Difference between revisions of "Sega Challenge: The Team Sega Newsletter"

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{{Magazine
+
{{MagazineBob
| magimage=Segachallenge issue01 cover.jpg
+
| magimage=SegaChallenge-TSN01US.PDF
| imagewidth=100px
+
| magcode=teamsega
 
| title=
 
| title=
 
| publisher=Sega of America, Tonka Toys
 
| publisher=Sega of America, Tonka Toys
 
| system=[[Sega Master System]]
 
| system=[[Sega Master System]]
 
| country=United States
 
| country=United States
| firstissue=Winter 1987
+
| firstissue=
| lastissue=January 1989
+
| lastissue=7
 
| numberofissues=7
 
| numberofissues=7
 
| frequency=Quarterly
 
| frequency=Quarterly
| price=$3.50
+
| ISSN=
| successor=[[Sega Visions]]
+
| predecessor=
 +
| successor=''[[Sega Visions]]''
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''''Sega Challenge''''', later named the '''''Team Sega Newsletter''''', is a seven-issue publication which was produced by [[Sega of America]] during 1988 and 1989 as promotional material for the [[Sega Master System]]. Each issue of the 16-page publication has promotional features on Master System games being released that quarter, an "Ask the Sega Master" section where reader questions are answered, and a software checklist of all games released up to that date. There is also reader-submitted mail, both in the form of questions and advice given from players to other players, in every issue. Early issues of the newsletter also feature a "Sega Challenge Scoreboard," with reader-submitted top scores to various Sega games.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', later named the '''''Sega: The Team Sega Newsletter''''', is a seven-issue publication which was produced by [[Sega of America]] during 1988 and 1989 as promotional material for the [[Sega Master System]]. Each issue of the 16-page publication has promotional features on Master System games being released that quarter, an "Ask the Sega Master" section where reader questions are answered, and a software checklist of all games released up to that date. There is also reader-submitted mail, both in the form of questions and advice given from players to other players, in every issue. Early issues of the newsletter also feature a "Sega Challenge Scoreboard," with reader-submitted top scores to various Sega games.
  
 
''Sega Challenge'' was renamed ''Sega: The Team Sega Newsletter'' in the fall of 1988, shortly after distribution rights for the Master System were given to Tonka Toys. This resulted in layout changes and a slight altering of content, although the newsletter stayed the same otherwise. This change also introduced advertisements to the newsletter from Master System retailers such as Toys 'R' Us and from third-party peripheral manufacturers.
 
''Sega Challenge'' was renamed ''Sega: The Team Sega Newsletter'' in the fall of 1988, shortly after distribution rights for the Master System were given to Tonka Toys. This resulted in layout changes and a slight altering of content, although the newsletter stayed the same otherwise. This change also introduced advertisements to the newsletter from Master System retailers such as Toys 'R' Us and from third-party peripheral manufacturers.
  
After a six-month pause, the ''Team Sega Newsletter'' was revamped into ''[[Sega Visions]]'' magazine for the launch of the [[Sega Genesis]] in the United States. Several of the staff of ''Team Sega'' later became editorial staff at ''Sega Visions'', including John Sauer and Ron Elliott.
+
After a six-month pause, the ''Team Sega Newsletter'' was revamped into ''[[Sega Visions]]'' magazine for the launch of the [[Sega Genesis]] in the United States. Several of the staff of ''Team Sega'' later became editorial staff at ''Sega Visions'', including [[John Sauer]] and Ron Elliott.
  
