Archive of the original 09/11/05 Sonic Extreme for sale thread [Archive] - ASSEMblergames.com

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 06:34 PM

http://www.assemblergames.com/images/sonicxtreme/oldfiles/01.jpg

http://www.assemblergames.com/images/sonicxtreme/oldfiles/02.jpg

Yes, it's legit, and no, it isn't mine. Read on, there's a little bit of explanation in order here.

I was contacted recently by an anonymous former Sega employee, who found the article I published (http://www.lostlevels.org/200403/200403-xtreme.shtml) about Sonic X-Treme on Lost Levels while Googling. He came across this disc recently and, figuring that it was worth some money and that I might be interested, he contacted me.

There's no way in hell I can afford this on my crappy feelance wages, and I told him as much, but I offered to find a buyer for him. So I'm kind of acting as a middle-man here, as he wants to keep his anonymity as tight as possible.

This disc is not a complete game, the simple reason being that there never was a complete game. What this disc contains is the small playable demo that was produced initially as a proof of concept for Sega of Japan, and then shown to the press at Gamer's Day in 1996. The four screenshots at the bottom of this page (http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_xtreme/other/index.htm) are taken from this very same demo.

This is, he assured me, the only playable Saturn build ever seen outside of the development office itself, and I really have no reason to believe otherwise. Furthermore, with the possible exception of one disc under heavy lock and key in Sega's library (according to another anonymous employee, who I spoke to about two years ago), this is very likely to be the only surviving disc PERIOD. Why does he know this? Because he destroyed the others himself, it was part of his job.

I guess the point I'm getting at is that, for better or for worse, this small little demo IS Sonic X-Treme for the Saturn. And if that's something you feel you have to have, well...you'd better grab this, because there's not going to be another opportunity. There is no chance of a "more complete build," and it isn't likely that another copy survived.

...I know I probably sound like a damned eBay auction here, but really, I'm not gaining anything from this sale, and I hope my reputation is high enough by now that you're well aware I know what I'm talking about. As much as I'd love to have this myself, I just DON'T have the funds, and I want it to go to a good home.

Offers are going straight through me, I can be reached at fcifaldi@gmail.com. I'll answer any questions I can in this thread, and ask him any that I can't. I will warn you now that this guy is expecting a four digits, so please don't try to lowball me. And please don't clog my inbox with questions that can be answered in this thread, try to keep it only to buying offers. This disc runs only in a Japanese Saturn (or one modified to think it's Japanese), and requires a first-party Saturn boot disc. If you don't have one, he can provide one, but it's going to cost you (it's his personal disc, he doesn't want to get rid of it).

Oh, and further proof of the disc's authenticity is available TO SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY. Like I said, it is legit, I can vouch for the thing.

cahaz

09-12-2005, 07:40 PM

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 07:43 PM

A couple other various bits of info, as I'm thinking of them:

The text on the disc says "Sonic J.G. 7-18," J.G. standing for the playable level, Jade Gully.

This game has not been backed up, and I'm assured it won't be. The disc isn't going through my hands at all, so even if I wanted to make a backup, I can't.

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 07:44 PM

So, around how much does he want? 50? 100? 250? 500? more? it would be fun to have the guy answering questions right here. I know he doesn't want to be known, but he's not obligated to divulgate anything that he doesn't want to. It Could make some very interesting topics in the future.

As I said in the post, he's expecting four digits. The sums you mentioned are between two and three digits. He doesn't have a set price in mind, and he's taking offers.

GaijinPunch

09-12-2005, 07:50 PM

hl718

09-12-2005, 07:58 PM

This disc is not a complete game, the simple reason being that there never was a complete game. What this disc contains is the small playable demo that was produced initially as a proof of concept for Sega of Japan, and then shown to the press at Gamer's Day in 1996. The four screenshots at the bottom of this page (http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_xtreme/other/index.htm) are taken from this very same demo.

This is, he assured me, the only playable Saturn build ever seen outside of the development office itself, and I really have no reason to believe otherwise. Furthermore, with the possible exception of one disc under heavy lock and key in Sega's library (according to another anonymous employee, who I spoke to about two years ago), this is very likely to be the only surviving disc PERIOD. Why does he know this? Because he destroyed the others himself, it was part of his job.

For those that might be wondering, this demo is basically what you see here on the TV screen. Sonic can run around and collect rings, but that's it. There's no real level to speak of. As TRE mentions, it is very much a proof of concept.

The second paragraph however *is* patently incorrect. There was a second demo produced that was shown outside of the development office. It is a boss fight against Metal Sonic in a Casino Zone inspired arena. This demo felt much more polished, though it was limited to a single fight.

Hope this helps anyone who might be interested in the game.

-hl718

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 08:02 PM

-Will it be "auction" style? Will bidders be informed if someone has gone higher?
-Will it boot on a Saturn that plays backups/betas w/o the boot disc?
-Can the seller be trusted... or should I say is there any reason to think someone might flake off after we've offered our 4 digits

More or less auction style, yes. I'll be the first to admit that this isn't terribly organized. If you know me, you know I'm not a businessman, so this is kind of a new experience for me.

I'm no Saturn expert, but I'm pretty sure you need the boot disc to run betas, like on the Dreamcast. If you really know what you're doing, you can probably "hack" a backup to not need one, but don't quote me on that. Any Saturn beta collectors want to offer some insight here?

I'm sorry to say, I don't personally know the seller, so I can't vouch for his character or dependability. Based on the very long conversation we had, though, I can vouch for him having worked at Sega.

For those that might be wondering, this demo is basically what you see here on the TV screen. Sonic can run around and collect rings, but that's it. There's no real level to speak of. As TRE mentions, it is very much a proof of concept.

The second paragraph however *is* patently incorrect. There was a second demo produced that was shown outside of the development office. It is a boss fight against Metal Sonic in a Casino Zone inspired arena. This demo felt much more polished, though it was limited to a single fight.

Hope this helps anyone who might be interested in the game.

-hl718

Yeah, I remembered the boss demo too, after I'd already made the post. I think you're right, though he claims those were mockup videos. I could swear I've read hands-on descriptions, though.

