Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 125
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. 125 Mar 19th 2001 ~~
Proudly sponsored by http://www.levelsix.com/
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-- Please Support Our Sponsors Intro --
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<<.>> Dreamcast Hais Joysticks - Packed With Features!!
- http://www.levelsix.com/
Some games just were not meant to be played with a handheld
controller. This joystick includes a VMU slot, built-in
rumbling, turbo and slow-mo buttons, a solid heavy base,
and five different colors to choose from. In stock now, so
order your big new Hais Joystick today at LevelSix.com
- http://www.levelsix.com/
<<.>> $10 off UNLIMITED GAME RENTAL Program
- http://www.RedOctane.com
Rent as MANY games as you want, keep them as LONG as you
want, all from RedOctane.com You have access to over 750
games, plus the chance to purchase hardware at special
prices, such as Maracas with over 40% off. Normally $21.95
a month, sign up to the G3 program for the first time and
you'll pay just $11.95 for your first month!
- http://www.RedOctane.com
> Sega World Weekly is best read in the Courier New font.
For past issues see http://www.SegaWorldWeekly.com/
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-- Editors Comments Page 1 --
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This issue of Sega World Weekly is dedicated to the man
behind the company we've covered for the past three years,
Isao Okawa. Sadly last Friday Mr Okawa, the president and
chairman of Sega passed away. But as we finish part five of
our Videogame History feature, we look back and see that
Isao Okawa has ensured his dream, and his company will live
on.
Starting with Virtua Fighter 3, we take a look back through
the past five years. We remember some of the gaming crazes,
the hype, the new consoles, and the changes and business
moves that rocked the industry. We've really enjoyed going
through the history of games over these past five weeks,
and now we've all learnt a little more about the industry
we love. To think it all began back in 1889.
If you have any questions for our Sega know-it-all, drop
Ross a line at zondaro@usa.net and the answer just might be
here next week.
Then in the Red Hot Rumors page, it's highly possible both
Capcom and Midway will leave the arcade industry, and
announce the second huge industry changing announcement of
2001.
Finally in news this week the first shots of Crazy Taxi on
PS2 come out, and Chu Chu Rocket is ready for release on
the Gameboy Advance this week. So until next week, Happy
Gaming everyone, and there's quite possibly only two weeks
left till the HTML version is finished!
- Graham "Tails" Parker (Editor)
- http://www.SegaWorldWeekly.com/
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|| C O N T E N T S ||
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|| 2 - Cover Story ||
|| 3 - Red Hot Rumors ||
|| 4 - Weekly News ||
|| 5 - The Letter Box ||
|| 6 - Level Six Low-down ||
|| 7 - Question & Answer ||
|| 8 - Our Support Sites ||
|| 9 - Credits ||
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HOT QUOTE this issue: "Over the past week one online
petition has rose to an unbelievable number of signings"
-- Soul Reaver 2 Petition - Page 3
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-- Cover Story Page 2 --
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<<.>> The History Of Videogames: Part 5 - FINAL
-- 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 saw how
the 32-bit consoles made their way into the world, and how
developers struggled to keep up with the technology.
But back in 1996, a new level in gameplay, graphics and
technology is achieved with Sega's arcade game, Virtua
Fighter 3. Using their new Model 3 board, the game showed
the videogames industry a new level of graphics, and one
that still wasn't topped for years to come after. A Saturn
port of the game was long rumored, and years later
confirmed to have indeed been in development along with a
3D upgrade to the Saturn, but it was naturally cancelled to
make way for a Dreamcast version.
Come September the 29th the Nintendo 64 was released in
America to sales of 350,000 consoles in the first three
days, and 1.7 million units in the first three months.
Mario 64 received perfect ratings across game magazines,
was hailed by many as the perfect videogame, and Nintendo
couldn't have wished for a better launch title.
Meanwhile Nintendo continued to work on new hardware,
including a new 32-bit color Gameboy codenamed the
"Atlantis". Although this is soon canned to concentrate
more on the N64 and the Gameboy Pocket, the idea of a color
Gameboy still lived on inside Nintendo.
