Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 38 (then Dreamcast Weekly)
From Video Game Morgue File
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/_______> > > DREAMCAST WEEKLY MAGAZINE < < <________\
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////// ~Issue #38 - www.DreamcastWeekly.com~ \\\\\\
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\\\\\\ Sega X - http://www.segadreamcast.net //////
\\\\\\ Sega 2000 - http://www.sega2000.com //////
\\\\\\ Media Site - http://media.seganet.com //////
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o> Please scroll down to Editors Comments for the start <o
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======| ABOUT THE MAGAZINE |==============================
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Any DC questions can be sent to Steve@sega2000.com and
questions about this magazine by just clicking reply.
Our forum is at http://sega.shoptok.com/boards/695
For the latest game news, reviews and previews visit the
Premier Video Games Site http://www.totalvideogames.com
With over 300 archived News Articles and the greatest game
reviews. Up-dated throughout the day with everything!
----------------- www.totalvideogames.com ----------------
Our domain name for DC Weekly is provided thanks to Total
Video Games, the UK's premier video games magazine up-dated
daily, and The Junction, the best place for Teens to chat.
------------------ www.the-junction.com ------------------
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======| EDITORS COMMENTS |================================
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This issue is the start of the beginning. As the world wide
launch of Dreamcast comes closer, we'll slowly be moving
away from the import side of things. In this issue is
the launch details for Australia and New Zealand, and a
list of over 30 games to be released in Europe, Australia
and NZ. Plus the start of our previews, with Ready To
Rumble. Be sure to check out our regular sections too,
such as trivia, news, and plenty more.
Next issue we'll have an interview with Sega Ozisoft, and
the follow up to last weeks editorial, on the different
type of gamers. Finally, look out for a contest coming up
soon. Until then, happy gaming!
~ Tails (Editor)
O Page 1 - Cover Story O
O Page 2 - The News O
O Page 3 - Importing O
O Page 4 - This Weeks Letter O
O Page 5 - Preview O
O Page 6 - Tips & Cheats O
O Page 7 - Sega Trivia O
O Page 8 - Best Of The Web O
O Page 9 - Credits & More O
HOT QUOTE This Issue: "Which of Sega's consoles had a
secret game hidden in it?"
-- This Weeks Sega Trivia
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======| COVER STORY |=====================================
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>>>> Australian And New Zealand Launch Details
>>>> Dreamcast Weekly Exclusive
>>>> RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 28th 1999
While these aren't official, I can assure you they are a
reliable rumor. Next week, we'll also be having an
interview with Sega Ozisoft. Until then, I think this
should keep PAL gamers happy...
o European/Australia/New Zealand 1999 releases as at May
1999 (in AUS dollars) - all prices are approximate and
subject to change. It's also great to see Shenmue in there!
o Dreamcast system - Sega - $499
The Dreamcast system will come packed with a 33.6k modem
(the reason for that is given further down), one controller,
and a demo CD.
o Keyboard - Sega - > $50
o Sega Arcade Joystick - Sega - $89-99 approx.
o VMU - Sega - $39.95
o Extra Controllers - Sega - ?
o VGA Adaptor - Sega - ?
>>>> Games - Various - $89-$99
o Airforce Delta - Konami - Arcade Flight
o Blue Stinger - Sega - Adventure
o Cool Boarders - Sega - Sport
o Jimmy White's Cue Ball - Virgin - Sport
o Expendable - Infogrames - Shooting
o Formula 1: World Grand Prix - Video Systems - Racing
o House of the Dead 2 + Gun - Sega - Shooting
o Hydro Thunder - Midway - Racing
o Marvel vs. Capcom - Capcom - 2D Fighting
o Monaco Grand Prix - Ubisoft - Racing
o Mortal Kombat Gold - Midway - 3D Fighting
o Metropolis - Sega - Racing
o NBA 2000 - Sega - Sport
o Powerstone - Capcom - 3D Fighting
o NFL Quarterback Club 2000 - Acclaim - Sport
o Rayman 2: The Great Escape - Ubisoft - Platform
o Ready to Rumble - Midway - Sport
o Red Dog - Sega - Action
o Redline Racer - Ubisoft - Racing
o Sega Rally 2 - Sega - Racing
o Sega Soccer - Sega - Sport
o Sonic Adventure - Sega - Action
o Soul Calibur - Namco - 3D Fighting
o Speed Devils - Ubisoft - Racing
o Supreme Snowboarding - Infogrames - Sport
o Toy Commander - Sega - Adventure
o Trick Style - Acclaim - Action
o UEFA Striker - Infogrames - Sport
o Virtua Fighter 3tb - Sega - 3D Fighting
o Wild Metal Country - Infogrames - Action
o Shenmue - Sega - Adventure
>>>> Key Points
o The machine will use the blue logo, instead of the orange.
