Sega
On Track? | 12.13.2000 | Index
> It's me again. I'd like to give SoA yes SoA props for finally doing things
right. It all began when I bought NBA 2K1. THe manual was in color and
I was shocked. It took them long enough but as the saying goes it's better
later than never. The next thing came with the annoucement of the
Smash Pack which basically means that Sega has the best retro pack coming
out bar none. I just don't want to buy another DC to get it though. The
3rd thing was the yesterday announcement of all those bundles and 9.99
games. I have yet to Jet Grind but SoA go me sold now that I can get Crazy
Taxi, Space Channel 5 and JGR for 60 bucks. I already own CT so I can give
that away. And this reminds me SoA almost never get;s much praise for their
holiday givings. I remember when Christmas NiGHTS came out. GAme Informer
would'nt be specific on how to get it. And who could forget the 3 pak with
the Saturn. That's how I got mine 150.00 3 game that was a steal. Anything
that steals Sony's thunder has got to be good. Still ain't got a PS2 and
I don't care. Speaking of the PS2 it's going to be interesting to see how
Sony respond with the itroduction of the X-Box. I didn't mention the Gamecube
as Nintendo already has a good 1st party. Most of these gaming think that
the Dc will be the 1st system to fold I personally don't think so simply
because neither Sony nor Microsoft has a solid 1st party developer. As
a result the one with the most money will prevail. And since the PS2 is
such a bitch to program for Oddworld is an X-Box game now. During some
IGN debate in 97 someone from Saturnworld or the Nintendo site said that
it would only be a matter of time before someone would start to wave money
in some of Sony's top developers face (i.e. Square and to an extent Konami.)
HA! Take that Sony!
Long
live Say-Gah!
-C.
Wells
> I'm glad somebody thinks Sega did something right! As for first
party support... NextGen seems to think that Sony's first party support
is very strong and their hardware is infallible. Couple that with
Sony's never ending supply of "third party support", and NextGen has essentially
preordained PSX2 the default winner of the next generation.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Worried
DC Owner | 12.13.2000 | Index
> any hope for dreamcast, honestly?? with sony buying out all good third
party games and having become the
biggest
in the industry they can smash what little opposition sega represents.
your comments please for i believe the dc's demise is near. ps2 is selling
10 to 1 against dc in spite of the higher price.
-I.
Sahebali
> No... There is no hope for DC because Game Informer has already hinted
that the game is over. It's very astute of you to notice that Sony
gets "all the good third party games", and is "the biggest in the industry".
I think Grandia II is weak, and Microsoft will file Chapter 13 too.
Even your notion that PSX2 is selling 10 to 1 over Dreamcast is an amazing
fortune. If we do the math, then Sony will ship and sell over 10
million PSX2's this Holiday Season! Should we call your comments
the "algore theorem"??? ;)
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
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Saturn
Query | 12.12.2000 | Index
> I just bought a japanese saturn. On the back it says AC 100V.
WIll it work properly on 110 V power? Or do I have to buy a transformer
or something? Thanks.
-Hector
R.
> It should work fine. I know people using Jap Saturns and Dreamcasts
(including myself) in America without problems whatsoever. Nothing
is guaranteed though...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Sega,
Wake Up Again! | 09.16.2000 | Index
> The untimely death of the Saturn wasn't the only reason Grandia wasn't
released. The game is well over 70 hours long and SoA just wasn't going
to put fourth the effort to do translate it. You see how Shining Force
only had scenario 1 released in the states. So there some laziness involved.
And SoA was also dumb in not bringing the 4 megabyte ram cart out. This
would've driven the price up to about 69.99 roughly the cost of an N64
game at the same time. And despite the fact that people complained about
prices Nintendo still managed to sell a lot of those 69.99 games. It would've
been a great marketing blitz against Sony and PSx inferior Vs. games.
-Chris
Wells
> Man, you're beginning to whine. Your notion
of Sega's "laziness" is purely subjective and completely illogical.
By the end of 1997 (when Shining Force III ~Scenario 1~ was first released
in Japan), the American Saturn market was in a downward spiral.
Sega, already in the red, had to make tough decisions on
what games would be localized for America in 1998. They decided on
Panzer Dragoon Saga, House of the Dead, Winter Heat, Burning Rangers, and
Shining Force III ~Scenario 1~. In case you forgot, all those
games were released here in limited numbers (probably at an additional
financial loss to Sega). In my estimation, those five games,
plus the ever-worked-on (...echo...) Magic Knight Rayearth, combined to
make 1998 one of the most memorable American Saturn years (if not
a great curtain-call for the American Saturn). BTW, Japan's last
year for Saturn was no where near as good as America's.
