Q. What is the mechanism of Communication Battle?

A. Sega Rally 2 uses a network fighting system called DWANGO. This is a system that allows players who are accessing the server to play against each other, and in Sega Rally 2 you can enjoy up to 4 players! At this time each player is calling the server, the phone fee will be charged to the server regardless of where the opponent is.
[RELATED] How much does it cost to play? ::: Where is the server?

Q. How much does it cost to play?

A. Currently Sega Rally 2's match-up costs are only charged for calls to the servers in Tokyo. The call charge is the same as the telephone charge to Tokyo with the server. This Calling Fee will be charged regardless of whether you are chatting or not, until you disconnect the line after a successful session. In addition, those who access the service from areas far from Toyko can use the Data-on-Demand service from KDD to keep call charges down.
[RELATED] Where is the server? ::: What is the difference between a general line and a KDD line? ::: How is data on demand different from a general line?

Q. Where is the server?

A. The server is located in Tokyo (area code 03). Depending on the distance you are from Tokyo, NTT and Data-on-Demand services can be used selectively to lower the telephone fee.
[RELATED] What is the structure of the communication competition? ::: How much does it cost to play? ::: What is the different between a general line and a KDD line?

Q. What is "new" about where you choose your phone number?

A. It is prepared so that it can be used when a new server is created in the future. Currently there is no need to use it.

Q. What is the difference between a general line and a KDD line?

A. When selecting the "normal service" (general line) when selecting a server, it will use an NTT line to access the server. In this case, the telephone fee will be charged the same as a general call charge to Tokyo. If you select the "Data-on-Demand Service" (KDD) you can access the server at a uniform charge from anywhere in the country. Depending on your area, using the KDD line will be cheaper. Please see related items for details.
[RELATED] How is Data-on-Demand different from a general line? ::: Comparison of Data-on-Demand and NTT

Q. Is it possible for opponenets to connect between KDD and NTT lines?

In Sega Rally's Communication Battle, people who are accessing the same server can play against each other. Both the NTT and KDD lines are prepared for the same servers. So long as you are accessing the same server, you can play between NTT and KDD lines.

Q. How is Data-on-Demand (KDD) different from a general line (NTT)?

A. Data-on-Demand Services is KDD's discount service for data communications. Application is required in advance, but you can use the flat rate 10 Yen per Minute (11pm to 8am is 9 Yen per Minute) from anywhere in the country. However since the Sega Rally 2 server is in Tokyo, depending on the area, players in Tokyo may find the NTT lines cheaper. Please refer to the related item about how to apply.
[RELATED] Can't access via Data-on-Demand

Q. Price comparison of Data-on-Demand Service and NTT

A. For the Data-on-Demand service (KDD line) a flat rate of 10 Yen per Minute (9 Yen per Minute between 11pm and 8am) regardless of access from anywhere in the country. However this will be a higher rate than NTT connections from within Tokyo, where the server is located. Specifically, those who connect to the Communication Battle of Sega Rally 2 from the area codes 03, 044, 0473, 0489, 0482-4, 0422-4, 0474, 04992, 04998, 04996, 04994. (Note this price comparison is as of March 1999. Various Discount Services are excluded)

Q. I can't get access via Data-on-Demand.

A. In order to access via Data-on-Demand, registration is necessary in advance. Application for subscription can be made via telephone (toll free: 0070-800-0070-99 - Open 9am-9pm except Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays) or via the website. Installation is required, and can take 3 days before installation occurs. There is no registration fee, basic charge etc. You only pay for what you use.
[RELATED] How is Data-on-Demand different from a general line? ::: Comparison of data on demand service and NTT

Q. Can I use a discount service for telephone charges?

A. NTT and various telephone companies' call charge discount services can be used when using ordinary services (general lines). In the case of the Data-on-Demand Service (KDD), these can't be used at all.

Q. Is it possible to play against different servers?

A. In Sega Rally 2, you can only play against players accessing the same server.

Q. Can you play against each other?

A. It's possible by mutually accessing the same server. It is best to communicate with each other beforehand.

Q. Can you use a keyboard?

A. It can be used in the chatrooms, so it is recommended.

Q. Can I chat?

A. You can chat while looking for opponents.

Q. Can I use mail?

A. There is no function to send and receive e-mails within Sega Rally 2. Please use Dream Passport.

Q. Is there a BBS Forum?

A. Since Sega's Homepage has its own BBS, please use it via Dream Passport. The URL is http://www2.sega.co.jp/bbs/s/src/index.html

Q. Are there Leaderboards/Rankings?

A. At the moment we are not ranking network competitions. Since the ranking of Time Attack is at http://www.sega.co.jp/src/jp/netranking.html.

