Newsletter: Sega World Weekly issue 58 (then Dreamcast Weekly)
From Video Game Morgue File
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//// ~ Issue #58 - www.DreamcastWeekly.com ~ \\\\
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\\\\ Sega 2000 - www.sega2000.net ////
\\\\ Sega X - www.segadreamcast.net ////
\\\\ Perfect Zero - www.perfect-zero.com ////
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o> Please SCROLL DOWN to Editors Comments for the start <o
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======| ABOUT DREAMCAST WEEKLY |==========================
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> For past issues please visit www.dreamcastweekly.com
> DREAMCAST QUESTIONS: Please note because of the huge
amount of mail I get personally, I can't reply to all the
Dreamcast questions sorry. Please send your DREAMCAST
questions to...
Rob@sega2000.net
As he does a great job on our mailbag. Thanks.
> 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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After all the news and rumors this week on DVD drives,
Zip discs, and Ethernet modems, it seems pretty clear Sega
is serious about upgrading the Dreamcast. In this weeks
Cover Feature we look at how upgrades could indeed save
Sega, as apposed to the common keep-away view after the 32X.
We also received more fan fiction. "The Holy Battle Of
Videogames" this week. Great reading, but I can just see
some people are lightly to take it a little too serious.
News includes a Sega Shocker which literally rocked the
net for 24 hours this week. The Zip Drive CONFIRMED for
the US, Soul Reaver making it's way to the Dreamcast, and
a huge delay for Street Fighter Alpha 3.
Finally, don't forget to check the rumors for the latest
on the DVD drive, the cheats section, Sega-Xtra, and
there's only 1 week to go until the first Video Gamers
League contest in Dallas!!
~ Graham "Tails" Parker (Editor)
> Dreamcast Questions to Rob@sega2000.net
.oO Page 1 - Cover Story Oo.
.oO Page 2 - The News Oo.
.oO Page 3 - Rumors Oo.
.oO Page 4 - Video Gamers League Oo.
.oO Page 5 - Fan Fiction Oo.
.oO Page 6 - Sega X-tra Oo.
.oO Page 7 - Cheats Oo.
.oO Page 8 - OUR SUPPORT SITES Oo.
.oO Page 9 - Credits Oo.
HOT QUOTE This Issue: "And lead us not into Nintendo,
but deliver us from Sony... SEGA"
-- The Holy Battle Of Videogames - Fan Fiction (Page 5)
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======| COVER STORY |=====================================
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>>>> Non-Mandatory Upgrades: Sega's Savior?
>>>> Written by Steve (Steve@sega2000.net)
Currently, Sega is standing higher than they ever hoped.
Having sold over 750,000 units in North America in a very
short time, Sega has to be pleased. However, this early
launch, like I have said before, compromises technology,
and as can be seen from the numbers, Dreamcast soon won’t
be the most powerful system you can buy. However, Sega
has some tricks up their sleeve to keep Dreamcast games
looking and playing up to snuff.
The way Sega can achieve better technology is through
upgrades. Plain and simple. However, Sega’s past with
upgrades to existing hardware as been far less than
stellar, but they’ve made many mistakes with it. Their
first mistake was requiring people to buy the hardware
to play better games on it. The alternative, which is
being exploited right now by all three gaming companies,
is making existing games better. They sell products that
enhance the game. These are called Non-Mandatory Upgrades
(NMUs).
Non-Mandatory Upgrades are anything that didn’t come with
a game or hardware, but can make the game experience
better. Memory cards, rumble packs, additional
controllers, etc. are all NMUs. By contrast, Sega CD and
32x were mandatory to make a game better. This created a
closed market situation, and as with DIVX compared to DVD,
someone had to lose. As far as the memory cards and
rumble packs go, sure, they make the game more enjoyable,
but they don’t make it look any better. There’s another
solution to this.
Nintendo already has this figured out with the RAM pack.
By spending $30 you get a little card you put in your
system to get faster, better playing games. What’s best
of all is that you don’t need one. It just upgrades
compatible games. There’s a whole lot of them coming
out also. Developers want their games as good as they
can be. This means plenty of support from the
development community. This is what could keep Sega in
the running for a much longer time in light of heightened
competition.
The Windows CE operating system allows a great deal of
customizability, so an upgrade such as this would be
very easy. Also, Sega can add a DVD playing option this
way. Provided the laser can read DVD,s this could be a
very viable thing for Sega to consider. Just as long as
they don’t make the mistake of DVD only games. As soon
as you make something mandatory, as I’ve said before,
you kill its chances.
