Old News that has to get pushed in here...
T-HQ has phased out all plans to distribute Sega Saturn titles. Aparrently T-HQ experienced "distribution problems" with the deal which would have brought Psygnosis games to Saturn, and dropped all six titles from its release list.
Earlier this year, T-HQ had signed a deal with Psygnosis to distribute Saturn conversions of its popular PlayStation games, like Destruction Derby, Tenka, and Sentient. This latest news about T-HQ' leaves any further development uncertain.
The official TH-Q line is one of optimism for the Saturn platform, but at the same time, no new Saturn titles have been acquired by the company.
Planet web has located a minor memory leak in the update 1.118 and has released 1.119 to fix it. Click here for Update 1.119 NOW!
Its about 2am as I'm reporting this. Its an unusual update because I make ALL my updates from work. But I am always up to date on whats going on. NetLinkers who have been waiting on IRC improvment wait no further. Click here for Update 1.118 NOW!
Konami is making their translation of their arcade racing game, Midnight Run, to racing fans. This straightforward game includes four exotic cars at the moment. This game is great cause there is loads of street traffic to drive though. Available for PSX.
Konami has not officially announced when Midnight Run will be released in North America, but they are likely to be summer or fall releases.
SCEA has recently made the final decision to bring Parappa to the US. Parappa is an innovative game. PaRappa and the other characters appear as 2D, paper-like beings, while the backgrounds are all 3D. It's generally comprised of a combination of FMV and timed 'rapping' games which are brilliantly designed. The key to the game's appeal is the amazingly catchy music, and stylized look.
There was some question of whether or not the game would be brought to the US, but SCEA decided late last week that it would.
No release has been decided, but a late third quarter or early fourth quarter.
Why do We care. Well its just another thing I like to point out because at LEAST Sony is willing to bring out games to the US that i'm sure Sega OA wouldn't even dream of bringing to the US. Its something that should not be happening. If you wish to tell Sega how you feel go right ahead. Tell them you want games that Sega isn't bringing out. webmaster@sega.com
Nintendo Japan announced last week that Zelda 64 DD will be released at least one year after the cartridge version. No official reason was given for this, but it's likely that Nintendo will wish for the DD version to show off the drive's capabilities.
In the meantime, development on the cartridge version of Zelda 64 is continuing on schedule and should be released later this year.
In related news
Hiroshi Yamauchi of Nintendo Japan said that the N64 would have a
modem included with the 64DD when it hits Japan late this year. Users
would be able to download characters to put in existing games and to
play games peer-to-peer (not over the internet). The modem speed is unknown at this time
but currently the NetLink is running a 28.8, but 33.6 wouldn't be out of the question by the time the DD64 is ready.
Browsing capabilities are also expected on the 64DD unit.
Duke Nukem's developer, says that the "politically incorrect" strippers are likely to stay in the upcoming GT Interactive game, Duke Nukem 3D for Nintendo 64.
But how will strippers show up in game without being censored? It is believed that the strippers, who only really appear in a few levels of the PC-based game, will perhaps wear extra-long T-shirts.
The shirts will read politically incorrect slogans on them like, "Eat me," or "Wear fur," for instance, and the women, who could be shot (and then transformed into aliens) in the previous PC game, will not be blown to pieces anymore.
The final version of Duke Nukem 3D will almost definitely have all of the levels from the original PC game, plus the levels from the Plutonium Pack (extra levels), plus seven brand new levels designed specifically for Nintendo 64's version.
It's also rumored that many of the new levels will be familiar in a very strange way. Duke Nukem 3D may contain levels that are parodies of other Nintendo 64 games, like levels from, for instance, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter or Mortal Kombat Trilogy.
So who's converting Duke Nukem? Well the identity of the developers contracted by GT Interactive to convert 3D Realms' PC smash hit Duke Nukem 3D to both the PSX and N64. European developer Eurocom are handling the N64 coding duties while similarly European Aardvark Software are responsible for the PSX version.
Eurocom, whose previous titles for GT include Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 for Saturn, are rumored to be have started work on the Saturn version of Duke Nukem 3D for GT only to be taken off the project by Sega after they acquired the license (Sega proceeded to replace them with Lobotomy Software).
Hudson's Bomberman game due out later this year will support multitap and Netlink. On NetLink two players will be able to play on the host Saturn and two more on the other Saturn and 6 bombermen controlled by the Saturn AI. Release date is expecced for Late Summer.
Eight Saturn Titles are coming in 1997 with the exception of football. Sega is not releasing any football games this year. So if you want football get one from EA or another developer. maybe next year. Also NetLinkers will be happy with some of these titles. Here's the rundown...
JUNE
Sega Rally NetLink
A two player, NetLink compatible version of Sega Rally. This is one
of six NetLink games arriving in the coming months. It won't
be a separate game in itself, and will be sold separately
from the full version.
JULY
World Series Baseball '98
The engine has been worked on from last year's, and features all the
major stadiums and stadiums that are being built, including the Arizona
Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Manx TT
The Isle of Man motorcycle racing game. Great game, added options
check it out
OCTOBER
NBA Action '98
Sega Sports has a new developement team working on it and they're
starting from scratch.
