Ian Flynn Interview with The Super Power Flower Hour

The Super Power Flower Hour, a Find the Computer Room podcast and an upcoming show for SEGASonic:Radio, has kicked off the first episode of its second season with a very special guest!

FTA and Smoovies are accompanied by Ian Flynn, the head writer for Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man franchises, and chat about the two series, some behind the scenes tidbits, as well as the ongoing crossover special, Worlds Collide!

It’s a whopping 1 hour and 45 minutes long, but it’s plenty fun and informative!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh_g0IyVne0

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Freak-Out Friday: Oscars 2013 – Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Not even the 85th Annual Academy Awards, set to take place this Sunday, are safe from leaks on the internet.

Yes folks, days before the event itself is underway, we’ve already got our hands on the results for the category “Best Actor in a Supporting Role”! And the winner?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj_Znij3Sug

Special thanks to thatdarnaccount for uncovering this, and Marcus the Rocker for tipping us. Only a mere cameo and Sonic is already in the big leagues of cinema!

Continue reading Freak-Out Friday: Oscars 2013 – Best Actor in a Supporting Role

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Sonic Augmented Reality Tops Out Now

It’s not unusual for new Sonic clothing to get released, but this one is a little different, it has a party trick to it. Chances are you’ve heard of Augmented Reality, that’s the thing where you hold up your camera phone or some other device with a camera on it to a picture/image and then the said image comes to life? Continue reading Sonic Augmented Reality Tops Out Now

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New Wreck-It Ralph Trailer Includes Sonic Cameo

A new trailer has just been released for upcoming Disney film Wreck-It Ralph, the story of a videogame antagonist who gets tired of being a bad guy and attempts to redeem his ways.

For those not already in the know, the film will contain numerous cameos by famous gaming icons, including our very own Sonic the Hedgehog – who you can catch a very brief glimpse of in this trailer. Sonic’s cameo appears at around the 0:47 mark but be warned… blink and you’ll miss it!

Doctor Eggman also makes a cameo appearance in the new trailer, which you can view over at Yahoo! Movies.

As previously reported, Sonic will be voiced in the movie by his official voice actor Roger Craig Smith, and Wreck-It Ralph himself will be starring alongside the blue blur as a playable character in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed this holiday season.

Wreck-It Ralph is due to hit cinemas in the US on 2nd November, and will make its way across the pond for a UK release on 15th February 2013.

Source: Yahoo! Movies

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If Sonic Dies, You Get Electrocuted!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=let-4RxEvS8

“You… You would complain about Sonic? Put him in the GeneZap.”

The GeneZap is the brainchild of two French modders who have decided that playing Genesis games wasn’t quite entertaining enough, so they’ve created a device that reacts when the player’s character takes damage or is killed, the device punishes the player by giving them an electric shock!

Continue reading If Sonic Dies, You Get Electrocuted!

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The Summer of Sonic 2012 Shorts!

From SoS’12, we managed to bring you the Crush 40 concert, the Club Sonic setlist, NiGHTS’ and Reala’s unveiling in S&ASRT, as well as a contest to win some goodies (just closed!), but there’s one thing we’re missing: the shorts! To those who haven’t had the chance to see them up front and live: no need to fret! As of yesterday, all shorts featured have been uploaded!

A total of three animations were featured in front of a live audience. First up is Shadow the Hedgehog in Brief, followed by Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 in Brief, both parodies handled by Frobman, who previously animated Ring Energy’s Before the Machine and Sonic Heroes in Brief, the latter having been made for Summer of Sonic 2011. Though some would say they’re parodies, some would say both shorts depict each game as is… but that’s for you to decide!

The third and final animation is brought to you by Sonic Paradox! Instead of going with Shorts, the team took a more different route through Sonic Heroes with a music video. With Recorderdude on lyrics, Seaside Denied is split between four animators to handle the four different teams with numerous singers and voice actors, poking fun at every opportunity at both the game itself and the Paradox’s signature Shorts.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JifZiXdJHJw

Continue reading The Summer of Sonic 2012 Shorts!

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Summer Games Done Quick set to Speedrun Sonic Games

Update: The segment is over, but recordings are available: Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic Adventure DX

 

Speed Demos Archive‘s Summer Games Done Quick is running right now, a live stream speedrunning 70-some games in aid of the Organisation for Autism Research.

