2001 · Role-playing · Simulation

Segagaga

Sega exclusive

One of Sega's final titles for the Dreamcast, Segagaga is a genre-defying experience where Sega pokes fun at themselves which was given a release outside of Japan.

Released: 29 March 2001
Platforms: Dreamcast
Genres: Role-playing Simulation
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Modes: Single-player
Themes: Fantasy Historical Comedy
Country: Japan
Languages: Japanese

About

Segagaga is a 2001 role-playing simulation video game developed by Hitmaker and published by Sega for the Dreamcast in Japan. Described as a "Sega simulation", the player takes control of Sega Tarō, who must help save a struggling Sega from losing to its rival DOGMA, who owns 97% of the console market. Gameplay involves battling employees and other characters throughout various Sega development studios, some being taken from older Sega game franchises. It features many tongue-in-cheek references to Sega and the video game industry, particularly Sony Computer Entertainment and its PlayStation 2 console.

Development was directed by Tez Okano, who worked on Segagaga in secret for two years. When he presented it to Sega, the management took it as a joke at first and dismissed it, but a second presentation impressed them. Okano marketed Segagaga himself with a budget of $200, half of which he spent on a promotional wrestling mask. Several characters, such as Segata Sanshiro and a Ferrari from Out Run, had to be cut due to licensing issues.

Keywords

parody
management
crossover
multiple endings
satire
easter egg
boss fight
transforming boss
game reference
kidnapping
random encounter
fan translation - english

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Segagaga is a role-playing simulation video game, described as a "Sega simulation". Controlling the young Sega Tarō, the player is tasked with saving a struggling Sega from losing the console market to their rival DOGMA. The player must progress through various Sega development studios and fight various employees, who due to the stress and pressure brought on by tight work constraints have turned into mutants. Unlike other role-playing games, Tarō "attacks" by shouting verbal abuses and insults, such as telling them their game is terrible or they will never get a girlfriend.

Enemies have a "will meter" that weakens as the player deals more insults towards them, and will win the fight once it fully drains. Failing to defeat an enemy will result in a month of development time being lost, which becomes critical as the game progresses.

Development

Segagaga was directed and designed by Tez Okano. He worked on in secret for two years before presenting it to Sega, fearing that "anything could have happened" if the project was revealed. Sega's management initially misconstrued the game as a joke and dismissed it. When Okano presented it again, the Hitmaker president, Hisao Oguchi, was impressed and allowed development to continue.

It was produced on a small budget. Toei Animation produced the opening and cutscenes; because of the budget, Okano was given a small discount.

Reception

Likely due to its late release in the Dreamcast's lifespan, Segagaga was not a commercial success. In its first week of release, it sold an estimated 18,000 copies. In total, it has sold little over 34,000 copies.

Official Dreamcast Magazine US applauded the humor and bizarre premise, saying that its design and amount of content "will surprise many". They also expressed disappointment towards the lack of an overseas release. Japanese publication Famitsu praised its usage of older Sega game characters and unique setting, alongside its role-playing elements and humor towards the game industry, notably with DOGMA being a spoof of Sony, Sega's then-biggest rival. In a more negative light, Dreamcast Magazine Japan commended the "ambitious" premise, but felt the humor would only be appreciated by hardcore Sega fans. They unfavorably compared its gameplay to Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?, recommending that RPG enthusiasts instead buy that game