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I've been saving these up for a while, so I wouldn't be flooding yer mailbox.
1) Who figured out how to install the system switch on the Saturn? I remember finding the instructions relatively shortly after the Saturn's release... I don't think I'd like to import a DC and experiment... A bit pricey.
2) Chips and Bits selling an import DC for $250? Good Lord, that's a lot of money! Especially if it's released in Japan for around $165-170... Anybody else have prices up yet for the system? I can see paying around two hundred, but not much over that... How much do import shops add on to games and such, anyway?
3) Is the version of Windows CE that will ship with the DC be released on any other computers, such as palmtops? There are emulators for CE right now, but would they work on the DC's CE, since it's supposed to be streamlined?
4) I noticed they haven't announced a Stunner-type gun for the DC. Heard anything yet?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
2. $250 for an import Dreamcast unit is cheap. Consider the prices the N64, PS, and Saturn import units were pulling when they launched. Importers traditionally charge a lot of money at system launches. Demand far exceeds supply, so importers are free to charge pretty much anything. Do keep in mind the shipping costs and such of importing a unit from Japan. Bottom line: if you can't afford the expensive launch prices, you'll have to be content to wait.
3. Windows CE is going to be on the Dreamcast disks. The OS is primarily a matter of concern for developers; they can use Windows CE to easily port their PC titles to Dreamcast. From what I know, the Windows CE used in Dreamcast is custom stuff; we won't be seeing it in use outside of Sega's machine.
4. It's obviously coming, probably with the first Dreamcast gun game. The House of the Dead 2 anyone?
We know that Sega's releasing a Japanese version and an Asian version of the Dreamcast. Is the only difference the language documentation? (I just want to get things straight). What version will most likely to be in the import stores? Will it be the Asian version (since it's in English and it's 110V). And the Asian version can still play Japanese games without any problems with the "Lock Out" system, right?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
According to Next-Generation Online, and IGNDC, a "Somic/Knuckles RPG" is in the works, but the Sonic Team seems very busy with Sonic Adventure, and I don't think Travellers Tales could do an RPG. What's the deal?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hello again. I only have one question and one suggestion today and no
ramblings.
Question: I was looking through your Logs section and reading the old ones
when I came across "Chat With Sega's Ad Producers / Thursday, December 4,
1997" I've never seen ANY of their commercials except NiGHTS. How can I get
them?
Suggestion: When people have multi-numbered question like when I rambled on a
few days ago why don't you answer it like this from now on? (Example below)
1. When is...blah, blah, blah, coming out?
Not like you do now because for long mails with lists it makes people scroll
from question down to answer and back up to question again.
And...
Another Sega site "Sega Zone" says that Burning Rangers 2 is coming out for
the Dreamcast right after Sonic Adevnture is finished. They also say that
House of the Dead 2 is confirmed also. Any truth to either of these?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Burning Rangers 2 is just a rumor/speculation, Sonic Team hasn't said anything to anyone about it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened. House of the Dead 2 is pretty much confirmed. It's coming out in November of '98 for Naomi (read the archives for more details), should make its way to Dreamcast summer of '99 or something like that (in time for the US launch, that's for sure).
Just a warning to prospective DC buyers through Chips and Bits, I had a bad experience with them. In 1993, I ordered Sonic CD from them, and I spent about a month waiting for it...since it hadn't arrived, I called and asked why this was, but they said it had been shipped and recieved weeks ago. They checked their records and found that the shipper (Airborn Express, so be weary of them too) had brought the game to my house and (I can only assume) finding no one there, rather than leaving it at the front door like UPS, gave it to someone who signed for it as "W.Green." I do not know how these people were able to give it to someone who's name (probably not a real name either) was DEFINTLY NOT on the shipping label, but they did. Chips and Bits made NO effort to help me, so I put my loving mother (who can also be extremely brutal) on the phone and "magicly" everything was fixed, my Sonic CD arrived about a week later. Anyway, I don't know if they've changed their ways but I will NEVER be ordering anything from them again.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Tuesday, September 29, 1998 |
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Hiya! I just got my Godzilla VMS! It's neat... but I'm still confused. How do you know when to dodge up, down, or middle? How many rounds do you have to win before you're named? And how come you can only access two of the four VMS features? (the game and clock) Thanks for any help!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Say it ain't so! Sega going out of its way to stop importing games on dreamcast, with their stupid lock out! If this is true it takes out a BIG reason why I was buying the Dreamcast to begin with. An if Saturn had been the same way (and not have been able to have a cheap converter to fix it) I definitely wouldn't have bought it! Why you say ... Human Entertainment... What's so great about them you ask, Arguably the best wrestling game ever made, Fire Pro Wrestling S: SixMen Scramble. The only problem is, they never bring it to US shores which leaves me only to import. Cant they just make it so companies who know they wont take the game here not have to put on a Local Code thing? Why must they do this to me
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
I'm sure everyone has noticed that weird transparent triangle in front of the Dreamcast. So what is it? Is it a logo? And also, I'm sure everyone also noticed that there's no "Reset" button on Dreamcast. Is it going to have a "Controller-Controlled Reset Feature" like the Saturn has?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Dreamcast reset, hum, perhaps via the VMS? Maybe the reset button will be implemented on the production version. Your guess is as good as mine.
hi
Douglas Erickson Replies:
First of all, I think the whole Playstation 2 article is the result
of some bad info on behalf of Game Online - while a normally respectable and
intelligent site (their sister mag ain't half bad, either), I think they
were fed a line by somebody, be it Sony, a disgruntled Psygnosis employee,
what have you. Think about it - there's been almost zero industry buzz,
and developers haven't even mentioned developing for it, preferring to
discuss the Dreamcast. I don't think Sony could keep the level of silence
we're seeing w/ regards to the PS2 as quiet as this.
Second, DVD? DVD is still expensive, and embedding it in a game
conole could push it out of price competition with the Dreamcast. Now,
Sony can manufacture most (if not all) of the components itself at
ridiculously little cost and sell at a loss, but that'd take sales away from
their straight DVD players, which retail for $300 or so.
My take? I think Game Online (and C&VG) may be onto something, but
that the specifics (the date and features) are off. I could be wrong, but
from where I'm standing, I simply don't see it. Personally, I think Sony is
trying to get the PS2 buzz going early and pull away potential DC mindshare,
letting PS1 owners ready to upgrade that Sony is still in the game. Expect
a number of "press leaks" similar to this in the coming months, which may
feature incorrect data. Admittedly, it does make those contemplating the
purchase of the DC a bit more jumpy...
Q&A For Monday, September 28, 1998 |
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Could you tell me when the dreamcast is coming out in u.s, what games is coming with, it any pack-ins, how much as much info as to prices and whats included
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Anyway, since you don't deserve the proper reply, here's my half-ass version:
Fall of '99; nothing else has been confirmed.
Me and the people around my house are more than ready to play the "Sonic
Adventure" in full 60 fps motion. We have started to get a saying going
around my household that can only be referred to as the Dreamcast Rush.
