Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 27 (then Dreamcast Weekly)
From Video Game Morgue File
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/ ___> > > DREAMCAST WEEKLY MAGAZINE < < <____ \
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/ / ~Issue #27 - www.DreamcastWeekly.com~ \ \
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\ \ 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 |================================
Finally the new design at Sega 2000 is up! To celebrate
we're giving away 2 FREE Steering Wheels to use with any
Dreamcast driving game! Details on how to enter the draw
to win one of them on Sega 2000. Even if you don't have an
import Dreamcast, it's still worth entering because you
would get one in September instead.
Features in this issue include... a preview of Powerstone,
coming to A DC near you Feb 25th. Also an editorial about the
upcoming console war, and finally a cool Sega Word find!
Very sorry the lack of an issue last week, my Assistant
Editor, Mike, left without informing me and also without
sending 2 of the features meant to make up last issue. And
of course with that, there's now an opening to fill his
position. You must have a good writing style (please provide
a sample), good at coming up with ideas and most of all be
reliable. Please send applications to me on tails@sega2000.com
Finally, for those intrested we've now posted issues 7-21 in
the archives at www.DreamcastWeekly.com
Happy Gaming!
~ Elijah "Tails" (Editor)
---~> Page 1 - Cover Story <~---
---~> Page 2 - Importing <~---
---~> Page 3 - The News <~---
---~> Page 4 - Sega Word find <~---
---~> Page 5 - Preview <~---
---~> Page 6 - Best Of The Web <~---
---~> Page 7 - On Your Mind <~---
---~> Page 8 - Credits & More <~---
---~> Page 9 - Finally... <~---
======| COVER STORY |=====================================
---~> SEGA VS SONY: Match Of The New Millennium
---~> Written by Tails
Console wars have been going on for ever, it's just like
any other industry. In the days of the Master System and
NES, Genesis and SNES's, it was always Sega Vs Nintendo,
and neither one really took a large lead. The good old days
when it was a fair fight and top software counted over
anything else (heh, that's just asking to be flamed! No I'm
not that biased, if anything Sony has pushed over company's
to make even better games). But then, Sony stepped into the
ring armed with awesome "new generation" games and
advertising to make even non-gamers stand up and take
notice. After winning the small fight against Saturn, for
once around the world, there was one clear winner of the
console war. A whole range of problems stopped Sega and
later, Nintendo from even coming close to the power of
Playstation... until NOW!
Sega has returned with a whole new outlook on the games
industry, all it's previous problems solved and the awesome
result of their hard work... the Dreamcast. With the mind
boggling power of the Dreamcast, and technology like the
built in modem and VMS, it's truly a "next generation"
console. So what's it up against? The N64 will be a push
over for the Dreamcast, doing everything it does, only
better and with many more games, but how about the Playstation
2... yes it's Sega Vs Sony.
Sega has a great lead over Sony, and will be the first in
with all this new technology, but they also have the huge
disadvantage of people's "dis-trust" after the Saturn. Both
those aside, I'd say were in for a real fight this time!
Specs wise the Playstation 2 should have the advantage, being
that it's coming out after Dreamcast, but when the specs are
this high, most people won't notice the difference. It's all
down to the games this time, like those good old days I
mentioned earlier :)
Sega has another advantage here, 3rd party's are literally
drooling over the Dreamcast. A quote made by one particular
developer puts it perfectly, "Its not about technicalities
anymore, it's about the limits of your imagination". Sega
has opened a huge window for developers, in letting them
create the games of their dreams. Even the modem alone opens
whole new genre's of games traditionally not even thought of
as possible on a console. Designers are bringing out their
awesome ideas they've had in the back of their heads for
years (Shenmue for one example), but not been possible due
to "technical limits". Offering the chance to make those
dreams real is something almost no 3rd party has been able
to turn down. Coming after Sega, Sony has no chance to make
that kind of first impact with developers.
So technology wise they will be almost even, but with the
great home and arcade games Sega themselves produce, accompanied
with almost every 3rd parties games, it would seem Sega have
it made. Sony don't make any games themselves, and rely on 3rd
party's like Namco, Square, Edios and Naughty Dog for there
big games, ALL of which are developing on Dreamcast. While
yes, Sony have the rights to the Tomb Raider and Crash Bandicoot
series, both won't last too much longer (how many different
places can Lara possibly explore?). However, Sony do have this
major advantage which could even win the war for them...
Never underestimate the power of the brand name, Playstation.
As Sony proved, advertising can make or break a console, and
Sony have the flawless record and brand recognition that could
make up for all of Sega's advantages. Brand loyalty is
incredibly strong, and Sony's plan that most people who bought
a Playstation will buy a Playstation 2 stands a good chance of
working. This is where one of the biggest influences of the
gaming world comes in, magazines. If the magazines don't keep
an open mind about other systems, besides being very
unprofessional it just makes the gap between the 2 systems
even wider. Some multi platform magazines and sites have it
right, like Gamers Republic who devotes plenty of coverage to
every console. That however, is getting into a much larger topic.
