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Last night Nintendo held a presentation showcasing Bayonetta and Corrin from Fire Emblem being playable in Smash Bros Wii U and 3DS (Nintendo of Europe shared both videos here and here). Right after, Nintendo of America and Europe announced that both the characters, and the bonus Mii Fighter costumes featuring (among others) Tails and Knuckles will be released on the afternoon of Feb 3rd in NA and the morning of the 4th in Europe (time-zones and all that). No exact time was given.
Okay so this came out of nowhere!
After asking for fan suggestions for the 25th anniversary statue and even asking fans to vote and shape the development of it, First4Figures might have just cancelled/scrapped the idea completely in favour of one created internally.
In a post made on the First4Figures collectors page, First4Figures said that following internet talks the statue design has been scrapped in favour of ‘a better idea.’
Have to say, on a personal level this is quite disappointing since ironically it was my idea which got the original green light, but also because the initial idea was received so well and unlike previous statues there was a lot of input from the fans on this one who helped shape and voted on design choices such as the colour, decorations, base and even suggestions for the exclusive version.
Now they haven’t said that there won’t be a 25th Anniversary statue, but that following talks today the one which has been in development and had input from fans since as far back as June/August 2015 will not be the one which gets released.
We’ll keep you up to date with more information as and when we get it.
Source: First4Figures Collectors Group
It’s that time of the year again, Toy Fair season is in full swing and with London Toy Fair just coming to a close this week, we here at TSS decided that we would actually go along and see what there was.
Continue reading Toy Fair 2016: New Sonic 25th Anniversary Toys Revealed!
Sega have revealed more details regarding Sonic’s 25th anniversary, it seems that their plans might be a lot bigger than anyone first predicted. In terms of licensing, Tomy is still the ‘master toy partner’ however this will be supported by over 100 additional partners worldwide!
We can now reveal some of those partners.
Out of curiosity we decided to take a look at each of those companies, one of which already has a bunch of new Sonic products listed, now I don’t believe these to be 25th anniversary merchandise since they were announced back in December 2015, however Vandor’s website lists them as being ‘new’ so I’m going to show you all them here just in case they turn out to be the goods. Also it gives you a good idea as to what to expect.
You can view the full range in more detail at Vandor’s website.
Source: Global License.
P.S. Check back later this week, TSS was at the London Toy Fair the other day, we have held actual 25th anniversary merch in our arms, you won’t want to miss it.
Did you know that The Sonic Stadium houses its very own collaborative music remix project? Well, now you do! Starting life on the SSMB Forums as The Sonic Stadium Music Adventure and evolving (thanks to the co-ordination of DJ EAR) into a sub-brand called Sound of The Sonic Stadium, ‘SoTSS’ is a twice-yearly album series of Sonic (and SEGA) remixes, all crafted by our enthusiastic community. Continue reading #BLACKOUT is the Name of the New Sound of TSS Album
A new interview with credited musicians of Sonic 3 have added more weight to the age-old theory that the late pop star, Michael Jackson, was deeply involved with the Mega Drive classic’s soundtrack – and that his work was in fact left on the cartridge, not removed. Continue reading Sonic 3 Composers: Michael Jackson’s Music is in the Game
Steam have announced that a bunch of Sonic games are on sale on Steam in NA as part of a Weekend Sale until Jan 25th. Discounts range from 50% off to 75% off.
The games and their sale prices are the following:
Sonic Games Collection (with 21 games) ($56.49 USD/$64.99 CDN)
Sonic Lost World ($10.19 USD/$11.21 CDN)
Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed ($4.99 USD/ $5.49 CDN)
Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing ($2.49 USD/ $4.24 CDN)
Sonic Generations ($7.49 USD/$8.24 CDN)
Sonic 4: Episode 1 ($2.49 USD/$2.74 CDN)
Sonic 4: Episode 2 ($3.74 USD/$4.24 CDN)
Sonic 3D Blast ($1.24 USD/$1.37 CDN)
Sonic Spinball ($1.24 USD/$1.37 CDN)
Sonic 1 ($1.24 USD/$1.37 CDN)
Sonic 2 ($1.24 USD/$1.37 CDN)
Sonic 3 & Knuckles ($1.24 USD/$1.37 CDN)
Sonic Adventure DX ($1.99 USD/$2.19 CDN)
Sonic Adventure 2 ($2.49 USD/$2.74 CDN)
Sonic CD ($1.24 USD/$1.37 CDN)
Via Steam’s website.
