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.