Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 66 (then Dreamcast Weekly)
From Video Game Morgue File
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//// ~ Issue #66 - January 26th 2000 ~ \\\\
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o> Please SCROLL DOWN for the Editors Comments <o
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======| ABOUT DREAMCAST WEEKLY |==========================
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> For past issues visit http://www.dreamcastweekly.com
> For the latest game news, reviews and previews visit the
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======| EDITORS COMMENTS |================================
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As Sega 2000 readers will know, before the summer holidays
finish up, we went on vacation this weekend. Apologies for
the late issue, but I'm sure you don't want to listen to
all my excuses :) So it's on with Issue #66 we go...
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is reviewed in our cover
story, Virtua Fighter 4, a revolution in the Fighting genre
and Tomb Raider 4 features in the news, along with South
Park Rally in the previews page. There's even a cheat for
the Chao VMU Adventure amongst other games this week.
Oh and if your looking to win a Dreamcast version of Sega
Swirl, be sure to check out our "Into The Web" page.
NEXT WEEK: We're going to try replacing the cheats page
with a Q&A page. Please send your questions with "Q&A"
in the subject, and try to keep them small :) While we
can't reply to questions over e-mail, many will be picked
each week to feature in the magazine.
Now in order to keep improving the magazine, we really
live off your feedback. If you want to see more or less
of something in your weekly e-zine, or perhaps something
new all together, just let us know. Simply click reply,
and tell us what you think.
Again due to time restraints we probably can't reply
to all your e-mails (we do have 35,000 readers remember),
but no e-mail goes unread or deleted, and your feedback
is greatly appreciated.
Until next week then, Happy Gaming everyone!
~ Graham "Tails" Parker (Editor)
.oO Page 1 - Cover Story Oo.
.oO Page 2 - The News Oo.
.oO Page 3 - Rumors Oo.
.oO Page 4 - Into The Web Oo.
.oO Page 5 - Preview Oo.
.oO Page 6 - Cheats Oo.
.oO Page 7 - OUR SUPPORT SITES Oo.
.oO Page 8 - Credits Oo.
HOT QUOTE This Issue: "Heck, you can actually 'kill Kenny'
in the four-player death match - now that's licensing synergy."
-- South Park Rally Preview - Section 5
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======| COVER STORY |=====================================
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>>>> Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Review
>>>> Written by Sajed Ahmed
In a perfect world, every game developed would have the
upmost care imparted on it. Everything, from graphics,
gameplay, sound, and story would be creatively fashioned.
And despite its premise or genre, we could have solace in
knowing that every last option was explored before it ever
landed in our hands. Unfortunately, that ideal utopia
doesn't exist in the real world. It's not often that
shadowy visuals, an unforgiving narrative, and equally
engaging play combine to create an eerily entertaining
game. In fact, it's a tough synergy to achieve. But
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, from Eidos interactive, sets
out to accomplish just that. It attempts to enthrall the
player with symbiotic visual, aural, and gameplay
stimulation. So, does it work? Are we treated to one of
those rare games that impart equal care to all aspects?
Well, what do you think the rest of the review is for?
Set in Kain's fictional world of Nosgoth, the game follows
the exploits of Raziel, Kain's son. As Raziel rises from
his watery abyss, he becomes a willing minion of a yet
unknown force as his Soul Reaver. In his quest, he runs
across familiar surroundings, and even has meetings with
his brothers, but in his absence things have drastically
changed for the worse. So, instead of a welcome
'homecoming,' Raziel must now fight his kin. The story of
Soul Reaver is brilliantly scripted, at least through the
first half of the game. There are some moments of tedious
backtracking, but we'll discuss that later. What is more
disappointing however, is that the story ends rather
abruptly. Without giving too much away, I'll just say
that it is certainly a frustrating end, especially after
the work it takes to get there. Having said that, the
Soul Reaver story is impressive, about as much as the
game's beautifully imposing environments.
