August 27, 1997

Capcom has announced that it will have four Saturn titles on display at the TGS in Japan next month. The four games are Street Fighter Collection, Dungeons & Dragons Collection, X-Men vs. Street Fighter (4MB RAM Cart) and Super Adventure Mega Man.

August 26, 1997

Electronic Arts today announced the release of Madden NFL 98 for the Sega Saturn. The John Madden Football series is the most successful interactive sports game in the world, selling more than nine million units in the history of the franchise across multiple platforms. According to market research firm The NPD Group, Madden NFL 97 was the number-one selling video game sold on the PlayStation and Sega Saturn in 1996. Madden NFL 98 is well positioned to claim the gridiron video game championship ring again this year.

Adding his support for Electronic Arts' football leadership is All-Pro running back Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions who said, "I provided a lot of input to the Madden production team this year from the players' perspective. My tips concentrated on the running game, but other guys in the league also gave EA a lot of input about their specific positions and what they thought could be improved. Madden is the game we all play on the road and in the locker room, so we were thrilled when EA SPORTS asked us to help them with the game. The results are awesome. Madden NFL 98 is the best playing game out there this year."

Madden NFL 98 offers well over 100 past and present NFL teams. All 30 current NFL teams, 85 All-Time and Super Bowl teams, plus numerous secret teams provide a multitude of match-ups for historical football fans who like to relive the glory years of their favorite teams, or the more casual fan or newcomer who is interested in focusing on this year's season.

Video footage features John Madden in the broadcast booth doing color commentary, with his longtime broadcasting partner Pat Summerall providing play-by-play. Madden's commentary is so advanced that it will point out at halftime specific reasons why a team is succeeding or failing, based on the style of play that is being utilized.

Every detail of the real game has been authentically reproduced in Madden NFL 98. Superior 3-D graphics that deliver fully-rendered custom stadiums for all 30 teams, multiple camera angles, and instant replay with a full 360-degree view all contribute to Madden NFL 98's realism. Working with professional athletes, EA SPORTS has again exploited the use of advanced motion capture technology to reproduce the exact movements of NFL players so that they run, jump, pass, tackle and celebrate the same way in the video game as they do in real life.

Madden NFL 98 pushes interactive sports game technology to a new level. A key area of focus this year was devoted to the game's artificial intelligence (AI), which is the manner in which the computer reacts as the game is played. Pioneered by EA SPORTS, Madden NFL 98 is the first video game to implement a concept called Liquid AI. Just as a liquid, such as water, flows when it hits a surface to fill open space and gaps, Liquid AI enables the video football players in Madden NFL 98 to dynamically flow and move to the correct positions on the field in order to make a play.

Other football games will give a player a pre-set responsibility for a play. In Madden NFL 98, however, a player will read a play as it develops, check what other players on his team and the opposing team are doing, and will react and change his assignment if necessary. The game reacts exactly as a human would.

"Madden NFL 98 plays smart. You've really got to pay attention to what you're doing to beat the game," said John Madden, Emmy Award winning broadcaster and former Super Bowl winning coach. "If you don't play smart like players do in the real game, you'll get run over by the computer. Then you'll wake up the next morning with a headache saying, 'What hit me? I was just playing a video game and now I can't get out of bed!'"

In an effort to increase the level of fun for both expert and novice game players, Madden NFL 98 features Touch Passing giving the user the highest level of control for the passing game. Touch Passing enables the game player to make different types of passes, based on the situation and defense, that will have the highest chance of success. Depending on how hard the controller paddle pass button is hit, users can loft the ball over a defensive back and hit a receiver on a fade rout in the corner of the end zone.

It is now also possible to zip a bullet pass between two defenders and hit a receiver in stride. In addition to the pure fun factor of touch passing, it also rewards those hard-core game players who can read a defense and execute the right pass in a given situation.