o The New Zealand model will come equipped with the 33.6K
modem. This is all we really require in New Zealand, where
net traffic is not as busy as in the US (56K modems).
o Ozisoft will be releasing a Dreamcast magazine through
E-MAP. This will be produced in Australia and will be
available from the launch date.
o 9/9/1999 release for the US
o 23/9/1999 release for Europe
o 28/9/1999 release for Australia and New Zealand. The
reason? Retailers in Australia did not want the release
date to clash with Grand Final weekend.
o The machine will come packaged with a Demo Disc. As
will the official DC magazine mentioned earlier.
o One controller will be packaged with the machine.
o Ozisoft are currently looking into the options of the
Dreamcast server. At this stage they are really pushing to
have their own server in New Zealand, rather than having to
connect through Australia.
o 12 Titles will be ready for the launch date. This is the most
of any console in history. Though Sega Rally 2 will not be
among them. It will be released one month later (this will
allow Sega to get it perfect and avoid the premature bad
press the Japanese version received from minor problems)
o EA are the only third party currently not signed up but this
is only due to a dispute over royalty agreements. Tom Stone
of EA Europe has confirmed they are not far off signing.
o SOJ (Sega of Japan) are working on a Hard Disk that may or
may not get released. If it does it will not be at least
until next year.
Wow over 30 titles for 1999! Look out for official
confirmation of all this in a future issue, and our
interview next week.
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======| NEWS |============================================
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>>>> Sega To Develop For Gameboy Colour
In what will likely be criticized as one of the strangest
decisions this year, Sega has confirmed plans to develop
software for Nintendo's GameBoy handheld platform. The
strategic decision was seemingly made after considering
the software asset's of the company and when evaluating
the bourgening GameBoy market. The following are tidbits
from the press release which was released overnight by
Bloomberg:
'Sega, which rose to prominence in the 1980s when it
challenged Nintendo's dominance of an industry worth
$20 billion in worldwide sales, said it is negotiating
with the maker of the best-selling Game Boy and with two
other Japanese companies that produce portable game
players. By providing software for those machines, the
creator of Sonic the Hedgehog returns to a growing
market it abandoned in 1995 after its Game Gear
machine failed to catch on with consumers. "Since
we're no longer making any hardware for that segment
and have no plans to do for the time being, the
choice was an obvious one," said Sega spokesman
Yukihiro Mori. "We'll be able to make better use
of our software assets."
Sega, which has forecast a loss of 45 billion yen ($366
million) in the year ended in March 31, needs money for
its global campaign to win back ground lost to Sony
Corp. and Nintendo in sales of console video games.
The company unveiled last November the world's first
128-bit game console, the Dreamcast, and plans to
spend $100 million in the year ahead to launch the
machine in the U.S. and Europe.
That cash drain will likely suck Sega's consumer products
business into the red for a sixth straight year, estimates
Akira Namegawa, an analyst at ING Baring (Japan) Inc.
While job cuts and other restructuring measures
announced by Sega last month will help improve overall
profitability, industry watchers are divided on whether
the company will be able to return to the black for the
first time in three years.
Sega's shares, which yesterday closed at an all-time
low of 1,876 yen, today rose as much as 4.7 percent on
news of the talks with Nintendo. ING's Namegawa rates
the stock "sell." Sega is also negotiating with toy
giant Bandai Co., which this year introduced its
WonderSwan hand-held video game, and SNK Corp., a maker
of portable and arcade machines.'
Sega's spokesman stressed the company has no plans to
make its games available for Sony's PlayStation or
Nintendo's Nintendo 64, which compete with the
Dreamcast. While software for hand-held machines
typically sells for less than half the price of the
more sophisticated games for consoles like the
Dreamcast, Sega expects low development costs will
make the venture a profitable one.
- Written By Dennis Day
>>>> Sega VS Capcom
Coming from the "what if" files, we received this interesting
bit of news today. For 2d beat 'em up fans out there, you may
be surprised to learn that SNK vs. Capcom wasn't originally
planned to happen. Instead, Capcom actually wanted to do a
fighting game along with Sega, titled "Sega vs. Capcom".