Mega Drive or Dreamcast? Classic or Modern? Also, who is Brenda?! Continue reading MegaDrive or Dreamcast? Plus Many Other Problems Solved At Weston Super Sonic
Sega just announced that they are releasing the Sega 3D Classics Print 2 collection for 3DS they released in Japan last year for NA. This contains 9 games (all listed on the official website) which are; Power Drift, Puyo Puyo Tsu, Fantasy Zone II W, Sonic 1, Thunder Blade, Galaxy Force II, Altered Beast, and also the 3D Master System games Fantasy Zone II and Maze Runner. Though not confirmed to be in the NA collection, the collection also featured the Master System version of Fantasy Zone 1 as an unlockable game in the Japanese version, so hopefully that is also included here.
The 3D Classics release of Power Drift, Puyo Puyo Tsu, and the two Master System games are being released in the west for the first time. The box art for this NA release is also based on the 2nd pack featuring artwork by none other than the artist of Pokémon, Ken Sugimori.
Sega also released screenshots of the collection:
The pack will be available at retail and the eShop on April 26th, 2016 in NA for $29.99 USD and $44.99 CDN.
Via the official NA website and the JP website. Pricing and eShop release info was provided via Nintendo Everything.
Well that’s an interesting development.
SEGAbits have reported on their twitter that the game has received and update for the first time in 3 years with the following notes (in case you can’t see the above image for any reason):
–Bug fixes for iOS 7, 8, and 9
–Fixed crash on boot
This update numbered Version 2.1.3 is live in US, Canada, and EU.
SEGAbits also mentioned that the game still doesn’t lock-on with Episode 1 to unlock Episode Metal.
How does the game fare now on iOS after the update? Let us know in the comments!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBIgXhiOpeQ
Here at The Number 1 Sonic Stadium Detective Agency, the finest minds have been combing through some of the most recent clues to try and decipher some of the recent clues and hints left by the Sonic social media outlets in order to try and figure out what Sega is upto.
Using state of the art computers and decryption techniques we’ve spent sheer minuets trying to crack and decipher Sega’s hints. Well Detective TSS & Detective SSMB have spent all night trying to break, when suddenly over coffee and doughnuts we finally cracked it, here are our results.
He’s at it again. Sonic’s Tumblr has posted even more cryptic hints! Attached to a seemingly innocent breakfast post, we at The Number 1 Sonic Stadium Detective Agency have uncovered startling new evidence toward an upcoming reveal. You can examine the new clue below:
And now, back to our original findings.
Yesterday, Sega posted to their Sonic Tumblr account, and it had some interesting tags.
Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone. So it seems that Sega will be announcing something in February, when could this be? I’d bet the farm around February 2nd, Groundhog Day, or Hedgehog Day as Sega calls it. Just under two weeks away.
Just under a week ago, the Sonic Tumblr account posted an image of a comic book which contained the following sequence of numbers in a single tag.
We ran this code through our super detective computer, and we made a discovery, the code is in fact 3 different sequences, all missing a number, all broken up the number 0. When we extract those sequences we see the following.
Let’s take a look at the first sequences, you’ll notice that in the first code, the number 4 is missing. Then in the second the number 1 is missing. Finally… we end with 16.
Put it together we get this.
4/1/16
Which is the US date for April 1st 2016. What does this mean? It means that on April 1st 2016, things will happen! What kind of things!?