 
==Subscription==
 
==Subscription==
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Issues==
+
==Back issues==
{|class="prettytable"
+
{{sectionsNewStart|imagewidths=100px}}
!Cover||Description
+
{{SectionsNew
|-
+
| name=''Sega Challenge'' Issue 1, Winter 1988
|[[File:Segachallenge issue01 cover.jpg|100px]]
+
| image=SegaChallenge-TSN01US.PDF
|'''''Sega Challenge'' Issue 1, Winter 1987''': Detailed information on this issue of the newsletter is scarce, seeing as no complete copy or scan is known at this time.
+
| desc=This issue leads with a review of ''[[OutRun]]'', featured in the tips pages are [[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]], [[Rambo: First Blood Part II|Rambo]], and [[Black Belt]]. There is an interview with Steve Hanawa (Sega's Research and Development Manager), and a feature on the [[SegaScope 3-D]]. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 38 games as being currently available. This inaugural issue lists "this season's Top 5 scores", number one is for ''[[Wonder Boy]]''; the score listed is 1,580,320,010,784 by Joseph Lech IV of Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
|-
+
}}
|[[File:Segachallenge issue02 cover.jpg|100px]]
+
{{SectionsNew
|'''''Sega Challenge'' Issue 2, Spring 1988''': This issue leads with the release of ''[[After Burner]]'', the first four-mega cartridge released in the United States, and has a two-page feature covering the release. A story on ''[[Zaxxon 3-D]]'' draws attention to the [[SegaScope 3-D]], and small features cover ''[[Zillion]]'' and ''[[Global Defense]]''. There is an interview with John Sauer (then a copywriter for Sega) explaining his job, a "Tech Talk" feature on the [[Light Phaser]], and an offer to purchase the [[Rapid Fire Unit]]. The issue's "Scoreboard Challenge" is for ''[[OutRun]]''; the top score listed is 43,845,300 by Richard A. Hardee of San Rafael, California.
+
| name=''Sega Challenge'' Issue 2, Spring 1988
|-
+
| image=SegaChallenge-TSN02US.PDF
|[[File:Segachallenge issue03 cover.jpg|100px]]
+
| desc=This issue leads with the release of ''[[After Burner]]'', the first four-mega cartridge released in the United States, and has a two-page feature covering the release. A story on ''[[Zaxxon 3-D]]'' draws attention to the [[SegaScope 3-D]], and small features cover ''[[Zillion]]'' and ''[[Global Defense]]''. There is an interview with John Sauer (then a copywriter for Sega) explaining his job, a "Tech Talk" feature on the [[Light Phaser]], and an offer to purchase the [[Rapid Fire Unit]]. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 43 games as being currently available. The issue has a "Scoreboard Challenge" is for ''[[OutRun]]''; the top score listed is 43,845,300 by Richard A. Hardee of San Rafael, California.
|'''''Sega Challenge'' Issue 3, Summer 1988''': ''[[Shinobi]]'' is the main feature in this third issue of ''Sega Challenge'', with ''[[Monopoly (Master System)|Monopoly]]'', ''[[Wonder Boy in Monster Land]]'', and ''[[Miracle Warrior]]'' rounding out the new games of Summer 1988. "Sega Spotlight" features the women of the Sega Customer Service Department, who work the phones both as customer service representatives and game counselors. "Tech Talk" features the [[Sports Pad|Sega Sports Pad]] and the various games that the controller can be used with. The issue's "Scoreboard Challenge" is for ''[[After Burner]]''; the top score listed is 18,808,088 by Tyler Lindquist of Windom, Kansas.
+
}}
|-
+
{{SectionsNew
|[[File:Teamsega issue04 cover.jpg|100px]]
+
| name=''Sega Challenge'' Issue 3, Summer 1988
|'''''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 4, Fall 1988''': Fall 1988 sees the release of ''[[Thunder Blade]]'', the main game featured in this issue of ''Team Sega'', along with ''[[Double Dragon]]'', ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' and ''[[Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?]]''. This issue's "Tech Talk" features the [[SegaScope 3-D]] and ''[[Power Strike]]'', "Sega's first special edition game," is offered at the end of the magazine. The results of the publication's "Draw Your Favorite Sega Game" contest are shown for entrants 15 and younger; the winning artists received a ''Shinobi'' T-shirt, ''Shinobi'' cap and a ''Sega Challenge'' athletic bag.  
+
| image=SegaChallenge-TSN03US.PDF
|-
+
| desc=''[[Shinobi]]'' is the main feature in this third issue of ''Sega Challenge'', with ''[[Monopoly (Master System)|Monopoly]]'', ''[[Wonder Boy in Monster Land]]'', and ''[[Miracle Warriors]]'' rounding out the new games of Summer 1988. "Sega Spotlight" features the women of the Sega Customer Service Department, who work the phones both as customer service representatives and game counselors. "Tech Talk" features the [[Sports Pad|Sega Sports Pad]] and the various games that the controller can be used with. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 52 games as being currently available. The issue's "Scoreboard Challenge" is for ''[[After Burner]]''; the top score listed is 18,808,088 by Tyler Lindquist of Windom, Kansas.