The game's landscapes are at the same time obsessively
dreary and idyllically gorgeous. The endlessly gray
skies and ghastly creatures roaming the desolate castles
and passageways paint the picture of a forlorn world.
But the beautiful waterfalls and some strikingly detailed
mansions remind us of the lost radiance of Nosgoth. The
environments aren't an afterthought, they're an essential
element to producing the ambiance of the game. The
texturing is well above the PSX and even the PC versions.
Some of the lighting effects, water reflections, weather
effects, and waterfalls are visually magnificent and
combine to create an impressive world to explore. But this
world isn't just distant eye-candy. It intertwines with
the gameplay. Razeal has the ability to 'transport' back
and forth between the real and spiritual worlds. In each
form, he has powers that aren't accessible in the other.
But as he switches between these two worlds the environments
actually contort and change shapes. It is an understated
effect, but it is again a necessary one.
In spite of the impressive environmental graphics, the
same cannot be said for the character models. Raziel's
enemies are missing enough polygons to make the models
look blocky. Even the major boss characters, in the
latter stages of the game don't come close to matching
the grandeur of the environmental visuals. They almost
seem out of place, when surrounded by the impressively
textured backdrop. The character models are on par with
other DC games like Shadowman, perhaps with slightly
better texturing, but they're nothing spectacular.
What is impressive however, is the diverse array of
movements in the lead character, and the game's smooth
animations. Raziel moves with a confident grace.
Effectively using the Dreamcast's controller you can
make him devour souls, punch opponents, wield weapons,
pick up your enemies, crouch and advance stealthily,
leap great heights, and even fly for short periods using
his half-damaged wings. After a while these controls
easily become second nature, but they are still pretty
cool to pull off. Especially in the early stages of the
game, where Razeal makes use of spears and rocks from
his surroundings as weapons, the battle system is
creative and immersive. Not only can he claw at his
mostly vampiric opponents, but he can impail them, or
burn in sunlight or water. In the latter stages, after
Razeal gets hold of the 'Soul Reaver' sword, the remedial
battles become less challenging. But the bosses continue
to remain relatively formidable.
The essential issue with Soul Reaver is in the fact that
you will get very little opportunity to try out all these
newfound battle moves. A lot of the game focuses on
exploring the world of Nosgoth, solving simplistic
puzzles, and backtracking through familiar environments.
Soul Reaver is by no means a relentless action game. It
is almost as if most of the action merely serves as
interlude between the exploration and plot advancement.
There is still plenty to do, and you'll still have some
monumental battles with the major bosses, but after a
while working your way through the hallways, graveyards,
and castles can become somewhat tedious. Having said that,
this monotony is more of a nuisance rather than boredom.
The game certainly kept my attention throughout - some
areas more than others - with its uneasy demeanor. Soul
Reaver constantly attempts to find the balance between
action and exploration. For the most part, it achieves
that equilibrium valiantly.
The other problem I had with the game is, because of its
story-driven nature, you probably won't play through Soul
Reaver more than once. Although there is plenty to explore,
the game is somewhat linear. The second time through, is
more repetition than entertainment. Of course, this is
inherent to most plot driven action/adventure games, but
it is perhaps more so evident in Soul Reaver. Still, the
initial experience with Soul Reaver certainly makes up for
any lack of lasting appeal.
The third piece to the Soul Reaver puzzle is the understated,
yet effective soundtrack and sound effects. The music
inconspicuously hums in the background and adds a subdued
and eerie feel. If you listen closely you might recognize
some repetition, but combined with the graphics and
gameplay you'll hardly notice the aural duplication.
Complementing the soundtrack is some of the most believable
voice acting. Professional voice actors create a true sense
of realism, even in Raziel's fantasy world. It helps bring
the player closer to the game's characters and story, and
ultimately helps fashion the immersive gameplay experience.
Despite its action/adventure roots, Soul Reaver relies more
heavily on adventure and progression. There is enough action
to keep the game fresh, but it never overwhelms the story.