Their Sonic segment is set to start at around 9pm tonight (depending on how fast the preceding games are), and feature runs of the original Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on Mega Drive, and Sonic Adventure DX Director’s Cut.

If you like seeing games played with speed, this should be your bag.

Summer Games Done Quick (full schedule)

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Comic Review: Sonic the Hedgehog #236 “Cry Freedom”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sorry for not having reviews for the last few issues. My work schedule keeps changing and makes it a bit hard to have enough free time for a large article. That, and I’m fairly lazy at times XP. I will have a full review of the Eggman arc from Sonic Universe in two weeks. Anyway, onto the review.

Things are finally starting to turn around for Sonic. After losing both Sally to robotization and having Antoine in a coma due to Metal Sonic exploding on him, Sonic finally has managed to get back on his feet and create a new team. In the meantime, two other new teams are forming for different reasons. With 3 teams of Freedom Fighters instead of one, things are really getting interesting. But is it enough to turn the tide against Eggman?

Continue reading Comic Review: Sonic the Hedgehog #236 “Cry Freedom”

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Sonic Co-Creator Hirokazu Yasuhara Joins Nintendo

Sonic the Hedgehog co-creator Hirokazu Yasuhara has officially joined the ranks of Nintendo, Sega’s old business rival in the 90’s, settling into NoA’s Nintendo Software Technology branch. While both Nintendo and Yasuhara have indeed confirmed the move, no details as to what is Yasuhara’s new role have been revealed yet.

To Sonic and Sega fans, Yasuhara is best recognized for creating Sonic the Hedgehog alongside Yuji Naka and Naoto Ōshima, working within SEGA as director, designer, and game planner for the Genesis and Saturn entries of the series. While he is known for his work from Sonic 1 through Sonic R, his portfolio also extends to other popular games such as Naughty Dog’s Jak and Daxter and Uncharted franchises, as well as the Pacman 30th Anniversary arcade game for Namco-Bandai.

Source: Gamasutra

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SEGA Announce Staff Layoffs Across US and EU

SEGA today announced that due to expected heavy losses for the last financial year, the company would be undergoing a structural reform, and thus a number of staff redundancies have been announced across the board. Continue reading SEGA Announce Staff Layoffs Across US and EU

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Awesome Games Done Quick Running Sonic Games (Again)

It’s that time again. For the last three years, the guys at Speed Demos Archive have been doing speedrunning marathons for charities, and at 8PM GMT, their latest Awesome Games Done Quick begins in aid of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8G9CmPiGLk

That they’ll spend over 5 days beating who-knows-how-many games is a given. What isn’t, however, is Sonic representation. This year, though, four classics from the series are going to get ruined over the course of a 3-hour segment.

The whole schedule is here, but starting at about 9pm on Thursday, the original Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles (does that count as two games?) and Sonic Adventure 2 (with a 2-man race) are up.

Continue reading Awesome Games Done Quick Running Sonic Games (Again)

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Sonic Titles on 60% Off Sale Today Only on Xbox Live Marketplace

As part of the Xbox 12 Days of Deals, you can grab a range of Sonic the Hedgehog titles at a whopping 60% off on the Xbox 360 Xbox Live Marketplace for today only. Almost all of Sonic’s Xbox Live Arcade releases are included in the offer, with the exceptions being Sonic & Knuckles and Sonic CD.

Here’s the list of games and discounts:
Sonic 4, Episode 1 Was: 800 Now: 320
Sonic Adventure Was: 800 Now: 320
Sonic Adventure Upgrade Was: 400 Now: 160
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Was: 400 Now: 160
Sonic the Hedgehog Was: 400 Now: 160
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Was: 400 Now: 160

Source: Xbox Live’s Major Nelson Blog

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Marathon Monday: Speed Demos Archive running Sonic games for Japan

Thursday 7th April – Monday 11th April at speeddemosarchive.com

I’m sure some of you remember when my good friends at Speed Demos Archive raised over $52k for charity at their live speedrunning marathon back in January. Not least, a beast known only as Stanski tore up Sonic 2 on the Sega Genesis in one take.

