Don't
Abandon Dreamcast | 12.20.1999
> Sega shouldn't abanden the Dreamcast like they did the Saturn. Sega stick
with the system you have huge potential and a BIG head start on the compitition.
Don't let crappy game go into the Dreamcast libray. So far your doing great!
The saturn had more potential than the PSX and the Nintendo 64 when it
comes to the specs of the consoles, it was just the lack of software developers
that sunk the saturn. Please dont let this happen to the Dreamcast because
it is a great console with ALOT of potential as long as you can hold on
to software companys you have now, and try to get SquareSoft because then
that would bring alot of consumers over to your side. One of the main reasons
Sony has most of the consumers loyalty is because they enjoy the games
SquareSoft produces.
Thanks
for your time. Your faithful Fan,
-Maleck
of the Nine
> Sega seems to be going in the right direction with the Dreamcast.
I'm sure they would love to have Square as a developer, but this may not
be possible. Unfortunately, they have stuck to one console at a time
in the past. The real big hitter still not aboard is EA -- this may
change within a year. Also, even though Working Designs can be a
pain, I'd appreciate their Dreamcast support...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Just
Another Day | 12.10.1999
> I find it quite interesting how many like to try and downplay Sony by
bringing up the infamous overheating problem. I know 33 megahertz of power
runs at such blinding speeds to produce an extreme heat but come on!
> I love it when Sega fans profess how they had a PSX and how it caught
fire and now they are Sega only gamers. I'm still on my first PSX 5 years
later. Sure it has problems but even my 1 year old pc does! It's technology
people nothings flawless! Wait do I rememeber hearing about defective software
from another beloved company?
> Ahh yes and to the DC I do sincerely wish it the best I just find it
amusing how the media and every Sega fan explains how Sega made 97 million
in their first few days of sales.... Sure they are one of the only game
systems to spend 100 million to promote their Uberconsole but I'm sure
no one can do the math and see they're still in the red by 3. Did the PSX
promote with that kind of funds? Hell no! Sony threw the system to the
market as an afterthought. Sega had no choice but to spend so much from
their waning funds to improve their image. And their resurrection is quite
astonishing and for that they should be commended. I agree you should be
happy with your purchase and you have all the right to defend it. But some
concessions must be made...
> So Shinobi how's internet gaming? How's Shenmue? How's RE 3? Hows those
DC RPGS? And so I'll do what most other gamers have decided. Play it safe
and WAIT. Fine I'm not a hardcore gamer that's fine by me. But sports games
aren't my forte and that's about all the DC currently offers. <Shrugs>
Yes I didn't mention the PSY and it's own problems... You know them by
rote and there's no need for me to repeat....
-Crash
> I'd like to know... Did you proof read your email? It sounds
like a sniveling outcast who can't accept the notion that gamers
will make free choices that may not include your preferences.
<Chuckles> Well, these types of emails just keep the fire burning in
us all...
> First, the overheating emphasis arose purely in response to the
issue of a company's "history" being the main focus of future decisions
to support them. So, what's good for the goose... Besides,
the 33 MHz has nothing to do with the overheating. The PSX's
problem lies with its "high quality" drive being situated too close
to the hot power source.
> For the 1,000th time, not everyone experiences these problems (or admits
to them). The average PSX owner, according to a non-scientific
poll, has gone through 3 systems (some more, some less). At least
Sega and other Dreamcast publishers have admitted a software
problem exists and have taken immediate steps to rectify
the situation in a manner which is free to the consumer.
> I'm not going to get into the dollars with you because you're obviously
displaying business ignorance. In addition, I can't provide
you with Sega's profit/loss since I can't see their sales, expenses,
etc.... One thing is for sure, Sega is going in the right
direction.
> The only people "astonished" at Sega's success with the Dreamcast have
probably been deterred and believe
in "Sega sucks". Everyone else is happily surprised at Sega's
record
setting pace and award winning ways. However, this is your
problem, not mine.