RPA

09-12-2005, 08:08 PM

Is that just a regular old CDR or does it have the security ring on it? If it is just a regular CDR then this guy could just make as many copies as he wants.

hl718

09-12-2005, 08:09 PM

I'm no Saturn expert, but I'm pretty sure you need the boot disc to run betas, like on the Dreamcast. If you really know what you're doing, you can probably "hack" a backup to not need one, but don't quote me on that. Any Saturn beta collectors want to offer some insight here?

A modded Saturn that can play CDRs should have no trouble booting this disc. The Saturn boot discs simply disable the copy protection based on a particular key. A mod chip will completely disable the copy protection making the need for a boot disc moot.

Yeah, I remembered the boss demo too, after I'd already made the post. I think you're right, though he claims those were mockup videos. I could swear I've read hands-on descriptions, though.

I can personally vouch for it being hands-on. ;)

-hl718

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 08:14 PM

Is that just a regular old CDR or does it have the security ring on it? If it is just a regular CDR then this guy could just make as many copies as he wants.

I don't know, but I'll ask when I'm able to talk to him again.

madhatter256

09-12-2005, 08:58 PM

This is, he assured me, the only playable Saturn build ever seen outside of the development office itself, and I really have no reason to believe otherwise. Furthermore, with the possible exception of one disc under heavy lock and key in Sega's library (according to another anonymous employee, who I spoke to about two years ago), this is very likely to be the only surviving disc PERIOD. Why does he know this? Because he destroyed the others himself, it was part of his job.

By he, do you mean the seller? Did he, the seller, take part in destroying the material? Or the Sega employee, who you spoke to two years ago, took part in that?

(it's his personal disc, he doesn't want to get rid of it).

Then why is he selling it?

I just hope the buyer contributes to the community by screenshots of the demo that wasn't shown at E3 nor on the magazines or websites and maybe more information about the game.

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 09:05 PM

By he, do you mean the seller? Did he, the seller, take part in destroying the material? Or the Sega employee, who you spoke to two years ago, took part in that?

Then why is he selling it?

I just hope the buyer contributes to the community by screenshots of the demo that wasn't shown at E3 nor on the magazines or websites and maybe more information about the game.

The seller destroyed the materials, yes. The Sega employee I spoke to two years ago had nothing to do with Sonic X-Treme, he was just curious enough to go looking for it, and says he found one in a vault that was unaccessible to him.

As for "why is he selling it," I was referring to the Saturn boot disc itself. He specifically WANTS to sell Sonic X-Treme, but the Saturn boot disc is only available of the buyer really really needs it, and is willing to pay premium.

No security ring. He said that they only put on security rings during the very last phase of production, for game that were more or less ready for release.

As for making backups, he said there's no way in hell he could do that without official blank media, which he just doesn't have (I think he's inferring that your concern is him making another official-looking proto, I don't think backing it up on generic media has even crossed his mind).

GaijinPunch

09-12-2005, 09:30 PM

One last question (two actually)

1: Is there an official end time of the bidding?
2: How does hl718 know so much? Just wondering if this is really indeed a one and only.

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 10:01 PM

One last question (two actually)1: Is there an official end time of the bidding?

Not really, I figure this goes on for a couple days until he decides he's had enough, or the offers just kind of stop. I will say this, though, he's expecting a little more than the bids so far (I'm not sure I agree with him, but I'll try to stay objective here).

madhatter256

09-12-2005, 10:17 PM

Serious question...

Will the seller be willing to do this thru an escrow (based in america). For the amount he's asking I want to make sure that I get what it is I'm buying.

hl718

09-12-2005, 10:18 PM

Is that just a regular old CDR or does it have the security ring on it? If it is just a regular CDR then this guy could just make as many copies as he wants.

None of the official Sega CDR discs have a security ring. They are standard discs with the Sega logo on them. Some are branded Mega CD, others Saturn, depending on when they were ordered up. Duplicating a Saturn disc is as simple as doing a direct copy. If you did purchase the disc it would be trivial to make a backup and play from that while safely storing the original

2: How does hl718 know so much? Just wondering if this is really indeed a one and only.

No comment.

I will say this however. I have absolutely no connection with this sale.

-hl718

madhatter256

09-12-2005, 10:38 PM

2: How does hl718 know so much? Just wondering if this is really indeed a one and only.

Do a search on this very website for Sonic X-treme and read the topic titled Sonic X-treme....

Mark30001

09-12-2005, 10:47 PM

I hope this is not asking for too much, but can the original author make quality screenshots available, before the game gets sold and might never be heard of again ;)?

I mean, this is an unreleased game, and most of the screenshots on the net aren't that great of pics.

I have no intentions of buying the game, but I just would like to see preservation of a probably single copy game, before something happens to it,... you know what I mean :)...

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 10:54 PM

Don't worry, that's taken care of.

Mark30001

09-12-2005, 10:56 PM

Okay, that makes me feel better :)!

madhatter256

09-12-2005, 10:58 PM

RedEye, PM me if he's interested, then I'll shoot my email and start this thing.

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 11:07 PM

Will do. I don't think he's home right now, though.

madhatter256

09-12-2005, 11:11 PM

Will do. I don't think he's home right now, though.

ok

TheRedEye

09-12-2005, 11:20 PM

That's a negative on the escrow, for fear of it being copied during the evaluation period.

madhatter256

09-12-2005, 11:53 PM

That's a negative on the escrow, for fear of it being copied during the evaluation period.

I sent you a PM regarding this.

But I have another question. Does this build have the intro of Sonic X-treme?

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 12:15 AM

Does this build have the intro of Sonic X-treme?

I have no idea what you mean by that. After the normal "produced by or under license" screen (or whatever it says on the Saturn), it shows a simple title screen with the Sonic X-Treme logo over a black background, that fades into the demo after a few seconds.

GaijinPunch

09-13-2005, 01:47 AM

When you say "demo" it's not a demo movie, right? You get to move Sonic around w/ the controller, yeah?

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 01:48 AM

That's right, you control Sonic and run/jump freely.

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 02:58 AM

I would love to buy purchase this, but four figures simply isn't going to happen (I'd end up living in a cardboard box if I even tried spending that much at this point).

