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Sonic leads latest iTunes games wave

Sega ports original Genesis adventure of its emblematic hedgehog to Apple's multimedia service; PopCap's Peggle also available.

Last fall, Namco's Pac-Man led the first wave of games to be released on iTunes. Today, another iconic game character--Sonic the Hedgehog--headlined the latest batch of games to be released on the service.

Like other games, Sonic the Hedgehog will cost $4.99--the standard price set by Apple--and will be playable on all iPods that support video, including the new Nano. However, unlike other iPod games, this is a port of the Sega Genesis original, and marks the first time a console game has been rejiggered for the iPod.

Sega president Simon Jeffery told GameSpot that Sega had listened to criticism of previous iPod games, and designed a two-tiered control scheme--one for two-handed play, and a one-handed scheme for "players on the go." He also said that the game had been in the works for some time, following extensive talks between Sega and Apple, which is notoriously choosy when it comes to selecting games for iTunes.

"Apple is very keen on the Sonic franchise, as Sonic is one of the most iconic game characters of all time," said Jeffery. "They're looking for games that appeal to as wide an audience as possible."

In addition to Sonic, today also saw the casual game publisher release Peggle for the iPod and Macintosh. Previously released on the PC, both versions of the game feature the two-player duel mode, 55 levels, 10 magical powers, and 75 Grand Master challenges featured in the original title. The iPod edition lets players listen to their own playlists while playing the game.

53 Comments

  • cs1323

    Posted Dec 23, 2007 9:51 am PT

    I was surprised like most to see Apple release the original Sonic game on the iTMS recently. After that, I immediately had to pick it up along with Bomberman. Yes, the controls are a bit tough to master, but it's still quite fun! This automatically makes me want to believe that one day Super Mario Bros. from the NES will make its way to iTunes as well. It's only a matter of time, but who knows? Playing a MARIO game on an iPod will possibly be the greatest thing of all time!

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  • -SiiLeNCE-

    Posted Dec 23, 2007 9:01 am PT

    it sounds cool in theory but in practice i'm sure it sucks. there's just some games you can't port to certain systems like explain to me how you can play this effectively with a click wheel

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  • dinodefender

    Posted Dec 21, 2007 4:32 pm PT

    ?????????????ZAHHHHHH??

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  • theclaw135

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 3:19 pm PT

    The Genesis version of Sonic the Hedgehog is perhaps the most widely direct-ported and *legally* emulated game of all time. It has official versions on more platforms than any specific title in history. Tetris doesn't count since unlike Sonic the Hedgehog, its versions were in fact remakes due to having clearly different sounds, graphics, mechanics, etc.

    Sonic:

    Genesis
    GBA
    PS2 (twice, Sonic Mega Collection Plus and Sega Genesis Collection)
    Xbox
    GCN
    Xbox 360
    Wii
    Dreamcast
    PC (three times. Sega Smash Pack, Sonic Mega Collection Plus, and Gametap)
    Saturn
    PSP
    iPod
    Arcade coin-op
    Mobile phone

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  • xboxman360

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 1:32 pm PT

    I love it! although it is a challenge to control at first.

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  • neji122793

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 12:31 pm PT

    thats cool weird but cool wonder how the controls are.

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  • happyyoi

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 8:51 am PT

    to pandabear86: if you don't have an ipod then be quiet about how bad you think games are on it. And gamespot: you should review games for the ipod.

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  • lewser5

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 8:20 am PT

    Interesting, i wonder how well does this work. Apple please let us have more games and not be so strict.

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  • mikewalsh69

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 7:43 am PT

    briliant my portable gaming is now solved by apple. sony and nintendo should've released some sort of device that allows games to be played on the go....... wait a minute....

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  • vampiredust99

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 6:17 am PT

    Playing games on an iPod is possibly the dumbest thing I've heard all year. It's not exactly a Game Boy Advance is it? Even the N-Gage was better than Apple's convoluted efforts.

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  • PandaBear86

    Posted Dec 19, 2007 2:26 am PT

    No way would it be comfortable playing games on an iPod or phone. No analog stick, lack of D-Pad, large buttons, etc. Just sick with the DS or PSP if you want a world of gaming in your hands.

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  • MikeySSH

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 11:54 pm PT

    i still want games for my zune.. come on microsoft, if you believe, anything is possible! :-D

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  • Chincey

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 8:11 pm PT

    Bomberman is on Itunes now

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  • Mattyrock

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 7:15 pm PT

    Kewl...

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  • togo2828

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 4:49 pm PT

    WHY ARENT THERE GAMES FOR THE FREAKIN I-PHONE, IM WAITING

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  • PrivateJessard

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 4:23 pm PT

    Awesome, I'll buy this sometime after I get an iPod Classic for Christmas.

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  • karnovrpg

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 3:59 pm PT

    Cell phone gaming sucks and so will iPod gaming. I'd much rather play the old black and white Gameboy.