By 1997 it's clear the Saturn wasn't going to be around for
too much longer, and the next machine from Sega was
rumored. A 3Dfx based console called the "BlackBelt" was in
development at Sega of America, although it was later
replaced by Japan's PowerVR based machine. Sega also
announced it intendeds to merge with Bandai, and was to be
renamed SegaBandai. The merger was called off only two days
later after the announcement because it was decided joining
two companies who were both having similar problems making
money wasn't the best idea. So the company's continued on
there separate ways, and Bandai developers the next video
gaming boom, the Virtual Pet.
Their Tamagotchi (Virtual Pet) was released in the US
during 1997, followed quickly by other country's, and loved
by all. Other companies came up with their versions, from
Virtual Dogs, to Virtual Baby's, and even some licensed
from the Jurassic Park movie.
Unfortunately some people became too addicted to their
virtual pets, and the little machine had to be banned
around many schools. A very sad story came out of Japan
involving a person committing suicide when his virtual pet
died.
A year later the Tamagotchi could be found in the bargain
bin for just a few dollars, but while the craze was over,
it certainly had an impact on the industry. Perhaps
reasonable for Nintendo's Pokemon.
Later in 1998 the handheld console, Gameboy, was still
amazing people with it's unbelievable sales, despite being
an almost ten year old machine. Nintendo choose this time
to release the Gameboy Color, and add-on's such as the
Gameboy Camera and Printer. Despite a still high price tag,
the Gameboy Color sells just as well as their original, and
being backwards compatible more gamers upgrade their
portable Nintendo every day.
On the Sega side, the Dreamcast was revealed, and on
November 27th it was released to a complete sell out of all
150,000 units in Japan. Not unlike the Playstation 2 launch
in America, more Dreamcast's could have been sold, but the
factories just couldn't produce enough machines in time.
Sega's big launch title, Sonic Adventure, a 3D sequel to
their classic platform titles was pushed back from the
launch till Christmas, but Virtua Fighter 3 was still a big
seller for people and their new 128-bit Dreamcast.
Rumors of the Playstation 2 also build up during 1998, and
the hype began. Other events include the Legend of Zelda
for the N64, receiving the first perfect 40/40 rating in
the highly respected Weekly Famitsu magazine, and the
Pokemon series that has captured the imagination of kids
around the world began on the Gameboy. Later different
versions, two titles on the N64, a cartoon series and even
a movie spawned from the popular Pokemon, and the series
still continues as strong as ever today.
Then back two years ago in 1999, the world awaited an
adventure title like no other, Shenmue, to be released, and
Sega had hopes to sell 1.5 million Dreamcast consoles in
the US. Despite announcements of the Playstation 2 and
Nintendo Dolphin (later renamed Gamecube), the Dreamcast
did indeed sell well, better than any one, even Sega
imagined in fact. Going on sale exactly four years after
the original Playstation, in 15,000 retail stores around
America, the Dreamcast brought in almost $100 million in
revenue. This figure shattered the previous entertainment
sales record held by the movie Star Wars: The Phantom
Menace, which achieved $28 million its first day in
theatres back in May of 1999.
By November of 1999 the 1.6 million gamers in Japan owned a
Dreamcast, and the machine continued to sell at record
paces across America and Europe. The Dreamcast was named
"Machine of the Year" by Time Magazine, and while it looked
like Sega was going to enjoy success at last, later in
November came the announcement that Sega had lost $182
million in the six months ending September 1999, although
that was said to improve as the Dreamcast sold more.
Unfortunately for Sega every future finical statement was
greeted with that kind of disappointment and hope for the
future. As it became clear things weren't going to fix
themselves, Sega made drastic changes such as making their
world famous development teams independent in 2000.
And with that, we reach the end of the end of the
Millennium. Nintendo was enjoying their success with the
N64 and Gameboy Color, Sony was building up the Playstation
2 for a release in late 2000, and Sega was, despite having
troubles, continuing to have faith in their Dreamcast and
upcoming titles they would hope sell more machines.
