Originally released to the arcades in 1987,  Alien Syndrome was basically SEGA’s take on the top down shooter format,  with a little bit of Alien and Contra thrown in.  The point of the game was to rescue crew members out of an alien infested ship before a time bomb blows up, destroying it entirely.  The co-op was great,  and so was the gameplay itself.  From what we’re seeing in the Famitsu scans,  it looks to be an arcade perfect port.  Wonder how the 3D’s going to look with this one.  Also announced was the 1990 puzzle game Columns.  Similar to Tetris,  Columns was a basic puzzle game,  but with a twist.  Instead of just stacking random blocks,  you would stack multi-colored gems.  Stacking them in a way where three of them lined up together (either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) would result in clearing those gems and making room for more.  Columns was a perfect example of easy to play,  hard to master gameplay,  as well as being very addictive.  Honestly,  these two games are pretty good decisions to add to the collection,  alongside the titles that everyone knows.  They just show a little more history of SEGA’s arcade titles,  and it is appreciated.

I was also informed that a special time attack mode would be added to Turbo OutRun.  Like certain racers in the 3D classics series,  this mode will let you pick any stage in the game,  and practice getting better times on each.  I don’t think much else is being added to Turbo OR,  minus the possibility of the 60 FPS mode that was included with the original 3D OutRun.  As of now,  I haven’t really heard or seen much about other extras added to the new games either.  There may be a possibility of just straight ports with 3D,  kind of like how 3D Archives 2 was. Currently 3D Archives 3 FINAL STAGE has a December release date,  with no word on a Western release.  Knowing the history of delayed 3D Classics games,  this may be one to wait out on,  or just import.

Some screenshots of the 3DS version of Turbo OutRun have surfaced online along with this announcement.  From what it looks like,  not much has changed in this version minus the player’s Ferrari F40,  and your opponent’s Porsche 959.  Otherwise it looks to be an arcade perfect port just as planned.

SEGA 3D Fukkoku Archives 3 FINAL STAGE has a planned release date of December 22nd for Japan,  as well as the triple pack being released the same day.  The Triple Pack currently has a price listed of around 8900 yen.  No news yet on a Western release.

Originally an arcade release,  Turbo took the original OutRun formula and changed it slightly,  where instead of you branching multiple paths, it was a point-to-point race, taking place in New York, and  finishing off in Los Angeles.  Included was a tuning parts system that would award you parts to help your car’s performance in later stages.  Turbo OutRun still holds up as one of the greatest OutRun games,  with it’s great soundtrack,  and bitchin’ Ferrari F40.  Oddly enough,  Turbo did get a home release on the Mega Drive in Japan and Europe,  but nothing close to the arcade version was released,  minus the FM Towns Marty port.

Also worth mentioning is the hidden artwork that is being used for Fukkoku Archives 3.  As Turbo OutRun was but one of the secret games for the collection,  looking at the pixelated cover in this Famitsu spread,  it seems like there will be more hidden games coming to this collection.  My money’s on one of the three: Alien Storm, Golden Axe, or Bonanza Bros.  All three of these games have been hinted at in the endings of some of the 3D Classics, so it makes sense.  Here’s hoping this gets an international release though.  Considering both Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Streets of Rage 2 are in this collection, I wouldn’t rule it out entirely. If it doesn’t get a US release though SEGA, can we at least have a downloadable version of Turbo OutRun?  I’m sure the original OutRun wouldn’t mind having it’s arcade sequel next to it on the 3DS.

“This has more to do with how the teams are divided amongst Sega as a company,” he notes. “Up until now, M2 has been focused on 8-bit and 16-bit ports, whereas Dreamcast and Saturn titles were done by staff that were assigned to those games from teams like AM2 or Sega of China. The idea behind that was to make these porting lines run as efficiently as possible, with the teams learning the know-how behind specific systems.”

“At the time, if M2 had researched porting Model 2 or 3 on their own and come to Sega for that, we’d have told them we already had teams assigned to it, or the market isn’t right at the time. That said, that sort of corporate direction has ended recently, and M2’s is the only port line that really exists anymore. There’s a possibility that ports for Model 3 could continue on their side.”

Naoki Horii, president of M2 (developers behind SEGA’s 3D Classics Collection), has stated that they are “definitely interested” in creating ports of the various Saturn and Dreamcast classics. At this point, it is up to SEGA to pull the trigger.

“Model 3 might actually be easier than Model 2,” says Horii. “We’re obviously interested, but Sega would have to make the business call there. We’ve mostly been focusing on getting Game Gear and 3D Classics working, so there hasn’t really been any time to research much outside of that. If the opportunity presented itself, I’d certainly consider it.”

Okunari echoed Horii’s statement by saying that since M2 has slowly been learning each system, it would be logical “continue along that route” and head into Saturn and Dreamcast territory.

