Kikzo writes: "Sumo Digital casts a Sega dream with Kikizo. Steve Lycett on working with Sega Japan, Sega fanboys and OutRun3.
Sheffield, UK-based Sumo Digital won acclaim and adoration in 2004 when it showed off its conversion of OutRun2 for the Xbox. Turning in a perfect conversion of the coin-op, this previously unheard of studio had proven its mighty technical competence and perfect handling of Sega design sensibilities in one fell swoop.
Since then, the company has worked with Sega again on home versions of Virtua Tennis and OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast. And it was also to work on a Wii-specific version of Virtua Tennis as well, until Sega of Japan asked Sumo to stick some Sonic characters into the game as a bit of a bonus. Sudden it all clicked - let's put loads more Sega into this, they all thought - and Sega Superstars Tennis was born."
For Sega and Sonic the Hedgehog aficionados, Sega Superstars Tennis is a solid blend of simple sports action and glossy fan service.
SEGA Superstars Tennis will be released for the Mac on October 17th, Feral Interactive has today announced. Developed by Sumo Digital Ltd., published by SEGA for consoles and inspired by two decades of SEGA history, SEGA Superstars Tennis sees 16 fan-favourite characters serving up extreme arcade tennis.
Following news that Sega is planning on bringing 20 Dreamcast games to XBLA, and the possibility of Saturn games to follow, NowGamer went straight to Sega and asked them how they mastered the art of fan service.