In retrospect, that is what makes Soul Reaver so interesting:
the game's original and enthralling story. Although it never
achieves its own lofty goals at complete gaming synergy, it
falls short at a very high level. The creatively crafted
story of Soul Reaver manifests through a thickly veiled
atmosphere that reveals itself throughout the game. The
sound, graphics, and gameplay are permeated with detail
and dark intention. It is a fresh and entertaining game,
especially for those who enjoy piercing ambience over
mindless action.
> Graphics: 83%
> Sound: 88%
> Gameplay: 80%
> Lastability: 78%
> OVERALL: 83%
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======| NEWS |============================================
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>>>> Virtua Fighter 4 Confirmed
During London's ATEI 2000 show today, Sega confirmed that
Virtua Fighter 4 is indeed in development. Although there
wasn't any details given out, they hinted at revealing
more at the February, during the AOU show in Tokyo. Thanks
to Videogamespot for the news!
>>>> Capcom's Online Fighters
Capcom is ushering in the true next generation of fighting
games this year, brining them online. Capcom and the KDD
(Networking) Corp announced a fighting game network today.
Opening on March 1st, "Match Service" as it will be called,
costs around 10 cents per minute to use. Power Stone 2,
Marvel Vs Capcom 2, SNK vs Capcom, Private Justice League 2,
and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike are all confirmed to
have online play.
This is exciting news for fighting fans, and we'll hopefully
have news on an American and European network in the not too
distant future.
>>>> Tomb Raider 4 On Dreamcast
Yes it's happened, less than a month after Eidos's contract
with Sony expired, Lara's adventures onto the Dreamcast have
been confirmed. The Dreamcast version of Tomb Raider: The
Last Revelation, will be released this March in fact.
Eidos has greatly enhanced the graphics of this title. In
this version, Lara Croft has been remodeled so that she is
displayed in high resolution to match the game's lavish
environments. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation will also
feature an enhanced lighting system, a greater draw distance
than seen on other versions, real-time shadow casting, bump
mapping, environment mapping, volumetric fogging and an
enhanced sound system.
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is the fourth installment
in the Tomb Raider series, one of the biggest selling series
in video game history which has now shipped in excess of 20
million units to date. The Dreamcast version will follow an
identical course to those of the recently released PC and
PlayStation games, however, both Lara Croft and her
environment will be enhanced to take advantage of the
improved graphics and sound capabilities of the new console.
>>>> American Online Gaming To Begin March 2nd
Chu Chu Rocket has been confirmed as the first online title
to be released state side. The game is due out March 2nd,
and will use the first-generation Sega Network.
>>>> Digital Video Camera For Your Dreamcast!
From April gamers over in Japan will have a new toy to
play with. A digital video camera that connects through
your Dreamcast will be released, some of you may
remember it being revealed at the same time as the Zip
Drive last year.
The device lets you see other gamers live via your TV,
in a Real Video sort of format. Given that peripherals
such as the Microphone, fishing controller, and zip
drive are going to make their way out of Japan, there's
certainly a chance this will too. We'll keep you updated.
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======[ RED HOT RUMORS ]==================================
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Welcome to the rumors section of Dreamcast Weekly, each
week we'll keep you upto-date with the latest rumors going
around.
>>>> Big Names Come To Dreamcast
Well Tomb Raider was announced for the Dreamcast this week,
but 2 other big gaming names were mentioned too. Turok 3
is rumored to be on the Dreamcast instead of the slowly
dyeing N64.
But even better is Time Crisis 2 from Namco, which appeared
on Sega Of America's release list for 2000. Now that, as
reported by some sites, seems to almost all but confirm
the title is coming. However looking back, the title
appeared on several release lists in the past, including
Ozisoft of Australia and New Zealand's in late 1999. Just
saying until we hear from Namco them selves, I wouldn't
take this is a confirmed game.
