Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 16 (then Sega 2000-X)
From Video Game Morgue File
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/ > > > SEGA 2000 - X MAGAZINE < < < \
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/ Issue #16 of "The Original Dreamcast Magazine" \
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\ Sega 2000 - http://www.sega2000.com /
\ Sega X - http://www.segadreamcast.net /
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* The Issue Is Dedicated To The UK SSM who for 5 years *
** have been my insperation to write game magazines **
======[ EDITOR'S COMMENTS ]===============================
Hi, well here's another issue of the Sega 2000-X Magazine.
First I wanted to thank everyone who told their friends
about us, since last week our readership has shot upto
3,400. Cool!
Like the SONIC THE HEDGEHOG CARTOON? We've already posted
the first 2 episodes on Sega 2000, and every day from now
on we'll be posting another full episode. They are only 7mb
each, and zipped into Real Player format. PLUS, at the end,
we'll post 2 limited edition "Sonic Anime" episodes from
Japan. Blue is back!
Well we've got a few new things for you this time, Andy's
Rantings is one... he will post his rantings every day
on Sega 2000, and a special weekend edition in this
magazine. Now there's something I've noticed on most
mailing lists and forums lately, everyone is looking for
staff for their websites! Well from Monday, Sega 2000 is
opening a special page, where you can post your adverts
for staff, or look for jobs working on other sites.
So if your starting a website, looking to hire some more
staff members, or want to get involved in a Dreamcast site,
Sega 2000 is the place to come! Ok now the advertising is
over (heh heh), hopefully you enjoy this issue, and I'll
see you next week! 8^)
Elijah (Editor)
----> Page 1 - Andys Rantings <----
----> Page 2 - Feature <----
----> Page 3 - Surveys <----
----> Page 4 - On Your Mind <----
----> Page 5 - Web Sites <----
----> Page 6 - Last Words <----
======[ ANDYS RANTINGS ]==================================
---> STOP PRESS!!
Just before going to send this off actually, we found out
from Next Generation Online that the 1 million Dreamcast
for 1998 target has slipped. Sega now say they are "on target"
for its plans to ship one million Dreamcast units by Spring of
1999. Spring of 1999??? Yes, Next Gen asked for confirmation,
but they got no reply. It appears the production of the Power
VR2 chips are slower than Sega expected. Again, this could easily
effect importing prices, and importers stocks. Advice? Reserve
your Dreamcasts now, they are going to sell out easily.
---> ANDY'S RANINGS...
Hello ladies, gentlemen, children of all ages. This is the week
in review. Here I will focus on the week’s hottest news and
some thoughts about it... Let’s start from the bottom...
10/20 --> Order Dreamcasts From SOJ:
Sega of Japan opened it’s "online ordering" page this week. Come
November 27, you will have a Dreamcast of your own. Sorry people
outside Japan, you’re out of luck. Sega will not accept
international orders. I’d expect that the shipping on those
babies would be quite high... and I’m sure Sega would like all
the money it can get it’s hands on....
10/20 --> Virtua Fighter RPG Demo:
Sega has officially announced that a demo of the highly anticipated
Virtua Fighter RPG (Project Berkley) will be packaged with Virtua
Fighter 3: TB. It is not known how much of it you can play, but
expect more details closer to launch time. I’m sure that the
orders for VF3:TB will increase. Having an RPG at launch is
crucial in Japan. Even a demo. Anything to keep them wanting more.
10/21 --> Hong Kong gets Lucky:
It seems that Hong Kong will be getting their Dreamcasts a bit
early. A WEEK early! It will be released there on 11/20, while
Japan gets it on 11/27. However there is a downside... You had
better have some extra cash if you want yours early. It will be
more expensive than the Japanese version, plus it is missing the
modem. It will be sold separately. Umm... I see a problem here.
Anyone else? While you get yours early, you have to shell out
more dough for it, and then even more for the modem. My only
question here is... Why isn’t the modem built it? Does it take
a week to install it in? Hardly seems like it...
