Guest The Superstar Report post Posted September 1, 2002 Well, it's almost been three years since 9.9.99, when the most underrated system of all time was released: the Sega Dreamcast. At a price of $199.99, you got the very first system to feature 128 bits of raw power. It didn't feature any DVD players, CD burners or hard drives, but it did feature countless hours of fun for gamers who took the chance with this system. It did feature something revolutionary, however, and that was the 56k modem that came standard with the system. It wasn't until a year later that it was utilized, but for the first time you could play console games against fellow Dreamcasters. Dreamcast had a pretty strong launch lineup: The traditional Sonic game, titled Sonic Adventure, was a solid, yet unspectacular platformer, featuring an atrocious camera. There was also what I considered the best football game that year, NFL2k. Created by Visual Concepts, this game was an awesome evolution in football video games. And it was Dreamcast exclusive. By far the best launch game, however, and in my opinion, the best Dreamcast game ever, was Soul Calibur by Namco. This 3D fighter featured breathtaking graphics, a fun fighting system and most importantly- hours and hours of depth. Tons of game modes, many characters to unlock, and a swank Mission Battle mode (you get points for every objective you complete, letting you buy Art Cards, which can unlock things- very cool). Dreamcast featured excellent sales, especially releasing so close to the Christmas season. The future looked all too bright. Over the next year, Dreamcast released excellent game after excellent game, including the favorites: Resident Evil Code Veronica, Shenmue (possibly the most anticipated Dreamcast game of all time), Skies of Arcadia, Grandia II, Cannon Spike, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Daytona USA, Seaman (one of the most innovative games of all time), Jet Grind Radio (another favorite of mine), and The Typing of the Dead. As mentioned before, Dreamcast came with a modem. Before any modem-compatible games were released, you could go online, using either Dreamcast's server (which cost money, but you got a free keyboard), or a free provider that was compatible with Dreamcast, such as FreeI. you could browse the internet, sort of like WebTV, and chat on Dreamcast-exclusive areas. In early 2000, a game called Chu Chu Rocket was released. This puzzle game was addicting and original, but featured something no other game did- online compatibility. Yes, you could play the mind-numbing 2-4p modes with people across the country, or across the world. Online gaming had arrived, with Sega leading the charge. At the one-year anniversary of Dreamcast, however, things got better. NFL2k1 was released, and it was online compatible. Finally, you could play football against anyone, anytime! Sega's online gaming network, Seganet, offered a free 30 day trial, and everyone was taking advantage. Servers were clogged for the first month, but if you could play, you played. Hardly any lag was visible, and the only gripe came with people quitting games so as not to face defeat Yes, online console gaming, thanks to Dreamcast, had arrived. Over the next months, more and more online games flooded in. From NBA2k1 to Alien Front Online, as well as blockbusters like Quake III, Unreal Tournament, and possibly the most addicting- Phantasy Star Online. An RPG you could play with people all over the world, featuring a language converter system. Sadly, in early 2001, Sega announced their ceasing of production of the Dreamcast, becoming software-only. Maybe it was for the best, as sales had been down after Playstation 2 was released. Now Sega publishes great games for every system, continuing their legacy. Personally, I bought a Dreamcast on October 24, 1999. I remember the day clearly. My birthday was in a week, and my parents took me to Electronics Boutique. I got the system and Soul Calibur. I was hooked. Eventually, I built my collection up to 22 games- after trading in and selling some of them. I still play Dreamcast to this day, and I'm proud to be a Dreamcast owner. It is, hands down, my favorite system of all time. You can still drop by ToysRus or Babbages and get some bargain Dreamcast games, and trust me, it's worth it. To me, the Dreamcast will never truly be forgotten. Thoughts? Comments? Stories? Feel free to share them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Karnage Report post Posted September 1, 2002 I bought my Dreamcast really late...(when there were like two more games being released). I was really shocked to hear that they were stopping production. Blame PS2 for creating the hype a day after the Dreamcast came out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest chirs3 Report post Posted September 1, 2002 I'm tempted to buy a Dreamcast, as they're now at a low $50 price. Problem is, I can only think of a few games I'd want. Sonic Adventure Sonic Adventure 2 Soul Caliber Jet Grind Radio Marvel vs Capcom 2 And Shenmue would be on the maybe list. Other than those, I'm at a loss... and a system's not really worth it for 5-6 games... any other suggestions? (No racing... and no real sports - NFL Blitz would be about the only sports game I like.