> I'll know more about Dreamcast internet gaming by Summer -- obviously
your console-based internet gaming has a looong way to go and at
least one add-on and program to acquire. Shenmue will be out
in 3 weeks. RE2 will be out in 2 weeks and RE:CV will be in America
around March. For RPGs, I am currently enjoying Langrisser
Millennium and Black
Matrix A/D while Evolution and Elemental Gimmick Gear will be in America
before the end of this month! BTW, how do you like all those Sega
games on your PSX (Silhouette Mirage, Thunder Force V, Lunar TSS, Grandia,
etc.) -- not to mention the ones they copied and renamed???
Lastly, it's perfectly fine for you to P.S.X.
for another 12 months -- or as long as it takes...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Saturn
4 MB Games | 12.09.1999
Hi,
> I really like your Saturn site. I have a quick question. Do Saturn games
have to be programmed to access the 4MB cartridge or is it simply like
extra available memory that will literally enhance the speed/playability
of any game?
-Michael
> Thanks... Saturn games must be programmed to access the 4 MB RAM
cartridge or else its additional RAM will not be utilized. For a
complete list of Saturn RAM compatibility and usage just go here.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Sega
For Me | 12.01.1999
Hi
Shinobi,
> I own a Playstation and a Saturn, and I've got to say that for the most
part, Saturn gets the bulk of my attention. Why you may ask? The answer
is quite simple. Sega Saturn has most of the games that I want to play.
It would seem that most people buy the Playstation because of the number
of games available for it. But if you really get honest, most of the games
out for the Playstation are good for nothing but using as table coasters.
Sure the graphics look pretty, for the most part. But when it comes to
fun and good game play...most of the Playstation games are lacking.
> It's a shame that the U.S. gaming population is so fickle and close minded.
Saturn had some really good games that were fun to play. And even though
the U.S. market has dried up in terms of Saturn software, I go to the import
houses where quality software still abounds for the Sega Saturn. So, is
the Saturn dead? Not by a long shot. Because as long as there are HARD-CORE
GAMERS out there, the Sega Saturn will live on forever.
> It does seem rather strange that a lot of people want to blame the DC
hardware for the problems with the GD roms. I bought the DC the day it
came out ( I have a Japanese DC too ) here in the states. And although
I did have problems with the browser and a couple of the Midway games,
I was able to exchange them and the new ones work fine.
> I got into an argument with a coworker the other day because he was complaining
about the DC. Sony had big problems with he Playstation over heating, and
the cd drive skipping. And to my knowledge, Sony never even
admitted
that there was a hardware problem. I've even read reports on the net where
people had bought three and four Playstations because they had suffered
meltdown. If Sony stood behind their product, why would they have to buy
new ones? Sony should have replaced them free of charge. At least Sega
will stand behind their product. That's why I've been a Sega supporter
since the days of the Master System. Plus Sega always has more games that
I want to play. The DC will have a bright future if the American gamers
don't kill it the way they did the Saturn.
-Kusanami
> I am absolutely amazed at how various publications are "seeing the light"
regarding the Saturn, now that it is no longer for sale in the American
market. Where were these people a couple of years ago when all you
read about Saturn was "dead this", "no good games that", "doesn't do 3D
and another thing"...etc.???... Hypocrisy...
there's too much of it floating around and sometimes I can't stomach it.
Anyway, the main point is that you enjoy what you own, and it sounds like
you do!
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Sony?
No Thanks! | 12.01.1999
> I was one of the first 100,000 playstation owners. Let me tell you after
2 final drives burning up and the system
running
better upside down, I am not a big supporter of playstation. I love my
saturn and have not needed a cooling
fan
to run it. Dreamcast has some problems that do occur with some systems.
It is noted in less than 1% of units
shipped
and due to the huge demand -- close to 500,000 units sold. I think Sega
was producing much more than expected (proposed 100,000 units). This is
more likely the case. By the way, each final drive cost me 110.00 each
thank you... sony-- no thanks !! Long live SEGA!!!