We have every system ever available and a couple of Playstations. We
have a Sony 61" XBR TV cost in access of 5 grand that has a set of AV.
jacks waiting for a Dreamcast to be hooked up to them. As of right now
playing Burning Rangers, Vampire Savior, Castlevania, Metal Slug, and
Radiant Silvergun on a 61" Screen is quite a treat. Not to mention in
full Dolby Surround Sound Stereo. We have reserved orders for three
Dreamcast Systems at two different retailers to make sure we have them
in hands no later than the twenty ninth of November. We plan on having
one in every room, so that no one will have to fight over wanting to
play "Sonic Adventure" or whatever cool games become available. We use
the highest quality connection possible usually that is S-Video. We
have Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound in every room with a TV excluding
the kitchen of course and when it comes to sight sound as it relates to
playing games we don't play no games. My cousin and I are independent
Media/Technology Consultant's with a passion for technology, so you know
that the Dreamcast is at the top of both of our personal wish list. I am
looking forward to playing this great system, I only wish that Sega of
America did not require so long to prepare for a proper Dreamcast
launch. I would love to buy an american version instead but alas you
cannot have everything your way. Their was a guy who wrote in and said
that the American gamer was stupid because the best kind of game to them
was either sports or bloody murder. I did not agree with a lot of what
that guy said but I will tell you this. I was playing Burning Rangers
the other night and this idiot that was over my house said "All this guy
is doing is putting out fires; where's the hand to hand contact?". First
indicter of stupidity, then another guy says that this game looks great
but the idea is dumb. They had to leave immediately, at that point I
knew that both of these rock heads were in need of a brain transplant. I
should have known because the only thing that they play when they come
over here is NBA Live 98 and Madden or Game Day. The unfortunate part of
the whole thing is that allot of people out there here in the US don't
even have any use for a Playstation beyond playing sports, or murdering
somebody in something like Duke Nukem. If Sega want's to succeed in this
terribly predictable market than they need to have some serious talks
with EA, Acclaim, and Visual Concepts. At launch there needs to be some
sort of NBA licensed basketball game and NFL licensed football game.
Soccer is cool and so is Hockey but screw both of those until the second
wave those are not the one's that the people are clambering about. These
dummies around here play NBA live like it is the end all, be all of
video games. My friend "Fat boy Lame" acts as if he doesn't even know
how to turn on a PSX unless there's a copy of NBA live in it. Damn shame
is all I can say, that my own friends don't have the same appreciation I
do for the creativity put into some of today's games. I long for the day
when I will be able to play my very own Dreamcast and make some of those
PSX loving punks drop some of those jaws in amazement!
Anyway Thanks, Jay
P.S. Sega, can we get a role playing game like Final Fantasy or Parasite
Eve with the kind of big time marketing that makes people think that it
is more like a movie instead of a game. Hell, that is how Sony sold
everybody on Final Fantasy IIV. Sony had people buying the game that
one, don't play role playing games, and two, don't give a crap about an
adventure game period. I can honestly say I know some people who bought
it and never ever got into it, placed it back into the case after the
first or second time playing it. The bottom line is they bought which
means everybody got paid and Sony and Square got to take credit for a
major hit that a whole lot of US gamers were sure not to have the
ability to even appreciate. Ounce again though, they bought it so
Squaresoft and Sony got paid. Not to say we don't care if the game is
not appreciated but we and them (the game companys) care about getting
paid more.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
As for your point about US gamers and their love of sports titles: Sega knows this. That's why they'll have a football (American variety) and basketball title ready to go for the Dreamcast's launch. Both titles are being developed by Visual Concepts, clocking in at 15% as of early September. I had some images of the two games on one of the news articles a few weeks ago, but Sega requested I take them down. Hope you got a chance to look at them, they look damn nice.
EA Sports on Dreamcast? Nothing official, but I'd expect at least Madden 2000 for fall of '99.
No idea on what big RPG projects Sega is working on, possibilities are: Panzer Dragoon Saga sequel, Phantasy Star title, Shining Force IV, Grandia 2, Lunar 3 (the last two being Game Arts titles), and perhaps something completely original. We'll see what happens, and then wait and see which titles Sega of America decides to bring over. Marketing details for the US launch are the last thing Sega is going to reveal, but I'm sure they're looking at successful game campaigns from the past and trying to emulate them. Or maybe even something *gasp* original...
My name is peter morris and i have been a saturn owner for a while now i
just wanted a few question answerd.
1 I have noticed that there are a few different models of saturns
availible. Is it worth getting a white Jap saturn.
2 Are Top skater virtual fighter 3 and meatal slug 2 coming on saturn if so
when.
3 what are the worst games on saturn.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
2. No, they're not.
3. Anything by Acclaim is pretty much crap (at least on Saturn). I don't know, worst Saturn games is way too vague, it all comes down to taste.
Hello again. If you remember me I like to ramble on and on kind of like ... an
old man. Anyway...here are my questions, comments, and me just...rambling on.
1. In the LunarNet Sonic Adventure MPEG I found two problems that I'm a little
worried about. First when Sonic is running over the corkscrew thingy (the
loop) one part of it fades in. (Minor) My other problem is that when they show
Knuckles the video shows the coins and platform popping in like the coins do
in Mario 64. (Major) Does the Dreamcast already have to fog things and have
pop up??? Say it ain't so!
2. If Sony does, and probably will, announce PlayStation 2 this October or
right near the Dreamcast launch, do you think it will affect the sales? I'm
not worried about Japan but the slow people in America aren't gonna trust Sega
again and just stick with Sony.
3. Since the next generation of systems will be so powerful in graphics and be
like FMV quality, will there really be a need for actual videos anymore? Or
will they just all be in game?
4. Why does Capcom bother porting games like X-Men Vs. Street Fighter to the
PlayStation? Do they actually sell? I know they do for the Saturn. Just
yesterday I went to my friends house with Vampire Savior and he thought the
game was sh't because it was 2D. Then when he actually played it he loved it.
Especially the anime style, specials, and humor (Bulleta - need I say more.
La, la, la, la, la!)
5. My Conspiracy Theroy: I think the Saturn launch was purposly screwed up.
They launched it early without really telling anyone, didn't have many ads, it
was too hard to program for, and they didn't even release good conversions of
their first arcade games (Virtua Fighter 1 - Well ok, that was pretty good,
but Daytona was SH'T off my boot) and it made the Saturn look bad. I think
there was a little under the table money from SONY or NINTENDO there.
Comments???
6. Why did FMV games do so bad? I recently went to Toys R' Us to pick up $5
Sega CD games and got Farenheit and Wirehead. I love them both. Especially
Farenheit 32XCD. Is it just me or is the video in the 32XCD games (well I've
only seen Farenheit 32XCD so the others might be worse) just like if not
sometimes better than the Saturn videos? Anyway...back to my original thingy.
Why did FMV games fail? Sewer Shark was SH'T but most of the other ones were
good. Especially the Digital Pictures games. What happened to them?
Bankruptcy???
Well I guess that's it for my ramblings. Thanks for reading.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
2. That's Sony's plan, to draw attention away from the Dreamcast's launch. Don't think it will work too well in Japan, which is where the current ploy is aimed at. The Dreamcast has plenty of steam in Japan, where Sega is already anticipating sell-outs. As for the American Sony announcement/Dreamcast launch, we'll have to wait until '99. Sega hasn't even begun their American marketing blitz, so Sony doesn't have anything to draw attention away from... yet.
3. The Dreamcast's graphics will be good, but not that good. There are still a few things that can only be done with CG. That said, I would expect a lot of developers to shy away from CG cut-scenes and just use the in-game engine; it's really an artistic decision right now.
4. Exactly, Playstation games (no matter how bad compared to the Saturn versions) sell better than their Saturn counterparts. Capcom has to make money somehow, right?
5. You're joking, right? At least I hope you are...
6. Guess you're one of the few people who actually enjoyed those FMV games (okay, I admit it, I've played through Night Trap and Sewer Shark). The rest of us "normal" folks didn't like those FMV games much, actually, we didn't like them at all.
Good e-mail, but it kind of ended on a weird note with numbers 5 and 6. Lay off the FMV games and you'll be fine.
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I would like to ask you guys to inform the people on the net who keep informing people that the voodoo2 chipset is better than DREAMCAST.please help by comparing the POWERVRSG chipset with the voodoo2.Please help me on my quest to inform those ignorant of the truth about the facts.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Really, it's the damn games that matter. Who cares which is more powerful? Frankly, I rather play the most enjoyable games, and if the damn thing can do more poly's than some other damn thing, that's fine too.
