Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 41 (then Dreamcast Weekly)
From Video Game Morgue File
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/_______> > > DREAMCAST WEEKLY MAGAZINE < < <________\
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////// ~Issue #41 - www.DreamcastWeekly.com~ \\\\\\
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\\\\\\ Sega X - http://www.segadreamcast.net //////
\\\\\\ Sega 2000 - http://www.sega2000.com //////
\\\\\\ Media Site - http://media.seganet.com //////
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o> Please scroll down to Editors Comments for the start <o
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======| ABOUT THE MAGAZINE |==============================
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Any DC questions can be sent to Steve@sega2000.com and
questions about this magazine by just clicking reply.
Our forum is at http://sega.shoptok.com/boards/695
For the latest game news, reviews and previews visit the
Premier Video Games Site http://www.totalvideogames.com
With over 300 archived News Articles and the greatest game
reviews. Up-dated throughout the day with everything!
----------------- www.totalvideogames.com ----------------
Our domain name for DC Weekly is provided thanks to Total
Video Games, the UK's premier video games magazine up-dated
daily, and The Junction, the best place for Teens to chat.
------------------ www.the-junction.com ------------------
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======| EDITORS COMMENTS |================================
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This issue we have Sonic Trivia, and you'll be amazed by
how many Sonic games were on the Game Gear! Along a preview
of NBA 2000, a editorial from our previous co-editor,
entitled "Unbalanced Kids Kill Kids", and plenty more. The
news & rumors sections this issue are a specially well
worth reading this week.
I apologize for not writing much myself for this issue,
but I'm having lots of problems with my sponsor at Sega
2000, which I'm trying to sort out. Next weeks issue is
gonna be filled with play tests of Metropolis SR, Furballs,
and our 'Spot The Mistakes' feature! Until then, Happy
Gaming!
~ 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: "...EA isn't the only company out
there that can make a good sports game"
-- This Weeks Preview - NBA 2000 - By Kevin DuPuy
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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!
Thanks to everyone who's sent in funny game mistakes so far,
we've had plenty! There's still until next weekend to send
in more, and then in Issue #42 we'll print the full list.
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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! Entires Must Be In Before June 25th 1999 !
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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>>>> Unbalanced Kids Kill Kids
>>>> Written By Michael B
Video-games are no longer a hobby comprised of scores of
techno-nerds and amateur programmers. Worth billions,
companies that once operated out of a family garage now
wield enormous influence and profits. At the conferences
and trade shows, an Armani is as frequent amongst the
corporate heads, as faded blue jeans and an old T-shirt are
for the journalist and developers. For those fringe groups
which wage war against any industry that is believed to be
responsible for grave social ills, this once nerdy hobby,
is now lining into their cross-hairs.
Two decades ago, no one was sure where video-games would
be on the verge of the next millennium. Nintendo had taken
a desperate chance in the mid-80s and single-handedly
resurrected an entire entertainment market after Atari lay
smashed and broken. It has grown incrementally through the
blood, sweat, and tears of developers and the loyalty of
their long-time devoted fans. The industry may appear
divided into four groups: Nintendo, Sony, Sega, and PC;
but for the millions who affiliate themselves under the
term, "gamer" its all about the same thing--- having fun.
In that same time-span, technology has evolved at a
blinding pace. Beginning with simple wire-frames and
bouncing blocks, it has progressed toward the verge of a
truly and authentically realistic, immersive experience.
Popular franchises like Sonic, Final Fantasy, and Mario
have pushed the envelope on each of their respective
consoles' hardware. In this same breath, with games able
to portray increasing scenes of realism, also come more and
more graphics scenes of violence.
Wolfenstien 3D was the first, and Resident Evil has become
one of the most famous. Detractors have spouted that such
scenes of violent imagery cause people to become more
aggressive and violent. Proponents have argued that
considering the millions upon millions of average people
who have played these games, only an unstable fraction will
ever consider acting out these urges in daily life.