-JWANK
> I seem to keep getting confirmation of massive failure on the part of
Sony's ever-popular console even though supporters claim the problem never
existed. And yes, I'll admit Sega had some problems with either hardware
or software, but those seem to have cleared up within weeks. An interesting
side note: no media source ever seems to remember Sony's storied past when
writing about their future... I wonder why?
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Light
Gun Compatible? | 11.25.1999
Greetings,
> I recently purchased uberconsole along with interact's lightgun and house
of the dead 2. I noticed that HOTD2 wasn't compatable with the lightgun
AFTER buying it. The graphics and game engine are real impressive, the
acting is really lame, and the control without the lightgun is kind of
bad. I was wondering if you knew about any games that are compatable with
the lightgun that are available in the US (i hear that Japan has different
stuff).
> I also heard a rumor that the dreamcast is backward compatable with Saturn
games. It wouldn't surprise me.
The
Draemcast's complexity is up to that of the PC level and the PC can emulate
comsoles with the right software. Heck, even my Atari 7800 is backward
compatable with Atari 2600 games. I was wondering if that was true because
I know that Saturn games are dirt cheap now, and there are even a couple
good Saturn games that were made. Thanks.
-Duke
Nukem
> I don't own one of those guns. However, I've been told that it
has a calibrate switch which must be returned to the normal operating position
in order for it to work. I suggest you read the instructions for
the gun. At this time, HOTD2 is the only light gun game in America.
> That rumor is just a dream at this point because it certainly is not
fact. It's possible for the Dreamcast to emulate other consoles,
including PSX (uhem... Bleem!), but nothing concrete is available to report.
Just think, if a Saturn emulator ever does arrive, then maybe you can get
"the couple of good" Saturn games you referred to.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Lost
In Seattle | 11.25.1999
> I just bought a Dreamcast Console. I live in Seattle. Everything in the
box, manuals, instructions, etc. is printed in Japanese. I did not know
I was getting a Japanese import version. The console plays a Japanese game
I got with the console: "Powerstone" just fine. Unfortunately, the console
won't recognize the US versions of Sonic or Air Force Delta I just bought.
When I put the game disk in, I get a message to insert the disk. Am I out
of luck?? Do I need an adapter or something? Help! Thanks for your advice.
-aswhome
> A person of your intelligence surely owns a playstation... Seriously,
you will not be playing American Dreamcast games with your import system
unless it gets converted to play both. Various internet sites, including
Legacy
Games, claim to have a conversion for sale.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Dreamcast
RPGs? | 11.19.1999
> Will there be any Role-Playing type games for the dreamcast in the future?
Are there any available now ? If so, can you give me some titles.
I have just purchased a dreamcast and I haven't had a chance to familiarize
myself with any of the games except for Sonic.
-Dave
Keller
> Of course there will be RPGs for Dreamcast. Evolution
is just weeks away from an American release and it's been touted as the
Uberconsole's best RPG so far. Also, check our Top
Ten list of RPGs for more games, all of which are currently available
in Japan and some of which are headed stateside.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Being
the First | 11.17.1999
> I think that sony has build up enough consumer relations with the greater
part of the public. people of whom I never thought would be playing games
period are playing games on the playstation now because of smart marketing
strategies and familiarization with the product. among these people are
those who were severely disappointed by sega because they owned their consoles
and saw nintendo and especially now sony get a far better deal. they wil
never return to sega. people will keep playing the psx until psx2 comes.
we have a saying here in holland and it ruffly translated goes like this:
a donkey will not trip twice over the same stone. sega has tripped several
times with the segacd, 32x and the saturn. it's nice to see arcade quality
games at home but will arcade games be fitted with the proper extras to
keep you going for as long as possible? I mean sega rally 2 will
have to have at least 15-20 tracks for home users.