[youtube width=”640″ height=”265″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBZMEJtRrRk#t=4m35s[/youtube]

Normally, SDA isn’t one to do marathons all the time – they usually only have one a year and put everything into it – but last month some place called Japan had its east coast wiped out by a wave reaching 23 metres high, leaving over 10,000 people dead and another half a million without a home.

So, towards the end of March, and with marathoning for Japan seemingly de rigueur right now, SDA decided to join the bandwagon and plan a top marathon in two weeks. Unlike their usual efforts, this one will be done online from the gamers’ homes, and yours truly will also be joining the party.

Japan Relief Done Quick: April 7-10 2011

This time Japan Relief Done Quick will be raising funds for Doctors Without Borders, the American branch of the international medical aid group Médecins Sans Frontières. A Nobel Peace Prize recipient, MSF has operations in over 60 countries, and is in Japan right now providing medical treatment to those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Now, January’s marathon was a bit disappointing from a Sonic point of view, but that’s not the case this time. Early Friday morning in the UK, there’s a solid four-hour slot where five Sonic games will be played through:

  • First up is the original Mega Drive title, Sonic the Hedgehog, played by MilesSMB on Genesis.
  • That’s followed by Sonic 3D on Saturn, played by Zyre who recently had a speedrun of another Sega classic, Skies of Arcadia Legends, published on SDA.
  • Next Venick will hammer his way through Amy’s story on the original Sonic Adventure on Dreamcast.
  • The greatest Sonic game ever made is next – Sonic 2006 on Xbox 360. Depending on donations, either Venick or Parax will go through one character’s story. If you’re planning on donating, personally I recommend Silver because some of the tricks will blow your mind.
  • Finally, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 will be seeing a full game run. The runner is Parax, the top single-level speedrunner for Sonic 4 in the world right now. If you’re on 360, check the leaderboards and then check your calendar.
  • This marathon starts at 9PM in the UK on Thursday, and is set to run into Monday. You can see the full schedule at the JRDQ site, though if you’re planning on watching a certain game, bear in mind times can change pretty easily.

    Be there, if only to laugh at me when I die in-game during my slot…

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    Classic Mega Drive Titles Coming To PSN, Sonic 1 Now Available

    After being exclusive to PS Plus members for four weeks, Sonic the Hedgehog was made available to purchase from the PS Store for non-subscribers yesterday in Europe, and Tuesday in the U.S. Continue reading Classic Mega Drive Titles Coming To PSN, Sonic 1 Now Available

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    SEGA Permanently Drops Prices of Sonic 1, 2 & 4:Ep 1 on iPhone

    SEGA has announced permanent price drops on most of their iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. All three games have been jumping up and down in price in recent months, but now you can grab them pretty cheap without worrying about special sale time limits (and just in time for Christmas, too). The two classic Mega Drive/Genesis titles Sonic the Hedgehog & Sonic the Hedgehog 2 have been reduced to £2.99/$4.99 each and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, which is barely 2 months old, has been dropped to just £3.99/$6.99.

    Check out the full list of games and prices at the SEGA of America Blog (via SEGA Bits)

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    Naka: Sonic Created With Environmental Themes

    In an interview with ThisIsMyJoystick.com, Yuji Naka has revealed that the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise was created with environmental themes based around the impact mankind is having on the world, but says he couldn’t speak about it back in 1991 because it was a touchy subject at the time. Continue reading Naka: Sonic Created With Environmental Themes

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    NYCC: Interview with Sonic Production Artist John “Dubs” Gray

    There are men, and then there are those who are more then men. Ian Flynn and Pat Spaz (and I guess Paul too) are all good men. They do not compare to the awesomeness that is embodied in the one known as John Gray, or “Dubs” as he is known as by us lesser beings.

    Dubs is the God-King of Archie Sonic, the master of all he surveys. He is a champion of the Nerbish people, whom will one day lead them back to the promised land that is printed media once more. His mighty, booming voice makes lesser men quiver in his presence. He is truly the mightiest, most handsome man to ever work on a book about a blue cartoon hedgehog and his furry friends.

    Ladies and gentleman, I bring you the God-King, Nerbish representative, production artist, and all around awesome guy of Archie’s Sonic comics!

