January 4th, 2011.

After over twelve hours of delayed flights and cancellations in the midwest, I finally arrived back in San Francisco in the early afternoon. Two hours later, it was back to work in the office here at SEGA and time to catch up on a few hundred unread e-mails.

“Oh, Aaron, Julian, you guys have a package,” came a voice to the left – it was one of our packaging and shipping team members. They’re the people we try not to make mad, because they control the flow of free stuff friday packages. And the packages must flow.

“Is it ticking?” asked Julian.

Assured that it was, in fact, not ticking, Julian and I ventured down into the shipping room on the third floor to discover what goodness the shipping gods had in store for us today.

In the past, we’ve received some pretty awesome things. Like candy. And chocolates. And more candy. So you can imagine the glimmer of hope in our eyes as we wondered if this package, too, might follow the trend set by one of our most beloved Canadian moderators.

The box was filled with plastic bags, and inside, apart from one rather large, round item, we found a red envelope:

To ALL of SEGA? Our curiosity was piqued. Surely such a card was housing either a request for Timeshare investments or Shenmue VIII: Lan Di’s Day Off, both of which we generally try not to get too involved with.

Next we examined the big round object – and very soon found ourselves smiling as we realized where it came from.

Back in November, we held an event here at SEGA of America where everyday people like you guys got to come right into our offices, play video games, enjoy some free food (and cookies, om nom nom), and then get all sorts of sweet prizes at the end.

One such prize was this clock, which was given to a certain someone who, we found out later, didn’t really appreciate it much. We actually kind of wished he would have just given it back to us instead of posting on internet message boards about how much he hated it. But not to worry – because once he put it on Ebay, it was the Sonic fan community, and in fact the very person who sent us this package, we realized, who bought it from him just so they could send it back to us.

It even came with some fun messages engraved – check this out:

And then, packaged right inside, the perfect little addition for a nice photo-op.

The clock returns home.

As we were about to put it away, the box rattled a bit. Wait… was that…? It was! The unmistakable sound of a plastic bag.

A bag filled with candy.

We suddenly lost all interest in the clock and proceeded to examine what kind of glorious candy had been gifted to us to start this new year. It was mostly butterfingers, and we can’t help but wonder if there’s some hidden message in there for Ken. (All we know is that they’re pretty delicious.)

When Ken arrived later, we opened the card. Inside we found a nice little flashback to last year, with the front of the card reading: “Green is good. Especially when you can spend complain about it!”

To Mr. Ben Kalough – er, Skyler, a very big thank you from all of us here at SEGA of America. Thanks for the card, the clock, the music CD, and the candy. We’re putting the card on our Wall of Awesome.

To Skyler, and to all the Sonic fans out there – thanks for making 2010 awesome, and Happy New Year! We have some amazing things in store for you guys.

Today is the day – December 30th – we are happy to reveal the Xbox Live Arcade games for our Holiday Mega Sale. Remember, these are available in North America, Europe, United Kingdom, and Australia! You have only one day to get in on these crazy deals – do not delay! The Xbox community has been very patient so without any further delay …

Xbox Live Arcade

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
→ Xbox Live Arcade price was $5.00 now $3.00 save 40% – Buy Now!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG2
→ Xbox Live Arcade price was $5.00 now $3.00 save 40% – Buy Now!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3
→ Xbox Live Arcade price was $5.00 now $3.00 save 40% – Buy Now!

SONIC & KNUCKLES
→ Xbox Live Arcade price was $3.00 now $1.50 save 50% – Buy Now!

SONIC 4 EPISODE 1
→ Xbox Live Arcade price was $15.00 now $10.00 save 33% – Buy Now!

SONIC ADVENTURE
→ Xbox Live Arcade price was $10.00 now $5.00 save 50% – Buy Now!

AFTER BURNER CLIMAX
→ Xbox Live Arcade price was $10.00 now $5.00 save 50% – Buy Now!

iPhone

› Super Monkey Ball
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› Sonic the Hedgehog
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Sonic the Hedgehog 2
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Super Monkey Ball 2
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› Super Monkey Ball 2 Sakura Edition
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Sonic 4 Episode 1
$6.99 $2.99
£3.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Phantasy Star 2
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $0.99 (AUS)
› ChuChu Rocket!
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› ChuChu Rocket! HD
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Gunstar Heroes
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› Altered Beast
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)

PlayStation Network

› Sonic Adventure
$9.99 $4.99
£6.29 £3.19
€7.99 €3.99
$12.95 (AUS) $6.95 (AUS)
› Sonic Adventure DX
$4.99 $1.99
£3.19 £1.19
€3.99 €1.49
$6.95 (AUS) $2.45 (AUS)
› Sonic 4 Episode 1
$14.99 $9.99
£9.99 £5.49
€12.99 €6.99
$19.95 (AUS) $11.45 (AUS)
› Afterburner Climax
$9.99 $4.99
£7.99 £3.99
€9.99 €4.99
$15.95 (AUS) $8.45 (AUS)
› Phantasy Star Portable 2
$39.99 $15.99
£27.99 £13.99
€34.99 €17.99
$54.95 (AUS) $27.95 (AUS)
› Valkyria Chronicles 2
$39.99 $15.99
£27.99 £13.99
€34.99 €17.99
$54.95 (AUS) $27.95 (AUS)