> i work at an electronics store and it's breaking me up inside to see
that everyone looks at the dreamcast screen and says that the psx2 will
be better. hell man!! they have even got a complete dutch game on the playstation.
i haven't seen that with ANY sega game. sega has never made a machine
that would stay equal or superior to what the competition brings out. check
the specs.
dremcast
memory:16mb
psx2:32mb
dc
os:windows ce (slow as hell!!it's currently being rewritten because of
major faults)
psx2
os:linux(fast, efficient and made all the effects of the titanic movie
possible)
You
see, my friend i could go on forever like this and there's no one who can
convince me otherwise.
-Imraan
Sahebali
> Correct me if I'm wrong... It sounds like you're saying "people,
who were disappointed by Sega, are now surprisingly playing games because
Sony is a marketing giant"??? My opinion is people are playing with
their Playstations because that system has the largest selection of 32/64-bit
games and also happens to be regarded as "cool". Well, choice
is very important... That's why I choose to play the superior software
of Saturn, N64, and Dreamcast.
> I'm not too sure I believe your "saying" applies to all gameplayers.
First, why would you continue to buy Sony products when your donkey tripped
on Betamax (tapes and players), and MiniDisc (discs and players)?
Second, why would you continue to buy Sony products when your donkey tripped
on Sony's inability to produce a reliable console?
> Sega Rally 2 was the first arcade racer for Dreamcast. Let me ask
you a simple question... What game would you rather pay $50 for and
play... Sega Rally 2 or Ridge Racer? (ticking sound)... Right, of course!
> As for hardware superiority -- every company seems to have a window of
time where their console can claim to be the most powerful you can buy.
This includes Nintendo, 3DO, Atari, and Sega too. So what, I bought
an Uberconsole to play great
games, not because I naively thought it would maintain the title "most
powerful console you can buy" forever and ever! Oh, please do spare
me your rhetoric!
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
It's
Sega's Time | 11.15.1999
> The videogame industry seems to work in cycles, a 3-4 year cycle.
I think Sony's in for a rude awakening with psx 2. Nintendo had there
moment [NES] than Sega did[Genesis] and of course, Sony. Other things
to consider, is psx 2 development cost. I hear alot of developers
are pissin there pants about that one. Also, lets face it, the Dreamcast
is here now and it is just incredible. Lets also not forget, future systems
are just not going to get that much better by today's TV standards.[unless
of course you have the right computer monitor, but the majority of gamers
use the TV.] We are in a new cycle, its Sega's turn again.
-David
Tronco
> A lot of people predicted that Sega's future looks a lot like it did
when the Master System was succeeded by the Genesis (including me)!
Anyway, with the Uberconsole's initial sales success and such a high volume
of games in development, I'd say things are looking just great.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
What's
Importable? | 11.15.1999
> I'm new at all this Saturn stuff, but I'm getting one. What does
"importable" mean on you review section? Why does it have a % rating,
and some are better than others?
Thanks,
-John
> The "importable" rating is a number to signify how easy it is to play
for non-Japanese reading gameplayers like me. A 100% equals completely
playable... A 65% equals passable... Anything lower than 60%
is increasingly difficult to play!
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Import
Consoles | 11.14.1999
> I just acquired a Dreamcast system. All of the manuals are in Japanese.
Can I play U.S. games on this machine? Will I need an adapter of some type?
It won't recognize a U.S. game right now. Thanks for some advice.
-Lost
in Seattle
> Out of the box, your Japanese Dreamcast can only play Japanese games.
At this time, I do not know of any converter available for purchase which
would allow you to play anything other than Japanese games. However,
many sites claim to have one coming soon.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Wrong
Sega Trivia? | 11.13.1999
> In your "trivia" area in the games section, two questions I noticed were,
to the best of my knowledge, wrong. The question was "Who had the first
CD based console?" Hmm... i'm thinking that was the 3DO. I was pretty sure
it came out before the Sega CD by at least a few months. And the other
: who had the first 32 bit console? Once again, I'm pretty sure its the
3DO system. If this is wrong, just email be back, and if you have them,
I'd be interested in the release dates if I am wrong. :-)
-CodeKeeper
> Remember, "of these companies" means Sega, Nintendo and Sony.