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TzXOsbvtY8[/youtube]

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmLfGpah7bE[/youtube]

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu4zpvy-_SM[/youtube]
    Join us tonight as we bring you the video of Archie’s Creators Tell All Panel, featuring Ian Flynn and Pat Spaz!

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    NYCC: Interview with Sonic Editor Paul Kaminski!

    These videos have been a long time coming, but their finally here! Over the next few days we’ll be bringing you some awesome, in depth interviews with the Archie staff. ECC’s Thomas Selinka was kind enough to take the time out of his day to record these interviews and panels in full HD.

    First up, Paul Kaminski, the editor for Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Universe, and the upcoming Megaman books.

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQCE_YSJsJQ[/youtube]

    Of course, Paul isn’t the biggest interview we got (sorry Paul, we still love you!). Coming up later in the day…the first ever video interview with Patrick Spaziente, the famously reclusive and hard to contact cover artist of the both the Sonic books (well, occasionally these days) and the upcoming Megaman book. We also got some guy called Ian Flynn hogging up some camera space with him, but you don’t care about him, right?

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    Sonic Who’s Who Encyclopedia Put on Hiatus After Increased SEGA Involvement

    We finally got some word on the encyclopedia at today’s Archie panel, thanks to a question asked by our own TJ Selinka: apparently the Sonic Who’s Who Encyclopedia has been put on hiatus. SEGA of Japan really liked what they saw, and have decided to get more involved. No word yet on what changes may come, but the Who’s Who has already been reported as being at least an inch and a half thick. We’ll be interviewing Sonic editor Paul Kaminski later in the day, who will hopefully enlighten us. According to Archie Editor in Chief Mike Pellerito, “SEGA loves the book, and they are trying to figure out what to do with it.”

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    Sonic Scribe Ian Flynn Working On Megaman Comic, Spaz involved (Updated)


    We don’t often report on non-Sonic news, but when it’s related in some cool way to the blue blur it’s always good to let you guys know! As we just reported in our NYCC Live Blog, Sonic scribe Ian Flynn will be working with Sonic cover artist Patrick Spaziente and short term Sabrina penciler Chad Thomas on an all new comic based around Capcom’s blue bomber, Megaman!

    As of yet, not much else is known, aside from the fact that the comic is launching next year. We took a video of the entire panel, and we’ll be getting media and interviews from the Archie booth over the next few days, so stay tuned! Yes, we do intend to ask about the possibility of a crossover!’

    Ian Flynn is also working on an Archie character called “Cosmo The Merry Martian”, a character that had a brief publication stint in the 1950s.

    Update: Archie has released a press release, and Comics Alliance has gotten it’s hands on some concept art from Chad Thomas, posted above.

    New York, NY (October 8, 2010): Archie Comics—home to Sonic the Hedgehog comics—is about to become the base of operations for a comic series featuring Capcom’s heroic video game legend, Mega Man!

    The Mega Man® franchise is hotter than ever and in the spring of 2011, Archie Comics will take his heroic adventures to new heights with a brand new monthly comic!

    With the aid of his mighty Mega Buster blaster arm and a killer creative team including renowned artist Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante and infamous Archie action/adventure writer Ian Flynn, Mega Man is equipped to blast his way back into the comic book world in his own monthly action. Arriving Spring 2011, the new Mega Man™ comic from Archie Comics promises to build a faithful legacy while exploring a vast universe of heroes, villains, and robots.

    “Since 1987, the enormously successful Mega Man franchise has conquered media from video games to television to manga. Archie Comics is ready to carry on this tradition of success, holding true to the spirit of the old school with a fresh eye on Mega Man’s strong potential in the world of American comics,” promised Archie Comics editor of Sonic and now the Mega Man franchise, Paul Kaminski.

    The Mega Man comic book series will follow the original Rock/Mega Man in his battles against the maniacal Dr. Wily. Mega Man’s jam-packed, fast-paced adventures are told from the perspective of Rock (a.k.a. Mega Man) the young boy with a peaceful heart now thrust into a life of conflict.

    “Readers can expect non-stop action, as well as an exploration of the themes of family, choice and loyalty that make the Mega Man franchise a property that connects on a very personal level,” continued Kaminski. “From there, we hope to fully explore not only that classic world, but the other spin-offs including Mega Man X, Mega Man Zero, Mega Man Legends and more!”

