https://dreamcastcollector.com/2022/02/22/japanese-610-catalogued-utility-software-distributed-in-the-pal-region/https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dreamcast_highres.jpegThe initial Dreamkey contains omake content on the disc that is viewable when it is placed in a computer CD or DVD drive. These are a mix of early Japanese promotional images in addition to later PAL photos of various launch hardware. © 1999 SEGA All Rights Reserved.The initial Dreamkey contains omake content on the disc that is viewable when it is placed in a computer CD or DVD drive. These are a mix of early Japanese promotional images in addition to later PAL photos of various launch hardware. © 1999 SEGA All Rights Reserved.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_20220207_120251.jpgWhile I suspect the various white label discs will be instantly familiar to the majority of European collectors I'm not sure this will be the case for Non-PAL collectors. Bearing this in mind, I've included a typical example of a white label PAL promotional disc which will hopefully illustrate that they shared the same visual aesthetic as the initial Dreamkey & DreamOn demo discs.While I suspect the various white label discs will be instantly familiar to the majority of European collectors I'm not sure this will be the case for Non-PAL collectors. Bearing this in mind, I've included a typical example of a white label PAL promotional disc which will hopefully illustrate that they shared the same visual aesthetic as the initial Dreamkey & DreamOn demo discs.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_20220207_120220.jpgThe reverse of a standard PAL retail Dreamcast title, manufactured by EMI-HOLLAND. All utility software replicated by the company shares the same layout on the data side of the disc. The discs mirror ring looks very different when compared to a Japanese replicated disc.The reverse of a standard PAL retail Dreamcast title, manufactured by EMI-HOLLAND. All utility software replicated by the company shares the same layout on the data side of the disc. The discs mirror ring looks very different when compared to a Japanese replicated disc.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_20220207_115926-1-dragged.jpgA typical example of a Japanese Not for Sale disc, in this case, Star Gladiator 2. Many of these discs will have variant labels compared to the final retail version but almost all will display the 非売品 designation on the face of the disc or packaging or both.A typical example of a Japanese Not for Sale disc, in this case, Star Gladiator 2. Many of these discs will have variant labels compared to the final retail version but almost all will display the 非売品 designation on the face of the disc or packaging or both.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/y0ysd.jpgThe reverse of the initial Dreamkey is as underwhelming as the front. Again, this is exactly the same as the later EMI-HOLLAND variant except, this version has both a PAL and NTSC J product code displayed at the bottom left corner, while the domestic version only features a PAL serial.The reverse of the initial Dreamkey is as underwhelming as the front. Again, this is exactly the same as the later EMI-HOLLAND variant except, this version has both a PAL and NTSC J product code displayed at the bottom left corner, while the domestic version only features a PAL serial. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_20220206_155143.jpgWhile I suspect the various white label discs will be instantly familiar to the majority of European collectors I'm not sure this will be the case for Non-PAL collectors. Bearing this in mind, I've included a typical example of a white label PAL promotional disc which will hopefully illustrate that they shared the same visual aesthetic as the initial Dreamkey & DreamOn demo discs.While I suspect the various white label discs will be instantly familiar to the majority of European collectors I'm not sure this will be the case for Non-PAL collectors. Bearing this in mind, I've included a typical example of a white label PAL promotional disc which will hopefully illustrate that they shared the same visual aesthetic as the initial Dreamkey & DreamOn demo discs.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/icho7.jpgWhile I can appreciate the clean design of the Dreamkey's front insert, It's undeniably visually bland. The lack of any German-language text is strange as the browser allowed German users online access. It wasn't due to a lack of space, but no official reason has ever been forthcoming as to why German, wasn't included along with three European languages. Another issue is the fact, that it's impossible to discern between the initial Japanese and the later domestic European version by the front of the jewel case alone.While I can appreciate the clean design of the Dreamkey's front insert, It's undeniably visually bland. The lack of any German-language text is strange as the browser allowed German users online access. It wasn't due to a lack of space, but no official reason has ever been forthcoming as to why German, wasn't included along with three European languages. Another issue is the fact, that it's impossible to discern between the initial Japanese and the later domestic European version by the front of the jewel case alone.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dc_logo.jpgdc_logohttps://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/hofkg.jpegUnfortunately, despite being the final iteration of the original Dreamkey browser the Indian reverse insert is identical to the previous Australian release. Obviously, it features the Indian national flag and corresponding technical support details and Japanese product code but, it's visually very spartan. Scan courtesy of WombatUnfortunately, despite being the final iteration of the original Dreamkey browser the Indian reverse insert is identical to the previous Australian release. Obviously, it features the Indian national flag and corresponding technical support details and Japanese product code but, it's visually very spartan. Scan courtesy of Wombat https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dreamkey-india-back.pngUnfortunately, I don’t own the necessary Indian Dreamcast to run this iteration, of the browser. However, I doubt any alternate numbered discs will exist, given the situation surrounding its release. Scan gratefully provided by Wombat.Unfortunately, I don’t own the necessary Indian Dreamcast to run this