Q. Can I create my own name?

A. You're able to make your own name, but please avoid any names that will cause discomfort to others.

Q. What is a lobby?

A. Several lobbies are prepared for each server. Although there is a "Main Lobby" when you first access the server, you can move to othe rlobbies (chat rooms) by selecting "TRANSFER TO ANOTHER CHAT ROOM" from the menu. Because each lobby (chat room) is completely seperate, the remarks in the chat are only visible to those players in the same lobby, and it is impossible to team with players in different lobbies.
[RELATED] How do you use each lobby?

Q. How to use each lobby

A. Currently we have 2 lobbies (beginners and experts) tailored to the skills of the players and a lobby limited to the number of people. In future we plan to divide it so that it will be more convenient.

Q. How can I know if the server is congested?

A. Regarding the server congestion status, you can check its status at http://www.sega.co.jp/src/jp/stateofsv.html

Q. The telephone line won't connect

A. Since 16 servers are currently set up, if you can't connect via your phone line, you may wish to attempt connection to another server. If you wait you will automatically attempt to join the next server. If you really want to access a specific server and don't mind waiting, press the "Settings" button in the lower right side of the screen before dialing and change the setting of "Redial" to "Normal". Once you've set this, the telephone line won't automatically disconnect and will automatically redial the same server. Redialing too frequently can put a burden on the network, so it may not be accessible. In this case, change the Redial setting to "Multi" or attempt to redial after 3 minutes.

Q. The server doesn't respond

A. Since the maintenance time of the server is between 9am and noon, if maintenance is scheduled than the server may not be running. If the server is offline at any other time, please see;
[RELATED] The telephone line won't connect.

Q. The opponents disappear during the race

A. If a participating player interrupts the race for any reason during a match, that player is eliminated from the race. If there were only two people left in a four player race, that means two players have been disconnected from the race. The reason my be, for example, when the phone runs out due to a call waiting, or the player may have voluntarily left the race. Let's avoid dropping out because it is annoying to your opponent, however if a player does disappear during the race it may be for other reasons and not malicious.

Q. I finished the race, but the race doesn't end

A. The race ends when everyone except the person in last place finishes. The race does not finish if there are two or more players who have yet to pass the finish line. Players driving backwards around the track deliberately is frustrating for all players, so let's make sure to play fairly.

Q. Everyone is too strong to win

A. The more you practice, the better you will get and the more you'll enjoy playing online. To help you out, create a team called "Shishidashi" in the Beginner Lobby to play against opponents of your own skill level.
[RELEVANT] What is a lobby? ::: How do you use each lobby?

Q. Chat is too fast to keep up with

A. If you use an optional keyboard, your typing speed will increase dramatically, so it may be worth purchasing. When typing with a Dreamcast controller, you could speed up your responses by expressing yourself in as few characters as possible. When using a keyboard, keep in mind that some people are using a controller, so please try not to become impatient.

Q. About the Manner of Battle

A. Network battles are races against human opponents, even though you can't see a face please remember that the other players are human beings. If your opponent is a computer, resetting during a race won't affect anybody and you won't feel bad about it. Online races are not just for you to enjoy but the players you are racing against. Remember that the opponents online are real people. Honoring the opponent's will at all times is the trick to making network play fun.

Q. About the Manners of Chat

A. The chat function before and after the match is a means of communication to allow you to express your enjoyment of the game to the opponents you race against. Let's reamin generous and avoid causing unpleasant feelings, such as saying things to make your opponents feel hurt or angry. Because you can only communicate via letters, the intention of words can easily be confused. Also if someone says something that seems offensive, bear in mind that what you see may not be their intention and could be offensive simply by being misread.

Q. I can't set the Machine (Vehicle) settings in a Communications Matchup

A. Machine (Vehicle) settings aren't available in a Communication Battle. Everyone uses the default configuration, so it's worth getting acquainted with the standard settings.

Q. Fight Score doesn't seem to save

A. Race scores won't be saved unless you select "SAVE & LOAD GAME" on the mode select screen (the first screen on the first menu screen) and save to the Visual Memory (VMU). Don't forget to do this when you've achieved a great result.

Q. I saw someone use a car I haven't got.

A. New vehicles will be added to your Garage once certain conditions are satisfied in the main game, such as getting 1st prize in each year of the 10 YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP.

Q. There was someone who caused problems/displayed annoying behaviour

A. We will limit access to the network of any player who cannot act in a decent manner. If you see someone who is repeatedly being a nuisance, we would like you to attempt to resolve it via a discussion first, but if this fails to resolve the issue then please contact Dreamcast Support Center (0120-258-254). Once you get through please inform the team of the details, such as server, timezone and the name of the other player.
[RELATED] About the Manners of Battle ::: About the Manners of Chat

Q. For questions not covered in the manual or FAQ

A. If you have any questions about Sega Rally 2, please contact Dreamcast Support Center (0120-258-254). Open hours are from 10:00 - 17:00 from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).