Hopefully Sega is considering such a thing today. There
is definitely a difference in N64 games using the RAM
pack. Sure, it’s not a Dreamcast, but it looks a great
deal better. I’m not saying more RAM or something like
that could make the Dreamcast a Playstation 2 or Dolphin,
but it could get close. Thanks for reading. - Steve
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======| NEWS |============================================
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>>>> US Zip Drive Confirmed
A large part of the Dreamcast's development was spent on
making it easy to add to, and upgrade. The first addition
is a 100MB Zip Drive, but until now no one has known if
the device will ever see the light of day out side of Japan.
Over the weekend Sega Of America announced they will indeed
be bringing the drive to the US, although in a different
approach to in Japan. Charles Bellfield, Sega of America's
director of marketing said, "In Japan, there is a market
for a low-cost Internet device because there isn't the
consumer PC penetration. Here in the United States, 50
percent of households have a PC. So, therefore, we don't
see the Zip Drive as a way to make the Dreamcast a low-cost
PC. Here in the States, the Zip Drive will be used to
enhance Dreamcast gameplay activities."
"There are many uses for a Zip Drive in the States
gameplay-wise. Saving levels, for example, downloading
levels to the Internet, doing e-mail chat, messaging or
video chat, or saving files or saving Mp3s. All of these
different features you'll be able to do with the Zip Drive
in the States. It's not to save your Word file or an
Excel spreadsheet, or to save your stock trading information."
No price has been announced yet unfortunately, and the
release date mentioned is simply in 2000. Could be
just in time for the Dreamcast's online gaming boom in
the 3rd quarter perhaps.
>>>> Sega Shocker
Big news was revealed by Videogames.com this week, printing
a shocking report from the Okawa Foundation event held in
Japan.
Isao Okawa, Chairman of Sega Enterprises was reported to
have said Sega is leaving the hardware side of the games
industry. The Dreamcast will be their final console, even
if it is a success.
Thankfully that was a mis-translation, as cleared up by
Sega. An editor did ask, "If the Dreamcast does not
succeed, how will Sega compete in the future?" and Mr.
Okawa's replied the "future of Sega is the Internet, not
hardware." Sega will move further into e-commerce, and
online gaming, but won't leave the hardware side.
*lets out a sigh of relief, after the thought of Sonic on a
Sony system.*
>>>> Soul Reaver Hits Dreamcast
The very popular Soul Reaver: Legacy Of Kain is now
coming to your Dreamcast, and perhaps sooner than you'd
think.
The news was confirmed today by Edios, and the game is
nearing completion fast. This would indicate a Windows
CE port of the PC version, although that hasn't been
confirmed yet.
I have the Playstation game myself, and found it even
more atmospheric than Tomb Raider! The game will receive
a face lift from the Playstation version of course, but
the gameplay and levels will remain the same. Sega 2000
will keep you updated on what may be another game to add
to your Christmas list as more details are released.
>>>> Street Fighter Alpha 3 Delayed
For every moment of good news, there must be an equal
moment of bad news. Okay, maybe that's just an excuse
for Capcom's latest delay. Sega X was informed through
both Software Etc and Electronics Boutique that the hotly
anticipated Street Fighter Alpha 3, slated for release
this month, has been pushed. And when we say pushed, we
mean cattle-proded with a capital "P". Amazingly, the
new date is as far back as early January.
Somewhat surprising considering the game was just around
the corner, and now will be on the "wish list" even over
the Christmas hiatus. Interesting enough, there is an
apparent rumor floating about that Capcom held the game to
implement a few new features.
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======[ RED HOT RUMORS ]==================================
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Welcome to the rumors section of Dreamcast Weekly, each
week we'll keep you upto-date with the latest rumors going
around.
>>>> DVD On Your DC
Rumors have begun from a Japanese magazine that Sega Of
America will reveal news on a DVD Drive next March.
The add-on will allow Dreamcast owners to watch DVD movies,
along with possibly playing DVD Dreamcast games in the
further future. Sega Of Japan however has no plans to
release the DVD add-on over there, however I'd like to
remind everyone this is just a rumor.
News of this might be a welcome addition before the
Christmas season however, making an attempt to attract
those waiting for the DVD based Playstation 2.
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======| VIDEO GAMERS LEAGUE |=============================
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There's just 1 week now till the first event in Dallas,
TX. Registration can be done on their website,
www.videogamersleague.com
>>>> Admission Price Reduced
Originally, we announced an admission price of $30 with a
$10 discount for preregistering. We have decided to lower
the admission price to $20 for everyone. We still encourage
people to sign up online before the event to ensure they
get a place in the tournaments they want to play.
>>>> Sonic Time Trials Added
Because the US release of Sega Rally 2 has been delayed until
after the Dallas event, we have decided to replace it with
a Sonic Time Trial contest.
