Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 10 (then Sega 2000-X)
From Video Game Morgue File
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> > > SEGA 2000 - X MAGAZINE < < <
ISSUE. 10 --- The Original Dreamcast Magazine --- July 26 '98
Sega 2000 - http://www.dchq.com
Sega X - http://www.segadreamcast.net
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_/ \____ Editor's Comments _____________________________/ \_/
Ok, some people's e-mail programs make parts of this magazine
look a mess (the title in perticular) so I'm trying a new set
up this week. Please tell me what you think about it. Just
click reply to this e-mail and write in what you think. Thanks!
Well this time we go to over 1,600 people! :) Don't forget you
have 1 more week to enter the "Win A Saturn Game" draw aswell.
Sorry about the lack of updates at Sega 2000, but they are back
to normal now. We also celebrated our 10,000th hit yesterday.
Why not check out Sega 2000 after reading this? Well, enjoy
issue 10! :)
p.s Don't forget to check out the 5 easy steps to killing a Spice
Girl down the very bottom... he he...
> > > Page 1 - News < < <
> > > Page 2 - WIN A GAME < < <
> > > Page 3 - Modem < < <
> > > Page 4 - Survey < < <
> > > Page 5 - Importing < < <
> > > Page 6 - Letters < < <
> > > Page 7 - Elijah Net < < <
> > > Page 8 - Web Sites < < <
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_/ \____ News __________________________________________/ \_/
*** For the latest news, see the Sega 2000 or Sega X site ***
> > > HUDSON'S TRAVEL / LOVE SIM
Game Busters is reporting that already confirmed Japanese
developer Hudson has announced thier upcoming Dreamcast
title as Kitahe (loosely tranlated as Heading North). Hudson is
calling the game a travel simulator (talk about an original idea),
where as a young boy you travel in a Japanese locality
attempting to meet girls.
The economy of the location the game is based upon
(home-location of Hudson) isn't doing to well and Hudson hopes
the game and an advertising campaign can attract tourist yen to
the area.
There have been many "Love Sim" games out in Japan so far, the
idea may seem very strange to us... which is why there probably
won't be a release out side of Japan. Hmmm... I can't exactly
say I'm devestated by that thought.
> > > EA JOINS IN AT LAST
In recent months, Electronic Arts has been inexorably denying
out-and-out production for Sega's new console, and implying
that nothing is currently on the production slate. Whenever
posed with the question, EA representatives always spring back
to responses ranging from vague "we are taking a wait-and-see
stance on the machine", to blatant "we currently have no games
in production for the Dreamcast". As most of us know, however,
developers aren't afraid to make little fibs or misleading
condensations if it is in their best interest.
Our queries aimed at Electronic Arts have resulted in all but
barren reapings in recent weeks - However, we recently received
a somewhat more decisive response from them that is almost
enough reason for EA fans to get excited.
Today an EA representative told us that, while he did not have
any information regarding specific releases yet, it is "more than
likely that we will be developing games, in the near future, for
this platform." As insignificant as this may sound, it actually
marks a small victory for Sega enthusiasts everywhere - EA has
remained completely and totally hush-hush regarding
Dreamcast development until now.
> > > PROBLEMS WITH SEGA
Moody's Investors Service has downgraded its long-term debt-rating
for Sega, blaming competition from the likes of Sony and Nintendo
in the home market, and weak consumer spending in Japanese arcades.
The agency said: Sega's earnings will continue to be pressured by
intense competition from financially stronger competitors, which
have substantial market positions in the home videogame business. It
also warned that the Japanese recession would hit hard.
However, there are better times ahead. It concluded: The company
has a firm track record in technological development and a loyal
core user base. Moody's expects that Sega will remain a strong industry
competitor over the long term and that its credit profile should benefit
from the diversity of revenue sources connected with the amusement industry,"
> > > MODEM PETITION ON HOLD
Jarrod the originizer had this to say...
"It is not known if the modem will be included in DC (internal or
external), or sold without. The interview was a little vague. So I have
chosen to hold off on the petition until it's totally confirmed if it is
being sold without Dreamcast."
> > > GODZILLA ON DREAMCAST DETAILS
Thanks to FGN. Dreamcast's VMS Godzilla game will unlock areas of the
major Godzilla Dreamcast title, according to Sega-Otaku. It's not sure
how this will work, but the two games will combine to reveal new
characters, storylines or areas. Old favourite Mechagodzilla has been
confirmed for the Dreamcast title. Other monsters that are hot favourites
to appear include:
* Mothra - a flying moth beast.