About two months ago the Sonic Tumblr account posted this image along with the following tags. We have highlighted the important bits using our special ‘detective highlighters.’
Let’s extract those statements.
What could this mean? Well we have a theory, the details are hidden on the inside of the pumpkin, and what is on the side of a pumpkin… let’s take a look…
Seeds and… PULP! Pumpkin pulp! The next Sonic game will be…. A Pumpkin Juice sales simulator game!
In February there will be an announcement, almost certainly on ‘Hedgehog day’ which has become a traditional place for Sonic related announcements. And there will probably be something on April 1st, perhaps a Pumpkin juice simulator game, with Big the Cat. Because Big the Cat.
With Batman DLC! And an eye patch!
Until next time, Detective TSS & SSMB will keep investigating.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMxaaEqkHy8
The Sonic Stadium has discovered even more concept work for 2014’s Wii U exclusive Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric. The work was found on Amped UX’s website revealing they too had a hand in the game’s development.
The studio provided the following services:
* UI/UX Design, Wireframes, and Project Management
* Heads Up Display (HUD) UI Actionscripting
* Progression/Systems Design
* Localization Production & Integration
* High Level Concept & Documentation
* Secondary Quest & NPC Design
* Level Geometry Whiteboxing & Visual Scripting
* Final Script Debugging and Level Layout Revisions
You can learn about these development procedures in huge detail over at Amped UX at the below links. They’re a good read if you’re interested in game development or getting into the industry.
Source: Amped UX [Link 1, Link 2]
The Sonic fanbase can be a creative lot. There’s a wealth of content to be discovered from talented fans who create wonderful things. You’ll find pieces of stunning fan art, creative original animated series and ambitious fangames which rival the quality of even some of Sonic Team’s best. Games like Sonic: After The Sequel come to mind, with a wealth of unique well designed zones, an incredible original soundtrack and tons of creative new gimmicks. It’s hard to think of many other fanbases which match the unrivalled passion of Sonic’s. Continue reading 11 Sonics Drawn Badly, by SSMB
First4Figures have today revealed 2 renders for their upcoming additions to their Sonic the hedgehog statue range. The 25th anniversary statue depicts Sonic inset into a base playing games consoles, which according to the images are interchangeable, including a SEGA Dreamcast.
The Silver statue will conform to the “modern line” of statues (which so far includes Sonic, Shadow and Super Sonic) and feature a Kingdom Valley base (No Crisis City love?) and lighting in the exclusive version as seen previously with similar models.
Many thanks to Peter Robinson for the spot at Weston Super Sonic!
Memes are bad mkay.
The covers and solicits set for release between April and May have been revealed, and Comics Alliance gives us our first glimpse of them. In Sonic the Hedgehog #284, Sonic and the Freedom Fighters have finally gotten ready to fix the Shattered World Crisis once and for all. But Eggman’s having none of that, and launches his own last stand in the plan. And knowing Eggman, it’s bound to be grandiose and spectacular, enough to shake you to the core! We’re starting to finish off the crisis in “Panic in the Sky”; part 1.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #284
Script: Ian Flynn
Art: Diana Skelly, Terry Austin, John Workman & Gabriel Cassata
Sonic the Hedgehog #284 CVR A Reg: Dan Schoening & Luis Antonio Delgado
Sonic the Hedgehog #284 CVR B Variant: Lamar Wells, Rick Bryant & Matt Herms
SONIC and friends get into some BIG TROUBLE in “Panic in the Sky” Part One: Sonic’s Freedom Fighters are finally ready to restore the planet! Unless, of course, someone does even more damage! Cue: the evil Dr. Eggman (of course)! He has a plan of his own and strikes first! The mad doctor launches a multi-pronged assault that will leave you speechless-everything has been building up to this moment! The final chapter to the Shattered World Saga begins here! Featuring the first of four EPIC connecting covers by mega-talent Dan Schoening and an “Evil Win” variant by the wonderful Lamar Wells!