Also, TheRedEye, i've sent you a pm.

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 03:01 AM

Also, TheRedEye, i've sent you a pm.

You sure about that? My box is empty.

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 03:08 AM

You sure about that? My box is empty.

Sent shortly after the message was posted (didn't think youd reply so quickly)

olivieryuyu

09-13-2005, 03:12 AM

PM sent also, even if i'm not a sonic fan :smt1231

Tachikoma

09-13-2005, 04:49 AM

The buyer can do what they wish with it, people requesting it be dumped will get a warning from now on. That includes posting in threads and pm'ing TheRedEye or any potential buyers. If you want it dumped, *you* buy it!

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 07:39 AM

To "remco:"

The address you emailed me from bounces when I try to reply. Please send me another email, or PM me here.

Segafreak_NL

09-13-2005, 08:54 AM

Well Im interested but I think you already have higher bids in. I might be interested in buying a 'part' of it, together with someone else. That someone else can keep the original disc but I want a copy. Something like $300 me - $700 the other guy. Provided the other guy will not release it freely otherwise there's no point.

Otherwise; if there's at least 25 people interested in receiving a copy for $25 I'd happily bid $1000.

To Tachikoma: This is ok to post, right?

Blur2040

09-13-2005, 09:30 AM

It's guaranteed to be way above $1000, if I thought I could get it for $1000, I'd have gone for it.

Paulo

09-13-2005, 09:49 AM

way over a $1000 for a single level demo that wont take more then 20 seconds to see the whole thing?

Nicola

09-13-2005, 09:56 AM

well, people pay 12000 usd for a kizuna with a different label...

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 09:56 AM

Id be willing to pitch in $400-$500 for a joint purchase, and would not dump it unless all those involved in the purchase were ok with it.

LeGIt

09-13-2005, 10:19 AM

I have $1000 but plans for the money (paying off loans early) and little interest in the game. I'd be more interested in chipping in a 51% share for a dump and keeping the disc than buying it outright though, but I'd still rather pay off my debts.

olivieryuyu

09-13-2005, 10:22 AM

more than 1000$ ..... For just 20s of pleasure .... i can't believe it

i 'd prefer 40winks for n64 for this price, at least the game is finished :p

PrOfUnD Darkness

09-13-2005, 10:24 AM

Man, I never tought this demo would show up one day....
It's a lot harder, but maybe we can have hope for Saturn Shenmue and VF3.

Tachikoma

09-13-2005, 10:46 AM

To Tachikoma: This is ok to post, right?

Yeah, if you (part) buy it, you can do what you want with it. We just don't want to see hundreds of one post members filling up the board with begging for people to dump it. As is seen every time something like this turns up, nobody "owes" it to "the community" or whatever.

Blur2040

09-13-2005, 10:49 AM

1000 sounds like way too much to me too, but this is Sonic Extreme. People have been after it for a long long time. If four figures is the minimum RedEye will take for offers, then it's probably going to go for a lot higher...

1,000 is about the most I would have paid (believe me, it would have killed me to do so)...and I'm small potatoes in the collecting world. Imagine what kind of money other would be able to come up with.

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 10:55 AM

way over a $1000 for a single level demo that wont take more then 20 seconds to see the whole thing?

Well this IS one of the most sought after unreleased games of all time...

Man, I never tought this demo would show up one day....
It's a lot harder, but maybe we can have hope for Saturn Shenmue and VF3.

I don't think they would be much harder to obtain then this, especialy sense most people (myself included) believed this game would never surface at all.

Segafreak_NL

09-13-2005, 11:00 AM

Yeah I thought that it would be somewhere near $2-3k to be honest , before reading the thread. It's the one most wanted Sonic item there is. But after reading the thread it seemed $1000-1500 was a more likely price. Oh well. I'd say some (5 or so) die-hards should all chip in an one keep the disc. The rest gets a copy (and is prohibited to release it?)
Say.. one pays $400 and the rest $275.

LocalH

09-13-2005, 11:20 AM

Holy shit, this actually surfaced? I figured it was out there somewhere, even if locked within Sega.

Tomcat

09-13-2005, 11:32 AM

:( Im out the running Certainly sorted the weat from the chaff

Taemos

09-13-2005, 11:41 AM

Wow. I never thought I would see this for sale. Good luck to whoever is interested - I can only dream of being able to afford it.

Edit: Out of curiousity (and I hope I'm not offending you/being too nosy), have you had a go at it Assembler? I figured you would be more interested in this than you appear to be.

Edit 2: As for the "last remaining disc outside of Sega" theory - I'm not sure how far I'd go with believing that. Pachuka (of Sonic Cult "fame") did an interview with someone from Sega (I forgot who it was) who supposedly had a copy lying around. Whether he was telling the truth or not is a different matter, of course, but I suppose it opens it up to speculation.

Tachikoma

09-13-2005, 12:03 PM

Something I forgot about until ages ago, was the software used to do the 3D models in it (and the Sonic Jam 3D sections) was by SoftImage, and they had a trial version of their 3D model viewer, which included the model of mecha-sonic and regular sonic (or whatever his name is) from the game. Sadly the old version is nowhere to be found now, but it was called XSIviewer, I'm sure download.com will have it in their vaults somewhere if someone wants to try and hunt for it.

hl718

09-13-2005, 12:11 PM

Wow. I never thought I would see this for sale. Good luck to whoever is interested - I can only dream of being able to afford it.

You'd be surprised at what is floating around out there. Just because people don't publically promote their collections, doesn't mean a lot of good stuff isn't in collector hands. Most folks with "big" things don't talk about the big things because of begging. Just look at RE1.5 every time that thread comes up. That's why you don't see more chatter about high profile items. Unless a developer personally hands you something they coded themsevles, never acquire an item based solely on it being the "one and only." It never is. Acquire an item because *YOU* have interest in it. You'll be much happier in the long run.

-hl718

madhatter256

09-13-2005, 12:23 PM

You'd be surprised at what is floating around out there.

Especially when you know the people.

Tomcat

09-13-2005, 12:25 PM

But its getting to know them thats the hard bit ;)

Taemos

09-13-2005, 12:26 PM

I show my ignorance yet again, then :). You learn something new every day.