|[[File:Teamsega issue05 cover.jpg|100px]]
+
}}
|'''''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 5, January 1989''': In a departure from the newsletter's usual set up, this issue features ''[[R-Type]]'', ''[[Rambo III (Master System)|Rambo III]]'', ''[[Golvellius]]'' and ''[[Reggie Jackson Baseball]]'' in equal-sized features. The results of the publication's "Draw Your Favorite Sega Game" contest are shown for entrants 16 and older; the winning artists received a ''Shinobi'' T-shirt, ''Shinobi'' cap and a ''Sega Challenge'' athletic bag.  
+
{{SectionsNew
|-
+
| name=''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 4, Fall 1988
|-
+
| image=SegaChallenge-TSN04US.PDF
|[[File:Teamsega issue06 cover.jpg|100px]]
+
| desc=Fall 1988 sees the release of ''[[Thunder Blade]]'', the main game featured in this issue of ''Team Sega'', along with ''[[Double Dragon]]'', ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' and ''[[Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?]]''. This issue's "Tech Talk" features the [[SegaScope 3-D]] and ''[[Power Strike]]'', "Sega's first special edition game," is offered at the end of the magazine. The results of the publication's "Draw Your Favorite Sega Game" contest are shown for entrants 15 and younger; the winning artists received a ''Shinobi'' T-shirt, ''Shinobi'' cap and a ''Sega Challenge'' athletic bag. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 64 games as being currently available.
|'''''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 6, April 1989''': The Master System port of the arcade hit ''[[Altered Beast]]'' is the spotlight of this issue; other games featured include ''[[Rastan]]'', ''[[Lord of the Sword]]'', ''[[Tile Soldiers]]'', ''[[Vigilante]]'' and ''[[California Games]]''. ''[[Power Strike]]'' is again featured at the end of this issue, warning readers that there is a limited quantity left.
+
}}
|-
+
{{SectionsNew
|[[File:Teamsega issue07 cover.jpg|100px]]
+
| name=''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 5, January 1989
|'''''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 7, December 1989''': Detailed information on this issue of the newsletter is scarce, seeing as no complete copy or scan is known at this time.
+
| image=SegaChallenge-TSN05US.PDF
 +
| desc=In a departure from the newsletter's usual set up, this issue features ''[[R-Type]]'', ''[[Rambo III (Master System)|Rambo III]]'', ''[[Golvellius]]'' and ''[[Reggie Jackson Baseball]]'' in equal-sized features. The results of the publication's "Draw Your Favorite Sega Game" contest are shown for entrants 16 and older; the winning artists received a ''Shinobi'' T-shirt, ''Shinobi'' cap and a ''Sega Challenge'' athletic bag. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 70 games as being currently available.
 +
}}
 +
{{SectionsNew
 +
| name=''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 6, April 1989
 +
| image=SegaChallenge-TSN06US.PDF
 +
| desc=The Master System port of the arcade hit ''[[Altered Beast]]'' is the spotlight of this issue; other games featured include ''[[Rastan]]'', ''[[Lord of the Sword]]'', ''[[Time Soldiers]]'', ''[[Vigilante]]'' and ''[[California Games]]''. ''[[Power Strike]]'' is again featured at the end of this issue, warning readers that there is a limited quantity left. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 76 games as being currently available.
 +
}}
 +
{{SectionsNew
 +
| name=''Team Sega Newsletter'' Issue 7, December 1989
 +
| image=SegaChallenge-TSN07US.PDF
 +
| desc=This last issue has only 8 pages and represents the 16bit [[Sega Mega Drive]]\Genesis. Game featured in this issue are [[Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap]], [[Alex Kidd: High-Tech World]] and [[ALF]]. Also, [[Casino Games]], [[Wanted]], [[Cloud Master]], [[American Pro Football]] (as Walter Payton Football) and [[Captain Silver]] are mentioned here as advertisment.
 +
}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
[[Category:Sega Master System]]
+
{{issuetable|code=teamsega|region=US|name=Sega Challenge: The Team Sega Newsletter|link=sega:{{PAGENAME}}|
[[Category:Promotional Publications]]
+
{{issue|1|name=Winter 1988|date=198x-xx-xx|price=|barcode=|pdf=SegaChallenge-TSN01US.PDF}}
 +
{{issue|2|name=Spring 1988|date=1988-xx-xx|price=|barcode=|pdf=SegaChallenge-TSN02US.PDF}}
 +
{{issue|3|name=Summer 1998|date=1988-xx-xx|price=|barcode=|pdf=SegaChallenge-TSN03US.PDF}}
 +
{{issue|4|name=Fall 1988|date=1988-xx-xx|price=|barcode=|pdf=SegaChallenge-TSN04US.PDF}}
 +
{{issue|5|name=January 1989|date=198x-xx-xx|price=|barcode=|pdf=SegaChallenge-TSN05US.PDF}}
 +
{{issue|6|name=April 1989|date=1989-xx-xx|price=|barcode=|pdf=SegaChallenge-TSN06US.PDF}}
 +
{{issue|7|name=December 1989|date=1989-xx-xx|price=3.50|barcode=|pdf=SegaChallenge-TSN07US.PDF}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Promotional publications]]

