Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 24 (then Dreamcast Weekly)
From Video Game Morgue File
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/ ___> > > DREAMCAST WEEKLY MAGAZINE < < <___ \
/ / \ \
/ / ~Issue #24 - www.DreamcastWeekly.com~ \ \
\ \ / /
\ \ Sega 2000 - http://www.sega2000.com / /
\ \ Sega X - http://www.segadreamcast.net / /
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======| ABOUT THE MAGAZINE |==============================
Dreamcast Weekly is proudly sponsored by Consolexpress,
New Zealand's only import dedicated store. But not just
aimed for New Zealanders of course, they supply to all
around the world.
The domain name www.DreamcastWeekly.com 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.net & www.totalvideogames.com
======| EDITORS COMMENTS |================================
Big issue this week! We've got both the mega-review of
Sonic Adventure and a huge feature on importing and cost
availability, thanks to our friends over at Consolexpress!
Also a cover story on the shifting alliances of
brand-recognition, news and plenty more.
Finally, I'm looking for someone that can make Midi
songs. All I need from them is to make a Midi version
of a little .wav file Jingle I have so it won't take
long at all hopefully. If you think you could help,
please e-mail me on madcow@ihug.co.nz. Thanks!
~ Elijah (Editor)
---~> Page 1 - Cover Story <~---
---~> Page 2 - The News <~---
---~> Page 3 - Importing <~---
---~> Page 4 - Review <~---
---~> Page 5 - Stuck??? <~---
---~> Page 6 - Preview <~---
---~> Page 7 - Best Of The Web <~---
---~> Page 8 - Credits & More <~---
---~> Page 9 - P.S <~---
======| COVER STORY |=====================================
---~> WHAT'S IN A NAME?
---~> By David Oldridge
What's in a name? That's what some people seem to be
wondering these days, when it applies to the company name
behind the Dreamcast. A seemingly common argument is that
with the Sega name on the console, success will be far more
elusive. But to be honest, I can't see the connection.
Yes, the Saturn did not do that well outside of Japan.
That is probably why Sega's newest console is called Dreamcast
instead of Saturn 2. However, the console market is one of the
very few areas where name alone does not seem to matter.
Back in the 8-bit days, Nintendo's NES owned a whopping 85%
of the North American console market. Sega's name didn't
really mean much on its own, with the Atari XE being a closer
competitor for console sales. But when Sega dropped the
gauntlet and launched the 16-bit era with the Genesis, they
went from owning 15% of the market to over 50%. In fact,
Sega's sales actually picked up _after_ the SNES was
released. Yet this popularity in North America didn't seem
to help the Saturn any.
And before the launch of the Playstation, where did Sony
fit in for name recognition with gamers? Sure, Sony owned
a large chunk of the electronics markets through their line
of televisions, walkmans, etc., but for games they were only
known from Sony Imagesoft. Sega and Nintendo owned the
market, and someone whose recent work included Dracula CD
was going to take it over? Sony was a major company with an
impressive unit and a lot of cash, but the same could have
been said for Panasonic and the 3DO, or for Matsushita and
the M2. Who would have guessed that they would surpass one
of the industry giants, and practically annihilate the other?
Next up was Nintendo. Their Famicom (Japanese NES) was by far
the #1 8-bit console in Japan and around the world. Their
Super Famicom (Japanese SNES) was by far Japan's #1 16-bit
console, and also did very well in most parts of the world.
Their Game Boy was and still is the most popular console in
Japan and worldwide, as well as the best selling in console
history. And with this excellent record for gamers, the most
powerful console released, and the launch title of Mario 64,
what happened? Nintendo became the company behind Japan's
worst selling console, and is trailing Sony's Playstation in
sales and popularity in most other markets.
So that brings us to today, to the Sega name, and to
Dreamcast. In the end, it all comes down to the games
available, and how well they look. Between VF3:TB, Sonic
Adventure, and the soon to be released Shen Mue, Sega's
chances in Japan actually look pretty good. And with over a
dozen good original and arcade games scheduled for release
by the time of the US launch (plus whatever else is being
planned but unannounced), Sega seems to have covered their
US bases too.
