Catapult wasn’t the first company to try and bring online gaming to consoles, but it was the one that actually turned it into something viable. If not for the Xband, we might not have seen SegaNet, or later on Xbox Live and the Playstation Network. Catapult was the first to make playing against someone long distance a concept that was actually workable on consoles, and many Genesis fans have fond memories of playing Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam over their phone lines. Recently, Sega-16 chatted with Catapult’s former Vice President of Software Development, Konstantin Othmer, and he had much to say about the company and its famous product.
Tag: Interviews
Interview: David Siller (Designer of Aero the Acrobat)
Many third party companies from the Genesis era disappeared at the end of the 16-bit era, unable to make the transition to new hardware. Of those that did, many more eventually capitulated under the strain of increased development costs. Sunsoft was one publisher that though quite strong on 8-bit machines, became increasingly unable to sustain itself as gaming consoles progressed. Sega-16 was fortunate to speak with former Sunsoft game designer David Siller about the company’s role on the Genesis and subsequent demise. We also chatted with him about his creation of Aero the Acrobat, as well as his adventure as as Sushi-X, the mysterious, fighting game-loving character featured in Electronic Gaming Monthly.
Interview: Mike Wallis (SOA Producer)
Sega-16 has covered the Sega Technical Institute in more detail over the past three years than virtually any other source, and our recent historial on the group included interviews with over a half dozen former members. One of the most recent was with former producer Mike Wallis, a man who got his start at Electronic Arts and eventually went on to work on several titles, including the cancelled Sonic Xtreme. He had some interesting details to share about his time at the STI, so check out our full interview and get the scoop!
Interview: Chris Bergstresser (Sega Product Manager)
Sega-16 recently got the chance to speak to someone intimately involved with the Sega Channel, Sega product manager Chris Bergstresser, who also happened to deal with third party publishing agreements. He had a big hand in what was released on the Sega Channel, as well as those games brought directly onto the console via retail. Read our full interview for all the details.
Interview: PBC Productions (Creators of Captain S Series)
Nintendo fans had a blast in the late ’80s and early ’90s watching Captain N the Game Master. An average guy being warped into his favorite video games was a great concept, and Sega fans were left out. No more! PBC Productions, a New York-based film group, has spoofed the famous Nintendo series with one of their own. Called The New Adventures of Captain S, it features perhaps the biggest Sega Genesis fan in the world facing off against the evil NES and his Game Genie overlord. The series also spoofs other ’90s series, like Saved By the Bell, and is just great fun to watch. Sega-16 recently spoke with PBC head Chad Williams and Captain S himself Brett Vanderbrook about their wonderful series.