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OctoberBlood Report post Posted September 1, 2002 Dreamcast was decent. I still have mine, with 2 bad games, and 1 good game. I am fixing to sell it all tho .. heh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Nevermortal Report post Posted September 1, 2002 I'm tempted to buy a Dreamcast, as they're now at a low $50 price. Problem is, I can only think of a few games I'd want. Sonic Adventure Sonic Adventure 2 Soul Caliber Jet Grind Radio Marvel vs Capcom 2 And Shenmue would be on the maybe list. Other than those, I'm at a loss... and a system's not really worth it for 5-6 games... any other suggestions? (No racing... and no real sports - NFL Blitz would be about the only sports game I like.) I'd say its worth it. If you've got a CD Burner & a Fast Connection, you can sample almost any game you'd like, for free. 50 bucks is a bargain. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Renegade Report post Posted September 1, 2002 DC was a great console, but the controller was awful though (except its analogue) Best games (no order): VF3 PSO Sonic adv 2 Street fighter 3 (2 disc set) Shemnue 2 (much better when they dropped the dud dubbing and added subtitles instead, plus Ren is one of the coolest characters ever. The later scenes involving Ryo and Ren are golden) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted September 1, 2002 didn't the Dreamcast have Fire Pro? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Psycho Diablo Report post Posted September 1, 2002 Are you kidding? DC is worth it for Fire Pro D alone, not to mention all the other games! Damn P$2 overhype. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Leena Report post Posted September 1, 2002 I bought a Dreamcast about 2 months ago for $40. I only have 6 games, all sports, with the best being Sega Tennis 2K2, and I enjoy it immensely. I would recommend Dreamcast to everyone, but this is coming from someone who's only other systems were Master System and SNES. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hayabusa Moleman Report post Posted September 2, 2002 Anyone care to share good places to download dreamcast games? Also, I am guessing this is a dumb question, but is there a downloadable version of Shenmue 2 that is compatible with the American VMU save of Shenmue 1? I don't have the cable needed to hook my vmu to the computer to edit my save and make it compatible with a Euro import Shenmue 2. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Karnage Report post Posted September 2, 2002 Pirated DC games suck. I have a burnt copy of Fire Pro D and it's missing the in game music...I know it's not a big deal to some people but sometimes it way too quiet when I'm playing as Mr. Pogo and sticking a fork in Triple H's head. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hayabusa Moleman Report post Posted September 2, 2002 I am not a fan of pirated games myself, but since the dreamcast is basically dead in the US and many games are hard to find, it has entered the zone of abandonware in my opinion. I have a burned Fire Pro D and I didn't notice the music thing. I'd rather have some music loss than pay like 80 bucks for an import. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest WukenBloodstar Report post Posted September 2, 2002 Dreamcast rules, fav game for me was Royal Rukmble. Yes the game sucked..but I have fond memories of me and my friends going at it via royal rumble mode. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Rob Van Dam Report post Posted September 2, 2002 Pirated DC games suck. I have a burnt copy of Fire Pro D and it's missing the in game music...I know it's not a big deal to some people but sometimes it way too quiet when I'm playing as Mr. Pogo and sticking a fork in Triple H's head. man that's funny, only if that would happen in real life Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Dr. Wrestlingphysics Report post Posted September 3, 2002 I got my DC just under a year ago, and haven't regreted it one bit. Shenmue, Shenmue II and Fire Pro D make the system almost a must have for gamers as well as the several other titles mentioned above. My friend has a Gamecube and an X-box, but (mainly due to Fire Pro D) the Dreamcast is still his most played on console. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MarvinisaLunatic Report post Posted September 3, 2002 I wonder who got the last dreamcast produced that was supposed to be gold plated or something.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest KingOfOldSchool Report post Posted September 3, 2002 It was a good system, shame it didn't stick around. And although I kind of regret it, I sold it a while ago. Maybe I'll get another one soon once I get some money. I was always the one to get the fucked-up games though, out of everyone I talked to. My copies of NFL2k and NBA2k both stopped working after a few months, and my copies of both Shenmue and MSH v. Capcom had this glitch that would freeze my game, just about every single time. Matter of fact, I had two copies of Shenmue. The first one I got had the freezing thing, then I exchanged it, and the second copy had it as well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Man in Blak Report post Posted September 3, 2002 Don't forget Giant Gram 2000 when you're mentioning great import wrestling games for the DC. A good number of people, including the Smarks' own Scotsman, preferred GG2K to Fire Pro D. