Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 123
From Video Game Morgue File
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S E G A W O R L D W E E K L Y
M A G A Z I N E
~~ Issue No. 123 Mar 5th 2001 ~~
Proudly sponsored by http://www.levelsix.com/
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-- Editors Comments Page 1 --
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> This is best read in the Courier New font.
<<.>> LIGHT GUN - Small Size, Big Rumble !!
- http://www.levelsix.com/
This small light gun is the perfect solution for tired
arms, but that doesn't mean it's small on features. Packing
a built-in rumble feature, including recoil rumble (which
can be turned on/off with a switch), Auto-fire and
Auto-reload modes, a flashing LED light and four buttons
along with the D-pad. More details and pictures online.
- http://www.levelsix.com/
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-- Editors Comments Page 1 --
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Continuing our blast to the past, this week we feature Part
3 in the History of Videogames, then have a full review of
the Sega Smash Pack. Take a trip back in time with 10 of
your old Genesis favourites, plus Virtua Cop 2, and Sega
Swirl.
Phantasy Star Online is in the fire of the Red Hot Rumors,
with a series of extra missions you might be downloading
soon.
We've already had some applications for the Comic job here
at Sega World Weekly, although most people seem to be best
on the art side, while that should really come in second.
Creativity and a sense of humour are what we want to see,
and original samples of videogame comics are what we need
from you. Maybe you could make fun of people addicted to
Phantasy Star Online? How about a bug in a new game? Or
Sega's new Walk-A-Dog arcade game?
Applications are due on March 11th, and even if you can't
come up with three samples in time, send them in. Thanks!
Until next week then, Happy Gaming, and hope everyone in
China and Korea has a great Feast of excited insects day!
- Graham "Tails" Parker (Editor)
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|| C O N T E N T S ||
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|| 2 - Cover Story ||
|| 3 - Red Hot Rumors ||
|| 4 - Sega Smash Pack Review ||
|| 5 - Job Opening ||
|| 6 - Level Six Low-down ||
|| 7 - Question & Answer ||
|| 8 - Our Support Sites ||
|| 9 - Credits ||
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HOT QUOTE this issue: "Sega are apparently going to release
some extra downloadable quests in the near future."
-- Phantasy Star Online Rumors - Page 3
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-- Cover Story Page 2 --
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<<.>> The History Of Videogames: Part 3
-- Written by Graham Parker
Now in this new Millennium, with our 128-bit polygon
pumping online DVD playing monster consoles, it's time to
take a look back at how video games began, and how they
grew into what we know and play today. Last week we
discovered how the arcade industry boomed, bringing out
classic games like Space Invaders and Pac Man, but also
how the home consoles were failing, from the Colecovision,
to the Odyssey2, to Atari's 5200.
But going back to the arcade scene of 1982, Pac Man was
still the most popular game around. Ms. Pac Man had been
out for a year, and brought with her new features such as
cut scenes between levels, smarter AI, and fruits that
bounce around the mazes. The game broke all previous
records, selling 115,000 units in the US.
Hence Namco decides to cash in on the Pac Man fever that
held America, with two different versions, Pac-Man Plus and
Super Pac-Man. The first was a mod-chip to the original
game, making it run faster, and replaced the fruit with
items like a coke can.
Super Pac Man changes the game even more, getting rid of
the little pills Pac Man enjoyed so much. Instead the aim
was to collect keys to access the stacks of fruit locked
away throughout the maze.
Since these titles in 1982, there's been a huge 12 further
Pac Man games. Ranging from Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man to Baby
Pac-Man, Professor Pac-Man, and even Pac Man VR.
Moving on now to 1983 comes the first laser disc game in
America, Dragons Lair. For Japan it was a different story,
as Sega's Astron Belt made it out first, but the game
wasn't released in America due to many software and
hardware bugs. So Dragons Lair made it to the masses first,
six years in the making, and $1.3 million in production
costs later. That's nothing compared to how much the game
made in the first eight months however, topping $32
million, and as time went on the game finished with
revenues of $500 million! Dragon's Lair was an interactive
cartoon, and while the gameplay would seem very limited
today, and bring back horrible memories of "interactive
movies", it was pure brilliance to gamers of the day. Soon
after other clones were released, and finally Sega's Astron
Belt made it out in America. Using an improved laserdisc
system, Sega's title fixed the problem of black flashes
between scenes that Dragons Lair had. Never the less,
Astron Belt didn't hold much appeal with the gamers of that
time.