Sega had three quarters of the year to get into shape
before their competition, the Playstation 2 was to be
released, and after the E3 show which was clearly dominated
by Sega, it seemed things might work out for them after
all. As the year went on the list of instant classics
released on the Dreamcast grew, bringing some of the most
original software in years. From Seaman, a game where you
use a microphone to talk to a virtual pet style fish, to
Samba De Amigo where you shake Maraca's in time to the
music, there was never a doubt Sega had the software. Then
when the online network, Sega.net launched on September 9th
2000, it seemed the Dreamcast might be here to stay.
Meanwhile Nintendo announced their next console, the
128-bit Gamecube, along with their next generation
portable, the 32-bit Gameboy Advance. Both machines are
slated for a release in 2001. So with the Playstation 2
launch coming ever closer, all the videogame companies have
their plans for the future laid out. Only another company
wants to join in, and that's Microsoft.
Revealing their X-Box console, boasting the most impressive
specs of any console to date, and packing a hard drive,
along with the huge financial backing of Bill Gates
Microsoft, no one doubts the X-Box will be a serious
competitor in the console wars.
Then just a little over five years after the original
Playstation was released, the long awaited sequel console
was released on October the 26th 2000. 500,000 units of the
Playstation 2 were sold, most of those probably at a minute
past midnight on October 26th, for the same launch price as
the original console, $299.99. But that wasn't enough, and
up until Christmas there was a shortage of machines across
America and Europe, leaving many gamers to choose the
recently reduced $150 Dreamcast console.
Sony of America were also nervous about the launch as in
Japan most gamers bought the PS2 for it's DVD playing
functions, and purchased very little actual games. But the
situation was different in America, with PS2 titles
appearing in the top ten even before the console it's self
was released.
Therefore Christmas of 2000 the console wars raged on, and
while some chose to avoid the next generation and wait
until all the consoles are out, picking up an N64, or a
re-designed Playstation console called the PSOne, many
jumped on the PS2 or Dreamcast bandwagon.
Unfortunately for those who jumped on the Dreamcast
bandwagon, they didn't know it was about to take a turn in
the road like no other. At the end of January 2001 Sega
announced due to poor sales of the Dreamcast console in
Japan and around the rest of the world, and because of
several years of taking heavily losses, they would leave
the hardware market. One of the biggest events in videogame
history was that no more generations would grow up with the
word "Sega" stamped on the front of their consoles.
Plans to halt Dreamcast production in March were revealed,
having only 2 million units left to sell world wide, and
details of a price drop to $99 to help shift those final
machines were announced. Sega decided to go software only,
and to support every other console, from the Playstation 2,
to the upcoming Gamecube and X-Box, to the portable Gameboy
Advance, and other devices such as PDA's and Cellphones.
While many gamers felt betrayed again by Sega, it's clear
they needed to turn themselves around and start making a
profit again. For over twenty years they produced hardware,
and now it's time for change, but as there old slogan goes,
the game is never over. Sega's president, Isao Okawa,
gave 85 billion yen (around US$700 million) to Sega to help
ensure a smooth transition to a 3rd party, and there's no
doubt he has helped ensure Sega games live on.
Interestingly however, recently sales of the Dreamcast have
really shot up since the price drop to $99, and on the
first week of March Sega's console was the number one
seller in Japan. It has to make some people wonder what if
Sega had only announced the price drop, and not their
leaving the hardware market at that stage. Perhaps it could
have bought the Dream machine a little more time before
third parties started axing games.
Looking back at the history of videogames, who knows what
the future holds for Sega, but as the console wars rage on
and new companies try to enter the industry, you can bet
it's going to be exciting. As graphics reach there limits
developers can return their focus on creativity, and as
online games evolve, how we play games is set to change
forever.
Now we know how it all began back in 1889, how the industry
evolved through gaming booms and faced tough times with
technology getting ahead of developers. Then finally how
the past few months have again marked a huge turn in the
ever changing path of videogames.
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-- Red Hot Rumors Page 3 --
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<<.>> Capcom and Midway Call it Quits
As the arcade industry continues it's slowly but surly trip
down hill, it could receive a huge push this week. Rumor
has it both Capcom and Midway will call it quits on any new
arcade games, and while they will finish projects already
in development, no new titles will be developed.