In House of the Dead 2, players take a gun and mow down
scores of the un-dead. In high schools across America,
students are committing these same acts upon their living
classmates. Is there a connection between games and
aggressive tendencies, or simply that: unstable kids kill
kids--- not games, guns, or society in general, for that matter.
>>>> Critical Mass
Consider the millions who have played Doom for the Saturn
and PC. Even those with goodie two-shoes parents are guilty
of sneaking a few minutes of clandestine play, or at least
have dreamt of a deathmatch. Then consider the countless
masses that have played the dozens of other FPS, rail
shooters, and action games which make ID's earlier attempt
pale in comparison. Through-out the world, tens of millions
in Asia, the Americas, and Europe have partaken in these
genres or at least lusted over a chance. Why then, are not more
people shooting up their schools and local post offices?
The answer is: not everyone who takes up this hobby of
violent video-gaming is mentally unbalanced or taking
medication for serious emotional and anger-management problems.
Not everyone fantasizes over acting out what they see upon a
television monitor, in real life. Not everyone becomes
physically aggressive after a round of Virtua Fighter 3!
Rather, opponents argue that video-games are more insidious
than what it presented at face value. They say that playing
a first-person shooter works into the subconscious of youth
and without knowing, are programmed toward violence. Retired
Lieutenant-Colonel David Grossman calls these games "Mass-Murder
Simulators." He says that the genre should be restricted from
the reach of minors, and make it a crime for game shops to
sell it to people under eighteen. In essence, Grossman, who
is associated with the Killology Institute, hopes to place
Metal Gear Solid, House of the Dead 2, Half-Life, Resident
Evil and a score of other M-rated games on the same level
as the pandering of pornography to children.
This method of restriction can be seen reflected in State
legislatures all across the nation. In Oregon, the Congress
is debating whether or not to pass a penalty tax to be levied
on all games to pay for "anti-violence advertising" targeted
at interactive entertainment. Arkansas has been working over
the last handful of months to place restrictions on the
arcade industry. Thanks to the work of the AAMA, AMOA, and
IDSA, this controversial bill, S.925, was derailed. Of all
the States which are considering anti-gaming legislature,
Florida is the most controversial, and most in line with
Grossman's vision of the future. Those Congressmen and
women are currently debating a bill which would not only
severely restrict the gaming industry in their State, but
strike a critical blow against the precarious arcade
business, as well. This piece of legislation, if passed
into law, would bar minors from entering an arcade with
games that are deemed excessively violent. Furthermore,
these games would have to be partioned off in a separate
area of the arcades, as not to be seen by wandering eyes
passing in the mall or along the roadside.
Are games such as House of the Dead 2 and Mortal Kombat
Trilogy so dangerous, so nefarious, so horrible that they,
and all arcades which contain them, are subject to the same
treatment as a pornography shop? Will simply placing more
restrictions on the general public, prevent further violence?
Is it the State's prerogative to protect people from
themselves? Apparently some believe so.
>>>> The Blame Game
It is always easy to play the blame game. It is especially
easy for politicians on the eve of an important election
year. Political campaigns are probing through the public
focus, searching for the critical issue which may assist
in either winning or retaining those good offices on
Capitol Hill. Morality and decent "American-values" have
been the banner for the many of these, otherwise,
under-handed law-makers. Video-games have been caught in
this hypocritical deluge of pseudo-morality, also sweeping
up fire-arms, cigarette advertisements, and even sport
-utility vehicles in its wake.
This is the true cancer which afflicts our culture's
composition. People are too easy to pass blame to inanimate
objects, rather than discover the intrinsic dilemmas which
cause kids to kill kids. Religious and secular television
programs, both, have typified the gunmen at Columbine High
School, and other locales, as much victims of the "evils of
society" as those fallen classmates were to their murderous
aggression. Secular shows have placed the blame upon
hand-guns, not the fact that Harris and Klebold were obsessed
with thoughts of killing, so much so, that a dozen federal
and state gun control laws did not stand in the way of their
deadly ambitions. As for religious outlets trying to
rationalize the irrational, they accuse Marilyn Manson and
heavy metal music of sending the two killers subliminal
messages within their questionable lyrics. Like the liberals,
many conservatives are guilty of turning these killers into
victims without taking into account that there a millions
with similar interests who are, in fact, just as disgusted as
they are of these horrible crimes.
