Dreamcast – ahead of its time and taken too soon. Ultimately, the console was the final nail in the coffin for SEGA’s console empire. Released in 1999 (1998 in Japan), the Dreamcast was SEGA’s answer to the PlayStation. Sadly, one year after the Dreamcast’s release, SONY launched the PS2, which was being touted as the most advanced gaming system of all time.
On top of the loomingPS2release, SEGA was undergoing massive turmoil, as many heads of the company wanted to move away from platforms and focus solely on game production. Furthering the problem was the fact that many video game companies, like EA, weren’t producing many games for the Dreamcast.
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During March of 2001, only a few years after its release, the Dreamcast was discontinued. However, in the system’s short lifespan, some pretty phenomenal games were released and the console has developed quite the cult following. Here are the 10 best Dreamcast games you probably forgot about.
10Rippin' Riders
Released in 1999,Rippin' Riderswas made by UEP Systems, the same company that created the popular snowboarding gameCool Boarders. In fact, in Japan,Rippin' Riderswas released as part of theCool Boardersseries.
The game received praise for its excellent graphics, and most importantly, the panoramic background graphics. In the ’90s, it wasn’t uncommon for background graphics to still be boxy and bland, but withRippin' Riders, the worlds looked immersive and striking.
9Crazy Taxi 2
WhileCrazy Taximay have been one of Dreamcast’s biggest hits, many fans often forget the game actually got a sequel.Crazy Taxi 2did what a good sequel should – build off the strengths of the first game and add more features.
On top of the standard taxi game mode,Crazy Taxi 2introduced new levels, new drivers, and allowed players to pick up multiple passengers. It also had mini-games and a kickass soundtrack from The Offspring and Methods of Mayhem.
8Fur Fighters
What happens when one combines a first-person shooter with cute and cuddly critters? They getFur Fighters. The game was hailed by critics for its storyline, gameplay, and the humor that comes from being a kitten with a gun.
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Upon its release, the game was relatively unknown but has since gone on to become a pretty popular game and a favorite Dreamcast title for many.
7Space Channel 5
As one can imagine,Space Channel 5, a game where players kill aliens by dancing to pop music, didn’t perform very well. Surprisingly, the game went on to develop an insanely devoted cult following and is now loved by a large fanbase. Upon its release, the game was heavily marketed as one of the pinnacle titles of the Dreamcast. There is even product placement for it in movies likeJosie and the Pussycats.
However, after a lukewarm release,Space Channel 5wasn’t given much attention. But after some time, gamers began to realize the campy insanity of the game.Space Channel 5went on to be re-released for the PlayStation, receive a sequel, and even get a VR makeover.
6Coaster Works
After the success of Roller CoasterTycoon, tons of coaster building games were created…and most of them weren’t good. But one relatively unknown game,Coaster Works, turned out to be one of the best. The game allowed players to create roller coasters and ride them in a completely 3D environment. For 1999, the 3D graphics were great, as was the smoothness of the gameplay.
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While many PC simulators, likeSim Theme Park, were riddled with horrendous lag issues,Coaster Worksran smoothly, creating a much better gaming experience.
5Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
While the earlyResident Evilgames are normally associated with the PlayStation,Resident Evil 2andNemesiswere also released for the Dreamcast.
The game was, and is, hailed as one of the greatest games in the franchise (andNemesisis considered one of the scariest monsters in gaming history). Currently, copies ofResident Evil 3for Dreamcast can cost over$100.
4Ooga Booga
Ooga Boogacan be seen as the Dreamcast version ofBanjo KazooieorSpyro. Players roam around a colorful 3D world and have to fight the bad guys. What madeOoga Boogaspecial though, was its use of teamwork and magic.
In the game, it is possible to unlock other players, all who have their own skills to help the user throughout each level. It is even possible to collect items and cast spells. The game received positive reviews from critics and was unveiled at E3 in 2001…the last E3 where SEGA marketed a console.
While being most commonly known as a game for PlayStation and Xbox,Dead or Alive 2was actually first released for Dreamcast in early 2000. TheDOAserieshas always had a reputation for amazing graphics, excellent fighting, and the somewhat controversial hypersexualization of itsfemale characters.
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In fact, the designers ofDOA 2spent copious amounts of time developing oversized breasts that would “accurately” jiggle for its female characters. The franchise received its newest release,Dead or Alive 6, in 2019.
2Alien Front Online
A precursor toTitanfall,Alien Front Onlinewas an online multiplayer game where users played on one of two teams: The aliens or the humans. The two teams then battle it out in arenas with mechas and tanks.
It one was one of the few games that used the elusive Dreamcast microphone attachment, allowing team members to chat online. The game received positive reviews and paved the way for console-based online multiplayer games.
1D2
After a plane is hijacked and crashed, survivor Laura Parton finds herself lost in the Canadian wilderness. Even worse, people are being infected with a parasitic plant that grows inside them and turns them into monsters.
D2has an intricate plotline and is somewhere betweenResident EvilandThe Thing. What makes the game so powerful is its haunting setting. Being trapped in the barren Canadian wilderness during the middle of winter creates a feeling of being isolated, increasing the game’s tension. It’s a great throwback for any fans of thehorrorgenre.