› Sega Genesis Collection $15.99 $9.99

› Iron Man 2 $19.99 $15.99

› Gunstar Heroes $4.99 $2.99

Get your votes in now for the 1UP Reader’s Choice Awards! SEGA games are nominated in several categories, including Best 360 Game and Best PS3 game. Show some love for favorites like Bayonetta, Vanquish, Sonic 4 Episode 1 and Napoleon: Total War by voting now!

1UP have also just unlocked the voting for Game of the Year, and both Napoleon: Total War and Bayonetta are nominated! Vote for your favorite SEGA game and help us bring home the win.

Spread the word… vote SEGA!

└─═[ MEGA SALE HOLIDAY 2010 ]═─┐

This Holiday save up to 70% on over 20 SEGA games! Buy for yourself, or buy for a friend! The Sale starts tonight on December 21st and runs until January 3rd, details below, read on!

Super Mega Special Deals!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 4 EPISODE I

→ iTunes AppStore was $6.99 now $2.99 save 57% – Buy Now!
→ iTunes AppStore was £3.99 now £1.79 save 55% – Buy Now!
→ iTunes AppStore was € 5.49 now € 2.39 save 56% – Buy Now!
→ iTunes AppStore was $8.99 (AUS) now $3.99 (AUS) save 56% – Buy Now!

→ PlayStation Network was $14.99 now $9.99 save 33% – Buy Now!

SONIC ADVENTURE

→ PlayStation Network was $10 now $5 save 50% – Buy Now!

CHUCHU ROCKET!

→ iTunes AppStore was $2.99 now $0.99 save 67% – Buy Now!
→ iTunes AppStore was £1.79 now £0.59 save 67% – Buy Now!
→ iTunes AppStore was € 2.39 now € 0.79 save 67% – Buy Now!
→ iTunes AppStore was $3.99 (AUS) now $1.19 (AUS) save 70% – Buy Now!

Plus a special treat for Xbox LIVE Arcade customers on Dec 30th. Don’t forget to buy for your friends and Santa won’t forget to bring you gifts!

iPhone

› Super Monkey Ball
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› Sonic the Hedgehog
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Sonic the Hedgehog 2
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Super Monkey Ball 2
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› Super Monkey Ball 2 Sakura Edition
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Sonic 4 Episode 1
$6.99 $2.99
£3.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Phantasy Star 2
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $0.99 (AUS)
› ChuChu Rocket!
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› ChuChu Rocket! HD
$4.99 $2.99
£2.99 £1.79
€ 5.49 € 2.39
$8.99 (AUS) $3.99 (AUS)
› Gunstar Heroes
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)
› Altered Beast
$2.99 $0.99
£1.79 £0.59
€ 2.39 € 0.79
$3.99 (AUS) $1.19 (AUS)

Xbox Live Arcade

› Afterburner Climax $10.00 $5.00
› Shhh, it’s a secret – no really – we can’t tell you – so check back on December 30th to see what we’ll be discounting!

PlayStation Network

› Sonic Adventure
$9.99 $4.99
£6.29 £3.19
€7.99 €3.99
$12.95 (AUS) $6.95 (AUS)
› Sonic Adventure DX
$4.99 $1.99
£3.19 £1.19
€3.99 €1.49
$6.95 (AUS) $2.45 (AUS)
› Sonic 4 Episode 1
$14.99 $9.99
£9.99 £5.49
€12.99 €6.99
$19.95 (AUS) $11.45 (AUS)
› Afterburner Climax
$9.99 $4.99
£7.99 £3.99
€9.99 €4.99
$15.95 (AUS) $8.45 (AUS)
› Phantasy Star Portable 2
$39.99 $15.99
£27.99 £13.99
€34.99 €17.99
$54.95 (AUS) $27.95 (AUS)
› Valkyria Chronicles 2
$39.99 $15.99
£27.99 £13.99
€34.99 €17.99
$54.95 (AUS) $27.95 (AUS)

› Sega Genesis Collection $15.99 $9.99

› Iron Man 2 $19.99 $15.99

› Gunstar Heroes $4.99 $2.99

Good news for Sonic fans on Xbox Live!

Six new Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Avatar items are now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace! From Chaos Emeralds to a Genesis-styled Sonic 4 cartridge, there’s all sorts of awesome contained in these new goodies. All six items, in detail:

• Chaos Emeralds – They’re shiny, they float, and they’ve saved the world more than just a few times. Now you can have all seven hovering around your very own avatar.