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  • nickythenewt21

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 3:55 pm PT

    Hm... that's very strange. The controls must be very hard to handle. Unless it were for the iPod touch, then it would be bit easier. But it isn't, so lets just get on with our lives.

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  • psoesm

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 3:42 pm PT

    I wonder if this means Apple could very well try their stake in the console market using the same tactics as nintendo

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  • nate1222

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 3:21 pm PT

    It's great that they're getting in on the gaming action. But, I'd rather rock out Sonic on a real handheld with real controls. Get a DS or PSP.

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  • X-RS

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 3:10 pm PT

    get a psp or gamepark

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  • SLjimbolian

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 2:41 pm PT

    I think it would be rather awkward to move around Sonic on your iPod; especially that the center button will probably be the "jump" button.

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  • Arkk_Angel

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 2:40 pm PT

    Umm....why not get a DS or a PSP?

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  • codepunk

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 2:29 pm PT

    Seriously, where's the love for iTouch?

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  • MasterChief725

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 2:20 pm PT

    that is really awesome, I am gonna have to e-mail Sega and ask them if they will make it for the new zune!

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  • LinconSixEcho

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 2:16 pm PT

    Too bad there aren't any games for the iPhone or iTouch. Instead, I have to use web apps to play stuff.
    Sonic on the iPod sounds fun.

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  • peeweeshift

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 2:07 pm PT

    lol tis is lame. i'd rather have some xmen

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  • pigman239

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:51 pm PT

    If i had a nickel for every time i bought the original sonic game on a different console...genesis...ps2 in the collection...360...cell phone...emulators (free)...well i'd have about 15 cents

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  • jack_sparrow_28

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:50 pm PT

    I have a bunch of GBA and DS Sonic games, as well as that Mega Collection Plus thing, so I ain't getting it. I wanna know how the hell do you play Sonic on an iPod!?! Do you spin the wheel to do a Spin Dash?

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  • TissueShoe

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:48 pm PT

    I just saw that on iTunes a minute ago! That's pretty cool, I thought it must be brand new since it didn't have any user reviews! There's also a cool new game called 'Phase' which is a rhythm game that uses the music on your iPod! It looks pretty cool and I'm going to get it sometime soon.

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  • Tranceplant

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:44 pm PT

    How the hell do you play games on a freakin iPod?

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  • SKOM34

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:41 pm PT

    I have Sonic on my 360 and I don't play it that much. So why would I pay $4.99 for something I would never use?

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  • ptown58

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:22 pm PT

    Only 800 ms pts cool.

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  • Funkyhamster

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:20 pm PT

    Woah... that's a new one. The fact that Apple is putting real games on the iPod raises some interesting possibilities...

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  • icarus212001

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:17 pm PT

    "Apple is very keen on the Sonic franchise, as Sonic is one of the most iconic game characters of all time," said Jeffery. "They're looking for games that appeal to as wide an audience as possible." ...and Sonic would do that HOW!? lol

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  • nintendog66

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:14 pm PT

    My dream come true, the words Sega and Apple in the same sentence XD Unfortunately not exactly like I dreamed of...

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  • Simpsonsfan2

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:13 pm PT

    Cool! I really want to get this! But, I only have an iPod Shuffle.

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  • towelie892

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:12 pm PT

    I'm not sure if this is the control scheme, but it would probably work well rotating your thumb on the scroll wheel repeatedly to run and pressing either of the four buttons on the wheel to jump. Remember that in the original Sonic, there was no spin/charge move. Also: 'rejiggered'. Is that even a word?

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  • xmg0

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:10 pm PT

    i want to try this

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  • Pete5506 posted Dec 18, 2007 1:09 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Pete5506

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 1:09 pm PT (hide)

    I dont care much for the ipod, the Zune is where its at

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  • QualityJeverage

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 12:41 pm PT

    Peggle would work really well with the iPod's interface, but I don't see how well Sonic could play...

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  • klugenbeel posted Dec 18, 2007 12:41 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    klugenbeel

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 12:41 pm PT (hide)

    forget ipod and their small screens...its all about the Zune baby! Zunes 1st gen and the new 2nd gen rule!

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  • ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 12:36 pm PT

    I know of peggle cuz i got it free from Steam with my HL2:Ep3 preorder ... its good But i also dont use ipods .... just carry my psp around

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  • xdude85

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 12:30 pm PT

    I'd rather stick to a game controller. Playing Sonic on an iPod just looks difficult.

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  • flawless_blade

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 12:29 pm PT

    Sonic?... Uhm... cool?
    But what on earth is a peggle?

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  • lumines_god

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 12:08 pm PT

    The only reason I know what Peggle is, is through zero punctuation.

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  • SkarpHedin

    Posted Dec 18, 2007 12:05 pm PT

    Peggle?
    On my iPod?

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