As the 30th anniversary celebration of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise continues through 2021, Sega and comics publisher IDW has announced a special 30th-anniversary comic book release. The Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special is a large 80-page comic book with three separate stories featuring iconic heroes and villains.
Joining the team that features longtime writer Ian Flynn and artists Mauro Fonseca, Reggie Graham, Aaron Hammerstrom, and Thomas Rothlisberger are multiple New York Times bestsellers. Gale Galligan, best known for her illustration work in The Babysitters Club, and Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy, known for My Brother, My Brother, and Me and The Adventure Zone, join the established creative team behind the Sonic the Hedgehog comics.
"Sonic has been central to my creative career for years," Flynn said in a press release. "I've had the pleasure of writing the little blue hedgehog in a variety of media, and he, in turn, has introduced me to an army of artists and editors who have helped me grow as a professional (and made me look good). I've had a long run with Sonic, and I hope that continues for years to come!"
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The first story is called "Seasons of Chaos" and comes from Flynn, Hammerstrom, and Graham. This story features Sonic heading off on an adventure to retrieve the Chaos Emeralds alongside Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Mighty, and Ray. The second story, penned by Galligan and illustrated by Rothlisberger, centers on Dr. Eggman celebrating his birthday in a "surprisingly poignant" way. The third and final story comes from the McElroy brothers and Fonseca. In it, Sonic finds himself in the humorous situation of learning how to drive a car as the fastest creature in the universe.
This special-edition comic will be available with multiple cover variants, featuring different art from Sonic Team, Christina-Antoinette Neofotistou, Patrick Spaziante, and Tyson Hesse. Also, IDW will release a Deluxe Edition, which features a hardcover and bonus content at a $20 price-point.
Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special is set to launch alongside the franchise's 30th anniversary this June, while the Deluxe Edition is scheduled for release on October 5. IDW is also launching the first of its hardcover collections of previously released entries in the ongoing series. Sonic the Hedgehog: The IDW Collection, Vol. 1 gathers the first 12 comics in the series and releases on June 22 for $60.
IDW took over from longtime publisher Archie Comics in April 2018. Since then, the series has released nearly 40 issues in the ongoing series. For more on the IDW Sonic comics franchise, check out our interview with Flynn from when the IDW partnership was first announced here.
Now that EA Play is on Xbox Game Pass for PC, there are over 60 new titles to dive right into and enjoy. For those looking for something new to play, we've got a few recommendations that could be your next great gaming adventure.
There are tons of amazing titles to pick up on Xbox Game Pass, especially so with the recent ZeniMax acquisition by Microsoft. That being said, it can be a little hard deciding exactly which game should come first. So let's do it Lucio-style and break it down.
Star Wars: Squadrons is set after the events in Return of the Jedi, and the second iteration of the Death Star has gone kaput. With the Empire and Rebel forces once more at each other's throats, Squadrons gives players a chance to feel like a real pilot in a galaxy far, far away. It's pretty awesome, and even better if you have VR!
Our editor-in-chief, Andrew Reiner, recently reviewed the game, saying: "Squadrons’ single-player may fizzle out frequently like a malfunctioning hyperdrive motivator, but the multiplayer continually impresses and is worth the price of entry alone. Flying in formation with a group of friends put a smile on my face, and that was just the calm before the storm. When the lasers start flying, Squadrons’ multiplayer can be nothing short of exhilarating and a great test of skill, pushing players to be clever in the cockpit to outthink and outmaneuver opponents. Given just how enjoyable it is to pilot an X-Wing or TIE Fighter, this is a multiplayer experience I will continually go back to, even if EA doesn’t support it with new content. It’s just fun to play, providing something different compared to most of today’s competitive games."
Seriously! Give it a go, even if this style of game isn't your usual go-to. It's fun!
While the first Titanfall missed the mark with its online-only option (though that wall-running was a thing of beauty), its sequel absolutely knocked the FPS experience out of the park. You still have the competitive online play that the first game had, but Titanfall 2 also offers a stunning single-player adventure that had a lot of heart and more depth than anyone was expecting.
If you play Apex Legends, that's another reason to play this game! Respawn's popular battle royale title is set within this universe!
