This year, 3rd June 1960, SEGA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its foundation. The name was derived from the registration name while registering in Tokio – SErvice GAmes of Japan. Sega launched its first console SG-1000 and also its first 3D arcade game Subroc-3D in 1983. Little by little, other products followed, such as Sega Master System (1985), Mega Drive (1989) and Sega Game Gear (1990), Saturn (1994), Nomad (1995) and Dreamcast (1998). The company changed its focus from producing consoles to software development in 2001. However, Sega prepared an anniversary surprise for this year a Game Gear retroconsole, the Game Gear Micro. It is a reduced version of the 1990 handheld. The dimensions of the console are truly miniature – 8 x 4.3 x 2 cm (3.15 x 1.69 x 0.79 in) with a 1.15” display. Sega prepared four different versions, varying in colour and in game sets. They are scheduled for release in Japanese stores on 6th October, 2020, when they will be available in Europe isn’t known yet.
Yellow console: Nazo Puyo: Arle no Roux, Shining Force, Shining Force II, Shining Force: Final Conflict. Red console: Columns, The G.G. Shinobi, Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible, Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible Special. Black console: Out Run, Puyo Puyo Tsu, Royal Stone, Sonic the Hedgehog. Blue console: Baku Baku Animal: Sekai Shiikugakari Senshuken, Gunstar Heroes, Sonic & Tails, Sylvan Tale.
.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic Team – 1991) is a platform game for a single player. The main character is a well-known Sonic the Hedgehog and its task is to defeat a scientist, Dr. Robotnik, who not only captured animals, but also stole magic emeralds. Sega assigned its AM8 team a task to create a game with the company’s mascot. The winning idea was the blue hedgehog with spines and the team even changed its name to the Sonic Team. The game was one of the top for a long time, especially thanks to great graphics, gameplay and sound effects. Finally, it became a successful gaming series and even a movie was based on the game.
.
Golden Axe (Sega – 1989) an arcade from 1989 by Makoto Uchida who was also the developer of the legendary game Altered Beast.
.
Gunstar Heroes (Treasure – 1993) a classic shooter from the 90’s full of explosions with a 2 players mode.
.
Streets of Rage 2 (Sega – 1992) One of the top fighting games of the 90’s with unique characters, co-op mode and a great soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro.
.
Herzog Zwei (Technosoft – 1989) A robot transforming to a fighter plane with a goal to destroy an enemy base.
.
.
1/ 16bit gaming console Mega Drive was launched in the North America in 1989 as Genesis. The reason behind is that SEGA was unable to secure the name Mega Drive in this location from a legal point of view.
.
2/ During the entire history (all generations) of Mega Drive console sales over 39.7 mi. units were sold.
.
3/ Movie portrayal of Sonic the Hedgehog was so criticised and ridiculed that it had to be remade.
.
4/ The game is included in the guide called 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die and it contains a list of video games released between 1970 – 2013.
.
.