• Toy Chopper Badnik + Fish Bowl – A cute little robot pirahna that wants nothing more than to swim around and chomp off whatever’s closest – including your finger. (We included a bowl to make owning this pet a little safer.)

• Toy Motobug – Wind him up and watch him charge, bravely and gloriously, straight ahead! While Motobugs are most well known for their unfaltering ability to keep moving forward, at least until they turn around, this one can also cut some corners and might just chase you down.

• Sonic 4 Cartridge – One of our favorites! Now you can hold the power of Sonic 4 in a convenient, Genesis-sized game cartridge. We even included a certain oldschool seal of quality.

• Sonic 4 T-shirt – If you’re looking for a new addition to your wardrobe, this T-shirt is sure to please. Simple and effective, it’s black with the Sonic 4 Logo on the front.

• Sonic Plushie – Attack of the cute! This Sonic plushie is a nice collector’s item and is sure to fire up your avatar’s imagination. Highly recommended for girlfriends, moms, and anyone with a love for adorable and awesome mixed together.

We hope you all enjoy the avatar items. On behalf of the entire Sonic 4 team – Happy Holidays!

A permanent price drop is now in effect for nearly of Sega’s titles for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. If you missed out on any of the crazy deals we’ve been running, don’t worry! You can buy any of the games below at their new new price for yourself or for a friend, for the holidays!

ChuChu Rocket: $4.99 $2.99
ChuChu Rocket HD: $6.99 $4.99
Ecco the Dolphin: $2.99 $0.99
Golden Axe: $2.99 $0.99
Gunstar Heroes: $4.99 $2.99
Phantasy Star II: $4.99 $2.99
Shining Force: $2.99 $0.99

Super Monkey Ball 2: $5.99 $2.99
Super Monkey Ball 2 Sakura Edition: $7.99 $4.99
Sonic The Hedgehog 1: $5.99 $4.99
Sonic The Hedgehog 2: $5.99 $4.99
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1: $9.99 $6.99
Streets of Rage: $2.99 $0.99

Good news for all of us who have completed Sonic 4 100%, or at least with all seven emeralds: one fan from Sweden has come up with his own list of challenges, and if you’re looking for something to keep that Sonic 4 experience fresh and fun, these are pretty awesome.

(Click the image to view the challenges!)

User Gubbyman from the SEGA forums has created a to-do list, complete with rankings for how close you get, that should keep any avid Sonic player on their toes. For starters, did you know that it’s possible to collect every single ring in Splash Hill Zone Act 1? (And that there are 336 of them!)

The better you do, the more rings you’ll get in the thread, which will also move you up higher on the top ten scoreboard. You can use pictures and videos to prove you pulled it off, but really, half the fun is just seeing if you can complete these with an A rank.

Check them out and click here to visit the Sonic 4 challenges thread!

Finally, props to Gubbyman himself for putting this all together. Cheers to you, Gubby!

Last week, a couple fine folks from the gaming community Destructoid came by the SEGA offices. We all joined in to celebrate the two-week anniversary of their review for what critics are hailing as one of the best Sonic games ever – Sonic Colors. And, as we all learned with one very special cake, sometimes you never know how good something is until you try it!

Thankfully, Ai Ai was there to make it all better. Also, please note that nobody is to ever speak of the DreamCat again. (Codename: ‘Kitten’).

As a little shout out to our awesome licensing team, yes – those Sonic pillows, the pinata, and all the party supplies are real and are actually coming out next year – a few may already be showing up in the US. Sweet.

Hope you guys enjoy the video, and thanks to Carnage and Venom of Destructoid for coming by and enjoying a little 4.5 with us!

Attention, SEGA Fans! We have a special Fall sale for the Apple iPhone. Lots of great games are getting discounts up to 80% off, so from now until November 30th is your chance to save on this iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad titles.

Here’s the low-down:

Super Monkey Ball 2 $5.99 $1.99
Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition $7.99 $2.99
Phantasy Star II $4.99 $0.99
Golden Axe $2.99 $0.99
ChuChu Rocket! $2.99 $0.99
ChuChu Rocket! HD $4.99 $2.99
Sonic 4, Episode 1 $6.99 $4.99

There you go — this sale is just a limited time to kick off the holiday season so check it out while you can, because on December 1st prices will be back to normal!

The holiday giving season kicks off this weekend, and SEGA games are being featured in some of the best gift-giving guides!

1UP

1UP has chosen the following games for their guide:

Bayonetta (X360 and PS3)

Vanquish (X360 and PS3)

Yakuza 3 (PS3)

Chu Chu Rocket (iPhone)

After Burner Climax (PSN)

Valkyria Chronicles II (PSP)

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I (PSN)

Gamespot

Gamespot also has their gift guide up, and has chosen the following SEGA games for their guide:

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (DS)

Valkyria Chronicles II (PSP)

Bayonetta (X360)

Whether you’re looking for a gift to give, or trying to put your own wish list together, let these guides help you pick the perfect thing!