Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Has Been Officially Announced

The wait is finally over; Ken Balough, Digital Brand Manager of SEGA, has released an exclusive trailer of Sonic the Hedgehog 4:  Episode II on Gamespot.  From the interview and trailer, Ken has said that Sonic's sidekick Tails will be in the game as well as Metal Sonic, Sonic's rival.  There was no gameplay footage in the trailer, but Ken said that a lot of things have been improved for this game.  Thanks to the fans' feedback on the SEGA forums and blogs, Sonic the Hedgehog 4:  Episode II will be better.  For example, the physics engine is brand new and fans will not have to worry about Sonic clinging to a wall.  Also, the graphics engine is brand new as well, so there are many positive aspects with this game.  Sonic the Hedgehog 4:  Episode II will be out in 2012 for the XBOX 360, PS3, Android/ Window 7 Phones, and iOS devices (iPad, etc.).  Make sure to check out the interview on Gamespot (hyperlinked within this article).

DirectGamers 2011

Naruto Shippuuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

Well, this game looks amazing!!!  Great way to start this out; the game trailer came out on December 21, so we're a little late on it.  Based on the trailer, this game will truly be the ultimate ninja out of every ultimate ninja game in the series.  Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations first brings over 70 characters from both the Naruto & Naruto Shippuuden anime series, so there are a lot of rivalries in the game; the first appearance of a certain character will be in this game as well.  Second, the battle system for the game has been updated and improved, which makes every attack look smooth, vivid, and powerful.  Another thing added into the game is anime clips; players will be able to get a load of anime clips that were never before seen in the actual anime, which in my eyes as both a gamer and anime fan, is beyond spectacular.  Finally, online play will be in this game, and it will include an online tournament mode.  Be prepared to challenge other ninjas across the glob.  With that said, Naruto Shippuuden:  Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations will be released on March 13, 2012 for the XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3!!!

Check out the official trailer!

DirectGamers 2011

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Review

Courtesy of SEGA 

With the release of Sonic the Hedgehog being a huge success in many ways, SEGA needed to come up with a sequel for the game.  As the sequel was being created in America by some members of Sonic Team and the SEGA Technical Institute, SEGA of Japan was creating Sonic CD for the SEGA CD.  This game literally took the blue hedgehog to a whole new level, with the help of a two-tail fox named Mile "Tails" Prower (speed joke... you got it?).  Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was finally on store shelves in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992.  Great gimmick they had for it, which was known as Sonic Twosday.  If you're interested, check out the information on it.  Did this game match up to the original, surpass it, or did it fall short of glory?  Let's find out in a DirectGamers' review of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the SEGA Genesis/ MEGA DRIVE.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

Well, the Kingdom Hearts 3D:  Dream Drop Distance trailer has been released, and it looks spectacular.  Not only do gamers get the standard of Sora and Riku, they get some new faces to see.  Well, some of these new characters in the game are from other games.  Furthermore, some returning characters from previous games will be in there.  Another thing to point out is the levels.  The three levels that they've pointed out were from Disney movies such as The 3 Musketeers, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Pinocchio.  I can see that this game will be great for the Kingdom Hearts series.  However, I believe that a lot of people are waiting for a platform release instead of another handheld release.  What are your opinions on this game?  Leave a comment about the future of this game.  Kingdom Hearts 3D:  Dream Drop Distance comes out for the Nintendo 3DS on March 2012!

Kingdom Hearts 3D:  Dream Drop Distance © Disney & Square Enix, 2012

Final Fantasy XIII-2 Thoughts & Feelings

Courtesy of Square Enix

Chris_sez from DirectGamers with an update.  I recently watched the Final Fantasy XIII-2 Environment Trailer, and it made me really think about the Final Fantasy series.  I was never into the Final Fantasy series, but I am into the Kingdom Hearts series.  Maybe it's because I never played any Final Fantasy games (don't tell Sephiroth).  However, by looking at the trailers, I'm starting to like Final Fantasy XIII-2.  Maybe it's the trailers, but I feel that this game will be great; it seems like this is a highly anticipated game for 2012.  IGN gave Final Fantasy XIII an 8.9 out of 10 for both the XBOX 360 and PS3, and they only said that it lacked the classic mini games, and it being too linear for 25-30 hours.  I enjoyed Kingdom Hearts, so maybe I'll like Final Fantasy.  What are you opinions on this game and its future release?  Leave a comment below and tell us your opinion.  Don't forget to check out the Enhanced Battle System Trailer.

Final Fantasy © Square Enix
Kingdom Hearts © Square Enix & Disney

Update: New Layout

Picture from Nintendo website 

Welcome to DirectGamers. I just finished a whole new layout for the site. Don't be shy, come and join the fun. We are also celebrating the Legend of Zelda 25th Year Anniversary by posting the emblem as our background. Hopefully, we'll have a post about that up soon.

