Articles By Srol

Sega has put up a special flash E3 website with descriptions and media of all the games they are showcasing at the Electronics Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

Of particular note is a movie of Sonic Heroes in action in the Sonic Heroes section.

Source: *Sega E3*

Today, Sonique posted the following e-mail from DiC at Ken Pender's message board.

Yes, we are currently working on releasing a number of DiC titles this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to release Sonic the Hedgehog because of third party rights, but we will be releasing Sonic Underground in its place. This will be part of our Games releases along with Super Mario Bros III and Legend of Zelda.

The message seems to indicate that the SatAM DVD's may not have been cancelled by SEGA as previously thought, and that there are now Sonic Underground DVD's on the way.

Source: *Sonique*

Sega Revealed their E3 lineup today. The press release contained the first information on the next generation of Sonic games, "Sonic Battle" and "Sonic Heroes". In addition to this, "Sonic Adventure DX" and "Sonic Pinball Party" will be there as well. The press release revealed that there will be new content in Sonic Adventure DX.

Source: *Planet Gamecube*

More Sonic Adventure DX screenshots have been put up at planetgamecube.

Source: *Planet Gamecube*

Tv Tokyo's website has a promo video up for Sonic X. There is a download for both narrow and broadband.

Source: *TV Tokyo*

Sega is offering a deal through RealOneArcade where you can play free 60 minute demos of classic Sonic games on your PC. The games being offered are Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. Other Sega Genesis classics are being offered as well. It does require that you install RealOne Arcade however.

Source: *Sega.com*

With the upcoming "Mobius:20 Years Later" saga being pencilled completely by Steve Butler, there have been some questions as to Dawn Best's role in the comic. Ken Penders had the following to say about this on the message board.

Dawn is working on some Sonic stories now, and while I did discuss Mobius: 25 Years Later with her, I've also been discussing other projects as well, which I chose not to talk about publicly at the moment until things are a done deal. She's got a lot of talent and I hope to be seeing her broaden her horizons as a result.

Source: *Ken's Comic Book Stories and Art*

Ken Penders has made an announcement regarding the previously cancelled Sonic Super Special "Knuckles: 20 Years Later". The project has been reborn with the name "Mobius:25 years Later". The series will run separate of the main Sonic continuity in the back pages of the comic and will be pencilled by Steven Butler. The first story will be eleven pages, and the preceding ones will be six.

Source: *Ken Pender's Comic Book Stories and Art*

Beggining this summer, SEGA and McDonalds Fast Food are going to release a series of Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Monkey Ball themed toys to go inside McDonalds Happy Meals.
Full Press release is as follows:

SAN FRANCISCO - (February 18, 2003) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. today announced it has entered into an affiliation with McDonald's(R) Corporation, the world's largest quick service restaurant to create a new line of McDonald's Happy Meal(R) premiums. Based on two top-selling SEGA franchises - Sonic The Hedgehog(R) and Super Monkey Ball(TM), the premiums will come alive this summer at participating McDonald's restaurants throughout North America. "Sonic The Hedgehog and Super Monkey Ball are two of SEGA's most popular video game franchises," said Mike Fischer, vice president of marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "SEGA's affiliation with McDonald's affords us the opportunity to generate increased exposure for these properties among a growing universe of gamers."

"We believe consumers will have a great reaction to the innovative Sonic The Hedgehog and Super Monkey Ball premiums found only in McDonald's Happy Meals this summer," said Karlin Linhardt, senior director, U.S. marketing, McDonald's Corporation. "SEGA's properties are extremely popular and we look forward to bringing them to McDonald's consumers through this unique Happy Meal offering."

The premiums will be supported by significant marketing campaigns from both companies. Details on the premium items and marketing plans will be announced at a later date.

Source: *Planet Gamecube*

Sammy Corporation, makers of games such as Guilty Gear, has announced that they will be merging with SEGA effective October 1st. The resulting company will be led by Sammy president Hajime Satomi. Expect more information shortly, as the two companies will be holding a briefing sometime soon regarding the details of this merger.

Source: *Planet Gamecube*