone and buried now, it certainly hasn’t been forgotten… not by a long shot. It was way ahead of its time, and it demonstrated several feats that garnered attention and praise, especially to those who were there to witness its potential. Despite its short yet sweet lifespan, it has crafted a legacy that has endured for as long as anyone can remember, giving players and developers a taste of what the future might bring. Being the first console to incorporate Internet play via a modem attachment, it also laid the grounds for the online battles and skirmishes we enjoy in several games today. It’s true that many like myself will miss the glory days of Sega’s white and grey system, but it has carved itself a permanent place in gaming history no one should ever forget.
Happy 10th Birthday, Sega Dreamcast. Let your story continue to inspire others to dream.^^
Yes, Today is the 19th year anniversary of the release of the original Sonic The Hedgehog game for the Sega Mega Drive/ Genesis, and conversely, it's also Sonic The Hedgehog's birthday! That's right, everybody's favorite little blue hedgehog celebrates almost two decades of existence, and it's hard to believe that it all started in 1991, turning into a lucrative franchise that has persisted through several generations of console platforms. To celebrate this occasion in gaming history, this post will be all about how I remember the heroic freedom fighter, and how much he meant to me then, as well as now.
In many ways, Sonic was Sega's answer to Nintendo's Mario, only that instead of relying on headjumps and mushrooms, this guy excelled using his most famous asset - his speed, to conquer evil and take back his home planet Mobius from the evil reign of Dr. Robotnik (Dr. Eggman in Japan). Controlling and playing the character was similar to any Mario game sure, but there were obvious differences. He collected rings that served as his extended "lifebar", and roamed around several zones to fight and free his roboticized friends, as well as face Robotnik numerous times. That was how I remembered playing Sonic for the most part, and the game's success spawned several sequels on the Genesis, earning him a sidekick and more allies in the fight to free Mobius from tyranny. Sonic 2 was actually my favorite in the series, but the first game also holds a special place in my list, especially with its awe-inspiring soundtrack. Ah 16-Bit music, how I missed you.
With several games, cartoons, and even a comic book series published by Archie Comics, Sonic is truly one of the best gaming characters I've had the privilege and pleasure of knowing since I got into gaming all those years ago. He certainly entertained many with his cocky attitude, and he remains a cool character through and through, and we have artist Naoto Oshima, designer Hirokazu Yasuhara, programmer Yuji Naka, and Sonic Team to thank for. Happy Birthday, Sonic The Hedgehog!
The secret is no longer a secret anymore! Gamespot, Kotaku, and the rest of the videogame network have reported the big reveal Sega has just announced - The mysterious "Project Needle Mouse" is indeed a new Sonic The Hedgehog, but it's officially "Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1"!
Shenmue was most certainly "The Dreamcast Experience" incarnate... and it's amazing I'm playing it again after so many years!
Happy 10th Birthday, Sega Dreamcast. Let your story continue to inspire others to dream.^^