Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 40 (then Dreamcast Weekly)
From Video Game Morgue File
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/_______> > > DREAMCAST WEEKLY MAGAZINE < < <________\
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////// ~Issue #40 - 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 week we open up a brand new section, 'Interactive'.
It's replacing our cheats page, and just for this issue
sits on page 1. We're looking for funny mistakes in games,
like Taka (the sumo in Virtua Fighter 3) actually sinking
the entire raft stage! All the details are explained, and
we'll try and get a big list of funny bugs.
Also this week, we celebrate 40 issues with a contest.
You can win one of 4 official VMU's (VMS to importers)
this September! All the details are on page 2...
We have a little good news for Toejam & Earl fans,
another launch title previewed (NFL 2000 for America),
surprising news about Virtua Fighter 3, and the follow
up to Steve's editorial in Issue #38.
Until next week, Happy Gaming, and good luck for our
contest!!
~ Tails (Editor)
O Page 1 - INTERACTIVE O
O Page 2 - Win 1 Of 4 VMU'S O
O Page 3 - Cover Story O
O Page 4 - The News O
O Page 5 - Red Hot Rumors O
O Page 6 - Importing O
O Page 7 - This Weeks Letter O
O Page 8 - Preview O
O Page 9 - Sega Trivia O
O Page 10 - Best Of The Web O
O Page 11 - Credits & More O
HOT QUOTE This Issue: "You'll think you're watching a
real NFL showdown."
-- This Weeks Preview - NFL 2000
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======[ INTERACTIVE ]=====================================
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O If you think of a good topic for our interactive O
O section, why not let us know? I'd love to hear O
O any ideas. I'm at Webmaster@sega2000.com - Thanks! O
>>>> SPOT THE MISTAKES!
A few weeks ago, I saw a huge list of mistakes in movies.
It made be think, almost every game has bugs too. But
some are actually pretty funny! The other day I discovered
the first level in Sonic Adventure (set on Earth) actually
has 2 suns in the sky! Both on opposite sides of the
sky. Strange huh?
Lots of people know about the Virtua Fighter 3 boat stage
too. When Taka (the sumo) stands on the edge of the
rafts, he'll actually cause the whole stage to sink! Wow!
Anyway... if you've spotted any mistakes, or bugs, this
is your chance to send them in! The games don't have to be
new, or even on a Sega console. Any video, or PC game would
do.
Lets see if we can come up a list of funny mistakes too.
>>>> Please send them to me at Webmaster@sega2000.com
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======| CONTEST |=========================================
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Want to win one of 4 official VMU's (VMS to importers) come
this September? Sure you do! It's easy to enter too, in
fact all you have to do is go to a webpage and enter your
e-mail address...
http://server.com/WebApps/mail-list-subscribe.cgi?id=21100
It's a mailing list, but I won't be sending anything out.
The list will be deleted after the content, so your
address won't be given to anyone else.
Only Dreamcast Weekly subscribers may enter, and multiple
entires are automatically deleted.
On the 25th of June 1999, we'll send an e-mail to notify
the 4 winners. When you receive it, please reply to send
further details (your address). Then in September, a free
VMU for your country is on it's way!
Good Luck! - Tails
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======| COVER STORY |=====================================
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>>>> What Kind Of Person Are You? - Part 2
>>>> Written By Steve
Recently, I received an email about my editorial on biased
gamers. I thought this one was great, but it was also long.
Much too long for the Mail Bag. Anyway, read his letter,
and read my response.
Hello, Steve. My name is Robin Toledo and I have just read
your editorial about biased "gamers" and their place in the
video gaming industry as consumers. I liked the editorial
and really compelled me to write to a fellow Sega fan (you,
of course) and express my feelings toward people like your
friend "Butch" and American gamers as a whole.
First things first. I have been reading your site off and on
and think that it is a VERY GOOD Sega site...congratulations.
