The above video represents Sega’s new attempt to ‘fix’ the rather mediocre Sonic series. With Sonic Unleashed, Sega is going back to their roots by offering users a game that will feature side-scrolling gameplay that gamers have been wanting from a console Sonic game since the Sega Genesis era. While Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 were not exactly horrible games, many Sonic fans simply were not satisfied with how well it played. Countless other Sonic games have been made and most people will agree that none of them have delivered the gameplay that Sonic fans want.

While not many details are known about this game we can easily see that the game will play like the original Sonic games, feature impressive cinematic quality visuals and will feature a wide variety of locales. A ton of screenshots have already been released for the screen in which you can check out here and some more here. There is some speculation that these screenshots and video could be a well orchestrated hoax but until then I would assume that this content is indeed the real deal. The game is listed for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii and will likely be released sometime next year.

With WiiWare’s impending release, more and more titles are being revealed all the time.  Personally, the idea of having an XBLA system combined with the unique controls the Wii offers really gets me going.  LostWinds is a 2D platforming game that plans to take full advantage of the interest in such a title.  Here’s how the developers describe it:

LostWinds is an enchanting adventure bursting with new gameplay ideas that embrace the innovative controller of the Wii - it puts “the power of the wind in the palm of your hand”.

You wield the awesome powers of Enril the wind spirit - from raging tornados to the gentlest breeze – to guide and protect Toku, a young boy who is the only one who can help you release the curse placed upon the world of Mistralis by evil Balasar. Mistralis is a stunningly presented, magical land full of wonder and intrigue that bursts to life with your every action and exploration.

The game’s novel, playful control mechanism lets you use Enril’s elemental powers to help Toku in your quest to overcome Balasar – powering his jumps and glides through Mistralis’ different regions, buffeting and smashing enemies, and solving puzzles.

Whether the game is fun or not we have yet to see, but it’s nice seeing some fresh ideas.

The Game Developers Conference has been shedding some light on some of Nintendo’s long anticipated products.  WiiWare is definitely the most exciting for me, considering we’ll be getting original games similar to XBLA.  Wii Fit functions as a weight monitoring program of sorts...trying to keep you active but not necessarily designed for losing weight.  I’m really pleased to hear about WiiWare but I’m curious why we haven’t heard anything on the Everybody’s Nintendo Channel.  Japan has had this channel for months now which offers DS demos, patches, game trailers, and more.

This week brings Ninja Gaiden III and Phantasy Star II to the Virtual Console.  Considering I never played either of these I can’t comment much on them.  I enjoyed previous Ninja Gaiden games so I imagine this game is similar to those...only slightly better.  Click below to see the full press release.

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As an owner of a widescreen HDTV this news makes me a very happy man.  While Capcom previously said they could not promise any improvements, it appears they’re putting some effort into making this the definitive version.  Provided the Wiimote functionality works well, anyone who missed this game the first time around (including myself) owes it to themselves to pick this up when it releases in March for $39.99.  You can find more info on Capcom’s official site by clicking here.

If you can get to Los Angeles this weekend, you’re in luck.  Nintendo is holding a free Brawl tournament there this Saturday (February 16) at 3:00 p.m. in the Orpheum Theatre.  The tournament is open to the public, but only the first 256 people in line will be able to participate.  If you really want to get in, camping out is probably not a bad idea.  Future tournaments are planned for San Francisco, Boston, and New York.  Click below to see the full press release and details for all events including some amazing prizes.

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Capcom’s Official US Blog has announced there will be two additional characters in the US version of Wii Love Golf!, both of which will have an alternate costume resembling one of your Capcom favorites.  You can vote for one male and one female candidate.  Your choices for the female characters are Cammy (Street Fighter), Morrigan (Darkstalkers), Rouge (Power Stone), Roll Caskett (Mega Man Legends), and Ashley Graham (Resident Evil).  The male character options are Frank West (Dead Rising), Balrog (Street Fighter), Guy (Final Fight), Ken (Street Fighter), Dhalsim (Street Fighter), and Captain Commando (Captain Commando).  Wii Love Golf! is being made by veteran developer Camelot, who also developed the great Mario Golf games among other great games.  Some famous Capcom characters are already appearing in the game as alternate costumes such as Jill Valentine, Apollo Justice, and Chun Li.  Head on over to their blog and vote, my votes went to Morrigan and Frank West, who are you voting for?  Click here to check it out and vote.

The long anticipated third game in the Super Smash Bros. series will finally be in our hands come March 9 (don’t tell the Europeans though, they still don’t have a release date).  Recently I had the pleasure of spending over six solid hours with this amazing game and I’m pleased to report that the wait has been worth it.  A wide variety of levels and characters from all of your favorite games are represented here.  As a Smash veteran I’ll be going into all the specifics you’re looking for as well as comparing it with the first two games in the series.  Be warned that this article does contain character and level spoilers.  Click below to continue reading as I go into more details regarding the game’s excellent multiplayer.

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