Sega is dragging its older games and franchises back into the spotlight again with its new initiative, Sega Universe.
Tagged “No Old, Stay Gold,” the program revolves around games and characters “born in the past, transcending generations and borders” that continue to live on, even beyond games, Sega said.
“Everything created here remains in someone’s memory and is passed on to the next generation,” the company said, before presenting us with a nostalgic YouTube video then takes us through misspent youths spent with OutRun, Sonic the Hedgehog, Rent a Hero, and more, before cutting to the familiar “Say–GAH!” sound sting.
The site lists nine of its most iconic back catalog franchises: Fantasy Zone, OutRun, Streets of Rage, Rent a Hero, Guardian Heroes, Nights Into Dreams, Dynamite Deka, Sakura Wars, and SGGG. Follow the on-screen prompts, and you’ll unlock cut-scenes from them, complete with an in-game track of your choosing. You’ll also find a series of neat summaries introducing the history of these game titles and characters as they celebrate anniversaries. Sega has even prepared playlists of tunes to get you in the mood.
It’s a truly joyful trip through games gone by. Head on over to the official website to experience it for yourself. There’s no suggestion yet on what Sega plans to do for each of the games it’s listed, if anything. Could we see re-releases?
Sonic’s official 35th anniversary doesn’t land until June, but Sega is already treating 2026 like one long victory lap for the blue blur. That means early deals, and plenty of them, with Amazon kicking things off with a genuinely massive sale across Sonic the Hedgehog games, 4K Blu-rays, and comics earlier this month.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
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