>>>> A Line Drawn
Legislatures and interest groups, which hope to pass laws
against the game industry are blatantly desiring to limit
the freedoms of a majority by the shortcomings of a
minority. To restrict an industry which has been self
-regulating and honest with consumers is madness. This is
not like the tobacco industry, which for thirty years knew
of the dangers of nicotine, but suppressed the information
to retain generous bottom-lines. It shows the result of
emotional law-making which ignores the fact that the
IDSA has worked hard with willing game companies to protect
consumers in their market. Over-reaction and the need for a
major campaign issue has clouded the politics which has
revolved around violent content in video-games.
The ESRB, America's rating system, founded by the IDSA, is
equivalent to the same rules that movies are subject to in
this country. The IDSA has presented copious amounts of
information on games and their ratings, but it is the job
of responsible parents to educate themselves and form an
opinion. They are the ones who must judge which games are
suitable for their children, not a bloated politician,
thousands of miles away on Capitol Hill. People who approach
this objectively, without self-righteous bias or emotional
cloudiness, will realize that, while games are violent,
the IDSA and game companies have not minced words when it
comes to informing consumers.
Furthermore, violent games are not all that sells in this
industry. Nintendo and Rare have proved that a company can
survive with nearly 90% of all their projects based on
quality, family-orientated software. Role-playing games
which subsist more on plot than visual gore, sell in the
millions in Asia and remain a fast-growing past-time for
gamers in the West. Sega have even proven this point with
their masterpiece "Lost World." A game which contains
little gore, it devours arcade tokens and creates an
experience, arguably more exhilarating than even House
of the Dead 2, thanks to the help of fast-paced, rampaging
dinosaurs.
Violent games will always remain popular. And that is
important. As gamers, it is our responsibility to retain
the sovereignty of our industry and prevent it from falling
into the draconian regulations that so many other markets
have fallen prey to. The IDSA has worked hard to prevent
this from happening, and while it is important to remember
the memories of those who have been murdered in schools
through-out the country, we cannot allow shameless interest
groups to use it as an opportunity to restrict an innocent
entertainment medium. It is important that each an every
gamer who wishes to retain the freedom which the game
industry currently enjoys, exercise their democratic
freedoms and inform their Parlimentary representatives
on how they feel: unstable, unbalanced kids kill kids---
not video games.
-- Have Opinions on this editorial? Email the writer,
Michael B at melbess@adelphia.net
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======| NEWS |============================================
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>>>> UK Peripheral Prices
The summer 'GAME Catalogue' was just released in the UK,
and contained details about the Dreamcast launch. Most
interesting of all, the Peripheral Prices, including the
light gun. Thanks to 'MDY' for pointing this out.
o Controller £19.99
o DC Gun £34.99
o Racing Controller £34.99
o Arcade Stick £29.99
o Keyboard £19.99
o Rumble Pack £19.99
o SCART cable £14.99
The VM (known as VMS to importers) is mentioned, but with
no price given.
>>>> Import Games Reviewed
The Weekly Famitsu reviews are in, and looking good for Sega.
o Genki's Shutokou Highway Battle - 32 / 40
o Imagineer's Expendable - 26 / 40
o SNK's The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999 - 30 / 40
o Sega's Giant Gram All Japan Pro Wrestling 2 - 32 / 40.
>>>> News Shorts - Virba Pack, Windows CE, Soul Calibur
The 'Virba Pack' as it will be known in America, will be
launched with the console this September.
Microsoft and Sega have officially updated the WinCE
development tools for the Dreamcast. The new tools package
dubbed 'version 1.1' apparently allows for easier
compatibility between the PC and the Dreamcast.