    “We’re thrilled to be creating a definitive version of Capcom’s Mega Man to American audiences,” remarked Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater. “And to do it with our top-notch creative team who all love and understand the property inside and out is going to be spectacular!”

    In honor of the announcement at NYCC, Archie Comics and Capcom® will each be hosting signings of an exclusive print with the Mega Man creative team Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante and Ian Flynn.

    Stay tuned to ArchieComics.com for updates on the “Mega Man” comic series coming from Archie Comics in Spring 2011.

    Capcom, and Mega Man are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd.  All other marks are the property of their respective owners

    Stay tuned for more concept art straight from the panel.

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    Archie Comics Panel Live Coverage @ NYCC (Ended)

    The New York Comic Con starts today, and you guys know what that means: interviews, news, and media galore! This is all being brought to you by TJ Selinka, who’s first stop at the con will be today’s Archie panel “Archie Comics Means Business!”, which will be followed by a visit to the Archie booth to talk with Ian Flynn and a few other members of the Archie Comics staff.

    This news post will provide live coverage for the “Archie Comics Means Business!” panel, which will run from 3:15-4:15 EST. Expected at the panel are some exclusive Sonic the Hedgehog comic related announcements, as well as details on Sonic scribe Ian Flynn’s upcoming secret project. Selinka will be updating this news post with all announcements relevant to either of those subjects. This will all be followed by a complete video upload of the panel later today, as well as a promised interview with Ian Flynn!

    It has begun:

    Archie Comics has partnered with Capcom and will be publishing MEGAMAN comics in 2011.

    Betty and Veronica will be receiving their own magazine comic similar to Life with Archie.

    Archie is bringing back their Superhero Comic lines, in 2011.

    Back to Mega Man.  Chad Thomas and Spaz are working on Mega Man.

    Within the next few weeks more Sonic Comic apps are going to be available through itunes itself.

    lottery tickets starring archie charcaters

    Ian flynn is writing MEGAMAN, and a reboot of Cosmo the Merry Martian.

    SEGA loved the Sonic Encylopedia, and are trying to figure out what to do with the marketing. Encyclopedia is over an inch and a half thick. Has been put on hiatus because SoA has gotten more invovled.

    Aaaaand THAT’S IT! Stay tuned for pictures from the panel, as well as a full video, later in the day! We’ll also be bringing you an interview with Ian Flynn!

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    New Brand Director Respects Sonic’s Brand Heritage

    SEGA’s new Brand Director for the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise David Corless has spoken out to MCV about his visions for the franchise, current marketing strategies and pleasing Sonic fans, new and old. With the 3 titles on the way in the next couple of months, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Sonic Free Riders and Sonic Colours, Corless feels that Sonic Team has performed well.

    “Sonic Team has done an amazing job,” says Sonic’s new brand director David Corless, who took the role this summer. “They have gone back to the original games for inspiration and come back with three games that, so far, we’ve only had positive feedback on.”

    Corless goes on to speak about SEGA’s strategy of appealing to the core Sonic fans, while also trying to attract the mainstream audience, something we’ve heard Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka speak about many times before. Corless feels that pleasing the core Sonic fans isn’t too hard, but pleasing both those fans and new ones is a tough job.

    “I don’t think Sonic fans are hard to please. There is just a lot of them and they are all hugely passionate and have their own ideas on what the ideal Sonic game should be,” continues Corless.
    “The core fans are very vocal and get a lot of attention but we also have a huge, younger fanbase that we need to consider too. So it presents a challenge. It’s hard to please everyone.

    Corless wants to assure fans that he and SEGA respect Sonic’s heritage and want to create games that live up to that heritage, while also taking the series forward.

    “We want to create games that respect the heritage of the brand whilst also moving it forward.”

    Where does our new Brand Director see Sonic in the future?

    “Daft Punk put it well – better, faster, stronger,” concludes Corless.

    For the full article, head over to MCV.

    What do you think of David Corless’s statements? Let us know in the comments.

