News

Yep, Sonic Underground turned one today, with it being the anneversery of the day SU aired in the US, plus SU.net along for the ride.

On a side note, a fan manga of Sonic was just recently found on the net by Qtoken. Okay, Sega's said it before: SU is BEFORE Sonic met Tails. But who knew that before SatAM, before Archie, Before Sonic 3, BEFORE TAILS WAS EVER INTRODUCED IN 1992, there was SU? It was featured in a manga that was published in 1992, before Sonic 2. It features Sonic as a kid, along with a brother and a sister, both havin the resembence of Manic and Sonia, except in the comic, Manic is wearing glasses, and Sonia jas a FUNKY hairdo. Look for yerself. Could this be the pre-Su that existed before Tails' time?

Sonic Manga

WB had this to comment on the manga.

"The manga in reference is titled Shonen Jump - its the same manga that Dragonball Z and Dragonball and currently Akira Toriyama's new project Sand Land are serialized in.

HOWEVER - I dont THINK its fully official. But then again - this is a case where we would NEVER know.

You see - Shonen Jump is notorius for unnoficial stuff. However - you're absolutely correct. Theres NO WAY this could have been after Sonic SatAM. This is DEFINETELY before considering Shonen Jump doesnt do this anymore.

What QToken found is whats called a "Fan manga". Its not official, but printed officially by a respected manga artist. Shonen Jump used to do this sort iof thing if I'm correct. The kids look NOTHING like Sonia and Manic, so I doubt theres any relation to SU at all, EXCEPT for the idea that it was out there before SatAM. It leaves wonder as to what other "goodies" are sitting out there in manga land.

Sorry to dissapoint - nine times out of ten it probably isnt SU related, but it IS a gem nonetheless and newsworthy. And like I said - if this was in Shonen Jump and been on the net this long it was definetely before SatAM.

So while the mysteries of SU have yet to be solved, this could (or could not) be a key to where the idea may have been layed.

Those of you who has Starz! listen up: "Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie" is coming BACK to the station again for one time only. If you have Starz! (and if you're an early bird), then look for it Thursday morning at 6:40 A.M EST. If you don't have Starz!, then call your local cable company and tell them "I wanna see Starz!" sorry... ^^

This catchy piece from SegaWeb.

JC Penney is all about the DC. They have been selling the console for a paltry $159.99 for some time now, but they are giving up something extra now. The retailer is offering a package consisting of the console and all the trimmings bundled with NFL2K and Sonic Adventures for the same $159.99 price tag. Check it out, but make sure you get the right product number if you want the package deal.

Credit:SegaWeb News Bytes

Diamond Comics have come across a slew of books its seems - and all of them are Knuckles. So if you're looking to complete your back issues - here's what they got:

JUL001610 KNUCKLES #23 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001611 KNUCKLES #24 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001612 KNUCKLES #25 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001613 KNUCKLES #26 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001614 KNUCKLES #27 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001615 KNUCKLES #28 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001616 KNUCKLES #29 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001617 KNUCKLES #30 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001618 KNUCKLES #31 (O/A) $1.79
JUL001619 KNUCKLES #32 (O/A) $1.79

Read the article.... Sega's really pushing the PR standard.

Who says that Hollywood is the only place for big-time premieres? Apparently, Sega didn't get that memo because it has planned a little something something for all its fans that have been shut out of the ECTS in London. Because the game-playing public is excluding from participation in the European Computer Trade Show, Sega has come to the rescue by offering a Hollywood-style premiere for its upcoming roster of titles.

The big-screen Dreamcast premiere will be held at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square London, and will feature a host of titles scheduled to hit stores by Christmas. The idea is to exploit the Dreamcast as the "world's only Internet-ready games console" as well as bring some attention to the holiday lineup.

Reportedly, the event will hold approximately 800 gamers as they scurry to check out some of the first online DC games that they will be playing in the near future. Among the titles scheduled to appear, the UK's first public showing of Quake III Arena running on a Dreamcast. And if that wasn't enough to wet your panties, the main event will feature a 40-minute screening of breath-taking visuals and gameplay specifics to water your eyes.

To further emphasize the fact that this event is not for the industry suits, Sega has commisioned the likes of Sonic, Ulala, and some of the Soul Calibur faves like Ivy and Mitsurugi to appear and pose for pictures. Now wouldn't that look nice on McDeez's desk?

One thing is for sure, if you can't get into the ECTS and you want to see some of the best interactive games for the next few months, you better hop on the bus and get your hide to the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square. Tickets can be had only if you visit the Sega Dreamcast booth in front of the theater on Friday, September 3, the day of the showing, from 1:30 pm until 5:30 pm. You might as well hang around to get a good seat because the doors open at 6:00 pm for the show that starts only 45 minutes later.