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======| INTO THE WEB |====================================
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>>>> More Than Just Movies
NextGenVideos has been covering the news pretty well
recently, and was the source of our rumors section this
week.
Including Digital Camera's, Microphones, and Cable modems
for your Dreamcast, screen shots of Grand Theft Auto,
and much more. Well worth reading at www.NextGenVideos.com
Why are they featured in Dreamcast Weekly? Because the
movies are quite possibly of the highest quality on the
net, that's why. If you haven't checked them out yet, now's
a good time to start.
www.NextGenVideos.com
>>>> Win Sega Swirl For Dreamcast!
Last week we interviewed Scott Hawkins, and this week
he has a message for all the Sega Swirl fans...
"Hi everyone!
Due to the tremendous feedback we have received from people
playing the PC version of SEGA Swirl, we have decided to
run an email challenge ladder tournament.
We will be giving away early copies of SEGA Swirl for
Dreamcast to the top 10 finishers in this contest. Unfortunately,
I only have access to U.S. SEGA Dreamcast versions at the
moment.
If you would like to participate. Please send an email with
the subject: "Please enter me in the email Tournament" to
"swirl@segaswirl.com".
Please also click the "Send in Top Scores" button in the game
to verify that you email settings are working properly and
that you will be able to compete in our email tournament.
We will be accepting the first 128 people who can send this
in properly.
If you do not already have the game, you can get it at
http://www.SegaSwirl.com
- Scott"
>>>> Need More Memory Card Space?
If you need more than 200 blocks to save your games too
(who doesn't?), the hi-capacity Nexus cards could help.
3200 Blocks are included in their latest card, the 16X
Memory Card. Because there's no compression used either,
you don't have the risk of other hi-capacity cards (such
as on the Playstation).
You can also use the PC port to transfer your saves onto
a hard drive, or the internet. This is great for e-mailing
each other saved files.
For people that have been using a Step Down convertor
too, Lik-Sang offer a Replacement Power Supply from this
week.
Finally, I got a blue colored Dreamcast case my self,
and my Dreamcast looks great now! Dreamcast Weekly
recommends checking out www.Lik-Sang.com for importing,
and have received great feedback from our readers. They
are not an advertiser in DC Weekly.
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======| PREVIEW |=========================================
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>>>> South Park Rally
>>>> Written by Sajed Ahmed
O Publisher: Acclaim
O Genre: Racing
O Release Date: April 2000
O Players: 1-4
Often games based on TV or movie licenses become cluttered
with gratuitous plugs of the respective show, rather than
focusing on actual gameplay. Acclaim's South Park Rally
however promises to have plenty of gaming fun, to
complement all the ill-mannered, licensed characters racing
around the game's many courses. SP Rally for the Dreamcast
will feature around twenty-seven authentic South Park
characters, like Kenny, Mr. Garrison, and Kyle, racing in
under-sized Go Karts. Each character will have their own
unique rides: like Stan in a red Lambourghini, officer
Barbrady in a police car, and Cartman in a jeep or big
wheel - although, him fitting into either of those vehicles
is feat in itself.
The seven tracks in SP Rally are of course based around
areas shown in the cartoon. The courses are incredibly
quick and there are plenty of twists and turns along
the way. As you race around these tracks in South Park,
Colorado, you'll hear plenty of foul banter going on
between the racers, as well. Of course, the most profane
words are strategically bleeped out. But the game still
maintains the that hard comedy edge, so prominent in the
TV show. Most of the game is this way. It seems that
Acclaim has found a way to incorporate the South Park
license into a strong racing game, rather than basing
the game around the license.
The multi-player mode in South Park Rally, as in games
like Mario Kart before it, is really the meat of the
gameplay. Here players can either take part in races
with up to four players at once, or duke it out in a
four-player death match mode, where you either kill or
be killed. These multi-player modes add depth to a one
player game that is just as much about racing as it is
about knocking your opponent off course by any means
necessary. You can freeze other racers, fling poo at
them, and otherwise violate them with whatever material
is at your character's disposal. Basically, it follows
in the traditional kart racing action of 'agreesive racing.'
