Surreal Sega Game Arrives on Consoles 26 Years After Release

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Revitalized Arcade Classics Join Like a Dragon Series on Modern Platforms

Sega is reviving various 1990s titles, many of which debuted in arcades, and making them available on current platforms through games like the Like a Dragon series, formerly known as Yakuza. For example, Daytona USA 2: Battle on the Edge, which appeared in arcades in 1998, became available in 2023 within Like a Dragon Gaiden under the name Sega Racing Classic 2. Like a Dragon 8 features HD versions of several arcade classics: Virtua Fighter 3tb (originally released in 1997, with a Dreamcast version in 1998), SEGA Bass Fishing (released in 1997, with later releases on consoles and PC), and SpikeOut (released in 1999). Sega has announced that it will continue to provide access to these “lost gems” through Like a Dragon games. The Yakuza 3 remake, for instance, features Emergency Call Ambulance, an arcade exclusive from 1999 that will receive its first console version in 2026—more than 26 years after its initial release. Emergency Call Ambulance is akin to Crazy Taxi but set in Chicago, challenging players to balance speed and careful driving as they transport patients to the hospital.

Sega Revisits Arcade Classics and Online Pioneers in New Era

Another example of Sega’s pioneering spirit was Phantasy Star Online for Dreamcast, launched in December 2000. This groundbreaking online game significantly influenced modern MMORPGs, incorporating chat systems like Word Select and Symbol Chat to bridge language barriers. Despite technical hurdles, Phantasy Star Online introduced innovative features like the MAG system and a complex item drop rate system tied to character names. Yakuza Kiwami 3 Dark Tides is set to arrive on February 12, 2026, complete with a playable Sonic the Hedgehog via a Game Gear in Kazuma’s pocket. Adding to their catalog of updated classics, Sega and Sonic Team are releasing Puyo Puyo Tetris Big Bang for Nintendo Switch, a fresh take on the puzzle game that blends Puyo Puyo and Tetris. This updated version includes a new “Big Bang” mode, alongside enhanced audio and visuals. From arcade racers to online RPGs, Sega’s revisiting its past while updating these titles for a new generation.

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