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Superstar Report post Posted September 4, 2002 Mah gawd, I can't believe I forgot to mention Virtua Tennis. This is by far one of the most addicting games I've EVER played. It's the only game I've been playing for the past week, I just can't stop. ROLF EULER, VOLLEY VIRTUOSO= UNSTOPPABLE~! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest TheArchiteck Report post Posted September 4, 2002 <<<<----Sega Loyalist Yeah i bought the system the first day (reserved). Over the 3 years I probably have like 30 games for it. Never bought so many games for a system...but no system had that many games that appeal to me at that time. The games I still play are... Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 Fire Pro D Tennis 2k2 Nba2k2 Nfl2k2 Project Justice I still haven't invested in a new system...but I'll probably pick up an x-box (shenmue 2). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Leena Report post Posted September 4, 2002 Yesterday, I got Skies of Arcadia. Wow, just wow. Virtua Tennis does rule all. I'm a huge tennis fan, so I play it all the time. Even if you hate tennis, it's so addictive and fun. A game I recommend for everyone, and now it's on PS2, so everyone play it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Metal Maniac Report post Posted September 4, 2002 1996.... ooooooohh..... 2001..... AHHHHHHHH!!! DREAM DESIRE DASH LOTS OF OTHER NONSENSICAL "D" WORDS FIRE PRO D~! Best wrestling game I've ever played. Period. My friend bought a used DC just so he could play that game. And it made me want to buy one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest WukenBloodstar Report post Posted September 5, 2002 Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2, that game owned man..my solid lime green 454hp Honda NSX ruled everybody. You know that tunnel part with the barrier in front of the wall where the road dips down? I made my car jump all the way to the top of the tunnel roof, funny shit, considering my car was doing something 190mph+ at the time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Notorious CRD Report post Posted September 6, 2002 I still love the Dreamcast. Whenever I find Dreamcast games (a rare occurence anymore sadly) I always sift thru them to see if there are any gems I can pick up. The last DC game I bought was Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and I've absolutely loved playing it. Fare thee well, old friend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Psycho Diablo Report post Posted September 6, 2002 I loved my Dreamcast. *sniff* That thing ruled. Too bad it got hype-swamped, or it could've been around longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest xerogame Report post Posted September 8, 2002 dreamcast was coo...i only had it for a short while...but i didnt even look at my ps2 in that amount of time. id have to say my favorite time wit it was house of the dead 2 playing it with my and my friends lightguns! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Superstar Report post Posted September 8, 2002 Come now...Typing of the Dead was MUCH BETTER! Seriously, I loved that game and if it wasn't so bothersome to find a place to put the keyboard, I would play it a lot more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest xerogame Report post Posted September 8, 2002 i never played that... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EL DANDY~! 0 Report post Posted September 8, 2002 How did you guys who HAVE versions of Fire Pro D ACTUALLY get them? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest goodhelmet Report post Posted September 8, 2002 Don't forget Giant Gram 2000 when you're mentioning great import wrestling games for the DC. A good number of people, including the Smarks' own Scotsman, preferred GG2K to Fire Pro D. well, i own both and i must say that while i played giant gram religiously for about a month, once i got a copy of firepro d, it was all over. there is just too many options and gameplay intracacies of firepro that make it the superior game. the only part that is inferior is graphics. the control, the collision detection, the match options, the CAW, the belt modes, the ability to download moves and CAW packs all make it a much more complete gaming experience. now, El Dandy~!, i purchased my gamepro copy at a store here in town known as gameworld. they sold imports until EB bought the company out and discontinued import dealing. when i purchased my copy, however, it was still on the shelf, calling my name. online, i know you can purchase japanese videogames through this site... http://www.japanvideogames.com/ -- beware, the game is expensive. also, avoid a buying site known as buyrite. they have ripped many people off in the past. as for other dreamcast games, my favorites include soul caliber marvel vs. capcom 2 jet grind radio pso shenmue all of these games took away many hours of my life i could have spent doing something constructive. i <heart> the dreamcast! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
