The Dreamcast was the first significant system to offer a modem as standard for online play, VM memory units, microphone attachments for voice-controlled games, and even high definition images via a separate VGA box.
True, Sega had already mistreated its fans with the poorly accepted and supported Mega CD (Sega CD in the US) and the 32X catastrophe. Still, if it hadn’t been for previous errors, the Dreamcast would have been in its second.
Or perhaps the third incarnation by now, even with the PlayStation’s competition. Who knows where the Dreamcast’s story would have gone if it had full customer support?
Unfortunately, Sega didn’t have complete fan support and sluggish sales. Combined with the debut of Sony’s PlayStation, spelled the end of the unit and Sega’s hardware division. Leaving what was once a gaming superpower as a mere software publisher.
The best Dreamcast games show that a console’s lifespan isn’t necessary to create an impression. Sega took a significant bet when it released the Dreamcast in 1998, introducing a low-cost system with a strong emphasis on online gaming thanks to its built-in modem.
While Sega’s gamble didn’t pay off in the end – the Dreamcast was officially discontinued after a little over two years – the company put everything it had into making the machine work.
These are some of the best Dreamcast games you can try.
Head Hunter
On the Dreamcast, there aren’t many options for stealth action, but Headhunter fits the bill admirably. You take on the role of Jack Wade, a top-tier bounty hunter who wakes up in a hospital with amnesia.
He sets out to solve both riddles after learning that his former boss in the Anti-Crime Network has been killed.
The game aesthetically showcases the Dreamcast’s capabilities, and the award-winning soundtrack by Richard Jacques is as outstanding. The plot is also full of twists and turns that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Seaman
The Dreamcast is known for housing some unusual and inventive games. And Yoot Saito’s virtual pet game is one of the strangest.
Seaman enables you to raise a fish with a human face by keeping its tank clean and warm and interacting with it, including talking to it using the Dreamcast microphone.
Of course, the Seaman isn’t especially attractive, and conversing with him can be condescending and disrespectful, but that’s part of the game’s strange allure. Oh, and the narrator is Leonard Nimoy.
Silver
Silver was a unique real-time combat role player initially launched on PC and then on Dreamcast. The game’s protagonists were 3D polygonal models that strolled about pre-rendered backgrounds, similar to Final Fantasy VII.
Furthermore, Combat was not turn-based; instead, you had complete control over David, the protagonist. And his band of followers as they pursued Silver, the wicked wizard.
The game had whole voice acting, which was unusual for the genre. And despite the essential RPG components, it was an enjoyable experience. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Illblead
Many DC owners may have overlooked Illbleed, but it was a game well worth searching out. The game saw players navigate a horror theme park using only their senses to dodge traps and perils. And it was brilliant in both design and weirdness.
These threats were frequently unseen and unexpected, and you could only navigate around by learning how to use the game’s sense-based detection system and goggles efficiently.
You had to keep your character’s mental health in control in addition to this detection mechanism, or you could die of panic. Also, it wasn’t easy and, for some, far too obscure, but it was also a rewarding title if you persevered.
Typing Of The Dead
Sega’s Typing Of The Dead isn’t your typical educational game. Typing Of The Dead was an excellent typing instructor that saw you accurately type sentences at speed to shoot zombies and other monsters using the Dreamcast’s keyboard accessory.
Moreover, the game is essentially House Of The Dead 2, marketed as a typing tutor. This is good because the game can help you improve your typing abilities.
Eat your heart out, Mavis Beacon (assuming the undead don’t get there first). Odd? Yes. Effective? Without a doubt. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Virtua Tennis 2
Tennis is a challenging game to get right in the video game world. But Sega didn’t seem to mind, and their Virtua Tennis series is one of the greatest.
Along with an excellent game engine that provided a fast and fluid game of tennis, there was a sprawling world tour career mode and a large selection of mini-games.
An in-game currency system allowed you to purchase items for your player and front entry fees for tennis tournaments.
Mars Matrix: Hyper Solid Shooting
If you look up ‘pulse pounding’ in the dictionary, you’ll most likely come across a screenshot from the Mars Matrix.
This brash shooter was bright, bold, and tough as nails. The game was all about fast-paced action, and it flung monsters and guns at you like there was no tomorrow.
This was a typical example of a ‘bullet hell’ shooter, with so many projectiles on screen at once that the backdrops were scarcely visible.
You’d also have to put in the effort if you wanted to unlock stuff from the game’s store, as they’re expensive. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Sega Bass Fishing
Sega’s arcade staff proved capable of making just about anything interesting in the Dreamcast era. Sega Bass Fishing – formerly known as getting Bass in the arcades – is enough proof of that. This game is very different from previous fishing games in that it is all action.
You’re under the continual pressure of being against the clock, with your fisherman pleading with the fish to “bite it!” and rock music kicking up when it does, creating the perfect background as you struggle to pull it in. It’s fantastic regardless of how you play, but the fishing rod controller is unmissable.
Space Channel 5
The Morolians have taken over and are making humanity dance! As an interplanetary news reporter, Ulala, it’s your responsibility to match the Morolians move for the move before zapping them and freeing their prisoners.
