Sega's Netlink and Directlink! (Version .63; Sept. 23, 2001)

0.1 Table of Contents:

1.1 Updates
1.2 Legal Stuff
1.3 Intro to FAQ

2.1 Netlink Intro
2.2 Game Players Article on Netlink
2.3 List of Netlink Games
2.4 List of players
2.5 Links for Netlink

3.1 DirectLink Intro
3.2 List of DirectLink Games

4.1 Credits
4.2 Side Notes




1.1 Updates:

Version .59; Sept. 4, 2001. First release of FAQ, really a pretty basic copy
which was thrown together.

Version .61; Sept. 11, 2001. Finally a copy of the FAQ worth posting. 
Paragraphs were made out of my "longer" sections.  A bit more info was added,
as well as another Netlinker.  Fixed a few spelling mistakes.  Added Side Notes
and Updates.  On a more important note, I wish, and hope that all the people
affect by these terrible attacks are doing well.

Version .63; Sept. 23, 2001.  A new Game Players article (see 2.2) transcribed
by someone at SegaFans (http://www.classicgaming.com/saturn/) has been added. 
I have also added a few side notes, and corrected a few more spelling/grammer
problems.

1.2 Legal Stuff:

Legal stuff..... YUCK!  Well I guess it has to be done....  Please do not edit
any of this FAQ, as since it is against the creator's wishes (and copyright).  
I am not responsible for any of these viruses that you could get off this FAQ
(yeah right, like a text file carries viruses! =P).  If this FAQ causes any
damage to you or your computer, I am not responsible.  Basically, I'm not
liable for the possible damage this FAQ could do to you, your computer, your
dog, or anyone or thing.  Please do enjoy these wonderful things, and don't
abuse them. If you have any questions, please feel free to E-mail me at:
noobsa44[at]aol.com.  No Spam please.

OK, now that that is done... on with the Show! =)

1.3 Intro to FAQ:

This FAQ simply describes the function of the Netlink and Directlink (or
whatever it is called; if you know the official name, please let me know), and
what games are able to take advantage of their features.

2.1 Netlink Intro:

Netlink-
     The Netlink was originally a 400-dollar piece of hardware (it included a
Saturn, so it was less than $400) that allowed any and all Saturn users to get
online with the Saturn.  Unfortunately, my knowledge about the Netlink is
limited, but I do recall that there was also a Netlink package that included
Virtua On (Netlink Edition) and Sega Rally Champ. Plus (Netlink Edition). 
Later on we also saw a Netlink package which JUST included Netlink software,
which started out at $200 and then went down to 99 dollars.  If there were any
other packages available, please let me know!!
     While the Netlink was not the first piece of hardware to allow American
gamers to get online (or at least play against others online/directdial*), it
was the first to allow players to bring their own ISP.  While Sega did have a
ISP they recommended, similar to what Sega did with the Dreamcast, they did
allow you to choose any ISP that was within their technical specifications. 
The Netlink was capable of connecting at a 28.8 connection, which at the time
was pretty good (I think computers were just starting to use 33.6 connections).
     The Netlink never did that well since it was to much money, lacked in the
number of system users (as in people who own a Saturn, which was under 5
million), and had few games that use it.  In Japan it didn't do much better
since the Japanese pay long distance charges to just go on the internet (or at
least that is what I have read...  If you have more info on the Netlink in
Japan, please send it my way!).  Europe never got the Netlink, especially since
Europe was the weakest Saturn market.  Even so, it had quite a few users in its
heyday, and had 5 games that used it in America.  For more info on the Netlink,
see planetweb (the maker of the Netlink's Log on software) here-
http://www.planetweb.com/netlink/faq.html

* Note that you could not play against others online, but only by "calling"
them with your Netlink, which meant long-distance bills.  However, to meet
players to play against, you could get online and chat with them (VIA Internet
Relay Chat [IRC]).

2.2 Game Players Article on Netlink:

Game Players
Unknown issue (E3 issue of '96)

Sega's Internet Intervention

Sega prepares new gaming lane for information highway

As the internet, and it's user base, continues to grow at an alarming
rate, it seems hard to believe that online gaming has not become more
popular tan it has. There are, of course, technical issues such as
latency problems and unreliable connections to be considered when
questoning the general lack of gaming oppurtunities on the Net.
However, it's also important to note that gaming companies have yet
to really devote themselves to the movement in any significant
fasion. That is, until now.

At this year's E3 show in Los Angeles, Sega debuted the NetLink, a
$200 hardware unit for use exclusively with the Sega Saturn. The unit
enables users to get on the Internet and surf the all-important World
Wide Web. What's most significant about the technology as is stands
today, is that not only can a user now gain full access to the
Internet for a total hardware price of less than $400 (a trick
several Silicon Valley companies have been hard at work to achieve),
but the Sega NetLink also brings hte experience of the internet out
of the office and into the living room by utilizing the television as
opposed to the computer screen (another goal for several Silicon
Valley companies).