Dragons Lair on the other hand continued to enjoy it's
popularity, and went on to become one of only three classic
titles to be displayed in the Smithsonian Institution, the
others being Pong and Pac-Man. Also more recently, an
updated Dragons Lair 3D is it's on way for release early
this year.
Not forgetting the home market, 1983 was a big year for
Nintendo too, as they released their Famicom (the NES) in
Japan. The rights to sell it in the US were offered to
Atari, although the deal fell through as the games industry
crashed. Too many consoles were in the market at once, and
that was the last time that gamers ever had to choose
between so many different systems.
Jumping ahead two years now, 1985 marked the beginning of a
game that is still getting sequels today, even on the
latest consoles. Can you guess what? A programmer in
Russia, Alex Pajitnov created the timeless block game,
Tetris. Built at the Moscow Academy of Science's Computer
Center, the game quickly spread, and unfortunately all that
Mr Pajitnov got for it was fame. Tetris has a long history
of court battles and companies releasing their own version
without the proper rights. Only a few years ago did
Pajitnov start getting royalties, thanks to a company he
helped found, The Tetris Company LLC.
Other events in 1985 including the Famicom being released
in America, renamed the Nintendo Entertainment System
(NES), and selling for $159. At first the NES has a limited
release, but a year later it was released across the states
to great demand. One of the first games, Super Mario
Brothers helped push the console to become an instant hit.
In 1986 Nintendo's console was outselling everyone else ten
to one, and it was clear Nintendo were the king of games.
With titles being released in Japan like Legend of Zelda,
it didn't seem like any other company would challenge them,
but two decided to give it a go anyway. Enter the Sega
Master System, which was more powerful then an NES, but
more expensive too, coming in at $200, and also the Atari
7800.
Atari however had already had it's day, and along with the
7800, the XE Game System released in 1987 were failures.
Most of Atari's 3rd parties such as Namco dumped them for
Nintendo, and things looked even more grim for Atari. Even
the Master System wasn't holding up against the mighty
Nintendo, so Tonka took over distribution for Sega, and
helped it compete for some of the market.
In the arcades, Atari released a polygon generated arcade
game, Hard Drivin', which was vital to the future of 3D
videogames. It was the game behind such hits as Virtua
Racing, powered by Sega's Model 1 board, and later Daytona
USA. Unlike the realistic approach of those titles however,
the concept behind Hard Drivin' was to pull of insane
stunts and go a little crazy. It wouldn't be for another
four years till these kind of polygon graphics were seen at
home, as this year the 16-bit consoles just entered the
market.
As Sega slowly proved that Nintendo wasn't in fact
invincible, 1989 marked the release of more consoles,
including the longest living system in history, the
Gameboy, and the first "16-bit" system, the TurboGrafx-16.
Atari tried once again to get back into the limelight with
their new handhold console, the Lynx, but it never really
took off, and certainly couldn't compete with the Gameboy.
Sega advancing on their Master System, chose 1989 to
release their most popular console in history, the Genesis,
retailing for $249.95. The next year when Nintendo brought
out the Super Famicom in Japan (SNES), Sega also brought
out their color portable system, Game Gear, Neo Geo
released the 24-bit Neo-Geo, and NEC the Handheld
TurboGrafx-16. Both the SNES and Genesis came out the
winners of the early 90's, but there were certainly other
consoles in the market for those who wanted them.
In 1991 the SNES was released in the US, for the same price
as the Genesis. With hits like Mario, Nintendo took the
lead, and to avoid a repeat performance of the NES and
Master System era, Sega quickly pondered what they could do
to make gamers look back their way. Their answer came in
the form of a spiky blue hegehog, named Sonic.
Sonic was both faster and cooler than Nintendo's lead
plumber, and Sega knew they had hit upon something big.