Ship Date: 4/27
On Sale Date: 5/11
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
And in Sonic Universe #87, Rad Red is ready to take the centre stage once again…but with Rosie the Rascal? Yep, Knuckles and Amy are teaming up in a race to get the Master Emerald shards before the Shattered World is restored. But it’s not going to be easy, as much mystery and mayhem is on course to ensue! Read about the final leg of Knuckles’ shard hunt in “Shattered”; part 1.
SONIC UNIVERSE #87
Script: Ian Flynn
Art: Adam Bryce Thomas, Jim Amash, Jack Morelli & Matt Herms
Sonic Universe #87 CVR A Reg: Tracy Yardley & Matt Herms
Sonic Universe #87 CVR B Variant: Rafa Knight
Knock knock, it’s KNUCKLES in “Shattered” Part One: A brand new adventure starring Knuckles and Amy Rose begins here! It’s a race against time to find the final Master Emerald shards before Sonic restores the shattered world! The final installment of Knuckles’s search, filled with dangers and mysteries, starts with this issue! Featuring cover art by the terrific Tracy Yardley plus an “& Knuckles” variant by CG artist supreme Rafa Knight!
Ship Date: 4/13
On Sale Date: 4/27
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
We’ll have more on both of these issues closer to the time of their release. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss out, whether up high or down low!
Source: Comics Alliance
International Superstar and Crush 40 vocalist Johnny Gioeli has announced the launch of a Pledge music campaign to fund what will be the first solo album of his career. Among many Crush 40 releases, Gioeli’s career spans 4 decades and includes more than 30 albums (most notably as the lead singer of the anthemic rock bands Hardline and Axel Rudi Pell) and no doubt hardcore fans will be excited at the prospect of this debut album and an EP of the long awaited Colorblind.
The driving force behind the funding drive is to raise support for a family friend:
A tragic story of our friend’s son who had a horrific accident, leaving him paralyzed. He’s a high school student fighting for movement as simple as moving his finger, and I want to find a way to “pay it forward” and use the good things happening to me, to help someone else. The average cost of rehabilitation in the first year, far exceeds anything they can raise on their own. Let’s all help keep the music alive and help my friends too.
Backers of the campaign can not only look forward to receiving a copy of the new album (with the option of a signature from Gioeli), but will have options to access to a boatload of exclusives such as a streamed live acoustic performance, original (and rare) Hardline and Axel Rudi Pell memorabilia and handwritten lyrics to some of the songs in his extensive back catalogue.
Check out the Johnny Gioeli Pledge Music campaign here, or check out the Johnny Gioeli facebook page for more details.
The Sonic Stadium has found some early animation from the Sonic Boom TV series in four developer showreels. The footage is from production on season 1 and was worked on by various artists at Infinite Frameworks Studios. Continue reading Sonic Boom TV Development Footage Found
This Saturday see’s the return of ‘Weston Super Sonic’, the South West’s first Sonic fan Convention here in the UK.
Brought to life by the creative minds of community members Claire ‘Rurifuu’ Cameron and Jono ‘JonoD’ Dixon, the event once again aims to bring the awesome community together in one place this Saturday (16th January 2016), and will see many descending on the quiet seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare once again for another fun filled gathering of friends and fans alike, not only to celebrate the Blue Blur, but to also celebrate to creativeness of the vastly diverse fanbase.
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over £1600 in donations, the event will be taking place on Weston-Super-Mare’s Grand Pier, home not only to the large event space, but also one of the largest and newest purpose built arcades in the country, which attendees will have full access to, which proved to be popular with last year’s attendees.
The event this year is packed out with activities and contests for fans to enjoy. Art fans can enjoy special panels and demonstrations from special industry veterans (such as a live airbrush demonstration from Duncan Gutteridge), or get involved with stage events such as ‘Ask Uncle Poxxy: Live!’