Of course Sony and Nintendo have done little to counter
Sega yet (being more concerned with this Christmas than
next), but they're going up against more than Saturn
versions of Virtua Fighter 1 and Daytona now. And the more
they rely on name alone to save them, the harder a time
they'll have. History has yet to prove otherwise.
======| NEWS |============================================
---~> SOUL CALIBER & TIME CRISIS 2 MAYBE ON DREAMCAST!
The rumours page from PSX.IGN said, "The saddest news of
all today comes from that traitor Namco. Damn YOU, Namco!
Where is your loyalty!? The kick-@ss fighter, Soul Caliber,
sequel to Soul Edge (Soul Blade on the Playstation) is
rumored to arrive on a different system than yours truly.
And to add insult to injury, Time Crisis II is also slated
for a "different" system, as well. That system, by the
way, isn't playstation II, either (hint: think Cinnabon)."
---~> SEGA RALLY 2: Jan 28th
The new release date for Sega Rally 2 is set for Jan 28th.
Interestingly though, the racing wheel still comes out this
Thursday the 14th even though it's got no software to
support it.
======| IMPORTING |=======================================
Are you still waiting for Dreamcast prices to drop?
Well, wait no more! Consolexpress Ltd is now selling
Japanese DC at the most competitive prices and we
deliver internationally. We are setting the benchmark
for other game import stores to follow. Consolexpress
Ltd is a new game import store based in New Zealand.
Most of our sales will be generated online but our
website is currently under construction and will be
ready within the coming week. We'll keep you updated
about our website situation in the next issue of DC
Weekly. For the mean time, orders and enquiries can be
placed through phone, fax or email. Email or phone us
and we'll provide you an order form to fill in.
Here are our details:
Postal Address: Consolexpress Limited
PO Box 74-281
Market Road
Auckland
New Zealand
Office Address: Consolexpress Limited
Office 6, Level 1
2/17 Olive Road
Penrose
Auckland
New Zealand
Contact Christopher.
Phone: +649-5252249
Fax: +649-5252251
Email:chris@consolexpress.co.nz.
Website: http://www.consolexpress.co.nz (under construction).
We currently have DC System, VMS, arcade stick VF3tb and
Sonic Adventure in stock. We are taking orders for these
items and also preorders and backorders for any other DC
games, hardware and accessories. Please do not hesitate
to contact us. Preorders can be placed without any
obligations and can be cancelled at anytime. We offer a
90 day warranty for the DC unit.
We advise all Japanese Dreamcast import buyers to use a
step-down transformer with an output voltage of 100V at
30VA. We believe that using an improper transformer might
overheat the Dreamcast unit and hence shorten its lifespan.
Therefore, we are offering specially made Dreamcast
transformer for the following countries: NZ, Australia,
USA and UK.
New Zealand prices
NZD NZD
(excGST) (incGST)
Japanese DC System 731.56 823.00
VMS/VMU (grey) 52.44 59.00
Arcade stick 123.56 139.00
VF3tb/Sonic 114.67 129.00
Subtotal 1022.22 1150.00
Transformer 43.56 49.00
Total price 1065.78 1199.00
Courier charges range from NZD8 to 22(incGST) depending on
location in New Zealand.
International prices
GST is a tax of 12.5% on goods sold in NZ only(not for other
countries). Convert the amount in NZD(excGST) above to
determine prices in your country's currency. We base our
international prices on the following exchange rates.
NZD 1 = AUD 0.85 = USD 0.54 = UKP 0.33. These are bank
selling rates on 8th January 1999, rounded up to the
nearest cent(actual rates on that day were lower). All
customer billings will be in NZD and the actual amount
in your country's currency may differ from our international
prices due to small fluctuations in exchange rates. Please
be aware that international customers may also have to pay
their own state and local taxes for imported goods and
custom charges.
