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