New Games for Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, Streets of Rage Now in Development!
December 8, 2023 – SEGA has announced the launch of a new IP initiative to bring the world’s most popular content to today’s video game players and a roster of new games for Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, and Streets of Rage that are currently in development.
Prior to today’s official announcement, a teaser trailer had premiered at The Game Awards 2023, offering a glimpse into several future titles currently in development. To watch the trailer if you haven’t already click here.
SEGA seeks to expand on its current intellectual properties and venture into other forms of media beyond gaming, with the aim of providing fresh and exciting new content to fans across the globe.
Stay tuned for further updates regarding official game title names, release dates, supported platforms, and more.
Message from SEGA’s Co-COO, Shuji Utsumi
“In recent years, Sonic the Hedgehog has forged new paths for SEGA, bringing the franchise to life and reaching new audiences in ways we had only dreamed of in the past. Building off that success, we are digging into our legacy and reimagining several franchises to bring these games to more audiences around the globe,” says Co-COOof SEGA Corporation, Shuji Utsumi. “Today’s announcement is just the start of our initiative. First and foremost, our ambition will be to create great games with memorable characters and worlds. We hope fans of all ages will look towards our future with anticipation as we release these projects in the coming years.”
Titles Currently in Development*
*Listed in alphabetical order. Game descriptions based on past titles.
The upcoming projects, spanning a range of genres, are currently in different stages of development and will release over the next several years. The first of these games will be based on the following legacy franchises:
- Crazy Taxi
This driving game series first appeared in arcades in 1999. It has since spawned numerous titles and been ported to the Dreamcast and a variety of other consoles. Players would assume the role of a taxi driver and have to race through the city to deliver passengers to their destinations, all while performing crazy stunts to earn more points. The series offered players an exhilarating and dynamic driving experience that was distinct from traditional racing games at the time.
- Golden Axe
A fantasy action game set in a medieval realm, where the protagonists embark on a quest to avenge their loved ones and slay a malevolent entity wielding the Golden Axe. Originally released as an arcade title in 1989, the series has spawned eight installments to date. Golden Axe was critically acclaimed for its immersive depiction of a fantasy world, featuring visually stunning spell animations that filled the screen and the ability to mount dragons and other fearsome beasts.
- Jet Set Radio
A street action game released for the Dreamcast in 2000. Players glide through a fictional rendition of Tokyo on inline skates, spraying graffiti across the city. The game’s unique visuals and innovative gameplay have made a lasting impact, generating excitement that endures to this day.
- Shinobi
Since its arcade debut in 1987, this action game series has enjoyed immense popularity with over 10 installments released to date. Featuring a diverse array of adversaries from robots and mutants to colossal monsters, players would take on the role of a present-day ninja in his battle against the crime syndicates and ninja clans who held sway over the criminal underworld.
- Streets of Rage
A side-scrolling beat ’em up game series that made its debut on the SEGA Genesis in 1991. Former police officers Axel and Blaze, along with other characters, battle a crime syndicate to restore peace to the city. The game’s multifaceted combat system, combined with its catchy soundtrack, garnered widespread acclaim. The fourth installment in the series, released in 2020 after a 26-year hiatus, became a significant success with sales exceeding 1.5 million units worldwide.