“Over the past 11 years of the Sega Archive Project, M2 has slowly crept its way through SEGA hardware history, learning each system one by one,” says Okunari. “As the hardware evolves, external chips get brought in, and the boards themselves get powered up – but a lot of the core programming is the same. Their studies are evolving along with the hardware itself. They’ve entered the 1990s, so perhaps we’ll continue along that route.”

The thoughts of playing 3D classics from the SEGA Saturn and Dreamcast days certainly has me excited. What games from those eras would you like to see? Sound off in the comments below!

Via Gamasutra 

The list of 3D SEGA classics on sale can be seen below.

Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage 2
Gun Star Heroes
Outrun
Afterburner 2
Echo the Dolphin
Shinobi 3
Space Harrier
Super HangOn

Each title is currently going for $3.99, and it is not currently known when the sale will end. My recommendation is to grab them all before time runs out!

Which game on the list would you want the most? Sound off below!

Via NeoGAF 

It appears the cause of death is cancer, according to some posters on NeoGAF, but we haven’t been able to confirm that as of yet.

Saito played a major role in programming many of the 3D Classics on the Nintendo 3DS, but his work included bringing the Genesis, Master System and arcade Virtual Console apps to the Nintendo Wii, among many others.

Its truly a sad loss for the video game industry, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Saito’s family and friends.

Here’s the full, translated blog post:

Or the original of such should write such a thing in this place, I was very troubled.

But in on the net of time, which has been referred to as the personal computer communication, is that of Saito who was the numerous friends.

That he is now, I will consider it written because it is widely known that you are in our company.

It Akiyoshi Saito mokimoki Saito has died. That’s right it was that of a 16-afternoon at home. Last year in a battle with discovered the gun to his head, was still at most 43-year-old.

Saito-chan, we made ​​or “Dejiko Myunikeshon” or “2” in the GBA at the inner of the company.

Gem of the music group by the sound driver that worked relentlessly not say whining to GBA of the CPU,
has burned into my ears even now.

Here recently out to buy a start-up members of the 3D reissue project that it is, such as by forcibly 3D the “Space Harrier”, fairly succeeded in Misr steward eagle the heart of the old man both.

Its also still worked the 3DS of the CPU in the momentum that black companies of Nan’nosono time,

I was me firmly cemented into the world sends out based on the 3D reprint project.

According to the Koga of colleagues, which is also the old friends, it seems to have been the game spree since I was a student.

That’s right had Mitsui to experience the game to float the lunch bill.

While shooting and character action was Karakishi, Space Harrier and afterburner is like had reached the ending to curiously.

Mitsugu well, I had the crazy driving in the ear copy music, etc. on your computer you know. It declared that “‘ll be ear copy!” On the net, was the one who, such as the “Dekita!” The next day in the morning. Well, again I think I a translation more to circumstance … in the street.

His life had with the video game.

I received a favorite Sega in job hunting, Yet not recruited even think of the game exactly the developers of unrelated system system, we lower the curtain of life eventually continues continue to make the game in Emutsu.
His later years there along with the 3DS and the Sega game, dropping to hand riding size Sega of experience game loved by the high degree of perfection, the last year of Sega’s meta critic ※ the world one game publisher of Metasukoa by 3D reprint project It was pushed up to the position.

It did not come true what to be a yearning Segaman, but the push-up in the ranking first place the Sega company from the standpoint of the outside of 1 developers, has left the world. I think I would have been long-cherished ambition.

Please give playing time to time whether the person who has the his involved game.
Please give to hear if from time to time If you have a music group that he made.
You joy surely.

He says prospects and projects to participate until the next time just before, the idea that you want to try if there is time to hurry myself. In the past would be surprised even you’ve seen the problem, it was supposed to tackle this year. I also it was looking forward to come the day that you can show you to everyone in a lordly manner.

We are feelings, not losing his enthusiasm, it is the world send prepared for video games as long as the desire is the world.

Thank you for reading.

However, with the new year upon us, the possibilities for SEGA seem almost limitless, right? Well, maybe not so much, but surely it can’t be worse than last year … at least we hope not. But I digress, let’s not focus on the negatives but look forward to the future!

With that in mind, here are the games that we hope SEGA will release this year. These could be games that SEGA has already announced for release in Japan, games that have been delayed multiple times or just games that we’d like SEGA to develop a sequel … everything’s on the table, ladies and gents.

And we’re off!

Shenmue I and II HD

Marcin: After Shenmue III was announced at last year’s E3, the game that I wanted SEGA to release the most was finally becoming a reality. The funny thing is, is that SEGA isn’t even making it! I feel like the next best thing SEGA could do would be to release HD versions of Shenmue I and II.