Second, please know that I am a video game lover, but first
and foremost I am a vehement Sega fanatic (or fan boy). I own
three Saturns (1 US, 1 US-modded, 1 Japanese), three PS's
(same as Sat but possible fourth because all of them seem
to be skipping...aaaaargh!!), N64, Genesis w/Sega CD and
Power Base converter (for SMS games), Turbo Duo, SNES,
and of course the Dreamcast...not including hand-held
machines. Note that I am not rich, just foolish with money.
Now that that's out of the way, let me express my feelings
to you, a fellow Sega fan, about American gamers and the
industry: I STRONGLY believe that Americans are a whole
bunch of idiots when it comes to video games. And it is
people like your friend "Butch" that perfectly represent
the typical American gamer...don't even deny that because
you know that its true.
Now I don't mean that ALL American gamers are idiots,
after all, there are a FEW Sega fans or, as you put it
in your editorial, informed gamers (I'm probably wrong,
but something like that) in this great country. I put
most of the blame on the blind American consumers on
the Saturn's dismal performance here in the US. Yes,
Sega's advertising was quite scarce compared to Sony's
bombardment of television, radio, and whatever means
of advertising you can think of, but Sega isn't the
multi-gajillion dollar company Sony is, and they certainly
don't have the resources to advertise even half as much.
In my opinion, Sega's advertising was pretty excellent for
what they could do...remember the Nights TV ad, how about
the Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Cop, Fighting Vipers, and the
Sega Rally TV ads, or the naked lady spread they did in the
magazines? These ads were killer and yet, no one seemed to
pay attention or care. Why? I have two, maybe three reasons
I can think of, let me list them:
1) What kinds of games appeal to these zombied-out American
gamers? The perpetual, useless, and unimaginative sports
games being chucked at us from such garbage developers like
EA, Fox, Acclaim, 989 Sports and so forth. Also, senselessly
violent games like Mortal Kombat, Bio-Freaks, and all of the
sickening First Person Shooters like Doom, and Turok. And if
its racing games, its usually Vigilante 8, Twisted Metal,
Need for Speed, Test Drive, Cruisin'USA (that pile is a
million seller!!) or other "racers" that emphasize more on
car crashes more than actual racing.
Now, out of all the games listed, do you notice something
here? Besides most of them being 3-D games, they are all
non-Japanese games. Informed gamers know that the best
games come out of Japan (look at your friend, "Butch",
who thinks that Crach Bandicoot is better than Mario or
Sonic).
Sure, there are a few non-Japanese games that are
actually good, but the great majority of them are utter
crap (Twisted Metal, Warhawk, Rogue Trip, the PS WCW
games, Killer Instinct, the PS Contra games, etc.).
And yes, a few Japanese games sell well here, but
these games are always ultra-hyped up like they were
the next Star Wars movies or something (well, almost).
Take note that these games littered the PS and on a
lesser extent, the N64...and if you look back, the
Saturn didn't have as much of these American made
turds than its competition. The Saturn was all about
quality gaming, yet it failed miserably because people
here wanted crap (yet, they don't know or would deny
that). To further prove my point, just look up the
NPD Group's monthly Top Twenty Selling Games list and you'll
see that usually, only 4-6 games that make the list are
Japanese and are the only ones worth playing. My bottom
line is that American gamers have horrible tastes in video
games and DO NOT deserve to experience any games from Japan.
2) Americans don't care about Sega anymore. Let me prove
this by slightly contradicting myself for a moment. I
recently stated that in order for a Japanese game to
commercially "make it" here, it needs to be HYPED UP like
hell. Well, Sega really promoted Nights with those cool
TV and magazine ads and yet, it didn't generate any kind
of excitement among American gamers. Same thing with
Virtua Fighter 2, Sega Rally, Fighting Vipers, etc. So
what went wrong? I believe the fact that most of Sega's
games concentrate a helluva lot more on gameplay than on
flash turned (or turns) off American gamers.
