RGG Studio Directors Ryosuke Horii and Yutaka Ito reveal new behind the scenes info about the retro Sega games in Yakuza titles

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One of the many things people typically love about the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series of games are the old school Sega games included as part of the bonus games you can play in your downtime away from the main story. The latest game in the franchise, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, might have been a divisive entry, but what anyone can agree on are that the choice of new Model 3 games and the addition of Game Gear and NAOMI games are a welcome addition. It’s also just wonderful to have access to these games on modern platforms, even as side content in a Yakuza game.

Video game news outlet Automation JP have just sat down with current day RGG Studio directors Ryosuke Horii and Yutaka Ito to talk about the retro games added to the series. This should be a fun read if this is one of your favorite aspects about Yakuza, so sit down and join us past the break. We’re about to learn some unbelievable things about what went into choosing the games to include, how they implemented them into the larger game, and what the future holds for retro Sega games inside and outside the Yakuza franchise.

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The Chaotix Casefiles Episode 7 – “The Case of the Red Specter” Teases the Thief’s Identity

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles continues to build toward its biggest reveal yet with the release of Episode 7 – “The Case of the Red Specter,” now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and major podcast platforms.

In this latest episode, Sonic the Hedgehog and Vector the Crocodile remain trapped just as the mystery reaches a critical moment. Vector believes he’s finally uncovered the true identity of the thief responsible for the recent crimes—but escaping their predicament is easier said than done.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team bands together to rescue their friends before it’s too late. With the situation growing more dangerous by the minute, the question remains: is Dr. Eggman the only obstacle standing in their way, or is there something even more mysterious behind the case? Fans can find out by listening to Episode 7 of The Chaotix Casefiles now.

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Villains + Chaotix Casefiles ep 6

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This week we’re talking Ben Kingley’s reported role in Sonic Movie 4, the true villain yet to be revealed on The Chaotix Casefiles, and if the series needs a rogues gallery shake-up. Plus diversions and Rings of Saturn!

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SEGA Retrospective: The Life of Hideki Sato

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The video game industry is only coming about to being 60 years young, which means the pioneers of this industry are slowly but surely no longer going to be with us. The passing of Hideki Sato on February 13th at the age of 77 was announced via the online fanzine Beep21, a successor to Japan’s official Sega Mega Drive magazine. This sad news, following the death of David Rosen on Christmas Day, elicited numerous tributes from across the industry, including official social media accounts for Sega of Japan and its Western branches, and figures like composer Yuzo Koshiro. Fortunately, Sato gave several interviews in his later years, providing a opportunity to reflect on his life and career.

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SEGA Talk #181: Five SEGA Saturn Imports (1995-1998)

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We are heading across the Pacific to look at the “Golden Land” of the Sega Saturn—the Japanese library! We’re discussing the unique physical allure of Japanese imports and five 2D masterpieces that never made it to the West on SEGA TALK!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – Download]

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, have your memories read on the show, select the games we talk about!

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ATLUS Announces Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra World Tour

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Following the success of the sold-out 2025 premiere in Japan, the official concert tour of Metaphor: ReFantazio embarks on a world tour spanning 3 continents, 6 countries and 8 cities across the globe.

The concert presents a carefully curated selection of pieces that bring the game’s epic fantasy world to life, all composed by Shoji Meguro—renowned for his work on the “PERSONA” series.

Each performance will feature a 45-piece orchestra, a choir, and multiple vocal soloists performing brand new, epic orchestral arrangements of the most memorable music from the game including “Ode to Heroes”, “King of Destruction”, and “Prelude to a Heroic Tale”, accompanied by a screen above the stage playing synced cutscenes and gameplay from the game.

The full list of tour dates can be found below:

  • October 9, 2026: Dallas
  • October 11, 2026: Chicago
  • October 13, 2026: Los Angeles
  • October 31, 2026: Kaohsiung
  • November 21, 2026: Singapore
  • November 28, 2026: Bangkok
  • January 22, 2027: London
  • January 24, 2027: Paris

Ticket presales for all US and EU/UK concerts start March 5th at 10am local time. For info, visit www.metaphorconcert.com

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The Chaotix Confront Sage in Episode 6 of The Chaotix Casefiles

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles continues its high-stakes storyline with the release of Episode 6, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and podcast platforms.

In this latest installment, the Chaotix Detective Agency finally tracks down the secret lair of Dr. Eggman himself. But infiltrating the base is only the beginning of their problems. Waiting for them inside is Eggman’s AI daughter, Sage, and she’s far from pleased to see unexpected visitors.

With tensions rising and the investigation reaching a critical turning point, Episode 6 of The Chaotix Casefiles pushes the mystery into dangerous new territory. Fans won’t want to miss this explosive chapter as the team faces one of their biggest threats yet.