Comparisons with other online import stores
Delivery charges below are via AirPost International.
Customers can also choose CourierPost International(faster).
More on delivery information later.
Australia: ExtremeImports: http://www.extreme-imports.com/
Consolexpress Extreme Imports
AUD AUD
Japanese DC System 621.82 749.00
VMS/VMU (grey) 44.57 65.00
Arcade stick 105.02 ?????
VF3tb/Sonic 97.47 120.00 (Sonic @130)
Subtotal 868.89 934.00
Transformer 37.02 50.00
Subtotal 905.91 984.00
Delivery(3-6days) 51.00 50.00
Total price 956.91 1034.00 (no arcade stick)
Our total price which includes an arcade stick is cheaper
by about AUD77 and you definitely need an arcade stick to
play Virtua Fighter 3tb!
USA: NCS: http://www.ncsx.com/
Tronix: http://www.tronixweb.com/
BuyRite: http://www.buyrite1.com/
Consolexpress NCS Tronix BuyRite
USD USD USD USD
Japanese DC System 395.04 475.00 434.95 462.00
VMS/VMU (grey) 28.32 30.00 35.00 29.99
Arcade stick 66.72 70.00 70.00 69.99
VF3tb/Sonic 61.92 65.00 65.00 62.99
Subtotal 552.00 640.00 604.95 624.97
Transformer 23.52 ???? ???? ????
Subtotal 575.52 ???? ???? ????
Delivery(4-10days) 68.04 ???? ???? ????
Total price 643.56 ???? ???? ????
Without transformer, the delivery cost to USA is about
USD55.08(NZD102) giving a total price of USD607.08 which
we believe is lower than any of our competitors with
their shipping costs added. However, we strongly
recommend the use of a proper transformer to maximize
the life of the DC unit. That is definitely a small
investment for such a valuable item!
United Kingdom: ComputerExchange: http://www.cex.co.uk/
Consolexpress Computer Exchange
UKP UKP
Japanese DC System 241.41 329.99
VMS/VMU (grey) 17.31 ????
Arcade stick 40.77 ????
VF3tb/Sonic 37.84 64.99
Subtotal 337.33 394.98
Transformer 14.37 ????
Subtotal 351.71
Delivery(6-12days) 53.13 ????
Total price 404.84
Our total price includes VMS, arcade stick and
transformer which we think are of more value for
the pound compared to our competitor.
Shipping information for international orders
The combined weights for DC System, VMS, Arcade Stick
and VF3tb is about 4.85kg. Transformer weighs around
2kg. Adding packaging material, total weight comes out
to about 7.8kg. The following delivery charges are
based on custom parcel weights between 7.5-8.0kg.
We'll confirm with you about the delivery charges
before we process your order.
Australia USA UK
1. CourierPost International AUD83.30 USD91.26 UKP62.37
(insurance up to NZD2000) (NZD98) (NZD169) (NZD189)
1-3days 1-6days 2-7days
2. AirPost International AUD51.00 USD68.04 UKP53.13
(insurance up to NZD1500) (NZD60) (NZD126) (NZD161)
3-6days 4-10days 6-12days
Finally, from all of us at Consolexpress, happy
gaming to you all! :-)
======| REVIEW |==========================================
---~> SONIC ADVENTURE
---~> Written By Elijah
The last Sonic game made by Sonic Team was over 4 years ago,
Sonic & Knuckles. So when Yuji Naka announced Sonic
Adventure, gamers all around the world stood up and took
notice. This is indeed the Dreamcast's flagship title, and
even Yuji said this game would be "perfect"... but does it
live up to the hype? Does it live up to the amazing standard
of the past games?
The first thing I noticed was how beautiful everything looked
in hi-res. Then as the first cut scene began, the whole
thing was running like a dream. It's a great experience seeing
all your favorite characters in 3D, and trust me, Sonic R and
Sonic 3D Blast can't even begin to prepare you for the
graphics in this game.