Since Shenmue III will (hopefully) be released at the end of 2017, it would be a great idea for SEGA to release them before Shenmue III comes out. SEGA wants to win back our trust, so what better way to regain that trust than to give us these games? It would be awesome if SEGA could find a way to transfer all of Ryo’s items from Shenmue I and II HD to Shenmue III … a man can dream!

Prospects: Possible

New NiGHTS

Donnie: You know, there’s so much hype and curiosity about Sonic’s 25th anniversary that NiGHTS‘ 20th anniversary has gone largely unnoticed. It’s unfortunate too seeing how much the franchise has been associated by Sonic Team and their Sonic titles over the years. I’d love to see a new NiGHTS title for 2016 not just because the anniversary is happening this year but I feel that this is the time to release one.

This is one franchise that I think deserves a new game and I think the time is ripe. However with SEGA’s strategy nowadays and their focus on the more notable franchises it’s unlikely.

Prospects: Longshot

Streets of Rage HD

Andrew: There is a lot of talk about Yakuza coming out in 2016 but I want to see something a little different. Considering the roaring success of SEGA’s 3D Classics, I am hoping that they channel that into re-mastered games for home consoles.

Imagine Streets of Rage in stunning HD with drop in/drop out co-op play and polished next-gen 3D graphics. Hopefully they do something with the dormant IP’s they have in 2016.

Prospects: Possible

3D Power Drift

Jayson: Considering the 3D Classics’ nature of being arcade games, 3D Power Drift would make a great addition, and it would be nice to at least have one of the two arcade 3D Classics that were just released.

Power Drift is an amazing SEGA game,and having a portable version would be great,taking into account the only other close to arcade ports were Japan-only. The SEGA 3D Classics were a pretty big hit here in the US, so to be missing the “final” two, would be a shame, especially Power Drift.

There is already OutRun and Hang-On, so it’s only fair to have the third great Yu Suzuki racer up there, as well. It’s a perfect game to play on the go, with just the right amount of replayability and fun to make you want to come back for more. That is why 3D Power Drift is my most wanted SEGA game for 2016; well, that and Initial D Perfect Shift Online, whatever happened to that, SEGA? It looked like a really cool game.

Prospects: Very Possible

Phantasy Star Online 2

Kopke: Instead of focusing on games that are highly probable to arrive here like Project Diva X, I will go for a game that MUST, by all means, arrive in 2016 – Phantasy Star Online 2. This might be the last year for SEGA to realistically release the game in the West.

However, the operation might become risky due to its four-year delay, the game has passed the breaking point on the fans patience, so if they ever do this they must do it right: getting all the content available in Japan. If SEGA released the game with a portion of the content that Japanese players get, it could backfire on SEGA. Truth be told, it might be impossible at this point, with the game about to get a fourth episode and a PS4 release making it complex for the licensing and localization teams.

SEGA of Japan and Europe have been talking a lot of winning the fans back during this new era, so what better back to win some trust than with this awaited game?

Prospects: Longshot

Sonic 3 Remastered

Dan: For a long time, SEGA seemed perfectly happy simply churning out serviceable, if unremarkable, ports of their 16-bit era Sonic games. Thank God for Christian ‘Taxman’ Whitehead and his sterling work bringing a wonderfully enhanced version of Sonic CD (see review) to mobile devices. Following its success, he was later joined by Simon ‘Stealth’ Thomley to work on comparable restorations of Sonics 1 and 2, all of which were officially sanctioned by SEGA.

The pair pitched a similar update to my personal favourite Sonic of all time – Sonic 3 & Knuckles – to SEGA under the title Sonic 3 Remastered. It looks simply amazing, but sadly, it wasn’t commissioned, and there’s been no news on the project for a long time.

Rumours abound that SEGA are locked in a behind closed doors legal battle surrounding third party contributions Sonic 3’s soundtrack, thus preventing any further ports or re-releases seeing the light of day for the foreseeable future. Indeed, the game hasn’t seen any fresh airings since a somewhat muted Steam release in 2011.

But we’d be happy for Sonic 3 Remastered see the light of day even with with an altered soundtrack, if that is indeed the problem. While not ideal, given how iconic some of the game’s classic tunes are, if that the only way Taxman and Stealth will get to work their incomparable magic on the greatest 2D Sonic game that ever was, so be it.

It’s hard to imagine SEGA u-turning so long after the original pitch, so I don’t rate the chances of Sonic 3 Remastered gracing app stores near you this year very highly. That said, I’d you’re as enthusiastic as I am about it, head over to their website, sign the petition and get yourself involved.

You never just know.

Prospects: Possible

3D Phantasy Star

The Requiem: The original Phantasy Star was the best RPG of the 8-bit era – in the US, at least. Disagree and you and I will have words… Words shaped like a It was an underplayed classic due to its release on the under-appreciated Master System, but decades later, Phantasy Star still commands respect from retro gamers.