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    First 4 Figures 2″ Mini Figures Series 2 Now Available

    Series 2 of the First 4 Figures made Classic Sonic mini figures is now available to purchase in the UK. The figures include Super Sonic, Metal Sonic and Amy Rose and are available individually for £3.99 in-store at Gamestation or bundled with Series 1 figures Sonic, Tails and Knuckles at Play.com for £17.99. U.S. fans can buy the bundle of six online at First 4 Figures website for $29.99, though we’ve heard that people who already ordered from there haven’t had their orders sent out yet.

    SSMB member Gnasher has made an unboxing video of the figures, which you can view below:
    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Oc9OTjBWSQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

    Thanks to Gnasher for the heads-up!

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    SEGA to Attend Gamefest 2010

    Videogame retailer GAME are holding a big videogame trade fair called Gamefest in Madrid this year and SEGA Europe will be attending, along with other big names in the business. This will be the first of what is hoped to be an annual show for the capital, on par with E3 in Los Angeles and the Tokyo Game Show in Japan. Gamefest will be open to the public, allowing attendees to try out all of the upcoming game releases before they hit store shelves. SEGA will be bringing their future releases, though no list of games has been given on their page on the Gamefest site, but they do say that you will be able to meet Sonic. SEGA will be located at stand 17.

    If you’re interested in attending, the event is being held from October 8th to the 10th in the exhibition site Recinto Ferial Juan Carlos I de Madrid. Doors will be open from 10am to 8pm and tickets can be bought at GAME.es for 3,00€ each, but unfortunately only Friday and Sunday tickets are still available. Saturday appears to be sold out.

    Source: Gamefest 2010 official website

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    Sonic Fights in Oil Ocean in Sonic #217, in Comic Shops Now

    This was a really good issue. The last couple of two-parters really only felt serviceable, but this one not only gives some much needed back story to a character that’s long needed it, but has introduced some shades of gray that Sonic comics have been lacking in. In any case, the issue is now out in comic specialty shops this week, and will released on newsstand come next week.

    This comic also sees the debut of new artist Ben Bates as the main story artist.

    Here’s the preview pages and solicitation.

    “Thicker than Water” Part One:
    Sonic and Bunnie head out into the Great Desert to aid Freedom Fighters in need, but they get caught up an whirl-wind ruckus! Who is friend and who is foe? Sonic comes face-to-face with enemies of the past while Bunnie is reunited with someone of her mysterious past! Then, in “Welcome Back, Chao!” Amy Rose runs into a few familiar faces – and a few new ones, too!
    SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.
    ART: Ben Bates, Tracy Yardley!, Terry Austin, John Workman and Matt Herms
    On Sale at Comic Shops: 9/22/2010
    Newsstands: 10/5/2010
    32-page, 40 lb glossy stock, full-color comic
    $2.99 US
    To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit www.comicshoplocator.com

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    Exclusive: New Control Option Confirmed For Sonic Colors

    Yet another thing I saw at PAX that I apparently didn’t tell you guys about. While I was wondering around the SEGA booth trying to get some hands on time with other games, I noticed people playing the game with the Wii remote by itself, no nunchuck. Apparently, this is a control option available in the new build. I didn’t have a chance to try it out for myself, but I have a feeling most would probably prefer to just use the nunchuck anyway. Still, it’s a neat option, and useful for co-op if you lack a second nunchuck.

    Sonic Colors is scheduled to come out this November.

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    Exclusive: Video of New Area In Planet Wisp

    So yeah, apparently a level I took video of weeks ago at a public event still hasn’t been uploaded on the internet. Who knew? You can read my complete hands on of the game here. To say the least, I find the game fun, and this stage was no exception.

    The footage of the new area starts at 4:46. It’s played from start to finish of course, though I did screw up the drifting a little.

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfI34y7izBE[/youtube]

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    PAX 2010 Sonic Colors Hands-On

    I think they’ve finally got it.

    That about sums up my second chance to play the game. They’ve cut the gimmicks, cut the fat, fixed the camera, tightened the controls, and done just about everything else you could ask of a development team. Indeed, I don’t even recall seeing any of the random frame rate chugging like in the E3 demo. The jumping feels perfect. The homing attack has been fine tuned to the point where using it will never accidentally send you careening off into a chasm. Controling Sonic feels great and fast, with no collision detection bugs or odd glitches. The endless chasms appear to be gone, and while the levels have so far proven easy enough to get through, it still takes some skill to play them well, just like in the classics.

