SEGA HAS A NEW CHALLENGE - Athletic Organizations - http://maxpages.com/thebigshow2000/SEGA_HAS_A_NEW

Recent press conference offers a
wealth of new and exciting
information, including a DC
price drop.

June 04, 1999

While those of us in the States were tucked
away in our beds, Sega let loose with a
wealth of Dreamcast information at its
New Challenge Conference '99.
Everything from confirmation on a
suspected DC price drop to Sega's own
rendition of a "Greatest Hits" collection
was announced, and we're here to bring
you all the dirt.

Perhaps the biggest news of the conference
was the surprise announcement of a new
Sega RPG tentatively entitled "Project
Ares." And what's so special, you ask?
Well, it seems the development team
behind Ares is comprised of members from
Sega's flagship RPG series, Phantasy
Star. Whether or not this means the title
will eventually be revealed to be the
long-suspected follow-up to PS4 remains
to be seen but regardless, the fact that we'll
be seeing a new RPG from the team is news enough.

Additionally, Sega confirmed that we'll see a home port of the Naomi
arcade soccer title Virtua Striker 2. They also stated that we'll see both
Virtua On: Ontorio Tangram, D2and Resident Evil: CODE Veronica
by year's end, as well as Grandia 2 and F355 Challenge (previously
unconfirmed) some time next year.

Also, in an apparent effort to boost somewhat sluggish sales, Sega
announced that the rumored price drop was indeed a reality, and as of
June 24th, Japanese gamers will be able to pick up a Dreamcast for a
mere 19,900 yen (roughly $160 US). Whether or not this means US
gamers will see a similar drop remains to be seen. When asked, SoA
officials commented that they are still locked at $199, but you have to
admit, if its cost efficient, it would be tempting.

On the software end, Sega revealed that five titles will become part of its
"Masterpiece Collection" and will retail for 1,990 yen ($15 US) for a
limited time. These titles include Sonic Adventure, Virtua Fighter 3tb,
Pen Pen TriIceCelon, Godzilla Generations, and JULY, and will be
available at this price from June 24 to July 31.

The conference was also a chance for Sega to introduce gamers to the
upcoming Dreamcast HEAT network previously described at this year's
pre-E3 briefing. They also revealed details that Interplay's Baldur's Gate
would hit Japanese consoles and will be the first title to incorporate
Internet play via the 165 million dollar network project.

Unfortunately, amidst all this good news, Sega threw in a bit of
delay-induced depression in the form of a pushed-back Shen Mue.
That's right, folks, the first chapter of Yu Suzuki's vision has been moved
from August 5th to October 28th. Thankfully, Sega has decided to give
the game a considerable media push in the interim in an effort to ease the
pain of the delay. They will be handing out a video cassette demo of the
upcoming Adventure/RPG to people who purchase a DC after June
24th, and will also be distributing a playable demo with game purchases.

Needless to say, it was a big day for Sega, but it remains to be seen if
these attempts will be enticing enough to put a dent in the PSX's
considerable market share in Japan. We'll keep you posted.

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Page Updated Mon Jun 7, 1999 2:01pm EDT