Having agreed to the idea, Sega then encountered many
problems with their own characters. As you know, most of
their fighters are 3D, while Capcom's are 2D, leading to
numerous pre-production complications.
In the end, they both decided on cancelling the project, where
Capcom then turned to SNK. When SNK agreed on doing a versus
series with Capcom, they were naturally surprised to see that
their biggest rivals in the 2D fighting department agreeing to
the suggestion.
While not exactly major in the hot news department, we felt
we'd fill you in on this very interesting tidbit. Although it
is a shame to see such a title with a lot of potential
cancelled, we're sure the fruits of Capcom's labour will
blossom in their upcoming fighter with SNK. - Matthew Langan
>>>> News Shorts - Shenmue, Soul Calibur & More...
The Dreamcast version of Soul Calibur is expected to include
7 different gameplay modes. Included therein are; arcade,
vs, time attack, practice.
The development cost of Shenmue has reportedly risen above
$6 Million in Japan. While the game itself isn't expected
to topple the astronomical $10 Million it cost of develop
Final Fantasy VII, industry pundits agree that the breakdown
of Shenmue is likely a safeguard to recoup income.
Furthermore, while Shenmue has been receiving tremendous
attention in recent weeks, the game has still been met
with mixed reactions. The massive budget has some Asian
analysts wondering if Sega can truly afford to risk such
projects in the future.
>>>> UGO Awards
The Dreamcast console itself was nominated for the best of
show and best new console peripheral hardware awards, and of
course the Sega booth was nominated for the best booth
honors. Some of the DC software titles nominated are,
Sonic Adventure and Rayman 2 for 'best platformer,' Ready
2 Rumble for 'best original game,' and NBA 2000 and NFL
2000 for 'best sports game.' Also, NFL 2000, Soul Calibur,
and Ready 2 Rumble were three, out of six, games up for
'best console title' overall.
The award winners will be announced and presented mid next
month, and are collectively voted upon by an independent
body of consumer game critics representing 36 different
publications, including all major industry magazines,
both print and online.
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======| IMPORT-ANT MATTERS |==============================
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>>>> JUNE Special Deal
o BLUE STINGER - Save $20
o SONIC ADVENTURE - Save $20
You can pick up those games for $79AUD each (the normal
price is $99AUD), which comes out at about $50US. This is
only open to Dreamcast Weekly readers. You can order now
from www.extreme-imports.com
>>>> Dynamite Deka 2 In Stock Now!
Dynamite Deka 2 is now in stock, and Extreme Imports have
a hi-quality video ready for you to download.
http://www.digitalsea.net/extreme-imports/movies/deka2.mpg
>>>> Psychic Force and Manaco GP 2 Price Lowered
Both Psychic Force and Manaco GP 2, have been perminately
been reduced to just $89AUD each.
***********************************
* http://www.extreme-imports.com/ *
***********************************
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======| LETTERS |=========================================
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>>>> What Kind of Person is This?
Dear Sega 2000,
I just wanted to give a little praise for that insightful
editorial on the arguments between games systems. First
of all, your attitude toward being informed and unbiased
is EXACTLY the way I have always felt a good discussion
should be conducted. I have encountered many "die-hard"
Playstation fans that claim to be hard-core gamers. They
will not, however acknowledge the greatness of a game on
another system. I find this very frustrating in a
discussion. In order to gain another person's respect, one
must see "outside the box". They must know what's going on
in the whole world, and not just their own. You covered
this factor very well. I have found that in my short 18
years of life, close to 70% of people are mindless followers.
One example is something I have seen in the recent months...
Clinton bashing. I will not try and support Bill Clinton
because I think he made a mistake...BUT, the arguments I
have heard other people spew from their mouths has mostly
been little tidbits of things OTHER people have said. They
then just put those "facts" in a random order and exhume a
most incoherent thought that is nothing of their own.
My point is much shorter than this letter. The average
person's IQ is 100. This means that half of society is
UNDER that! Being surrounded by mindless followers can be
quite frustrating to the intelligent person, but we can not
let that bring discussions to childish name calling. I
apologize for the length of my reply, but you just really
said exact thoughts that have been buzzing inside my head.
Bravo.