    The wisp power ups are also a sight for sore eyes. Replacing the endless gimmicks and alternate play styles of past 3D games, the wisps are not only non-intrusive, but are a true joy to use. Whether it’s blasting through a level as a rocket, drilling through a cake to find power ups and otherwise inaccessible areas, or floating above spikes to reach otherwise unreachable areas above, these little aliens are probably the best thing to happen to Sonic since the elemental shields. I’ve yet to encounter a wisp that didn’t add something to the experience. Sure, the creators have pointed out that you don’t need to use them, but why wouldn’t you? For the first time ever in a Sonic game, I think this game would be a lesser experience without these gimmicks.

    Of course, things aren’t perfect. At times the game can feel a little too automatic, to the point where it restricts how much control you have over Sonic in certain areas where you need to  drift or sidestep. These moments are rare, and out of the three levels I’ve played they where most prevalent in the newest level, Planet Wisp. Sonic is also just a little too fast now. I personally preferred the speed in the E3 demo, but after I got used to it the extra speed didn’t detract from the experience. That said, there are far worse things I could complain about in the other 3D Sonics, even in the Adventure series.

    When last I previewed this game, I said that this was the best 3D Sonic game since the Adventure series. Well now, I rescind that statement. This game will outdo the Adventure series. Just going by these three levels, I don’t see how it can’t. The game has superior level design, superior programming, far fewer bugs and glitches – I encountered none in the PAX demo – and the gimmicks are far, far superior. I haven’t even had a chance to check out the co-operative mode, which looks like it’s going to be an experience in and of itself. I can’t believe that this game is from the same team that brought us such disasters as Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic and the Black Knight. I can’t believe, for the first time ever, I can whole heartedly recommend a 3D Sonic game, without warning about its flaws and things you need to “get over” to enjoy it. I can’t believe I can say with confidence, that those people who post the Sonic Cycle for every damn announcement, should cram it and buy it on day one.

    Of course, while I’ve raised my expectations, Iizuka’s raised the stakes, claiming that the game will be equal to or better then the classic Genesis games. From my playtime, I am not yet ready to make that same claim. That’s the sort of thing even I refuse to say until I’ve played this game over at least a year’s time. We’ll see soon enough.

    Don’t be reserved. Don’t be cautious. Sonic Colors is a great game. Come November, go buy it. Sonic is back.

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    Atop the Fourth Wall Reviews Sonic Live!

    Any long running comic series is going to have some duds. I’m not talking about weird changes in the canon, or rushed pace, or anything like that. I’m talking about issues so mind bogglingly bad, that it’s amazing they went all the way from concept to publication. Sonic has regrettably had quite a few of these comics, one of the most infamous of which being none other then Sonic Live!, by Ken Penders. Sonic Live!

    Every writer has his or her problems and bad tendencies, and Penders from far from an exception. Though he wrote some of my favorite stories in the comic back in the day, these problems would even permeate some of these stories. They are all on display, and at their worst, in this comic, which has now been gloriously torn apart by Linkara on his show “Atop the Fourth Wall”. Atop the Fourth Wall is a comic review show on That Guy With the Glasses, a wonderful collection of reviewers. The website’s namesake, the Nostalgia Critic, actually reviewed both Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and SatAM a year ago. Regrettably, blip.tv embedding code doesn’t work on TSS at the moment, so I’ve had to embed the videos in lower quality via Youtube. To see the video in it’s original quality and to leave comments in a place where Linkara will see them, go here.

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adthansj3P4[/youtube]

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtNJPN9yKs0&feature=related[/youtube]

    Thankfully, the comic hasn’t had a story like this in a very long time, though hopefully Linkara will consider taking a look at Sonic Super Special #15.

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    Tracy Yardley! Does Sonic Eggs, Part 4

    This week’s page is an example of Sonic Egg’s use of continuity for future gags and jokes. In a previous page, Tails mentioned something about giving the Tornado “sentience”. This wasn’t a throw away gag. He’s really doing it. And you can see him at work below. Also, did I….neglect to mention that no one on this comic particularly cares for Chris?

    This comic runs weekly at ECC. You can discuss this comic with long time fans and the creator’s at their forums, where occasional sneak peaks of future pages are given.