Since competition is such a major component of the interactive sports gaming lifestyle, Madden NFL 98 has multiplayer capabilities that allow up to eight players to go head-to-head simultaneously. Hundreds of plays are included to reflect the NFL's sophisticated offensive and defense playcalling. A full host of adjustable penalties are included in the game so that infractions such as holding, pass interference and unnecessary roughness can be called frequently or sporadically, depending on the personal preference of those playing the game.

Madden NFL 98 also has the option of letting participants take on the role of a general manager and trade players while working under a salary cap. With the "create a player" feature, custom players can be created for any position. The dynamic Pro Bowl mode selects players based upon their performance during the season. Those players who excel are picked to play in the Pro Bowl, in a fully-rendered reproduction of Aloha Stadium in Hawaii.

SegaSoft announced an agreement with MCI to include internetMCI service with HEAT.NET, SegaSoft's new Internet Game Network. The HEAT network is currently in beta test and already has over 50,000 registered users. SegaSoft will bundle the internetMCI software with all HEAT CDs, including 'The HEAT Multi-Player Internet Game Network Start-Up Kit' sold at retail. The Start-up Kit will be available in traditional software outlets by the end of September when the network launches commercially.

HEAT.NET customers who sign up for internetMCI service will get their first invoice month free and pay a promotional rate of $18.95 per month thereafter. HEAT players who use internetMCI as their launching pad will enjoy easy local dial-up and high-speed performance in their favorite Multi-player games, thanks to MCI's Internet network -- one of the world's largest and fastest Internet backbones.

"Leading the online gaming community's migration off the commercial networks and onto the Net, it's only logical that SegaSoft would include an ISP connection with our HEAT software," said Gary Griffiths, SegaSoft president and CEO. "MCI's powerful Internet backbone and trusted brand name makes it an ideal partner for this venture. We fully expect others in the industry to follow our lead."

"HEAT is about delivering the best gameplay available at the fastest speed the Internet will allow," said Ken Caldwell, vice president, MCI Business Sales and Service, Pacific Region. "Customers who use internetMCI to access HEAT are going to get the lowest latency possible over the Internet."

When 'The HEAT Multi-Player Internet Game Network Start-up Kit' launches at retail, it will include everything needed to get started playing against live competition on the Internet including: six months of HEAT Premium membership; internetMCI service with the first invoice month free and a promotional rate of $18.95 per month thereafter; three full HEAT exclusive games including DeathDrome, Net Fighter and Alien Race; demos of hit games from top publishers including Activision and GT Interactive; a music sampler from Virgin Records including music from David Bowie, The Sneaker Pimps, Cellophane and SilverJet; Norton Antivirus 2.0 trialware; and a limited edition t-shirt. The HEAT retail start-up kit will be available for $29.99.

August 25, 1997

SC&T International has completed development of the most innovative, realistic steering wheel controller for the Nintendo 64, Sony Playstation and Sega Saturn gaming platforms. Licensed under the Hot Wheels brand name, the Hot Wheels Ultimate Per4mer Racing Wheel has a specialized three-pronged connector that provides a "multi-platform" capability. Once plugged-in, the microchip inside the steering console automatically detects the platform and configures the wheel accordingly. Worldwide distribution of the Hot Wheels Ultimate Per4mer Racing Wheel will commence in October with a target street price of $69.95.

"As the gaming population grows older, a significant number of individuals have more than one gaming system. SC&T saw the growing need for one steering wheel controller that works with the major gaming platforms," remarks Jamie Copland, Founder, Chairman and CEO of SC&T International, Inc. Copland further stated that, "The Hot Wheels Ultimate Per4mer Racing Wheel allows retailers to limit their inventory without limiting their product offering."

Along with its multi-platform capability, the Hot Wheels Ultimate Per4mer Racing Wheel is loaded with user friendly features which include: 17 buttons and a D-pad in a standard controller layout, custom steering rotation, precision centering mechanism, LED indicator lights, rubber racing grips, multiple mounting options (suction discs/leg strap) and highly engineered quality components like performance ball-bearings. The Hot Wheels Ultimate Per4mer also has a steering output that will transmit readings every 1.1 degrees for the most accurate response available.