Revised five on five hoop action, with all 29 teams a 20 category stats
and rankings. The game's already better than Konami's In the Zone 2, but Sega
is shooting for beating NBA Live '97 (the PSX version, not the Saturn one).
Daytona CCE NetLink
Sega Sports' next NetLink game. People thought it wouldn't be done but its true.
Based on Daytona CCE's graphic engine.
NOVEMBER
NHL All-Star Hockey '98
Not much is known about this one, except that they're reworking the engine, and
they're looking to meet and beat Powerplay '98's gameplay.
Worldwide Soccer '98
Not a huge change over WWS '97's graphic engine, but the details are
significantly different. Goalie and defense intelligence has been
upped, and they can read your moves better and more aggressively.
Three new stadiums have been added to the original three, for a total
of six. League gameplay has been added, and you'll be able to play in
the Spanish and French leagues, but none of the others, since this
isn't a FIFA licensed game.
DECEMBER
Sega Touring Car Championship
AM Annex's conversion team is handling it, and Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the
original producer, is expected to exercise a guiding hand in
the Saturn conversion. Expect a lot of good things to
come out of this one. NetLink compatablity may also be integrated.
Resident Evil 2, the most anticipated game of the year, will hit another bump in its release schedule. First it was a six month delay, which moved the release to December, and now, the release date is projected to be sometime in the first quarter of '98.
Capcom states that the game is delayed once again because the team behind Resident Evil wants this game to be as good as it can possibly be. The delay is more than likely due to new features being added, a better story, new animations, whatever. This announcement will more than likely disappoint a majority of PlayStation and Saturn owners out there, but there is hope. The first quarter '98 statement can range from January to April. So basically, we could still see this title at the beginning of the new year.
A side note for Saturn owners. RE 1 is almost ready. Release date will be early to late Summer, possibly a release date for the Holiday season.
At the Game Creator's Conference in Japan yesterday, a few new details came out about Sega's latest coin-op plans. AM1, NOT AM2, announced that an update of its 1996 hit Dynamite Baseball, dubbed Dynamite Baseball '97, will hit arcades in Japan soon.
Additional news from the Creator's Conference was that Virtua Fighter 3 won't be getting an upgrade like Virtua Fighter 2's 2.1 edition. Sega's Yu Suzuki stated in an interview that he would concentrate on Virtua Fighter 4, rather than put energy toward an upgrade.
While this is nice news to hear...its still not the anouncement people were expecting. Sorry for all those who were waiting. But Maybe things changed a little. I'll let you know if anything comes up...its not like i wouldn't tell you.
Capcom has been known for using QSound for years in its arcade titles. A new agreement with QSound Labs gives Capcom the rights to use the 3D-simulated sound technology in all of its future titles. The license pertains to those titles created for arcade, PC, Macintosh, PlayStation and Saturn.
The next console title slated to use QSound will be Resident Evil 2 with others to follow.
Sega's next arcade title to make use of its Model 3 arcade board will be Jurassic Park: The Lost World. It will be a first-person gun game similar to Virtua Cop 2 and House of the Dead, albeit with much better graphics. In the early stages of JP: The Lost World, you'll find the character in either running in the hunter base and Ingen complex or driving a jeep while raptors attack you from all angles. You'll encounter many huge bosses, ranging from the mighty T-Rex to a huge Barasuchas. With the graphics power of the Model 3, Sega's arcade skills and the huge Jurassic Park license. Sega is going all out with Jurassic Park. Look at my earlier news about the Saturn and Genesis and even Game Gear versions.
Japanese gamers will provide Capcom with names for weapons, tools, and fish in Breath of Fire III for PSX
In Japan, Capcom is solicitng gamers to provide names and ideas for their upcoming RPG Breath Of Fire III. They are asking for names for weapons, defenses, tools, and even fish Capcom Japan states. "Progressive ideas from 'us old people' have dried up."
The people chosen to have their ideas used in the game will have their names listed in the credits.
There still no release date is set. Idea submitions ends on May 9th, meaning we could see the game as early as mid-summer.
MicroCabin, the Japanese company known in America for creating the Saturn strategy title Mystaria (also known as Blazing Heroes), has announced a new PlayStation and Saturn RPG. Originally developed for the Japanese PC, Eiyuu Shigan (Gal Act Heroism) puts you in control of three female anime characters, each trying to become heroes by exploring the unknown parts of the world. While the storyline might not sound great, Gal Act does separate itself from the standard RPG by presenting a very non-liner system. There are many different quests you can take, experience points can be freely distributed among the characters (allowing you to empower whoever you want), and there's tons of endings. Gal Act Heroism even features very high quality animated sequences. And for you true Japanese anime fans out there, MicroCabin used twenty young and talented voice actresses to play the main characters and their many rivals. PSX version comes this summer (the Saturn version will follow in the fall). No US release at this time.
The Tokyo game show had a small showing of games. Which means this years E3 show will be BIG. But for now check out these pics of Namco's upcoming games.
