It is very difficult for you to be passionate about video games and not carry a little SEGA in the heart. Especially if you lived the glorious Console War that he kept with Nintendo. Because not even the most passionate SNES fan could resist going through loopings at supersonic speeds with sonic loquillo. That was much more than marketing and charisma: It was attitude!
The story is what it is, and if many of us think, with both consoles in hand, that at that time we all came out winning thanks to the games that were put before us, the reality is that shortly after the turn of the millennium SEGA gave a A complete twist to his role in the video game industry: The Titan took a step backward in terms of hardware and, to his surprise, would dedicate himself to launch their best games on Nintendo and Sony consoles.
Nintendo took the lion's share in the opening deal, starting with porta and new Sonic adventures. Which was as special as it was symbolic given the passionate bond that united the two giants in the past. And although their games and sagas have always had an extra attraction, Today's SEGA is quite different from the 90's.
Don't get me wrong: SEGA is an absolute benchmark in the industry and a powerful ally. The saga Yakuza It is considered a cult in Japan and its current popularity in the west is on the rise. His is the best sports manager annual circulation and Creative Assembly has launched some of the best strategy games so far this century.
To the support of SEGA we owe the first works of Platinum Games as Bayonetta, Mad World or Vanquish. And, if we add to this the increasing weight of Atlus worldwide, responsible for sagas like Person or Shin Megami Tensei, we can only come to one conclusion: as a brand, they are doing things pretty well.
So why are your 90s classics so missed? The short answer is because, quite simply, they were groundbreaking.
Sega, beyond the nostalgia factor: 9 really special cases
Just as SEGA continued to bet on creating new licenses and relying on new teams and companies, it's also fair to say that the company of the red-shoe hedgehog tried to give continuity to his great sagas updating them to the possibilities of tabletops and modern systems. Or, at least, a good part of them.
However, it should be borne in mind that each license and saga has been addressed in a unique way and, consequently, different results have been obtained.
Sonic the hedgehog
Key studies within SEGA, such as Sonic Team, They have explored many ways to make Sonic shine with the same intensity as in his Mega Drive days. In fact, titles like the two installments of Sonic Adventure, the trilogy of Sonic Advance or Sonic Lost Worlds have been pleasant surprises. However, not all have been joys.
The renewed Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 would be the first in a series of in-house games (no longer with some key members of the Sonic Team) that would reveal that platforming at supersonic speeds doesn't work as well in three-dimensional environments.
And not only that: even the levels in side scroll They gave us one of lime and another of sand. Not because they were poorly designed, but because titles, such as the very promising Sonic The Hedgehog 4, did not match the draft of previous deliveries.
Of course, from SEGA they are very aware of the legacy of the classic Sonic (and its formula) recovering the chubby version and even making it share the stage with modern Sonic up to two very exceptional occasions: Sonic Generations and Sonic Forces.
Virtua Fighter
The Virtua Fighter Original was a transgressor and one of the pioneers in offering combat in three-dimensional scenarios through wrestlers created from polygons, refining and polishing his proposal with each new numbered installment and spin-off on SEGA consoles and beyond.
Very special mention to Virtua Quest, a very curious spin-off released between 2004 and 2005 for GameCube and PS2 that happened without pain or glory and that, finally, would not be published in European territory.
The last foray into the main saga is, in turn, the final revision of Virtua Fighter 5, released under the subtitle of Final Showdown. Mind you, the characters have continued to appear as stellar guests in more recent titles like Dead or Alive 5, as support fighters in Super Smash Bros. and even playing the leading role in crossovers like Project X Zone.
Golden Ax
While the saga Golden Ax Born in the 80s, its legacy exploded after the launch of Mega Drive, with two sequels, a new exclusive entry for arcades, its own RPG (Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Ax) and even a custom made sword and fantasy fighting game.
SEGA tried to update and revive the saga with Golden Ax: Beast Rider with the help of Secret Level. Unfortunately, it fell far short of living up to the classics.
The Revenge of Shinobi
Another case very similar to that of Golden Ax: the debut of the Shinobi original as well as the also very powerful Shadow Dancer It would be before the 90's, being the The Revenge of Shinobi that the true catalyst of the saga would arrive in Europe in 1990.