As you may have gathered from the above, a number of special guests will be joining the show. These range from great community names to respected industry artists. For example, iTunes’ number 1 downloaded Sonic the Hedgehog podcast ‘The Sonic Show’ will be in attendance, as well as popular Source Filmmaker animator SonicpoX. From the industry, there’s Sonic the Comic artist Ferran Rodríguez, as well as Duncan Gutteridge: Another classic Sonic the Hedgehog artist whose works have been seen on everything from calendars to neckties.
As well as special guests, there will also be a number of sellers including Science Fiction Collectables & for those after lots of Sonic merch, The Badnik Bazzar has all you need!
The whole day, as well as its events are also being broadcast live online, courtesy of The Sonic Show. This stream will allow those who may not have been lucky enough to secure a ticket a chance to watch and stay up to date with what’s going on.
The live stream link can be found at the following link,
Location: The Grand Pier – Weston Super-Mare
Date: January 16th 2016
Time: Doors open at 10:30am (GMT).
Tickets: This is a ticketed event, currently it says that tickets are sold out, please check their Facebook page to see if there’s any still available.
LiveStream Link: Right here.
Can I Get an Announcement Tease?: First4Figures might be revealing something not seen before.
We’re going across time and space for the long awaited conclusion this month!
It’s been nearly three months since the last preview came out, and as a treat this one is a double whammy going into two separate time directions at once!
First up, Comic Book Resources has the preview for Sonic Universe #82, and the conclusion’s set to reach new heights! Silver’s finally about to face up to the Second Devourer…but he’ll a job given that he’s only a metre tall. Can the combined abilities of Professor Von Schlemmer and Gold the Tenrec give him that edge he needs to win the battle? And with timey wimey heavily involved, who knows what the eventual ending will even be! This is “The Silver Age”; part 4.
STORY BY: Evan Stanley
ART BY: Tracy Yardley, Jim Amash
COLORS BY: Matt Herms
LETTERS BY: Jack Morelli
COVER BY: Evan Stanley, T. Rex
PUBLISHER: Archie Comics
COVER PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE DATE: Jan 13th, 2016
ENTER THE FINAL FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE! “The Silver Age” part four: The finale to Silver’s latest adventure! Silver simply doesn’t have the might to stop the creature menacing his time. Maybe the combined brain power of Gold and Prof. von Schlemmer can help! It’s a knock-down, drag-out fight for the fate of the future with a shocking ending you’ll never see coming-even if you’re psychic! Featuring cover art by the “Silver Age” writer herself, Evan Stanley, plus a special “Movie Poster Variant” by the terrific T. Rex!
And secondly, Newsarama deliver a preview of Sonic Super Digest #15, along with a brief interview with editor Vincent Lovallo. Not only does it keep the pattern of reprinting the latest and greatest stories in a handy pocket format, this particular issue delves into the past as we examine the origins of the sea-faring tough guy, Razor the Shark. You asked for it, and they delivered with “Castaway”.
SONIC SUPER DIGEST #15
Sonic Comic Origins continues this month with an ALL-NEW story featuring Razor the Shark! This never-before-seen tale showcases an EXCLUSIVE back-story to the underwater side of the new Sonic Comic universe with one of the most popular new characters to debut in the series! It’s a real splash this month in Sonic Super Digest! Plus, don’t miss all the classic fun and adventure you love in stories from the comics’ 20+ year history as Sonic and his friends embark on daring adventures, face evil villains and save the day one chili dog at a time! Race into the fun that only Archie Comics and Sonic Super Digest can bring! Featuring super duper cover art from Tyson Hesse and story & art from the biggest names in Sonic comics history!
Script: Ian Flynn
Art: Adam Bryce Thomas, Rick Bryant, Jack Morelli, Matt Herms & Various
Cover: Tyson Hesse
On Sale Date: 1/13
128-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.
Both of these issues are due out tomorrow, January 13th. With these officially back on the schedule, this should hopefully mean a return to normal routine, so expect the previews to swing back into full force within the next fortnight!
