Win SEGA’s Sonic 4 Video Contest for a Trip to SEGA Japan

Perhaps the timing of this is a little awkward.

You see, for years now, there have been many a complaint about SEGA’s handling of the once-prominent Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, particularly where the games are concerned. And many people have dreamed of having the simple opportunity to be able to go right up to SEGA’s Japanese headquarters and tell them every last thing that is wrong with Sonic, and what can be done to fix it.

Ironically, they may now have that opportunity… but it only comes after SEGA has revealed what may be two of the most well-received (so far) Sonic games in years.

SEGA announced on their Sonic City Blognik today that they are holding a “creative video contest” to celebrate the Blue Blur’s 19th anniversary. Two grand prize winners will be chosen, with one from the United Kingdom, the other from America, and they can each bring one other person along as they go SEGA’s Japanese headquarters to meet the Sonic development team and tell them… well, “good job,” or “thanks,” I guess.

“In honor of the nineteenth anniversary of our favorite hedgehog, we wanted to find a special way to thank Sonic’s fans throughout the years,” said Haruki Satomi, Executive Vice President of SEGA of America. “We think this contest is a great way to give fans a chance to express their creativity, enthusiasm and support for Sonic.”

In order to partake in this… well, maybe not-so-epic showdown between fan and creator, fans have the next two weeks to upload videos to YouTube which show “their appreciation and love” of Mr. Needlemouse. From there, they submit their entry to the official contest page, and wait nervously by the phone for the call.

Or e-mail. They’ll probably let the winner know by e-mail.

So, how do you make sure your video is the one to win? The cheat-sheet reveals that the judges will be looking for “creativity, entertainment, and effort.” And the ten which best exemplify what they are looking for will be showcased on the official Sonic the Hedgehog 4 website.

After that, however, it is out of SEGA’s hands, and it will be up to the fans to decide who gets to go to Tokyo, and who walks away with one of two 32 GB iPod Touches. And if you don’t net either of those prizes, then 100 other random winners will receive free Sonic swag.

All the rules and details are here, and be sure to let us know if you’re chosen. That way, we can perhaps show off your video here on RipTen and try to rally up a little support.