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Little Rock Zoo names cheetahs Sonic and Blaze after social media campaign
The Little Rock Zoo has named two of its four new cheetah cubs Sonic and Blaze, following a social media campaign where the public voted on names. The names were chosen due to overwhelming support online.
Sonic Team lead would love to "magically" remake every Sonic game but says it would take as much time "as…
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed a desire to remake every classic Sonic game for modern platforms but stated that the resources required would be better allocated to developing new titles. He noted that remaking older games to the standard of new releases would demand similar time, money, and effort. While many older Sonic titles are not readily available on current consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, some are accessible on PC, and fan communities have created updated versions.
Lost SEGA Rally Nintendo DS prototype discovered after 20 years
A prototype of a SEGA Rally game for the Nintendo DS, developed by DC Studios around 20 years ago, has been discovered by a game preservation group. The project was never completed for unknown reasons and would have been the second SEGA Rally title on a Nintendo platform, following SEGA Rally Championship on Game Boy Advance.
Sonic lead says AAA developers have much to learn from indie studios
Takashi Iizuka, producer for Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, believes that AAA developers can learn valuable lessons from the operational and economic models of indie studios. He highlighted how indie developers can quickly iterate on ideas and bring them to market, contrasting this with the significant time and financial investment required for large-scale AAA titles. Iizuka also drew parallels between the games industry and the film industry, noting how smaller creative projects can achieve significant success.
SANGOKUSHI BOND Demo Now Available During Steam Next Fest
Get Wrapped Up Inc. has announced that a demo for their upcoming PC title, SANGOKUSHI BOND, is available during Steam Next Fest from June 15 to June 22, 2026. The demo features the new Board Performance mode with 14 tactical stages. The full game, a deck-building army battler with over 100 warlords, is planned for a summer 2026 release on Steam for $7.99 USD.
Sega explains why Sonic classic games aren’t coming back anytime soon
Sega's Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka explained that re-releasing classic Sonic games is complex due to modern player expectations for improved visuals and controls. This complexity leads Sega to prioritize new game development over extensive remasters. Despite this, the franchise is experiencing a strong period with successful movies and games.
Sonic lead says AAA studios can learn from indies in the same way the movie industry should take notes from Backrooms…
Takashi Iizuka, producer for Sonic the Hedgehog, believes that major AAA studios can learn valuable lessons from indie developers, drawing a parallel to how the film industry could benefit from studying the success of smaller, independent productions. He highlights the speed and agility of indie development as a key area where larger companies could improve, citing the upcoming Sonic Pico Park as an example of AAA collaboration with indie teams.
Sonic Team head wants all Sonic games on modern platforms, would “magically do it” if possible
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed a desire to make all past Sonic games playable on modern platforms, but acknowledged the significant resources required, comparing the cost to developing a new title. He indicated that the focus remains on creating new experiences rather than remaking old ones, though SEGA has released remasters like Sonic Generations recently. The possibility of a third year of DLC for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is also dependent on the game's continued success and fan demand.
New Frieren FIGURIZMα Figure Is Upside Down
Sega is releasing a new Frieren: Beyond Journey's End FIGURIZMα figure, a 'Flower Dance' variant, which depicts the heroine upside down. This figure will be available in Japanese arcades on July 24, 2026, and will also see a worldwide release, with pre-orders already open. The figure stands over a foot tall due to its dynamic pose.
Virtua Fighter Crossroads devs say Yu Suzuki called it what he 'imagined Virtua Fighter could be'
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio revealed that Virtua Fighter Crossroads has received the approval of original creator Yu Suzuki, who stated it is what he "imagined Virtua Fighter could be." The game's creative director, Riichiro Yamada, shared Suzuki's positive reaction, which boosted the team's confidence. The article also touches on the game's story mode, which has drawn comparisons to both Shenmue and the Like a Dragon series.