Where their previous attempt at topping Mario, Alex The
Kidd, had failed, Sonic ran rings around every other
platform character with his eyes closed.
But strangely sales didn't build up as high as you may
think in 1991, and most gamers still chose Nintendo as
their system of choice. The next year however, Sonic 2 was
released in time for the all important Christmas season,
and the game sold even faster that their little blue
hedgehog could run. Sega clearly had it's mascot, and it's
key to a 50% market share in the home console industry.
Just before we dive too far ahead though, a few other
important events happened in 1991...
Street Fighter II launched into arcades, NEC's TurboDuo
launched, and the 32-bit era approached fast. The Sega CD
was announced, the Panther from Atari, and Nintendo and
Sony were working on a CD add-on for the SNES, set to cost
$700! To compare the Sega CD was released for $299, and
that was believed to be too expensive.
The next year, more 3rd parties took further interest in
Sega, and decided to develop games on the Genesis. The Sega
CD however was a different story. Development was made less
than easy thanks to Sega keeping most of the development
tools to themselves, and thus began problems still haunting
the company to this very day.
Meanwhile another 32-bit console entered the market, the
3DO. Most people know the history of this console, but for
those who don't, it isn't exactly the best, but it did help
lead the industry into 3D games with titles like Need for
Speed.
Nintendo, perhaps taking note of Sega's failure with their
CD add-on, decided to abandon Sony and their work on a CD
device for the SNES at this stage, but Sony continued work
on the "Playstation" themselves.
So now Sony's Playstation is in development, and we're well
on our way to familiar tertiary. But next week we see the
dark side of gaming show it's face, take a look back at
Nintendo's stop gap console until the N64 was ready, and
see how Sega's Saturn console fared in the now harsh gaming
industry.
To be continued...
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-- Red Hot Rumors Page 3 --
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<<.>> New Missions for Phantasy Star Online
-- Written by Graham Parker
Last month it was revealed a sequel to Phantasy Star Online
is already in development, and the Dreamcast's RPG
continues to sell very, very well indeed this month. So
while we're all waiting for the sequel, Sega are apparently
going to release some extra downloadable quests in the near
future.
According to IGN, people from inside Sega have said the new
quests will be ready within the next three months. In the
mean time, have you finished Very Hard mode yet?
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-- Review - "Sega Smash Pack" Page 4 --
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<<.>> Sega Smash Pack Review (Dreamcast)
-- Written by Michael Monahan
One of the most anticipated and most original Sega title,
"The Sega Smash Pack" has finally been released and has
made its way onto the Dreamcast. Containing ten original
Sega Genesis titles, and one of the best Saturn games ever
to be created, the Smash Pack is sure to make a hit in the
USA.
So you're wondering, what exactly is the "Sega Smash Pack,"
and where can I get it? "The Sega Smash Pack" is a
combination of ten Sega Genesis games, one PC/Arcade
game, and one Dreamcast game. The Genesis games are: Sonic
the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, Shining Force, Wrestle War,
Streets of Rage 2, Columns, Vectorman, Phantasy Star II,
Altered Beast, and Revenge of Shinobi. The PC/Arcade game
is Virtua Cop 2, and the Dreamcast game is Sega Swirl.
About where you can get it. Well Sega originally planned to
released "The Sega Smash Pack" only in new Dreamcast
packages. That meant that the people with a Dreamcast have
to buy another one, but for the people that don't have a
Dreamcast yet can still do this deal and get a great system
with a great game included inside it. But, there is a light
at the end of the tunnel. Outside sources have suddenly
started to get the Smash Pack, and now are selling it
without making you buy another Dreamcast. Some of the
places that will sell you the "Smash Pack" alone without
the system are Funcoland, Ebay, and look around the net.
Also check your local videogame store to see if they're
selling it separately yet. Also the disc can be bought as
low as $20 and you may end up spending up to $60 on it.
The way this game is set up, is that you first load the
game, and you are put on a screen with an old TV in the
middle and the names of the games on the outside of the TV.
Whenever you move to a different name of a game, it will
highlight and then a picture of the game will be shown on
the old TV in the middle of the screen.