* Rodan - think Q the Winged Serpent.
* The Smog Monster - don't ask.
* Biollante - part lizard, part young girl, and part rose. (Yes, a flower).
* Ghidora - three headed dragon beast.
_ _
_/ \____ WIN the Saturn Game Of Your Choice! ___________/ \_/
Know of a friend who might be intrested in the Sega 2000-X Magazine?
If you introduce atleast 1 person to this magazine, just e-mail me with
there address and your in the draw! And for each extra person you introduce,
you gain another entry. Get 5 new subcribers... 5 chances to win!
The winner will receive the Saturn game of there choice (however if its an
import I will have to check if I can get it first of course). You can enter
from anywhere in the world, and the...
CLOSING DATE: August 1st
E-MAIL: Madcow@ihug.co.nz - With the e-mail address's of the people you helped
subcribe to our mailing list.
Fine Print: No more than 15 entrys (I have to be fair)
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_/ \____ Modem Feature _________________________________/ \_/
Thanks to Insight Gaming for this. Please visit there site (not
just because I printed there editoral, its actually quite good)
Recently in the Dreamcast online community, the talk on the 'net has been about
the Dreamcast modem. It seems that some people are either really angered or really
relieved that Sega has decided to make the modem an external device. There has been
an even larger uproar about the modem's status at launch, that is, whether or not
it will be packed-in with the system or just sold seperately. Today, I will address
both of these topics in hopes of diluting some of the confusion and/or anger on the 'net.
* External or Internal, Which One Is Really Better?
Personally, I like the idea of an external modem over an internal one. An external modem
provides the ability to upgrade through either software or hardware. With an external
modem, its as easy as adding a smaller device onto the existing modem for an upgrade.
This way, Windows CE, the operating system that will appear on each Dreamcast disc,
can more easily detect if an upgrade is present upon starting a game. An external
modem is also much more durable (having its own outter 'casing' of sorts) and can
withstand a few falls, unlike an internal one where one drop of the system could
damage it permanently.
On the other hand, an external modem does have one big disadvantage. This disadvantage
is really simply; an external modem takes up too much space. Yeah that's right, I am
arguing about space. Now, not only do you have to worry about having a spot for the
Dreamcast console (which is, by the way, much smaller than the current consoles), but
you must also have another spot next to it for the modem, as I guarantee the connection
cord will not be very long.
The internal modem, when compared to an external one, is mostly inferior. As I stated
above, an internal one does save a great deal of space and it is also much cheaper to
make (which, in turn, changes the price of the system). That's about it for the advantages
sadly. On the opposite side of the spectrum, an internal modem would be a pain, to say
the least, to upgrade. Consumers would have to literally crack open the system to
upgrade, something Sega would not allow to happen by not offering any upgrades
whatsoever. This would greatly damage the Dreamcast's potential because, as modem
speeds would rise steadily, the DC's would stay the same. The more high-tech games
(resource hogging ones) would be plagued by latency and would be virtually unplayable
online. That is the major reason why I perfer an external modem. Plain and simple.
* To Pack-In or Not To Pack-In, That Is The Question
I guess I will just come out and say it. Not packing the Dreamcast console with a modem
at launch more be a tragic mistake by Sega, and one I dearly hope does not happen.
A whole slew of problems would begin to arise from that, some of which were present
with the Saturn's Netlink.
First of foremost, if the modem is not given to the consumer with the console, they
now have a choice to buy it or not. With the Dreamcast price tag already exceeding
$200 (and possibly more), only a few would buy the modem at that time. What this
creates is a terrible user base for the modem and a potentially fatal circumstance
for Sega. When not everyone has the modem, developers will begin to cut back on
making games that utilize the modem. Companies are not stupid, they will do anything
to save money. What's the use making a game modem-compatitible if less than half
of the Dreamcast users have one? This is exactly what will happen without a
pack-in Modem.
If the system does come with the Modem (and it better..), then this ensures a guaranteed
user base. This will make developers include modem-capabilties in their games because
they must compete with the competition (other developers), who are already utilzing
the modem. That would be the beginning of the success for Sega, lets sure hope that
this one comes true.
- http://www.insightgaming.com/
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_/ \____ IMPORTant Matters _____________________________/ \_/
So many people are wanting to Import a Dreamcast this November,
here is something that all those people should read...
> > > PLAYING US GAMES
The same as say your Saturn, you won't be able to just put a
US / Europe game into your import Dreamcast and play. (doh!).
