Planet Moon to shine on classic Sega titles for PSP
What would you remake?
Sega has announced a partnership with San Francisco-based Planet Moon Studios to rework its classic titles exclusively for PSP.
Unfortunately, there were no details as to exactly what Sega games of yesteryear the talented studio would be getting its teeth into first. We wouldn't expect Sega fans to be slow in sending them a list, though!
Sega has already revealed it will be destroying our social lives with a huge collection of Sega Genesis/Megadrive games for PSP this autumn. But the Planet Moon announcement talks of how the studio will 'revitalise' the games for PSP – which certainly implies Nintendo style reinventions of Sega's languishing gems, rather than a simpler porting job.
That's certainly Planet Moon's spin. "Sega's vast library of properties allows for unlimited possibilities in revitalising fan-favourites on the PSP," says Bob Stevenson, CEO of Planet Moon Studios. "Our passion for Sega's classic brands combined with our extensive background in crafting original games will help us create a compelling new chapter in this fan-favourite franchise."
Careful readers will note Mr Stevenson referred to one 'franchise' there, suggesting perhaps that the developer has already started work on reinventing a game for PSP, but Sega has decided not to reveal which one yet?
Sega is definitely already redeveloping the 1980's hack-'em-up Golden Axe for a 2007 release, and it's set Totally Games the task of reworking another, as yet unnamed, classic oldie.
Sega greats like Sonic The Hedgehog have been reinvented many a time, most recently for mobile phone. In terms of great Sega brands we've not seen for a while that might be up for a revision, our top five picks would be: Shinobi, Panzer Dragoon, Phantasy Star Online, Chu Chu Rocket and Crazy Taxi.
For its part, Sega is talking plural: "With an incredible archive of established franchises, Sega is always seeking to establish strategic partnerships with top development talent to revitalise our vintage brands," said Scott A. Steinberg, VP of marketing at Sega of America.
"Planet Moon's reputation of creating critically acclaimed games makes them the perfect choice to inject originality and ingenuity to our classic IPs," he concluded.
And having enjoyed Planet Moon's games on PC, we wouldn't disagree. Fingers crossed they do the oldies justice.