What's this I hear about the possibility of the Dreamcast being able
to emulate the Playstation via an emulation program. Although most
people would wonder why anyone would want to do that, just look at the
specs of the Dreamcast. It it was possible to emulate a Playstation,
just imagine how good Sony's games would look on their competitor's
machines.
Just wondering...
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Quick question... Everyone (including myself) is VERY impressed with the unearthly polygon-pushing (and hopefully 2-D) capabilities of Dreamcast. What I want to know about is the video capabilities. The Saturn saw a HUGE jump in quality over the Sega CD, but still is not perfect. Will Dreamcast have a superior color palate to support crystal clear movies? Call me crazy, but I have always enjoyed watching the movies in games. You don't have to repeat this, but I actully LOVED all of the Digital Pictures games! I owned almost all of them (including the "Make Your Own Music Videos") and always was impressed with them, especially the Sega CD 32X games, and I still play Quarterback Attack on my Saturn all the time!!! Now I'm not calling for a resurgance of these "interactive movie" type games, but I would like to see DVD-clear video on my Dreamcast. Got any info about it?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Dreamcast video, hum, I would expect it to be somewhere between MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 quality. Not quite DVD, but close enough. We'll see (ouch, bad pun alert).
I rescently picked up a copy of Metal Slug for the Sega Saturn an all I can say is wow. This is one of the most complete an true Arcade conversions I have ever seen. I know that it is not a new game or anything like that but for the longest time I could not get a copy form anywhere. SNK did such a good job that I strated getting mad at Sega all over again for letting yet another game miss the boat ride from Japan. Not only does this game not exist on the Playstation but I am not even sure that the playstation could handle it! The game is so arcade like that it even has points where it slows down just like the arcade. There are places in the game where there is so much going on that you almost loose sight of your character intrigued by the depth of the background animation. I can not belive that after all this time of loving the arcade classic that I was finaly able to get a copy of the game for my Saturn. This is a game that if SNK was not interested in bringing it over here than Sega should have scooped it up! Sometime between now and the end of next month Metal Slug 2 is coming out fo the Saturn (in Japan of course) and I will ounce again see just what a travisty it is that our Sega of America abandoned there own system still with some great games ahead of it. All I can say is that if anybody can get their hands on a copy (now discounted) than buy it. After you beat the game you and your friends can still get tons of fun out of Blasting those SOB's to hell all over again. I rescently read the report and saw that SNK will be supporting the Dreamcast. I am glad to see that another great publisher has jumped on the bandwagon. Anyway thanks for listening and please do a review of Metal Slug 2 when it comes out so that other people can see just how good of series people have been sleeping on! I almost bought a Neo Geo just to play the game, thats how good it is!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Thursday, September 24, 1998 |
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Could Sega buy the rights for Secret Of Mana and all its sequels and games anyway related to Secret Of Mana if Square doesn't bring a sequel or its Japenese sequel to the US? If Sega does they could translate Secret Of Mana 2 (Seiken Densuzue 3 or something) and put it and Secret Of Mana on the Dreamcast. Actually all they would need is Secret Of Mana 2 because even with no changes except it being translated it would probably sell as many copies as Final Fantasy 7 did. Well thats all.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
First, as a fan for five months only writing in now,
I must say thank you, Fernando, for your site. When
Saturnworld went down (have they been deleted entirely now?
where is the Grandia walkthrough?) I was wondering what
would happen. You are a hero in the hour of darkness.
To Robin Toledo-Saturnfanatic, I would like to address your
recent comments about the future of the console wars.
I imagine a lot of what you said was tongue-in-cheek impassioned
ranting, which I sympathize with. However, I must take issue
with your blaming the American gaming public for the Saturn's
public castration.
At the heart of this is indeed the difference between the Japanese
and American involvement in video gaming. Overall, Americans
are indisputably less concerned with video gaming and therefore
devote fewer intellectual (not to mention financial) resources to
that market.
Instead of wasting time trying to justify the differences, I will
proceed
to the issue of Sega's involvement with all of this. This is a buyer's
market. It is absolutely the responsibility of the vendor to create
a favorable image in the minds of the public. Sega alone is at
fault for their poor marketing. The hardware problems, the
software problems, and, dear God, the advertising, all
combined to create conditions favorable to total annihilation
at the hands of their competitors.
What is also disturbing about this is the fact that they
had done it well before. The Genesis was a successful
console. Sega knew you cornered the market on staples
like sports games and platform-action types and sprinkled
in niche games like Lunar and Phantasy Star at low
volume to create a market from which to expand niches
into a loyal constituency. Sega's failure at such a
fundamental level means, I hate to say it, but they
deserved to fail, they should fail, just so they learn
you can not bring over Dragon Force and Guardian Heroes
without running a single ad and expect them to sell.
You can not compete with yourself by releasing
a 32x just before you release your next-generation
flagship. You can not release crappy controllers with a
system when SOJ had released better controllers earlier,
then try to replace them towards the end of the system's
lifecycle. You can not screw over retailers by running
surprise launches without telling them (assuming it is
ever a good idea to run a surprise launch). You can not expect
third parties to come to you; you must go court them.
Sorry, my own little rant. My point, Robin, is that while
I love the Saturn and its games as much as I think you
do, I suspect that you are angry at its failure (as I am) and
are looking for someone to blame. Americans aren't to
blame, Sega is.
I should establish my bona fides. I am a male, 21-year-old
recent college graduate and I own both the PSX and Saturn.
I definitely consider the Saturn to be superior. Fighting games
are my main genre. I love Shining Force III and X-Men vs
Street-Fighter to death. However, I also love Doom and
Mortal Kombat. What can I say, leisure time is for reading a
book as for drinking a few beers.
Oh, and I hope Dreamcast wipes the floor with everyone.
I hope American software continues to grow in prominence,
but if we're talking about consoles, I'm backing Sega.
Few quick questions, Fernando:
1) PSX2 backwards-compatible? Out of your coverage, I understand,
but what have you heard?
2) Further Saturn releases other that MK Rayearth. You have
been silent since rumor-mongering those six titles two months ago.
Have you heard anything?
3) Even if you have heard in the negative, maybe they could change
their minds? After all, SOA probably doesn't know itself how
much time and resources it will have between now and fall '99.
My personal feeling is that within the vast time frame of fourteen
months, anything could happen. COULD it happen, in your estimation?
I badly want the rest of Shining Force III.
4) Is Magic Knight Rayearth a good game?
Thanks for listening. Please print at least the questions.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
As for your comments regarding Saturn and Toledo, well, you hit the nail right on the head. Okay enough of that silly squabble, onto the questions:
1. At first I thought this was out of the question, but it looks like it might actually happen now.
2. I think I wrote a story on this just this week. You can find it here, but to recap, no, nothing new coming to the US.
3. Well, anything "could" happen, but I don't see it occuring. Bernie has said, "Unless it's something that's really a killer application, I tend to doubt it [it being the release of a new Saturn title]."
4. Rayearth is a fun little action RPG, which can grow on you if you dig that whole anime thing. So yes, it's a good game.
I was wondering since the dreamcast uses a "new" type of cd if they can use both sides for a game.Also, do you know if the sega ages series of games will continue on dreamcast(I want my arcade perfect Golden Axe(the first one)and super hang on.)or maybe if they will continue on saturn?Thanks a bunch man.Dreamcast will rule!!!!!!!!!!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
First I would like to say that you guys have a great site. I visit it everday, it's awesome. I read in the Saturn Instruction manual that Sega Saturn can play CD + G and CD + EG cd's. Now, if I am not mistaken then that stands for CD + Graphics and CD + Extended Graphics. Do you know exactly what this means? Is it some kind of video you can play on Saturn? If you know what it is, where can I get some of these? Thanks in advance.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Got a question, comment, or concern? Send your e-mails to mailbag@seganet.com. By sending in an e-mail you agree to have it published on this site. If you wish to keep your name or address secret, please state so in your e-mail. Thank you. Q&A For Wednesday, September 23, 1998 |
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Hey man,
Thanks,
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
PSX emulator on Dreamcast, I think I addressed this before, but let me restate: rumor started by bored British guy.