Flash meter check: the Tekkens/Toshindens/Mortal Kombat 5
vs. the Virtua Fighter series; the Ridge Racers/Need for
Speeds/Test Drives vs. Sega Rally/Daytona; the Bloody Roars
vs. Fighting Vipers; and so much more. Guess which ones
were more popular and sold more... As Sega fans and
informed gamers, you and I know that Sega is not about
flash but solid, solid gameplay experience (even the
gorgeous Model 3 games lack any kind of flash, which is
a good thing...keep it real).
Let me get to the heart of this e-mail. With those reasons
why the Saturn failed (American gamers are morons, and that
they don't care about Sega) out of the way, let me tell
you why I don't want the Dreamcast to ever exist here in
the US (since that seems a little too late, I should've
just said,"fail even worse than the Saturn"). Yes, as the
DC's release in this side of the Pacific looms ever closer,
Sega fans are getting excited...maybe even a few non-Sega
fans. Not me. With Sega releasing the DC in this country,
they are making it avialable to your friends like "Butch".
You said that "Butch" upset you when he made his remarks
about the DC "sucking" and that it would die upon the PS2's
arrival. How would you feel if you saw this annoying
dingelberry (spell check?) with a Dreamcast in his room and
all of a sudden proclaiming himself to be a "hardcore" Sega
fan? I don't know about you, but this would absolutely make
me sick!
You see, us Sega fans, who have stayed loyal through Sega's
darkest days, have had to put up with crap like "Sega sucks!"
from people like your friend. I believe that only loyal Sega
fans in this country deserve to have the Dreamcast...NO ONE
ELSE! These PS and N64 loving zombies deserve to be stuck
with their trash. They blew it with Sega by ignoring the
great Saturn, now they should suffer by not having the
chance to own something as awesome as the Dreamcast.
Sure, it would be bad business, but please read on to the
next paragraph (I know this letter is getting long winded,
but please read on).
I STRONGLY believe that Sega Enterprises Ltd., instead of
wasting a hundred million dollars trying to make the DC
look inviting to an idiotic and undeserving group of
consumers who don't care, they should invest that money in
concentrating on the Japanese market. One thing Sega of
Japan can do with that money is to hire even more top-notch
Japanese developers to make great, great Japanese games for
the DC. Think of the possibilities of having a new DC
Shinobi game (hopefully 2-D), or DC sequels for Streets of
Rage, Astal, Castle of Illusion, Golden Axe, or any of the
other awesome Sega franchise titles thanks to having a large
group of talented developers to make great new games...even
original ones. Sure, if Sega abandons the American market,
none of these games would make it here, but us Sega fans
should be used to that by now with the Saturn. Also, if you
are a real Sega fan, you should be informed enough to import
games, so what would be the problem? If this ever happens,
only us real gamers (face it, MOST PS and N64-only gamers
are NOT gamers) would be able to enjoy these great games
and leave our American gaming peers jealous and not knowing
what to do but sit on their thumbs. This may sound horrible
to non-Sega fans, but this is a pride thing for us Sega fans.
We and only we deserve to experience the Dreamcast!
I must end this e-mail as it is getting longer than long,
however, I've enjoyed writing this letter and would like to
e-mail you again on the subject of "Sega's image". To
finally end this, I would like to say that people like your
friend "Butch" should have to place in this great
hobby/industry/business. Thanks, Steve.
-Robin Toledo
Steve's Response:
Tails - "This is a pretty big feature! Too big to fit in this
issue of DC Weekly infact (we have a 30k limit on our mailing
list). Please use this address to read the rest..."
http://www.sega2000.com/features/followup.htm
"I know some net-magazines do this, let you read a bit then
make you goto a webpage to read the rest, but that's not what
I had in mind. It's a direct link anyway, so it doesn't go
into Sega 2000's hits atall. Sorry about this."
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======| NEWS |============================================
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>>>> Virtua Fighter 3 & NBA 2000 Delayed
In a move that is bound to shock Dreamcast fans in the West,
Virtua Fighter 3tb will not be a launch title. After
listening to much criticism, SOJ have decided to not only
to enhance the graphics, but to add in some extra gameplay
modes, one of which definitely is a two player versus option.
