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By Contributing Writer Jimmy Payne I think when a new system is introduced, there's an automatic tendency to "wow" over screen shots, specs, and so on. There's nothing wrong with that- that's what video games are all about. What's different this time is that this is the first time we have watched a Japanese launch this closely. You know what I'm talking about: the Sega Dreamcast. When the PlayStation and Saturn launched, sure, we all cared. But I don't think there's been this much attention given to a new system since the 16-bit days. This can be very good for Sega- it gets early buzz going about the system, which is a year away from a US release. But it can be very bad for Sega, too, especially if the Japanese launch doesn't meet the expectations of everyone watching. I personally am very excited about the Dreamcast. It has got the power and the people to back it up, but wait a sec. Does it have the games? Of course, the games are the most important thing to a system. Without good games, a console is like a stereotypical cheerleader: a million-dollar body (referring to the console) with a two-cent brain (referring to the games). After looking at screen shots and descriptions of the first Dreamcast games, I have to say I wasn't too impressed. First, there is Sega Rally 2. OK, does anyone really care about this game? The last thing I want to see is another racing game and this isn't even supposed to be an extraordinary racing game in the first place. Then there's Virtua Fighter 3 Team Battle. Once again, VF3 has been out for long time, so why should I be excited about a fighting game that's obviously just a rehash with its only plus being great graphics? Godzilla Generations looks kind of cool, but it's nothing new. Doesn't anyone remember Blast Corps? That game got too old, too quick and Godzilla Generations has the same idea: run around and crush buildings. I might find this fun if I were a kid with a love for destruction, but I want more depth in a game. Finally, there's Sonic Adventures. Everyone from your neighbor's new-born hamster to your uncle's old and dying camel is going to get this game if they happen to buy a Dreamcast. I'm not against this in any way, shape, or form though because I want it badly too. Some people don't remember the past well, though. I remember a little (well big actually) game called Mario 64 that everyone bought and everyone loved (hey, I did). But, I also remember that this was Nintendo's only spectacular game and all we were left with after this title were one awesome first-person shooter, a Zelda game (finally), and a slew of crappy racing games. I hate to say it, but the Dreamcast is looking a lot like the Nintendo 64 at this point. Basically it's showing of its sparkle, demonstrating its power, creating a lot of hype, and appealing to its fans which is exactly what Nintendo did right before releasing the Nintendo 64. I don't want anyone to take this column the wrong way because I might be sitting in my basement next year playing and loving every single one of these games. I am going to be very cautious, however, because it looks like the past is repeating itself. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I don't want Sega to hand me a stereotypical cheerleader next year. Wait a minute! Yes I do! Well, you get what I'm trying to say. Give it all you've got, Sega. Don't disappoint those watching and eagerly awaiting your next system and the games which will hopefully make it what we all hope it to be.
© 2001 ivan@mastergamer.com