Yuzo should be doing DC Stuff, his Ancient development house is pretty Sega friendly after all... Again, more rumors, nothing substantial. Some say PS V is in the works... I haven't spoken to anyone working on it, or anyone who has seen anything on it. I wouldn't count it out though. We just have to wait and see...
Ain't I the helpful little guy today?
I was just wondering,since the dreamcast uses higher memory cds,and since the sperating system is on the cd,how much extra memory will be left for games over the standard cds?By the way,you guys have the best sega site on the net.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
I hear the CD is 1 GIG, and the OS is pretty tiny, less than 16 megs for sure; so pretty much all the extra space goes for game data.
I read somewhere (some random internet site) that there would be 2 versions of the Dreamcast released in November. Something about one version with Japanese documentation for the Japanese, and also a version with English documentation for places such as Hong Kong. Is there any truth to this? I'm relying on you guys for the truth.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Well, that random website had to be us, or perhaps just someone using our story. Anyhow, go read the full thing right here.
Saturnfanatic again. I've enjoyed my rantings on this website, sharing
my thoughts on the American gaming scene with the REAL gamers in this
country: us Sega fans. This time, though, I would like to briefly share
with you what I think the gaming scene here should be like oh, maybe 6
to 12 months from now. Remember, I'm a passionate video game extremist,
so bear with me.
First off, let me point out that I'm not very fond of most American
video gamers (I don't hate them, now!!). It is my opinion that the
Saturn is dead because of their mindlessness of being captured by hype,
among other things (lack of taste in games-hey, look at the successes of
Twisted Metal, Doom, Mortal Kombat, Cruis'n USA and sports games).
Instead of looking for what's worth experiencing and highly intelligent
(Saturn games), they look for what's VIOLENT, what's GOREY, what's ALL
OVER THE TV OR MAGAZINES
OK. So what would I like to see going on a year from now? Well, I
would like to see Project X, an American designed console, DOMINATE. I
mean, DEMOLISH the N64, PSX (maybe even PSX2), and most definitely
Dreamcast (so if Sega's still around by then, they would bail out of the
American market). Why? Because it is the PERFECT game machine for the
American gamer. With PX actually being able to handle 3-D and maybe 2-D
graphics (unlike the 3Do which couldn't do neither), people here can
forever enjoy the titles they deserve without being bothered by titles
they don't, like ALL Japanese-made Dreamcast games, or, ALL Japanese
games. Think about it, while us few hardcore (sorry Fernando) fans
would be enjoying our imports like Virtua Fighter 3, Sega Rally 2, Sonic
Adventure, Panzer Dragoon 4 and maybe Spikeout, our counterparts would
be having an absolute blast with their MK5, Doom X, Road Rash X, Thrill
Kill X, Bio-Freaks X, Cruisin' the Galaxy, and maybe Mortal Kombat Kart
for their PX. Things probably aren't much different now, but the
American market is still being "contaminated" by Japanese games. This
way, almost every body will be happy...no more "Sega sucks" or "Nintendo
sucks" or "PS sucks." Everybody will be saying, "Duke Nukem: Battle in
the Whorehouse rules!" or "John Madden 2000 Super Bowl Edition rules!"
while we just laugh at them behind their backs and play our Scud Races
and Marvel vs. Capcoms. Sure, they might have their somewhat tasteful
games like Banjo Kazooie sequels or...uh...umm, that's about it, but
think about what WE'LL have compared to them! I don't know what VM Labs
is going to do with the Project X, but I hope that they go ALL OUT with
it if they release it...GO PROJECT X!! GO VM LABS!!
As you can tell, I'm a VERY materialistic person...well, I am. I
treasure good things and condemn bad things. To close, I would like to
say that us Sega fans are few in this country, and I would like it to
stay this way. Not everybody can be hardcore (sorry) fans you know, so
let us few be the elite fans! Thank you (or sorry, if I have offended
you).
P.S. If you are a Sony or Nintendo fan, please don't think that I
represent Sega fans everywhere. I represent me, my feelings and my
opinions...I'm just trying to get on the Net to try to change a few
minds (Sega fans') for the good.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Tuesday, September 22, 1998 |
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Dear fernando From Usagi: Do you know any company I can order the European release of Deep Fear from? Thanks.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hiya Mr. Mosquera. I'm writing to you in reguards to the Doa2 game that is on the naomi board. First off is KUDOS TO YOU GUYS/GALS?> for the awsome coverage and pics you have of it on yer site....but I ask you .. PLEASE make a quicktime of that jamma tape that has the footage of DOA2 in motion, just the part with DOA2 please!!!!!!! Love yer site..
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Looking at the specifications of the Dreamcast I must say that it is an awesome machine. Alas that is on paper success is yet to be seen. I am a loyalist to Sega, and I must give a few words of suggestions that may insure the success of the soon to be released Sega Super System. Here in the US a lot of companies are making big bucks off the buzz word know as the "Internet". As this market grows so does the race to get faster and faster connections to it. Two such low-cost technologies which are emerging in this high bandwidth race by the the tel-co's are ADSL and Broadband Cable Service. In comparison to a standard POTS (plain old telephone service) connection at either 33.6bps or 56k these alternatives are remarkably faster, like thirty times faster! An obviously the faster the connection the faster the action moves. Network latency has always been a problem with PC's, but with these faster connections it's becoming less of a problem. What makes these high speed connections special is that the service is cheap in between 50-60 dollars US. The last big things ISDN and 56K pale in comparison in terms of speed and ease of use. Not to mention the fact that ISDN cost ton's more is still a dial up connection as is complicated. An the only way to get connected to the Internet real fast without a Cable modem or ADSL is a T-1 Line which is way more costly than any of us average gamers would even begin to consider. Sega need's to collaborate with some of these companies in order to strengthen its position early on in the Online Gaming Market. Currently both Nintendo and Sony have no presence at all on the Internet with their consoles for online gaming. Sega needs to talk to US West, the baby Bell's for the Service and partner with someone like Motorola, LAN city, Cisco in order to built the appropriate hardware (a card with a 10-Base2 ethernet connection to supplement the companies unacceptable analog modem card) . Sega needs a replacement for the companies slow and already outdated 33.6 modem which will be packed into the coming Dreamcast systems with at least a 56k version especially here in the U.S.. If you remember correctly Apple Computer Changed the Hardware Spec.'s of the recently introduced iMac which has been selling up a storm from a 33.6 modem to a 56K. If Sega gets up and running with only a couple of these Telcos and Cable companies in there corner then they stand a much better chance then if they don't. Partnering with these companies would help them also because people who don't care about the Internet would subsequently get the service just to play games and make the Service providers a whole lot of money in a segment of users that they would have never had access to. I assure you that this idea is already rolling around in somebody's head at Nintendo and Sony. There might even be a couple on Nintendo 64's secretly testing Mario Cart online. This is why I say that if Sega wants to be successful in this highly competitive market they have got to have every angle covered. Imagine you and a friend from the comfort of your individual homes as Belmont and Alucard rummaging through the corridors of Castlevania as the two of you together take on the task of thwarting Dracula's evil plans from your own individual perspectives and own pace. Now that sounds like big fun! Better yet how about a Final Fantasy 9 for DC that would allow two separate players to adventure together on a quest to save the world. Please let me know what you think.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Well, this is concerning the Sega Con. Before you think anything, I am not on
anyone's side. I will be attending the Con, as I live in MD and have a
relative's house to stay at for the Con.
