Difference between revisions of "Dennou Senki Net Merc"

From Sega Retro
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| bobscreen=DennouSenkiNetMerc Title.png
 
| bobscreen=DennouSenkiNetMerc Title.png
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
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| developer=[[Sega AM3]]{{fileref|Sega Arcade History JP EnterBrain Book-1.pdf|page=136}}, [[Virtuality]]
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| developer=[[Sega AM3]],{{fileref|Sega Arcade History JP EnterBrain Book-1.pdf|page=136}} [[Virtuality]]
 
| system=[[Sega Net Merc]], [[Model 1]]
 
| system=[[Sega Net Merc]], [[Model 1]]
 
| players=1
 
| players=1
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}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (電脳戦記ネットマーク, Cyber Troopers '''Net'''work '''Merc'''enary) is an [[arcade]] game developed by [[Sega]] with assistance from [[Virtuality]].{{magref|gamemachinejp|455|1}} It is the only game created for the [[Sega Net Merc]] system (a specialized arcade cabinet using [[Sega Model 1]] boards with the [[Mega Visor Display]] to produce virtual reality visuals), so the two are often used interchangeably. If considered to be a Model 1 game, it is the final release for the system.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (電脳戦記ネットマーク, Cyber Troopers '''Net'''work '''Merc'''enary) is an [[arcade]] game developed by [[AM3]] with assistance from [[Virtuality]].{{magref|gamemachinejp|455|1}} One of several attempts made at [[virtual reality]] by [[Sega]], it is the only game created for the [[Sega Net Merc]] system (a specialized arcade cabinet using [[Model 1]] boards with the [[Mega Visor Display]] headset to produce VR visuals), so the two are often used interchangeably. If considered to be a Model 1 game, it is the final release for the system.
 +
 
 +
As a result of criticism, lack of new Model 1 board stock, and numerous delays since the initial agreement between Virtuality and Sega in June 1993, ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' received a very limited release, with few units appearing outside Japan.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}} It has remained an obscure and rare footnote.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' is an on-rails shoot-'em-up game, in which players use a large gun controller to fire at enemies. Being a virtual reality game, players are also given a VR headset (a "MVD" or "Mega Visor Display"{{fileref|Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf|page=183}}, similar to those found in the [[VR-1]]), allowing for their head movements to be tracked in real time and therefore see a full 360 degree view of their surroundings.
+
''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' is an on-rails first person shoot-'em-up, in which players use a large gun controller to fire at enemies. Also being a virtual reality game, players are also given a VR headset (a "MVD" or "Mega Visor Display"{{fileref|Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf|page=183}}, used previously by the [[VR-1]] theme park attraction), allowing for their head movements to be tracked in real time and therefore see a full 360 degree view of their various in-game surroundings.
  
−
The game itself is a straightforward shooter using a first person perspective; no set time limit is provided, however a depletable health bar is used to curb time. Players are always stood facing in one direction behind the gun controller during gameplay. The complex nature of the system means that a member of staff is usually on hand to assist users with the headset. Gameplay is also outputted for onlooking bystanders onto a monitor at the left hand side of the cabinet.
+
The game itself is a straightforward arcade shooter; no set time limit is provided, however a depletable health bar is used to curb time. Players are always stood facing in one direction behind the gun controller during gameplay. The complex nature of the system means that a member of staff is usually on hand to assist users with the headset. Gameplay is also outputted for onlooking bystanders onto a monitor attached to the play field.
  
 
===Levels===
 
===Levels===
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| title=Desert Stage
 
| title=Desert Stage
 
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
−
| desc=The game begins with a desert practise level. In it, enemies and obstacles such as combat vehicles, mechs, war bases, and explosible barrels only appear in front of the player. Once it is completed, a choice of two different level routes is given through a warp station; in both of these, the difficulty increases, with enemies now appearing from all sides.
+
| desc=The game begins with a desert practise level. In it, enemies and obstacles such as combat vehicles, mechs, war bases, and explosible barrels only appear in front of the player. Once it is completed, a choice of two different level routes is given through a warp station; in both of these, the difficulty increases, with enemies now appearing from all sides, requiring the player to look around and take greater advantage of the VR technology.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
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| title=City Stage
 
| title=City Stage
 
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
−
| desc=The lower selectable route once the practise level has been completed transports the player to an urban city landscape in mid-day. Combat vehicles and soldier robots below the player on the city streets can be destroyed, as well as a number of hovering enemies and an end of level mech boss.
+
| desc=The lower selectable route once the practise level has been completed transports the player to an urban city landscape in mid-day. Combat vehicles and soldier robots below the player on the city streets can be destroyed, as well as a number of hovering enemies and an end of level mecharoid boss.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
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==History==
 