10/21 --> 24-Part RPG From Capcom:
Capcom is currently working on a 24 part RPG for the Dreamcast. There
aren’t many current details, but reports indicate that a new part
would be released every month for two years. A see a HUGE problem
with this. Can you see the cost of this? I could see it racking up
near oh, say... over $500! You’d also have to have all these parts
kept somewhere. It’s just crazy. I’d rather have them work on it
for 2 years and release a final version (probably multi-disk) for $80
or whatever they want to charge. Back to the story... Reports say
that Amano Yoshitaka (an artist from the Final Fantasy series...ahh...
Square goodness...) is helping out.
10/21 --> Sonic Adventure Networking?:
Net source had an opportunity to talk with Yuji Naka (creator of
Sonic, and executive producer on SA). According to Naka-san, the
team is experimenting on adding 1.5 play to Sonic Adventure.
For those of you clueless on 1.5 play, it is like Sonic 2 with
Tails. A second player can pick up a controller and help Sonic
out. However if it is not used, the CPU takes over control.
Current concerns, however, are that the 1.5 play will slow down
gameplay, as well as delay the game further. Naka-san ended by
hinting at network play being an option. Now that would be cool.
Except if you got someone who’s been pissed off all day...I can
imagine that....
10/21 --> Development Kit Problems:
Rage, the team working on launch title Incoming, has found a bug.
It was caused by an incompatibility between the Incoming test copies
and the development kits, resulting in the game’s refusal to boot up
on the machines. However, they are confident that the game will
be ready for the Dreamcast’s launch. They are working on the final
debug, and the final will be based off of it. That’s not good. We
don’t need problems with the Dreamcast coming out so soon!
Another problem: waiting for the development kits to arrive. The
company Confounding Factor has yet to receive their kits.
They currently only have one project they are working on, and
that is Galleon (a Tomb Raider style game, with a sailor as the
main character) for the DC. Toby Gard, co-founder of the company
said, "We can't start on the development because we haven't
received a Set 5 kit from Sega. Sega, get in gear. We want games.
10/22 --> Power VR Chip Shortage?:
NEC, the company producing the Power VR 2 chip, is having troubles
manufacturing the amount of chips that Sega wants. The demand is
much higher than originally thought. Sega will release the figures
soon, and Sega 2000 will keep you up to date. Hrmm...am I the only
one who is remembering this "problem" with the N64? They said
there was chip shortage but it was just a publicity stunt. They
really had a ton of systems warehoused. It may be a crock of crap,
but it also might be true. We’ll have to see...
10/22 --> Sega Rally 2-When?:
Recently there have been many rumors that Sega Rally 2 is going to
be delayed from it’s 11/27 launch date. Every new rumor contradicts
the previous, but it seems that Sega may have it out in time.
Everyone at the TGS was disappointed with the game. I guess the
team has been taking too many smoke breaks...but not anymore! Sega
is working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on this, taking shifts. So
until mid-next month, Sega will be working on this nonstop. It’s
pretty impressive that Sega is putting so much into this. But it is
necessary. It will be the first game to use the Dreamcast’s built in
modem. They need this game to be good.
10/22-10/23 --> Dreamcast tech show in USA:
Next month, Sega will hold a special expo in the Epcot Center of
Disney World. Greg Brenneman (Technical Coordinator for Sega
Enterprises) gave Sega 2000 some details, He said, "They are
supposed to start construction of the new part (of Disneyland) Monday
the 26th, but with Disney cast training on it, we may not have it
open until mid to late November. The sooner the better, but
obviously we want to do a quality show. Length of each "show"
is about 7 or 8 minutes and we'll only fit between 10 and 16
people in each show." The show will feature clips from games
(Sonic Adventure, Pen Pen, Godzilla and some others along with
explaining the power of the console, and things like the modem.
Expect lines of people waiting to get in. However, if it was
taking place at Euro Disney, I doubt you would have to wait
too long. The only people there would be the people wanting
to see Dreamcast....
Well, that’s it for this week’s ranting. Check back at SEGA 2000
on Monday for more of the news with my comments and ranting in it.
Happy gaming.
- Andy
- http://come.to/ff8source
======[ FEATURE ]=========================================
Do you have a poem or feature you'd like in this magazine?