From the soundtrack to the retro-futurism of the numerous locations you’ll visit. Space Channel 5 has a distinct 60s feel, with unforgettable characters like Jaguar and Pudding.
Also, seeing a large group of rescued people dancing behind Ulala is always incredible. Because of the FMV-based background, it’s a short but delightful game that’s unlikely to see any subsequent ports.
Quake 3 Arena
Sega chose to promote Dreamcast’s online gaming capabilities actively. Yet there was no FPS that could compete with Quake 3 at the time.
The third game reduced the single-player component to a series of games versus bots. Allowing the franchise to focus on its intense multiplayer bouts.
The Dreamcast effectively delivered that experience to console users, with online play outperforming split-screen at the time.
It was even possible to play against Dreamcast map pack-installed PC players. However, thanks to committed fans, the game is also back online today.
Chu Chu Rocket
The puzzle game from Sonic Team looks and sounds simple: get the mice into the rockets while avoiding the hungry cats.
Of course, it could never be that simple, and the single-player puzzle option makes it even more difficult. However, They created the game to showcase Dreamcast’s online multiplayer capabilities.
Also, It gets hectic as four players compete to see who can get the most mice — expect sabotage as your mice are diverted, and cats are pointed at your rockets.
Fans have stepped in to provide servers, but you may also play locally with four players. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Metropolis Street Racer
Metropolis Street Racer, the precursor to Project Gotham Racing, was a colossal undertaking that meticulously reproduced London, Tokyo, and San Francisco.
It had an excellent driving engine supported by a kudos system that awarded players for driving with style. Furthermore, They used points earned through the kudos system to purchase additional vehicles and tracks.
The game’s principles have been replicated numerous times, including in Bizarre Creations’ own Project Gotham Racing series, Blur, and other developers’ works.
Dead Or Alive 2
Surprisingly, the Dead Or Alive series had a lot more going for it than its gigantic mammaries. And beneath the juggling, jugs was a fantastic fighting game with various game styles.
Dead Or Alive 2 was a consistently slick scrapper with a complex fighting system and enormous venues. And a diverse cast of characters, including Ryu Hayabusa from Ninja Gaiden.
It wasn’t as intriguing as Soul Calibur or as technologically advanced as Virtua Fighter. Still, it was a top-rated series, and DOA2 on the Dreamcast was one of the greatest fighters.
Grandia II
Grandia II was a fan favorite, a Final Fantasy-inspired RPG with a well-implemented combat system and excellent plot.
The battle system was primarily based on the Final Fantasy template. But it had some limited character movement to make things feel more dynamic.
The game also utilized a timer in the system, which determined when both allies and adversaries may attack. Move cancels were feasible with careful timing, and combo movements and counters were also possible.
It wasn’t innovative, but it was unique and sleek enough to set the game apart. And the anime effects were spectacular.
Furthermore, the game was eventually released on other platforms. However, most consider them to be inferior to the Dreamcast version.
NFL 2K2
While EA never released a Madden game for the Dreamcast, Visual Concepts delivered excellent work. So they were never truly missed. NFL 2K2 was the series’ final Dreamcast edition.
It had everything you could desire off the field, including an upgraded running game that finally matched the series’ famous Maximum Passing mechanism.
The prior games always looked the part in the action, and 2K2 was no exception, with some intelligent commentary to boot.
The game also included online play, which Dreamcast fans have recently revitalized. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Power Stone 2
What could be better than Power Stone’s wild brawls? Power Stone 2’s frantic four-player brawls. The sequel has the same chair-chucking, sword-slashing action as the first, but it adds several more warriors on every level to crank up the carnage.
That would have been enough to make it an all-time classic multiplayer game. Still, Capcom went above and beyond by inventing insane stages that included platforming, chases, and even skydiving.
Also, this should be your first choice if you’re seeking a party fighter that’s not in the Super Smash Bros series.
Resident Evil: Code Veronica
Claire Redfield has been imprisoned at the Umbrella Corporation’s Rockfort Island facility. Which implies another zombie outbreak is on the way.
The game has changed with the capabilities of a new console generation. With fully 3D environments replacing the pre-rendered backdrops of the old. It’s also a significant game in the story.
It features the reappearance of Claire’s brother Chris and series arch-villain Albert Wesker from Resident Evil 2 and serves as a natural sequel to Resident Evil 2.
Street Fighter 3: Third Strike
It’s easy to forget these days, but this game wasn’t always so popular – the lack of famous faces turned gamers off, and 2D gaming was considered unfashionable.
But, because of the iconic “Evo Moment #37” video of Daigo Umehara’s incredible comeback against Justin Wong, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike has been rediscovered over the years.
With time, we’ve come to appreciate each character’s excellent animation and elements like parries and EX moves that let it stand out among its counterparts. That late acknowledgment is well-deserved.
House Of The Dead 2
With the arrival of wireless controllers, the light gun game was once an astonishing piece of technical wizardry, wowing your friends as they used a plastic pistol to blast onscreen foes, but it’s now a lot less dazzling.