==History==
−
===Background===
+
===Development===
−
[[File:Nakayama Waldern.jpg|thumb|right|Dr Jonathan Waldern, founder and CEO of Virtuality Group, pictured with [[Hayao Nakayama]]]]
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{{mainArticle|Dennou Senki Net Merc/Development}}
−
Though existent as a concept for several decades beforehand and used in a number of non-gaming sectors, the first time virtual reality experienced widespread popularity was the early 1990s, as video games began to be applied to the technology.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210427073900/https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21829226-000-virtual-reality-meet-founding-father-jaron-lanier/}} One of the early beneficiaries of this initial boom in interest was [[Virtuality]], a United Kingdom-based startup whose 1000CS and 1000SD system series garnered worldwide consumer acceptance.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210427073900/https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21829226-000-virtual-reality-meet-founding-father-jaron-lanier/}} Their hardware saw installations in a variety of entertainment venues and amusement arcades from the United States to Japan, however, some criticism was made over the perceived rudimentary graphics and imperfect design quality of head-mounted display.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210427073900/https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21829226-000-virtual-reality-meet-founding-father-jaron-lanier/}}
 
  
−
At the same time, [[Sega]] were reaping the rewards of continued international success in the arcade business thanks to 3D titles such as ''[[Virtua Racing]]'', as well as popular [[Sega World]] amusement facilities in Japan and a newfound foothold in the western home console market with the [[Mega Drive]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} A company-wide ethos of "High-Tech Interactive Entertainment" was adopted to drive its endeavours forward.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210509015243/https://twitter.com/ashizuka16bit/status/1390970672063553537}} As part of its efforts to stay at the forefront of gaming technology, the company had shown an interest in virtual reality, with [[Sega of America]] becoming the first to unveil the separate [[Sega VR]] project in 1993. During July of the same year, it was announced that Sega's Japanese arcade development divisions had won a £3.5 million contract{{magref|megapower|1|8}} to collaborate with Virtuality on their own unspecified VR plans.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}{{magref|sfm|3|7}}{{magref|mega|12|7}}
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===Release===
 +
[[File:CombatZone2.png|thumb|right|''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' in [[Sega Net Merc]] cabinet on the "Combat Zone" floor of [[SegaWorld London]], circa September 1996]]
 +
Despite its negative reception at [[AOU Show 1995]] and several delays, ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' was ultimately kept on Sega's release schedules for May.{{fileref|Sega Arcade History JP EnterBrain Book-1.pdf|page=136}} It is suggested by main programmer Andy Reece that this was due to a successful location test at [[Ikebukuro GiGO]] in the preceding months, whereupon the game apparently outperformed ''[[Daytona USA]]'' on its original trial weekend.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}} However, a shortage of Model 1 hardware also said to have affected other later releases meant that very few units could be made and sold to arcades - despite Sega's initial intent to ship 2,000 VR units as part of their partnership with Virtuality,{{magref|gamemachinejp|445|14}} retrospective estimates of total Net Merc machines manufactured range from less than 20{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210705205824/https://www.bluegartr.com/threads/119249-Sega-NetMerc}} to 70.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}}
  