Electronic Arts announces the release of WarCraft II: The Dark Saga for the Sega Saturn). This new title combines fast-paced gameplay and user-friendly controls along with the distinctive characteristics and addictive entertainment found in both the highly successful PC CD-ROM title and expansion pack, WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness and WarCraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal, respectively.

As in the original PC title, WarCraft II: The Dark Saga is set in a medieval fantasy environment where noble humans and evil orc forces engage in a war over land, sea and air. Players have the option to command the forces of good or evil as they encounter monsters, sorcerers, and heroes.

Fighting on either side, players assume the role of a general and take on the characteristics of the designated race. The main objective is to defeat your opponent which can only be accomplished through clever, strategic planning and quick thinking. Success will depend on the player's ability to manage limited resources including tools, supplies, and food, while commanding his forces of soldiers, allies and workers.

Electronic Arts worked closely with Blizzard Entertainment, developer of the PC title, to capture familiar gameplay from the original title alongside newly added features for the console systems. For instance, players will find all the original maps and campaign missions combined with new features such as auto-upgrade and auto-build.

These features allow console users to automatically add more soldiers and identify certain buildings to upgrade; thus freeing the player from doing those tasks and allowing the gameplay to be action-oriented. Additionally, a highly intuitive interface helps players navigate through the game and focus on the action, thus enriching the console users' overall experience.

Developed by Climax Enterprises Ltd. and published by Electronic Arts, WarCraft II: The Dark Saga will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.95.

August 19, 1997

The game that has industry professionals frantically begging for a few more minutes of play -- and going to bed at 3 a.m. -- is about to send puzzle gamers everywhere into a frenzy: Lose Your Marbles debuts in stores today from SegaSoft.

Veteran gamers' response to Lose Your Marbles' manic action has proven the title is so addictive that SegaSoft is guaranteeing customer satisfaction, an industry first. SegaSoft is supporting its promise that Lose Your Marbles offers hours of habit-forming, shameless fun, with a money-back guarantee. Consumers can purchase Lose Your Marbles software at retail stores and, if they don't think it's better than Tetris (the soon-to-be former standard for addictive gameplay), they may return it to SegaSoft for a full refund.

The Sega Saturn port of Blizzard's widely popular PC game of the year, WarCraft II: The Dark Saga has shipped to stores, and should begin appearing nationwide tomorrow, August 20, 1997.

August 18, 1997

Sega Gameworks Monday said it has raised $76 million for its expanding chain of interactive entertainment venues. In a statement, the company said it raised the money through private placements of preferred stock to institutional and other "sophisticated" investors.

Sega Gameworks is a joint venture of Sega Enterprises Ltd, Seagram Co Ltd's Universal Studios Inc and another movie studio, DreamWorks SKG. The company plans to use the fresh capital to finance capital expenditures for opening new GameWorks, to fund ongoing operations and to meet working capital requirements. GameWorks offers the latest technology, video and arcade games in a unique club environment. It has locations in Seattle, Las Vegas and Ontario, Calif. Plans call for new locations in Tempe, Ariz., and Grapevine, Texas this year.

August 17, 1997

A reliable source has informed us that a Model 3 Daytona USA 2 is currently in development in Japan and should show up sometime in mid-1998. A videotape of the actual game footage has been shown behind closed doors in Japan and the game is said to look amazing. In fact, the detail is so high that you will be able to see the driver's face through the window.

August 16, 1997

About 24 titles were shown at Sega's Gamer's Day that the press have been able to talk about. From Sega, Duke Nukem 3D, Enemy Zero, Last Bronx, Lost World, Manx TT, NBA Action '98, NHL All-Stars '98, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Quake, Saturn Bomberman, Sega Touring Car Championship, Sonic R and Worldwide Soccer '98 were all on display. Sega also had some other top secret games that were shown, but the press had to sign NDA's, so they are not able to reveal these games right now.