Sonic CD Review

With Sonic the Hedgehog 2 being the top-selling game on the Sega Genesis (#2 being Sonic the Hedgehog) Sega wanted to follow up with another success. Sonic 2 was being developed in the USA because Yuji Naka was tired of SEGA constantly watching him. Naoto Oshima and the rest of the staff who stayed behind worked on their version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.While Sega of Japan was developing a different Sonic game. That game was Sonic CD. Sonic CD has become something of a cult classic because of the gameplay. Is it worthy of this title? Lets find out!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sonic the Hedgehog Review

Courtesy of SEGA 

During the 1980's, Mario (Super Mario Bros.) was the most well know video game character and popular game out there.  If you didn't have a copy of Super Mario Bros., you didn't have a complete NES collection.  Many competitors tried to take down the Italian plumber, but no one could stop him.  On one side, the 1990's were arriving, and Mario was making his transition to the 16-bit world with the SNES.  On the other side, SEGA was making a character that could take him down.  Many concept designs were made for the character; these ranged from a rabbit with stretchy ears, to an armadillo, who is now known as Mighty the Armadillo.  Soon, the decision to make the character a hedgehog was made; thus, Mr. Needlemouse was created.  Did I say Mr. Needlemouse?  I meant to say Sonic the Hedgehog!!!  With the boots inspired by Michael Jackson and Santa Claus, and Bill Clinton's "Get it done" attitude, the hedgehog was ready to run at supersonic speed and take on Mario in 1991 with his debut game Sonic the Hedgehog for the SEGA Genesis/ Mega Drive in 1991.

Thank you guys!

I just want to say thanks for letting me join in this 5UP game reviews blog. I promise you won't be disappointed with me. I would mainly like to review Nintendo games for all systems except 3DS. Thanks again.

Once Again Another Update

Hey everyone, Chris_sez with another update. Talking with the other members of the blog, it has come to my attention that there another 1UP Gaming. This one was here before is, so we apologize for the mix up. From now on, we are 5UP Gaming Reviews. Check out the true 1UP Gaming. Once again, we're sorry for the mix up.

Also do not be afraid to leave a comment on the blog; we want to hear your opinions on the blogs. Your comments will help us improve for later reviews. And the next shall be coming soon. What will it be on? Well that will be a surprise. Just expect to have some fun reading it. Leave a comment and don't forget to follow this blog!!! Happy Thanksgiving (in Canada)!!!!

5UP Gaming 2011

Megaman X Review

Megaman X
5UP Gaming Reviews

Mega Man was in no rush to hurry to the SNES. While many popular franchises such as Super Mario tried to leap to the new Super Nintendo to further themselves from the original NES to re-establish themselves with sequels as soon as the Super Nintendo came around, Mega Man hung back. Capcom had decided to stick to the tried and true with Mega Man. Capcom released 3 more games of the Blue Bomber before calling it quits with the NES


Mega Man X finally launched for the SNES around two and a half years after the system's debut. This wasn't just another Mega Man game with better graphics and sleeker gameplay; it was a complete reinvention of the franchise.
Much like the original Megaman games on the NES, Mega Man X is an Action-Platformer. The X series is very similar to the Classic series. You start the game on a desolate highway instead of the infamous boss select screen. This was mainly to get used to the new mechanics of the game.
(Japanese Cover Art)

Update/Check These Guys Out If You Haven't

Hey guys and gals, Chris_sez here with a little update and a little bit of promotions. Even though the blog has been out for a good 3 weeks, we are still in the process of getting everything set up. We now have a total of 5 authors. These people are people that Sam and I know; hence, we asked them to be part of this and they agreed to it. So for right now, we will not be taking request for more authors. Sam believes that 5 authors are enough and I'm going to go with it for now.

Now that the updates are done, it's time for promotions. These people all have YouTube accounts and they are well known throughout the internet. Some of these people you will know and others this will be the first time you'll hear about them. So without further ado, let's show you some awesome gamers!!!

First we have the Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN). Many people know him for his vulgar actions and words against games. Well this works very well for the Nerd. He is the true definition of a retro gamer; especially for the games that are bad or "shitty". James Rolfe is a great reviewer. He gives his opinion on the game with no hold bar. Suspect him to be shitting on games at times and point out the annoying crap in games. Want proof? Just look at his Silver Surfer review for the NES. He usually updates his YouTube channel about 2 times for reviews. Now that it's October, the Nerd will be reviewing horror movies & games; thus, giving Halloween its very spooky feel. Don't forget to check him out on ScrewAttack's website or Cinemassacre. The AVGN: One Nerd you don't want to mess with.

Welcome to 5UP Gaming Reviews!!!

Hello everyone, this is Chris_sez welcoming you to the brand new 1UP Gaming Blog!!! I'm brand new to the idea of gaming news and reviews; however, Samantha isn't. She has a blog where she talks about a lot of things. These can vary from video game news, to anime; even to life. I would highly recommend you all to check it out. http://lazynoonz.wordpress.com/. I do have a blog as well and highly recommend you to check it out: http://biggerthanastatus.blogspot.com/.


Well as I said before, this blog is for gaming news and reviews. We'll make sure to get the news out as fast as possible and make sure it's accurate. Both of us wanted to do this for a while; just didn't have the time to set this up. It's a good thing we started now, because this seems to be the best time/year for gaming. For example, Sonic Generations. This game has got a lot of hype (as it should) and a lot are excited to see the blue blur back in his element. So to make this as cool as possible, there will be reviews for a lot of the Sonic the Hedgehog games. It does include the game gear games (expect those reviews to be short). For more Sonic news, check Sonic Retro or Sonic Stadium.


Did you think we're only doing Sonic reviews? Well think again. We're gonna hit the games of our childhood, today's games and the games that made you rage quit. That's all for now. Give us some time to get the reviews out, since we have to play the games. Also, Sam is making a background/banner for this, so stay tuned for 5UP Gaming: We're your extra lives!!!


GAME-ON!!!