Featuring brilliant, colorful graphics that could be easily mistaken for those of more advanced consoles and maze-like, first-person dungeons, Phantasy Star would be a perfect fit for the 3DS remake line of 3D classics. The battle screens and dungeon traversal would look great in 3D, and given M2’s track record of adding in new modes and features, I’d expect a lot of cool updates to the JRPG formula to keep the game fresh and palatable to both modern gamers and old school fans alike. Maybe a remixed soundtrack, an optional hint system, or even a special mode with alternate dungeon layouts and slightly less grinding required? I’d buy that for six dollars.

Anything that gets the original Phantasy Star into the hands of more gamers is commendable in my book. It should even help to shut up the chorus of whiny snowflakes who complain incessantly about the lack of healthy female protagonists in games, retro or otherwise. Alys Landale was the shit, you cherry-picking, confirmation-bias-plagued phonies. (I of course say that with love and all due respect)

As sad as it is for me to admit, there’s absolutely zero chance of SEGA doing this, though. Uh, maybe I’ll give them up to 2%. Like a healthy glass of milk. From a cow. On hormones.

Prospects: Longshot

Skies of Arcadia HD

Chris: Look, I’ll be honest, I never beat Skies of Arcadia on the Dreamcast. I thought it was a brilliant game, but I preferred the non-random battles and the fast-paced battles of Grandia 2. Since then, I’ve seen legions of SEGA fans sing Skies of Arcadia’s praise, and I’m really getting the itch to play it again.

Sure, I could always pop in my Dreamcast copy, and I’ll certainly do that, but I’d love to see the game remastered in glorious HD and released on Steam, PS4 and Xbox One.

If SEGA is concerned that the overzealous random battles in the Dreamcast original wouldn’t sit well with gamers today, they could opt to base the HD release on the Nintendo GameCube version – Skies of Arcadia: Legends, which featured less enemy encounters and quicker battles.

SEGA has an amazing library of RPGs that would fare well being ported to Steam and home consoles, and I think they should begin with this Overworks’ classic.

Prospects: Possible

3D Puyo Puyo 2

The second installment in Compile’s popular action puzzle series “Puyo Puyo” series makes its way to 3D for the “Sega 3D Classics Volume 2“!

The title was highly popular among the series fans, based on the original arcade version. The “offset” rule is the first time was adopted for this title, the competition is even more intense! “Sega 3D Classics Volume 2” version, supports local play for the Ninty 3DS, you can also enjoy wireless communication for versus competition with 2 players.

The title includes the basic Puyo system were the more you collide at the more damage makes to the opponent but with a new “Oja Mapuyo” punishment. But it also allows you to quick turn your Puyos as counter for the attacks.

The 3D version includes: Saving a replay matches, slide path support, difficulty options, “Oja Mapuyo” rule on/off switch, rule changes, margin times, sound settings, and control customization support.

3D Power Drift

From the Mastermind that created “Outrun” and “Afterburner II”, Yu Suzuki, comes AM2 upscaler racer, Power Drift, now in 3D!  Boarded with a powerful monster machine, it runs a 3D circuit course with up-down features that allows you to feel like in a roller coaster. Similar to “Galaxy Force II”, the virtual game’s “Y board” was adopted. 1 course and 5 stages with rich scenes that compose 25 stages + α charming BGM.

Porting this game to this 3D version was the result of poll made for the Japanese fans, this is the first time this title gets such a version like this. This version supports Wide-screen.

The 3D version includes: Saving a replay matches, slide path support, difficulty options, operation type system options, gear type, screen sizes configurations, tilt screen like in the original arcade, sound settings like enviromental sound and equalizer plus a new track, and control customization support.

According to an item listing on the Xbox One game store, the Streets of Rage SEGA Vintage Collection will be one of those games. However, the page listing has the game becoming available on Nov. 3, so it will be interesting to see if it somehow becomes available ahead of the Xbox One’s new operating system’s roll out.

The Streets of Rage collection was originally released on the Xbox 360 on May 30, 2012, and was ported by M2, which has been most recently known for its work on the SEGA 3D Collection for the Nintendo 3DS. The collection included new game trials and supported local and online co-op.

The 360 version was only 285 MB, while it looks like the Xbox One version is 937 MB, so it will be interesting to see why it’s more than three times the size as the original game.

As of now, Streets of Rage is the only game coming up for the Xbox One, while the rest of the SEGA Vintage Collection still only show they’re available for the 360. Here’s hoping that SEGA will make the whole Vintage Collection backwards compatible for those of us who supported it on the 360.

What other Xbox 360 games are you hoping will be backwards compatible? We’re looking at you, Vanquish!