You do not have anything on it though, I read your previous articles, and I
understand there is some bad blood between you and Eastman, but, c'mon. It's
Sega. Can't you just forget about who is running the Con and come to the fact
that "Hey, this is a good event for all Sega fans". I mean, anything can help,
even with Sega's current US status.
In closing, why can't you just forget for a second who runs the Con, and
realize it's a Sega event. You run SEGAnet, the SEGAcon should be posted on
your site, since you do have the best Sega site around, and probably the most
popular. See ya.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Please share your knowledge for those of us that do not what to hook up the a/v cables on our dreamcast when we imported them at japanese launch.
Other peripherals available at launch:
RGB Scart cable and a cable for PC Monitor
What might a cable for pc monitor be? I don't know of a cable that will simple hook into a pc to play console.. I heard of !Jam device for pcs, would rbg scart cable to able to be hooked up to that..
Obvouisly I totally clueless, I think this would make a excellent new piece while waiting for dreamcast news..
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hey dude it's me again!,
And i actually have a few questions this time! Here we go!!!...When i get my
japanese dreamcast on November 23, will i have to worry about playing it here
with the difference in japanese and american power currents? Will there be any
difference in RF/video switches? Will i be able to convert it to play american
games also? will i have to worry about the modem? I think that's about it for
now....I also had a few questions about Dreamcast/Naomi compatibility. Is the
Naomi arcade board more powerful than the dreamcast or are the 100% compatible
as the STV was to the saturn? I don't want to find out that my Dreamcast has
already been outclassed once i have it hooked up and running sonic adventures
in my living room! ha! i'm gonna actually have to get a living room! I think
that's about it for now! i hope you are able to answer all of these questions
and your mag should be in yours hands by thursday at the latest! keep up the
good work!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Naomi and Dreamcast are the same as ST-V and Saturn. Naomi has more memory, so arcade programmers will be able to get a bit sloppier with memory management, just like always. It is also reported that the Naomi is scalable (meaning you can plug in and use more than one Naomi chipset at a time), no details have been released by Sega on the matter. If scalability is confirmed, then a developer willing to pay for more than one Naomi board can get mucho power (much more than Dreamcast). Of course, none of the games in the works use this feature yet, heck, the feature isn't even "officially" announced.
Heh, time for an entertainment system; thanks for the mail, looking forward to the mag!
I used to own a master system and one of my favorite series (and still is) is the Wonder Boy series. It in my opinion was one of the best games sega ever did. I think it would be great if Sega could make a DC version and maybe even bring back some other games from the old day's for the DC.Hey, it ain't such a bad idea!!!!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Thursday, September 17, 1998 |
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Hi, I really enjoy your site its great. Today I just have a quick question for you. what was the first game to use polygons on a console, and is it true that even the genisis could've even made poly's just not enough tomake a whole game?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Actually the MPEG card is great if you like Hong Kong Movies or don't mind Japanese only anime. VCD is very prominant in Asia, as I'm sure you know. There are thousands of movies on that platform, all priced at about $14 each. I like to think of it as a VHS tape that won't deteriorate. From Cutie: I just ordered the Sega Saturn Movie VCD card from Buy Rite video games and I'm wondering if VCD's will play on my Sega Saturn at full-screen? I borrowed some music videos of the Spice Girls live in Istanbul on VCD format, and I hope I will get full-screen quality, thank you
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Enjoy the Spice Girls, heh.
Q&A For Wednesday, September 16, 1998 |
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When I purchased Sonic Jam for the Saturn, I couldn't wait to try out the
Sonic World game. Most of the video "fan-zines" were touting it as a glimpse
of Sonics to come. After about four minutes into game play, I got sick to my
stomach and very dizzy. I blamed my sickness, I never experienced before, to
the ever changing view points the game made. I've been playing Video games
since Atari 2600 and I've played Mario 64 for months with no "sea sickness"
(Mario 64-also a 3D free roaming video game).
My point is this, I hope to the video game "Gods" that Sonic Adventure
has view points you can choose like Mario 64, and the view points are locked
on. And even if they aren't, the changing view points come few and far
between or are smooth. Do you guys have any input on the gameplay or the
actual viewpoints. I love Sega and Sonic, but I will have to see the game in
action before I sink 50 bucks into a game in which I can't play. Thank-you.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hey Fernando:
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Sonic, backwards? Sonic doesn't spin in Argentina, he just kicks a football around all day then goes on "coke" expeditions. It's a sad sight...
Hi Fernando...
You continue to impress me. It seems like only yesterday I started
visiting your site, but it's been a while.
Anyhow, two items
1. What's the status on the USENET recap? It is/was/has been one of my
favorite Seganet features. I've been missing it.
2. It was refreshing to see some mention of Canada in your recent story
talking to SoA. It's nice that someone, somewhere, realizes that we
Canadians got the big ol' shaft in the latter years of the Saturn's
life... and that some of us may want to know what SoA's stand on
distribution of DC stuff in Canada is looking like. I breathed a
relatively medium-sized sigh of relief to see it may be ok.
Anyhow, keep up the good work. I apologize for such a pedestrian email,
but it's late here, and my brain wants sleep...
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
As for the Canadian mention, well, I try not to forget about you guys up there. Besides, Dan was blabbing about everything, figured it was a good time to see what Sega had planned for Canada. Sure didn't give me a lot of confidence on their Canadian plans, but we'll see.
Sleep? Sleep is for the weak (or for people who don't run websites).
Hello,
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Tuesday, September 15, 1998 |
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I seriously don't know what Working Designs is thinking. Why don't they just scrap the entire intro?! The new music isn't any better than the old version, they both are equally as bad. The R&B style singing is totally unnecessary. The song may have been "ok" maybe even "good" without that damn R&B type singing. Just leave the original Japanese song in the game. Or better yet give the user the option at the very beginning to select "The Original Theme Song", or "The New And Destroyed Theme Song". Victor Ireland needs to get a clue, what the hell is he thinking? bye! From Andrew Tjokro:
Hi.....
So i downloaded it and found that it was a piece of musical crap!! An
originally nice piece of music was destroyed in the hands of working design
and co. Thanks a lot wd!! Why can't u guys just keep the original piece
intact......what were u thinking wd???!!!! Dat is all.
thanks!
From Joseph Jacob:
I believe that Working Designs has done a great job
with both versions of the Rayearth theme song.
Even though Working Designs was not allowed to
use the original Japanese intro, they have created
two songs that are both fresh and loyal to the original.
Having said that, I find myself prefering the original song
crafted by WD. While R&B version is less stressful on
the ears (thanks to the new vocalist), their first cut was
much closer to the original Japanese intro both in
style and spirit.
I realize that WD is probably going to
go with the second cut but I hope that they include
their first attempt as a bonus goodie.
I believe Saturn owners everywhere should thank WD
for the efforts that they have put into this game.
How many game companies would actually ask for
the opinions of game players and then make changes
based on their suggestions? Not many I imagine.
From Gogeta: I REALLY don't like the new version of the US Rayearth intro music. I really liked the 1st sample a lot & was impressed that it sounded more like the Japanese song than I thought it would. The new one seems to have over- exagerated sylibles that change pitch rapidly when holding tunes. The 1st US one & the Japanese version has a more stable pitch to it that I think is a lot more pleasant. It should sound like anime, not MTV. I think it's great that WD is listening to people & is trying make it sound good. Just my opinion. From David Oldridge: The singing is pretty good this time around, and I don't mind it one bit. The yodelling I could do without though, especially in the first four lines.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Monday, September 14, 1998 |
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Hello!
You guys have the best Sega site on the Web!
Alrighty, I have a sorta big problem with my Saturn...it is a Saturn 2.0,
which I purchased last christmas b/c it was so cheap! (only 90 bucks) I
already own a Saturn 1.0 that got back in 95...but I bought the new Saturn
to get in Modded to play Japanese games. So I did, last Dec. and it
worked PERFECTLY...until yesterday. I was playing a game of D (I know I
know, I should know better, but I was just curious, OK? I know I SHOULD
have kept on playing Vampire Saviour...) any way, after I was done, I
tried to put in Sonic Jam...but the Saturn refused to read the disc...I was
taken to the music CD screen and the game could only be read as a music CD!