−
===Development===
+
''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' appears to have been most frequently installed in Sega's own amusement facilities; at least 10 had received it by August 1995,{{magref|saturnfan|1995-09|97}} including [[Club Sega Inage O2 Park|O2 Park Sega World]], [[Shinsaibashi GiGO]], and [[Osaka ATC Galbo]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210410014316/https://netanker.hatenablog.jp/entry/19980529/p3}} Very few units are thought to have been exported outside of Japan, however it is known to have reached [[Metropolis]],{{magref|cvg|168|75}} [[SegaWorld London]],{{fileref|Escape SegaWorldLondon Incomplete.mp4}} and [[Sega Park Madrid]];{{fileref|UltimaGeneracion ES 09.pdf|page=33}} others were supposedly planned to appear in [[Sega World Bournemouth]] and [[Sega VirtuaLand]].{{magref|megapower|1|8}} ''Net Merc'' units were also found in Korea{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210617014104/https://twitter.com/from2001vr/status/898560552980500480}} and New Zealand in the late 1990s and early 2000s.{{fileref|Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf|page=75}}{{fileref|Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf|page=183}}
−
In the wake of its announcement, Sega's partnership with Virtuality was widely reported on in the amusement industry - speculation arose that its results would soon appear in the former company's first large amusement facilities in the west, including [[Sega VirtuaLand]] and [[Sega World Bournemouth]].{{magref|megapower|1|8}} [[Hayao Nakayama]] and Virtuality founder Jonathan Waldern were notably photographed together on the front of the Japanese ''[[Game Machine]]'' trade paper's 15/08/1993 edition.{{magref|gamemachinejp|455|1}} Details revealed at the time stated that the partnership would be centred around intent to produce higher quality VR visuals than the previous Virtuality systems through the use of Sega's successful [[Model 1]] arcade board, however it was unknown which specific headset would be used.{{magref|gamemachinejp|455|14}} Development was also purportedly carried out on a headset for home consoles; this would not come to fruition.{{ref|https://archive.ph/UWm11|https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132517/the_rise_and_fall_of_the_dreamcast.php#comment29666}}
 
−
[[File:TecWar cabinet 2.jpg|thumb|left|Prototype ''TecWar'' cabinet, showcased at [[Amusement Machine Show 1994]] in ''[[Game Machine]]'' ]]
 
−
Work on what would later become ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' commenced soon after the contract was finalised, with two programmers (Andy Reece and Stephen Northcott, formerly of [[wikipedia:Incentive Software|Incentive Software]]{{ref|https://archive.ph/UWm11|https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132517/the_rise_and_fall_of_the_dreamcast.php#comment29666}}) and two artists from Virtuality living in Tokyo for a year to collaborate with the [[AM3]] division and code the game in assembler.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}} To maintain communication with Virtuality personnel, English co-ordinator [[Hisaki Nimiya]] took a central role.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201210161017/http://shmuplations.com/puzzlegamecreators/}} An integral part of development was perfecting the design of the [[Mega Visor Display]] alongside [[AM4]], planned to be used in it and also [[AM5]]'s [[VR-1]] theme park attraction - the MVD was an original headset created to outclass all previous examples in comfortability, weight, and ergonomics.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}}  
 
  
−
The arcade project was scheduled to be completed and released in 1994, though only the aforementioned VR-1 ride attraction was finalised  and installed at early [[Amusement Theme Park]] locations during that year.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} Shortly after the launch of VR-1 in July 1994 at [[Yokohama Joypolis]] and quiet cancellation of the overseas Sega VR project, ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' first appeared in public at the [[Amusement Machine Show 1994]] exposition in September. At this point in time, the game still used its original name, '''''TecWar''''';{{magref|edge|15|12}} schedule slippages and the cancellation of all Model 1 development efforts except ''TecWar'' and the Model 2-reallocated ''[[Sega Rally Championship]]'' meant that it had not yet been completed and released to arcades.
+
===Legacy===
 +
Despite using the critically-acclaimed Mega Visor Display headset, ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' is retrospectively not considered to have been as influential as Virtuality's other works, remaining an obscure rarity as a result of its low production run and resultant lack of popularity. Most installations likely were removed by the early 2000s, and no further games are known to have been developed for the Net Merc system after the release of ''Dennou Senki Net Merc''.
  