Topic Archive

09-13-2005, 12:35 PM

You'd be surprised at what is floating around out there. Just because people don't publically promote their collections, doesn't mean a lot of good stuff isn't in collector hands. Most folks with "big" things don't talk about the big things because of begging. Just look at RE1.5 every time that thread comes up. That's why you don't see more chatter about high profile items. Unless a developer personally hands you something they coded themsevles, never acquire an item based solely on it being the "one and only." It never is. Acquire an item because *YOU* have interest in it. You'll be much happier in the long run.

...Soooo true, thats why I've only ever publically 'shown' around 10% of the stuff I have, it's good to keep 'em guessing ;)

madhatter256

09-13-2005, 12:54 PM

You guys gotta keep in mind that this type of stuff is as if we are shady art dealers/traders. When it comes to items like this, you gotta be prepared incase shit happens.

RPA

09-13-2005, 01:05 PM

You guys gotta keep in mind that this type of stuff is as if we are shady art dealers/traders. When it comes to items like this, you gotta be prepared incase shit happens.

That's why I stopped at $1500. It's well pass that now. I paid less for my M2 for what I last heard it was going for. I wasnt going to spend that kind of money for a CDR.

Jaysmith2000

09-13-2005, 02:03 PM

Would the seller be willing to sign a contract guaranteeing that he has not made copies of the CD, distributed copies to anyone else and does not have any originals left other than the one?

Topic Archive

09-13-2005, 02:10 PM

That's why I stopped at $1500. It's well pass that now. I paid less for my M2 for what I last heard it was going for. I wasnt going to spend that kind of money for a CDR.

...If it makes $1500+ I think we might see a few more disc's of the same demo up for sale in the near future ;-)

Topic Archive

09-13-2005, 02:12 PM

Would the seller be willing to sign a contract guaranteeing that he has not made copies of the CD, distributed copies to anyone else and does not have any originals left other than the one?

...I doubt you would get SEGA to sign a guarantee in your scheme. :)

Paulo

09-13-2005, 02:15 PM

Would the seller be willing to sign a contract guaranteeing that he has not made copies of the CD, distributed copies to anyone else and does not have any originals left other than the one?

What for?

You cant really take him to court because he leaked a stolen cd...

Tomcat

09-13-2005, 02:27 PM

...If it makes $1500+ I think we might see a few more disc's of the same demo up for sale in the near future ;-)
its well over that

Roi

09-13-2005, 02:35 PM

Don't worry, that's taken care of.

I bookmarked your site ;).

I'm very curious who will win this item and for how much :)

madhatter256

09-13-2005, 02:58 PM

Knowing what I know, I feel sorry for the buyer...

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 02:59 PM

Would the seller be willing to sign a contract guaranteeing that he has not made copies of the CD, distributed copies to anyone else and does not have any originals left other than the one?

Seeing as how he's remaining completely anonymous through this whole thing, I don't think he's going to sign his name anywhere.

Segafreak_NL

09-13-2005, 03:06 PM

It's a bit of a shame that the fate of this disc/Sonic Xtreme went unchanged (locked up for no one to see), but hey such is life.

Tachikoma

09-13-2005, 03:34 PM

Knowing what I know, I feel sorry for the buyer...

Here we go... spill the beans or simply don't make comments you aren't willing to back up.

Jaysmith2000

09-13-2005, 03:47 PM

What for?

You cant really take him to court because he leaked a stolen cd...

I was thinking more along the lines of personal liability to come back and recover the sales price, but quickly realized after your post it wouldn't matter regardless.... ;) Luckily I'm not used to dealing in stolen property. :smt042

Qjimbo

09-13-2005, 03:51 PM

EDIT: Misunderstanding.

madhatter256

09-13-2005, 03:57 PM

No no no no. It's the price that it has gotten to that I feel sorry for the buyer lol. I just feel this whole thread is starting to get out of hand.

IF I actually had the money to buy it, I'd most likely end up dumping it but stupid stock penalties for liquidating my stocks 20 years earlier than what I signed for prevents me from buying it.

PhantasyStar

09-13-2005, 03:58 PM

It's a lot harder, but maybe we can have hope for Saturn Shenmue and VF3.

That would be so awesome to have the Shenmue Saturn version. I always enjoy seeing the video on my Shenmue II disc.

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 04:04 PM

words words words

The transaction has not been completed, and this isn't a "20 second demo." Please stop posting false information and your brilliant opinions on preservation in this SALES THREAD.

Nicola

09-13-2005, 04:05 PM

No no no no. It's the price that it has gotten to that I feel sorry for the buyer lol. I just feel this whole thread is starting to get out of hand.

:D

Fatalist

09-13-2005, 04:39 PM

This is one of those threads that make Assembler the special and unique site that is :) Sonic X-Treme! Where are $**** when you need them? Good luck to the possible buyers. I'll be curious too to know by how much it is sold.

Benedict_Arnold

09-13-2005, 06:44 PM

HHogan

09-13-2005, 07:18 PM

I'd be up for the $100 payment to get a copy.

Mark30001

09-13-2005, 07:19 PM

well, people pay 12000 usd for a kizuna with a different label...

$12,000?!? That's just madness! :D

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 07:20 PM

So if no one offered the amount the seller wants, should we all go in together?? Kinda like a community dump but only people who contribute would get it? And I'm thinking the interested parties would need to contribute $100 or more each.

Id be for this, plus Segafreak_NL and HHogan seem to like the idea to. Thats four of us. Although not quite enough people to purchase it, if a few others are willing to chip in we may have a chance :)

hl718

09-13-2005, 07:27 PM

...If it makes $1500+ I think we might see a few more disc's of the same demo up for sale in the near future ;-)

No doubt. Whenever a rare build makes a public sale I am always amused by the number of collectors that are suddenly interested in selling their copies. When PA first sold for $1500+ the GDRs went from "I'll never sell" to "So, you're interested in PA, eh?" ;-)

Should cook up some popcorn oldengineer, I think we're in for a show.