>>>> SegaCon Presents The Video Gamers League Trivia Challenge
The Video Gamers League is pleased to announce a new
activity scheduled to take place during their Inaugural
Event. In addition to the variety of tournaments already
planned, a videogame trivia session has been added. Paul
Acevedo, who is best known as organizer of the SegaCon
gaming convention, is hosting the Video Gamers League
Trivia Challenge at the event.
"We want to offer a contest that tests knowledge rather
than skill," he explains. "After competing in the many
gaming tournaments that will take place at the Inaugural
Event, attendees will have a chance to prove their true
love of games and the history of the industry."
Questions will encompass the following topics: Classic
Arcade, Modern Arcade, Fighting Games, Role-playing Games,
Early Consoles, 16-bit Consoles, 3DO, Atari Jaguar, Sega
Saturn, Sony Playstation, Nintendo 64, and Sega Dreamcast.
The questions will become increasingly difficult as
contestants are eliminated, until only the most hardcore
gamers can provide the correct answers. Prizes will be
awarded to the top challengers at the event.
Sample Question - Easy Difficulty:
What 2 words does Pokemon stand for?
In addition to the trivia challenge, the event will
feature several video game tournaments as well as
free-play console and handheld gaming areas. The Event will
be held at the Best Western Dallas North in Dallas, TX.
Players can sign up for the Trivia Challenge and gaming
tournaments in advance at the VGL website,
www.videogamersleague.com or by calling the VGL at (972)
315-2826. Space will be limited so participants are
encouraged to register early. Admission to the event is $20.
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======| FAN FICTION |=====================================
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>>>> The Holy Battle Of Videogames
>>>> Written by Nicholas Gailer
In the beginning, games were confined to the holy land.
Then, the first of the great prophets decided to bring the
holy pastime to the rest of the world. In doing so, he
created SEGA.
SEGA did please those in the world, but only in the arcades,
for SEGA had never made itself incarnate in console form.
This caused much chaos and turmoil, for after the ancient
religion of ATARI, the Dark One stood forward. The Dark
One was known as Nintendo. The console they put upon the
earth was unsatisfactory to those who longed for the holy
enrichment of SEGA in their own homes.
It was then that SEGA made itself incarnate in console form
for the first time, with the Master System. Unfortunately,
this console was met with prejudice, and the Dark One stopped
the holy artists from using the fantastic canvas that was the
Master System. The artists cried out with pain for the
right to use the Master System, and the courts did rule in
favour of SEGA.
With the Dark Ones power stripped from it, the Holy One
became incarnate for the second time. The Mega Drive was met
with much joy and jubilation, and the holy one began the
task of leading the gamers out of persecution and into the
Mega Drive.
The Dark One fought hard against SEGA, and brought out the
Goliath of their empire: the Snes. SEGA fought a mighty
console with a mere game, at which the people laughed. But
lo and behold, the one game did strike the snes, and
forced it to crumble. This game was Sonic The Hedgehog,
and from then on it was to be known as the holy game.
Whilst the Dark One was recoiling from this mighty blow,
it was followed by one, two, three sequels and many
spin-offs. But then, neither the Holy One nor the Dark
One realized what was about to happen.
Whilst the Dark One was recoiling, and the Holy One was
preparing for its next incarnation, pure evil struck into
the hearts of gamers. The Evil One, known as Sony, had been
one of the supporters of the Holy One, but declared itself
to be superior, and for that blasphemy, it was cast away.
The Evil One did become incarnate with the Playstation.
But they did the true evil of focusing on advertising over
games, leading to a bland experience for the experienced
gamer. The Dark One was incarnated yet again, as the N64,
although it could not get much support after its crushing
defeat at the hands of Sonic. The Holy One responded with
its third incarnation, the Saturn. The Saturn performed
many miracles, such as NiGHTS, Virtua fighter 2, Fighters
Megamix and Sonic R. But the gamers were blind to the fact
that this was the saviour from evil. The Saturn was given
the chance to give up on quality games, and concentrate on
advertising, but it refused. For this, it was crucified
on the cross of console unpopularity.
As the true believers were persecuted, from the ashes of the
Saturn sprung the phoenix that is the Dreamcast. With great
games and advertising, it is truly the one that has been
awaited for so long. Its mighty weapon, the return of Sonic
at his strongest, with Sonic Adventure. The Dark One and the
Evil One responded with rushed and faulty consoles, and it
became clear to gamers, that Dreamcast is the future.
Our SEGA
Our SEGA, who art in Japan,
hallowed be thy game.
By Dreamcast come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Japan.
Give us our daily games, and forgive us for cheating,
as we forgive those who cheat against us.
And lead us not into Nintendo
but deliver us from Sony
SEGA
>>>> If you've written any fan stories, feel free to send
them into us at webmaster@sega2000.net and they may well
appear in DC Weekly for almost 30,000 people to enjoy!
