Sega Ages[a]is a series of video gameports,remakes,and compilations published bySega.It consists of Segaarcade gamesandhome consolegames, typically those for theSega GenesisandMaster System.The series was launched on theSega Saturnin 1996. Entries were published for thePlayStation 2asSega Ages 2500,a reference to its ¥2500 price point. The series later came to theXbox 360andPlayStation 3asSega Ages Online,and finally to theNintendo Switchas simplySega Ages.The nameSega Agesis apalindrome,with "Ages" being "Sega" backwards — this was previously used by Sega in European marketing strategies from the late 1980s to early 1990s.
| Sega Ages | |
|---|---|
 Logo for the Nintendo Switch series | |
| Developer(s) | Sega,M2,3D Ages,Sims |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Platform(s) | Sega Saturn,PlayStation 2,Xbox 360,PlayStation 3,Nintendo Switch |
The Sega Saturn and PlayStation 2 releases usually feature a singular game alongside extras such as remakes or developer info, and sold at a low price point.[1]Most of these releases were exclusive to Japan. Three games in the Sega Saturn series -Space Harrier,Out RunandAfter Burner II- were selected forSega Ages Volume 1,released in Europe in 1996 and in North America in 1997. Several games in the PlayStation 2 series were released in Europe and North America as part of theSega Classics Collectioncompilation in 2005. The PlayStation 2 series was initially developed by 3D Ages, a collaborative effort between Sega andD3 Publisher,but Sega would soon develop the games in-house following the departure of D3 Publisher from the project.
Games
editSega Ages(Sega Saturn)
editThe firstSega Agesseries was released in 1996 for theSega Saturnin Japan and concluded in 1998. Although the majority of the titles in this series remained exclusive to Japan, three games from the line -Out Run,Space HarrierandAfter Burner II,[2]would be compiled into the video game compilationSega Ages Volume 1,[1]released in Europe in 1996 by Sega itself andSega Agesreleased in North America in 1997 byWorking Designsunder theirSpazimprint.[2]Despite the title, no additional volumes would be released in these territories. Due to development technicalities atWorking Designs,they had to make a sacrifice toOut Runby removing the original arcade music from the disc so that all three games could fit. The game would still contain the arrangement version of the music. Reasons for the removal are explained in the developer / translator notes at the back of the manual.
| Title | Release date | Included games |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1 Syukudai ga Tant-R | Puzzle & Action: Tant-R,Quiz Syukudai wo Wasuremashita | |
| Vol. 2 Space Harrier† | Space Harrier | |
| Vol. 3 Out Run† |
|
Out Run |
| Vol. 4 After Burner II† |
|
After Burner II |
| Vol. 5 Rouka ni Ichidant-R |
|
Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R,Quiz Rouka ni Tattenasai! |
| Vol. 6 Fantasy Zone |
|
Fantasy Zone |
| Vol. 7 Memorial Selection Vol. 1 |
|
Head-On,Pengo,Flicky,Up'n Down |
| Vol. 8 Columns Arcade Collection |
|
Columns,Columns II: The Voyage Through Time,Stack Columns,Columns '97 |
| Vol. 9 Memorial Selection Vol. 2 |
|
Samurai,Monaco GP,Star Jacker,Sindbad Mystery,Ninja Princess |
| Vol. 10 Power Drift |
|
Power Drift |
| Vol. 11 Phantasy Star Collection |
|
Phantasy Star,Phantasy Star II,Phantasy Star III,Phantasy Star IV |
| Vol. 12 Galaxy Force II |
|
Galaxy Force II |
| Vol. 13 I Love Mickey Mouse: Fushigi no Oshiro Daibouken/I Love Donald Duck: Guruzia Ou no Hihou |
|
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse,QuackShot |
†= Released in North America as part ofSega Agesand Europe as part ofSega Ages Volume 1.