- Owen Schumacher
STEVE'S REPLY: This editorial has spawned some great, very
intelligent responses over the past few days, and this is no
exception. There will also be a follow-up to this editorial
soon. Anyway, in my 17 years, I have found that die-hard
fans are usually uninformed, and very heavily biased. The
term die-hard is too widely used, and it's annoying. I'll get
into all of this later this week. Thanks for the mail and
praise. :)
TAILS COMMENTS: Yes a very thoughtful editorial. I've found
many gamers just follow everyone else, rather than making
their own opinions. Just about that IQ level... the average
is around 100, but most people are around there, not too
much below. Personally I think it's something else causing
gamers to just follow, and hey, maybe that's something for
Steve to put in his follow up?
o> New Forum Online: http://sega.shoptok.com/boards/695 <o
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======| PREVIEW |=========================================
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>>>> Ready To Rumble
>>>> Release Date: Launch Title
>>>> Written by Kevin DuPuy
So you're tired of Michael Buffer's "Let's get ready to
rummmmmmble" catch phrase, right? Well don't tell it to
Midway, as the company is set to slap those infamous words
onto their new boxing game, "Ready 2 Rumble," one of the
most anticipated and talked about Dreamcast titles being
prepared for the system's September launch.
In what can best be described as a mix between Midway's
own NFL Blitz and Nintendo's legendary Mike Tyson's
Punch-out the title's premise is not hard to understand.
In a nutshell, if you want Rock-'em Sock-'em action, this
game has it all.
Instead of going for all-out realism Midway has opted to
throw together a wacky cast of characters, a host of
general and character-specific combos, and arcade-style
action to mold what is turning out to be a near-perfect
boxing title.
Players begin by choosing between two gameplay modes:
Arcade and Championship. If you just feel like doing some
punching and bruising, then Arcade mode is the way to go.
But if you want a more in-depth gaming session you'll feel
right at home with the Championship mode. Here you'll take
on the roles of both boxer and trainer, your tasks ranging
from raising money and signing on new recruits; to building
up your character's stamina, speed, power, and other
physical attributes at the gym. Just think Gran Turismo,
but with goofy cartoony boxers in place of the flashy,
realistic sportscars. It's every gamers dream.
While looking at the list of 20 selectable characters you'll
have to smirk at at least one or two of the bizarre models.
Forget Bald Bull and Mr. Sandman. Now we've got a
Butterbean clone and a feisty character whose afro's size
beats out Tekken 3's Tiger by at least three feet. Players
will have to chose which character best fits their style
of play.Be it an all out power offensive or a "stick and
move" type defense you're bound to find a boxer who fits
your needs.
With such well-defined personalities Midway has gone all
out to perfect the game's style and presentation. Character
animation is as smooth as can be, and the graphical detail
leaves little to the imagination. You'll see boxers wince
in pain, stumble to the ropes, or whack their face to the
mat after a strong uppercut--- all the while surrounded by
the taunts and cheers of a riled up crowd.
If anything, this game stands on its own in terms of
visuals, but luckily the gameplay is equally impressive.
Each character has their own set of punches, as well as
movements unique to their bodily attributes. With a few
combined moves a player can rack up some impressive,
oftentimes deadly, combos. Midway threw in a special
Rumble meter as well that, when maxed-out, gives the
boxer additional strength and power. Add this to the
wealth of moves already at your disposal and you're in for
some strategic and brutal bouts.
Although Ready 2 Rumble is scheduled to come out on the
N64 and Playstation, but the Dreamcast version will be
the one to beat. With higher resolution, more detailed
animation and graphics, and a special one-on-one modem
battle option; one can't ignore the time spent on making
this version perfect. Midway is prepared to give gamers
one extremely wacky, yet noticeably solid, fighting title
that is, above all, a whole lot of fun.
This focus on fun will hopefully make it a must-have game
in anyone's library, and seems to stand as yet another
reason to pick up a Dreamcast this September.
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======[ TIPS & CHEATS ]===================================
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O If you've discovered a secret on a Dreamcast or O
O Arcade game, and would like to share it with the O
O world, please e-mail me on Webmaster@sega2000.com O
>>>> Get Bass - Import
Extra Practice Levels - Thanks to 'Steven C Knickerbocker'
Beat the game once in arcade mode and it will unlock 3
new practice levels in practice mode.
Select Lure Color - Thanks to 'suBXes'
In 'Consumer Mode' press UP or DOWN to change the color of
your lure. This definitely plays a role in how "attractive"
the bait is to the fish.