Furthermore, is said to integrate more networking
features for developers.
Namco has officially confirmed the existence of a new
stage in the Dreamcast version of Soul Calibur. From
what we've been told so far, the new stage has been
dubbed the 'turkish subterranian labyrinth.' The stage
itself has reportedly been designed with the Dreamcast
graphical capabilites in mind and is expected to be
available openly in the finished Dreamcast version.
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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.
>>>> The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999
Not that SOA needs any more launch titles, but rumors say
they are considering putting SNK's The King of Fighters:
Dream Match 1999 in the lineup. With this many games in the
launch lineup, there better not be a software droubt later.
>>>> Model 4 Specs - Not Confirmed!
I seriously doubt this is anything more than a rumor, it's
far to easy for anyone to create Vapor-ware these days...
Sega of Japan has revealed their newest Model 4 arcade
board in Japan, the first title will be a new version of
Virtua Fighter (tentatively titled as Virtua Fighter 3 for
Model 4), here are the specs of this board:
Processor: Power PC750 processor, running at 500 MHz
Graphics: 128-bit GIGALIZE processor from Hitachi, which
is capable to produce 32 millions polygons per second,
with 5GB bus bandwidth.
Memory: 16MB Frame buffer, 128MB Z-buffer
Sound: Dolby Synthesizer from Dolby Lab
Media: 4X DVD-ROM
Accessories: Support VMS, linkable with Dreamcast
Multiplayer: Support up to 10 Model 4 machines linked up
together.
Wow, what arcade can afford 10 Model 4 machines linked
together?
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======| IMPORT-ANT MATTERS |==============================
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>>>> New Dreamcast Releases
We have received confirmation overnight from our suppliers
that Giant Gram, King of Fighters '99, Expendable and
Highway Battle are all locked in for delivery on the 23rd.
All pre-orders will be dispatched that day, or the following
morning.
>>>> 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
***********************************
* http://www.extreme-imports.com/ *
***********************************
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======| LETTERS |=========================================
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>>>> Dreamcast In Trouble?
Dear Sega 2000,
I recently pre-ordered a Dreamcast. Then I found out Sega's
planning to develop games for Gameboy and Wonderswan
Dreamcast's sales in Japan is going really slow. To make
matters worst, they suffered a great loss for the third
time in terms of economy. I was wondering: does SEGA
really knows what they're doing to succeed?
Because every time I hear bad news from SEGA could mean that
their future as a no.1 videogame company could completely
diminish like ATARI's.I really want to see Dreamcast to
succeed here at least in U.S. just like the Genesis days.
Also, do you think SOA will bring back Genesis' glorious
days to the Dreamcast? I'm really worried about the
Dreamcast's situation. - Emmanuel
Steve: Well, I spend a lot of time debating this issue.
OK, here we go. First of all, let me start off with a
little known fact: Companies make games for other companies.
It's not uncommon. A long time ago, Nintendo's (Capcom's)
Mega Man appeared on the Game Gear. I would be more
concerned if Sega made a game like SOnic on PSX2, but on
portables, it doesn't really matter as much, at least in
my opinion.
I really doubt Ecco, Sonic, Tails, or any other
characters that are very much linked to Sega will show up
on these systems. It won't happen. Don't worry. Sega and
Nintendo aren't joining together. Also, Sega isn't turning
into Atari, and yes, they know what they're doing. Atari,
hmmm. Another good subject for an editorial. Thanks.
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======| PREVIEW |=========================================
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>>>> NBA 2000
>>>> Release Date: October 1999 - USA
>>>> Written by Kevin DuPuy
While football fans drool over the pictures and movies of
NFL 2000, basketball fans might be feeling a bit left out.
Never fear, Sega is here to rectify the situation by
creating a basketball game to end all basketball games.
Visual Concepts, the company currently working on NFL 2000
and a few other secret projects, is once again handling NBA
Basketball 2000, a breakthrough Dreamcast title that is
sure to impress fans and critics alike.
