[Click the image for a larger view]

First 4 Figures continues their line of Sonic the Hedgehog character statues and figures with two variations of a 3kg, 12 inches Miles “Tails” Prower release. Set in Mushroom Hill Zone from the 1994 Sonic & Knuckles and designed after his appearance from 1992-1997, the model is shaped around his iconic running animation where he uses his two tails like propeller blades to propel himself forward.

Like many previous characters, the more expensive model can be illuminated in some sections – In this statue’s case, it is the mushrooms. Priced at 180 or 200 USD, this high quality statue will only see a release of 1,500 and 500 shipments for the standard and ‘Exclusive’ models respectfully, so it is recommended that everyone interested pre-order before it’s estimated release of the third quarter of this year. It can be shipped to anywhere in the world excluding Japan.

[Source: First 4 Figures Website]

Valve’s Steamworks digital distribution video game service has seen the release of Sonic CD and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I on PC. The former is priced at 5 USD and was mysteriously delayed after it’s December console and mobile platform release while the later originally was released to numerous download platforms in late 2010 and costs 10 USD.

Along with this is the Casino Night Zone pinball table downloadable content for Sonic Generations themed after the iconic level from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Given away as a pre-order incentive for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, it costs 1.59 USD.

For this weekend only, all Sonic the Hedgehog games featured on the service are half off. The exception is Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, which is 75% off it’s normal price, making it just 5 USD. These deals will last until early Monday morning.

Additionally, all who purchase the Steam version of Sonic CD will receive Metal Sonic-themed armor equipable in Spiral Knights, SEGA’s free-to-play Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.

[Source: Steamworks]

A mobile phone version of what appears to be a significantly altered Virtua Tennis 4 has been revealed. Designed to take advantage of the high quality of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor for the Sony Xperia Play, it is set to have 25 customizable real-world professional tennis players and the renowned World Tour mode from previous titles. Touch screen as well as digital button controls will be available and the game is expected to have numerous multiplayer modes, some of which are playable on one shared mobile device instead of requiring other players to have the same platform.

Outside of the Xperia Play phone, no other platforms have been announced, although iOS and Android versions are expected. Although described as the first Virtua Tennis release on mobile platforms, it is actually the third.

[Source: SEGA Blog]

[Click above image for a closer look]

The upcoming first-person shooter Aliens: Colonial Marines will be getting a special release with exclusive in-game content and a figure based on the Power Loader mechs from the series. Unlike many recent limited extended editions of games, this will be released in European, Australian and North American regions. Although pricing is not being discussed, it is standardized for these releases to be 10-40 USD extra over the typical 60 USD high definition video game release.

Expected to be one of SEGA’s biggest releases of 2012, the game developed by Gearbox Studios and is based on the Alien film franchise by 20th Century FOX and takes place during and after the movie Aliens.

The game has no set date, but the general consensus is that it will be available sometime in March or April of this year. It is unknown at this time if the upcoming Wii U release will receive a similar edition.

After the release of The House of the Dead Overkill Extended Cut on the PlayStation 3, fans of the THotD series and owners of the Move motion controller have reasons to smile once again. SEGA has announced the release of The House of the Dead 3 and 4 on the PlayStation Network. It marks the first time House of the Dead 4 will be available on a home console. The feature set is the usual from this kind of release: improved graphics and resolution, and trophies. It’s not known whether these versions will support the regular controller, but it’s quite likely as Overkill Extended Cut did as well. The House of the Dead 3 will be released on 7th February while the fourth game is set for sometime this Spring.

Source: SEGA

A downloadable demo for Rise of Nightmares has been released to the Xbox Live Marketplace service on Xbox 360 after long delay. Included is a single night of the game for players to experience if they are unsure of purchasing the title, however they will need the Kinect sensor add-on for the game to function properly. The download is available for Xbox Live Gold subscribers a week ahead of time and for everyone else next week. Interested players can find the download on the “Newest releases” on the Games Marketplace or go to Xbox.com to instantly add the 334 megabyte download to their queue and have it download as soon as their Xbox 360 console signs online.

Released exclusively on Xbox 360 on the 6th of September last year, Rise of Nightmares quickly became a stand-out title for the Kinect peripheral due to it’s nature and content. It was created by veteran SEGA designer Ryuta Ueda (best known for his work on the Panzer Dragoon, Jet Set Radio and Yakuza franchises) and was the first mature-themed title for the Kinect on Xbox 360.

[Source: Xbox.com]

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II has been revealed over a year after the original episode’s release. This upcoming downloadable sequel will be designed with similar methods to the 2D Genesis/Mega Drive games instead of the more modern 2D handheld Sonic games on the Nintendo DS or Sony PlayStation Portable.

Detailed with the reveal of the title is that Metal Sonic and Sonic’s sidekick Tails will both be included in the game. Along with this SEGA has stressed that the gameplay and graphics engine are improved greatly over the original episode, something a large majority of the fans were very vocal on being disappointed with on Sonic the Hedghehog 4: Episode I.