The bottom line: It's Sega Vs Sony alright, and neither side
looks like dropping out quickly. Sega's president, Shoichiro
Irimajiri has a goal to capture 50% of the industry, and I for
one believe that's going to happen. Neck and neck, we're going
to surrounded by the highest quality games we've seen in many
years. Let the fight begin...
======| IMPORTANT MATTERS |===============================
Consolexpress is taking orders by email or fax at:
***********************************
* http://www.consolexpress.co.nz/ *
***********************************
New stock in: DC units, Evolution, Sega Rally 2,
Controller, S-Video, VGA Box and the Steering Wheel.
All games and the Steering Wheel are priced at
NZ$96.67(around US$51). We are also taking preorders
for Power Stone, the Rumble (Puru Puru) pack and
Playstation Final Fantasy 8.
======| NEWS |============================================
---~> 16 NAOMI GAMES IN '99 SO FAR
Power Stone (Capcom) - Fighting
Spawn vs Street Fighters (Capcom) - Fighting
Justice Academy 2 (Capcom) - 3rd Fighting
Strider Hiryu 2 (Capcom) - Action
All Japan Pro Wrestle 2 (SEGA) - Action
Dead or Alive 2 (Tecmo) - Fighting
Zombie Revenge (SEGA, AM1) - Action
Crazy Taxi (SEGA, AM3) - Racing
Ring Out 4 X 4 (SEGA, AM1) - Racing
Derby Owner Club (Sega) - Horse Racing?
Gun Bead (Treasure) - Racing
Great Stone (SEGA) - Puzzle
Ferrari F355 (Tenative Name) (SEGA, AM2) (4 Naomi boards!) - Racing
Airline Pilots (SEGA) (3 Naomi boards!) - Flight SLG
F1 World Grand Prix (Video System) - Racing
Drift Out (Visco) - Racing
For those wondering why some say 4 Naomi boards for example,
it's because you can link up to 16 boards together, 16 times
the power! The Naomi board is a Dreamcast, just with more RAM.
---~> NEW SEGA EUROPE WEBSITE
Like SOA, Sega Europe hardly ever updated their website in
the past. Luckily with the Dreamcast comes a new look for
Sega, and includes a brand new web design for America and
Europe.
You can check out Sega Europe at www.sega-europe.com, and
notice the blue look compared to orange on SOA's site. Well,
now all that's left is for Sega Ozisoft to upgrade their site.
======| SEGA WORDFIND |====================================
A T G H A E I W K B S Y P O U J
N S A E A S N O W Y B H C D C K
U B D X S T I O U E A H A D H O
T S Z R P O C R G V I R T U A I
E E A N E I G Z C B N M A S O M
D A F G H A J K L Q W E R T Y O
U G M O D E M I O S E G A P J U
X C M V B B N C M A S D F G H N
E J U K L Q W E A R T Y U I M T
G O S P Z X C V I S L E A O V A
G B D E S E R T B O T N R M N I
M O Y E M A S D F N G D H J K N
A L Q R T S Y U I I G O P Z X C
N V B N M A S D F C G H J K L Q
W E R V T C O N T R O L L E R Y
U I O P Z X C V B P H C H A O S
Words To Find:
--------------
Chao
Chaos
Controller
Desert
Dreamcast
Eggman
Isle
GDROM
Modem
Mountain
Muddy
Sega
Snowy
Sonic
Virtua
VMS
======| PREVIEW |=========================================
---~> Power Stone Preview
---~> By Sajed
We all know that Capcom can do 2D fighting games, the
upcoming Marvel vs. Capcom for the Dreamcast is plenty proof
of that, but with Power Stone Capcom has a 3D hit on their
hands. The current 3D console market is dominated by games
like Tekken 3 and VF3, but Power Stone is about to put a
third name into that mix. Departing from the traditional,
no-frills, 3D fighting games, Power Stone brings a lot of
unique elements into the gameplay.
Power Stone's uniqueness comes from the fact that it allows
the player to not only make use of their own fighting skills,
but also the environments as well. The player's surroundings,
as you do battle, are completely interactive. He/she can hang
on (and fight on) the rafters, do backflips off walls, pick
up items and attack your enemies with them, and plenty more.
A good bit of the technique used while fighting in Power
Stone is how well you're able to "use" objects within the 3D
fighting areas. The gameplay is even more enhanced because
of the sheer speed of the character's movements. Power Stone
demands quick decision making and quick maneuvers, as you are
constantly pestered by you opponents attacks.
Graphically the game is very impressive, an ode to its
origins as a Naomi arcade title. The backgrounds are unbelievably
detailed and almost flawlessly textured. The lighting effects
are used sparingly to give the environments a realistic fell,
in an otherwise "cartoony" world. The characters themselves
look animated, as opposed to the realistic look and fell of the
VF3 or Tekken 3 fighters.