In other news, NBA 2000 has also been pushed back, as the
developers want to ensure that the game will play just as
well as it looks. We've yet to be given new release dates
for both titles, but October is seeming likely. - Matt
>>>> Toejam & Earl On Dreamcast
Last week, we reported, direct from Toejam & Earl
Productions, that the first version of TJ&E 3 would be on
Playstation 2. It seems lots of fans must of e-mailed them
about this, because they've posted a reply on their site...
"Q: And we quote, "Why the &$%@! would you choose to
make the first version of TJ&E III for the Playstation 2?
Don't you feel any loyalty towards your old Sega fans?"
"Answer: Of course, we love our Sega fans. And we have
nothing against making a Dreamcast version... in fact, for
many reasons, it would be the ideal platform for the
introduction of TJ&E III (internet accessibility, ease of
development, ease of porting to the PC, not to mention a
strong tie to our old fan base). The problem is that, in
the publisher community, there's a real "wait and see"
attitude toward the Dreamcast. We assume that's because
of the less than excellent record Sega has had in introducing
new hardware into the market ever since their success with
the Genesis. That, coupled with the announced capabilities
of the PSX2 (yes, those remain to be seen), has caused
companies such as GT & EA, among others, to watch closely
without jumping in with huge development commitments. Bottom
line, however, is that we've not made the decision yet. And
if we do end up making the game for the PSX2, and it's
successful, you can bet we'll create a fantastic Dreamcast
version too."
>>>> 7th annual Weenie Roast (!)
Sega Dreamcast, Flea, Sugar Ray...what the? Sega Dreamcast is
set to become the favorite videogame system of the alternative
music scene.
Sega Dreamcast will be performing live at KROQs (www.kroq.com)
7th annual Weenie Roast -- the coolest alternative music
festival in Southern California. More than 18,000 fans and
bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth,
Orgy, Metallica, Blink 182, Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, Live, The
Living End, Eve 6, Freestylers, Lit, Lo-Fidelity Allstars and
Pennywise will get a chance to play with the ultimate gaming
machine and see for themselves what everyone is talking about.
For the first time in the U.S., Sega Dreamcast will be giving
people a chance to play some of the sixteen titles that will
be available at launch for Sega Dreamcast including Sonic
Adventure, NBA 2000, NFL 2000, Ready to Rumble; from Midway,
Soul Calibur; from Namco and Power Stone; from Capcom. The
concert will rock with more than 18 kiosks featuring blistering
128 bit performance and booming 64 channels of audio that only
Sega Dreamcast can deliver.
Free Stuff:
At the event, Sega will also give fans a chance to brag to
their friends about playing the new Sega Dreamcast with
pre-stamped postcards that they can send out from the show,
posters and stickers featuring the new Sega Dreamcast.
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======[ RED HOT RUMORS ]==================================
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Welcome to a new section of Dreamcast Weekly, each week
we'll keep you upto-date with the latest RUMORS going around.
>>>> MS Flight Simulator
Microsoft's popular PC Flight Simulator might be making the
jump to Dreamcast next year. As of yet it's still a rumor,
but I wouldn't be surprised if this turned out to be more.
Microsoft are said to be looking for a publisher, and that
may well be Sega themselves. Everyone knows Microsoft and
Sega have a strong relationship because of the Dreamcast,
so it would seem to all make sense.
>>>> Dreamcast Shortages - The Bottom Line
Rumors have been going around that pre-orders by retailers
over in the US, have gone sky-high, and many had to be
rejected. But according to a recent NGO article, the
earlier reported "Dreamcast shortages" are no longer.
Officials at Sega of America say that, "Irimajiri was
just very excited after E3," when he said that the
company would be unable to create 2.5 million units
preordered by retailers. The official continued on to
say that, "As of yet, we haven't even taken retailer
preorders. Consumer preorders, yes. But not retailer."
>>>> Biohazard: Code Veronica Release Date
Rumor has it that Capcom is planning to make an official
announcement regarding the planned release in Japan of
Biohazard: Code Veronica sometime within the next few
weeks. Rumors floating around in Japan already suggest
the game maybe delayed past December, but nothing has
been confirmed thus far.