Sega Ages 2500(PlayStation 2)
editThe second series was released for thePlayStation 2in 2003 and concluding in 2008, known as theSega Ages 2500series - this title comes from the ¥2500 price point the game had.[4]The series was created from Sega's interest in the success ofD3 Publisher'sSimplebudget-title video game series, which features low-budget games at a low price point. This interest would lead to Sega and D3 Publisher forming a new subsidiary company in 2003, known as3D Ages(スリーディー・エイジス/3Dエイジス,Surīdī Eijisu),with the sole reason to create games under theSega Ages 2500series.[5]Later in 2004, D3 Publisher would leave the project and give Sega complete control of the company.[6]
The main focus of the series was to remake older Sega video games with 3D visuals, alongside improved sound and gameplay. Following the departure of D3 Publisher, the series would soon shift into featuring compilations of other Sega video games alongside remakes of these games.[6]The series officially concluded in 2008 after 33 entries, although several otherSega Ages 2500games, featuring games such asStreets of RageandAlex Kidd,were planned for release.[6]3D Ages was disbanded in late 2005 and absorbed into Sega.[6]
Due to complications with Sony Computer Entertainment America, Sega was disallowed from releasing the games individually outside Japan.[6]Instead, nine of the games in theSega Ages 2500series would be compiled into theSega Classics Collectioncompilation for the PlayStation 2, released in North America by Sega in 2005 and in Europe byConspiracy Entertainmentin 2006.[4]
| Title | Release date | Included games |
|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1: Phantasy Star Generation: 1 |
|
Remake ofPhantasy Star |
| Vol. 2: Monaco GP† |
|
Remake ofMonaco GP |
| Vol. 3: Fantasy Zone† |
|
Remake ofFantasy Zone |
| Vol. 4: Space Harrier† |
|
Remake ofSpace Harrier |
| Vol. 5: Golden Axe† |
|
Remake ofGolden Axe |
| Vol. 6: Ichini no Tant-R to Bonanza Bros.† |
|
Remakes ofBonanza Bros.andPuzzle & Action: Tant-R |
| Vol. 7: Columns† |
|
Remake ofColumns,built on the engine ofColumns '97,with a Vs CPU mode similar to the single-player mode ofColumns III. |
| Vol. 8: Virtual Racing FlatOut† |
|
Remake ofVirtua Racing |
| Vol. 9: Gain Ground |
|
Remake ofGain Ground |
| Vol. 10: After Burner II |
|
Remake ofAfter Burner II |
| Vol. 11: Hokuto no Ken |
|
Remake ofHokuto no Ken |
| Vol. 12: Puyo Puyo Tsuu Perfect Set |
|
Puyo Puyo 2 |
| Vol. 13: Out Run† |
|
Remake ofOut Run |
| Vol. 14: Alien Syndrome† |
|
Remake ofAlien Syndrome |
| Vol. 15: DecAthlete Collection |
|
DecAthlete,Winter Heat,Virtua Athlete |
| Vol. 16: Virtua Fighter 2 |
|
Virtua Fighter 2 |
| Vol. 17: Phantasy Star Generation: 2 |
|
Remake ofPhantasy Star II |
| Vol. 18: Dragon Force |
|
Remake ofDragon Force |
| Vol. 19: Fighting Vipers |
|
Fighting Vipers |
| Vol. 20: Space Harrier Complete Collection |
|
Space Harrier,Space Harrier(SMS),Space Harrier(GG),Space Harrier 3D,Space Harrier II,Sega Mark IIIerror screen demo |
| Vol. 21: SDI & Quartet: Sega System 16 Collection |
|
SDI,Quartet |
| Vol. 22: Advanced Daisenryaku: Deutsch Dengeki Sakusen |
|
Remake ofAdvanced Daisenryaku |
| Vol. 23: Sega Memorial Selection |
|
Head-On,Tranquilizer Gun,Borderline,Congo Bongo,Doki Doki Penguin Land,remakes of said games |
| Vol. 24: Last Bronx - Tokyo Bangaichi |
|
Last Bronx |
| Vol. 25: Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box |
|
Gunstar Heroes,Gunstar Heroes(GG),Gunstar Heroes(prototype version),Dynamite Headdy,Alien Soldier,Dynamite Headdy(SMS),Dynamite Headdy(GG) |
| Vol. 26: Dynamite Deka |
|
Remake ofDynamite Deka |
| Vol. 27: Panzer Dragoon |
|
Panzer Dragoon,remake ofPanzer Dragoon |
| Vol. 28: Tetris Collection |
|
Tetris(Sega),Bloxeed,Flashpoint,Tetris New Century,Flashpoint(prototype) |
| Vol. 29: Monster World Complete Collection |
|
Wonder Boy(ARC, SMS, SG-1000, GG),Wonder Boy in Monster Land(ARC, SMS),Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair(ARC, SG),Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap(GG, SMS),Monster World III(SG, SMS),Monster World IV |
| Vol. 30: Galaxy Force II: Special Extended Edition |
|
Galaxy Force II,Galaxy Force II(SMS),Galaxy Force II(SG),Galaxy Force Neo Classic |
| Vol. 31: Cyber Troopers Virtual On |
|
Remake ofCyber Troopers: Virtual On |
| Vol. 32: Phantasy Star Complete Collection |
|
Phantasy Star,Phantasy Star II,Phantasy Star III,Phantasy Star Gaiden,Phantasy Star Adventure,Phantasy Star IV,Phantasy Star Text Adventures |
| Vol. 33: Fantasy Zone Complete Collection |
|
Fantasy Zone,Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa,Fantasy Zone: The Maze,Super Fantasy Zone,Fantasy Zone II DX,Fantasy Zone Neo Classic,Galactic Protector,Fantasy Zone Gear |
†= Released in North America and Europe as part ofSega Classics Collection.Alien Syndromewas removed from the European release to lower the game's rating.