Instead of reviewing all of the games, we here will pick
out the best of the best and review those games. Some of
the games on the "Smash Pack" are duds so if you play them
once you probably won't play them again. So for now we
won't review them.
-- Virtua Cop 2
If you have never played "Virtua Cop 2" before on the PC or
Sega Saturn, you're in for a special treat. "Virtua Cop 2"
puts you in the control of a police officer that has to go
around Virtua city to stop the bad guys from robbing, or
killing you and your partner and of course the citizens of
the city. The graphics of this game are enhanced from its
original version and are now in 3D like never before. The
music in the game is great, but one complaint I have is
that the characters only yell out around two phrases, so
they are very limited on speech. Most of what you do in the
game is to go around shooting the bad guys. If you happen
to have to controllers then you can play with another
person on the same screen, and work together to hunt the
bad guys down. Also, this game was intended to be used with
the light gun, but you shouldn't have any trouble using the
controller with it. But if you do have a light gun for the
Dreamcast make sure you use it with the game. You can also
calibrate the gun from the game, so have no worries. This
game rates: 8/10
-- Vectorman
Vectorman was one of Sega's last Genesis games ever to be
created, and it was one of the best. Vectorman is a green
robot like figure that can transform into many different
kinds of things, like a jackhammer, a car, a train, and
more. While your not in the form of another object you are
equipped with a very powerful phaser type gun, and a jet
booster that will allow you to stay in the air for a while
after you jump. The main part of the game is to go around
and to save the city. The graphics in this game are
incredible for being on the Genesis. This game also will
allow you to input many different codes, and you can get a
variety of different guns by entering a code. This game
rates: 9/10
-- Streets of Rage 2
Streets of Rage is based on good guys against bad guys.
After you select a character you are portrayed as a hero.
You start off battling the bad guys on of course the
Streets, and then you move onto other places to battle.
This game offers two-player support so you can have a
lending hand, and it gives you a wide variety of characters
to select from. One character break-dances as his special
attack move, it's the funniest thing you will ever see.
After getting the "Smash Pack," be sure to check out this
game. This game rates: 8/10
-- Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is the first game of its series, and is
a pretty good way to start. The point of this game is to
battle the main enemy Robotnick, without dieing, and to get
through the levels. This game looks very primitive when you
play it, like the graphics aren't the best they can be, and
the sound isn't that god either. But, it is the main game
play that counts, and that is what you're getting. Even if
you don't like the Sonic Series, check this game out to see
how it all started. This game rates: 7/10
-- Revenge of Shinobi
Revenge of Shinobi places you in the role of a super ninja
that must battle other bad guys. You are given a few
different weapons to chose from, and you get a few special
ninja-like moves. You battle in a variety of different
settings, including a Dojo, and a Waterfall type setting.
There are many more though. The sound in this game is
pretty good, it doesn't interfere with the game but it
isn't the best. Also, the controls of the game are pretty
easy to learn so don't worry about recording all of the
moves down. This game rates: 8/10
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-- Job Openings Page 5 --
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<<.>> Weekly Comic Wanted - Draw for 40,000 gamers!
APPLICATIONS DUE BY MARCH 11TH
As we work on an HTML design for Sega World Weekly, we're
also looking to add more original content to our magazine.
Hence now we're starting a search for someone who would
like to write a weekly comic, poking fun at videogames, and
getting a laugh out of the latest titles.
This is a chance to have your work read by 40,000 people
world wide, but there are some drawbacks. For starters this
isn't a paying job, but this is something you can put down
to experience and in your resume. Also you'll be expected
to meet weekly deadlines, coming up with an original and
funny comic to feature in each issue.
You'll need some experience in drawing, to play a wide
variety of games, and to keep up-to date with the latest
gaming topics and news. But most of all you need a sense
of humour!
Applicants should create three original videogame related
comics and attach them as .jpg or .gif files to an e-mail
including details about yourself. Try to keep them short,
three or so frames each would be best, and you don't have
to rush them...
You have just ONE week left, until March 11th when we need
every application in.
Please Email applications to madcow@ihug.co.nz
Graham Parker
- Editor
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-- Level Six Lowdown Page 6 --
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<<.>> NEW Dreamcast Console Colors!