Why not e-mail it to me on elijah@sega2000.com, I'd love
to read it! Also, they don't have to rhyme, that's totally
upto you.
SEGA: A POEM
By: Andy Hayward
I never really trusted Sega.
The crap amount was high.
I look back upon the years,
And take a large sigh.
The Master System,
That was fine.
A system made
Just for it’s time.
The Genesis had started off great,
At the time it was "Art of the State"
But SNES came, nothing could stop
This much better system flew to the top.
Sega decided-they were in trouble
They all got together-formed a big huddle
"What can we do to make it all right"
"We’re falling behind-every night"
An add-on they said
That would be good
Hype it and hype it
Buy it they should!
The Sega CD
Came and it went
This add-on you see,
Was not "Meant to Be"
They had a new plan!
One more should do it!
We’ll pump it up more!
No one will see through it!
The 32X; Easily Sucks
You can buy it right now
For under 20 bucks!
This system is through.
We’ll make something better!
A shiny new system!
That oughtta get ‘er!
The Saturn came out
It was a delight
But they had to release it
Any old night
The system was falling
Expensive it was
The support was lacking
It all was just fuzz
The Playstation came out
Sega was through
They were all dried out
"What can we do?"
A while had passed,
The games were gone
Sega it seems,
Had sung their last song
Dural? Katana?
Dreamcast you say?
I want to see this!
I may just pay!
128; a real high bit!
I hope they do nice
And don’t rush it!
Time will tell.
What can happen?
Treat it good Sega,
This may be your fortune...
======[ SURVEYS ]=========================================
At the moment we're running a really intresting survey at
Sega 2000... I'm asking everyone when they think the PSX2
will be released. Want to vote? www.sega2000.com, it's right
on the front page.
Last week's results...
----> Do you think Sega should have an earlyer world release?
This is some of the feedback...
1) I would love an early Dreamcast launch in the US so long as
it comes with plenty of fanfair and not nearly as dismal and
'slip in the backdoor' as Saturn was. Nobody (true gamers as
the exception) knew what it was, the masses won't buy what
they haven't heard of. SNES was all the kiddies have known,
hell most parents said they couldn't see what the difference
was with the newer systems. HELLO! It seems though that for
success a system needs a large mindshare and the initial
software and killer apps to immediately back it up. Would
N64 have been strong in the US without Mario64? For that
matter would it even be a buying option today had most not
bought that system solely for getting Mario64, then maybe
Goldeneye? I know I haven't touched the damn thing since then,
I don't believe anything can save the fate Nintendo created for
themselves by pissing out so few and lackluster titles. However
when Sony launched they advertised the living hell out of Playstation
and even the non-gaming community stopped to take a look and ask
what it was about. Then the games arrived, launch titles compared
very well to the Saturn if not better, and damn did Sony have the
hype and the developers, and soon the killer apps and depth of games.
When 6 months came and went Sony had many more titles with 100's to
follow. Saturn slipped away silently, just like it came on. Now there
will always be that 'hardcore' market that follows the magazines and
online mags to keep up on the hot new hardware, but pure, simply, and
HEAVY market penetration (like Sony has seen) is linked to reaching a
much greater audience. Advertising, Mindshare, Awesome Initial (and
following) Software. Come on SEGA we know you can do it...
2) I think they should consider Easter (or around) for a worldwide
release date. This way, by the following Christmas, they'd have
an installed base of customer, a wide range of available game, and
could even reclaim what was once theirs, that being the #1 videogame
selling company title.
3) No now that there has been cobfirmed dates or at least forcasteddates...
eg. fall 99..they should stick to it...people who are going to buy
it are planning (financially) for it to come out then. An early
surprise release started the saturn off on the wrong foot and it
never regained the step that it should hove. i would love to see it
out NOW but from a succeess stand point i want sega to stick to their
plans.
4) Yes sega should release the dreamcast earlier because september 99 is
ridiculous, nobody has money to spend then becuz it's back to school
month & most people have spent their money over the summer on vacations.
the first week of may 99 would be perfect, right before summer vacation
for schoolers & people have money to spend & spirits are high cuz the
its getting warmer outside. plus it would be an excellent kick in the
ass to sony. sound good?