> As for the 4 MB RAM cartridge,
Capcom was the one that chickened out on its American debut -- and
I don't blame them for it. Let's face it, add-ons aren't popular
in America (much to my dismay), so Capcom took the safe route. I
think there are too many complaining nay-sayers out there and not
enough informed, hardcore buyers
(otherwise known as level 4 Gamers).
Even GameFan said if you want to continue to see first and third
party localized games like Virtual
On Oratorio Tangram, then you're going to have to support them
-- in other words, put your money where your mouth is! Finally, it
wouldn't have made much sense for Sega and Capcom to collaborate
and release a Saturn console packaged with the 4 MB RAM cartridge (a la
N64) while the American Saturn market was in free-fall...
> The bottom line is simple. Get over the fact that everything
you
wanted Sega to do, did not happen -- we're talking history,
which you can not change. Right now, if Sega's not releasing something
for the Uberconsole that you want,
then start complaining directly to them (and/or participate
in a petition that you agree with). Otherwise, if they are releasing
what you want, then show your retail support, or forever hold your
tongue...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
WWF
Sponsors | 09.09.2000 | Index
> hi shinobi
I
want to ask you these things because they are not helping dreamcast. ok
the first thing is when i talk to my friends about dreamcast they don't
even no what it is so i tell them that it's sega's new computer what i
am trying to say is why does sega not sponsor wwf paper views that is the
best way because it will be sega and wwf team and this will attract lots
of people for instance rock and undertaker have dreamcast ( i hate the
rock hes boring) undertaker is cool. when dreamcast came out i saw that
it was going to sponsor wwf ppv but it did not happen why thats what i
want to no.
thank
you please reply and tell if they are going to sponsor
sega
rules!!!!!!!
-tariq
soofi
> I agree that sponsorship of WWF pay-per-view shows would help Sega.
I guess Sega's sponsorship of the MTV awards is fruitless?! Anyway,
I don't know what your friends have been smoking lately, but it's safe
to assume they're not very informed if they have no idea what "Dreamcast"
is. In summation, I'm not in charge of Sega PR, but I like Sega's
decision to continue sponsorship of the MTV awards...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Sega,
Wake Up! | 09.09.2000 | Index
> I just got through reading reading the petitions regarding Advanced D.
How many petitions can Sega fans think of. But seriously have you ever
noticed how there are so few petions regarding Sony and the PS? I know
there was a petion to bring Grandia for the Saturn and there sure as hell
wasn't one for the PS but they got it and we didn't. I'm tired of seeing
petition after petition go to Sega. As you know Sony is what 20X bigger
than Sega and they do a better job at listening to gamers than Sega does.
Then again who doesn't. UBI Soft seems to know what we want. They were
very smart in snatching Grandia 2. Will SoA ever get with the program?
-Chris
Wells
> Hold on a second -- let me wipe the tears... The notion that Sega
is the only company that gets, and/or needs petitions to localize games
only proves one thing to me. Many Sega
Fans are hardcore. Let's
get one thing straight -- Grandia was designed by Game Arts as a Saturn
game from the ground up. The only reason Grandia never made it to
America is the untimely demise of the Saturn market here.
> I'm convinced that Sega will never be as smart, large, effective, business-minded,
popular and savvy as Sony (or any other console producing company) to a
large segment of the gaming community. This will be true even though
Sega has a history of localizing quality Japanese titles like Herzog Zwei
(Genesis), Gunstar Heroes (Genesis), Silpheed
(Sega CD), Cobra Command (Sega CD), Enemy Zero (Saturn) and GunGriffon
(Saturn). Therefore, my guess is that "Sega will NEVER
get with the program"...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Blazing
Heroes | 07.23.2000 | Index
> You are aboslutely right about Blazing Heroes. I have been trying
to find the name to this game for about 2 years and havent been able to
find it. You are the (one) person(s) who made it possible for me
to find it. I love this game. It is definitely THE BEST game
for the Sega Saturn. At first I thought it was a bad idea letting
my dad talk me into buying a Sega Saturn, until I rented this game. Now
I am going to buy it and be able to play it. YES!!!
-dratini13
PS:
Thanx for reviewing this game, it really made my day, I needed the name
to this game, I just positively NEEDED IT!!!