Sega Ages Online / Sega Vintage Collection(Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3)
editThe third series was released for the Xbox 360 that was both introduced and concluded in 2012.[7]This series consisted of releases from theSega Vintage Collectionseries, originally released in North America and Europe, from 2007 to 2009, as well as re-releases of games from theSega Ages 2500series - the latter games were only released on the PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3 and had theSega Ages 2500name stripped from the title.[8]The games were developed byM2as opposed to being made in-house by Sega.[7]Ten releases were made in total, making it the shortest of theSega Agesseries.[9]Certain collections were released as a bundle for the Xbox 360 Versions while the PlayStation 3 Versions were stand alone titles for the 2012 titles.
| Title | Release date | Platform | Included games | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sega Classics Collection |
|
Xbox 360 | Alex Kidd in Miracle World,Revenge of Shinobi,Super Hang-On | Released in North America and Europe asSega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. |
| Monster World Collection |
|
Xbox 360 | Wonder Boy in Monster World,Wonder Boy in Monster Land,Monster World IV | Released in North America and Europe asSega Vintage Collection: Monster World. |
| Golden Axe Collection |
|
Xbox 360 | Golden Axe,Golden Axe II,Golden Axe III | Released in North America and Europe asSega Vintage Collection: Golden Axe. |
| Bare Knuckle Collection |
|
Xbox 360 | Streets of Rage,Streets of Rage 2,Streets of Rage 3 | Released in North America and Europe asSega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage. |
| Dragon Force |
|
PlayStation 3 | Remake ofDragon Force | |
| Dynamite Deka |
|
PlayStation 3 | Remake ofDynamite Deka | |
| Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box |
|
PlayStation 3 | Gunstar Heroes,Gunstar Heroes(GG),Gunstar Heroes(prototype version),Dynamite Headdy,Alien Soldier,Dynamite Headdy(SMS),Dynamite Headdy(GG) | |
| Sega Memorial Selection |
|
PlayStation 3 | Head-On,Tranquilizer Gun,Borderline,Congo Bongo,Doki Doki Penguin Land,remakes of said games | |
| ToeJam & Earl Collection |
|
Xbox 360 | ToeJam & Earl,ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron | Released in North America and Europe asSega Vintage Collection: ToeJam & Earl. |
| Phantasy Star Complete Collection |
|
PlayStation 3 | Phantasy Star,Phantasy Star II,Phantasy Star III,Phantasy Star Gaiden,Phantasy Star Adventure,Phantasy Star IV,Phantasy Star Text Adventures |
Sega Ages(Nintendo Switch)
editThe fourthSega Agesseries was released for theNintendo Switchin September 2018, available through theNintendo eShopstorefront. This series was developed by M2, with lead producerRieko Kodamafrom Sega.[10][11][12][13]Although Sega said that games from theSega SaturnandDreamcastwould be made available later on,[14]the series concluded in Japan in August 2020 and concluded elsewhere in the following month without these, although Sega stated their intention to continue re-releasing older titles in other ways.[15]
Reception
editThe firstSega Agesvolume was a best-seller in the United Kingdom.[30]Next Generationrated it three stars out of five, and considered it better than theNamco Museumseries.[31]GameProgave it a negative review, saying that the three games in the collection "were never all that good to begin with", believing that the collection should have added other Sega games.[32]The four reviewers ofElectronic Gaming Monthlyunanimously contended that the three included games were outstanding and praised their arcade-perfect recreations, though they felt the collection should have included more games and historical info, as other retro compilations of the time did. They gave it a 6.5 out of 10.[33]Sega Saturn Magazinegave it a 91%, likewise praising the three included games and the quality of the conversions. Though they criticized thatAfter BurnerandSpace Harrierwere somewhat wasted since they had already received excellent ports for theSega Mega DriveandSega 32X,they felt the compilation was worth getting forOut Runalone.[34]
See also
edit- Sega Forever- similar series of releases made for iOS and Android devices.
- 3D Classics- similar series of releases made for the Nintendo 3DS.
Notes
edit- ^Japanese:セガエイジス,Hepburn:Sega Eijisu
- ^Some additional features such as Kids mode were ported from theSega Saturnversion.
- ^TheHiragana/Katakanamixed mode was ported from theSega Saturnversion.
- ^Some additional features or musics were ported from theSega Genesisversion andNintendo 3DSversion.
- ^Some additional features were ported from thePlayStation 3/Xbox 360version.
- ^Some additional features were ported from theSega Genesisversion.
- ^The port is based on theNintendo 3DSversion which ported "Haya Oh" boss from the SegaMaster Systemversion.
- ^The port ofColumns Iis based on thePlayStation Vitaport which was included inRyū ga Gotoku 0: Free to Play Application for PlayStation Vita.