"In an era where it feels like the majority of shooters either have single-player or multiplayer tacked on, Titanfall 2 is the full package," reads our full review. "The top-tier campaign has nearly perfect pacing, and the subtle revisions and additions to the multiplayer make it better than ever. For first-person shooter fans, Titanfall 2 is a must-play."
Fallen Order fits into the overall Star Wars universe following Revenge of the Sith's events, when it was very much the world against the Jedi. Cal is joined by quite a few companions, including Cere and Greez, and that companionship seen throughout my time with the game creates a truly organic Star Wars feel. Greez is a hilarious Latero that is very much that sidekick with the witty one-liners and a lovable grandpa feel.
This single-player adventure was a massive hit, and its success showed EA that there is still a lot of love (which means a lot of money to be made, from a business perspective) for solo adventures. This game's praise has positively shaped the future of EA titles, especially for those that are burnt out on multiplayer-only experiences.
From our review of the game: "Despite these numerous little problems, Respawn’s maiden voyage with Star Wars is largely a success. I couldn’t put this game down, both for the thrill of exploring and wanting to see where the story took me next. The inspirations are taken from Dark Souls, Uncharted, and Metroid Prime unite to create something unique that happens to work incredibly well for this beloved license. Like most starships in this universe, Jedi: Fallen Order could use a little polish, but the rust doesn’t hold it back from roaring with excitement."
The entire Dead Space trilogy is available on Xbox Game Pass for PC, and while I can't enjoy them the way I used to for medical reasons, I still can't bury that deep love I have for this iconic horror experience. There's death, there's destruction, there is total mayhem. And it's all in space? What more do you need to know?
"As long as mankind has existed, our base instincts have included survival and tool creation," reads the Game Informer review. "Visceral Games’ latest entry in its acclaimed horror franchise expertly taps into these core desires. Players still creep through dim corridors while blasting limbs off alien zombies, but the scope of survival has expanded. What you bring to battle is completely up to you, thanks to the deep weapon-crafting system. Protagonist Issac Clarke can also suit up with a buddy, this time in a two-player co-op. These features culminate into one of the most rewarding video games I’ve ever played."
Rocket Arena is a must-play for one simple reason: It's an excellent stress reliever. This 3v3 shooter is constantly on the go, which makes utilizing the unique rockets and abilities incredibly fun when facing off against enemy players. Much like Overwatch, there is a unique roster of characters with their own personalities, which adds a nice touch of individuality to the game. They've got their baggage, their rivalries, but they've also got their own goals and aspirations as well.
It's a charming adventure, one that offers the thrill of multiplayer fun without the bogged-down feeling of a grind that feels more like a chore than a game.
Our own Daniel Tack reviewed Rocket Arena, and what he had to say goes almost directly against what I'm saying, and I kind of like that! His review is a solid representation of the two sides of the spectrum regarding this game: Some really loved it for what it was, and others felt like it offered nothing special. That's why now is the perfect time to try it and see where you land, because with Xbox Game Pass, it's free.
"Rocket Arena is yet another offering in the world of third-person hero shooters, a 3v3 experience with several modes that all involve the same core concept: You blast the other team with salvos of rockets! Rockets have been popular weapons in shooters for decades, and here you can wall-climb, rocket-jump, and jet-propel yourself all over the arena," said Tack. "With humdrum heroes, cool maps, and gameplay that gets old fast, Rocket Arena is a mixed experience in a world inundated with offerings all vying for players’ attention."
I would be remiss not to recommend any of the Dragon Age games, especially given how much I adore this franchise. The caveat here, however, is that if you do enjoy this adventure for the first time, pleasepleaseplease play them in order. I know there is much to-do about Dragon Age 2 (which is all incredibly valid, but here's why you should give it a chance anyway), and Origins hasn't aged the best (much like many BioWare games), but the trilogy as a whole is so intertwined lore-wise that if you don't experience them in order, you're missing out in so many ways that you won't even realize. If you don't play Origins and Dragon Age 2, Varric's epic return in Inquisition, Corypheus' return, and that choice in the fade will all mean nothing. To play them out of order (or to play a newer title without the previous entries) is total deprivation of how profound this story is, so much more than many realize.
But Liana, you're not talking about Mass Effect? Yeah, because the remaster is coming out in May. Trust me; the wait will be worth it.