> I agree, naturally, that Blazing
Heroes/Mystaria is an excellent game. I wouldn't go as far as
"best on Saturn" -- that probably belongs to Shining
Force III...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Sega
Bashing? | 07.23.2000 | Index
> Magazines that bash Sega can be compared to a nearsighted hunter mistaking
a leopard for his hunting dog. These idiots who give limited coverage
of Sega don't see that Sega never resorted to hyped up advertising and
monopolizing third-parties to gain a foothold in the video game community.
Sega simply gave the people what they want: GREAT GAMES!!! When the
Nes came out, everybody was in a hurried frenzy to buy one. "Nintendo!!??
Don't they make Donkey Kong!! Why would anyone get exited watching
a gay-ass plumber jump over barrels and put out fires with mallets to
rescue some skinny ass female with a bestiality fixation?"
> When The SMS came out, I thought of Zaxxon, Space Harrier and Subroc,
and I naturally assumed Sega was better. I was right, but the same people
that bash Sega are the same overweight people who listened to everybody's
opinions and purchased a Nintendo. These Sega bashing editors who
run these high profile magazines, probably sit around the house all day,
fantasizing about a sick-ass Misty and Jesse three-way Pokemon fantasy,
and blame Sega why their Playstation controllers are greasy. These
people suck, Sega has been making great games for years now! Sega haters
are losers, they blame not getting the Mustang for their high school graduation
for their present obesity. Sega gave the people what they wanted
and the people are trying to crucify Sega.
> Sega fans are a special breed. Why? Because we don't listen
to anybody else but ourselves, we make up our own minds. Remember
being the only kid on your block to own a Sega Master System? Everybody
teased you for getting one? And when you let them play Black-Belt
at your house you were trying to think up ways to get them to leave!!!!
That's the point I'm trying to make. Don't worry about the PSX2,
it sucks, Sega has a foothold on the 128-bit populace now. The reason
anybody brought a Sega system was because Sega made the best (and still
does!) arcade games. And now Sega has given us a home based
system that can easily duplicate whatever Sega puts in the arcade!!!
> One last message to all those Sega-bashing, sh*t-eaters.com patronizing,
jabronis who think Sega will lose out to Playstation2: Just Bring
it.
-BlkTiger
P.S.
Westside.
> I have found, through experience, that most people who diss Sega usually
know
little to nothing about them. They just regurgitate the mainstream
drivel
like mindless robots. Many would instantly change their minds if
they would simply allow themselves 30 minutes alone with some top
rated software for any Sega console (without peer pressure to produce fanboy
responses). Afterwards, the mantra they were force fed would surely
dissipate.
> As for the magazine editors who do this (DFPs),
they're just showing their bias.
It's really a shame that there are only a few places to get a hardcore
gamer's view of the videogame market. We live in the real world though.
Therefore, we must continue to comp
for the source whenever necessary...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
A
Disturbing Trend for Dreamcast? | 07.22.2000 | Index
> Have you noticed that some developers are releasing games on dreamcast
only to release improved versions on psx2. The one game that bothers me
inparticular is dead or alive 2. If I'm not mistaken sega paid to have
this game as an exclusive in north america. Anyway to get around this deal
tecmo is releasing a dead or alive hardcore version.This game will more
levels , secrets etc.. Shouldn't sega be taking a more proactive approach
to ensure that they recieve improved versions of their top third
party games. It's not just tecmo either; Jaleco is releasing an improved
version of carrier for psx2. Jaleco claims that their going make this game
what the dreamcast version should have been. If you played carrier I'm
sure you got the feeling that it was a rushed job. I'm seeing a disturbing
trend here; if this continues many of sega's third party games will not
be an incentive to buy a dreamcast. I could understand if these games were
being improved graphically but it seems as if publishers are giving dreamcast
incomplete games and saving the full games for psx2.
-nic-hse
PS:
I read somewhere on the net (segax I think) that namco was not pleased
with the sales of soul calibur on deamcast. And the namco representative
went on to say that dreamcast would not be the platform of choice for soul
calibur 2. I thought soul calibur a million copies. Anyway again I'm noticing
a disturbing trend here. Your thoughts.
> You raise a lot of issues. First, the fact that Dead
or Alive 2 is exclusive in America (for Dreamcast) and Japan (for PSX2)
is no coincidence. Both Sega and Sony made deals with Tecmo
to that end. At least we got the localized version exclusively
and first. Also, Tecmo is releasing a Japanese version for Dreamcast
with all the PSX2 additions and then some. As for DOA2 Hardcore --
there's no word on a Dreamcast version yet.