Like its NBA counterpart, NBA Basketball 2000 is full of
details and graphical wonderment. With technical numbers
like 400 player models and 1,400 motion-captured animations,
one would certainly hope the game would at least look
semi-decent. It certainly does! Those 400 models aren't
just generic characters that could be any NBA player - they
are the actual players. You'll see every detail of your
favorite NBA star; from Rodman's tattoos to Kobe's unique
hairstyle nothing has been left out. Character models
aren't the only things so detailed. 28 of the 29 NBA
stadiums, and everything that comes along with them, are
here in all their glory.
When they say everything they mean everything. Floorboards,
score tables, fans, and a host of other basketball elements
are recreated with amazing realism. Watch as anxious
coaches pace the sideline in frustration and pain as angry
fans just pick up and leave in bitter resentment if their
home team is bombing. Along with an amazing polygon count
and seamless animation which runs at a smooth 60 fps, NBA
2000 is quite a visual treat to say the least.
At the heart of the game is some fairly decent gameplay as
well. All the swipes, touch-passes, and fake-outs are there
as well as the regular sticks and moves you'd expect from a
top-notch basketball title. In addition, the post moves
provide a system that'll allow anyone to cover those really
fast or huge superstars that might be causing you trouble on
the defense. You can adjust your strategy to whatever the
situation calls for, and even use your character's unique
moves and talents to get the upper hand in a tough situation.
Visual Concepts is also making sure that the AI is realistic
and smart enough to make the game look and feel like a
regular-season basketball game, as opposed to the laughable
dunkfests many gamers are so used to nowadays.
Although recently delayed until October, Sega is ensuring that
NBA Basketball 2000 sets the standard for all future
basketball titles. 4-player support is definite and the
rumored "internet-updatable rosters" might make its way to
the surface. If not, this game will instantly appeal to the
die-hard sportfans out there anyway. Everything from the
graphics to the gameplay to the little details, seems to be
coming together to give us gamers the best experience
possible. And if these first few sports games are the
Dreamcast's first generation, the public should prepare
themselves for Sega's upcoming baseball and hockey titles
(among others). If all goes well, these games will further
prove that EA isn't the only company out there that can make
a good sports game. Here's hoping all goes well.
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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: How many sonic games are there for Mega Drive (genesis)?
2: How many sonic games are there for Master System?
3: How many sonic games are there for Game Gear?
4: How many sonic games are there for Sega Saturn?
5: How many sonic games are there for Mega CD?
>>>> Answers
1: Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic
Spinball, Sonic 3D
2: Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic Chaos
3: Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic Triple Trouble, Sonic Chaos,
Sonic Drift, Sonic Drift 2, Tails' Skypatrol, Tails
Adventure, Sonic Labyrinth
4: Sonic 3D Blast, Sonic Jam, Sonic R
5: Sonic CD
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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.
>>>> 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!!
>>>> 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 official website for the Dreamcast Weekly is now open at
www.dreamcastweekly.com :) We've got the history of the
magazine, daily news and plenty more. Specially if your a
webmaster, there is lots of great information about how
you can be involved as well! Then in the future... who knows,
hopefully we'll be a print magazine one day :)
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======[ CREDITS ]=========================================
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O Writer: Graham Parker "Tails" - webmaster@sega2000.com
O Co-editor: Steve - steve@sega2000.com
O DC Questions: Please send to - Steve@sega2000.com
>>>> www.DreamcastWeekly.com - Official Website!
o> New Forum Online: http://sega.shoptok.com/boards/695 <o
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Copyright, 1998-9 Graham Parker - WEBMASTER@SEGA2000.COM
Written and edited by Graham Parker. No parts may be
copied without prior permission. I would have to send
out my group of highly trained thugs otherwise, who will
have a tea party with you until you crack and your mind
turns into jello... MMmmmmm.... Sweet Sweet Jello....
hehe.
Oh and finally...
-----------------
Those of you who live in America, you have to visit EB
and see what you get for pre-ordering a Dreamcast!