As stated by the Nikkei Newspaper, Capcom's arcade games
sales have dropped to 5,000 units per title, a far cry from
the 80,000 units at the peek of the arcade industry.
Another aspect of Capcom's decision apparently comes from
Sega dropping the Dreamcast, as the easy arcade-to-home
conversions through the Naomi board is no longer possible.
If these rumors prove to be true, and sadly it's very
possible they will, this could be the second industry
changing announcement of the year 2001, and another blow
the arcade industry certainly did not need.
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-- Weekly News Page 4 --
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<<.>> Sega President Passes Away
Isao Okawa, the chairman, president, and perhaps life saver
of the Sega corporation sadly passed away last Friday. At
the Tokyo University Medical Hospital, Mr Okawa died from a
heart failure at 3:47pm on March 16th, 2001. A private vigil
is scheduled for his family, and company funeral services
are being planned at the moment.
Most recently Isao Okawa gave Sega 85 billion yen, which
comes in at almost US$700 million to help with a smooth
change to a 3rd party. The man was always willing to help
out Sega, and even though unfortunately he won't get to see
how Sega succeeds as a 3rd party, he did ensure that his
dream, and his company will live on. We wish Tetsu Kayama,
the 40 year old special adviser luck in his new job as
president and chairman of Sega.
<<.>> Crazzzzzy Taxi - First PS2 Shots
Wanna make some crazy money with your Playstation 2? The
Dreamcast port is due out this April, and now the first
shots have been released, PS2 owners can look forward even
more to driving around San Francisco like a loon. The port
is being handled and published by Acclaim, and at this
stage no enhancements to the Dreamcast version have been
announced.
The first shots can be seen here, although the screen shot
quality certainly doesn't do the game justice...
http://ps2.ign.com/previews/16200.html
<<.>> Save Soul Reaver 2!
Over the past week one online petition has rose to an
unbelievable number of signings, and it's all to convince
Eidos to continue with the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
for the Dreamcast console. It certainly shows how many fans
of the series there are, but more importantly how many of
them own a Dreamcast. Eidos, take note.
If you'd like to sign the petition, simply enter your
details on this website...
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?SR2DC&1
At the time of writing there were a whopping 14,620
messages.
<<.>> Sega's First Multi-Platform Game Released
This Wednesday, March 21st will bring the release of Sega's
first multi-platform title, Chu Chu Rocket for the Gameboy
Advance.
The game is one of Japan's launch titles, and besides
taking away the polygon graphics and going with a full on
over head view, it's a solid port of it's big brother's
Dreamcast version.
Using the link cable, up to four people can play away with
just one copy of Chu Chu Rocket, then with over 2,500
levels designed by players of the Dreamcast game, you
better stock up on those AA batteries. Finally the level
builder has been thrown in, along with a graphical editor
to let everyone customize the characters till their hearts
content. Chu Chu fever returns to Japan!
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-- Level Six Lowdown Page 5 --
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<<.>> Dreamcast Hais Joysticks - Packed With Features!!
- http://www.levelsix.com/
Some games just were not meant to be played with a handheld
controller. This joystick includes a VMU slot, built-in
rumbling, turbo and slow-mo buttons, a solid heavy base,
and five different colors to choose from. In stock now, so
order your big new Hais Joystick today at LevelSix.com
<<.>> 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.
<<.>> 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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-- The Letter Box Page 6 --
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Do you have an opinion who wish to share with all the
readers of Sega World Weekly? Simply e-mail in your
thoughts to zondaro@usa.net and look for them in an issue
of Sega World Weekly. Letters will be edited for length.
<<.>> Sega Owes the Diehard Fan
The state of the video game industry, in my book, is in
trouble. Now that Sega has done the unthinkable. I still
think it is crap even though I understand why they did it.
It seems to me that everyone is already dooming the
Dreamcast. I think Sega should rethink their position.
I mean, no matter what all of these Sony fans say, the
DC still has a lot of great games coming out. Despite the
what some Sony biased people say, they can't argue with the
fact that the PS2 launch was less than stellar. I suggest
that Sega fans and Dreamcast fans worldwide unite to make
their voices be heard. I think if Sega is going to stop
making Dreamcasts and games, they should now concentrate
on the hardcore fans and bring out some of the stuff we
have been waiting for.