> Now, you say PSX2 will get an enhanced version of Jaleco's Carrier.
All I can is, "I certainly hope so"... If they claim the PSX2 version
will be what the Dreamcast version should have been, that just confirms
their inability (or unwillingness) to be a worthy third party developer.
> I, for one, am not worried about cross platform "third party support".
It's only natural and logical for companies to do this. If you bought
an Uberconsole mainly because of "third party support", then you're probably
never
going to be satisfied. The main reason to own ANY Sega console
has always been FIRST PARTY SUPPORT. Think of Phantasy Star, Shining
Force, Shinobi, Sonic, World
Series Baseball, Shenmue, etc... The same goes for any Nintendo console.
As for Sony, you're basically at the mercy of "third party support".
That's fine with me -- based on history (and current trends), I would take
first party support over third party support any day. Now, third
party support is very important, especially for the casual gamer.
Hopefully, with the continued success (at least in America and Europe)
of Dreamcast, third party support will continue and improve.
The bottom line is simple: If a third party company releases a shabby Dreamcast
game, then it's because they're inept, lazy, Sony-Lovers, or a combination
of those...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Game
Review | 07.22.2000 | Index
> Hats off to your review of "Aerodancing F" for Dreamcast. After reading
the lame review at dc.ign.com, it was nice to see that there are intelligent
people such as yourself who appreciate the detail,realism & authenticity
that the Aero Dancing/Aerowings series brings. I really enjoy the realistic
flight physics that the series offers, as well as the excellent replay
value. Free flight mode is a favorite of mine. And I will definitely
buy the upcoming (Americanized) "Aerowings 2:Air Strike" also. I
really enjoy your website, keep up the good work!
-J.
Lane
> When you read my reviews of flight games you should know one thing...
I am a seasoned flight sim buyer and player. I had the first
Microsoft Flight Simulator for PC back in the early 80s. Aero
Dancing F is the sweetest dog fighting game I've ever played -- and
I've played a lot. I too laugh when reading inept reviews
around the net. No doubt, Aero Dancing F's control is mint, graphics
are sweet, training is fun, dog fighting is realistic, and free flight
is awesome!!! Thanks for the complements and support!
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Interesting
Read | 07.04.2000 | Index
> Hey Shinobi, and anyone else at Shin-Force who may be reading this. I
just wanted to direct your attention to dreamcast.ign.com, where an interesting
editorial actually praises the Dreamcast!! And talks about other
media that trashes Sega, and asks why the gaming community can't forgive
them for their "blunder" with the Saturn (although I was playing NIghts
yesterday and Burning Rangers today, and I didn't notice anything wrong
with mine :-)
Anyway,
I just thought you might be interested. As I always say, I love your
site.
-David
Funke
> Yeah... I have well over 500 Sega games for Sega consoles that I see
nothing wrong with either....
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Sega
Bashing?! | 07.04.2000 | Index
> I totally agree on with you on the subject that the media is quick to
say and make a big deal about little delays with Sega. When the N64
was delayed two or three times did they report anything? No! Apparently
a game thats delayed from Sega is bigger talk rather than a whole system
from a company. How I see it is that Sega's the underdog of the Gaming
Industry and I think people are afraid of what they can really do. Sega
has giving us high quality gaming right from the start. Seriously, think
about! Where would the fighting genre be without Sega? Virtual Fighter
didn't get into the Smithsonian for nothing! What other game company can
say that?! No one! I for one think that with out Sega's originality, gaming
as we know it would probably be back in the darkages....
faithful
segafan
P.S.
Site kicks @ss! Wouldn't it be sweeet to see Shining Force 4 for
Dreamcast!
> Recently, the media has been kinda quiet... I suspect that will
change once the PSX2 hits America though. Also, if it wasn't for
Sega, we'd be playing third party support dance games from Konami plus
pachinko and mahjong games up the wazoo!
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Keep
It Up | 02.17.2000 | Index
> I don't know whos doing the e-mailbag now but I do know you the leader
of the pack(or so it seems) and Shin Force. I'd like to congratulate
you on keeping up such a good site without getting complicated like many
others out there. I would also like to say that everyone else has
done well and that I've been visiting your site since you were the low
graphic Sega Force. And even when this site had low graphics,
it rocked on and kept me in spirit to want to play those Sega games I always
loved. But the main quality I like is that you keep everything up
like a TRUE sega fanatic. If I say something about Genesis/CD/Master
System or whatever I know you'll at least know a little or have the game
in your possession. You guys rock and put Sony to shame with the
Famous Crack Bandicootch comics you have(don't worry, I knows its really
bandifaggot but mine sounds better :). I will always visit your site
and I hope you never go down. And like you always say Shinobi, Happy
Gaming!