−
Further development was prompted by legal conflict with William Shatner's similarly-titled ''[[wikipedia:TekWar|TekWar]]'' novels.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}} As a result, a name change to ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' and the coining of the [[Sega Net Merc]] system term occurred. Eventually, the game reappeared at [[AOU Show 1995]], now using a redesigned Sega Net Merc system cabinet alongside its new name.{{magref|edge|20|17}} VR-1, the first release to use the Mega Visor Display, had been received favourably, but by the time of 1995, further emphasis had been put on texture-mapped polygons for graphical quality in both arcade and console titles, including Sega's. These were notably seen at the show in the new Model 2-powered ''Sega Rally Championship'', which received a much more positive reaction;{{magref|edge|20|17}} players of ''Net Merc'' were reportedly unimpressed with the flat-shaded polygons of the now-outdated Model 1, as well as the gameplay.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}}
+
Design motifs associated with it and the MVD would eventually live on in the AM3-developed ''[[Cyber Troopers Virtual-On]]'', in which the headset was incorporated into the Virtuaroid mechs.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} Rumours also circulate which suggest that ''Cyber Troopers'' was originally intended to be a release for the Net Merc system.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210112210339/https://twitter.com/ohfivepro/status/1349051887174225923}}
  
−
===Release===
+
==Magazine articles==
−
[[File:CombatZone2.png|thumb|right|''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' in [[Sega Net Merc]] cabinet on the Combat Zone floor of [[SegaWorld London]], September 1996]]
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
−
Despite negative reception at AOU, ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' was ultimately kept on Sega's release schedules for May 1995. It is suggested this was due to a successful location test at the company's large [[Ikebukuro GiGO]] amusement facility in the preceding months, whereupon the game reportedly outperformed ''[[Daytona USA]]'' on its original trial weekend of operations.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}} However, a shortage of remaining Model 1 hardware also said to have affected other later releases meant very few units could be made and sold to arcades - retrospective estimates of total Net Merc machines manufactured range from 20{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210705205824/https://www.bluegartr.com/threads/119249-Sega-NetMerc}} to 70.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607083239/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}}
 
  
−
''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' was most frequently installed in Sega's own amusement facilities; at least 10 had received it by August 1995,{{magref|saturnfan|1995-09|97}} including [[Club Sega Inage O2 Park|O2 Park Sega World]], [[Shinsaibashi GiGO]], and [[Osaka ATC Galbo]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210410014316/https://netanker.hatenablog.jp/entry/19980529/p3}} Very few units are thought to have been exported outside of Japan, however it is known to have reached [[Metropolis]],{{magref|cvg|168|75}} [[SegaWorld London]],{{fileref|Escape SegaWorldLondon Incomplete.mp4}} and [[Sega Park Madrid]];{{fileref|UltimaGeneracion ES 09.pdf|page=33}} others were supposedly planned to appear in [[Sega World Bournemouth]] and [[Sega VirtuaLand]].{{magref|megapower|1|8}} ''Net Merc'' units were also found in Korea{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210617014104/https://twitter.com/from2001vr/status/898560552980500480}} and New Zealand.{{fileref|Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf|page=75}}{{fileref|Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf|page=183}} Most installations likely were removed by the early 2000s, and no further games are officially known to have been developed for the Net Merc system after the release of ''Dennou Senki Net Merc''.
+
==Promotional material==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
  
−
===Legacy===
+
==Videos==
−
Despite using the critically-acclaimed Mega Visor Display headset, ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' is retrospectively not considered to have been as influential as Virtuality's other works, both with Sega and without, remaining an obscure distraction as a result of its low production run and resultant lack of popularity. Design motifs associated with it and the MVD would eventually live on in the AM3-developed ''[[Cyber Troopers Virtual-On]]'', in which the headset was incorporated into the Virtuaroid mechs.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} Rumours also circulate which suggest that ''Cyber Troopers'' was originally intended to be a release for the Net Merc system.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210112210339/https://twitter.com/ohfivepro/status/1349051887174225923}}
+
*[https://segaretro.org/File:DennouSenkiNetMerc_Video.mp4 Video excerpt showing ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' running on the Flight Deck floor of SegaWorld London,] taken from season three, episode #7 (''"A Special Place"'', 1997) of BBC documentary series ''[[wikipedia:Connections (British documentary)|Connections]]''
 +
*[https://segaretro.org/File:DennouSenkiNetMerc_Cucciolo.mp4 Video excerpt showing ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' running on the Flight Deck floor of SegaWorld London,] taken from scene shot in Piccadilly Circus from 1998 Italian comedy film ''[[wikipedia:Cucciolo|Cucciolo]]''
  