As I played through the game there were so many places I said,
"Wow! I just have to point this out in the review!" (the photo
realistic foot prints in the sand for example) I actually
stoped many times, climbed to many high points, just to see
the view! What a view, the scenery goes for as far as you
can see most of the time, and while little details dissapear
like rings and badniks, you've never seen such a huge area
in a video game... ever! It ended up I was jaw dropped
countless times, so I'll just mention two points...
The lighting and textrues are amazing (this word is popping
up alot!) As you progress through the game you'll see
each stage in different times of the day and it all looks
stunning. For example, in the Mystic Ruins there's a large
waterfall surrounded by muddy and rocky cliffs. Looking
upclose to the falls, they are perfect. Perfect? Yep perfect!
Then when you consider how huge this area it's rendering
is, you truly realize how poweful the Dreamcast is.
The second point is the water, while it's typical to put a
transparent polygon on the surface and the N64 has good
effects to make underwater look different to above, nothing
comes close to this. The water moves like it should and the
ground and every object has moving reflections just like
you see on the bottom of a swimming pool!
While it's easy to tell, I'm just busting with amazement at
the graphics in Sonic Adventure, but there are a few small
problems. Particually in the first stage, Emerald Coast,
there is a little clipping. But, the good news is it's far
in the background and doesn't effect the gameplay at all.
Hard to impress PSX gamers will be quick to point this
out though, so hopefully Sega will fix this for the western
release. So does that mean it was sloppy programming? No,
probably rushed. The Twinkle Circuit, which is a bonus racing
stage is an example of how rushed Sonic Team were. The
track definitely isn't going to strain your Dreamcast, as
there are so many objects like signs just popping up. While
in other sections, when there is so much detail, it's
easily excusable, there just isn't an excuse for this, even
with the rush.
The second point is having seen Shenmue now, the graphics,
while a massive leap from anything you've ever seen,
still aren't pushing the Dreamcast as much. But,
like the Sonic series on the Mega Drive, this is something
you can bet on them improving for the sequal.
Ok as everyone knows, Sonic isn't mainly about graphics...
it's the gameplay. I'm happy to say aside from some tiny
sections of slow down, Sonic is as fast and super smooth
as he ever was. Believe me, you'll never look at Mario 64
(or any other 3D platformer, ever!) the same way again.
Infact Sonic is so fast at times, the spiky blue hedgehog is just
uncontrollable. Thankfully, the game takes over for these
bits. The control is excellent and it's not too hard to
get Sonic running fairly straight. But Sonic's new attack
move, this is THE best attack move in 3D any platformers
weaponry. Double jumping automatically sends Sonic flying
to the nearest enemy or object. Pressing it again in mid
air will send you off again to the next enemy. Attacking
in 3D Blast was hard, and often you'd mis-judge where the
enemy was, but thankfully this solves all that.
Now I have to mention the camera somewhere in here. It's
both good and bad. The good is that it almost never
goes into walls or lets you see the other side of them
(a trick we all used in Tomb Raider no doubt). But, the
bad point is that on the small occasions it does get
stuck, it be very frustrating indeed. The gameplay gets
99%, with a very possible 100% if this is fixed in the
world release version. With the exception of that, it's
pure brillance from the Sonic Team!
All the other characters abilitys are back again as well,
such as Tails flying ability and Knuckles being able to
climb. But there's more... Knuckles can now dig, Tails can
attack by spinning his tails and Sonic can fly along a trail
of rings. I can safely say this is the 'perfect' gameplay
for a 3D platformer and is as good, if not better than
he's 2D outings.
The classic sounds (in particualar that jumping sound)
have all made it into this version. From the South
American chanting of the Lost World
level to the classic Sonic jingles in the backgound
of Red Mountain, the music is done beautifully. While I was
really impressed with the soundtrack of Sonic 3D Blast and
at the start was disapointed with Sonic Adventures,
give it time and you'll see why they picked these songs.