>>>> Scud Racer - Arcade
Secret view points - Thanks to Ernst du Toit
Hold Start,press View button 3 Hold View button 4, press
View button 1+2+3
Special Rocket Car - Thanks to Lone Ranger
While choosing the car at the car selection screen, hold
down the START button until the game opens the Transmission
selection, then let go of the start button. It may only
work for the Super Beginner Track. Note: if the car
becomes a small thin rocket car as the confirmed car, it
means the code works.
Time Lap Mode - Thanks to Lone Ranger
While selecting your transmission at the Transmission
Selection screen, hold down the START button until the
race starts. Note: The code is confirmed if you see a
"TIME LAP MODE" on the screen at the Transmission
Selection Screen.
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======| SEGA TRIVIA |=====================================
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>>>> Weekly Sega Trivia
>>>> By Alex
O If you have any questions you think could be printed, O
O feel free to e-mail Alex on Alex@sega2000.com. Thanks. O
1: Which platform character is also apparently a movie star?
2: What unusual message is inscribed on a table in the bar
in Panzer Dragoon Saga (Saturn)?
3: Which of Sega's consoles had a secret game hidden in it?
4: Can you name Sega's first arcade game to use polygons?
5: Was the original 'Tomb Raider' released first on the
a) Saturn b) PC or C) Playstation
>>>> Answers
1: BUG!
2: "They killed Kenny!"
3: The original Master System
4: Virtua Racing
5: The Saturn
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======| BEST OF THE WEB |=================================
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There are sooooo many Sega sites across the web, wouldn't
it be great if one place listed the most interesting bits??
Presenting the "Best Of The Web" section...
o> New Forum Online: http://sega.shoptok.com/boards/695 <o
>>>> Sega X - www.SegaDreamcast.net
Plenty of news added every day, and the best coverage of
the US Launch details you'll find anywhere.
>>>> Sega 2000 - www.Sega2000.com
Sega 2000's new news system means our staff can put news
online any time of the day, and from anywhere in the world.
>>>> Media Site - http://media.seganet.com
A brand new design, and what a design!! You have to see this!
They have the biggest collection of video game mp3's, video's
(including some Saturn video's you've probably never seen
before) and more. Also don't forget to vote for your favorite
staff member.
>>>> Dreamcast.net - www.Dreamcast.net
Updates daily, to keep you up with the latest on all things
Sega.
>>>> Gaming Central Starpath - www.startpath.com/gamingcentral
Our newest support site and provides hundreds of links for
anything a gamer might be interested in.
>>>> SegaDC - www.segadc.co.nz
Updated daily with lots of news, a forum and more, this is
a must see site for any Sega fan.
>>>> www.videogames.au.com
The newest supporter of Dreamcast Weekly, and a site with
a great design. Be sure not to miss this site!
>>>> DC Australia - www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Fortress/6831/
Dreamcast Australia has gone undercover to find out the
latest in release dates, prices and titles for the
Australian Dreamcast launch. Add in some of the best
previews, reviews, news and other info and this is one
hell of a site. Have a look.
>>>> The Sonic Zone - 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 to
Cheats and even Fan Created Games this is your one stop
Sonic site. You can now send online postcards too!!
The official website for the Dreamcast Weekly is now open at
www.dreamcastweekly.com :) We've got the history of the
magazine, daily news and plenty more. Specially if your a
webmaster, there is lots of great information about how
you can be involved as well! Then in the future... who knows,
hopefully we'll be a print magazine one day :)
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======[ CREDITS ]=========================================
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O Writer: Graham Parker "Tails" - webmaster@sega2000.com
O Co-editor: Steve - steve@sega2000.com
O DC Questions: Please send to - Steve@sega2000.com
>>>> www.DreamcastWeekly.com - Official Website!
o> New Forum Online: http://sega.shoptok.com/boards/695 <o
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Copyright, 1998-9 Graham Parker - WEBMASTER@SEGA2000.COM
Written and edited by Graham Parker. No parts may be
copied without prior permission. I would have to send
out my group of highly trained thugs otherwise, who will
have a tea party with you until you crack and your mind
turns into jello... MMmmmmm.... Sweet Sweet Jello....
hehe.
Oh and finally...
-----------------
Less Than 4 Months To Go! (and if I have to tell you what
is coming in just less than 4 months... you've missed the
whole point of this magazine)
