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.

In a not so surprising move, Electronic Arts has engaged in an attempted hostile takeover of Take Two Interactive. EA went directly to the shareholders and offered $26 a share in an attempt to buyout Take Two Interactive without their willingness. The Wall Street Journal has also published an article regarding EA’s move:

Following the rejection of its unsolicited bid to acquire Take-Two, EA launched a tender offer to acquire all of Take-Two’s outstanding shares for $26 each, the price it offered the company last month. The move signals that EA’s attempt to gain control of Take-Two, publisher of the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto game, is turning hostile.

In response to the move, Take-Two’s board recommended Thursday that its shareholders take no action at this time, saying it would advise investors on its position within 10 business days.

The EA bid places a value of about $2 billion on Take-Two, which temporarily traded above the $26 a share that EA offered, but later sunk below the offer price. The stock traded at 4 p.m. yesterday at $24.91, up 26 cents, on Nasdaq.

“This is a great opportunity for Take-Two shareholders,” said EA Chief Executive Officer John Riccitiello. “We believe Take-Two investors will see our tender offer as the best way to maximize the value of their investment in Take-Two.”

If Electronic Arts succeeds in acquiring Take Two Interactive, EA will then control much of the gaming industry. EA has a reputation of milking franchises and preventing innovation. If EA ends up controlling most of the game industry (which it looks like they may end up doing) will this severely hurt the gaming market and creativity?

[Via The Wall Street Journal]

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.

This teaser trailer reveals that TrackMania DS is on its way.  Thankfully, the track editor is included and you can share your creations with others.  Let’s hope that sharing tracks as well as multiplayer are both online, since that’s what made the TrackMania series so great in the first place.  It would be nice to see TrackMania branch out to other consoles as well.  I know I’d love an Xbox 360 version due to the great controller and excellent online integration.

[Via Destructoid]

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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Spore is an ambitious “god game” where you play the role of creator watching your creatures and worlds evolve through your own decisions.  The game has been in production for over seven years, and numerous delays have caused many to label it as vaporware.  EA & Maxis beg to differ, announcing that Spore will finally see release on September 7, 2008.  The game will initially be available on PC, Mac, Nintendo DS, and mobile phones.  Click below or head to their official site for the full press release.

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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.