> The question was: "Which of these companies offered the first
CD-based console?" Answer: Sega -- the Turbo CD came out first
overall, but the Sega CD came out long before the PSX and even the 3DO.
Nintendo has yet to release a CD-based console.
> The question was: "Which of these companies offered the first
32-bit console?" Answer: Sega -- the Phillips CD-i came out first
overall, but the 32X came out before the PSX. Nintendo's Virtual
Boy came out after the 32X. Try the Sega
Trivia again...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Many
Saturn Games? | 10.30.1999
> Hi guys I love your reviews! Anyways, I noticed that you review a lot
of import Saturn games. Where do you buy them? Please don't tell me Game
Cave their prices are ridiculous.
Thanx,
-Brian
D.
> That's simple... Our Sponsors, especially
Flashback, have a nice selection of import Saturn games. However,
inventories are shrinking due to the fact that many Saturn games are out
of production.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Affordable
Game Gear | 10.24.1999
Hi
there !!
> I recently bought a used game gear from a buddy of mine. Its a cool system,
but cool games at reasonable prices seem to be a challenge to come by.
I had heard rumors floating around that another company had bought the
rights to produce the game gear, and it's respective games, at a low price
for the upcoming holiday season. Is there any truth behind this?? I would
really appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks,
-jeditmt
> Majesco is supposed to release the Game Gear II in time for the 1999
Holiday Season at an affordable price of $29. They are also going
to re-release some games at around $15. It would be nice if they
did the same for the Saturn (as it has been rumored).
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Long
Live the Saturn | 10.24.1999
> What is the reason exactly the production of Saturn games was Halted
in America? Will they do the same to the Dreamcast if sony decides to produce
a system of the Dreamcast's power as well? Where can I buy a
replacement
lithium battery for my Saturn?
-adam
jackson
> The reason: people were not buying enough consoles and games to support
its promotion any longer. Will it happen to Dreamcast? Yes...
eventually the Dreamcast will be replaced by something better from Sega.
However, since my crystal ball isn't that powerful, I can't tell you exactly
when that will be. Finally, any store that carries batteries should
have the proper size you need.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Shining
Force Full Edition | 10.24.1999
> Did Sega ever release all three SF scenario's for sale in one package.
If they did, do you kow where I could find it. I also have a question
that is not SF related. It is a very old question but I have never
recieved an answer. Do you know why Sega never released a true 3-d
sonic title other than Sonic R for the Saturn. I would really appreciate
any information you could give me on any of these topics.
Thanks,
-Kit
Smith
> No. The last time I checked, Sonic R was 3D. As for Sonic
Adventure for Dreamcast... It was originally a Saturn game which
was moved to the Uberconsole because
of Yuji Naka's desire to make the best possible action/adventure you can
buy in the time frame it took to produce this most awesome title.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Shining
Force Translation | 10.24.1999
Hello,
> I saw the latest mailbag on the Shining Force collection, and just wanted
to say, that there is a translation of Shining Force III in progress!
I, Commodore Zog, am currently working on getting information on the project
"out there," as a lot of people who don't know about the project probably
would like to. My email is: <commodorezog@yahoo.com>. Pasty, the
project leader, can be reached at: <pasty30@hotmail.com>. Just
thought you might like to know about this! Also, great site! I visit
every day! Sorry if this looks like a shameless advertisment :)
The site: The Republic
of Aspinia
-Commodore
Zog
> No problem. I'm pleased to help get the word out to Sega
Fans everywhere. Let's hope Sega releases a compilation for Dreamcast
in America -- I'd gladly play through all three again and again...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
RPG Stuff! |
10.17.1999
> Do you think it's possible that Shining Force 3 will ever show up as
part of a 'classics' collection on the Dreamcast? I know they did that
for the Saturn by releasing a Phantasy Star Collection. It really feels
incomplete
not
knowing how the decisions made in the first disc turned. Yeah, I know the
other two parts can be imported but I don't know enough Japanese to know
what's going on.