Naturally, I was a little confused...so I tried a different game...same
thing...I tried EVERY GAME...the same thing. So I'm like...oh
@$@%!$....any way, I talk to my friends and I come back 30 minutes later,
and try again, and the machine works this time...but when I tried to put in
a new game, it just does this again! it seems like I have to wait 10
minutes or so b4 I switch games if I want to play it! Now, my other friend
has had a modded Saturn for a year with no problems...has this ever
happened to you guys? anyone else who has a modded Saturn? and should I
get my other Saturn modded, just buy a Japanese machine, or get this unit
fixed? Thanx for your time, I hope I wasn't too confusing!
bye!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Love to play Kings Quest 8 and Quest for Glory 5 on my imported Dreamcast and save $2,000 upgrade on my pc...what Sierra stance on console ports? thanks!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Dear Seganet,
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
I was just wondering in your opinion do you think that sega could launch the dreamcast in the U.S. and Japan in the same year? Because I realy don't want to wait for a year and I don't know if I want to get it imported. I was just wondering in your opinion do you think sega could release it in the U.S. in 98?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hello. I have some things to say about the Dreamcast. I know that Dreamcast has the power to destroy PlayStation and I'm gonna buy it but I'm afraid that it might fail. Well at least in America. All my friends used to have Sega and have gone to those EVIL Sony people and say they're not gonna buy DreamCast and just wait for PlayStation 2. I think most people have this additude. I'm not sure if Sega can make everyone who they've screwed buy another one of their systems. Also, is there ANY possibility that any more games after Rayearth will come out in the US? What do they expect us to do till then? I already know one friend who only used to have Sega and used to make fun of PlayStation everyday about it's loading and 2D problems who bought a PlayStation, (friggin hippocrit) just because "What am I supposed to do if no new games are coming out?" It's sad but true. Why can't they bring Deep Fear here? Most of it is English! And Shining Force 3 sold so many copies here, why not bring out Parts 2 and 3 to make us US people happy? Well anyway....I'm finally getting to my Dreamcast questions. Since it'll be as powerful if not more powerfull than a high end PC, will it need a fan? If so, will it make that gay humming like some fans do while playing a game? And also, what's up with the US modem? I personally think they should do the following. If it's internal ... BAD! Can't be upgraded. External ... BAD! It's an add on that you have to buy and people won't like with the NetLink. No modem ... VERY BAD! Solution: Pack the modem in WITH the system but make it external. That way it can be upgraded and isn't a seperate purchase that people won't buy. Good??? I think so. Well thanks for reading this long letter thingy. Bye.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
A fan? Well, it would be nice to have, but that just adds to the Dreamcast's cost. In other words: no fan.
Sega officials have said time and time again that the modem will be packed in with the console and be upgrade-prepared. Looks like you have nothing to worry about on that end.
I was reading the specs on the Dreamcast, and noticed it houses a Hitachi SH-4 processor. The Saturn contains a Hitachi SH-2. What would keep Sega from programming the SH-4 to emulate an SH-2 if the system detects a Saturn game? Is VDP1 and VDP2 the problem, since the Dreamcast doesn't have upgraded versions of these chips?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Thursday, September 10, 1998 |
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Hello, just received my Capcom Generation Vol.1 from NCSX today, and it
transformed my Saturn into a 1980's arcade. When I look at my collection
of Saturn games, the 2 main publishers are Sega (duh) and Capcom. I guess
Capcom really supports Sega now (I remember way back when Capcom only
releases games on Nintendo systems)
One thing I would like to say about Capcom is that they are the best
third-party Saturn publishers/developers out there. Not only they have
quality games (and plenty of them) for the Saturn, but they are smart too.
What I'm saying is, Capcom knows Saturn can do 2D better than 3D, so what's
the result? All of Capcom's Saturn releases are 2D except for
one--Resident Evil. On the other hand, they know PSX can do 3D, so they
have all Capcom's 3D arcade fighters plus a few other 3D games (however,
they should know PSX sucks on 2D, I don't know why they still make 2D games
on PSX. X-Men vs. SF is a joke on PSX, while SF Alpha 2 and the recent
Pocket Fighter are not as good as the Saturn versions. I wonder how Capcom
can squeeze Vampire Savior and SF Alpha 3 on PSX.)
Back to the subject of this e-mail. Back at the beginning of this year, I
think Capcom "semi-confirmed" Resident Evil 2 and Street Fighter 3 for the
Japanese Saturn at some Japanese game show, I even e-mailed you and you
said there is a strong possibility. So what happened to those games? I
think by now it's too late for Saturn anyway, but has Capcom ever started
development on RE2 and SF3 on Saturn?
P.S. It's ironic that Street Fighter 1 came out in 1987, and part 3 came
out 10 years later; while SF Alpha 1 came out in 1995 (I think), and part 3
will be on consoles THIS X'mas. I guess the SF Alpha can count faster than
the original Street Fighter team. Hey, where's my Super SF Alpha 2 turbo
X?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
As for your Capcom fix on Saturn, well, SF Alpha 3 is coming to Saturn so that will have to do. Resident Evil will probably have to wait for Dreamcast though.
I was just wondering something. The Shinobi series has alway's been one of my favorites and definetly one of Sega's best. Do you think that Sega may be releasing another Shinobi game for the DC???
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hello, I had read recently on a web site that the secret game on which Yu Suzuki is working is in fact Virtua Fighter RPG!?! Is it true? Next Generation Online have also reported that Virtua Fighter RPG will be ready for the Dreamcast launch. So, can you indicate to me if these rumors are true or not?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
I am sorry but I have got to give sega an absolute zero for the way that they decided to orphan the Saturn here in the U.S.. I bought a Sega Genesis a long time ago on the day it came out. I have been a sega fan ever since, but alas this 1998 and I am apaled by the way that Sega of America has marketed a system that has at least as much life in it as the PSX if not more. I am further pissed off with just the way Sega of America runs there buisness. Look at the cover art that they choose for alot of their games here, it is no where near as beautiful as that of their Japaneess couterparts. Things like that are all marketing an area that Sega sorely lacks. Anyway I hope they don't make the same mistake with the Dreamcast. Alas the only hope for us loyal to the Saturn is in Japan where we can still find a new game even one which eclipses it's PSX cousin.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Wednesday, September 9, 1998 |
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I doubt this will ever come to fruition... Namco has made numerous statements saying they'd support Sony first and foremost, and I believe that they signed a deal with Sony for the next Tekken release (I read this around a month or two ago; this is different from the "12 titles exclusive for PSX" clause) that would give Sony exclusive rights (I believe something about arcade hardware was in this statement, too-I wish I could remember where I read it).
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Is there any accurate information as to how much the Dreamcast will cost in the U.S???
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hello. This is Saturnfanatic again. I've gotten three responses to my
e-mail to you guys and found one to be interesting (the one who was
offended). Anyway, I'd like to rant some more, this time on the topic
of mainstream electronics/video game stores like EB and Babbages(?)
getting involved in selling import games. Please remember that I AM an
extremist when it gets to video gaming (call it an obsession, or
preferably "absolute passion"), so what you will be reading might be
funny to you...on with the rants.