Do you want to be in the know? Do you want to see whay you'll be playing in a few short months? Tickets will go quick, and you already know what that's like.

Credit: SegaWeb News

Sounds like a damn good one too.....

Many contests that companies put on are lame and serve alterior motives anyway. However, let it be said that Sega is not one of those companies. It goes all out to make sure that its fans are getting the very best in gaming, and it throws in a stellar contest to boot.

Sega wants to send you to Key Largo, Florida to swim with the dolphins. No, really. Sega has announced its "Swim With the Dolphins" radio contest that can out you in the water to meet one of Ecco's cousins, or maybe Ecco himself. The contest will be held in 10 cities via participating radio stations for whoever can make the best dolphin call/sound.

If you live in one of the following cities and/or listen to one of the following radio stations, you may be a winner. The cities and radio affiliates are:

WBCN Boston
WKQX Chicago
KEGL Dallas/Fort Worth
WRIF Detroit
KLOL Houston
KROQ Los Angeles
WKTU New York
WYSP Philidelphia
KITS San Francisco
WWZZ Washington DC

The way to win is to have the ability to sound the most like a dolphin out of all participants. After calling into the station, you will be asked for your best attempt at sounding like a dolphin while on the air. When your blowhole is tapped out, the station's listeners will then call in to vote on who was the best. Those who pass the on-air test will then compete in a playoff of sorts to determine the regional winner. Beyond that, the nationals to determine who gets to swim with the dolphins. If you don't make it that far, it's not a total loss. Twenty-five winners per city will take home a copy of Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future for Dreamcast. An additional five winners per city will receive a Dreamcast console. And if you haven't guessed by now, the grand prize is a trip for two to Key Largo.

So brush your teeth and gargle well to gear up for your best dolphin sound effects. Who knows, it could make you famous. Maybe you could star as the voice-over in the next Flipper series.

Credit: SegaWeb News

Some DreamMouse goodness for y'all....

Sega of America has answered the prayers of many a gamer by announcing that it would release a Dreamcast-specific mouse peripheral to go with the keyboard that it has already shipped. One question that baffles us at SegaWeb is: Why did it take so long?

Recently, Sega launched its mouse peripheral in Japan to admittedly mixed reviews. Many who have experienced the mouse have divulged a common complaint: the size. Many felt that the Japanese mouse was, well, mouse-sized. Too small for many, it is reportedly easier to maneuver with two fingers rather than the palm of your hand. Everyone knows that Americans like things big - big cars, big houses, big guns, and big women. Okay, so maybe that's just me... SoA has seemingly fixed this and has a new, revised mouse for its finicky American gamers.

The new mouse is undeniably smooth and easy to control. Admittedly, it is akin to a standard PC mouse, but hey, that's what we are used to. What did you expect it to do, make coffee and iron yo' clothes, foo? It is pretty basic and contains features that we have come to accept as standard including, but not limited to, the left and right buttons. The coolest feature that Sega was smart enough not to lose is the scroller dial. Undoubtedly one of the most innovative features that has ever graced a mousepad is present on your DC mouse. Also on the mouse is a button on the left side where your thumb rests that could serve a variety of purposes while browsing or gaming.

All in all, it may be nothing to write home about, but it certainly puts a jolt in our shorts. After all, what fun is web surfing with your DC/keyboard combo without a mouse? Fret no longer, Dreamcast faithful. This will soon be in your sweaty little palms. Sicko.

Credit: SegaWeb News

Sigh.... get ready for another Lieberman tirade, folks....

The FTC has leaked a report that shows that game publishers are knowingly and deliberately marketing mature, M-rated games towards a younger crowd. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman, and former Presidential candidate John McCain has requested a hearing on the report for September. Of course, Vice Presidential hopeful, Joseph Lieberman has expressed a certain interest in testifying at the hearing. Ugh!

Credit: SegaWeb News Bytes

I've found a pair of Sonic auctions on E-Bay that could prove interesting, especially this first one....

The first one is all 26 eps of SatAM Sonic on tape. However, be prepared to shell out some major cash....

The second one should be interesting to all you aspiring artists out there. It's a How to Draw Sonic and Friends book. Unfortunely, all outside the USA are out of luck, as this person only ships within the states.

Just a couple of things I felt worthy of pointing out to y'all.

Sega now seems to have one less worry.....

Sega recently settled the lawsuit that had it tangling with Media Optix for some time now. The suit centered around a patent that both companies were fighting over, although that particular patent remains a mystery. The suit was settled with an agreement by both parties, however terms were not disclosed to the public. Hmmm...

Credit: SegaWeb News Bytes