Action Replay is the most well knowen company for producing
Import Cartrages. Buying one of these will allow you to play
games from anywhere around the world. The other way, which is
popular in the UK at the moment is to get your Dreamcast
converted. Shops will usually do this for about US $80 and they
add a switch to your machine. This allows you to chance between
Jap, US and Europe mode.
BUT, they won't come out with the Dreamcast, you may be left
for a few months not being able to play US games. It depends
how long it takes Action Replay to bring out there cartrage and
even longer before shops will be able to convert your DC probably.
So in the end, if you can't stand the wait for the US Dreamcast,
you may find your self not being able to wait for a converter
next year. I only recommened importing to people who have the
money, and really can't wait...
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_/ \____ Survey ________________________________________/ \_/
First Sega console...
Genesis - 29
Master System - 24 (including me... he he)
Saturn - 3 (only 3? Intresting...)
Game Gear - 2
Also Mostafa had this intresting comment...
"I'd like to tell you what my first SEGA game was, because when
they made this game, SEGA did not have any systems out, my first
SEGA game was "Congo Bongo" for the Commodore 64, made long before
the master system, when SEGA only produced games. Unfortunately i
do not have this cartrige any longer, as i can imagine it would be
a good collector's item today."
Here is the next survey, hope you enjoy it!
*** Did the main banner look messed up for you?
If it did please vote, because you are the people who are reading
this magazine. Should I use this new one? The old one? Or maybe
a different one still? I'd really love to know what you think. :)
Just click REPLY to this e-mail and put your answer IN THE SUBJECT
please. Thanks to everyone who votes!
The survey on people's favorite Sonic game is running at Sega 2000,
the results so far are on the main page. :)
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_/ \____ Letters _______________________________________/ \_/
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If you have a letter, please e-mail it to me at madcow@ihug.co.nz or
just click REPLY to this e-mail. Simple! I look forward to hearing from ya!
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> > > MODEM IN OR OUT? HOW ABOUT THIS...
Hello. At first I thought leaving the modem out would kill the system
but then I thought sega should leave the modem out but still have the
price of the dreamcast to be the same if it had a 33.6 modem and give a
coupon that is good for one 33.6 modem or a percentage off an upgrade to
56k or I even heard that there will be a 1MB modem out by then, or for
the people who do not want a modem a rebate. what do you think about
this idea. I think it solves every ones problems. - Jake Horan
SEGA 2000: Hello. :) Thats a intresting idea, and better than just leaving
it out... but still the number of people with them would be lower. The more
people with modems, the more games will come out that will use them. The
Net Link hasn't been the success Sega wanted, because not enough people
bought it (no offense to Net Linkers there, lots of people did but its
still not enough unfortantly)
> > > HOW ABOUT A SPECIAL ONLINE PACK?
One thing I forgot to mention! If Sega does decide to pack the modem in
with the system, which is a good thing.. for me at least, they have to
think if people want it.. BECAUSE. I'm not too sure yet on this, but what
if Sega charges it's users to play online per month, like an ISP would? If
Joe Schmoe (he's a nice guy) decided he didn't want to play games online,
it would be pretty dumb for him to be forced to buy the modem also, eh?
Even though their won't be many people like that, but I still think Sega
should consider it. Maybe put out 2 different packages? One "online" pack
and the other "game" pack.. I dunno, jeez I gotta stop typing so much..
well hope ya read this far. - Mike
- Note: Since this Mike has canged his mind, now thinking that having the
modem out is a bad idea. The editoral that changed his mind is printed in
this issue's features page.
SEGA 2000: Thats a good idea there, what do other people think? About the
ISP... Sega is developing a Heat.net-type ISP for Dreamcast users
allowing players to meet and then disconnect and play point-to-point.
If you buy a Dreamcast, it's Internet-ready, no additional hardware to buy.
> > > HOW ABOUT NO MODEM AT ALL?
We don't need a modem for the Dreamcast. The same people crying about the
modem are probably the same people who cried about the name of the system. It
will only drive the cost of the Dreamcast up. Sony and Nintendo will probably
drop the price of their machines to compete with the Dreamcast. Also it was
said that the modem was external, but did they mean that it was seperate or
just that it was outside the machine and would still be included with it? I'm
sure NEC, Sega and Microsoft wouldn't want all you to tear up the innards.
Instead of worrying about whether it comes with a modem or not you should
write of e-mail Sega and make sure they don't screw up the launch here in the
U.S.
SEGA 2000: They meant it would be sold seperate. Well yes, because of the money
problems aswell Sega might want to keep the modem out more now... it will push
the cost up. Hmmmm....
> > > UNIVERSAL CHIP?