Ace Combat PSX
Tales of Destiny PSX
Konami of Japan announced last week that Vandal Hearts will be coming to the Saturn later this year. As to an American release is unknown at this time. But I think a little e-mail to cmunoz@konami.com with the subject as "Saturn Requests" should do it.
Sonic Jam has an American release date in August
Enemy Zero should be out by the 4th Quarter US
And Shining the Holy Ark is expected in the US in July
Sega Touring Car may have NetLink ability. US date early 1998
I got so much stuff from the tokyo toy show. I may as well let you go over to the Sega Crusade page to see the news. Its about the same stuff i have.
The Sega Crusade News
BUT I have a Last Bronx pic to the right.
Also I have some Mirror sites for the NetLink Update
Sega has announced AM Annex's Sega Touring Car Championship for Saturn. Tetsuya
Mizuguchi, the original designer behind STCC in the
arcade, is champing at the bit to work on the Saturn
version. Mizuguchi is expected to introduce a few new
features into the console game that the arcade version
didn't have. Release date is unknown at this time for US or Japan.
Also, Saturn users don't have to buy a PC or go back to
the Genesis if they want to play the Sonic games. Sega
plans to release a Sega Ages Sonic compilation, with
Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3 crammed in on one CD for your
playing pleasure. Called Sonic Jam, this new Sonic disc
features Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles all one ONE disc.
Sonic Jam will also feature Sonic World, which has a fully 3D
polygonal Sonic that you can move around in a full 3D world to view
illustrations, information and the like. It's NOT a new game, but a
really fancy menu select system. Sonic Jam will be available this June
in Japan, no US release date is known.
4/4/97
Sony is stating their decision and says that there will be no editorial changes made to Final Fantasy VII when it is released in the US.
In addition, Sony is confident in the existing rating system. While no rating has been mentioned, the rating would be either a 'Teen' or 'Mature'.
Sony’s much anticipated new dual analog controller will go on
sale in Japan on April 25. It will retail for 3000 yen (about $24).
The controller will be released in the US later in the year.
Sega of America and PlanetWeb will release the first Public Beta version of their upgraded NetLink browser on Monday, April 7th, available on the Sega NetLink site or the PlanetWeb site. During the Public Beta review period, users will be able to download updated beta versions of the NetLink browser and test some of the browser's new functionality. Users will also be requested to complete a Public Beta review form, in which they will provide comments on possible bugs and functionality. The browser upgrade will include: a version of frames implementation, improved keyboard functionality and page load flicker has been eliminated among other changes. Future upgrades will be posted periodically and will include changes suggested by users as well as new functionality, such as IRC chat and MIDI capabilities. Downloadable upgrades will be erased once the Saturn has been shut down and will need to be re-downloaded from either Sega's NetLink site or PlanetWeb's web site.
Time Crisis is getting an extra level for home play. This home version features all the levels from the arcade game as well as a brand new level. This new level, which takes place in a hotel!
Time Crisis will be available this September for the Sony PlayStation.
Pictured right this 16 Megabit game will be on Genesis. Yes Genesis you heard right!
Break it out of your closet and charge those Nomad bateries, the third Jurassic Park title is comming, and
surprisingly, it's nothing like the previous two. Instead, the gameplay is almost identical to the first
Jurassic Park on the SNES. The game features various mission objectives spread from stage to stage. You'll
even have the chance to outrun a T-Rex in a 4x4 Bronco, or avoid certain disaster by skidding into a safe
zone in your own personal hover craft. The Lost World: Jurassic Park should be available this July.
A Game Gear is also Planed to be released with the Genesis in July.
Also for Saturn Jurassic Park will come out as well as PSX. Pictured on the left, this 1 Player Action Adventure
features: A quest involving moving up in the food chain, Over 20 Species of Dinosaurs,
Play as T-Rex, Raptor, Compy and Human, and in 24 Environments. Same creaters Dreamworks Interactive for Sega
it will also be avilable July for Sega Saturn.
What i mean by cheep is that Gametek has announced that they will develop and publish Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy for the N64. The games are expected to retail under $50 and should be in stores by the 1997 holiday season.
Most games for N64 are priced 15 to 20 bucks more than these prices. Doom 64 Just came out and it retails for $75!!
Here are some release dates for a few High demand games. Sega guesses that Summer will be a good time for games. Hope I see some games this May at E3.
May: Fighters MegaMix
June: Shining the Holy Ark
July: Manx TT, World Series Baseball '98, Sky Target, Duke Nuke'em 3D, Jurassic Park: The Lost World.
Get all the INFO on this late breaking news here.
Virtua Fighter 6 for Master System & Game Gear
New Games have been released here are in no paticular order.
MechWarrior2 (Pictured right) PSX/Saturn
Need For Speed 2 PC/PSX (No word on Saturn yet)
4/1/97
More has been anounced about this new RPG game. It already has been picked up by Sega America. The Japan release date is this summer. And the EXPECTED US date maybe sometime late 97 to early 98.
Get your own Free Home Page