Sega of America continues to push special downloads and online events in lieu of true online gaming. The latest events include a new set of download-able game elements and online activities that will be accessible only through Sonic Adventure.
The list of new interactive items includes the Sonic World rankings, where gamers from around the world can upload their best scores and times to a database for achievement-based ranking. Just announced today is a Sonic 2K contest, an online event that will include downloads of special Sonic Adventure levels. You'll be able to run through these levels to try and earn the best times, which will be posted on the Sonic Adventure homepage. The contest runs through October 15 to January 14, 2000; the winners will take home a variety of prizes, including a year of free Internet Access from AT&T WorldNet Service and plenty of Sega Dreamcast merchandise, from T-shirts to games. Another online feature for Sonic Adventure is holiday-specific downloads, such as the current Halloween one that adds jack-o'-lanterns and new banners to Twinkle Park (Tremble Park respectively – VERY corny, but it fits the season).
“Sega's plan is to continue to phase in online gameplay elements, giving consumers new experiences never seen before on a console,” says Charles Bellfield, director of marketing communications, Sega of America, “Sonic Adventure is the first of many games that will be given additional `arms and legs' through the Internet.”
Source: Gamefan Online