For sports lovers, every EA sports title in recent years is available now on Xbox Game Pass. While I'm not the biggest sports lover myself if that's what you're looking for? Feast on, friend.
If you've been waiting since our cover story on Magic: Legends to get your hands on the ARPG take on Magic: The Gathering, the time is almost here. The Magic: Legends open beta kicks off next week, here's what you need to know.
On March 23, PC players can dive into the worlds of Magic: The Gathering with no wipes to follow, meaning your progress will carry on to the eventual wide release later this year. Xbox and PlayStation players still have to wait, but it's going to be nice just to see the game in action after all this time.
So, what's in this open beta anyway? Check out the trailer below for a rundown of everything that's going to be available.
Click here to watch embedded mediaIn Magic: Legends, you construct a deck full of spells and creatures much like the traditional card game, even using some familiar faces and conjurations. However, the actual gameplay is nothing like a collectible card game, as you blaze through enemy hordes by combining your class, cards, and gear customization to face tougher and tougher content and reap the corresponding rewards. World bosses flesh out myriad other content offerings and difficulties, so you can pick the right experience for you and up to two other players as you tackle various regions and worlds. If this sounds a lot like a Magic: The Gathering infused take on Diablo, you're in the right ballpark!
During open beta, players have a wealth of areas to explore, quests to complete, and customization to engage with. While this is being called an open beta, and I'm sure there will be many tweaks, balances, and game changes based on what feedback comes back from the community, this is essentially the game launch, just at a scale that significant issues that arise can be handled without having to put out a ton of fires. For this particular game, I can't wait to see how it performs on console as well, as I enjoyed playing it with a controller when I had the opportunity to go hands on around a year ago at Cryptic Studios. I'm still curious how the monetization will play out with the free-to-play format, and I guess I won't have to wait much longer to weigh in on that reality.
Are you going to check out Magic: Legends when it arrives next week? Waiting for it to come to consoles? Not really interested in it at all? Let us know in the comments!
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that it, along with upstart company RTS, has acquired the Evolution Championship Series (Evo). RTS is a new venture from esports league company Endeavor, and the joint purchase brings the biggest annual fighting game tournament under Sony’s umbrella.
So what’s changing? Exact plans haven't been announced yet, but the statement Sony gave in its blog post states that it aims to use its resources to help elevate Evo's global status like never before. According to the official press release, the event will be jointly overseen by SIE and RTS going forward. However, the exact terms of this partnership, such as how much money was paid to purchase Evo and what the ownership split actually is, are not disclosed due to contractual reasons.
Welcoming @Evo into the PlayStation family: https://t.co/I3J5iOKhha
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) March 18, 2021
Sony Interactive Entertainment and new esports venture RTS have jointly acquired the Evolution Championship Series pic.twitter.com/efOkbf61lU
Evo’s co-founders, Tony and Tom Cannon will remain involved as key advisors in order to, as the press release states, “ensure that Evo remains a one-of-a-kind, grassroots competitive platform for fighting game players and fans around the globe.”
“Tom and I are incredibly excited by the partnership with SIE and RTS,” said Tony Cannon. “Both companies bring a wealth of experience and share our passion for what makes the fighting game community so great. We are looking forward to working with them to launch Evo to the next level while remaining true to our roots.”
“Fighting games have been a vital part of PlayStation’s legacy and our community since the very beginning, and we’ve been thrilled to partner with Evo over the years,” said Steven Roberts, VP, Global Competitive Gaming, SIE in the press release. “This joint acquisition with RTS marks a new chapter of collaboration with Evo’s co-founders, Tom and Tony Cannon, and their passionate community of fighting game fans.”
Evo 2021 is scheduled to take place on August 6-8 and August 13-15 using an online format. The announced line-up of games so far are Street Fighter V: Championship Edition, Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate, Tekken 7, and Guilty Gear Strive with more titles to come. Entry to Evo 2021 will be free of charge. Seems like a nice rebound after last year’s Evo was canceled not once but twice: first because of the pandemic, then the online version was nixed after then-Evo CEO Joey Cuellar faced allegations of sexual misconduct.
So fighting game fans and esports enthusiasts, what do you make of this acquisition? Let us know in the comments.