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    Mighty Traumitized For Life In This Month’s NFR

    This is something I’ve  been trying to point out for weeks, but it seems like something always comes up to prevent me from posting it. This weekend, I’ve decided to preempt Sonic Eggs for last month’s Not For Resale strip, MGComic’s woefully under-updated and under appreciated Sonic humor strip.

    Though their almost always worth the wait, this one in particular! This is a strip many of you may not get at first, but once you do, you are in for quite a laugh. A cookie goes to the first person to get it!

    Despite how disgusting this may appear, Mighty is actually stunned by the amount of juicy fruity goodness in his mouth!

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    AAUK Reveals Three Tidbits About Sonic Free Riders

    Sonic Free Riders is a game SEGA’s been keeping close to its chest until recently. Leave it to Sonic City Blognik’s AAUK to finally drop us some info!

    – The next track to be revealed has a Wild West theme, including waggon trains and a minecart section (MOAR MINECARTS!) where you actually have to pull a lever left and right to change the points and avoid rockfalls. It looks quite slick actually.

    – Someone’s return in the pre-race configuration screen is still gaining momentum!

    – Since you guys apparently love anything Roger says as Sonic (e.g. “…consoles…”) here’s another line for you: “Place your hand on Start!”

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    Tails’ Adventure Concludes In Sonic Universe #20, Now In Comic Shops

    The conclusion to Archie’s “Tails Adventure” story arc, which acts as an adaption to the Game Gear game of the same name, has just hit comic shops today. This issue will also be revealing the winners of the “Tails Fan Art Contest”. Tails fans might want to take a look at this!

    SONIC UNIVERSE #20
    “Trouble in Paradise” Part Four of Four
    Deep in the enemy base, Tails and his friends fight to survive the assault from the terrible Mole Mech! But even if they come out on top, do they stand a chance of escaping with their lives? Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion!
    SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.
    ART: Tracy Yardley!, Jim Amash, Phil Felix, and Jason Jensen
    On Sale at Comic Shops: 9/8/2010
    Newsstands: Week of 9/21/2010
    32-page, 40 lb glossy stock, full-color comic
    2.99 US

    The Sonic Stadium may link to retailers and earn a small commission on purchases made from users who click those links. These links will only appear in articles related to the product, in an unobtrusive manner, and do not influence our editorial decisions in any way.

    A Look At The Jazwares Super Pack

    You may remember that we reported a couple of weeks ago about Jazwares latest releases, but we didn’t have any pictures of the Super Pack, which contains action figures of Super Sonic, Super Shadow and Super Silver. Thanks to Jix Hedgehog and TheEGGOne, we now have pictures of this set for those of you who haven’t seen it or bought it yet. Those who have picked it up, let us and the other readers know what you think of it in the comments.

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    In Honor of Ben Hurst: The SatAM Sea3on Comic

    One of the things Mr. Hurst pursued for years was a third season for SatAM. In fact, one of the biggest things he disliked about Sonic Underground was the fact that it could have been the finale that SatAM lacked.

    Leave it to the fans to take a step to finally realize his vision. Enter: Sonic the Hedgehog Sea3on. Meant to act as a third season for the classic cartoon, Sea3on is a surprisingly awesome fan made comic from the good people of FUS, not to be confused with a similar take on the story that the same website had attempted to realize many years earlier.

    The best thing about this comic is that it feels like SatAM. The comic features strong writing and art, and has managed to achieve a constant weekly release since it started last year.  I would like to extend my kudos to the creative team, as I am sure Mr. Hurst would be really happy with what you’ve accomplished. Please keep the comic going in his memory.

    This comic is being written by FUS member Gojira007, with art for these first bunch of pages by Salamander.

    Now, to start you all off on this comic, I have included the first five pages of the series below. If you want to read the rest, please visit the site here.

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    Knuckles Is a Smooth Criminal

    Archie’s Sonic creators Ian Flynn and Tracy Yardley! both made an appearance at Toronto’s FanExpo con. Naturally, their presence attracted some Sonic fans to the show, including the person pictured below. The Archie people got a picture of one of them and posted it up on their facebook wall.

    Prepare yourself for the most epic cosplay ever!

    Knuckles Jackson

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