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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
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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======| PREVIEW |=========================================
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>>>> NFL 2000
>>>> Release Date: September 9th 1999 - USA
>>>> Written by Kevin DuPuy
Welcome sports fans to the wide world of Dreamcast. Anyone
in the console market will tell you that for a system to
catch the eye of the average US consumer, it needs to have a
strong lineup of sports titles. Without EA, Sega is picking
up the slack to guarantee that their Dreamcast turns into
a sportsman's dream. One of the first efforts to make this
a reality is NFL Football 2000, Visual Concepts' flashy and
unique entry to the ever-popular videogame football market.
From what we've seen at this year's E3, the game is shaping
up to be a real winner.
NFL 2000 has everything you'd expect to find in a new
football offering. An official NFL license means that all
the teams, logos, and players are included, while every
stadium is ready for action and rendered in wonderful 3D.
Weather and wind conditions also come into play and are fully
customizable. Gameplay remains familiar as well with each
button representing a different receiver in a passing play
and a unique dodge or juke on defense. A healthy playbook
is also ready to be customized for all those coaches in
training out there. Sega has consulted a number of NFL team
coordinators in an effort to provide the most realistic and
thorough selection around.
But while on the surface NFL Football 2000 doesn't seem to
break any new ground in comparison to the Madden and Gameday
games we've all grown to love. Upon closer inspection NFL 2000
manages to introduce a variety of new features and presentation
that will surely lure in players. For starters, the long-promised
VM play selection has finally become a reality. Using the
Dreamcast's memory card unit, players can select their plays or
create a personalized playbook with complete privacy. No longer
can experienced gamers narrow down their competitor's next
offensive or defensive move after months of memorizing each
screen. It's a long-overdue feature, but a very nice addition
nonetheless.
Another unique inclusion is the intensely realistic animation
and presentation. Visual Concepts has gone all out with over
1,500 motion-captured animations and physics-based skeletal
collision model. What do these technical terms mean for
players? It means you'll see the most realistic animations,
detailed reaction, and fluid motion of any football game to
date. If you tackle a player at his knees he'll crumble and
fold to the ground with unreal realism. Trips and weaves are
equally as impressive to witness. In addition to this, the
graphics engine manages to complement the impressive amount
of animation perfectly, with incredibly rich textures and a
staggeringly high polygon count.
To round out the presentation gamers are treated to instant
replays and in-game plays with dynamic camera angles that
manage to fit the action perfectly. Everything in this game,
from the player animation right down to the rowdy spectators,
is done so well you'll think you're watching a real NFL showdown.
While the game does shine in a number of areas, it still
needs some work before its Fall/Autumn release date.
Thankfully, the flaws, such as polygon glitches, clipping,
and poor collision detection, are all ones that can be fixed
over the course of the next few months, and should hardly
be the cause of concern. But with the amazing graphics,
impressive gameplay, and realistic AI the game has shown so
far, there's little doubt that NFL 2000 and NBA 2000 will
quickly put the Dreamcast on the sports map come September.
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======| SEGA TRIVIA |=====================================
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>>>> Weekly Sega Trivia
>>>> By Alex & Thanks to Ozisoft NZ for Question 2
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 game had the worst ending ever?
2: Which character did the winner of the first ever
Virtua Fighter tournament win with?
3: Where does Lion Rafale come from?
4: What was going to be a Mega Drive and a 32x but never
came out?
5: Was it possible to play SMS games on the Mega Drive?
>>>> Answers
1: Shinobi
2: Lau - And in true Yu Suzuki style he wrote it into the
storyline of Virtua Fighter 2.
3: France
4: Sega Neptune
5: Yes, with the SMS game converter
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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
----------------------------------------------------------
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...
-----------------
Star Wars is out here at last!! I saw it last night, and
WOW that Pod Racing scene is one of THE COOLEST scenes in
movie history!