From the moment I heard about Dreamcast I have had this feeling that this is
going to be one of the, if not the best home gaming system ever. I would like
to import one of them because I would like to play it as soon as possible.
The only thing stopping me is that I want to be able to play American games
when the system comes out here as well as imports. I know that not much is
known about the system, but I have heard rumors that the system will include a
universal chip. Is this true? If not, weather in your opinion or by fact,
will there be away to modify the system to play American games. Thank you for
your time.
SEGA 2000: Unfortantly no there isn't a universal chip in the Dreamcast. But
yes there will be a way to modify your Dreamcast to play American games. Shops
in the UK are doing it to Saturns at the moment. But... it might be a while
before shops start doing it to Dreamcasts. Depends how many people import I
guess. More details in the Import Section of this magazine actually. :)
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_/ \____ Elijah Net ____________________________________/ \_/
http://www.angelfire.com/ms/elijahparker/
This is a BIG web site. Its got things on everything you could like,
Music, Sega, Movies, Funny facts, Actors / Actress's, Storys, and
LOTS of funny comments.
I don't normally use this magazine for promotions like that, but
Elijah Net has reached the stage of low hits. Its because
not many people know about it... well now they do. :)
Why not check it out? I bet you WON'T be disapointed!
http://www.angelfire.com/ms/elijahparker/
<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ms/elijahparker/">CLICK TO GO TO ELIJAH NET</a>
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_/ \____ Web Sites _____________________________________/ \_/
If you have a web site you want here, just e-mail me on
madcow@ihug.co.nz
> > > Dreamcast World - http://members.aol.com/willeboy/
Very nice new site, why not have a look?
> > > http://www.angelfire.com/ga/jokesz/
Read the funny version of a "Systems Analyst Qualifying Exam", it will
make you laugh for sure! Here's an example of it...
Question 2: MEDICINE
You have been provided with a razor blade, a piece of gauze and a bottle
of Scotch. Remove your appendix. Do not suture until your work has been
inspected. You have fifteen minutes.
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@1998 Elijah Parker - MADCOW@IHUG.CO.NZ
- http://www.dchq.com - Sega 2000
- http://www.segadreamcast.net - Sega X
Written and edited by Elijah Parker (just so you know who to blame for the
terrible spelling... he he) The magazine is owned by Sega 2000 / Sega X
and no parts may be copyed without prior permission.
P.S Another week gone, another issue churned out (sounds nice eh?)... another
strange comment to write down here I guess. :) Ok here are 5 easy steps to
follow for killing a Spice Girl...
#1. Show No Mercy. The Spice Girls are true incarnates of evil, so you
must be careful not to let them hypnotize you. They have several ways of
doing so. If one begins to sing, you must be sure to cover your ears with
some sort of tangible object. The banshee-like sound waves they emit are
deadly, and if your ears fall subject to them, then you may be in store
for one hell of an earache. There have been several reports of people dying
from ear bleeds. Please, heed this most important warning: The more deaf you
are, the luckier your hunt will be.
#2. Incapacitate Before Attacking. If you attack a Spice Girl while it is
consious, you will surely fail in your attempt. You know that thing they call
"dancing"? That's actually a very sly way of hiding their extreme guerilla
warfare. They can dodge your attacks with flips. They like to jump up and down
a lot too, making for an unclear shot. It's best to lure the opponent in with
some sort of shiny object. Spice Girls LOVE shiny objects.
#3. Torture is Necessary. Sure, it would be cool to just snipe them. But that
wouldn't be fun, or appropriate. They've been torturing us for months with their
meaningless lyrics. So it is important to make sure that the Spice Girl suffers
before it dies. If this means five minutes of extreme pain, that's good. But
if it means a week of slow, bloody hell, then that's even better. Use blunt
objects, as they will inflict odd flesh wounds.
#4. You Are Above The Law. Trust me, I'm sure that most police officers would
kill the Spice Girls if they had the chance to. After all, you're doing your
country a great service. And, although they don't realize it, you're doing
people all over the world a favor. This could eventually lead to world peace.
Or at least world silence. The people are ignorant and have fallen under the
Spice Girls' evil power. It is our duty to salvate the people. Now is your
chance to be Rambo.
#5. Bring Back Heads. It's important that after killing the Spice Girl, you
cut off its head. That way it can't come back from the dead or something.
They made that mistake with the New Kids on the Block, and I'm still waiting
for them to come back. I find that a jagged hunting knife will split a head
from a body nicely. Be sure to always carry one just in case you manage to
track down a Spice Girl and kill it.