I started importing video games back in early 1995 with Dracula X for
the PC-Engine Super CD Rom. That was around the time when I got my
first job and could afford video games on my own without the help of
mommy and daddy. Anyways, ever since then, I found that there's
something VERY special about owning video games that I knew would never
come out here or wasn't yet. I'm sure a lot of the real gamers out
there feel the same way about this. Just think: while your moronic
video game peers are having a blast with duds like the EA Sports games,
the Golden Eyes, the Mortal Kombats, the Killer Instincts, the Cruisin'
USA's (one million seller, folks!! American gamers are soooo
keeeewl!!!), the Dooms, and other mostly mindless non-Japanese game
junk, YOU (the real gamer who imports-and a Sega fan) are playing
gorgeous works of art like Radiant Silvergun, Dracula X (PC-Engine), the
Saturn SNK games (KOF, Fatal Fury, Samurai Spirits, Metal Slug, etc.),
the real versions of Silhouette Mirage and Thunderforce 5 (Sat
versions), Tobal 2 (even though its a PS game), and
Soukyugurentai...games that would never sell here (look at Tobal 1 or
any Saturn game) because we're stuck with a bunch of freakin' idiots in
these shores. Whew. With that said, I, as a hardcore and frequent
import gamer now find importing video games and having games that
American gamers surely DO NOT deserve as sacred. Let me say this for a
second: I think that everything has something that is sacred and should
stay that way, wether its your communions at church, or having Detective
Comics #27 or something, sometimes that one thing sacred should not be
readily available to the casual public (not the communion thing,
though...maybe). And this is what this ranting is all about. I feel
that with Electronics Boutique and whoever else offering Saturn imports
to your regular dumb-ass PSX, N64, Madden/Gameday, Golden Eye, Mortal
Kombat, 3-D, gory-no gameplay video game loving Joe, import video gaming
is being horribly abused, thus, killing my enthusiasm over this
wonderful hobby. With these companies giving the casual gamer a chance
to own these special games, I must ask what's so special about importing
anymore? These guys are pissin' me off and I think that they should
stop immediately . If you are a self-respecting hardcore gamer (Sega
fan, frequent importer) who feels the same way about importing but have
never thought about this matter, just think for a second...that
dingleberry (spell check?) you know who buys garbage like Cruisin' USA,
Need for Speed, Doom, Bio-Freaks, Mace, Blasto, and EA games might be
sitting at home, playing divine games like Vampire Savior and/or X-men
vs SF because he saw it at the local EB. If that doesn't get your blood
boiling, then I don't know about you being self-respecting...Remember,
the Saturn is dead because of these people, and therefore, don't deserve
them, EVER. EB, you are killing this great hobby for us hardcore
gamers. Something must stay sacred with video games and importing is
it. I hope that someone take some action and end this
foolishness..especially if these leeches are planning on selling
Japanese Dreamcasts (which, would probably end my video gaming career).
If you never cared about this subject before, I hope that I've changed
your mind (of course, I'm talking to H-core gamers).
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
As a big Sega fan, I plan on getting the Dreamcast when it arrives here in
the US. Until then, I am going to have to rely on my awesome selection of
Saturn games to tide me over. I recently picked up the import version of
Thunder Force 5 and loved it!! Is there any other imports that you
recommend getting (even if they are old) that meet these requirements:
- don't require understanding of Japanese (see example above, Gun Griffon 2)
Your recent write-ups on Radiant Silvergun have persuaded me to get it. How
about Deep Fear? Can I play it w/o understanding the Japanese.
Other readers are welcome to email me with their thoughts on the matter.
P.S. As I still enjoy from Saturn, please don't recommend that I import the
DC. I want to maximize the life out of my system.
PSS Sega: please bring out Shining Force scenarios 2 & 3, Grandia for Saturn
here!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Deep Fear is more than playing for none Japanese speakers. The speech and such in the game are all in English with Japanese subtitles!
Radiant Silvergun is another must import, you'll have loads of fun. Silhouette Mirage is another Treasure title that you might want to look at, it's a kooky platform game. It was super-hot earlier in the year.
The Sega retro (classic) titles might also be worth a shot. They're old school, but they're also completely in English! If you're into racers, Jaleco's GT 24 might be a nice game to try; read this reader review to get a better feel for the game.
I could go on forever about Saturn import titles, so I'll stop now. I'm sure the many SegaNet readers will be more than happy to suggest their favorites via e-mail or the forum.
Q&A For Tuesday, September 8, 1998 |
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what ever hapened to marvel vs capcom for the saturn? a lot of sites have it as a dreamcast game for it to come out. why did it take a whole year for mavel super vs street fighter to come out? while it only takes a couple of months for street fighter alpha 3 to come out. i liked the vs series the best out of any fighting game out there. is capcom going to relase any more vs games?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Quick and concise - here it is, I have a few quick questions.
1.) Is the Japanese Dreamcast modem compatible with the American modem?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
2.) There's a possibility for anything right now. As for defeating the territorial lock-out that Sega is sure to integrate into the console, rest assured that someone, somewhere, will do just that.
3.) Vague question. Let's see, Sega hopes to have around thirty games by Christmas in Japan. In-house titles will make up 15 to 20 of those. Besides the games that have been confirmed so far (Sonic Adventure, Godzilla, etc.) and the arcade ports that are sure to come (Sega Rally 2, Virtua Fighter 3, etc.), Sega will have a few original titles on-hand. Your guesses are as good as mine as to what all the actual titles will be.
I just checked out Dreamcast.IGN.COM earlier today. Upon entering the site, I went to their "Confirmed Dreamcast Softwares" section. And when I got there, I was so happy that Resident Evil 4 is already a confirmed title. But one thing that bothers me the most is the name of its publisher. Konami? Isn't Capcom suppose to be doing this? What happened? (I would have sent an e-mail to Dreamcast.IGN.COM but I didn't see any e-mail links)
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Monday, September 7, 1998 |
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I have questions i like you to answer. Can i advanced booking Dreamcast (consol,1or 2 kontrolls and 1 memory you put in the kontroll) and Sonic Adventure? If i can how mouch do i gonna pay you? I live in Sweden. When do it come?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
My roomates and myself play Daytona CCE constantly,
and recently I purchased the normal version of
Sega Rally, due to the tremendous word of mouth
on that game.
While the graphics are very nice, we all agree
that the control lacks that certain something
that you get from analogue triggers in Daytona
CCE. We don't play Rally much.
I've considered getting Sega Rally Netlink, on
the presumption that like CCE, it would include
control schemes specifically for the "3D" pad.
Is this a right assumption? Will I get analogue
gas and brakes if I get the netlink version?
Thanks.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
I have had a Sega Saturn for nearly 3 years and it has been the delight of my life. However now that the Dreamcast is coming out they had decided to stop making games for the Saturn. Don't get me wrong, the Dreamcast sounds like a really good machine but I think that Sega should also be making games for the UK Saturn. Dreamcast is not going to be in the shops until next September (so I heard) therefore the UK Saturn owners are expected to wait until then to get a decent games machine and also some decent games. The Playstation games are a load of crap in my opinion. S what I really want to know is why the hell Sega are not making Saturn games when their new machine is not going to be released in the UK until next year?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hello. I'm kind of new to your site...and as a diehard Sega and Saturn
fanatic to the end, I find it interesting. Anyway, this is my first
time e-mailing anybody on my thoughts on the video game scene. I've
been playing games seriously since my brother got me my Genesis system.
Now, I'm a regular importer (since Dracula X for the PC
Engine), and own the Snes, Duo, 3DO, 3PSX's (1 US, 1 Jap, 1 Mod), Sega
CD, Genesis, N64, and 3Saturns (1 US, 1 Jap, 1 Mod). As you can tell, I
like the Saturn the best, hands down.
On to my views on the gaming scene. I'm mainly going to e-mail you guys
about how I've been reading about people who have recently bought their
Saturns for practically nothing and are now just finding out how much
better the Saturn is than anything out there. Well, these people make
me absolutely SICK!!! Just think: the Saturn is dead because of these
people. Sega is suffering because of these people. These morons simply
DO NOT deserve to have Saturns or any Sega product. Now that the Saturn
is dead, these idiots are playing and owning the games and the machines
that they passed up...and they're paying practically nothing for them.
