SEGA DREAMCAST
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
and REVIEWS below.
The Sega Dreamcast sure has its share of great looking games like Rayman 2,
Shenmue, and Jet Grind Radio but also some great RPG's like Skies of Arcadia
and Grandia II. Don't forget all the crappy wrestling titles too.
The Scores are out of 100
SCORE
/ TITLE
NEW!!
67
ATARI ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Infogames, July 2001)
This
awesome collection of games not only includes tons of retro info for hardcore
Atari fans on all 12 games on the disc but it also includes faithful translations
of the early eighties arcade hits. The games on here are Asteroids, Asteroids
Deluxe, BattleZone, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Gravitar, Millipede, Missile
Command, Pong, Super Break Out, Tempest, and Warlords. The biggest problem
here is the lack of a save feature to a VMU and that's really too bad because
I really wanna save my high scores.
For
1 to 4players
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 8
61 BLUE STINGER
(Activision, 1999)
A somewhat slow and linear Resident Evil style of game but
it looks good at least. A little on the dull side unfortunately.
For 1player only
graphics: 7
sound: 4 ........... weak voice acting.
gameplay: 5
58
CANNON SPIKE (Capcom, 2000)
A limited arcade shooter that's kinda
like Smash TV with lots of action and fun gameplay, it just needs more substance.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
75
CAPCOM VS. SNK (Capcom, December 2000)
Featuring fighters from Street
Fighter and Fatal Fury games. Nothing too new but still a great way to kill
time.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
81 CHU CHU ROCKET
(Sega, April 2000)
A very confusing game at first but it's still a fun one once you get
the hang of it. Race to get the most mice in one escape rocket before the Cat(s)
get em first. Can be very addictive in the multi-player modes.
For 1 to 4players
graphics: 4
sound: 6
gameplay: 9
86
CRAZY TAXI (Sega, 2000)
A original idea for a racing game and it's just fun to play.........period.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
82 DEAD AND ALIVE 2 (Tecmo,
2000)
Excellent graphics with great tag team action, but it's gets
kinda boring after awhile in one player modes. The female ninja Kusami is one
HOT babe!
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 10
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
NEW!!
38 ECW HARDCORE REVOLTUTION (Acclaim, 2000)
This is really Acclaim's
WWF additube from 1999 but now it's under a different wrestling company few
people know about. The gameplay is very chucky and the controls are out of date.
Pick up No Mercy for the N64 instead of this piece of garbage.
For
1 to 4players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
NEW!!
92 GRANDIA
II (UBI Soft, December 2000)
I
really didn't like the first Grandia all that much but this sequel rocks!! The
graphics are so smooth and the story really draws you in (it also has a more
adult theme to it than the original Grandia). Another outstanding RPG on the
Sega Dreamcast.
For 1player only
graphics:
9
sound: 9
gameplay: 9
NEW!!
58 GIGAWING
2 (Capcom, 2001)
This shooting game is bound to be one of Capcom's last Dreamcast
titles so I picked it up to see if it was any good. Unfortunarely, because the
game is so hard, Capcom put in unlimited contiunes, which may not seem like
a bad idea at first but when you finish the game in just a half hour after dying
for the 50th time then you know somethings wrong.
Giga Wing 2 tries to be like one of my favorite shooters, Star
Soldier Vanishing Earth on N64 (which I also written a opinion on),
with it's cool reflective shields to counter attacks enemy bullets by sending
them back or by collecting them for a stronger attack but the game is so unplayable
because the screen is always filled with gun fire anyways and your shield
has a 10second delay every time it's used so there is little point.
Giga Wing 2 isn't without some good points. Giga Wing 2 is one of the few four
player shooters out there (I think there are some other ones in Japan but they
are very few of them) If you have a friend or friends playing with you then
the really doesn't seem all that hard although it's very easy to get confused
especially when there are four of you on screen at once.
The games graphics look great with realistic backgrounds that are always changing.
My only complaint is that the intermission scenes look unimpressive with just
still pieces of artwork and there are no voices either during the dialogue.
The opera style music is very well orchestrated and fits the early 20th look
just right plus it gets ya in the mood to shoot stuff. The sound effects do
the job with loud explosions but they are nothing too special.
This game is alot better than the stupid Dreamcast shooter game GunBird2 because
of the reflective shield option but if you remember horrible shooters like Battle
Squadron for the Sega Genesis,
you will know what Giga Wing 2 is all about. I would rent it but I wouldn't
buy it.
For 1 to 4players
graphics: 8 ............ looks great!
sound: 8 ............. even sounds great.
gameplay: 5 ............ COME ON!! Give me a break!
26
GUNBIRD 2 (Capcom, 2000)
The virtually unplayable arcade shooter that's litters the screen
with bullets that are impossible to avoid in the later levels. There are no
shields and the story is very strange and will not appeal to anyone. "I'm
sticking with Star Soldier, an actually good shooter".