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SONIC WEEKLY: Sonic Megamix Mania w/ BRANDON HAIN + JACK OF OLD GAMES

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Brandon returns for a second week, and Jack is back — this time, we’re going in-depth on the new fan mod, Sonic Megamix Mania. We also cover the latest Sonic news including the arrival of Tangle & Whisper in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, episode 5 of The Chaotix Casefiles with Vanilla and Gemerl, a check-in with Rings of Saturn, and more!

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Catch the Virtua Fighter Open Championship Finals on Livestream!

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After a series-first yearlong circuit of tournaments around the globe, the VIRTUA FIGHTER Open Championship series concludes on Sunday, March 1 with the Global Finals! The stakes are high for competitors: first place will receive a $100,000 cash prize.

Ten of the finest Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage players will meet in Japan for the final showdown, including top Japanese competitors Akani Shiwapo, Tonchan and Isabashi Zangief, as well as North American and European contenders GentlemanThief, HIMA and NERO.

The Global Finals begin with the final playoff stage of the top 4 competitors starting at 12:20 am PST on March 1. The full tournament will be livestreamed via the Virtua Fighter YouTube channel.

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Sovietborgs and Xenocider developer Retro Sumus has shut down

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⚠️ Retro Sumus has disbanded. If you’re interested in purchasing a digital copy of #Xenocider for #Dreamcast, please drop us a line.
🤖 In case you’re curious, you can also play the #Sovietborgs demo here: retrosumus.com/sovietborgs-demo/
🧑‍💻 Thank you for your continued support.

[image or embed]

— Retro Sumus (@retrosumus.bsky.social) February 24, 2026 at 4:10 AM

Sad news, Tovarisch. Retro Sumus, the talented Spanish developer of Xenocider and the unreleased Genesis/Mega-Drive title Sovietborgs has now disbanded.

They have revealed this news on February 24th, 2025 with the above social media post on Bluesky and on Twitter and Facebook. Their website is now only made up of the same farewell message. This comes following their unsuccessful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in August 2025 to fund the completion of Sovietborgs, their latest game which was planned for Genesis, Neo-Geo, MS-DOS, and Dreamcast. While the team was still committed to finishing the game anyway and finding a publisher, it seems now their optimism was misplaced.

Join me after the break to get in on saying farewell right back to them.

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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop Officially Available Now!

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Today, SEGA officially released Tangle & Whisper as playable racers for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now race around the track as everyone’s fan-favorite duo from the popular IDW comic series!

The free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop includes the following:

  • Tangle & Whisper as playable characters
  • Two new Tangle & Whisper themed songs added to the Jukebox:
  • “Character Select”
  • “Result”
  • Special emotes and sounds

Players who own either the Standard (physical or digital) or Digital Deluxe versions of the game will automatically receive the free Tangle & Whisper Content Drop. Please ensure that the game is updated to the latest version for the content to be downloaded properly.

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Episode 5 of The Chaotix Casefiles Leaves the Team Stranded and Reunites With a Familiar Face

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Sonic Presents: The Chaotix Files continues its unfolding mystery with the release of Episode 5, now available on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel and major podcast platforms.

In this latest chapter, things quite literally fall out of the sky as the Chaotix Copter crash-lands in a mysterious meadow, leaving Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee stranded and searching for answers. Just when the team begins to regroup, a mysterious light barrels toward them at high speed—raising more questions than ever. But the real shock comes moments later: could that incoming figure really be Gemerl?

With the investigation spiraling into unexpected territory, Episode 5 of The Chaotix Casefiles delivers another cliffhanger fans won’t want to miss.

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Playable Demo of Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake Available Now on Steam Next Fest!

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A brand-new playable demo of Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake is now available as part of Steam Next Fest! In this hands-on preview, you get to experience the second stage of the game and try out two distinct Dragon evolution forms featuring alongside updated visuals, refined gameplay, and enhanced atmosphere of this legendary rail shooter!

Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake is a refreshed edition of the second entry in the legendary rail shooter series, taking you into a unique world where ancient ruins, imperial power, and mysterious creatures shape the fate of an entire continent. Step into the role of Jean Jacque Lundi, a young rider who, together with his extraordinary companion – a dragon named Lagi – embarks on a dangerous journey filled with battles, discoveries, and the secrets of ancient civilizations.

The gameplay remains a classic on-rail shooter – fast-paced combat where you strike down enemies with both Lundi’s gun and Lagi’s devastating lasers. With the Berserk Attack at your disposal, even the toughest encounters may turn in your favor.

Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake will be available for Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S with a release date to be announced for $24.99.

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