Alien Isolation 2 really ramps up the tension, but it hasn't scared me yet
Creative Assembly's upcoming Alien Isolation 2 aims to ramp up the tension with improved atmosphere and AI for the Xenomorph. While the prologue demo showcased a familiar survival horror experience with enhanced environmental details and sound design, it did not yet deliver outright scares. The game's intelligent alien AI, which learns player tactics, promises to keep players on edge.
Sonic Racing CrossWorlds decal campaign detailed for Sonic’s 35th
SEGA announced a four-week decal campaign for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds to celebrate Sonic's 35th anniversary. The campaign features different character decals, with the Knuckles Decal Campaign currently live.
Sega is beefing up the Sonic Team on its 35th anniversary, hiring across multiple key roles
Sega is actively hiring for its Sonic Team across multiple key roles, including producer, lead planner, and graphics programmer, as the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise celebrates its 35th anniversary. While the specific project for these new hires remains undisclosed, the increased development activity suggests a new title is in the works, potentially addressing fan anticipation following a relatively quiet showing at Summer Game Fest.
Stranger Than Heaven devs claim to have sought the approval of Tupac's family before including him
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama stated that the team sought and received approval from Tupac Shakur's family before depicting the late rapper in the upcoming game, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Yokoyama emphasized that the studio aimed to be respectful and honorable in their portrayal, envisioning what Tupac might have been like in the decades following his passing.
Stranger Than Heaven: We Grapple with RGG Studio’s New Combat System
RGG Studio's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, features a drastically different combat system compared to their previous titles, focusing on granular, trigger-and-bumper-based controls for independent limb attacks and weapon usage. The game is set to release on January 15, 2027, for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be available day one on Game Pass. Players will experience a fifty-year saga across five distinct eras and cities in Japan, with a combat system that emphasizes realism and brutality, alongside a unique 'showman' career path for the protagonist.
Round Up: Stranger Than Heaven Makes a Strong Impression with Its Unique Melee Combat
SEGA and RGG Studio's upcoming action-adventure game, Stranger Than Heaven, is generating buzz for its unique melee combat system, which allows players to control the protagonist's left and right sides independently. While some previews praise the system's depth and potential, others express reservations about its execution and camera control. The game is set to release on PlayStation 5 early next year and features a cast including Snoop Dogg and the late Tupac Shakur.
Total War: Warhammer 40K is getting a closed beta in 2026, and after its latest reveal I'll be first in line
Creative Assembly announced that Total War: Warhammer 40,000 will receive a closed beta in 2026. The game, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, will feature real-time battles with a focus on both ranged and melee combat, and a more urban battlefield environment compared to previous titles. The developer also showcased new gameplay footage at the PC Gaming Show 2026.
Stranger Than Heaven evolves RGG Studio's combat system
RGG Studio's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, features a revamped melee combat system that emphasizes fluid combos and cinematic action. The preview showcased combat across three distinct historical eras, highlighting new controls mapped to triggers and bumpers, ground-pounding finishers, and a methodical approach to engaging multiple enemies. The game aims to deliver a satisfying and challenging combat experience.
Stranger Than Heaven’s Combat Hits In All The Right Places | Preview
Stranger Than Heaven, a standalone prequel to the Like A Dragon series, offers a unique combat system where players control Makoto Daito's hands independently. The preview highlights the game's combat mechanics through three distinct encounters set in different time periods, showcasing bare-handed brawling, weapon usage, and parrying. The game is set to launch on January 15, 2027.
Tupac Casting In Stranger Than Heaven Came Directly From Snoop Dogg, RGG Boss Says
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama confirmed that Snoop Dogg suggested Tupac Shakur for a role in Stranger Than Heaven, with his estate's approval. The game, set to release on January 17, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles, also features the likeness of deceased actor Sugawara Bunta. Yokoyama emphasized that no AI was used in the creation of these characters, and that voice actors with prior relationships to the deceased individuals were chosen out of respect.