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
75 HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 (Sega, 1999)
Perhaps the ultimate light gun game! Excellent 128-bit graphics.
NEW!!
82 HYDRO THUNDER (Midway, 1999)
A fast paced, action packed racing game of speed boating. Tons
of short cuts and speed boosts are hidden thoughtout the 14different tracks
to keep the game more interesting in the long run.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 8
sound: 5
gameplay: 8
NEW!!
84 JET
GRIND RADIO (Sega, 2000)
HOLY
&*#$! This game looks like real cartoon or something. Definitely a weird
game of spray painting walls and avoiding the cops but it's very playable.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 10
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
72 KING OF THE FIGHTERS 1999 (SNK, 1999)
Good animation and tons of characters as well, but the A.I. can
be very cheap at times.
*Neo Geo Pocket DClink compatible
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
65
MARVEL VS. CAPCOM (Capcom, 1999)
Fast and crazy fighting action, that's too similar to the game
Marvel vs. Street Fighter and all other VS. titles out there. Really wears thin
after awhile and belongs in the arcades and not here on the Dreamcast.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
83 MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 2
(Capcom, 2000)
This great sequel has alot of cool secrets to unlock and over
50 different characters too. An excellent 2Dfighter.
*Rare DC game
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 8
NEW!!
74 NAMCO MUSEUM (Namco/Mass Media, 2000)
I was ready to give this game a average rating for not having
the cool Museum modes from the Playstation titles and for only having 6games,
but "I can't stop playing them!" I love all the games here (Pac Man,
Ms. Pac Man, Galaga, Galaxian, Pole Position, and Dig Dug) on this collection
this time (no Toy Pop, Dragon Buster, or other crap from the past museums games)
and now I can keep all my high scores saved in a VMU. A must for retro fans,
because you can't go wrong with a good Namco game.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 8
62 PSYCHIC FORCE 2012 (Acclaim,
1999)
A free flying fighting game that has a women named 'Renina'.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 5
83 RAYMAN 2 (UBIsoft,
2000)
Here's a great action game that even looks better than it's N64
counterpart, plus there is a secret 4player game too. Help Rayman escape and
get revenge on invading pirates.
For
1 to 4players
graphics: 10
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
69
READY 2 RUMBLE (Midway, 1999)
A cool boxing game with some slick graphics, and unique some
training modes.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
72 RESIDENT EVIL: Code VERONICA (Capcom,
2000)
Awesome 128bit graphics with 4bit (remember Atari Combat) controls.
RE fans will love it, but the analog control stick is really useless here and
you're to use the digital pad.
For 1player only
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 5
68
REVOLT (Acclaim, November 2000)
The computer is a little tough at times but its still a fun racing
game with excellent graphics and fun tracks to race on. Reminds me of those
classic RC Pro Am games from the NES.
For
1 to 4players
graphics: 8
sound: 5
gameplay: 9
76
SEGA GT (Sega, 2000)
It's almost like Gran Turismo for the DC, but it's a little too
serious for its own good. Plain but smooth looking graphics.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 9
NEW!!
47 SEGA SMASH PACK VOLUME 1 (Sega, 2001)
BEWARE!! Although
you get twelve great classics on one GD-Rom disc, 10 of them are emulated, and
rather poorly I might add. The emulated games are old Genesis/Mega Drive hits;
Sonic the Hedgehog, Wrestle War, Streets of Rage 2, Revenge of Shinobi, VectorMan,
Golden Axe, Columns, Phantasy Star II, and Shining Force. First in Golden Axe
and Columns, the music is absolutely horrible and belongs on the Sega Master
system. Second in the games like Wrestle War and Sonic the Hedgehog you can
see tons of glitches like failed transparencies and choppier animation than
their 16-bit counterparts. They REALLY SUCK!! Games like Phantasy Star II and
Shining Force fair a little better but still have their problems too. Emulated
games suck because they are suppose to be FREE and not $49.99!! Virtua Cop 2
and Sega Swirl are not emulated games here and work and sound great unlike the
others. "Please!! RENT this first!!!"
For 1 or 4players
graphics: 3
sound: 1
gameplay: 8
86 SEGA SWIRL (Sega, 2000)
This one is soooo addictive!! Simply get rid of the multi-coloured
Sega Swirls in large groups of the same colour to rack up big points. Get the
free demo GDrom NOW!!
*online compatible*
For 1 to 4players
graphics:4
sound:7
gameplay:8
82 SHENMUE (Sega,
2000)
The much hyped Virtual
Fighter RPG is finally out and it not without its problems; first the battles
are too limited and game itself can be pretty boring at times. But it still
looks amazing and the game is pretty huge. Plus the original Space Harrier is
included in the game, how cool is that?!
For 1player only
graphics: 10 ......... I still haven't seen a PS2 game look this good yet.
sound: 9 .......... some bad voice acting here and there but all the people
in the game can talk.
gameplay: 7 ........ needs more true RPG elements.
