With Sega's last-ditch effort for console domination, the Dreamcast, on shelves in all four corners of the world and company mascot Sonic successfully revived, Sonic Team launched a series of experimental projects. These fun deviations were revealed one-by-one over the month of September, 1999 in successive issues of Famitsu Weekly. The four mystery titles included: Sonic Adventure International, Samba de Amigo, Chu-chu Rocket!, and Phantasy Star Online.

   Chu-chu Rocket!, the third and most light-hearted of the titles revealed, staked its claim to fame in simplicity. There were no "eye-popping" graphics or "vast 3D worlds" to explore. No deep, engrossing storylines or "hours of cinematics." Chu˛'s forte is simple, old-school, addicting puzzle gameplay... a first for Sonic Team, who traditionally found their footing in fast-paced action titles. It also became console gaming's first online title, offering a wild 4-player battle mode for those daring enough to explore the possibilities of the DC's built-in modem.

   Chu˛ was released in November '99 in Japan, where it enjoyed an extremely brief spurt at the top of sales charts. A couple of online promotions sponsored by Famitsu kept the torch going until the game's US release in March 2000, when it became the first network title in history to allow gamers from other countries to play together. Overall sales were low, but Chu˛ received nothing but praise from critics and fans. It's gone on to become something of a Sonic Team poster boy, and a Java version can be played free of charge at Sega's website. In 2001 a Game Boy Advance version, featuring an enhanced multi-player mode, was released. The series has also found a home on cell phones as one of the debut titles in the Sonic Café.

Written by Jared "Green Gibbon!" Matte. Hosting provided by Emulation Zone and Emulation World.