Sega has revealed what's in store for its fans in the near future as it made several major announcements at the Sega Fes 2018 event held in Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan.
The Sega Genesis Classics collection, featuring 50 retro games, will launch on May 29 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One while Yakuza Kiwami 2, the remastered version of Sega's 2006 game Yakuza 2, will launch this August as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. However, it looks like Sega has so much more up its sleeve.
Sega Genesis Mini Unveiled
One of the most surprising announcements at Sega Fes 2018 was the unveiling of the Sega Genesis Mini, also known as the Sega Mega Drive Mini. The retro console, which will be released within the year to celebrate its 30th anniversary, will likely function like the massively popular NES Classic Edition and SNES Classic Edition of Nintendo.
Not much else is known yet about the Sega Genesis Mini, but more details will be revealed as its launch date draws near. It also remains to be seen if it will be better than current emulators like the Sega Genesis Flashback of AtGames.
'Shenmue' And 'Shenmue II' For PlayStation 4, Xbox One, And PC
Sega also announced that Shenmue and Shenmue II will be rereleased this year for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
The new versions of the first two games in the Shenmue series will come with modern features such as a fully scalable screen resolution, options between modern and classic control schemes, additional graphics options for the PC, an improved user interface, and a choice between the Japanese or English voiceovers.
The games, which will be released as Shenmue I & II, will be available both digitally and physically. Fans of the series may want to enjoy the two-pack titles while waiting for the Kickstarter-funded Shenmue 3, which is being developed independently from Sega.
'Sega Ages' To Launch On Nintendo Switch
Sega is also bringing several retro games to the Nintendo Switch under the Sega Ages label. Over 15 titles will be made available to owners of the hybrid console, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Thunder Force 4, and Phantasy Star.
These three games were the only ones that had been unveiled so far for Sega Ages for the Nintendo Switch, but more information is likely coming soon as it will be released this summer.
Next 'Sakura Wars' Game In The Work
Last but not least, Sega also revealed that it is working on a new Sakura Taisen project, which is known in the United States as the Sakura Wars franchise.
The next Sakura Wars game will follow the series' formula that combines the genres of tactical RPGs, visual novels, and dating simulators. It will be the first Sakura Wars title in several years, with the last one being Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii in 2010.