61 SILVER (2000)
A good adventure that lacks excitement in certain areas.
BEST DREAMCAST GAME!!
95 SKIES OF ARCADIA (Sega, November
2000)
Another great RPG by the masters of Sega. You're a young Blue
Rogue Pitate on a quest for big money but you and your new friends find more
trouble than loot. Very addictive 2 disc set!
For 1player only
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
89 SONIC ADVENTURE (Sega,
September 9 1999)
Odd camera angles ruin a almost perfect game with lots of features
and characters. Very fast (maybe too fast at times) gameplay with excellent
graphics and music.
For 1player only
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 9
95
SOUL CALIBUR (Namco, September 9 1999)
One of the best Dreamcast game around, with a addictive Mission
mode and superior life-like graphics. Unfortunately the cool weapon select
from Soul Blade, did not make it in this version and all characters speak mostly
Japanese.
For
1 or 2players
graphics: 10
sound: 8
gameplay: 9
60 SPACE CHANNEL 5 (Sega, 2000)
A basis but awesome looking dance game that is a little unforgiving
on the button pressing. Good for the Parappa fans out there but it's not for
anyone else.
For 1player only
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 4
89 STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 3 (Capcom,
2000)
Remember those annoying load times form the Playstation version?
They're GONE! Plus Evil Ryu and Guile are already available so you don't need
to unlock em this time. A must for any Street Fighter fan.
For 1 to
3players
graphics: 8
sound: 9
gameplay: 10
81 STREET FIGHTER III DOUBLE IMPACT (Capcom, 2000)
It's more Street Fighter, love it or hate it, but at least it
still plays and looks great. Play both Street Fighter III: New Generation or
the enchanced Street Fighter III: Second Impact on one disc. Zero load times
and unbelievable animation! I love it!
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
NEW!!
78 STREET FIGHTER III: Thrid Strike
(Capcom, 2000)
Only after a few months we get another Street Fighter III game
on Dreamcast but thankfully this game is also pretty good. 5 new characters
join the original cast in a quest to stop an even more powerful Gill.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 7
sound: 9 ........ even better than SF III DI
gameplay: 8
68 SWORD OF THE BERZERK: GUTS OF RAGE (2000)
This game as almost
more story than action half the time but it a fun hack n slack adventure. That
little fairy is soo annoying!
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
31 TIME STALKERS (Sega, 2000)
A sorry acuse for a RPG. The characters designs look awful and
the heroes lose their experience per dungeon. Very poor.
For 1player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 1
69
TOKYO EXTREME BATTLE (September 9, 1999)
It's too confusing and there's only one track, good graphics
though.
For 1player
only
graphics:
8
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
61 WWF ADDITUDE (Acclaim, November 15, 1999)
No different
than the Playstation and N64versions, plus the WWF roster was really out dated
then with Triple H wearing his old DX gear. Buy with caution.
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
51 WWF ROYAL RUMBLE (THQ, July 2000)
A simple arcade style wrestling game with basis mindless controls
and shallow gameplay. NO create a player, NO career mode, NO Dudleys boyz, Too
Cool, Radicalz's, and many more are not in this game. A bitter Disappointment.
For 1 to 4players
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 3
NEW!!
77 ZOMBIE
REVENGE (Sega, 2000)
Plays like a arcadey Resident Evil type of game and unlike the
Resident Evil series (Onimusha, Dino Crisis too) this game has fairly good control.
The game has a cool B movie look to it. Recommend!
For 1 or 2players
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
December 1999
I finally rented the Sega Dreamcast the other day, it was payday and I had the
weekend off so I thought 'why the heck not'! I picked five games and the
system for a mere 150dollars (100buck deposit) and tried it out for real this
time (no more stupid demos machines). First off, this new system connects
easily just like the PS and N64, but uses different system inputs so the wires
from the PS will not be compatible with the DC, no biggie. After that
was done, I popped in KOF 1999 (which is actually the 1998 edition, but it was
year late) and it looked just like the arcade version. It got kinda hard
so I looked for the internet connection to see what that was like. Sadly
I couldn't find it so I popped it Marvel vs. Capcom instead. Although
it was a good arcade translation, it was nothing new. I then found out
that the modem didn't come with the system that BlockBuster gave me, which really
sucks! Another problem I ran into was when Sonic Adventure wouldn't load
for me, and had to go back and get a new one. After than was done I played
Tokyo E.R., which was OK, but it felt too much like Ridge Racer for the PS.
I finally throw in the one I knew would be the best............. Soul Calibur.
Believe the hype! This game looks like the real thing, with moving hair,
muscles and real time cinemas, you'll be blown away. It also as a Mission
Battle which kept me playing all night trying to collect all the artworks, very
addictive!. It was tough to take it back after playing it, but it was
even tougher to play may older systems like the PS and N64 after witnessing
the power of Dreamcast. So far, so good.