Finally, how long does Sonic Adventure last? Well like
past Sonic games, the difficultly level is easy. Even
with 6 different adventures, you won't have much
trouble at all completing the game. But that's not the
point. The infinate continues you have should help
to emphasise that as well. After finishing them you
can go back to any level, including the bonus games
any time you like. Add a whole pile of time attack
modes (one of which sets you against all the bosses
one after another, a new mode there) and Sonic
Adventure will keep you busy for ages. But wait,
there's more! Like Mario's stars in Mario 64, Sonic
has emblyms to collect. You gain one for each
level you complete, and each much be finished 3
times in order to collect them all. First time is
just normally, second time is finshing the level
with 50 or more rings, with the third being under a very
fast time limit. All of these put together form
Sonic Adventure, the longest lasting Sonic game
to date.
Graphics: 95%
Sure to impress everyone beyond belief, but as amazing
as it is, there is quite a bit that can be improved
for a second generation sequel.
Sound: 97%
Each characters theme tune is perfect for them, and
levels like the Lost World are excellent.
Gameplay: 99%
With the acception of some annoying camera angels,
this is sheer perfection in almost everyway.
Lastability: 98%
THE longest lasting Sonic game to date, Sonic Team
have put their full effort into this one.
----------------
OVERALL: 98%
---~> Want to play Sonic Adventure yourself?
You can order copies from Consolexpress for just NZ$129
this week! Contact details at the top of this issue.
======| STUCK??? |========================================
---~> NEED HELP WITH A GAME?
If your stuck on a game or just want some tips / secrets,
please e-mail our tipster... me, on madcow@ihug.co.nz and
we'll print them in the very next issue.
---~> HOW TO GET SUPER SONIC:
After finishing all 6 characters 100%, you can select Super
Sonic from the "Choose Your Buddy" screen. He starts off as
normal Sonic, but here's what to do next...
1) Go through the tunnel from Mystic Ruins to where the
entrance to Red Mountain is. But instead, go over the bridge
and search around for Kncukles and Dr. Eggman (they are hard
to spot but keep looking)
2) After the cut scenes go back to the Mystic Ruins and take
the trolly to where the Lost World level starts.
3) You'll fight Perfect Chaos as Super Sonic and WOW this
bit looks cool!!
---~> SONIC ADVENTURE TRICK:
Could you figure out what to do with the white
crystals in Sonic Adventure. I found two of them. One
in the waterfall at Mystic Ruins and another in the
mayor's house. They sorta look like the wind and ice
crystals. - Jiexun
REPLY: Hmmm... I think your talking about 2 white stones
yes. Ok, the white stone just out of the major's house
solves a puzzle. In the store with the man near the
door, there is a green egg on a cusion. But when you
take the egg off, the doors to get back out of the
store won't open until you put it back. Take the
white stone from the Major's house and replace the
green egg with it once you take it off the cusion.
For the Mystic Ruins, it's actually a white egg, and
if you take it to a breeding area and smash it against
a wall, you get a silver chao to breed.
======| PREVIEW |=========================================
---~> FRAME GRIDE
---~> by Matthew Langan
Originally known as "Virtual On: The Side Story", the
game was unveiled by Sega at last Autumn's Tokyo
ames Show in Japan. Back then, VOTSS was far
from complete, and even then, the title managed to stun
crowds that were shown a short video clip. Last month,
Sega officially christened it "Frame Gride", and dubbed
as a "robot fighting game", it hopes to further on the
gameplay and graphics of Virtual On, while providing a
fresh and original concept. Being developed by "From
Software" (developed Armored Core for the Playstation),
and published by Sega, this has the potential to be one
of Spring's AAA Dreamcast titles.
Frame Gride implements giant landscapes, where highly
equipped mechs do one-on-one battle, in a highly stunning
and graphically beautiful fantasy world, far away from
Earth. Containing multi-light sourcing techniques, special
effects and packed with extreme detail, FG is anything but
ugly. In fact, just to produce the detail which FG possesses,
>From Software have had to use an upgraded graphics system,
one far more powerful then the one used in Virtual On.
