The GamesFirst! Sega Dreamcast Hitlist
Sega’s new Dreamcast system has been hyped to the hilt, but as we all know it’s not the system, it’s the games that will make or break the Dreamcast. Sega is starting off on the right foot with more game titles (18 in the stores on 9/9/99) released on the launch date than any other system in history. I remember when the Nintendo 64 debuted agonizing over which of the few games I was going to buy. Now the decision is even tougher. After shelling out $200 for a Dreamcast, $25 for a second controller (how else could you play the fighting games), and $20 for a VMU (a memory card and hand-held game system all in one), you’re lucky if you’ve got any money left over for a game. The first game you get is always the most important, and a poorly done game can give a bad first impression of the system. Sega can’t afford any bad impressions after the lackluster sales of the Saturn. But they appear to be on the right track; almost all of the debut games are solid and fun filled.
With 18 new games, coming home with the right one can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and complied a list of Must Haves—
Sonic Adventure- Of course, did you think we’d forget our old pal Sonic? This game is amazing; it shows off all of the Dreamcast’s bells and whistles. It takes the standard platform adventure game to a new level by combining RGP elements, mini games, internet capabilities (downloading new levels and trading award-winning Chaos) and truly mind blowing game graphics. With six playable characters and the highly additive Chou games (for your VMU and races within the game) Sonic Adventure is packed with hours and hours of game play. If you can only afford one game with your new Dreamcast this is the one.
Blue Stinger- Despite lukewarm reviews, Blue Stinger is still one of the strongest titles on the Dreamcast. I found it to be a more engrossing “survival horror” game than Resident Evil II. The maps are gigantic, the graphics are stunning, and the story is pretty hoaky. Blue Stinger allows you to change between to characters, Eliot the agile hunk, and Dogs the crass weapons expert. Most monsters, once disposed of will reward you with loads of money. Money can be used in the numerous vending machines for weapons, ammo, and food (food as expected refills your health meter). Generic humanoid monsters come back to life once you leave the room; this makes the whole game action packed. I got so bored with Resident Evil II after I had disposed of all the zombies, and running around looking for keys is not my idea of “survival horror.” At the least Blue Stinger offers over ten hours of beautiful looking humanoid slaying.
NFK2K- I’ve hated football games since I spent my hard-earned allowance on Football for my TI. But it is now time for me to make amends with the genre. From across the room NFL2K could be mistaken for a real televised game. Though the game play is flawless, it is really the graphics that make this the best football game ever. The weather changes and affects the play, but more over you can see their breath in the frosty air; I just get chills thinking about it.
Power Stone- Capcom’s gone 3D, but thank god they haven’t lost their style. In fact this is the most stylish game out on the Dreamcast. Imagine the incredible art of Street Fighter in the coolest 3D you’ve ever seen and your getting close to how impressive Power Stone is. Power Stone makes the environments just as important as the characters, the fighting style is simple but the interactivity of the environments gives the depth that most fighting game fans want.
Soul Caliber- After I got back from E3 I wrote an article about the fighting games I played there. I made the mistake of panning Soul Caliber. Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was a great game, but it just didn’t push the fighting genre envelope like a lot of the other games I was playing. Soul Caliber is definitely one of the best fighting games ever made. It is quick, complex, pretty, and dependable. Nothing earth-shattering, just hours of excellent fighting game fun. This is a must have for any hardcore fighting gamer.
Games that almost made the top 5 list - Trickstyle, House of the Dead 2, and Ready 2 Rumble
Must have games coming in the next six months - Shenmue, Crazy Taxi, Resident Evil: Code Veronica, and Sea Man (hopefully).