Tag: Sega »

This week at 148Apps.com, Kevin Stout examined the question more than a few of us are asking: Why won't Nintendo release any games for iOS? Stout writes, "Nintendo recently reported its first annual loss, showing that perhaps 3DS isn’t enough of a success. Nintendo hasn’t even released its legacy games on mobile platforms where others like Sega have (Sonic the Hedgehog). While current CEO of Nintendo, Satoru Iwata, is in charge, it’s unlikely that Nintendo will acknowledge its mistake. When asked about releasing Nintendo games for smartphones, Iwata replied, “This is absolutely not under consideration. If we did this, Nintendo would cease to be Nintendo….”'

Read Stout's full commentary and analysis at 148Apps.

Meanwhile, Amy Solomon at GiggleApps took a look at a new Marvel Avengers app for kids: Avengers Origins: Assemble! is a very enjoyable universal interactive storybook that tells the tale of how The Avengers became a cohesive group after meeting Captain America. I really enjoy how these characters are introduced, making this a great primer for children new to Marvel comics. Interactive moments are included throughout that children will also enjoy such as dragging the tools used by each Avenger to their rightful owner."

Read Amy's full review at GiggleApps.

Last, but certainly not least, 148Apps.biz writer Carter Dotson reported on results from a recent MocoSpace study: "MocoSpace has announced the results of their new “Y U Play?” study that tries to answer the question of just why people play mobile games, anyway? The answer for the majority of people appears to be just pure entertainment. 34% of people like to play mobile games because “the games are fun,” and 32% do it because they are bored, or want to kill time."

Read more about the fascinating study at 148Apps.biz.

That's the week that was. Keep up with all of the latest news, reviews, trends and contests by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook. Have a great weekend - and we'll see you in seven days!

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing has gotten a major update adding new content and several cool new technical features.

Two new racers have been added. Knuckles and Shadow from the Sonic series can be unlocked, though they don't come cheap, at 500,000 and 750,000 "Sega Miles" (in-game currency) each, though 1.5 million Sega Miles go for $1.99. Inflation has hit Green Hill hard, apprently. As well, there's a new Samba de Amigo-inspired course, Sun Fair.

On the technical side of things, the universal app has been updated with HDMI and AirPlay Mirroring support, meaning the game can be played in full widescreen HD on an HDTV. The update also claims to add in iCloud progress synchronization to the universal app, but I was not able to get it working in testing. This may be in part due to some issues with OpenFeint, but iCloud support has frequently been an issue for games. As well, it's now possible to see friends' Game Center profile avatars when racing online, in order to see just who needs to be passed up. The update is available now.

SEGA’s Super Monkey Ball franchise was just past its iOS popularity apex when they launched Super Monkey Ball 2: (Sakura Edition) in April 2010 as a universal game on the heels of the launch of the original iPad. The classic tilt-controlled platformer, however, sat untouched after that until last Christmas when it received it’s iOS 5 makeover. Now SEGA has updated the game again adding a new multiplayer option.

Players can compete against up to three friends via Game Center, each playing a different character: AiAi, MeeMee, Baby, or my favorite, GonGon. It’s a quick race to the finish line with the option to pick the level. Random matching is also available, but the wait can be over five minutes to find a single partner.

The new mode is welcome and may help revive Super Monkey Ball 2, but what doesn’t appear updated are the graphics. Here’s hoping for Retina display graphics in a new update soon.

The latest episode in the Sonic revival series finally has a release date. Sonic 4: Episode 2 will release on May 15th. Letting players control both Sonic and his trusty ally Tails with a revamped physics system, and new partner abilities for the two characters. As well, the classic special stages from Sonic 2 will return in this game, possibly the final episode in the Sonic 4 series.

The other big piece of news from this announcement is that for those who bought Sonic 4 Episode 1 and buy Episode 2, a special Episode Metal will be made available. These levels will let players play as Metal Sonic in special repurposed levels from Sonic 1, and will help set up the story in Episode 2, where Metal Sonic will serve as a key antagonist.

Want to know more about the game before it finally releases? Check out my impressions of the Android version of the game from GDC here.

It's not the most obvious choice of franchises to make its way to iOS devices but regardless, Total War Battles: Shogun has just been announced, set for release next month.

Promising to be a re-imagining of the popular Real Time Strategy PC game, Total War Battles: Shogun has been designed with touch based gaming in mind. It's a different experience from the PC with elements of Plants vs. Zombies in there through the use of lanes to direct attack and defense. The campaign promises to weigh in at around 10 hours alongside bonus challenge missions and head to head multiplayer which complete the package.

Throughout, experience can be gained in order to unlock new buildings and troop upgrades. So far, there's no sign of microtransactions and hopefully it'll stay that way for the sake of purist strategy gamers keen to enjoy the series on the move.

We'll have more information when we get it but for now, check out the screenshots below.

Total War Battles: Shogun is set for release April 19th.

We all show our love in different ways. Sega’s way is to put games on sale, and there are 5 titles on sale from February 11th to the 14th (that’s Valentine’s Day) in order to show their love for iOS gamers everywhere.

First up is Sonic CD, a meticulously-crafted remake of the Sega CD original, and what could be called a love letter to Sonic fans. It is on sale for $2.99 from its regular price of $4.99.

Next up is Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, a game that recalls the undying passion that fans of the original franchise have for the game. It is on sale for iPhone/iPod touch for $1.99 (was $3.99) and iPad for $2.99 (was $4.99).

Then there’s Super Monkey Ball 2 and the Sakura Edition, which iPad owners will be head over heels for because it’s a universal app, and it’s on sale for $0.99!

Finally, those who can’t get enough of classic Genesis games will be heartwarmed by these titles on sale for $0.99.

Hold onto your sneakers, ladies and gentlemen, for the super speedy blue hedgehog is back in action, with Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 coming your way in 2012. He'll be speeding through expanded levels, new worlds, and into your hearts this coming year on the App Store as well as Android (for Tegra-powered devices), Xbox Live, and the Playstation Network.

SEGA is so excited about this, that they've even released a trailer, seen below.

Hey, did you notice the yellow twin-tailed dude? Yep, looks like Tails is gonna be included in this new Episode. Exciting, right?

"After twenty years in action, it’s clear that Sonic hasn't slowed down one bit," said Haruki Satomi, Senior Vice President of Digital Business at SEGA of America. "The first entry in the Sonic 4 saga was a major success. We’ve listened to the fans and been hard at work making sure we recapture that same spirit of fun in Episode II. We hope the fans will enjoy it."

We'll keep you informed as we know more - like, exactly when in 2012 this highly anticipated game is gonna run.