-hl718

Segafreak_NL

09-13-2005, 07:38 PM

Id be for this, plus Segafreak_NL and HHogan seem to like the idea to. Thats four of us. Although not quite enough people to purchase it, if a few others are willing to chip in we may have a chance :)

Yup, count me in. If it's still for sale, that is.

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 07:54 PM

Yup, count me in. If it's still for sale, that is.

That's five. You're going to need about twenty-one more to beat the current bid.

GaijinPunch

09-13-2005, 07:57 PM

Yeah, I think I'm going to have to bail out of this one. I've got the money, but I've spent a shitload between Japan, my mouth, and will spend more when ESPGaluda II comes out in about 3 months.

LocalH

09-13-2005, 08:09 PM

If I was rich, I'd buy this and dump it for everyone, but that's just me.

And I'm not rich. If it came down to it, I could contribute $100 tops, but I'd only do so if I was ensured that I would at least receive a copy (and hopefully also that I could distribute it to others, but I'd suffice just to have a copy myself).

ddp72984

09-13-2005, 08:20 PM

to be on the level, what is the "current bid"

I ask cause I will be coming into a large sum of money soon enough, (four figures) but I need to know if its enough

LocalH

09-13-2005, 08:22 PM

I believe it's around $2500.

RPA

09-13-2005, 08:23 PM

to be on the level, what is the "current bid"

I ask cause I will be coming into a large sum of money soon enough, (four figures) but I need to know if its enough

$500+$2100=$2600

Edit: It's been at $2500 all day so it looks like that's as high as it will go. $2600 will make you the highest bidder.

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 08:31 PM

That's five. You're going to need about twenty-one more to beat the current bid.

Not neccesarily, I did say i'd put forth upwords of $500 (assuming I could get the original that is). But yea, more people willing to pitch in are needed for this to work.

HHogan

09-13-2005, 09:22 PM

start up a separate thread to try and get more people.

I'd have no problems with you keeping the original, as long as everyone just puts $100 ea. per copy.

GaijinPunch

09-13-2005, 09:23 PM

Not neccesarily, I did say i'd put forth upwords of $500 (assuming I could get the original that is). But yea, more people willing to pitch in are needed for this to work.

How would that work? You put in $500, and someone else puts in $2100 and you get the original?

HHogan

09-13-2005, 09:25 PM

How would that work? You put in $500, and someone else puts in $2100 and you get the original?

No, he'd put in $500, 21 other people put in $100 each and he keeps the original and distributes copies to everyone that helped out.

LocalH

09-13-2005, 09:29 PM

I think it's assumed that the person who throws in the largest dollar amount would get the original, and everyone else would get copies.

Anyway, I could also go up to an absolute max of $200 if we were to come $100 short. But that's the absolute most, I couldn't go a dollar higher.

babu

09-13-2005, 09:33 PM

I would love to put in $100 on this... but $100 is pretty much for an unemployed person.. =/
if it could wait like to the end of this month I could know better if I could put away $100 for this

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 09:34 PM

You guys have about a day, we're cutting this off at 6pm PST tomorrow (less than 24 hours from now).

LocalH

09-13-2005, 09:38 PM

I would love to put in $100 on this... but $100 is pretty much for an unemployed person.. =/
if it could wait like to the end of this month I could know better if I could put away $100 for this
I'm unemployed right now and I can throw in up to $200.

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 09:45 PM

No, he'd put in $500, 21 other people put in $100 each and he keeps the original and distributes copies to everyone that helped out.

Geeze, im not that greedy, I just meant what HHogan and LocalH said, that i'd keep it if I was the one willing to put forth the most money. If someone was willing to put down more then me they would be the one who got the original.

And yes, I would indeed be willing to distribute the copies amoung those who helped purchase it.

start up a separate thread to try and get more people.

In which section do you think we'll be able to get the most attention? The 'Rare and Obscure Video Gaming' or the marketplace? We need as much attention for this as soon as possible if were going to pull it off.

rika_chou

09-13-2005, 09:56 PM

I can get $500 in, although I would have to pay via money order.

Mark30001

09-13-2005, 09:59 PM

I just hope the game goes into the hands of any of our promising members here. :smt023

Fabrizo

09-13-2005, 10:07 PM

I can get $500 in, although I would have to pay via money order.

With that much it makes me wonder who would get the original, but thats not import atm, this is:

$500 - Fabrizo
$500 - rika_chou
$300(?) - Segafreak_NL
$200 - LocalH
$100 - HHogan
$100(?) - Benedict_Arnold

Total = $1700
Needed = $2600

Doing good so far :)

einbebop44

09-13-2005, 10:28 PM

I'll put in $100, though I don't give a damn about the Saturn. You might have to wait 'til around October-Early November to get payment as my bank/Paypal has been murdered recently, but I'd chip in. Maybe even $200 if I had the cash.

-I don't even own a Saturn, haha-

But yeah, definately count me in. Hell, my friend could probably whip up some decent artwork for the game as well, if anybody would be interested in that.

LocalH

09-13-2005, 10:34 PM

Yeah, I don't even own a Saturn either. I'm just a huge Sonic fan and want this to be preserved in some form, even if it's only a few copies distributed amongst those who contribute money.

rika_chou

09-13-2005, 10:37 PM

haha, I don't own a saturn either. I might just have to buy one for this.

GaijinPunch

09-13-2005, 10:41 PM

Just want to note to you guys that are going in on the ""group thing". Be warned -- it will find it's way out. It always does. I did this before w/ some protos that I located on my own, and kept the release within a small group of people. A few months later, they were all over the net.

LocalH

09-13-2005, 10:48 PM

I personally don't care, I'd actually like to see it reach widespread preservation. Of course, not being the largest financial contributor, I won't make that decision with my copy, should we get it. But if I had the money to buy it outright, as I said before, I'd release it for everyone to have.

ratman221

09-13-2005, 11:19 PM

Ok, seeing how this has finally been found...and the fact that I can afford it.
I will bid $3,000 for this item for 3 reasons.

1. To benefit the Sonic Community.
2. I fell in love with this game when I 1st saw the pictures.
3. I promised my little brother I would buy this for him.

Furthermore, I will sell copies of this copy to anyone who wants it for $40 bucks a piece. (No charge to Simon Wai and the SWS2B Tech Members)

You may contact me durring day hours at Mad Moxxy on AIM.