Latest revision as of 03:41, 11 October 2021

SegaChallenge-TSN01US.PDF
Sega Challenge: The Team Sega Newsletter
Publisher: Sega of America, Tonka Toys
Country of origin: United States
Backed systems: Sega Master System
First issue date: 198x-xx-xx
Last issue date: 1989-xx-xx
Number of issues: 7
Frequency: Quarterly
Succeeded by: Sega Visions


Sega Challenge: The Team Sega Newsletter, later named the Sega: The Team Sega Newsletter, is a seven-issue publication which was produced by Sega of America during 1988 and 1989 as promotional material for the Sega Master System. Each issue of the 16-page publication has promotional features on Master System games being released that quarter, an "Ask the Sega Master" section where reader questions are answered, and a software checklist of all games released up to that date. There is also reader-submitted mail, both in the form of questions and advice given from players to other players, in every issue. Early issues of the newsletter also feature a "Sega Challenge Scoreboard," with reader-submitted top scores to various Sega games.

Sega Challenge was renamed Sega: The Team Sega Newsletter in the fall of 1988, shortly after distribution rights for the Master System were given to Tonka Toys. This resulted in layout changes and a slight altering of content, although the newsletter stayed the same otherwise. This change also introduced advertisements to the newsletter from Master System retailers such as Toys 'R' Us and from third-party peripheral manufacturers.

After a six-month pause, the Team Sega Newsletter was revamped into Sega Visions magazine for the launch of the Sega Genesis in the United States. Several of the staff of Team Sega later became editorial staff at Sega Visions, including John Sauer and Ron Elliott.

Subscription

The most common form of subscribing to Sega Challenge was via a promotional insert bundled into various Master System games. The following is an order form included with After Burner.