The
Biggest Shin/Sega Force Fan
-Captain
Blue
> Thanks for the complements. I keep the low graphics approach simply
to hasten the load times -- I hate waiting for web sites to load!
As a result, most Sega/Shin Force pages can be loaded within seconds.
> As for knowing about Sega. There's a lot to know and I don't know
it all. However, I think owning all of Sega's consoles and over 600
games that play on them qualifies me to speak about them. BTW, the
main reason for the Crack Bandifaggot
section is to get a good laugh. It's fashionable to make jokes about
Sega, but some people find it quite humorous to poke fun at other companies
-- while others find it offensive.
See you in the message forum...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
EA
Square | 01.24.2000 | Index
> Personally the last madden game that I like play was 89. Since
then the madden games just suck!!! EA cannot match what was done
on NFL 2K. I invited five of my friends over to play NFL2k and within
the same
week
all of them brought a dreamcast. I remember when Madden had that
magic touch. Playing it fun amd
exciting
but it hasn't been that way since the Gensis days. Final Fantasy
VII was hype up! The graphics were great but was the gameplay that revolutionary?
Phantasy Star now that was an experience. Every game within the series
had something new and revolutionary. EA Square jumps on the dreamcast bandwagon
great but if they don't I would not care.
-Paul
V.
> After the first few Maddens for Genesis the gig was over for me.
By the way, did you know that NFL 2K was programmed by the same people
that did the original Madden games on Genesis? One thing is for sure
though... The name EA Square sells games and consoles so having them
as a third party publisher for Sega would be great. Also, it's been
(supposedly) officially announced that Square will publish EA titles in
Japan for Dreamcast. If this is true then maybe EA will publish Square
and their own titles in America.
> On a side note -- EA emphatically sung the woes of programming on the
Saturn (that's fine). However, I don't hear them bitching about the
N64 and PSX2, both of which are reportedly a monster to program for.
Think about that for a minute...
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
Third
Party Support | 01.10.2000 | Index
> i have a few questons concerning your sega's third party company's. i've
heard and read rumors that the company's that i will list below are currently
making games for the dreamcast,hopefully you can shed some light on the
situation. lucas arts , squaresoft (which at one point you listed) ,ea
sports, enix,and working designs makers of lunar and last of all what is
up with namco are they still making games for the dreamcast ? it seems
that alot of company's wait untill there games are about 70% done before
they are announced . even though those companys above were never announced
as third party company's (except namco) well hopefully you can help, it
would be mostly appreciated.
-angelo
> Lucas Arts has announced they're developing something (I believe), but
I haven't seen pictures or dates. Anyway, an Episode I: Racer game
is scheduled for Naomi so a DC port would be natural. I think Sega
is working
with Lucas Arts on that
game.
> Squaresoft at one time was supposedly going to do it. However,
this was a rumor which was mangled by others, then me. Anyway, as
it turns out a lead programmer from Square quit and joined Sega to work
on Eternal Arcadia. Apparently, this game will have heavy Square
influence as a result.
> EA still has not announced anything, although rumors are rampant.
From what I've heard, they have a personal problem with Sega. My
guess is they want to do it, but they're waiting for Sega to bend over.
I think they can still remember how hard it was to program on the Saturn
(ooops!)... they may have that problem again with their current projects.
> Enix has made no announcements to my knowledge. No big deal since
they haven't had much to offer since SNES (in my opinion).
> Working Designs is supposedly open to rejoining Sega now that Bernie
is no longer with them. No official word yet, but don't expect them
to have any games ready for quite some time. Two reasons for this: 1) there
aren't that
many Jap RPGs waiting for
an American publisher 2) once they do get a title, it's going to take at
least a year for them to localize it. I guess the first likely game
for them to bring here would be Sega's next installment of the Iron Storm
series, which is due out in Japan soon. By the way, WD did not
make any Lunar game (Game Arts did)... they only localized them for
the American market!
> Namco has two projects in development for 2000 rlease. According
to reports, Time Crisis 2 is the first, and the second may be a Tekken
title, but they haven't confirmed it.
Good Gaming,
-Shinobi
What do you think? Email
(comprehensible English only)