P.S. If anyone else outbids me, I will raise my bid to beat theres.

Shouts to LocalH, rika_chou, and all the other Sonic elite.

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 11:27 PM

Email me to make it official.

ASSEMbler

09-13-2005, 11:29 PM

Guy you realize you'd have to sell 30 copies at ONE HUNDRED dollars each to break even.
And you would have to not use paypal, as they would shut your account down unless you proved inventory or shipping addresses.

You'd have top charge the 3% paypal fee and a shipping charge. ($100 for the paypal fees alone, and then $15 each for shipping insured)

You're talking about having to get THIRTY people to pay $119 per copy.
Then you have broken EVEN, and your resale goes out the window, as it finds it's way to
newsgroups within the week.

That or find SIXTY people to pay $50.

dunno.. money is money, and if you have it, $5k is nothing. But I see things from a business angle, and profit.

rika_chou

09-13-2005, 11:36 PM

Ok, seeing how this has finally been found...and the fact that I can afford it.
I will bid $3,000 for this item for 3 reasons.

1. To benefit the Sonic Community.
2. I fell in love with this game when I 1st saw the pictures.
3. I promised my little brother I would buy this for him.

Furthermore, I will sell copies of this copy to anyone who wants it for $40 bucks a piece.

You may contact me durring day hours at Mad Moxxy on AIM.

P.S. If anyone else outbids me, I will raise my bid to beat theres.

Shouts to LocalH, rika_chou, and all the other Sonic elite.
Wow...thank you. So much.

ratman221

09-13-2005, 11:41 PM

Email sent, so it should be official now.

I really don't care about making money off this, I rather contribute to the Sonic Community. I happen to have enough to buy this and share it with the Sonic community. (it is a small price to pay to bring this gem out into the public.)They have done so much for me (like all the hacks and knowledge) its time I gave something back to them all.

EDIT: I'm a huge fan of yours rika_chou. I love your S2: Advanced Edit series & for finding and dumping S2 rev 00.

Shouts also go out to the SWS2B and all the tech members, and of course Simon Wai himself!

I'm also willing to give a free copy to Simon (and the tech members) because, he brought the Sonic 2 Beta to light....and I love him for that!! (And I love all the tech members, and all there works and contributions to the Sonic Community) Even though I can't pass his little "test" to be a member of his forums (I will eventually), and thats allright.....because when I upload an image of the game to my servers (which will take a month or 2, due to prior commitments) I will release it 1st on the SWS2B.....

madhatter256

09-13-2005, 11:48 PM

dunno.. money is money, and if you have it, $5k is nothing. But I see things from a business angle, and profit.

I guess you have to, it costs money to run this site, as well as your business.

TheRedEye

09-13-2005, 11:53 PM

It looks like assembler's avatar is saying "antique twat."

Seriously, look.

ratman221

09-13-2005, 11:55 PM

It kinda looks like a bloody eye to me.

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 12:02 AM

A singing Japanese girl looks like a bloody eye to you?

ratman221

09-14-2005, 12:03 AM

Oops sorry I was looking at madhatter's avatar by mistake. It looks like the Japanese girl is saying "white a$$" to me.

Kittyhawk

09-14-2005, 12:14 AM

"It's the one." Over and over and over and over...

ratman221

09-14-2005, 12:23 AM

where does the "the" come in? only 2 words said.

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 12:28 AM

The first word has two syllables. I still say antique twat.

Blur2040

09-14-2005, 12:38 AM

The first word has two syllables. I still say antique twat.

I believe.

Er...back on topic!

Fabrizo

09-14-2005, 01:42 AM

Ratman221: Wow...just...wow...thats got to be one of the most good natured things i've ever seen someone do in the community. Im not even sure what to say other then your f'ing awsome.

GaijinPunch

09-14-2005, 02:22 AM

Props to Ratman if it goes through. I'd definitely pitch in.
I fear that most people won't be able to enjoy it though. Modded Saturns don't grow on trees, but that's another issue.

Assembler definitely has some issues w/ his avatars. I think my sig is especially sickening though.

Nicola

09-14-2005, 04:59 AM

ratman, you have my money for a copy.

Tomcat

09-14-2005, 05:36 AM

$3k????

Benedict_Arnold

09-14-2005, 07:41 AM

Buyatari

09-14-2005, 09:42 AM

WOW thats amazing. Good luck with the purchase !

LocalH

09-14-2005, 09:52 AM

ratman221

09-14-2005, 01:47 PM

I'm making sure that dosen't happen. :) You see I own my own computer business, which will allow me to buy this item. I have loved Sonic ever since Sonic 1 was released, I thought at the time that I was witnessing history, and I was. I even have a Sonic tattoo on my arm (screenshots later). When I saw that a prototype version of Sonic 2 was found....I literally screamed (because I have the magazine with the hidden palace zone pictures in it.) And I was really happy to see HPZ in 1 form or another. The Sonic Community has been soo good to us all because of those hacking Sonic 2/1 and allowing every day persons to make hacks of Sonic games. What i'm doing here is giving back something to the Sonic Community. The money being spent is well worth it, and perhaps in time we will see hacks made of this game (There are rumors the Kega author is creating a Saturn emulator.) I am a hardcore Sonic fan to the death, and it is my pleasure to give the community this gift. I love you all!!!

Topic Archive

09-14-2005, 02:01 PM

...A Sonic tattoo, are you serious?

Paulo

09-14-2005, 02:03 PM

Stretching it abit calling it a gift arent we...

ratman221

09-14-2005, 02:06 PM

Yes, a Sonic tattoo. (Sonic from the S&K cover) Well it is a gift, I want the scene to have it and be able to do whatever they want with it.

Hopefully there is a Saturn emulator soon so we can play it on a computer. :)

Paulo

09-14-2005, 02:08 PM

A gift doesnt have a price :-)

ratman221

09-14-2005, 02:15 PM

Yes, thats why i'm gonna give free copys/download links to the Sonic elite.