−
==Videos==
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==Artwork==
−
*[https://segaretro.org/File:DennouSenkiNetMerc_Video.mp4 Video excerpt showing ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' running on the Flight Deck floor of SegaWorld London, taken from episode #7 (''"A Special Place"'') of the third season (1997) of BBC documentary television series ''Connections'']
+
<gallery>
−
*[https://segaretro.org/File:DennouSenkiNetMerc_Cucciolo.mp4 Video excerpt showing ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' running on the Flight Deck floor of SegaWorld London, taken from 1998 Italian comedy film Cucciolo]
+
Sega Net Merc logo.jpg|Logo
 +
Dennou Senki Net Merc artwork.jpg|Promotional artwork (specifically colored for ''[[Saturn Fan]]'' coverage{{magref|saturnfan|1995-08|87}})
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==Photo gallery==
 
==Photo gallery==
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TecWar_cabinet.jpg|
 
TecWar_cabinet.jpg|
 
TecWar_cabinet_2.jpg|
 
TecWar_cabinet_2.jpg|
 +
Dennou Senki Net Merc cabinet AOU 1995.jpg|[[AOU Show 1995]]
 
SegaNetMerc cabinet.jpg|''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' cabinet
 
SegaNetMerc cabinet.jpg|''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' cabinet
 
Net Merc Korea 2003.jpg|Korean installation, unknown location, circa 2003{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210617014104/https://twitter.com/from2001vr/status/898560552980500480}}
 
Net Merc Korea 2003.jpg|Korean installation, unknown location, circa 2003{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210617014104/https://twitter.com/from2001vr/status/898560552980500480}}
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SegaParkMadrid6.jpg
 
SegaParkMadrid6.jpg
 
Osaka ATC NetMerc.jpg|[[Osaka ATC Galbo]], circa 1998
 
Osaka ATC NetMerc.jpg|[[Osaka ATC Galbo]], circa 1998
−
</gallery>
 
−
 
−
==Magazine articles==
 
−
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 
−
 
−
==Promotional material==
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Sega Net Merc promo.jpg
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
 
===Archival status===
 
===Archival status===
−
As a result of its low production run and poor reception, very few boards for ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' are known to currently exist. It is suggested only two remain with incomplete Sega Net Merc systems; one is held by arcade collector ShouTime,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210117102232/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/ninterview_preserving_gaming_history_with_arcade_collector_shoutime}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210705204834/https://forums.arcade-museum.com/threads/sega-netmerc.295556/}} while another was acquired and recorded for the "SEGA MODEL KING" YouTube channel, making it the first known footage of the game recorded off of original Model 1 hardware.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Cg40ZmWpQ}}
+
As a result of its low production run and poor reception, very few boards for ''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' are known to currently exist. It is believed only two remain with incomplete/faulty Sega Net Merc systems; one is held by arcade collector Eric "ShouTime" Chung,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210117102232/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/ninterview_preserving_gaming_history_with_arcade_collector_shoutime}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210705204834/https://forums.arcade-museum.com/threads/sega-netmerc.295556/}} while another was acquired and recorded for the "SEGA MODEL KING" YouTube channel, making it the first known footage of the game recorded off of original Model 1 hardware.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Cg40ZmWpQ}}
  
−
''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' was dumped by ShouTime during the 2010s, however it remains the only Model 1 game to have compatibility and playability issues when ran conventionally in MAME due to its virtual reality visuals and hardware discrepancies. A workaround can be reportedly attempted by reconfiguring the game's dip switches, though if not done properly causes serious graphical issues and is not possible with newer versions of the emulator.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Cg40ZmWpQ}}
+
''Dennou Senki Net Merc'' was dumped by ShouTime during 2014, however it remains the only Model 1 game to have compatibility and playability issues when ran conventionally in MAME due to its virtual reality visuals and hardware discrepancies. A workaround can be purportedly attempted by reconfiguring the game's dip switches, though if not done properly causes serious graphical issues and is not possible with some versions of the emulator.{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Cg40ZmWpQ}}
 +
 
 +
===ROM dump status===
 +
{{romtable|
 +
{{rom|Arcade|sha1=|md5=|crc32=|size=6.91MB{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220718004818/https://wowroms.com/en/roms/mame/sega-netmerc/96941.html}}|date=|source=|comments=''Dennou Senki Net Merc''|icon=|quality=}}
 +
}}
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==

Revision as of 23:47, 18 July 2022

n/a

DennouSenkiNetMerc Title.png

Dennou Senki Net Merc
System(s): Sega Net Merc, Model 1
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Shoot-'em-up

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Arcade (Model 1)
JP		 ¥? ?
