Sources: Comic Book Resources, Newsarama
UPDATE: Nintendo have confirmed via Facebook, that the Wii U version is still in development and will release later this year.
Original Story: Just announced via Nintendo of America’s twitter account, Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is due to be released on March 18th in North America.
Oddly, this is for the 3DS version of the game, no details were given regarding the Wii U version, as of yet no information regarding the EU release date has been given either.
Source: NOA Twitter.
Blink and you’ll miss it. If you read the article posted in ToyWorld Mag carefully, you’ll notice that Sega has finally confirmed that 2016 will get a Sonic game, or should that be ‘Games.’
Now you might think ‘they already did’ urm… actually, they didn’t, they’ve not yet confirmed it, this is the first time they’ve confirmed new ‘games’ for 2016, we’ve assumed that there would be one given all the teases, but it’s not yet actually been confirmed.
So far the only thing which we assume will come out this year is Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice, however that also doesn’t have an official release date, but this article states ‘new games’ suggesting there will be the sequel to Boom and at least one other mystery title.
Keep checking TSS for more news when we get it.
In the newest issue of ToyWorld Magazine, Sega have posted a new advert for Sonic’s 25th featuring Classic, Modern and Boom Sonic together along with another version of the 25th anniversary logo.
The advert is there to advertise licensing enquiries so don’t jump to conclusions just yet about this being Sonic Generations 2 or some other big clue as to a new game announcement, even though it’s very tempting.
However, in the same issue there are also a bunch of details about Sega’s 2016 plans including one or two details which we didn’t yet know, and one or two interesting choices of words which I know some people are going to go crazy at, you can decide for yourself if that’s the good or bad crazy.
Most of the information is already known, again Boom the TV show is doing very well with plans to expand into Russia, Spain and Turkey in the near future, as well as more partners joining the Sonic Boom toy/merchandise line.
However the more interesting part is that the ‘Classic Sonic’ is described as ‘Pixel Sonic’ and Archies Sonic is now ‘Comic Book Sonic.’ However I wouldn’t take those definitions too seriously since this is information for people who are not too familiar with the brand.
Bioworld, Archie Comics and First 4 Figures are all named as being brands who will be supporting the 25th anniversary, products include, toys, publishing, clothing and even ‘limited edition collectibles’ and Sega are looking to expand on this list.
Now for the VERY interesting part. The final part of the article states the following.
2016 will be a a celebration of Sonic’s 25th birthday throughout the year. New Style Guides and new collaborations across toy, gift apparel, branded events and bespoke retail events initiatives will be on offer throughout the year.
Did you spot it?
The first significant detail is that the whole year will be a celebration, not just the summer or when a game is due out, so at any time Sega could announce something.
What is a style guide? In this context, it means one of two things, the most likely thing, is that Sega are going to be ensuring that all Sonic merch for the 25th anniversary follows a set pattern, so all merchandise packaging looks similar, it helps customers identify the product and allows for a set standard.
You can see the 2014 style guide on TSS as it happens.
Now… and this is less likely, it may also mean that some characters have had some minor or major (major is unlikely) design changes, it might be very subtle, but noticeable.
The second thing is branded events, could this mean the return of Sonic Boom for the US and Summer of Sonic for the UK? Or even the day Sonic decided to go to Mercedes Benz World a few years ago.
We’ll keep you upto date with more news as we get it.
Source: ToyWorld Mag
UPDATE: Operationgamer17 points out that apparently it’s been gone since at least yesterday as of when TSSZ first mentioned it on their twitter. Also, Ming Ming Yuigahama clarified that the game is actually not on the US Google Play store either (I misunderstood that part, my mistake) and even snapped a screencap of what she sees when you access it:
And she points out in the same post that this is not so unusual and may simply come back on Monday. We’ll see what happens. Also I forgot to mention that Komodin first brought that part up. Thanks again go to both for the clarification.
