Dreamcast system set to be reality

Sega: Sega has finally confirmed the American launch of its Dreamcast system. The United States release day is September 9 and the console price has been set at $US199.99 ($NZ400). The announcement was made by Sega US boss, Bernie Stolar, at the start of a two-day retailer conference.

At $199 with our system's hardware and game library we feel confident that we will take back market share from Sony and Nintendo, said Stolar.

He confirmed there would be 10 to 12 titles available at the launch. The total Dreamcast library count is set to be more than 100 next year.

Internet link details for the console were not provided at the conference.

The Internet strategy is very important to Sega and we are dedicated to doing something never before possible on a console or the arcade - to connect thousands of players together at one time under the same platform and create a sense of community' online for gamers, said Stolar.

The following titles were confirmed for launch: Sonic Adventure, Virtual Fighter 3, SuperSpeed Racing, NFL Football (working title), NBA Basketball (working title), Geist - Force, House of the Dead 2, Sega Rally 2.

A New Zealand release date and price for the Dreamcast is unconfirmed.

Multi: Remember a computer game called Amazon made in 1982? No? Well, it was made by Michael Crichton, creator of Jurassic Park, ER and many other hit books, television series and films. And he's giving computer game design another go after all these years.

He's setting up a computer game company called Timeline Studios with Michael Backes, who worked on Jurassic Park. Crichton has not divulged any details of the games he is working on but they will be announced later this year, for release early next year.

PC: With the Tomb Raider movie rumour mill gathering pace, speculation is starting on an upcoming Resident Evil movie. RE developer Capcom has refused to comment on the issue, but it has been suggested that legendary horror director George Romero might helm the film and casting has already begun.

PC: To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the classic American muscle car, the Ford Mustang, Microsoft has announced an agreement with Ford to use a selection of the manufacturer's vehicles in its upcoming PC game, Midtown Madness. Players can drive a Mustang GT, Mustang Police Cruiser, an F-350 pickup and the classic Mustang Fastback.