- http://www.levelsix.com/L6news.shtml
Board of your white Dreamcast? Then replace that console
case with a colored one! Personally I have the blue case,
but now there is even more colors to choose from, with
eight others. See a picture of them all right here:
http://www.levelsix.com/L6news.shtml
<<.>> No more switching cords with your VGA Box!
- http://www.levelsix.com/
Forget the hassles of switching cables every time you want
to play your Dreamcast games at the extra high VGA
resolution! Now you can have your PC and Dreamcast
connected both at the same time - and the box switches
between these two automatically.
<<.>> PC Mouse or Keyboard on your Dreamcast?
- http://www.levelsix.com/
Forget aiming with a controller in Quake 3 Arena, now you
can use your PC mouse! The Total Control 5 lets you use a
normal scroll wheel mouse, an optical mouse, or a keyboard.
Full details on the website here, http://www.levelsix.com/
<<.>> Light Gun - Small Size, Big Rumble
- http://www.levelsix.com/
This small light gun is the perfect solution for tired
arms, but that doesn't mean it's small on features. Packing
a built-in rumble feature, including recoil rumble (which
can be turned on/off with a switch), Auto-fire and
Auto-reload modes, a flashing LED light and four buttons
along with the D-pad. More details and pictures online.
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-- Question and Answer Page 7 --
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Do you have a question for your Sega know-it-all? Simply
e-mail in your questions to Ross at zondaro@usa.net and
look for the answers soon in an issue of Sega World Weekly.
We are unable to personally reply to all emails.
Next week: Positive Thoughts!
Update:
Last week I received several letters from readers
about where you can find the Sega Smash Pack. There was
a small mistake in my answer last week, you can buy the
SSP right now, but it is not the "official" release.
Rather stores have taken the CD out of the box and are
selling it separate from the Dreamcast. I didn't mention
this because these stores are probably selling the Pack
for more then Sega will. Still if you must have it now,
these stores are selling it right now.
http://www.buyrite.net/dreamcas/smashpack.html
http://store.yahoo.com/bre/segasmashpack.html
>>>> Once Again... A Buncha Game Questions
Q) I wanted to know if Shenmue is still going to have
multiple chapters like they said or are they just going
to stop at Shenmue 2 because of recent goings on?
- Jason Williams
Are there any plans for Soul Calibur 2 for Dreamcast?
- Gregory, Matthew
A) Shenmue 2 is confirmed for Dreamcast this fall, after
that it is still up in the air. I believe they will
just continue the series on other systems.
Namco has kits for all of the next generation systems,
and if I had to answer this question then I would say
the odds are ever other next generation system will
get a version of Soul Calibur 2, but not Dreamcast.
The time has past for a sequel on DC. The sequel is
coming though. Word on the street was that they were
going to show it at the Arcade show last week, but
with VF4 being shown they felt that they should wait.
>>>> We Have the Technology, We Can Rebuild Him
Q) Hello! Is there any chance that Sega will re-make some
of their older games with the 3-D graphics and so forth?
A few years ago, there was a Sega game called Obsidian
that I was interested in but never played because at the
time I didn't have a SEGA System. That game would be
unremarkable now but if it was spruced up with today's
technologies maybe it would still be an interesting
adventure game. I've been hearing rumors that Sega is
planning to remake some of their older games, but I
can't see those being true if DC has only 18 months
left. Perhaps you can clear up the matter. Thanks!
- Angelina from Canada
A) Once again the magic eight-ball reads: "e3 will reveal
all." There are a lot of rumors floating around about
sequels to old Sega games, but no remakes. The best you
will see as remakes are things like the Sega Smash Pack.
If sequels to old games don't come out on Dreamcast then
they will come out on next generation systems. Can you
say Nights2 on Gamecube?
>>>> Something Smells Fishy
Q) We've all seen the list of anticipated titles that are
scheduled as the Dreamcast is phased out, but the one
title I'd like to know about is Bass Fishing II.
- David
A) I'm not so sure about Bass Fishing 2 coming to the
Dreamcast. There is Sega Marine Fishing. I can't help
but feel that there will be more Sega fishing games
on other systems in the future.