- ^TheSega Genesisport ofIchidant-Rincludes theQuest,CompeandFreemodes, all exclusive to the console at the time.
- ^Some additional features were ported from the complete version of PS2 and the Nintendo 3DS version.
- ^In the original release,Knuckles in Sonic 2could only be played by locking-on theSonic 2cartridge to aSonic & Knucklescartridge.
References
edit- ^ab"The Return of Old Games: Part 3".Maximum: The Video Game Magazine(6).Emap International Limited:125. May 1996.
- ^ab"Next Generation"(33). September 1997: 33.
{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ab"Software List (Released by Sega)".セガ chế phẩm tình báo サイト(in Japanese). Sega.RetrievedMay 15,2023.
- ^abBramwell, Tom."Sega's 3D Ages series for Europe".Eurogamer.RetrievedNovember 23,2003.
- ^Gantayat, Anoop (August 29, 2003)."Inside Sega Ages".IGN.RetrievedNovember 19,2018.
- ^abcdeKalata, Kurt."Sega Ages".Hardcore Gaming 101.RetrievedJune 9,2007.
- ^abKazutaka, Toyotomi (June 29, 2012)."セガ, PS3/Xbox 360 “セガエイジスオンライン” インプレッション ".GAME Watch.RetrievedJune 29,2012.
- ^Spencer (August 20, 2014)."Phantasy Star Remakes Re-released On PlayStation Network In Japan".Siliconera.RetrievedAugust 20,2014.
- ^Koshiro, Yuzu."『セガエイジスオンライン』シリーズ, プレイステーション3とXbox 360で phối tín quyết định!".Famitsu.RetrievedMarch 30,2012.
- ^ニンドリ９ nguyệt hào: SEGA AGESシリーズに込められた "Tưởng い" を truy いかける liên tái スタート!.Nintendo Dream Web(in Japanese). July 16, 2018.RetrievedAugust 20,2018.
- ^"Sega AGES Is Officially Coming to Nintendo Switch In The West - Nintendo Life".April 16, 2018.
- ^"A Ton of Classic Sega Games Are Coming to the Switch".April 16, 2018.
- ^Craddock, Ryan (September 12, 2018)."The Second Batch of Sega AGES Switch Titles Will Include Sonic 2, Out Run And More".Nintendo Life.RetrievedSeptember 12,2018.
- ^McFerran, Damien (April 16, 2018)."Alex Kidd And Gain Ground Join Sega's AGES Line-Up On Switch, Saturn And Dreamcast Games Coming".Nintendo Life.RetrievedJune 16,2018.
- ^Doolan, Liam (August 26, 2020)."Sega Says It Wants To Re-Release More Past Titles On Nintendo Switch".Nintendo Life.Gamer Network.RetrievedAugust 29,2020.
- ^SEGA AGES ( セガエイジス )(in Japanese). Sega Japan.RetrievedSeptember 22,2018.
- ^“SEGA AGES” インタビュー Part1 quy ってきた "こだわり phục khắc チーム"!(in Japanese),Impress, September 19, 2018
- ^ab“SEGA AGES” インタビュー Part2 "じゃあ, シネパックをキレイにするところからだっ!"(in Japanese),Impress, September 20, 2018
- ^“SEGA AGES ファンタシースター” インタビュー(in Japanese),Imress, October 31, 2018
- ^“SEGA AGES アウトラン” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, November 29, 2018
- ^“SEGA AGES アレックスキッドのミラクルワールド” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, February 21, 2019
- ^“SEGA AGES ぷよぷよ” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, March 28, 2019
- ^“SEGA AGES バーチャレーシング” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, April 25, 2019
- ^“SEGA AGES ワンダーボーイ モンスターランド” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, May 29, 2019
- ^“SEGA AGES スペースハリアー” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, June 26, 2019
- ^abc“SEGA AGES コラムスII” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, August 7, 2019
- ^“SEGA AGES イチダントアール” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, September 25, 2019
- ^“SEGA AGES SHINOBI nhẫn” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, October 30, 2019
- ^“SEGA AGES ファンタジーゾーン” インタビュー(in Japanese),Impress, November 27, 2019
- ^"Sega Retro Pack: Round Two".Sega Saturn Magazine.No. 18.Emap International Limited.April 1997. p. 12.
- ^"Finals".Next Generation.No. 33.Imagine Media.September 1997. p. 134.
- ^Special K (November 1997). "Saturn ProReview: Sega Ages".GamePro.No. 110.IDG.p. 153.
- ^"Review Crew: Sega Ages".Electronic Gaming Monthly.No. 96.Ziff Davis.July 1997. p. 51.
- ^Leadbetter, Rich (January 1997). "Review: Sega Ages".Sega Saturn Magazine.No. 15.Emap International Limited.pp.74–75.