They were playing their hyped-up Playstation and N64 games (that don't
measure up to a lot of Saturn games) instead of masterpieces like Virtua
Fighter 2, Guardian Heroes, Sega Rally, Virtua Cop, the better versions
of the Street Fighter and Vampire games, and the Panzer games. Games
like EA's senseless and perpetual sports titles, Test Drive, Need for
Speed, Mortal Kombat, and Cruis'n USA (one of the biggest pieces of
American-made game crap ever made) were outselling the better Saturn
games. Sure, these games were probably advertised more or better, but I
didn't think that American gamers were as STUPID as I thought. Don't
get me wrong, I love this country to death as I'm actually in the
service, but when it comes to video games, this country and the people
simply suck the big one.
The bottom line is, American gamers do not deserve to own Saturns or
Saturn games after the way they've treated them, and they certainly
don't deserve Sega's prescence here is the US...unfortunately, they have
the right to . I just hope that the Dreamcast doesn't get released here
or if it does, that it fails miserably, leading Sega of America to be
terminated...but that's another e-mail.
I'm
quite sure that you are also a hardcore gamer, as this message is
intended to be read by fellow hardcore gamers only (casual gamers might
find it offensive or stupid). I hope that you guys feel the same way
(or that I've changed your mind if you don't) about American gamers.
Please e-mail me if you have the time at saturnfanatic@hotmail.com.
I'll be e'mailing you again about other matters (and I have a lot of
strong opinions!!)soon.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hoping, or saying that Sega won't release Dreamcast in the US is plain silly. The US offers a vast opportunity for profit; there's no way in hell Sega is going to turn it down. Perhaps if Sega approaches the US market the way it should, Dreamcast will succeed. If it doesn't find a way to succeed in the US (and therefore make money, gain developer support, etc.), then Sega's future as a console-manufacture is less than secure. Think about it, put everything in perspective, and calm down. Trust me, it will do you good.
In that article AM Annex wasn't mentioned, have they disbanded? I haven't heard anything about them since Tetsuya Mitzuguchi left for the consumer division.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Ok say I get an imported D.C. How long after the domestic D.C's release will I have to wait to some kind of mod to play domestic games on my imported D.C? Obviously I don't expect an exact answer, but an educated guess based on previously released game systems.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Q&A For Thursday, September 3, 1998 |
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Seems that those lazy bums haven't provided any content in weeks, just what in the world are they up to? They better have a damn good excuse, I miss my weekly dose of Usenet Recap. Not to mention the Game Basic section, it was rocking: heck, you can't even find the units anymore, they've sold out!
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Romar Armas is taking a one-week vacation to prepare for the start of the school year, as well as an exciting year in the world of Saturn Game Basic. Expect him to return with a slew of source code, images, videos, and work on his own custom projects. Should be interesting.
So, what's your take on IGN 2.0?
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Got a question, comment, or concern? Send your e-mails to mailbag@seganet.com. By sending in an e-mail you agree to have it published on this site. If you wish to keep your name or address secret, please state so in your e-mail. Thank you. Q&A For Wednesday, September 2, 1998 |
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I was wondering scince the Saturn has the 4MB Ram cart then would sega be smart enough to build a port so in the futer add more RAM if necesary with out us buying a 5-in-1 for the optinal MEMORY option. Also dose the DC have any cart or I/O ports like the MPEG adapter for the Saturn? Also, I still love my Saturn an refuce to buy a PSX like my friend cause SEGA = quality. My original Saturn from the 1st wave lasted till I mod-it my self and a freaking wire got losse so it got mest up but it still works if you make a short. So to conclude in this messy e-mail my o-Saturn lasted from x-mas 95 to summer 98 wen I got the new Saturn and gave the old one to my mother (she loves tetris spinoffs and Bust-A-Move 2).
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Hi. I just downloaded the 2Meg Sonic Adventure movie. The first part really looks like something from Sonic R! But my question is, is there any background music for the movie? I can view the movie, but can't hear anything. Here's another question. If you have visit your own forum at SegaNet, you will notice that the debate of the storylines of the Panzer Dragoon series has heated up again. Do you know the complete story of the series, and the chronological order of the 3 Panzer games on the Saturn? It would be nice if you could actually contact Team Andromeda to sort everything out. Do you think it's the bad English translation that make the storyline of Panzer so hard to understand in America? Finally, if you remember, I am the one who bug you all the time about Capcom Generation Vol 1: 1943 series. I have ordered the game from NCSX.com, and hopefully if I'm lucky I will get it before Labor Day weekend. I remember a while ago your site (I think from a Usenet article) listed a few good Internet importers. I notice that buyrite1.com is not on the list. I have been to buyrite1.com many times, and found that they have the LOWEST prices for any import games, but I also heard many "horror" story about buyrite1.com, and people posts in the forum and say don't order from that place. Do you know what's the deal with buyrite1.com? Do you know if the European Shining Force III is all 3 scenarios in the same package, or it's like America only scenario 1? Too bad Sega can't make money off it, otherwise we will probably see scenario 2&3 in the US. Can both Sega of America and European join effort to translate the game? Since both version will use English, it will be cheaper for both Sega branches to translate the game together.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
I thought the translation of Panzer Dragoon Saga was just fine, it's just the complex story line (which I won't care to explain at the moment, I have Doug working on an article) that has people all in a tizzy. As for the chronological order of the three Saturn games: Panzer Dragoon Zwei, Panzer Dragoon Ein, and Panzer Dragoon Saga.
The reason that BuyRite isn't on the list is because of the horror stories regarding the company. Shipping troubles, selling used games as new, and other evil practices make this a company I wouldn't trust. Besides, they send out Usenet ads in all capitals; that's a crime in it of itself.
The European Shining Force III is simply a PAL port of the American translation effort.
I was looking at an old poster I had in one of my SMS games. I never relised it had said that Spellcaster II was coming soon? I loved the first one. Was it ever released ? I can't seem to find anything about it anywhere... Along with PStar that would be a game to bring back to life...
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
Do you know if there is any plan for Electronic Arts to release a Madden
99 for the Saturn. I contacted EA and was told that at this time there
was not.
The Sega Genesis converted me from a Nintendo fan to a Sega fan. I
purchased the Saturn because of my fondness for Sega combined with the
familiarity of the controller.
I'm hoping to purchase the Dreamscape upon it's release in the fall of
99. However, Madden Football (as well as EA's other sports simms) is a
big part of my gaming enjoyment! I don't want to purchase a Playstation
or N64 just to cover one year (99) of Madden Football & EA's other sport
simms! If this is the case it will push pack my plans on purchasing the
Dreamscape a couple years. Will there be a Playstation 2 by that time?
It seems to me that by bridging the 98-99 gap, Sega would be priming
Saturn owners for the Dreamscape, as well as rewarding them for their
loyalty.
Please tell me that Sega is planning on giving EA the rights to put out
a Madden 99 for their once great gaming platforms. I'm sure there is a
market for Madden 99 on both the Genesis & Saturn. With the cost of
producing CDs so low it would seem that EA would jump at the chance to
put a Madden 99 out for the Saturn. What's up with that?
Retailers may have abandoned the Saturn but true fans will continue to
buy quality games by direct order until the Dreamscape is available and
Sega once again raises the standard of gaming perfection.
Fernando Mosquera Replies:
According to sources within EA, the team has a Dreamcast development and is currently considering starting on a Madden project. It's not clear if a decision has been made or if development has started. The smart money is betting on a Madden 2000 release in time for the Dreamcast's US premiere.
Madden 99 is not coming to any Sega platform. The move to polygons and the diminished Sega market would make the port a non-profitable move by EA, sorry, it's not going to happen. I suppose it's time to go find friends who own the other systems and mooch of their Madden games.
Q&A For Tuesday, September 1, 1998 |