There were also some third party games that were shown, and they were: Battlesport from Acclaim; Mass Destruction and Ten Pin Alley from ASC; Marvel Super Heroes, Mega Man X4 and Resident Evil from Capcom; Madden NFL '98 from EA Sports; Croc from Fox; Maximum Force from Midway; Courier Crisis from GT Interactive: and Sega Ages from Working Designs.

August 14, 1997

The European Commission informed Sega that its redrafted standard licensing agreements are now compatible with European Union competition law. Sega is a leading supplier of video game consoles and compatible games. In order to allow independent software companies to develop and publish games compatible with its console systems, Sega has set up a licensing scheme, granting independent software companies access to certain of its intellectual property rights. The Commission considers that Sega's new licensing agreements will allow much greater competition on the market for Sega compatible games, and that this will be to the immediate benefit of European consumers.

Following consultation with both the Commission's services and the United Kingdom (UK) Department of Trade and Industry's services, Sega decided to redraft its standard licensing agreements for all its console systems and undertook to provide the Commission with a report every six months about the way the licensing agreements will in practice be implemented. Under the new agreements, there are no limits on the number of games that a Sega licensee may release on the market, and prior quality approvals by Sega are no longer required, until and unless a Sega licensee elects to use a Sega trademark for a given game. Whereas the agreements provide that all Sega compatible games be technically tested before commercial release, the tests in question will be limited to bug checking, compatibility testing and ensuring compliance with programming conventions and will, at the licensees' option, be carried out by an independent tester. In addition, the agreements no longer contractually require that licensees' games

On the basis of the above amendments, the Commission takes the view that any possible infringement of EU competition law arising from Sega's Game Gear, Master System, Mega Drive, Mega CD and Saturn licensing agreements has been brought to an end. The Commission considers that Sega's new licensing agreements will allow much greater competition on the market for Sega compatible games, and that this will be to the immediate benefit of European consumers.

In the context of a case opened on its own initiative, the Commission sent a statement of objections to Sega on 15 May 1996, concerning its Game Gear, Master System, Mega Drive and Mega CD licensing agreements. After Sega had notified on 21 March 1996 its standard form of licensing agreement for its new 32 bit Sega Saturn System, the Commission on 4 July 1996 sent a supplementary statement of objections to Sega in which it expressed the view that Sega's Saturn licensing agreements were also anti-competitive.

Under its licensing agreements, Sega was in particular granted the right to approve any game developed by a licensee before commercial release, and the licensees were contractually obliged to have their games manufactured by Sega or an authorized manufacturer; Sega's Game Gear, Master System, Mega Drive and Mega CD licensing agreements also prohibited Sega's licensees from releasing more than a certain number of games each year. The Commission found that the agreements were restrictive of competition and had an appreciable effect on trade between Member States or Contracting Parties. Throughout the investigation, the Commission cooperated closely with the United Kingdom (UK) authorities, who were also looking into the matter following the publication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the supply of video games in the UK.

August 13, 1997

Electronics Boutique has received their shipment of the Net Link game bundles at their main distribution site. The games should start appearing in stores in about 1 to 5 days from today. Special thanks to The Echo for this information.

August 11, 1997

Terra Cresta 3D, Bakuretsu Hunter R and the Pro Action Replay PLUS were all released last week in Japan for the Sega Saturn. Terra Cresta 3D is a shooter and Bakuretsu Hunter R is an anime RPG. And the Pro Action Replay PLUS is a game cheat system that also acts as a 4MB memory cartridge, US-JPN-PAL game adapter and acts as a substitute for the Sega RAM cart. This looks like it could be the product to get for US Saturn owners who want to play imports but don't want to mod or have their system modified Thanks to Michael for the information on the Pro Action Replay PLUS.