Back issues

SegaChallenge-TSN01US.PDF Sega Challenge Issue 1, Winter 1988
This issue leads with a review of OutRun, featured in the tips pages are Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Rambo, and Black Belt. There is an interview with Steve Hanawa (Sega's Research and Development Manager), and a feature on the SegaScope 3-D. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 38 games as being currently available. This inaugural issue lists "this season's Top 5 scores", number one is for Wonder Boy; the score listed is 1,580,320,010,784 by Joseph Lech IV of Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
SegaChallenge-TSN02US.PDF Sega Challenge Issue 2, Spring 1988
This issue leads with the release of After Burner, the first four-mega cartridge released in the United States, and has a two-page feature covering the release. A story on Zaxxon 3-D draws attention to the SegaScope 3-D, and small features cover Zillion and Global Defense. There is an interview with John Sauer (then a copywriter for Sega) explaining his job, a "Tech Talk" feature on the Light Phaser, and an offer to purchase the Rapid Fire Unit. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 43 games as being currently available. The issue has a "Scoreboard Challenge" is for OutRun; the top score listed is 43,845,300 by Richard A. Hardee of San Rafael, California.
SegaChallenge-TSN03US.PDF Sega Challenge Issue 3, Summer 1988
Shinobi is the main feature in this third issue of Sega Challenge, with Monopoly, Wonder Boy in Monster Land, and Miracle Warriors rounding out the new games of Summer 1988. "Sega Spotlight" features the women of the Sega Customer Service Department, who work the phones both as customer service representatives and game counselors. "Tech Talk" features the Sega Sports Pad and the various games that the controller can be used with. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 52 games as being currently available. The issue's "Scoreboard Challenge" is for After Burner; the top score listed is 18,808,088 by Tyler Lindquist of Windom, Kansas.
SegaChallenge-TSN04US.PDF Team Sega Newsletter Issue 4, Fall 1988
Fall 1988 sees the release of Thunder Blade, the main game featured in this issue of Team Sega, along with Double Dragon, Phantasy Star and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?. This issue's "Tech Talk" features the SegaScope 3-D and Power Strike, "Sega's first special edition game," is offered at the end of the magazine. The results of the publication's "Draw Your Favorite Sega Game" contest are shown for entrants 15 and younger; the winning artists received a Shinobi T-shirt, Shinobi cap and a Sega Challenge athletic bag. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 64 games as being currently available.
SegaChallenge-TSN05US.PDF Team Sega Newsletter Issue 5, January 1989
In a departure from the newsletter's usual set up, this issue features R-Type, Rambo III, Golvellius and Reggie Jackson Baseball in equal-sized features. The results of the publication's "Draw Your Favorite Sega Game" contest are shown for entrants 16 and older; the winning artists received a Shinobi T-shirt, Shinobi cap and a Sega Challenge athletic bag. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 70 games as being currently available.
SegaChallenge-TSN06US.PDF Team Sega Newsletter Issue 6, April 1989
The Master System port of the arcade hit Altered Beast is the spotlight of this issue; other games featured include Rastan, Lord of the Sword, Time Soldiers, Vigilante and California Games. Power Strike is again featured at the end of this issue, warning readers that there is a limited quantity left. "The Sega Software Checklist" lists 76 games as being currently available.
SegaChallenge-TSN07US.PDF Team Sega Newsletter Issue 7, December 1989
This last issue has only 8 pages and represents the 16bit Sega Mega Drive\Genesis. Game featured in this issue are Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap, Alex Kidd: High-Tech World and ALF. Also, Casino Games, Wanted, Cloud Master, American Pro Football (as Walter Payton Football) and Captain Silver are mentioned here as advertisment.
Issue PDF Name Date Price Barcode Extras
1 Logo-pdf.svg Winter 1988 198x-xx-xx
SegaChallenge-TSN01US.PDF
2 Logo-pdf.svg Spring 1988 1988-xx-xx
SegaChallenge-TSN02US.PDF
3 Logo-pdf.svg Summer 1998 1988-xx-xx
SegaChallenge-TSN03US.PDF
4 Logo-pdf.svg Fall 1988 1988-xx-xx
SegaChallenge-TSN04US.PDF
5 Logo-pdf.svg January 1989 198x-xx-xx
SegaChallenge-TSN05US.PDF
6 Logo-pdf.svg April 1989 1989-xx-xx
SegaChallenge-TSN06US.PDF
7 Logo-pdf.svg December 1989 1989-xx-xx $3.503.50
SegaChallenge-TSN07US.PDF