Of course, Matt Stone, Trey Parker, and Isaac Hayes will
lend their voices to the game, as Acclaim attempts to make
SP Rally an authentic experience for fans of the TV
show. Sure the first Dreamcast South Park effort -
Chef's Luv Shack - stunk almost as bad as Mr. Hanky,
but the quick racing action and tons of features in SP Rally
could easily restore the franchise. Heck, you can actually
'kill Kenny' in the four-player death match - now that's
licensing synergy.
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======| CHEATS |==========================================
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>>>> Chao VMU Adventure
O Level Skip:
When your Chao reaches the end of each level, you should
come to a signpost which lets you choose where to go next.
Straight after picking a path, press Mode on your VMU
three times, and your Chao will skip to the end of the
next level.
>>>> Shenmue
O Unlock 70 Person Battle:
Successfully complete the game and save the clear data to
unlock 70 person battle at the options screen. Disc 3 must
be in the Dreamcast in order to play this mode.
- Submitted by Lil' Homie
>>>> South Park: Chef's Luv Shack
O Beefcake Bonus:
Eat every single can of Weight Gain 4000 in the Beefcake
mini-game to see a bonus animation at the end.
- Submitted by Roadkill3000
O Better Variety Of Mini Games:
Play as Cartman if you want a better variety of mini-games.
He is the only character that can play the Rodeo and
Beefcake mini-games. - Submitted by Roadkill3000
>>>> Tee Off Golf
O Gain New Stuff Quickly:
After playing through 15 holes of the last course in World
mode, make sure to save it. You must be winning, of course.
Then after you have finished in first place and waited
through the credits and received your new ball, club and
player. Simply reload the save game and play the last
three holes (still staying in first place) and get an all
new ball club and player. - Submitted by Tony
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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...
>>>> Sega X - www.segadreamcast.net
Plenty of news added every day, including a IRC Java
chat room where you can chat about all the latest Sega
topics.
>>>> Sega 2000 - www.sega2000.net
More than your average Sega site. We have daily news,
reviews, previews, etc... but also fan art, your top 10
most wanted, reader reviews, sub sites dedicated to
RPG's, Sonic, and Star Trek, along with many more
sections.
>>>> The Next Level - www.the-nextlevel.com
The Next Level is a multi-platform gaming magazine focused on
all current and upcoming next-generation systems. We provide
up-to-date news, in-depth reviews, reader reviews, intriguing
editorials, and more.
>>>> Perfect Zero - http://www.perfect-zero.com
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.
>>>> 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,
and even Fan Created Games, this is your one stop Sonic site.
>>>> Gaming Central Starpath - www.startpath.com/gamingcentral
This site contains hundreds of links for anything a gamer
might be interested in, no matter what format, including
some game specific links.
>>>> DC Australia - www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Fortress/6831/
Now the Dreamcast is out in Australia, and after SegaDC.co.nz
closed, this should be your first stop for news down under.
The official website for the Dreamcast Weekly is now open at
www.dreamcastweekly.com :) The site includes the history of
the magazine, back issues, and more. Then in the future...
who knows, hopefully we'll be a print magazine one day
(Hint hint to any publisher that may be reading this :) )
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======[ CREDITS ]=========================================
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O Editor: Graham Parker "Tails" - Webmaster@sega2000.net
Thanks to all our support sites above, for helping make
Dreamcast Weekly as big as we are!
>>>> www.DreamcastWeekly.com - Our Official Website!
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Copyright 1998-2000 Graham Parker - Webmaster@Sega2000.net
Written and edited by Graham Parker. No parts may be
copied without prior permission. Otherwise I'd be forced
to send out my goons... Ok so I don't have any goons, but
copying is just mean... very mean. There, that should
scare everyone off :)