From there SEGA will continue to explore the Ninjas platform experience, strengthening the futuristic touch with the arrival of 128-bit systems and the Shinobi of the new millennium and its sequel Nightshade.
The ninja's last foray seguero (beyond the cameos) would come to Nintendo 3DS in 2011, preserving the tone and aesthetics of the desktop installments and returning to the playable format that dazzled us in Mega Drive.
Space Channel 5
SEGA brought the rhythm and the sensations of the arcades to Dreamcast with Space Channel 5, a madness in which we should stop an alien invasion dodging laser beams at full speed.
The return of Ulala, the protagonist of the adventure, would come a couple of years later and, from there, she will become a recurring character in the multiple celebrity gatherings of the house. Of course, his return is quite recent: Space Channel 5 VR Kinda Funky News Flash! Bring the charm of the classic into virtual reality.
Chu Chu Rocket
Chu Chu Rocket Not only is it a colorful and hilarious reimagining of the mouse and cat puzzle game, but it was one of the first console titles to popularize online multiplayer games. Quite a milestone.
After Dreamcast, the saga would make history as the first SEGA title published on a Nintendo console: the Game Boy Advance version retained (or rather adapted) the original title to the small screens of the laptop. Years later, new custom versions arrived for Wii U and mobile devices.
The return of Chu Chu Rocket it is also very recent: ChuChu Rocket! Universe It was part of the first wave of Apple Arcade, the exclusive gaming service for Apple devices.
Virtua Tennis
Although it seemed that in a matter of tennis games everything was invented, SEGA blew our minds in 1999: Virtua Tennis It looked scandalous, of course, but its exquisite gameplay made it a must. Of course, the consecration would come with the sequel.
Since then, SEGA has tried to give some continuity to the saga. Sometimes leaving the door open to a possible annual formula (as with Virtua Tennis 2009) and others continuing to bet on numerically spaced deliveries, as with Virtua Tennis 4.
The most recent installment would be a total reformulation for mobile devices: Virtua Tennis Challenge It adapts to touch screens and its incorporation into the SEGA Forever seal suggests that it still has sets for a while.
SEGA and its 90s licenses are still the arcades
So far we've seen how several of SEGA's key '90s (or born in that decade) releases have accommodated current gamers and the current state of the industry with more or less success. However, SEGA has also been known for its formidable arcades.
In fact, and as you will see, new arcades of their most beloved games continue to be released.
Daytona 3 Championship USA
Daytona's intense careers continue to play out in these fantastic multi-cabin furniture with frills: Since 2016, arcades spread across the globe have the latest version of the SEGA classic.
SEGA Rally 3
Although it is true that quite later it had its digital counterpoint on PS3 and Xbox 360 as SEGA Rally Online Arcade, the last title of SEGA Racing Studio Before dissolving and joining Codemasters, he debuted in arcades, retaining the legacy of SEGA's sensational rally saga.
House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn
SEGA caught the point for rail shooters with Virtua Cop, but the setting of House of the Dead it was a full stop. As much as to flirt with other formulas, like Typing of the Dead and even return to the arcades with a new installment in 2018: House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn.
A singular case: Crazy Taxy
Reckless driving had a name in 1999: Crazy Taxi. A particular taxi driver simulator in which the crazy physicists are salt and normality does not have much room. After the withdrawal of SEGA from consoles, the saga would continue its course on all types of consoles.
Curiously, the most recent entry is a flywheel compared to the rest of the deliveries: Crazy Taxi Gazillionaire is a mobile taxi driver business simulator in which we will not only have to prosper, we will also have to face (commercially) an evil corporation.
The security offered by relaunches and reuniting your superstars
At this point it is worth making an official mention: although it has become clear that SEGA has extended the legacy of its sagas and, at the same time, created new ones of enormous weight, it has also earned a well-deserved reputation for reissuing their own classics. Especially the ones from Mega Drive.