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======| SEGA X-TRA |======================================
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Oh yes friend. Our little special edition of the site is
back! This week is packed with what we know you love:
reviews, reviews, reviews, and news! We've got links to
NBA 2K, Attitude, and Suzuki Alstare Racing. So, scroll
down and check it out. And don't forget to head over the
DC Forum and voice your opinion on the latest news and
events happening in the Dreamcast universe. See you Monday.
REVIEWS:
NBA 2K: We know this game rocks. Find out just how much.
Click the link and hit the digital hoops.
http://www.segadreamcast.net/reviews/american/nba2k_01a.html
WWF Attitude: Sajed gave this game a good smack-down.
Follow the link and find its destiny.
http://www.segadreamcast.net/reviews/american/wwfattitude_01.html
Suzuki: Again Sajed rips another game a new butthole.
And believe us. This game deserved it.
http://www.segadreamcast.net/reviews/american/suzukialstare_01.html
NEWS:
Sega's Atomic Announcement: Thursday was put on its ear with
one mis-translation. What is this? Click here and gain enlightenment!
http://www.segadreamcast.net/dcnews/111199_segahardware.html
Hello Kitty Heads Up: Why the heck is a news piece on Hello
Kitty spotlighted? The innuendo at the end is almost too
hilarious to let pass.
http://www.segadreamcast.net/dcnews/111299_hellokitty.html
New Chu Chu Rocket Page: Look, anything by Sonic Team rocks
and deserves our undivided attention. If you're die-hard
Sega, then you'll click this.
http://www.segadreamcast.net/dcnews/111199_chuchurocket.html
FEATURES:
Am I Virtual On Positive?: In his latest editorial, Will
gets it on Virtual-style. You'll love what he's dug up
on this classic series and superlative sequel. Check it
out--- and its just the first part too! :)
http://www.segadreamcast.net/features/will_von2.html
Dreamcast On-line Gaming, Will it Survive?: Allan Bolipata
makes his debut at Sega X with this column. Check out his
"first" at the site, and be sure to mail him your
comments, too!
http://www.segadreamcast.net/features/alan_dcnetwork.html
Editor's Notes, 11/12: Last but not least, Mike looks
back on the week, speaks his mind on a few subjects, then
touches on what we can expect at the "X" next week.
http://www.segadreamcast.net/dcnews/111299_edsnotes.html
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======| CHEATS |==========================================
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>>>> Speed Devils
O All Cars & All Tracks:
During the game, press B, Right, B, Right, Up, B, Up
O More Money:
During the game, press A, Right, A, Right, Up, B, A.
O Infinite Nitros:
During the game, press Down, Up, Down, Up, A, X, A.
O Skip Current Class:
During the game, press Down, Right, Down, Right, A, X, A.
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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...
>>>> 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.net
Sega 2000 has grown a lot lately, and one section that
really has... is reader reviews. Sega 2000 is THE place to
send your reader reviews. Don't forget to send in your Top
10 Most Wanted games either.
>>>> The Next Level - www.the-nextlevel.com
The Next Level is a multi-platform gaming magazine focused on
all current and upcoming next-generation systems. We provide
up-to-date news, in-depth reviews, reader reviews, intriguing
editorials, and more.
>>>> Sega Next - www.seganext.com
"Live the Dream" World class Sega coverage. One of the
newer websites dedicated to Sega and their Dreamcast on
the internet, SegaNext has quickly emerged as a worthy
competitor. With a crisp clean layout and a healthy
supply of content, this is a must stop for anyone even
vaguely interested in Sega.
>>>> Perfect Zero - http://www.perfect-zero.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.
>>>> 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!!
>>>> Gaming Central Starpath - www.startpath.com/gamingcentral
Our newest support site and provides hundreds of links for
anything a gamer might be interested in.
>>>> DC Australia - www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Fortress/6831/
With the Dreamcast launch in Australia fast approaching it
is my pleasure to bring to you interviews with some of the
most important people in the gaming industry. Recent
interviews include Archer Maclean (Awesome Developments -
Jimmy White's 2), Frederick Raynal (No Cliche - Toy Commander),
Trip Hawkins (3DO - Heroes III) and Greg Zeschuk (Bioware -
MDK2). But thats not it, there are several more surprises in
the coming weeks (does Sonic Team sound good?)
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 Editor: Graham Parker "Tails" - Webmaster@sega2000.net
O DC QUESTIONS: Please send to - Rob@sega2000.net
But please NO tips questions
>>>> www.DreamcastWeekly.com - Official Website!
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Copyright, 1998-9 Graham Parker - Webmaster@sega2000.net
Written and edited by Graham Parker. No parts may be
copied without prior permission. Otherwise I would be
forced to send out my group of goons... Ok so I don't have
any goons, but copying is just mean... very mean. There,
that should scare them off :)