###
It has come to our attention that Sonic Runners has been removed from the US iTunes store. This was first brought up on our forum by Operationgamer17. Our own writer VEDJ-F afterward mentions that it’s still up on the UK Google Play store, and another member Soni mentions it’s still up on the Canadian iTunes store.
Another member Ming Ming Yuigahama also linked to and confirmed that the game, while indeed gone from the US iTunes store (the link now redirects you to the iTunes store if you have it installed saying it’s not available), is still available on the iTunes store in the UK, Canada, and Japan. Ming Ming Yuighama also shows that the game is still up in the US Google Play store under “SEGA Corporation”.
So far we have no idea what the reason is for the game’s removal from the US iTunes store. We’ll have a follow-up report if we hear more.
Thanks goes to all the users mentioned above for their help in checking the stores to see if the game is still available in their respective regions.
Back on December 14th we reported that Senior Designer Henry Grey shared alternate logos for Sonic Boom on his page at Creativepool, and now today our own Shadzter once again has found that Henry has shared even more over at Cargo Collective which you can see above.
Which logo do you find interesting? Any you prefer to the final one? Let us know in the comments!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5-ErbSrTOc
Four months ago, Mark “Alvin Earthworm” Haynes announced that he is rebooting Super Mario Bros. Z, his Dragon Ball Z-inspired flash series crossing over fan favourite gaming franchises Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog. After Mobius has been reduced to ashes by the merciless and power-hungry Metallix, it is up to Mario, Luigi, Sonic, Shadow, and Yoshi to search the Mushroom Kingdom for the seven Chaos Emeralds before the mechanical menace finds them first.
Now, the first episode of the reboot—”Fierce Battle Between Fierce Rivals”—has finally launched, and is ready for viewing above!
With the Mushroom Kingdom’s first official Smash Tournament underway, the final round of the melee tourney pits the heroic plumbers Mario and Luigi versus the double-crossing bad boys Wario and Waluigi in an all out brawl for the championship title. That is, until the tyrannical King Bowser Koopa intervenes and begins his latest attempt at Mushroom Kingdom conquest – and the first step of his plan? To destroy Mario!
To those familiar with the original series, “Fierce Battle Between Fierce Rivals” combines the events of the first two episodes into a glorious 30 minute-long presentation. In Mark’s own words, this was how he had originally intended it to be back then, but technological limitations at the time caused it to be split into two episodes.
You can continue to support Mark Haynes and Super Mario Bros. Z via his Patreon – as a bonus, those who pledge a certain amount can actually watch new episodes three whole days before the public release.
SMBZ’s first run began in 2006 and spawned 8 episodes in all before the series was put on an indefinite hiatus in 2009. In 2013, Mark spoke of a number of alterations he would perform on the overall story before ultimately confirming a series relaunch.
Source: Patreon
UPDATE: Following the publication of the article, the post on the Facebook Page has since been removed.
Original Story: It probably isn’t far-fetched to guess that SEGA have a Sonic the hedgehog title lined up for the 25th Anniversary this year, however Crush 40 lead singer Johnny Gioeli has given a very strong indication that one is in the pipe line…and that Crush 40 could potentially contribute material to it.
Via a Q&A on the Official Johnny Gioeli Facebook Page today, Gioeli gave the following response to a question regarding new Crush 40 material in the works:
When will there be news about the Crush 40 album?
~We are planning a few performances for 2016 to commemorate the anniversary of Sonic. We “might” participate in writing new songs for the anniversary game…stay tuned…
Although some caution should be exercised with the key word in this response is “might”, the fan anticipation for a new Sonic game announcement will no doubt be further escalated, irregardless of game or new Crush 40 songs.
Stay tuned for more 25th anniversary announcements!
![[UPDATE] SEGA: Something Coming up in February & Other Hints!](https://archive.sonicstadium.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/feburaryannouncement-529x200.png)
