Sega’s “Ages” initiative is finally leaving Japan and making its way west. Sonic the Hedgehog and Thunder Force IV launch on the Nintendo Switch eShop today for £5.99 / $7.99 / €7,99 each.
Both games stay true to the originals whilst adding new features and modes to keep things fresh. Sonic the Hedgehog brings with it Sonic Mania’s Drop Dash, Ring Keep Mode and stage select, as well as the Mega Play arcade version for the first time on a console. Thunder Force IV adds a new unlockable STYX mode allowing players to pilot FIRE LEO-03 from the game’s predecessor along with a new KIDS mode for franchise newcomers.
Sega Ages initially launched in 1996 on the Sega Saturn as “Sega Ages Vol. 1 Shukudai ga Tant-R” in Japan. Over the years, ports of many of Sega’s arcade and console classics were ported and re-released under the Sega Ages moniker.
With the revived brand, fans can look forward to a whole host of retro titles making an appearance on Switch. Keep an eye out for the following legacy titles in the coming months:
- Columns II
- Out Run
- Phantasy Star
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Space Harrier
- Thunder Force AC
Ports to Nintendo’s hybrid console are being handled by the Japanese developer, M2. Having previously worked on the Sega 3D Classics Collection for 3DS and Sega Ages Online for PS3, the studio has become known for their high-quality ports of retro classics.
If you’ve been hankering for retro games and the Switch Online’s NES collection isn’t filling that hole then check out Sonic the Hedgehog and Thunder Force IV available now on the eShop for £5.99 / $7.99 / €7,99 each.
