Author's note: Over at 1up, I read an awesome article by Jeremy Parish. It was about Sega and how to fix them. The article inspired me to expand upon that idea.

For every Magic Johnson, there is Larry Bird. For every Coca Cola, there is Pepsi. For every competitor, there is a rival. For every Nintendo, there is Sega.

If we go back in time, then the last statement would be true. However, right now, Sega is not the company they once were. But back then, they were THE rival. Sega established themselves as the edgier alternative to gaming. This sentiment resonated with many people.

A few wrong turns into the future, Sega gives up console making and became a second rate publisher. As of right now: Sega does not enjoy the notoriety they once had, they are certainly no rival to Nintendo, and Sonic games make nostalgic gamers cry tears of sorrow.

"Werewolf Sonic was a very GOOD idea.......... Are you laughing?"

Watching Sega in a state like this would depress former Genesis owners. Imagine following a prize fighter in his prime. Natural talent had propelled him towards the top ranks. However, without hard work, he unable to stay atop. Then, soon enough, the losses start piling on and on.

After experiencing the top, is returning enough motivation for Sega to bounce back? The answer is no. Sega is content at staying afloat. Play any Sonic game and you shall come to the same conclusion. The quality is not there anymore.

However, not all is lost with Sega! They still have a hand in some of this generation's best games. Valkyria Chronicles, Yakuza 3, Mad World, and Bayonetta have captured critical acclaim. Unfortunately for Sega, these titles have not lit the charts on fire. What happened to the edgier replacement for Nintendo? Given their track record, gamers ought to give these games consideration. But alas, there are far more edgier alternative titles by other game companies. Consumers eat up what Sega's competitors have to offer.

"I want YOU to buy more Valkyria Chronicles. It's the best game you never bought!"

Sega is at a crossroads. Their quality titles do not sell gangbusters and their flagship title, Sonic, is mediocre. What must they do to reach the top again? The answer is to look at who rose above them and rekindle a lost sentiment.

When Rocky lost to Mr. T, did Rocky run away? No, he did not. He faced his fears and trained harder than before. For Sega, they must do the same. Their goal ought to be to become THE rival once again, but not as the console maker, but as the game maker. There was only one hero who was able to stand toe to toe against Mario, and his name was Sonic. To turn everything around, Sonic must stand toe to toe against Mario in terms of quality and quantity. For a long time, the Sonic series has been the barometer for the company. At its peak, Sonic games were awesome. At its valley, Sonic games are not so awesome. With a high quality title under Sonic's belt, Sega can start to rise above mediocrity. They could ride the momentum towards bigger and brighter endeavors.

Sega is a versatile video game company: they could turn Phantasy Star into the next Final Fantasy; turn the Daytona series into the next Gran Turismo; bring back Sega sports and draw in the expanded audience. Sega has all the power to accomplish all of these feats. Put a bullseye on Nintendo and work hard to trump them. Sega must do what Nintendon't.

"Sega's best  selling game this generation has Sega and Nintendo competing. It's a sign!"

A wise man once said, "All it takes is a little push." That is what Sega needs to reach the peak of the industry once more. Nintendo has risen to unforeseen level, while Sega has sunk. Their rivalry is what pushed Sega towards the top and, right now, that fire is what they need to turn the company around. Their flagship title is the starting point. Sonic needs to be able to stand toe to toe against Mario in terms of quality and quantity. 

Embrace the competition. Hunger for the sweet taste of victory. For every Larry Bird, there is a Magic Johnson. For every Pepsi, there is Coca Cola. For every competitor, there is a rival. In the years to come, I wish to say, "For every Sega, there is Nintendo."