Considered by many to be one of the most innovative consoles of its genre. It's funny to think that a little white box could provide us with a splendid home arcade feel. Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that this may have been the first Xbox Console.
I have been told by a few customers that Sega and Microsoft were collaborating on a home video game console. The console had the first online capabilities, with most consoles being sold with a detachable phone-line modem.
The Table of Contents
The Sega DreamCast Console - Realeased 1998
It's too bad this console did not get the recognition it deserved. It may have been the lackluster titles in the Sega CD and Sega 32X libraries that turned gamers away. It's certainly possible that gamers got fed up with Sega and their struggles with compatibility among their consoles.
Seriously, in order to play a 32X CD game, you had to have 3 different consoles or attachments hooked up. Then you needed to have a whole power strip of AC adapters! What the heck was Sega thinking? This certainly could have started the Sega downfall.
On the flip side, one would think the Sega Saturn would have given the Sega Dreamcast the notoriety it deserved. The Sega Saturn, which was the predecessor to the Dreamcast, had a great library of fighting games, both foreign and domestic. If the Sega Dreamcast was known for being such a state-of-the-art video game console, how did it die? That's simple: the arrival of the PS2, and the arrival of DVDs integrated with video game consoles killed the Dreamcast.
There have been many current game libraries still running, derived from the Dreamcast library. The library is packed full of dynamite games that any retro gamer would totally enjoy. Not to mention the best version of Marvel vs. Capcom, which has a direct arcade port of the game.
What baffles me is why so many gamers go after the Xbox and PS2 versions before the Dreamcast? Surprisingly, after I wrote this article, I came to find out unofficial titles are still being released for the Dreamcast years later.
Another great perk about a Dreamcast is the ability to play imported games. This is a really cool feature; you just needed to buy a GameShark CDX. The CDX would act as a cheat code enabler or a buffer to play your imported games. One of the more popular import games was Shenmue 2 in PAL format.
Accessories & Controllers
My only knock with the Dreamcast would have to be the controllers. To me, the controller seemed like a Frisbee - it's a little too wide for me. The controller really doesn't fit perfectly inside your hands. The way 
you had to stretch your fingers to fully play certain games seemed odd to me. The Dreamcast also had a huge variety of controllers from: Racing Wheels, Flight Simulator Controllers, and maybe the best controller - the arcade sticks.
- Arcade sticks were large controllers that created the arcade-type feel while playing your games. Sega did make its own brand of arcade controllers.
- There are, however, some third-party "Hori" controllers that may be better suited for the arcade feel. Many of the fighting games used this type of controller; yes, it was optional to buy. On the other hand, some of these arcade controllers are pretty big, and at times feel better played with on the floor rather than sitting in your lap.
The Dreamcast did have some weird and strange accessories. Most notable were the keyboard and the mouse attachment. The only game I ever played with the keyboard was The Typing of the Dead, and I never really understood the concept. So this, in my opinion, was a failure.
Memory Cards
The Dreamcast had what they called a VMU, or (Visual Memory Unit).
- This was a memory card that used batteries, but slid into your controller.
- The cool thing about a VMU is that it had a screen to show your save data, or it could easily be activated from loading up your console.
- The console also had regular memory cards and rumble packs available.
Most Popular Games And Generes:
Fighting Games
When I think of the Sega Dreamcast, I certainly think of fighters. The import library probably contains fewer fighters than that of the Sega Saturn. That in no way is a deterrent, so let's break down the top five.
- Power Stone 2
- King of Fighters '98
- Soul Calibur
- Power Stone 1
- Marvel vs. Capcom
Other nominations include: Capcom vs. SNK – I loved the fact that Sega had this type of game in its lineup.
Role Playing Games
Any true gaming console must excel with its premium RPG games. The Dreamcast had a horde of highly sought-after titles. Here is the top 5:
- Shenmue is probably the most well-recognized Dreamcast game.
- Skies of Arcadia
- Grandia II
- Evolution: The Sacred Device
- Phantasy Star Online
The most popular imported game is Shenmue II.
Sports Games
Surprisingly, most retro consoles aren't thought about for their sports titles.
- The Dreamcast didn't offer the likes of Madden or NBA Live. Instead, players chose from the Virtua and 2K games.
- Many gamers considered the 2K series to be far superior to that of the likes of Madden and NBA Live games during this current generation.
- Also, to help sell the sports library, Sega released an all-black Sega Sports Edition console.
Action Adventure Games
This is one section that sets the Dreamcast itself apart from the rest of the pack. Many games in this section of the library carried the success of the Dreamcast.
- Jet Set Radio
- Sonic Adventure 2 – I know it sounds corny to say, but I really enjoyed this title
- Resident Evil 2 – During the late '90s, this is one series that brought a new element of horror to households across the country. Very popular with pretty much every console in the genre, and it is a series that is still going strong today.
- Crazy Taxi – A fun game, which was awesome in the arcade that Sega ported masterfully into the Dreamcast library. This title may be listed in the racing/driving category, but it's my blog so it stays here.
Racing and Shooter Games
- The Dreamcast did not offer the library any of the Need for Speed or Gran Turismo titles. It did, however, counter with its own Sega GT Series.
- The Formula 1 games were also popular, and let's not forget about the above-mentioned Crazy Taxi series and Hydro Thunder.
Shooters And Shmups:
One game that every retro gamer thinks about when you say Sega Dreamcast and shooters in the same sentence has to be The House of the Dead 2. The House of the Dead 2 was best played with a gun controller attachment.
There are, however, some good shmups on the console:
- Bangai-O
- Gunbird
- Mars Matrix
- Giga Wing
Giga Wind Gameplay Video
Giga Wing! Gamplay Brandon and Zach take on this awesome shmup for the Dreamcast. Watch as we fly by the seat of our pants!
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The Verdict:
We rate the Sega Dreamcast an underrated 8.5/10 — a bold ★★★★☆ on our retro scale.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, The Dreamcast was surely an extraordinary gaming console, which was very groundbreaking with hosting online-gaming servers. When you look back at any console and examine the library of RPG games and fighters, the Dreamcast is certainly a retro console with games for all.
Would I buy one Today?
Yes - If you've never picked up a Dreamcast, they can be purchased relatively cheaply and can create hours of enjoyment for all.
What You Should Know About Collecting Dreamcast
Dreamcast collecting is interesting. Complete consoles with the box are worth good money. The Sega Sports Edition (the all-black one I mentioned) is worth even more - it's much rarer than the white console.
- But here's where it gets wild: complete Dreamcast games vary big time. Condition matters more than almost any other console. Disc scratches lower the price. A bent manual lowers it. Even a flawed complete game can sell for way less than a clean one.
- Some games are crazy expensive to complete. Illbleed and Cannon Spike are good examples. Even games that seem cheap lose - like ECW Anarchy Rulz, jump to much higher prices when complete. The gap between loose and complete can be huge.
- If you collect Dreamcast, focus on complete games in the best shape you can find. Clean discs, clean manuals, clean cases. If you want to play and create hours of enjoyment, as I said, loose games work fine and cost much less.
- We buy Dreamcast consoles and games at The Old School Game Vault. Loved it like I did, even with those Frisbee controllers? Or now discovering it? We want your items. We buy them loose or complete, in any condition, for cash.
