After all these years, it's only now - through a news item in our recent translation of Weekly AM2 Vol. 13 - that I've learned Shenmue's graphical content was available for Dreamcast owners to use back in the day, inside a software program called DreamFlyer.
What Is DreamFlyer?
DreamFlyer is a software program that was designed to allow for easy sending of multimedia emails between Dreamcast users who had an internet connection.
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| The cover of DreamFlyer for the Dreamcast |
Here's how it was described in a press release at the time (November 1999). As noted, it was also possible to send the emails to users of PCs and Macs with the use of viewer software:
"DreamFlyer allows users to send stylish, graphical emails simply by selecting one of over 150 card designs, entering text, and adding an email address.
The software also includes over 1,000 different stamps with phrases like "Perfect!" and "Looking good!", making it easy to express your feelings even without writing a full message. Animated stamps are also available, and you can even create your own custom stamps.
Additionally, DreamFlyer features a "UkeMelo" editor that lets you create original sound effects to attach to your emails. When the recipient opens your email, they'll hear the custom sound you’ve designed.
Even if the recipient doesn't have DreamFlyer, they can still receive emails using Dream Passport 2. Plus, Windows and Mac users can download a viewer program to display DreamFlyer's visual emails, making it accessible across platforms.
DreamFlyer will be available for 2,800 yen".
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