Power Stone looks to be a thoroughly entertaining title for
the Dreamcast, and with it being the only top-notch game this
month, expect it to sell quite well in Japan -- especially
considering the popularity of the Naomi version. Capcom has
a lot of great DC projects in the works and this one could
be one of their best.
---~> Just a note that you can now pre-order Power Stone
from Consolexpress (details right below this)
======| BEST OF THE WEB |=================================
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...
---~> Sega 2000 - www.Sega2000.com
It's alive! ALIVE!!! The new design is finally up, and
it's hard to recognize Sega 2000. For starters every
page has been spell checked (and will be all the time
from now of course), all broken links have been fixed
and daily updates will start again. Coming up is an
exclusive interview with the people behind Toejam &
Earl 3, coming soon to Dreamcast.
---~> Sega X - www.SegaDreamcast.net
Looking for a movie on Under Cover? Today Sega X has
it just for you! Also we give you best news coverage,
previews and plenty more every day. THE place to be!
---~> Dreamcast Life - www.DreamcastLife.com
Mothra VMS FAQ and translations are coming soon, and our
special Sonic Adventure site is now online.
---~> Dreamcast Australia - www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Fortress/6831/
This last week Dreamcast Australia has undergone a major
overhaul. The site has been re-designed with the user in
mind and several new sections have been added. A small
interview with a representative from Sega Ozisoft was posted
with questions about the Dreamcast's release in Australia being
answered. As well as this reviews of VF3:TB, Pen Pen Triathalon
and Sonic Adventure by myself have been added. Of course the
news section has been updated and there is now well over 50
game previews on Dreamcast Australia.
---~> The Sonic Zone - http://szone.simplenet.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.
---~> Outpost Sega - http://outpostsega.hypermart.net
Daily updates, plenty of awesome downloads and a weekly
poll make this a Sega site defiantly worth visiting.
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 :)
======[ ON YOUR MIND! ]===================================
---~> Arcade Conversion Talk
I just read your story about the three possibly confirmed
Sega arcade conversions to Dreamcast. Forgive me if I'm
wrong, but didn't Virtua Striker 2 come out a very long
time ago? Didn't that come out when Model 3 first came out?
The other two games are on Model 3 in some form or another
as well. I thought Sega said they didn't want to make any
more Model 3 arcade conversions. They felt those games
were too old.
They just wanted to convert Naomi games. The point I'm
trying to make is, if they made VF3TB, Sega Rally 2, most
likely Spike Out (I haven't heard of it being confirmed
yet), and as you stated in your recent story, possibly
three other Model 3 games, why doesn't Sega just make some
more Model 3 conversions that people want. We Sega fans
want a Scud Race and Lost World conversion (and while
they're at it, convert the new Star Wars Trilogy game
and Daytona 2).
Have you heard anything (at least a rumor) regarding
conversions of these games to Dreamcast?
I know it is more complicated to convert games from Model 3
to Dreamcast than from Naomi to Dreamcast, but if Sega were
willing to make them, the results would be worth the effort.
Regards, Brian
REPLY: The version I was referring to in Virtua Striker 2
was the one of the updated version, dubbed "Virtua Striker
99". Including all the latest states, improved graphics
and extra modes will be included. Yes, the game is
running on Model 3, but it's arguably one of the best
football games ever made. Surely a port would ensure
millions of sales, especially in Europe.
While Sega did comment that they wanted to focus on the
conversions of Naomi games, the simple fact is, some games
from the Model 3 board are hugely popular, and because of
this, will make the translation. Now, onto the games you
want to see: Daytona 2 will definitely make it over in
some form or other, look out for more news around the Tokyo
Games Show. Spike Out, Star Wars Trilogy and Lost World are
all rumored too, but the latter may be a little too old for
Sega's liking.
Of course, as soon as we hear any more rumors which we
believe to be true, or the official news itself, we'll
be sure to let you know right away.
======[ CREDITS ]=========================================
Editor: Graham Parker "Tails" - madcow@ihug.co.nz
Assistant Editor: To Be Filled :)
---~> www.DreamcastWeekly.com - Official Website!
----------------------------------------------------------
Copyright, 1998-9 Graham Parker - WEBMASTER@SEGA2000.COM
Written and edited by Graham Parker. The Dreamcast Weekly
website is hosted thanks to www.totalvideogames.com
and the 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!
Oh and finally...
-----------------
Ok, so I REALLY messed up last week's little joke, it
was supposed to be a used parachute. Oops, but oh well.
Back to video games this week... this is true as well.
A guy has officially changed his name to "Sony Playstation".
Yep that's right, he loves games sooo much his girlfriend
left him because of them. It was either the games or her
and Mr. Playstation says "I'm glad I got my priority's
right". Strange but true.
