sega

Why Sega should release a new console

Sega is in trouble. According to its latest filing in Japan, the company incurred a loss $501 million during its 2008 fiscal year and its video games division lost about $56.3 million. And as the company was quick to point out, something needs to be done on the video game front.

"As rebuilding our consumer video game business is crucial, we now need to review our game title strategy more flexibly to adapt ourselves to changes in the trend of the market," said Koichiro Ueda, head of Sega's public relations department.

Of course, Sega did what it could to downplay the news of its impending failure on the video game front and said that it thinks it can turn things around, but I just don't see how that's possible with just games. Let's face it -- the company's once proud Sonic franchise is floundering and there's no indication that it's really that valuable on Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo platforms. Beyond that, the company has done poorly with other titles it has released and aside from a lingering desire for the return of the Shenmue series, few people even think about the developer any more.

With that in mind, Sega needs to change its strategy and turn things around. And the only way it can do that is to release its own video game console.… Read more

Sega Mobile offers a handful of games for free

Sonic the Hedgehog has seen a platform or four.

The spikey-furred rodent first brought to life by Sega in 1991 for proprietary consoles rolled with technology's punches onto TV, Xbox, PS3, and recently, onto mobile phones. April saw the spawning of Sega Mobile, when several flagship games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, were ported to mobile phone format and offered to cell phone gamers for subscription or sale through their carrier's Web portals. Now Sega Mobile is offering Sonic Jump, Afterburner II, and Golden Axe free of charge for U.S. residents.

The catch, as you may have guessed, … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

This week's virtual console releases feature a classic beat-'em-up along with a sci-fi RPG--what do they have in common? Both games have you chasing the bad guys so you can get your girl back.

River City Ransom (1989, NES, 500 Wii points): River City Ransom is a classic beat-'em-up action game that takes you into the fictional town of River City. A dude named Slick has taken your girlfriend and the rest of River City hostage. Take him on solo or with a friend. Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom (1990, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points): In … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

This week's Virtual Console releases feature a classic shoot-'em-up and the Sega Genesis sequel to Super Turrican.

Fantasy Zone (1986, Sega Master System, 500 Wii points): In Fantasy Zone, you'll take control of the Opa-Opa, a spaceship designed to take out enemy bases. Yes, that's the same Opa-Opa you've heard referenced in countless Sega games. Mega Turrican (1994, Sega Genesis, 500 Wii points): In Mega Turrican, you assume the role of Bren McGuire, a lone soldier who must face the evil Machine before it destroys the rest of the galaxy. This should hold you over … Read more

Gadgettes 85: The things that glow episode

Glowing things can be somewhat morbid. They can be somewhat toolie. But sometimes, if you're lucky, they can be totally and completely PRETTTTTY. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 85

The Hanged Man Lamp: Ever so slightly morbid? http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2008/04/the_hanged_man.html

Mood Clock + USB Hub = Twice as much fun http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2008/04/usb_moody_clock.html

Glowing flower pot for the trippy garden owner http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2008/04/glowing_flower.html

Enjoy nighttime bocce ball with LED Bocce http://dvice.com/archives/2008/04/enjoy_nighttime.php

Light-up tweezers enable precision plucking … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Today we get some love from an arcade racing classic along with everyone's favorite caveman boy in distress.

Cruis'n USA (1996, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points): While many would argue that Cruis'n USA doesn't do its arcade counterpart justice, there's still plenty of racing to enjoy without the need for a roll of quarters. Enjoy three difficulty levels as you enjoy scenic races across the country. Wonder Boy (1987, Sega Master System, 500 Wii points): In Wonder Boy, you'll play as Tom-Tom, a caveman child forced to free his kidnapped girlfriend. Collect fruit … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Two new virtual console games for download today representing both ends of time. A classic knight tale and a futuristic sports game make up this week's offering.

King's Knight (1986, NES, 500 Wii points): Battle your way through five stages of ruthless enemies as you try to free the princess from her capture. Powerball (1991, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points): Control one of eight futuristic teams in Powerball. The game is more like a combination of rugby and football played on a normal 100-yard field.

Why Sega should revive the Shenmue series

In the world of Sega and especially the Dreamcast, few video game series were able to live up to the considerable hype that preceded them. And while some critics thought Shenmue was nothing more than a poor attempt at writing a real saga, others knew better. And although the chances of seeing this series come back to today's consoles are slim, it should and it must.

So what is Shenmue? Shenmue is the result of $70 million and countless of hours of development that were summed up in one simple statement at the beginning of the saga:

"He shall come from a far eastern land across the sea. A young man who has yet to know his potential. This potential is a power that could either destroy him or realize his will. His courage shall determine his fate. The path he must traversed brought with adversity. I await whilst praying, for this destiny predetermined since ancient times. Awaiting in anticipation. A dragon emerges from the earth as ominous clouds fill the sky. A phoenix descends from the heavens trailing purple from its wings. The pitch-black night unfolds with the morning star as its only light. And thus, the saga begins....."

And it's that saga that not only revolutionized gaming, but kept millions across the globe captivated by the story of Ryo Hazuki, a young man who watched his father die at the hands of the Lan Di in 1986. From there, this Japanese man set out to find the man who killed his father, solve the mystery of why his father was killed and seek revenge.

Although a few simple paragraphs may not do this story justice, those that have played the titles and want to lead Ryo in his quest know that there would be no greater moment than to hear Sega announce that the next installment in the series is coming soon.… Read more

Sega raises your heart rate, without games

The Wii Fit may have grabbed all the headlines for combining games and exercise, but it should be noted in fairness that other companies have been working on that mashup as well. Lately their efforts have focused on physical activities for kids, whether on stationary bikes or jet skis, but maybe that's just the beginning.

The latest evidence of the trend comes from Sega Toys, though it hardly looks like something aimed at your average adolescent. The "Body Trainer" sounds a lot like Yamaha's "BodiBeat," which chooses songs that supposedly match your heart rate, … Read more

The worst game console(s) ever

A few days ago, we discussed the greatest game console of all time. Some would say the NES, some would say the Super Nintendo, some would say the Playstation, some would say the Playstation 2. It really depends on your standards, and what system you grew up with. Naturally, this now begs the question: What was the worst console of all time?

One CNET blogger wrote the Sega Saturn was the worst major console of all time. However, the Saturn's relative failure pales in comparison with several other systems' atrocious critical and commercial receptions. The Saturn certainly wasn't … Read more