Of course, we all know that graphics don't make a game.
So, what about the gameplay? During each round, the robot
of your choice will be able to use swords, projectile attacks,
and magic, in order to inflict as much damage as possible on
the opponent. Like any fighting game, each robot will possess
his or her own special moves, each of which will be uniquely
different from the other. The VMS also comes into use, as
you'll be able to build up your characters power, speed and
size. While not confirmed just yet, it is rumored that you
will be able to play a Tamagotchi style game, just like the
one featured in Godzilla. Once raised, you should be able
to load your data onto the Dreamcast, and pit your little
beast against the computer, or friend.
So far, only two modes of gameplay have been revealed,
Story and VS Battle. In the Story mode, you will be able
to play through 4 levels, each including 10 stages. From
Software promise that FG will have length, and won't be a
case of "played it for 10 minutes and thrown it away". In
order to increase the game's lasting appeal, a split screen
mode will be included, along with a network mode, allowing
you to play against a friend (or enemy) over the Internet, via
the modem.
Due out in Spring this year, Frame Gride is sounding very
promising, and hype for the game in Japan is more then
adequate. In the upcoming weeks, expect new screenshots,
game details, movies, and of course, the review itself.
======| BEST OF THE WEB |=================================
---~> Sega 2000 - www.Sega2000.com
The new design is coming along great and later this week
you can all see and comment on the new look front page.
We've also got a feature on Yu Suzuki, and a number of
new staff joining us to ensure you get the best Sega
coverage from Sega 2000, every day.
---~> Sega X - www.SegaDreamcast.net
Next week at Sega X, the guys will be getting their hands
on the first Dreamcast release this month, Sengoku Turb.
Expect a full detailed review along with movies and
screenshots. Pen Pen, Tetris 4D and Seventh Cross will
be receiving second reviews, so watch out for them.
---~> Dreamcast Life - www.DreamcastLife.com
We're having a big update this Monday, you won't want to
miss this one :)
---~> Sega Runway - underworld.fortunecity.com/ninja/60/
We start updates again this Monday with more headlines,
and don't forget to vote in our poll!
======[ CREDITS ]=========================================
Editor: Elijah - madcow@ihug.co.nz
Assistant Editor: Mike - melbess@adelphia.net
Letters: Tunek - tuna@ebox.tninet.se
Sponcer: Consolexpress - Chris@consolexpress.co.nz
---~> www.DreamcastWeekly.com - Official Website!
======[ NEXT ISSUE ]======================================
For those of you who can't wait to find out some of the
features headed to Dreamcast Weekly in issue 25, here
they are...
- Cover Story: Raising A Chao On Your VMS, a huge
feature on the awesome features of Sonic Adventure on
the VMS!
- Special: Sega Saturn Timeline, for those of you who
can't get the beloved system out of your head, Aaron
Lee Sega X's New Editor chronicles the life of the
Sautrn!
- Interview: Next week anticipate a look into the twisted
mind of everybody's favorite Senior Editor at SegaX...
MATT!! Bwhahahaha.
----------------------------------------------------------
Written and edited by Elijah Parker. (Who's real name,
is interestingly Graham Parker) The Dreamcast Weekly
Magazine is owned by... me :) No parts may be copied
without prior permission. I would have to send
out my group of highly trained thugs who will have
a tea party with you until you crack and your mind
turns into jello... MMmmmmm.... Sweet Sweet Jello....
hehe, anyway... If you have any friends that might be
interested in this magazine, it would be excellent
if you could let them know about it. Thanks!
P.S. Wow here's a thought for ya... I just heard on
the radio with a "life files" thing, that in Japan
the latest thing is to have super powerful appliances.
The first in the range is a refridgerator with a
Pentimum II Processor! Sigh, that fridge has more
power than my PC... hehe, oh well. Maybe in the
future you'll be able to surf the net from your toaster
while you wait for it to pop! :)