Paulo

09-14-2005, 02:18 PM

And how many of the members here form this sonic elite? Specialy how many of the people who are praising you for your generous act are getting this gift...

ratman221

09-14-2005, 02:26 PM

I don't know the exact number, i'd say between 20 and 30. They would get the most use out of it. They might be able to hack it and find stuff. They shouldn't praise me for that, as i'm just buying the item to perserve it forever....And for others to enjoy it. :)

Others besides the Sonic Elite will be able to buy copies for $40 each. (I will have a site up soon where people can buy copies when I get the game and mass copy it.)

If somebody was able to find a Sonic 1 Beta or another Sonic 2 Beta and was selling it on here (with proof it was legit) I would proceed to buy it as well to benefit the community.

Topic Archive

09-14-2005, 02:28 PM

...Is it compulsory to have a Sonic tattoo to become one of the Sonic Elite?

:D

*jk

ratman221

09-14-2005, 02:31 PM

Well, I got the tattoo because Sonic is sooooo UBER COOL!!! :) I'm willing to show pictures of the tat if anyone wants to see it.

Tomcat

09-14-2005, 02:40 PM

I think 146 planes are ace but wouldnt have a tat done of one...

ratman221

09-14-2005, 02:44 PM

I love the tattoo. Everyone that knows me knows that i'm obsessed with Sonic. He is my hero *blushes*

babu

09-14-2005, 03:21 PM

I'm unemployed right now and I can throw in up to $200.

yeah.. but I guess you don't have the same situtation that I have:
My incomst is just so I can pay my rent (not enough for food). but hopefully that is about to change this month :)
I've been in this situation for atleast 3 month
I have borrowed money from my parents so I have a debt to them of around ~1300$

so that is why I don't know until I get some money in the end of the month..

GaijinPunch

09-14-2005, 04:17 PM

And how many of the members here form this sonic elite?

Don't push him. Jeez. $40 is extremely fair. He will no doubt take a loss if that's all he's requiring.

Taemos

09-14-2005, 04:19 PM

Don't push him. Jeez. $40 is extremely fair. He will no doubt take a loss if that's all he's requiring.

Agreed. Besides, if he's giving out copies to as many people as he says he is, it will find it's way out somehow.

Nicola

09-14-2005, 04:23 PM

he will have to make his copies unique, maybe with a sonic-cult label or something similar...I fear a Thrill Kill syndrome...

LocalH

09-14-2005, 04:26 PM

I don't see why, unless he's burning his copies on Mega CD-R media.

Also, I don't see why he'd put a CulT label on it, since CulT is down right now, and he's already mentioned Simon's site. If anything, it'd be an SWS2B label.

Mark30001

09-14-2005, 06:41 PM

Yes, thats why i'm gonna give free copys/download links to the Sonic elite.

http://s13.invisionfree.com/chriss_sonic_site/index.php?

Sonic Elite! W00T!!! :D J/K

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 06:54 PM

The bids remain the same right now, with this mysterious guy no one has ever heard of at $3,000 and a very well known, trustable (and completely anonymous) collector at $2,500. If anyone wants to outbid either of these, or even bid something in-between in case our high bidder doesn't follow through, you have exactly two hours.

madhatter256

09-14-2005, 07:02 PM

cross your fingers guys!! Hope the mafia doesn't get in on this business.

GaijinPunch

09-14-2005, 07:04 PM

Very tempting, but I'll leave this one up to the Gods of the Internet.

madhatter256

09-14-2005, 07:11 PM

I just hope the seller read through this thread and the other thread to have a good laugh at the mayhem this sale thread caused:smt042

retro

09-14-2005, 08:08 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/retroap/sonichand.jpg

Uhh, is this our seller's hand?

If so, it would appear Sega already got to him... he only has 3 fingers!!!

Was this developed by Sega US, then?

LocalH

09-14-2005, 08:10 PM

I have another person who says he can chip in $200, so that makes $1900 on the group bid. I told him to post here but he might not see it before the deadline.

ASSEMbler

09-14-2005, 08:12 PM

Paulo

09-14-2005, 08:18 PM

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 08:22 PM

Do me a favor, for the sake of security please post a pic of it running with "assemblergames.com" on some paper in front of it.

I've had a lot of requests for you to do that, even at the late hour.

ASSEMbler

Well, seeing as how the "auction" ends in a half hour, and the guy isn't even home before then, that's impossible. "Buy me" was my idea, he originally wanted to put "lostlevels.org," but I said I didn't want to be associated with it. And like I said in the first post, further proof is available to serious buyers. No one has taken me up on that, though.

Mark30001

09-14-2005, 08:23 PM

Personaly i would be very very careful about dealing with this seller that doesnt exist. Im guessing TRE isnt taking responsability if you get screwed in this deal...

Wouldnt like to see the look on your face if you end up getting a blank cd-r. Be very specific about getting as much information as possible from the seller.

E.g. address, phone number and so on.

I've nearly been screwed in a situation like this before, but didn't... long story...

Perhaps the person's face would somewhat resemble this: :D
http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/5597/aah4ky.png (http://imageshack.us)

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 08:28 PM

Well, like I said, this guy is most certainly a ex-Sega employee. He knew things that the general public doesn't. And the game is certainly authentic. The "further proof" I've offered is a video clip of the demo running, which he didn't want posted on the internet anywhere. Hence the "for serious buyers only."

madhatter256

09-14-2005, 08:32 PM

show me sonic

Paulo

09-14-2005, 08:34 PM

Yeah it doesnt make any difference if hes a ex-sega employee or not. He can easily rip anyone off. Some of the people i would least think would rip someone off in this forum HAVE!

I strongly recomend anyone who is interested in buying this to get as much detail as possible from the seller. If he is not willing to give you his name, home phone number and so on DO NOT DEAL WITH HIM!

If you have any doubts POST on the forum or pm someone (mods if you wish to not post in public) and see what we can sugest.

If you get ripped off dont say we dint warn you.

Personaly i wouldnt touch this with a barge pole if he gets dodgy about things. 3rd party sales are never the best idea. Im not sure the reason why the seller wishes to keep it so secretive... its not like sega dont know he worked there.

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 08:38 PM

Im not sure the reason why the seller wishes to keep it so secretive... its not like sega dont know he worked there.

