SEGA plans to dole out the nostalgia to gamers come early 2009 when they release their upcoming Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection or if you happen to live in the UK, “Sega’s Mega Drive Ultimate Collection” for the PS3 and Xbox 360. This compilation of some of the most popular first-party games from SEGA’s 16-bit Mega Drive years will contain not only classic titles for the SEGA enthusiast, but also some bonus content from its 8-bit Master System and some tubular 1980’s arcade era games.

Currently in development by Backbone Entertainment, the game disc houses over 40 games in one package revamped in HD such as:

• Alien Storm
• Columns
• Ecco the Dolphin
• Phantasy Star
• Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2 and 3
• Space Harrier
• Streets of Rage 1, 2 and 3

Each reproduction will run well on HD televisions because they can output in 720p which will be a great change for those of us who played these games back in the day, and a good way to get the newer generations interested in just how far games have come over the years.

This is the largest collection of SEGA first party games ever put on on gaming disc, and while you can get some of the retro goodness mentioned above through Xbox Live or the Wii Virtual Console it will be cheaper in the long run if you just buy the gaming disc when it come out next year. Plus, the games mentioned here are not anywhere near close to 40 titles, and the disc will also include unlockable content in the way of acade games and interviews with the original game developers as you earn Achievements on the Xbox 360 and Trophies on the PS3.

Fans of muliplayer/co-op games will not be left out either because you can play these classics together with a friend from the same console at home.

You can view more screens of the game here on the FileFront game page.

I’m usually amazed every week at how the term “classic” is tossed around way too liberally by Nintendo when they’re describing the latest releases for the Virtual Console (seriously, Yoshi’s Cookie?). But for a change, the two releases for the VC this week are a couple of actual classics. The first, River City Ransom, originally appeared on the NES and was one of the first games to combine action and RPG elements by allowing you to upgrade your stats and beat the tar out of gang members. The second, Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom, originally appeared on the Genesis and is…well, it’s one of the original Phantasy Star games; and that alone designates it a “classic.” So, Nintendo, now that you’ve gotten that out of your system, how’s about a modern day update to River City Ransom? Please?

Via Press Release

It’s been a while since a Wii-kly Update actually sounded exciting to me. The two games being added today are certainly classics worth checking out. Ninja Gaiden III from the NES and Phantasy Star II from the Sega Genesis are certainly two games that I remember fondly.

Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
NES – 1 player – Rated E – 500 Points – Tecmo – 1991

Join master ninja Ryu Hayabusa, last member of the famous Dragon Clan, in the third and final chapter of the legendary Ninja Gaiden saga. Ryu is framed for FBI agent Irene Lew’s murder, and it’s up to him to clear his name. Defeating superior life-forms created out of “life energy” called BIO-NOIDs and avoiding enemy ambushes are among the many obstacles which Ryu faces in this unpredictable adventure of mystery, deceit and destruction. Noticeable changes to the game-play mechanics include Ryu’s ability to grab on to horizontal surfaces, his reduced falling speed and altered jumping maneuvers, and visible power-ups. Help Ryu defeat the forces of evil once more and discover the real culprit behind Irene’s death as one of the most loved trilogies in video-game history comes to a close.

Phantasy Star II
Genesis – 1 player – Rated E – 800 Points – Sega – 1989

Hailed as one of the greatest games of all time by fans and media alike, Phantasy Star II is an RPG that features an epic story line and turn-based battles. Play as Rolf, Nei, Rudo or several other characters as you navigate through the Algol star system battling the evil Dark Force. Build your characters, select the right weapons and armor, and take on the forces of evil through various missions as you find the right combination of characters to complete each objective. Experience the magic once again in this great sequel.

In what could only be pure coincidence, Phantasy Star Portable – whose initials are “PSP” – has been announced for none other than the PlayStation Portable.

Famitsu reported on the Sega announcement this week. The game will be developed by Alfa System, which was the team behind Tales of Innocence (DS) and Tales of the World (PSP). Phantasy Star Portable will basically be a portable version of Phantasy Star Universe and expansion Ambition of the Illuminus, along with some new content.