Dennou Senki Net Merc (電脳戦記ネットマーク, Cyber Troopers Network Mercenary) is an arcade game developed by AM3 with assistance from Virtuality.[2] One of several attempts made at virtual reality by Sega, it is the only game created for the Sega Net Merc system (a specialized arcade cabinet using Model 1 boards with the Mega Visor Display headset to produce VR visuals), so the two are often used interchangeably. If considered to be a Model 1 game, it is the final release for the system.

As a result of criticism, lack of new Model 1 board stock, and numerous delays since the initial agreement between Virtuality and Sega in June 1993, Dennou Senki Net Merc received a very limited release, with few units appearing outside Japan.[3] It has remained an obscure and rare footnote.

Gameplay

Dennou Senki Net Merc is an on-rails first person shoot-'em-up, in which players use a large gun controller to fire at enemies. Also being a virtual reality game, players are also given a VR headset (a "MVD" or "Mega Visor Display"[4], used previously by the VR-1 theme park attraction), allowing for their head movements to be tracked in real time and therefore see a full 360 degree view of their various in-game surroundings.

The game itself is a straightforward arcade shooter; no set time limit is provided, however a depletable health bar is used to curb time. Players are always stood facing in one direction behind the gun controller during gameplay. The complex nature of the system means that a member of staff is usually on hand to assist users with the headset. Gameplay is also outputted for onlooking bystanders onto a monitor attached to the play field.

Levels

Dennou Senki Net Merc takes place in four levels; though the start and end stages remain the same on any run, the middle two stages can be selected interchangeably.[5]

Notavailable.svg

Desert Stage
The game begins with a desert practise level. In it, enemies and obstacles such as combat vehicles, mechs, war bases, and explosible barrels only appear in front of the player. Once it is completed, a choice of two different level routes is given through a warp station; in both of these, the difficulty increases, with enemies now appearing from all sides, requiring the player to look around and take greater advantage of the VR technology.

Notavailable.svg

CPU Stage
The upper route given to players after the first level is held inside a large computer. In it, the player is transported into a CPU corrupted by a virus that has manifested itself physically in the form of the stage's enemies. They are tasked with ending the corruption by destroying these, as well as an end of level boss, with vaccines.

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City Stage
The lower selectable route once the practise level has been completed transports the player to an urban city landscape in mid-day. Combat vehicles and soldier robots below the player on the city streets can be destroyed, as well as a number of hovering enemies and an end of level mecharoid boss.

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Final Stage
Accessed through a ground warp in the previous selected level, the final part of the game takes place in a spherical space station inhabited by numerous larger enemies. If successfully completed, a third person run-through of how each level was played is given to the player before the game concludes.

History

Development

Main article: Dennou Senki Net Merc/Development.

Release

Dennou Senki Net Merc in Sega Net Merc cabinet on the "Combat Zone" floor of SegaWorld London, circa September 1996

Despite its negative reception at AOU Show 1995 and several delays, Dennou Senki Net Merc was ultimately kept on Sega's release schedules for May.[1] It is suggested by main programmer Andy Reece that this was due to a successful location test at Ikebukuro GiGO in the preceding months, whereupon the game apparently outperformed Daytona USA on its original trial weekend.[3] However, a shortage of Model 1 hardware also said to have affected other later releases meant that very few units could be made and sold to arcades - despite Sega's initial intent to ship 2,000 VR units as part of their partnership with Virtuality,[6] retrospective estimates of total Net Merc machines manufactured range from less than 20[7] to 70.[3]

Dennou Senki Net Merc appears to have been most frequently installed in Sega's own amusement facilities; at least 10 had received it by August 1995,[8] including O2 Park Sega World, Shinsaibashi GiGO, and Osaka ATC Galbo.[9] Very few units are thought to have been exported outside of Japan, however it is known to have reached Metropolis,[10] SegaWorld London,[11] and Sega Park Madrid;[12] others were supposedly planned to appear in Sega World Bournemouth and Sega VirtuaLand.[13] Net Merc units were also found in Korea[14] and New Zealand in the late 1990s and early 2000s.[15][4]