Yeah, but they don't know who he is, and until they do, can't do anything about it.

LocalH

09-14-2005, 08:41 PM

I got another person with 200 British pounds, which is around $365. So that's $2265.

Do we have enough people here who are willing to pay $40 for a copy to make $335? If so, then we've got $2600 or more as a backup bid.

madhatter256

09-14-2005, 08:45 PM

cant wait to hear who won the item

Paulo

09-14-2005, 08:47 PM

No The Red Eye its quiet clear sega can easily identify him if they wish. As your previous post mentions....

The seller destroyed the materials, yes.

Im sure all it takes is a look at some documents or asking around employees.

It seems to dont really reply to my posts either stating that the seller will be providing information of who he is to the buyer or not... which makes me think he might not be doing so...

madhatter256

09-14-2005, 08:51 PM

cant wait to hear who won the item

LocalH

09-14-2005, 08:52 PM

I have yet another person with $100 more, that's $2365. $235 more. That's 6 people who were willing to pay $40.

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 08:54 PM

It seems to dont really reply to my posts either stating that the seller will be providing information of who he is to the buyer or not... which makes me think he might not be doing so...

I don't really know what the seller plans to do with the buyer. Once this is over I connect them with each other and wash my hands of this entire mess.

I just got paid today too, I believe a drink is in order.

Paulo

09-14-2005, 08:55 PM

I thought u said you werent making anything from this deal?

madhatter256

09-14-2005, 08:57 PM

cant wait to hear who won the item

Mark30001

09-14-2005, 08:59 PM

Doesn't this deal end in anytime now... Like right now? :(

Benedict_Arnold

09-14-2005, 09:00 PM

Who was the guy who owns a computer store and was going to buy it and offer it for $40 each to us? Let him buy it and if he loses out his business can take a writeoff. If you don't take a chance, you'll never get the famed "Holy Grail" of Saturn games. It's only money. Now who wants to go in on a bio hazard 1.5 proto?

TheRedEye

09-14-2005, 09:00 PM

I thought u said you werent making anything from this deal?

It may come as a surprise to you that, like many people in the world, I am employed and am apt to sometimes getting a paycheck.

Anyway. This shit's over, I'm done playing Customer Service. High bidders, your information has been passed to the seller, who will be dealing with you directly now.

LocalH

09-14-2005, 09:02 PM

I was just trying to keep up with all the money that had been thrown in, just in case. Didn't look like we made it, however :/. So it's either ratman or the collector.

Benedict_Arnold

09-14-2005, 09:08 PM

I was just trying to keep up with all the money that had been thrown in, just in case. Didn't look like we made it, however :/. So it's either ratman or the collector.

Do if one of them buy it, will they offer it to other members at a price at least?

hl718

09-14-2005, 09:12 PM

show me sonic
Human nature is interesting in that many demand of others that which they are not willing to provide themselves.

This is not a judgement, merely an observation.

anonseller: "Take my word, and trust that I have made no copies of this disc."
madhatter256: "I will offer $3500, but require an escrow service to ensure this is not a scam."
anonseller: "I do not trust you, and believe you will copy the disc."

anonseller demands trust, yet does not offer it to his clients.

An interesting breed, collectors.

Good luck to all the bidders! May one of you end up being a very happy buyer!

It's not the longest demo in the world, but it is pretty impressive to see it up and running and imagine what could have been. Personally, I never really cared for the Bug! style engine. This one was much cooler.

-hl718

Paulo

09-14-2005, 09:12 PM

It may come as a surprise to you that, like many people in the world, I am employed and am apt to sometimes getting a paycheck.

Oh i see i see... You in customer services ? :)

babu

09-14-2005, 09:14 PM

damn.. just read that you would accept 40$ too.. b/c I know could have afford it.. (but honestly I don't think that would have helped that much)

Mark30001

09-14-2005, 09:16 PM

I've just noticed the number of times this thread has been viewed....
That's a whole lot for this short time it has been here!!!

hl718

09-14-2005, 09:17 PM

Oh i see i see... You in customer services ? :)
TRE is a freelance writer that covers the gaming industry. Chances are you've probably read at least one article written by him, especially if you've read Tips and Tricks or Gamasutra for awhile.

-hl718

babu

09-14-2005, 09:18 PM

I've just noticed the number of times this thread has been viewed....
That's a whole lot for this short time it has been here!!!

yeah that's true... almoast 6000 times :eek:

retro

09-14-2005, 09:44 PM

Well, congratulations to the winner! I hope we see more of this soon!

Why doesn't he want his video leaked? In a week or so, the seller will likely make their own anyway! He could have watermarked his if he liked.

I'm not doubting this person, if you believe his claim then I don't see why he shouldn't be who he is and have what he has. However, it seems a bit odd that if he has insider info, he doesn't know some other stuff... namely burning copies.

Yes, he COULD burn as many copies as he wanted. These would go on any CD-R just fine. To burn copies AND pass them off as that one, true he would need Mega CD-Rs... but these are not impossible to find. And if he worked there and kept a copy of the game and the Boot CD, surely he could've swiped a few blanks? I'm sure I would have!

As for the boot CD, it is NOT needed, a chipped Saturn should read this just fine, or do the swap trick. The protective ring was NEVER on the Saturn CD-R... it is just a CD-R. This is why you needed the boot CD back then!

Other specialist hardware needed to burn... well all you need is a CD writer... and all you needed back then was a Yamaha SCSI writer connected to your PC (or Mirage).

As for a "premium" for the Boot CD.... it is worth LESS than the DC one. The DC one you NEED to boot a GD-R on a domestic machine. You don't NEED the boot CD for Saturn. I'd put it at, what, $50-100? And surely, if he is making $3000, he can throw that in? Or does he have other betas? Of course, the Boot CD would prove that he was from Sega... they usually have the code for the developer it was sent to written on them!

I'm not saying that he is not for real, far from it. I'm just reiterating what has been gone over... and if Sega wanted to track him down (like they care... its NOT complete anyway!), then they could... especially if my observation about the missing digit is correct!

A shame he wants to keep a low profile.. I would love to talk to him (in confidence, of course) for research purposes.

Well... whoever gets it... enjoy! I'm envious ;)