iteration, of the browser. However, I doubt any alternate numbered discs will exist, given the situation surrounding its release. Scan gratefully provided by Wombat.2022-03-05T03:02:10+00:00monthlyhttps://dreamcastcollector.com/2019/01/19/japanese-dreamcast-collecting-a-visual-compendium/https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/d_cast.gifDreamcast logo ©1999 SEGA Enterprises, LtdDreamcast logo ©1999 SEGA Enterprises, Ltdhttps://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/banner-intro.jpgbanner intro2022-02-22T01:15:07+00:00monthlyhttps://dreamcastcollector.com/2020/08/20/shangri-la-co-ltd-3/https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot854-1.jpgYou can set the camera to follow any horse and its rider at any time not just the winning horse. The level of customisation during the simulated race is better than I initially thought considering it wasn’t the main feature of the software. ©1999 Shangri-La.You can set the camera to follow any horse and its rider at any time not just the winning horse. The level of customisation during the simulated race is better than I initially thought considering it wasn’t the main feature of the software. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot848-1.jpgTo be honest using the simulated mode is incredibly easy but it does have a number of parameters which can be altered which to be honest I found myself slightly out of depth with regards to what they actually do. I suspect that given its limited this would be expanded upon if it was able to connect online. ©1999 Shangri-La.To be honest using the simulated mode is incredibly easy but it does have a number of parameters which can be altered which to be honest I found myself slightly out of depth with regards to what they actually do. I suspect that given its limited this would be expanded upon if it was able to connect online. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot846-1.jpgI can imagine that if you were a subscriber then Yume Baken '99 Internet could’ve provided a decent package for horse racing enthusiasts. Unfortunately, given that it was an online resource and the lack of ability to access the servers has rendered it obsolete. ©1999 Shangri-La.I can imagine that if you were a subscriber then Yume Baken '99 Internet could’ve provided a decent package for horse racing enthusiasts. Unfortunately, given that it was an online resource and the lack of ability to access the servers has rendered it obsolete. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot870.jpgWhile the music is inoffensive and upbeat during the many menus found in Yume Baken '99 Internet it’s little more than hold music. This contrasts with the commentator during the simulated race which at least in my opinion is of the same standard as you’d here on a television broadcast. ©1999 Shangri-La.While the music is inoffensive and upbeat during the many menus found in Yume Baken '99 Internet it’s little more than hold music. This contrasts with the commentator during the simulated race which at least in my opinion is of the same standard as you’d here on a television broadcast. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot874-1.jpgAfter each simulated race is finished you have a number of options which most are self-explanatory some options require you to be online which obviously isn’t now a viable option. ©1999 Shangri-La.After each simulated race is finished you have a number of options which most are self-explanatory some options require you to be online which obviously isn’t now a viable option. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot891.jpgFor a more realistic presentation you can easily remove all the camera display options with a single button press. You’re still able to change view but with the screen uncluttered with text. ©1999 Shangri-La.For a more realistic presentation you can easily remove all the camera display options with a single button press. You’re still able to change view but with the screen uncluttered with text. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot863.jpgYou can set the camera to follow any horse and its rider at any time not just the winning horse. The level of customisation during the simulated race is better than I initially thought considering it wasn’t the main feature of the software. ©1999 Shangri-La.You can set the camera to follow any horse and its rider at any time not just the winning horse. The level of customisation during the simulated race is better than I initially thought considering it wasn’t the main feature of the software. ©1999 Shangri-La.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot859.jpgUnfortunately, the amount of user content available is very limited and can’t compare to the full functionality that an active subscription could provide. ©1999 Shangri-La.Unfortunately, the amount of user content available is very limited and can’t compare to the full functionality that an active subscription could provide. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot856.jpgAll the various camera options in the simulation mode are editable in real-time including panning and zooming on specific riders and their mounts. This in effect allows you to recreate the actual race as if you were watching a live television broadcast. ©1999 Shangri-La.All the various camera options in the simulation mode are editable in real-time including panning and zooming on specific riders and their mounts. This in effect allows you to recreate the actual race as if you were watching a live television broadcast. ©1999 Shangri-La. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot855.jpgYume Baken '99’ Internet’s simulated race mode features an impressive suite of camera angles with which to view the unfolding action. ©1999 Shangri-La.Yume Baken '99’ Internet’s simulated race mode features an impressive suite of camera angles with which to view the unfolding action. ©1999 Shangri-La. 2022-02-12T15:48:09+00:00monthlyhttps://dreamcastcollector.com/2020/08/16/noisia-co-ltd/https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot827.pngWith the small size of the maps found in the game its strange just why so much of the game is so bland everything is basic from the character designs to the backgrounds. I can only assume it’s down to a lack of technical proficiency by the development team features the same level of polish. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.With the small size of the maps found in the game its strange just why so much of the game is so bland everything is basic from the character designs to the backgrounds. I can only assume it’s down to a lack of technical proficiency by the development team features the same level of polish. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot810.jpgThis is jill who like most of the characters you’ll encounter in Rune Caster tend to be very economic with their dialogue. Unfortunately, the games script is generally underwhelming in its ambition and is padded out wherever possible. In my opinion is not really compelling and is best skimmed through as its quite laborious to wade through. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.This is jill who like most of the characters you’ll encounter in Rune Caster tend to be very economic with their dialogue. Unfortunately, the games script is generally underwhelming in its ambition and is padded out wherever possible. In my opinion is not really compelling and is best skimmed through as its quite laborious to wade through. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot834.jpgSometimes a combination of the camera being obscured and the games A.I scripting & poor controls can honestly leave you unsure what exactly is happening at certain points. It’s entirely possible your character or troops can’t be seen at important moments as they masked by various effects. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.Sometimes a combination of the camera being obscured and the games A.I scripting & poor controls can honestly leave you unsure what exactly is happening at certain points. It’s entirely possible your character or troops can’t be seen at important moments as they masked by various effects. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot820-1.jpgDuring the story segments information or choices are highlighted so you can’t really miss important information. The script isn’t particular engaging and sometimes after events things just progress in a very matter of fact manner. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.During the story segments information or choices are highlighted so you can’t really miss important information. The script isn’t particular engaging and sometimes after events things just progress in a very matter of fact manner. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot818.jpgThe reward for completing missions is experience points which you can spend on two choices either your characters overall experience or their magical ability. It’s a very limited system with only the brevity of most of the missions which allows you to upgrade significantly. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.The reward for completing missions is experience points which you can spend on two choices either your characters overall experience or their magical ability. It’s a very limited system with only the brevity of most of the missions which allows you to upgrade significantly. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot804.jpgEither 2D or 3D Rune Caster’s graphical presentation is awful featuring low polygon models, basic geometry with poor texture maps applied. One element that is particularly bad even by the games own standard is the horizon boundary which you can see behind the enemy in this screenshot. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.Either 2D or 3D Rune Caster’s graphical presentation is awful featuring low polygon models, basic geometry with poor texture maps applied. One element that is particularly bad even by the games own standard is the horizon boundary which you can see behind the enemy in this screenshot. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot124-copy.jpgIt’s almost poetic that even the enemy characters know the game isn’t worth playing certainly not the way NOISIA designed it and approve of my tactic of ignoring the actual gameplay. Simply press the start button wait for the waypoint marker to slowly cross the map then struggle with the A.I, collision detection & slowdown as you try to just avoid playing the game and (very slowly) running to the objective. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.It’s almost poetic that even the enemy characters know the game isn’t worth playing certainly not the way NOISIA designed it and approve of my tactic of ignoring the actual gameplay. Simply press the start button wait for the waypoint marker to slowly cross the map then struggle with the A.I, collision detection & slowdown as you try to just avoid playing the game and (very slowly) running to the objective. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screenshot85-1.jpgThe reward for completing missions is experience points which you can spend on two choices either your characters overall experience or their magical ability. It’s a very limited system with only the brevity of most of the missions which allows you to upgrade significantly. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.The reward for completing missions is experience points which you can spend on two choices either your characters overall experience or their magical ability. It’s a very limited system with only the brevity of most of the missions which allows you to upgrade significantly. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_20200724_150218-2.jpgI suspect it's impossible to find two people who have actually played Rune Caster’s two player mode. I certainly haven’t and couldn’t honestly persuade anyone else to even attempt to do so as the main mode is so unappealing to engage with. So, since I've not had any hands-on experience with the game, I've reproduced the page from the manual relating to the multiplayer mode. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.I suspect it's impossible to find two people who have actually played Rune Caster’s two player mode. I certainly haven’t and couldn’t honestly persuade anyone else to even attempt to do so as the main mode is so unappealing to engage with. So, since I've not had any hands-on experience with the game, I've reproduced the page from the manual relating to the multiplayer mode. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED. https://dreamcastcollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_20200724_145719.jpgRune Caster’s uniquely stylised logo. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED.Rune Caster’s uniquely stylised logo. ©2000 NOISIA ALL RIGHT RESERVED. 2020-08-16T12:52:52+00:00monthlyhttps://dreamcastcollector.comdaily1.02022-03-05T03:02:10+00:00