Another major announcement is that it will be arriving sometime in 2012 to the Xbox Live Arcade service on Xbox 360, PlayStation Network on PlayStation 3, iOS, Android and other various mobile platforms. It is notable that this will not have a WiiWare release on the Wii console, although other platforms are likely, nothing is being discussed at this time.

After the break is the teaser trailer that was released exclusively through GameSpot.

Gain Ground is the 1988 action-strategy arcade classic set around 350 years in the future where The Federated Government has created an era of peace. Because war ceases to exist the human race has begun to lose their fighting spirit; Worried of threats from outside of Earth, it is decided that a virtual reality simulation of various periods in time will be created to re-introduce their civilization to conflict. An unforeseen problem occurs and instead traps everyone inside the virtual world, turning the test of strength, knowledge and courage into a dark reality.

Included after the break are numerous variations of the ‘Origin’ zone, the first location in the game.

Where it is heard:

The song Awaken is heard through the Origin levels of Gain Ground at the dawn of strategic human combat where only basic spears, swords and bows are used. Societies are still not organized very efficiently, so the setting is more adventurous, rather than tactical, like later sections of the game are. Unique to this zone as opposed to future levels is the encouraging style lost with the later, much more challenging locations, making it the perfect start to an incredibly difficult game. The title ‘Awaken’ gives the song numerous meanings, and it fits perfectly with the setting.

Other versions: classicsegamusic

-Genesis/Mega Drive version

Although an early title on the weaker Genesis/Mega Drive console when compared to the System 24 arcade platform, this remains an excellent version of the song and maintains the same feel and length as the original, although some riffs are considerably weaker in direct comparison. It is likely the most heard rendition of the song.

-PlayStation 2 version

Designed for the SEGA AGES 2500 series of budget remakes, the style of this version is unique in that it blends vintage-sounding chiptune sounds with modern electric guitars and drums. This was remixed by famed Japanese composer S.S.H. best known for his work in the Guilty Gear series of games.

-PC Engine Super CD version

Arguably the most unusual official remix of the song Awaken to date. Composed to take advantage of CD sound available on the PC Engine/Turbografx-16′s CD add-on, yet with a more calm design compared to the original. Although most pass this rendition off as weaker than the original, the more adventurous style mixed with instruments one would expect from Jungle-themed music is fitting in it’s own right.

-SEGAROCK cover

This version is designed with more emphasis on the original song’s transitions instead of focusing on how it would sound in-game, making it more exciting for listeners in concert or listening to it while driving their car. Another wonderful rock and roll remix of a great SEGA tune by the official SEGAROCK band. Although this is one of their less-heard songs, many of the band members have admitted in interviews that it is one of their favorites.

Closing Thoughts

Although considerably one of SEGA’s less popular titles during it’s original release and modern times, the game is almost always included in Genesis/Mega Drive compilation discs. A sequel exists as Gain Ground Again, but only as an obscure mobile phone release in Japan that appears to no longer be listed on their site after only a year of it’s original release. With all of the re-releases it is likely that SEGA has bigger plans for the IP, so we may not be far away from Gaining Ground… Again.

The first downloadable content for SEGA and Avalanche Studios digitally released Renegade Ops has been revealed. These are set to be released this week on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. No date is specified for the Steamworks release, however.

The first of these, titled “Vehicles Reinforcement Pack” sees the addition of two new playable characters with original skill development and special ice and fire abilities. They will be usable in all available missions. It will cost $2.99/£1.99/€2.49/AUD 3.45 on PlayStation Network and 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live.

The second pack titled “The Coldstike Campaign” is three all-new missions with a new plot and new villain completely in artic-themed settings. Assuming these are similar length to the main game’s missions, they could last for upwards of two hours together for one playthrough. This content will be priced at $4.99/£3.59/€4.49/AUD$6.25 for PlayStation Network, and 400MSP for Xbox Live.

Additionally, Renegade Ops is on sale on both the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network until the end of 2011. Steam is having multiple events as well, so it is likely it will go on sale there soon too.

UPDATE: The downloadable content is free and available now to all who purchased the PC version of the game on Steam.

[Source: SEGA Blog]

SEGA has announced the second delay for PlatinumGames multiplayer online-focused ‘Beat em up’ on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Originally slated for release in December 2011 and then March 2012, it has again been delayed; This time to July 3rd. Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA West gave vague details in the following statement:

“ANARCHY REIGNS brings a new take to the brawler genre and we have decided to take a little more time to deliver the full knockout punch. I can’t reveal much now, but it has something to do with scale. Let’s just say traditional one-on-one or two versus two fighters will be a thing of the past,”

Typically SEGA releases the majority of their titles within the first quarter of the year as that is when their financial season ends. For comparison to the rest of the industry Summer is typically very light on high-profile video game releases, meaning the title may have a better chance at succeeding in sales.

It is also worth nothing that Anarchy Reigns‘ fairly small development studio is working on Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance for Konami along with other projects not yet revealed, which could be slowing their productivity down.