What I think Sega should do is bring out some of the arcade
ports we have been begging for. Daytona2, Star Wars Trilogy
arcade, Brave Firefighter, Jumbo Safari, Spike Out, Virtua
NBA and some of the other great arcade games that Sega
made. They also need to bring over some great Japanese
games like Sakura Taisen, Segaga and about Giant Gram 2000
an excellent wrestling game.
If they would have just Brought out updates to some of
their classic games like Galaxy Force, Outrunners, Shinobi,
Hang-on, Streets Of Rage, NIGHTS, or Panzer Saga. You get
my drift. I know that Sega said they are thinking about
bringing some of the good Saturn titles to the Playstation.
Let me tell you something, playing Grandia on a PSX was
torture enough. The decision may help Sega financially but
don't forget about the diehard fans. A diehard gamer.
- Andre'
Sega did give us the best incarnation of Daytona yet.
I think that after e3 you tune may change a little.
Don't forget that if they do decide to port some Saturn
classics to Playstation they may take the time and do
an even better port to Dreamcast. Maybe something like
a Panzer Dragoon 3 in 1?
Give me a "M", give me a "E"... - zondaro@usa.net
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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: The infamous Dragonball Z questions...
<<.>> Black Sheep Console
Q) I was wondering if there where going to any more Sega
Dreamcasts made in black? Thanks!
- Shipley Brandon
A) Other then the 'Sega Sports Pack'? I doubt it. Take a
look around in stores in your area, someone might have
it. If not then it might be available at an online store
or eBay. I'm not sure but they might do another 'Sports
Pack' with newer games, but don't quote me on it.
<<.>> Tails Swims in the "Buff"
Q) You must be getting a lot of these questions lately, but
I would like to know if the game based on my favorite
TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, is still going to
come out on the Dreamcast. I've been anticipating this
release more than any other, to the point of probably
buying which ever system it does end up on. Thanks.
- Bryce
A) Well, I don't know if you know it or not but 99.3% of
games based on a 'Licensed' property, ie Buffy, end up
sucking in the end. Read a review before you buy the
game. That said, its up in the air. Given the recent
cancelling of Soul Reaver 2, all bets are off. There
may be a flurry of cancellations coming our way. FOX
is trying its hardest to get out of the publishing
business. Keep your eyes on the Q&A Page for an update.
<<.>> Pocket Classics
Q) I wanted to know is there any chance that Capcom will
release the classic Street Fighter 2 on the Dreamcast?
- Edgar Bruno
A) What's wrong with SF3? Capcom did or at least plans to
release SF2 in Japan with an online play. Don't think
that means it will ever be released elsewhere though.
However, an updated SF2 is coming to the Gameboy
Advance.
<<.>> Po'd Pod Saving
Q) I just started getting good enough and winning enough
races in POD to start saving during tournament racing.
However, I can't save or recall a game. I have the 8-meg
card. It works fine with all my other games.
- David in Phoenix
A) Third party memory cards, sigh. I can't recommend much
other then buying official Sega memory cards, and trying
to avoid memory cards that have "expanded" save space.
That includes the Sega brand 4X card. And what are you
doing playing POD2? Daytona USA!
Give me a "G", give me an "A"... - zondaro@usa.net
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-- Support Sites Page 8 --
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<<.>> 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.
<<.>> 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.
<<.>> 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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<<.>> PC Keyboard or Mouse 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/
- http://www.levelsix.com/
<<.>> UNLIMITED GAME RENTALS - $10 off!
- http://www.RedOctane.com
Why buy games then get tired of them? With RedOctane.com
you can rent as MANY titles as you want, and keep them as
LONG as you want. No due dates, over 750 titles to choose
from, just imagine! It's a whole new way to play, and
while it's normally $21.95 a month, we have a special deal
to give you your first month for just $11.95!
- http://www.RedOctane.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. Thanks for reading Sega World Weekly!
No cheating in PSO either. Play nice now :)
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