From compilations focused on specific sagas to collections so tempting that they even make us pay for the umpteenth time for the same game. In addition, of course, to the loose relaunches, such as the 3D adaptations of their classics such as Gunstar heroes, the high-resolution reissue of Guardian Heroes or the seal itself SEGA Ages for Switch.
Very special mention to SEGA Forever, a mobile initiative where your successes can be enjoyed for free, albeit with ads. Of course, removing the advertising of each game will cost us less than an afternoon in the arcade.
The last blow of pure nostalgia we receive with the Mega drive mini and its sensational selection of games, including titles as exceptional as Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole, World of Illusion and Light Crusader and, exclusively, recovering two lost jewels as the versions of Tetris and Darius for the 16-bit SEGA.
How has SEGA licenses fared in the hands of third parties
Our review of what has become of the great successes of the 90s would be incomplete if we do not highlight those projects that have followed its course with the supervision or approval of SEGA, and even from outside the company itself. And, how it happens with the previous projects developed internally, there are pleasant surprises and sonorous missed opportunities.
Sonic boom
In 2014, the SEGA standard bearer starred Sonic boom a new animated project designed for children and youth audiences. A new version of Sonic in which, along with his friends, his image was reimagined and updated. Logically, this television series would have its own video games.
Sanzaru Games and Big Red Button They reimagined Sonic games for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U respectively. And although the classic ingredients were on display, the gameplay sensations were very different.
Sonic Mania
While Sonic boom It was a new vision of the supersonic hedgehog in the wake of the animated series, Sonic Mania it was that long-awaited return to its origins. SEGA relied on passionate about the character as Hyperkinetic Studios, Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest Games the responsibility to create an experience that lives up to the classics. The result was a love letter to fans.
Within a year, the project would be expanded with Sonic Mania Plus: more characters and the perfect excuse to revisit those phases that asked to be traveled at breakneck speed and, at the same time, be contemplated in detail. The Sonic we fell in love with was back.
Panzer Dragoon
After blowing our heads with the sensational series of aerial shooters and the RPG of the 90s (maximum claims of SEGA Saturn) the saga Panzer Dragoon It remained in the air – never better said – until very recently: Forever Entertainment would be in charge of developing the remakes of the first two installments and releasing them on current systems.
The bad new? The finish and playability of Panzer Dragoon Remake they are far from being expected from a saga as special as it is remembered. Hopefully there will be more luck with the remake of Panzer Dragoon II Zwei.
Shenmue III
The development of Shenmue it put SEGA's economy on the ropes, but the truth is that the Yu Suzuki It was completely revolutionary for the time. A revenge story that was years away from contemporary gaming and that took two decades to continue.
Through a crowdfunding, with several delays and already from outside SEGA, Suzuki was able bring Ryo back and fulfill the wish of countless fans. Unfortunately, his transgressing spirit was retained in the first two installments. Be careful what you wish for, because it can be fulfilled.
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove
The rapper duo from Beyond Earth also starred in their own crowdfunding campaign for their recently released fourth installment, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove, by HumaNature Studios, without SEGA in between and with the creator of the saga at the forefront of the project.
A return to the roots in every possible way from the Mission to Earth of 2002, and at the same time, a song in the key of rap to the 90's.
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
The legacy of Wonder boy It is the most diverse of all: at one point, there were three parallel and unrelated projects to revitalize the classic adventure, some as Remake with handcrafted graphics and others seeking to offer that spiritual successor that the saga deserved.
While the updated version of Wonder Boy III It is excellent and even allows us to recover the original appearance, the Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom from The Game Atelier and published by FDG is the natural successor to the series endorsed by Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of Wonder Boy.
Streets of Rage 4
We close with a pleasant surprise: after several failed attempts to revitalize the saga of beat’em ups in the past by SEGA, DotEmu and Lizardcube hit the key offering with Streets of Rage 4 a tribute to the best of the saga and at the same time an exceptional continuation of it.
Streets of Rage 4 It impresses with its artisan graphics, its animations and its sensational soundtrack, but it really conquers in the playable, retaining everything that conquered us from the original trilogy and, at the same time, everything that made SEGA of the 90s great.
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