Legacy

Despite using the critically-acclaimed Mega Visor Display headset, Dennou Senki Net Merc is retrospectively not considered to have been as influential as Virtuality's other works, remaining an obscure rarity as a result of its low production run and resultant lack of popularity. Most installations likely were removed by the early 2000s, and no further games are known to have been developed for the Net Merc system after the release of Dennou Senki Net Merc.

Design motifs associated with it and the MVD would eventually live on in the AM3-developed Cyber Troopers Virtual-On, in which the headset was incorporated into the Virtuaroid mechs.[16] Rumours also circulate which suggest that Cyber Troopers was originally intended to be a release for the Net Merc system.[17]

Magazine articles

Main article: Dennou Senki Net Merc/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Dennou Senki Net Merc/Promotional material.

Videos

Artwork

  • Logo

  • Promotional artwork (specifically colored for Saturn Fan coverage[18])

Photo gallery

Technical information

Archival status

As a result of its low production run and poor reception, very few boards for Dennou Senki Net Merc are known to currently exist. It is believed only two remain with incomplete/faulty Sega Net Merc systems; one is held by arcade collector Eric "ShouTime" Chung,[21][22] while another was acquired and recorded for the "SEGA MODEL KING" YouTube channel, making it the first known footage of the game recorded off of original Model 1 hardware.[23]

Dennou Senki Net Merc was dumped by ShouTime during 2014, however it remains the only Model 1 game to have compatibility and playability issues when ran conventionally in MAME due to its virtual reality visuals and hardware discrepancies. A workaround can be purportedly attempted by reconfiguring the game's dip switches, though if not done properly causes serious graphical issues and is not possible with some versions of the emulator.[23]

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Arcade
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
6.91MB Dennou Senki Net Merc

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sega Arcade History, Enterbrain, page 136
  2. ↑ Game Machine, "1993-08-15" (JP; 1993-08-15), page 1
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712 (Wayback Machine: 2021-06-07 08:32)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 File:Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf, page 183
  5. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1995 August" (JP; 1995-07-07), page 94
  6. ↑ Game Machine, "1993-03-15" (JP; 1993-03-15), page 14
  7. ↑ https://www.bluegartr.com/threads/119249-Sega-NetMerc (Wayback Machine: 2021-07-05 20:58)
  8. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1995 September" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 97
  9. ↑ https://netanker.hatenablog.jp/entry/19980529/p3 (Wayback Machine: 2021-04-10 01:43)
  10. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "November 1995" (UK; 1995-10-13), page 75
  11. ↑ File:Escape SegaWorldLondon Incomplete.mp4
  12. ↑ File:UltimaGeneracion ES 09.pdf, page 33
  13. ↑ Mega Power, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-07-29), page 8
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 @from2001vr on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2021-06-17 01:41)
  15. ↑ File:Becoming Virtual - Bodies, Technologies, Worlds (Thesis by Nicola Green, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 1999).pdf, page 75
  16. ↑ https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html (Wayback Machine: 2016-10-04 20:00)
  17. ↑ @ohfivepro on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2021-01-12 21:03)
  18. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1995 August" (JP; 1995-07-07), page 87
  19. ↑ @oritech on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2021-10-15 00:04)
  20. ↑ @mukasiya_game on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2021-03-11 15:40)
  21. ↑ https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/ninterview_preserving_gaming_history_with_arcade_collector_shoutime (Wayback Machine: 2021-01-17 10:22)
  22. ↑ https://forums.arcade-museum.com/threads/sega-netmerc.295556/ (Wayback Machine: 2021-07-05 20:48)
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Cg40ZmWpQ
  24. ↑ https://wowroms.com/en/roms/mame/sega-netmerc/96941.html (Wayback Machine: 2022-07-18 00:48)


Mega Visor Display
Hardware Mega Visor Display | VR-1 | Sega Net Merc
Software Space Mission | Planet Adventure | Dennou Senki Net Merc
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