What is perhaps most exciting about NetLink for gamers, however, is
the possibility of first-class networked gaming. The idea of hooking
into the Internet via NetLink and playing seven unseen competitors
spread out across he globe in a game of Daytona is a thrilling
prospect, to say the least. At the time of the show there were
already more than 12 titles in development and due before Christmas
'96 for use with the system, including several from third party
developers, such as Westwood's Command & Conquer. Sega will also be
offering titles for networked play, such as the soon-to-be-released
Baku Baku.

While the future of on-line gaming is yet to be set in stone, Sega's
NetLink is built to accommodate several different possibilities.
Whatever becomes of on-line gaming, it's certain that Sega will
have a say in the matter. As for now, surfing the web on your
television with a Saturn and 28.8 NetLink is sure to be a great
experience for Internet novices and pros alike. Of course,
the experience becomes that much more exciting when great gaming
experiences become available for play later this year. Also soon
to be available for use with the Sega Saturn and NetLink are the
Sega mouse and keyboard designed to accentuate the user's Internet
experience. Neither peripheral will be necessary as the system's
built-in web browser was designed to work with the standard Saturn
controller, but some users may find the keyboard and mouse a more
comfortable way to navigate their on-line use.

[Following is a caption by a picture of a Saturn with a NetLink in.]
With its 28.8 modem and ability to bring affordable Internet service
into the living room, the NetLink from Sega is sure to get the
attention of many interested Net Surfers.

2.3 List of Netlink Games:

USA-

Daytona CCE - Netlink Edition *
Duke Nukem 3D
Bomberman
Virtua On- Netlink Edition**
Sega Rally Champ. Plus- Netlink Edition**
Netlink Log on Software 1.0(?)/2.0/3.0/4.x **

* Daytona was and is EXTREMELY RARE since it was only offered on Sega's
website.  It is probably the most valuable of all the Netlink games.

** Came in a package with the Netlink.

Japan-

Wachenroder
All others are unknown.  Again, if you have ANY information, PLEASE CONTACT
ME!!!

2.4 List of players:

key:
DN   = Duke Nukem
VO   = Virtua On
SRC  = Sega Rally Championship
DUC  = Daytona USA CCE
BM   = Bomberman
WA   = Wachenroder
[at] = @


Phone #'s prefix:    E-mail address:           Game's owned:
208                  Noobsa44[at]aol.com          DN, VO, SRC
301                  billkwando[at]yahoo.com      VO, ???

Do you wish to add yourself to the list of players in this FAQ?  Simply E-mail
me with your area code, E-mail that you wish me to use, and list of games you
have.  My E-mail address is: Noobsa44[at]aol.com.

2.5 Links for Netlink:

http://www.geocities.com/netlink96/index.html
http://www.planetweb.com/netlink/
http://www.satonline.fr.st/ (VO- Netlink Edition review coming soon.....)

If you have a link you wish to add, send it to me at: Noobsa44[at]aol.com

3.1 DirectLink Intro:

DirectLink (aka Link Cable):
     The DirectLink is simply a little device that allows two Saturns to
connect to each other.  However, the problem with it is that you also need two
TVs and two of the same games.  So once you have two of everything, you can
connect the two Saturns to play a multi-player game.  So the question is, "Why
would you do that when you can have everything on one TV?"  Well that is
simple...  You don't want the other player to know what you're doing or where
you're doing it.  For example, say your playing Hexen (a game that has a
DirectLink feature, VIA a debug menu!), and your friend know the level like the
back of his hand.  So your friend simply watches the screen, and follows you,
and kicks your butt!  Well, if you have two Saturns, two TVs and two copies of
Hexen, you can play on separate screens (which means a bigger screen for you!!)
and preventing your friend from cheating.

3.2 List of DirectLink Games:

USA/Europe-

Doom (unconfirmed, and does not work with European copies)
Virtua On (completely UNCONFIRMED, note if you wish to confirm this game,
please state if you're using Netlink versions or normal versions of the game)
Hexen (accessed through debug menu; Slightly Buggy)
**I have heard that Duke Nukem OR Quake may have this feature**

Japan-

Gebockers
Gun Griffon 2
Steeldom
I am unsure if any other games have this feature....  Anyone know?

4.1 Credits:

Created and maintained by: Noobsa44[at]aol.com
Special Thanks to:
* John Hokanson Jr. for compiling the Sega Saturn FAQ (where I got some
DirectLink info).
* The People at SegaFans (http://www.classicgaming.com/saturn/) for there
transcription of the Game Players article!
* Everyone who has this FAQ on their site, while not editing it! =)
* Anyone else I forgot to mention!


4.2 Side Notes:

*Just as a quick side note, you can visit my webpage which (will soon) have a
archived copy of this FAQ (It will be in the random stuff section).  It's URL? 
http://www.geocities.com/thelastjustcause/

*Noob has only had a Netlink for 1 week (as of the ninth of Sept., 2001), and
started writing this FAQ BEFORE he had a Netlink.  Noob doesn't have a
DirectLink =(.  If you wish to donate a DirectLink, feel free to E-mail me
about your possible donation! =)

*Oh, and if you have a copy of Daytona CCE- Netlink Edition, please contact me
(Even if you don't want to sell/donate/trade it).

* I also work on a site called Saturn Online, which will soon include a review
of Virtua On: Netlink edition!  The URL is: http://www.satonline.fr.st/