> That being said, I didn't think Final Fantasy 7 was all that it was cracked
up to be (hopefully I'm not the only one). Sure it took three discs but
the longer I played it the less and less I cared about what was going and
I
couldn't
identify with any of the characters. What it came down was a FMV galore,
gee, how fun. If I wanted to watch movies, I'd either go out and rent one
or see it in the theater. I do believe I have a right to expect to play
a game. As far as I'm concerned FF 3 was the best of the series (I won't
bother with FF 8).
> Panzer Dragoon Saga had a much more involving story line than FF 7. I
kept playing, thinking to myself what'll happen next? And Shining Force
caused me to care more about the characters than FF 7 ever did. Especially
when I was sitting there thinking of strategy to keep everyone alive to
gain experience. But the best RPG in my book will be the first one I ever
bought for a console system: Phantasy Star 1 (hey I still own, don't know
if it works though).
-usagiyojimbo
> I sure would love to see an American release of the complete Shining
Force III trio on Dreamcast! As for importing the other parts, they're
quite playable sans the ability to know the story line. It's definitely
worth the effort -- trust me.
> I played the superior PC version of FFVII and had similar thoughts.
However, there's no doubt the title has merit
-- plenty of it. It does prove one thing though... FMV games
can be fun.
> You don't have to convince me that Shining Force III and Panzer Dragoon
Saga are the best 32-bit RPGs. I really hope Sega can reproduce the
magic for the Dreamcast in the form of sequels! In my mind, Sega
has truly been the overall leader in RPG quality over the years.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Great Job! |
08.15.1999
Hey
Shinobi,
> I just wanted to thank you for maintaining such a great site. I'm
still a die-hard Sega Saturn Fan, and you being the only one to post a
review on Street Fighter Zero 3 shows that you're just as much of a Saturn
fan (if not more) than me!
> Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks. Take care buddy...
-Marcel
> You're quite welcome. Even though it's cool to label the Saturn "dead",
that will never stop me from enjoying the best console I've ever owned...
Well, probably at least until I get 250+ Dreamcast games to thoroughly
enjoy...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email(comprehensible
English only)
Dreamcast DVD?
| 08.15.1999
> Hey, how's it going today? i need some help. some rumors are flying around
work w/ some of the guys that the dreamcast will be able to play DVD movies.
i say that it can't, going by what the timedigital website says. let me
know so that i can prove it to those idiots. thanks for any info!!!
-DubZombie
> It can NOT do it out of the box. However, Sega has said that the Dreamcast
will have a DVD drive "when the time is right". Whether or not movie
watching will be included in that (because of licensing fees) is still
unknown. Check the Dreamcast Expandability
article for more info...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Which SFZ3? |
08.15.1999
> After reading reviews of the Saturn and Dreamcast versions of SFA3/SFZ3,
I have had difficulty deciding which version I should buy. Hence,
I'm asking for your help on which version of the game I should buy.
The Saturn version has a better controller to use, but the Dreamcast version
has Internet "capability" and Jump Pack compatibility. I'm leaning
toward the Dreamcast version with the hope of using the Interact 8 button
controller, but I fear it won't be as good to use as the Saturn version.
I would appreciate anything you could tell me.
Thanks
a lot!!
-King
Wong
> Well, if I had to choose one, then it would certainly be the Dreamcast
version because I'm certain a better Street Fighter controller will arrive
within 60 days...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Why Uberconsole?
| 08.15.1999
> Why do they call Dreamcast the Uberconsole?
-Crazy2500
> Well, the short answer is, "you'll know first hand in less than a month".
For a complete answer, go to the Shin Force Dictionary
-- just look up the word "Uberconsole"...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
|