August 7, 1997

Capcom's Marvel Super Heroes and NCA/Masaya's Langrisser IV have both been released in Japan are currently available for import in the US. Marvel Super Heroes is a 2D fighting game that works with or without the 2 meg RAM cart. And Langrisser IV is a strategy-rpg and is the second Langrisser game to be released for the Sega Saturn in Japan.

August 5, 1997

Sega of America made video game history today announcing the release of the first next-generation console games to allow online play. "Sega Rally Championship" and "Virtual On" for Sega Saturn Net Link will be available starting August 5. Sega of America is the only company to offer an Internet-ready video game peripheral that allows users to play video games head-to-head online.

These first two games and the upgraded Internet browser will be bundled free with the Sega Saturn Net Link peripheral and the Sega Saturn Solution Pack at retail. The games and browser will also be available bundled together as a combined three-pack at Electronics Boutique and via Sega's 1-800-329-SEGA number for $24.99.

"Net Link titles give Sega Saturn users a new way to enjoy our fast-action arcade-style games with their friends, whether they are next door or across the country," said Bernard Stolar, chief operating officer, Sega of America. "We've just taken in-home arcade gaming to the next level."

Net Link games boast fast frame rates (same as the stand alone versions), low latency (approximately 50 milliseconds) and high-speed full-screen action. Sega Saturn Net Link also offers players customized online World Wide Web-based game lobbies to assist with player matching, including a detailed user database called the Guest Book. Net Link-enabled titles allow players to taunt their opponents before and after gameplay using alias personas and code names which are displayed when an online game connection is established.

"Sega Rally Championship," the polygon-based 3D arcade smash hit, offers a two-player full screen racing challenge. Featuring four different courses, three hot cars and varied track surfaces, Sega Saturn Net Link players will feel the speed as their cars become airborne or fishtail in the loose gravel in this off-road racing game.

"Virtual On," the high-speed 3D robot fighting game, allows two players to run, fly and shoot heavy artillery or battle hand-to-hand in networked play. Players select from eight detailed polygon Cyber Troopers, each with its own weapons arsenal and special features. The game also includes 10 arenas, complete with barriers which players can use to hide behind and jump on to gain strategic advantage over the competition. Players can also customize the colors of their troopers to their liking, an option that was unavailable in the original version of the game.

Sega Saturn Net Link was launched in November 1996 as the only Internet-ready next generation video game console peripheral. Priced at $99.99, the Net Link peripheral allows for online gameplay and full Internet access, including World Wide Web searches, real time IRC chat, e-mail and a variety of other online services.

The updated Sega Saturn Net Link Web Browser is completely HTML 2.0 compatible and has improved keyboard functionality, including cursor key movement control and simplified keystroke interface. Other significant upgrade elements allow IRC chat, support for "frames" and the ability to e-mail "saved game" files to other Sega Saturn Net Link owners.

Sega Saturn Net Link has two preferred Internet service providers (ISPs), Mpath's WebBullet Internet Service and Concentric Network Corporation, and is also compatible with most standard ISPs. The updated browser disc will take users to the Concentric Network to become a registered member while any Sega Saturn Net Link game disc will bring users to the Net Link Zone where they have the option to register with WebBullet. Each Sega Saturn Net Link preferred Internet access partner offers gamers one free month of service, more than 200 local dial-up telephone numbers, and competitive monthly rates. If Net Link users already have accounts with another ISP, it is not necessary to start a new account to play games.

Sega Saturn Net Link touts a 28.8 kbps modem with a newly-upgraded, custom-designed Internet browser optimized for television display. Today, there are more than 15,000 Sega Saturn Net Link units in use across the country. Sega of America will release the following titles in 1997 for Sega Saturn Net Link: "Sega Rally Championship," "Virtual On," "Saturn Bomberman," "Duke Nukem 3D" and "Daytona USA CCE."

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