>>>> Thought of the Week: Learning to Accept the Truth
Is Sega really going to stop supporting Dreamcast and give
up on it? I really like my Dreamcast and I sure as hell
don't want to trade it in on a Playstation 2. What is the
truth behind all this? What I believe Sega should do, is
if they can't afford to keep making DC's, they should
hold-off for a while until they get back on their feet.
Don't give up on consoles overall. I mean look at PSone,
it was going against N64 which was basically double its
specs but look who came out on top. This whole situation
really makes me mad. I thought Sega was really gonna kick
ass in this console war. - Kamron Rudisill
Sega has announced that they are pulling out of the
hardware side of the business. They will support the
Dreamcast as long as people keep buying games for it.
There are still around 30 first party Sega games coming
to Dreamcast from now until March 2002. The problem
was not the hardware, the N64 was a better system but
it used carts rather then CD's. That cost Nintendo the
last generation battle. Don't get rid of your Dreamcast
just yet, there are still a lot of good games coming to
it. - ZOndaro
Cube Me or Club Me! - zondaro@usa.net
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-- Support Sites Page 8 --
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Sega World Weekly goes out to 40,000 gamers every week. How
did we get so many people signed up? With the help of these
websites, that's how.
<<.>> DC-United - http://dc-united.com
The Premiere Dreamcast Community, DC-United.com gives you
the ability to view members online, build your own
homepage, send messages, read in-depth reviews, and much
more. DCU Network Members are also eligible for various
monthly prizes.
<<.>> Absolute Sega - http://www.absolutesega.com
One of the first Sega sites out there with the most up to
date news every 24 hours, 7 days a week. Absolute Sega is
not jus famous for it's news, but also it's reviews and
previews. Want to talk about games, then go to our forums
or you can talk in our IRC chat room.
<<.>> PSY Online - http://www.consolereviews.net
PSY Online is a multiformat reviews website specialising in
the Sega Dreamcast console. With 24/7 updated news, forums
and chat, its a great place to hang out for Sega fans.
<<.>> System Zero - http://system-zero.com
As game music goes well beyond the beeps and bleeps of the
past and into the soundtrack quality tracks we hear today,
Perfect Zero becomes one of THE most important sites for
game fans. Hosting hundreds of MP3s from different games,
turn up those speakers and click that link.
<<.>> The Next Level - http://www.the-nextlevel.com
The Next Level is a multi-platform gaming magazine focused
on current and upcoming next-generation systems. We provide
up-to-date news, in-depth reviews, reader reviews,
intriguing editorials, and more.
<<.>> Future Gamez - http://www.futuregamez.net
What ever console your looking for, Future Gamez have them
all. From Dreamcast to GameCube, and X-Box to Playstation
2. So get your news, reviews, previews, and more at Future
Gamez, and stay on top of all systems.
<<.>> The Sonic Zone - http://www.suneet.com/soniczone/
Updated daily with a HUGE amount of Sonic content that is
sure to blow you away! From Fan Fiction to Chatting, and
even Fan Created Games, this is your one stop Sonic site.
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-- Credits Page 9 --
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O Editor: Graham "Tails" Parker - Madcow@ihug.co.nz
O Question & Answer: Ross Fisher - Zondaro@usa.net
O Staff Writer: Michael Monahan - Mikelad1@aol.com
O Staff Writer: Paulo Santos - Paulo@sega2000.net
<<.>> http://www.LevelSix.com - Our Sponsor
___________________________________________________________
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> LEVELSIX: PC Mouse or Keyboard on your Dreamcast?
Forget aiming with a controller in Quake 3 Arena, now you
can use your PC mouse! The Total Control 5 lets you use a
normal scroll wheel mouse, an optical mouse, or a keyboard!
Full details on the website here, http://www.levelsix.com/
___________________________________________________________
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Copyright 1998-2001 Graham Parker - Madcow@ihug.co.nz
No parts may be copied without prior permission or correct
credit where due. There should probably be a pile of other
legal lines here, but please just play nice and don't
steal, lol! Thanks for reading Sega World Weekly!
Playing Dreamcast. Fun fun silly willy. Narf :)
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