The one caveat lies in the game’s online support, or lack thereof. The game will support 4-player co-op over Ad-Hoc, but there was no mention of any online support. D’oh. At least you won’t have to pay to play with friends on different systems.

The game is set to release next year in Japan.

via 1UP

If feelings of lethargy and lack of intestinal fortitude from your Thanksgiving feasts are keeping you locked away inside your house like a bloated recluse, stop wasting those precious moments lying in agony and go buy a video game. Over the holiday weekend, many games have hit shelves, and whether your cup of tea is action, first person shooters, role playing, or just plain mind numbing button mashing, there is sure to be a game for you. So, between eating left overs and trying to get drunk by sucking on your grandmother’s famous bourbon balls, go to your local retailer and check out some of these new titles:

• Geometry Wars: Galaxies – Sierra Entertainment’s 2D arcade shooter game for the Wii will also be available on Nintendo DS November 27th. The game delivers an all-new single player campaign where players can tackle waves of enemies, including 10 never seen before, all of which act and react in a frenetic way across more than 60 unique levels. Geometry Wars: Galaxies introduces the all new ‘Battle Drone’ that follows the player’s request to defend and attack or collect geoms which is used to increase multiplier scores, buy new planets or behaviors for the Battle Drone.

• Godzilla Unleashed, Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash – Atari has released Godzilla Unleashed for the PS2 (later on this season for the Wii) and Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash for the Nintendo DS. Providing an environment perfect for stopping this worldwide obliteration with nine urban arenas, interactive 3D cityscapes, huge destructible buildings, soaring skyscrapers and towering alien formations. Featuring a non-linear storyline which allows players to influence how the story unfolds through their choices within battles, and a flexible multiplayer mode which supports up to four players for a city-crushing monster extravaganza.

• Cabela’s Monster Bass - Activision has released the first ever Cabela’s fishing game, where players embark on a journey through six of the hottest bass spots and compete in 14 tournament events in pursuit of the biggest, most coveted species of trophy bass. Putting players’ angling skills to the test as it focuses on the most exciting part of fishing, the game features authentic Cabela’s fishing gear with hundreds of tackle and lure combinations. Players will set their sights on nine species of bass, including largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, and striped, as well as 14 other trophy fish such as trout, salmon, catfish, and walleye. Cabela’s Monster Bass combines the use of real world strategies with actual fishing lake environments to allow fans of all types to land that prize and become the ultimate bass fisherman.

• Ghost Squad – SEGA’s top-grossing light gun game comes to the Wii and replicates the arcade experience for your console. The Ghost Squad is a Special Forces unit established in strict secrecy by the U.N. to combat terrorism and carry out special highly-classified missions without leaving a trace. As an elite member of the Ghost Squad, players will complete dangerous missions such as eliminating terrorist groups, releasing hostages, deactivating bombs, and even rescuing the U.S. President when terrorists hijack Air Force One.Using the Wii Remote, players will utilize selectable weapons including a high-powered rifle, submachine gun and shotgun, or even engage in hand-to-hand combat.

***MORE GAMES LISTED AFTER THE BREAK***

Read the full article

Yesterday the Phantasy Star Universe expansion Ambition of the Illuminus was released on the Xbox Live Marketplace for 1600 Microsoft Points ($20). The new content it adds includes new enemies, maps, levels, lobbies (ones that aren’t confusing to move through, I hope), and new customization options.

I wasn’t particularly impressed with Phantasy Star Universe when it was released; it certainly didn’t seem like a worthy successor to Phantasy Star Online to me. Hopefully this new expansion will sort out some of the issues (like the perplexing lobby) PSU had and will rejuvenate the game’s community.

Sega has unveiled more details about the upcoming expansion to Phantasy Star Universe, Ambition of the Illuminus. The game will now offer new levels with more powerful enemies and bosses, as well as an expanded lobby area and casino. There will also be new weapon customization option, armor types, and clothing. The expansion will become available for the Xbox 360, PC, and PS2 on November 20th. Xbox Live subscribers will be able to download the expansion for 1600 Microsoft points (around $20), while the PS2 and PC versions will be available at retailers nationwide.

Via Press Release