However, the genre was still alive and well on the Dreamcast, and House Of The Dead 2 was one of the greatest. Sega was battling the undead with style long before zombies were hip.
The excellent arcade blasting and powerful boss fights accompanied a clichéd plot and bad voice acting. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Rez
Rez is a game that has gained a cult following in the gaming community. The ultra-stylish aesthetics are accompanied by a fantastic, dynamic soundtrack that responds to your progress and expertise.
As you progress and destroy enemies, the world changes from wireframe to fully shaded. At the same time, the soundtrack, which was first relatively quiet, grows in layers, eventually becoming a thumping beat-fest. Your avatar changes throughout time as well.
Furthermore, there are a lot of arty games out there these days, with games like Journey and The Unfinished Swan proving that you can have a lot of aesthetics without sacrificing gameplay, but Rez was one of the first and remained one of the greatest.
Marvel Vs Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes
Even though the series has been upgraded for newer systems, most die-hard fans still consider Marvel Vs Capcom 2 the best of the series and one of the best 2D beat ’em ups ever made.
This was a genuine gamer’s and comic book fan’s dream, bringing together the finest of Capcom and Marvel’s stables.
The sheer magnitude of some of the game’s special moves, not the combo potential, makes for a truly magnificent scrapper, which is still utilized in competitions today.
Furthermore, Players could engage in three-on-three combat, and despite many characters, most were well-balanced.
Also, it took a long time to unlock everything in the game’s store, which included additional characters, venues, costumes, and artwork.
Ikaruga
Japanese developers continued to exploit the Dreamcast for years after it was decommissioned to make ports of their arcade shoot-’em-ups, and Ikaruga was the best.
Ikaruga was a puzzle game and a blaster, requiring you to switch between black and white polarity to deal massive damage to opposite-colored adversaries while absorbing hits from others.
Also, Few Dreamcast games can compare to Ikaruga in terms of visuals, and the stirring soundtrack adds to the game’s epic mood.
Ikaruga was touted as a must-have import, and it still holds up two decades later. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Jet Set Radio
On its own, the idea of skate punks fighting it out in a graffiti turf war is enticing, but Jet Set Radio adds an unrivaled sense of style to the mix.
The GGs, DJ Professor K of Jet Matched Radio, and Captain Onishima’s antagonistic police are all depicted in the cel-shaded style that the game would popularize.
Everything is set to a funky soundtrack centered by Hideki Naganuma. Even if you’ve played Jet Set Radio Future before, this is a significantly different game, focusing on arcade action with continual police harassment, time constraints, and more difficult graffiti elements.
Phantasy Star Online
Back in the days of dial-up internet, Sonic Team’s online RPG was by far the most pleasant method to rack up massive call costs.
While the single-player content was limited, forming a party of four to face the wild beasts of Ragol was an incredibly unique experience, whether you were exploring with friends or meeting new people in Pioneer II’s lobbies.
We’ll never forget attempting to take out Dark Falz or searching for those elusive drops. You can still play the Dreamcast versions of Phantasy Star Online today, thanks to the efforts of enterprising fans.
Soul Calibur
Although the Soul Calibur series announcer was the most annoying of any fighter, the weapon-based combat made up for it.
On the DC, Soul Calibur was not only one of the best fighters on the system (some would say the best), but it is also widely regarded as the best 3D scrapper ever made.
The fighting system was well-designed and appealed to complete newbies and seasoned veterans. It was simple to pick up and difficult to put down, and it included various game types, including an extensive quest system and a wealth of bonus content.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe Soul Calibur as a flawless fighting game, and even the series’ succeeding installments have never quite matched its overall quality and appeal. This is one of the best Dreamcast games.
Crazy Taxi
Crazy Taxi is Sega at the pinnacle of its arcade powers, bright colors, loud sounds, and copious quantities of carnage to enliven an impossible-to-miss theme.
However, there are secret subtleties to how the vehicles handle, and you must master that if you want to achieve extremely high scores. The second city, exclusive to the home console, and the Crazy Box challenges add to the experience.
Skies Of Arcadia
Some say it’s the best Final Fantasy clone ever, while others say it’s even better than Square’s RPG franchise.
Whatever your opinion, there’s no denying that Skies Of Arcadia is one of the best turn-based RPGs ever made.
The narrative of Vyse, the Blue Rogue air pirate, and his friends is a beautiful RPG masterpiece with a vast setting, endearing characters, and plenty of secrets to uncover.
Furthermore, add in the ship-to-ship fights and the novel VM mini-game, and you’ve got yourself an epic adventure that won’t let you go. This is one of the best Dreamcast games you should try.
Shenmue
Yu Suzuki had earned a name for himself as a producer of fast-paced arcade games, so taking on an epic RPG was a big step. Shenmue’s scope and ambition were unparalleled.
Also, a vibrant village that varied with the seasons had daily rituals and a plethora of distractions ranging from an orphaned cat to capsule toys.
But it’s how the game eschewed RPG tropes like numbers and levels, random battles, and menu-driven combat to ensure that you were completely involved in the world AM2 had built.
