I was digging on the internet some information about this Japanese title. Here is what I found:
New Details Regarding Hudson's Rune Jade
New details have emerged regarding Rune Jade, an upcoming Dreamcast RPG similar in style to the popular action-RPG Diablo. Hudson, the game's publisher, has announced that the multiplayer network aspect of the Japanese version of the game will use a customized version of Dwango, a popular online gaming service. Japanese gamers will access the customized service, called Iwango, through their own internet service providers (ISPs) in order to reduce costly Japanese phone charges.
Hudson also announced that the game would make use of the Dreamcast keyboard, allowing players to chat over the network. Rune Jade is scheduled for a Summer 2000 release in Japan, but the game has not yet been announced for the North American market. Stay tuned to RPGamer for all upcoming news regarding Rune Jade, which will hopefully be announced for a domestic release in the near future.
GameSpot - 03.22.2000
Rune Jade Delayed in Japan
Rune Jade for the Dreamcast will not be coming out in Japan on July 27, contrary to previous expectations. The game's developer, Hudson, announced today that due to a delay necessitated by several final adjustments, the game's release has been pushed back.
The game is a hack-and-slash internet enabled multiplayer RPG from the creators of Elemental Gimmick Gear. Players will begin Rune Jade by selecting their character's gender, and then choosing from one of the four professions - knight, rune master, grappler, or ninja.
One aspect of the game will be concerned with collecting "jades," ancient artifacts that grant their possessors special powers, hence the title. Rune Jade has not been announced for North American release, but if the title sees success in Japan, the game may possibly find a way to our shores.
GameSpot - 07.13.2000
Rune Jade Servers To Be Shut Down
Many people immediately think of Phantasy Star Online when it comes to Dreamcast and online RPGs; however, Rune Jade was actually the game that first utilized the system's online capabilities. With the ability to have as many as five people online at once, the game broke new online ground in the world of console gaming. Now, that era is coming to an end; with no North American release to speak of and the waning fortunes of the Dreamcast, Hudson has announced it is shutting down the game's servers, effective September 30th.
Despite the shutdown, the future of online RPGs looks bright, with Phantasy Star Online still going strong, and that game's second version, as well as Final Fantasy XI just over the horizon, along with a number of lesser-known titles. At the time of the announcement, no reason was provided for the shutdown, which will affect all Japanese servers.
The Magic Box - 07.12.2001
Is there any video of this game working online from back in 2000/01? I'm very curious about this title.