5) As a Sega fan, I would say yes, I'd love to have the DC the same time
as it is released in Japan. But everything Sega has done sets the
Dreamcast up for a fall 99 release worldwide. I would rather wait
to enjoy what is sure to be the best gaming experience of the
millennium, than having Sega pull another Saturn. Such a move
would be utterly disastrous. That is, unless all the developers
are in on it this time; and the fall 99 is just a ruse. That's be cool.
6) This question is a no-brainer. Sega should consider bringing
the Dreamcast to all shores earlir than determined. As
technology grows and the economic relations of the world
increase we should be seeing product debuts at closer intervals.
It does no good to make everyone else wait ten extra months.
I don't know many people who aren't excited about the Dreamcast.
I mean, I'll buy one as soon as it is released (maybe even sooner if
I an get my grubby little hands on an import.) Well, thanks for
listening.
---> Sorry I couldn't print everyone's, but I assure you I did
read everyone e-mailed back. From the people who replyed, most
thought an early release was best... any feedback? Please send
letters to tuna@ebox.tninet.se Thanks!
======[ ON YOUR MIND! ]===================================
Looking across forum's, it seems some people are impressed
with VF3: TB, while some are saying the Dreamcast will fail
because it's not arcade perfect. Hmmm... while I have to say
I think it will be, and they should wait until the final
version... but what does everyone else think? It's the same
with Sega Rally 2, however almost everyone is worried about
that game (me included). But with the news this week of them
working 24/7 on it, the chance for a great version is coming
back... the latest shots, while still not looking too close
to the arcade, are leaps ahead of the shots from the TGS.
Just 32 days to go though... it's going to be close! This is
just a thought, but with the recent news about less Dreamcast's
avaliable at the launch, and this... I have a small feeling
we might be in for another delay. I mean, from Sega's view,
with Sega Rally 2, even a week would be another 168 full hours
to work on it. Hmmm... we will see I guess...
---> Comments? We'll print them in the very next issue,
just e-mail them to me on elijah@sega2000.com. :)
======[ WEB SITES ]=======================================
If you have a web site you want here, just e-mail me on
Elijah@sega2000.com and I'd be happy to add it.
Well I have a special website for you this week, it's not
about Sega but it's so COOL! It's at...
http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/drive/gae45/
And you really have to check it out! Somebody's made a
collection of animated gif movies, with killing, killing
and more killing... it's so funny!
----> http://www.angelfire.com/ms/elijahparker/
Elijah Net
----> http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hartley1
Dreamcast UK
----> http://www.dchq.com
Dreamcast Alliance
----> http://pluto.beseen.com/chat/rooms/k/11061
Kevin's Sega Chat Room
----------------------------------------------------------
Copyright, 1998 Elijah Parker - ELIJAH@SEGA2000.COM
- MADCOW@IHUG.CO.NZ
----> http://www.sega2000.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... and who's
real name isn't even Elijah, it's Graham! But anyway, that's
a totally different story) The magazine is owned by
Sega 2000 / Sega X and no parts may be copied without
prior permission. It would be very mean and I will
tell my mummy about you! (he he, kidding!) If you have any
friends that might be intrested in this magazine, it would
be excellent if you could let them know about it. Thanks!
p.s THE UK SEGA SATURN MAGAZINE
98 pages of quality! They had an awersome sense of humour
like no other magazine, and I can't even compare it to US
magazines (who are filled with adverts, SSM had a max of 5
pages of adverts). They are often filled with news that hasn't
even appeared on the net, and have given out some of THE
best free CD's. The ENTIRE first disc of Panzer Dragoon Saga
anyone? Yep! Well may the term "graphical flippery" live on!
For other magazines, this is one magazine everyone can really
learn from. I have. :) (sniff...sniff... I'm about to break
into tears, heh heh... ok so I was kidding there, but anyway,
I really look forward to the Dreamcast magazine next year,
the new staff have a HUGE quality to live upto).
