News

From XenGamers:

Sega has signed an agreement with RealNetworks to begin offering classic games for the PC through a broadband service entitled RealOne Arcade. For the first time gamers may now download the official versions of four classic titles to their PC with the debut of the Sega Channel on RealOne Arcade (www.realonearcade.com/sega/). Additional Genesis games are scheduled to be offered on a regular basis. Gamers may try free demo versions of each game and may purchase the full version, which will include complete game features and functionality, for $14.99 each to permanently add it to their RealOne Arcade library. The Sega Channel will debut with four titles including Sonic the Hedgehog and Ecco the Dolphin. Sega Classics software lineup will also include: Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, Columns III, Phantasy Star II, Shinobi III Return of Ninja Master, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Toejam and Earl, Vectorman, and Virtua Fighter 2.

"RealOne Arcade provides new opportunities for the gaming industry to unlock their archives as well as a simple and compelling platform for Sega enthusiasts to play their all-time favorite games," said Ted Woolsey, Business Development Director, Games Division, RealNetworks, Inc. "We look forward to working with Sega.com to launch additional games for the PC and provide a seamless experience for an entire new generation of gamers."

Source: XenGamers

IGNCube reviews the Sonic Mega Collection.

Dennis Spielman of Shadow of a Hedgehog has posted this review and screen shots of the Sonic Mega Collection for the GameCube. He also ripped and upload an exclusive movie clip showing off the menus and some of the extra goodies the Sonic Mega Collection. Check it out.

From SwirlVision

SAN FRANCISCO - (November 12, 2002) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. today announced the release of "Sonic Mega Collection(TM)" for the Nintendo GameCube(TM). "Sonic Mega Collection" is a "must have" for long time fanatics and newcomers to the series alike, featuring seven classic Sonic The Hedgehog(R) games from the SEGA Genesis(R), five additional unlockable games and a Sonic museum filled with art, comics and more.

"Sonic Mega Collection" includes seven of the most-loved Sonic games of all time, including: "Sonic The Hedgehog(R)," "Sonic The Hedgehog(R) 2," "Sonic The Hedgehog(R) 3," "Sonic & Knuckles(TM)," "Sonic 3D Blast(TM)," "Sonic The Hedgehog(R) Spinball (TM)" and "Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine."

"A new generation of fans have recently discovered what us older gamers have know forever - that Sonic rules!" said Mike Fischer, vice president of entertainment marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Now old-school gamers like me can relive some of the most influential games of all time, and new fans of the series can experience all the classic games that made Sonic a superstar!"

Loaded with hyper-speed ring collecting fun, "Sonic Mega Collection" features SEGA's mascot and all his friends in some of their greatest adventures ever. The game also includes a collection of comic, concept and cover art and many more surprises.

"Sonic Mega Collection" is rated "E" for Everyone and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $39.95.

Source: SwirlVision

From XenGamers:

Sega has signed a two and one-half year contract that will allow House of Brussels Chocolates to manufacture a special Sonic the Hedgehog candy bar. Brussels plans to launch the candy bar in early 2003 with initial distribution to retailers like convenience stores and video outlets.

"The development of a Sonic the Hedgehog candy bar marks an important new focus for House of Brussels Chocolates," said Grant Petersen, Chairman of House of Brussels' parent company Green Fusion. "While we will continue to produce the high quality, premium chocolates that has gained a high reputation in Canada and the United States, we now will be making a chocolate aimed at the untapped dynamic youth market. This market is significantly larger than our current adult focus and with a product that all the youth recognize, it is assured of becoming a major marketing success. All of the taste tests that we have conducted on our new Sonic the Hedgehog candy bar have been overwhelmingly positive."

Source: XenGamers

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #120

Written by Karl Bollers, Romy Chacon and Ken Penders, art by Steven Butler, Art Mawhinney, Jim Amash, Pam Eklund, Dawn Best and Penders.

"She's Gotta Have Him." How far will a woman go to get a man's attention? Sonic finds out when love struck Mina the Mongoose joins the Freedom Fighters. "The Royal Signet." Princess Sally remembers Julayla, her late mentor, in this heartwarming tale. "In the Beginning." Julie-Su and Mighty reflect upon the good old days with Knuckles, and how they met.

32 pages, $2.19, in stores on Feb. 5.

Source: Comics Continuum

As reported previously, the Sonic Mega Collection will be out on November 12 in the US.

Source: Gamespot

Posted by the venerable Ken Penders on his messageboard, which it would seem quite a few people missed:

I was approached by one of the producers who had been involved with a Dreamworks animated project about the possibility of an animated Knuckles film based on the comics series. Some initial discussions took place, but because there were was some question as to the availability of the rights, the project went nowhere.

Currently, Sega's contention is that if such a project were to be done, they would want both Sonic and Knuckles involved. This, in fact, is the approach they're taking with the latest animated series currently in production, as well as another animated project currently in development with my involvement.

The only thing I can say at this point is that if the second project does come to pass, besides Sonic, Knuckles, Tails and Doctor Robotnik - which is a given - there's a better than even chance that Sally, Bunnie, Antoine, Rotor, Julie-Su, Lara-Le, Locke, Snively, Crabmeat, Jules, Bernie, Rouge and Shadow will also be featured. And if they can't play a main part in the story, it's also possible Vector, Mighty, Espio, Geoffrey and Hershey will be featured in quick cameo appearances.

I'll release more details when the time is right. Stay tuned.

Those of us who follow SegaSonic know the first production to be the recently announced new Sonic anime project Sega let out of the bag a while back.

There's no guarantee anything will come of it, but it's nice to envision, yes?

Source: Ken's Comic Book Stories & Art