Best Dreamcast games - Ten great games from Sega's console

The best Dreamcast games showcased an incredible video game console that deserved better than it got.

With Sega already in financial free fall, the Dreamcast was caught in the crossfire. There was no salvaging what had already been done. Unfortunately, this is the last console Sega released. The Sega Dreamcast saw many industry firsts and felt like a system of the future.

Even with its failure, there was no doubt that it was an amazing console with some of the most innovative games ever released. Here are some of the best Dreamcast games that we still love today.

Shenmue

Shenmue was so unique that Sega said it created a new gaming genre.

This was the most detailed game players had ever seen, and you really felt like you lived the day-to-day life of Ryo Hazuki. You could visit arcades, work a job, and get in kung fu brawls.

Shenmue‘s biggest crime was the same as the console it was on, too ahead of its time. This ambitious game is a feat that almost seems impossible for its time.

Power Stone

Producer Takeshi Tezuka said that Power Stone was a fully realized 3D fighter, while most 3D fighters were just 2D.

Instead of moving forward and backward on a fixed plane, Power Stone had large 3D levels you could freely explore. The 3D fighting arenas were fully destructible and featured interactive elements.

Power Stone was a fun yet strategic fighting game featuring colorful, unique characters. Even after all these years, it is hard to forget.

Phantasy Star Online

It’s hard to believe that there was an online RPG in 2001. Sega wanted an online game for their new flagship console, and Team Sonic delivered a landmark game.

Playing with other players created a varied experience that kept the game from feeling stagnant. Smooth real-time combat, online community, and deep customization made Phantasy Star Online an unforgettable experience.

The new era of Phantasy Star was ushering in a new age for online gaming on consoles. Its innovation could be felt in many MMORPGs that would come after.

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Resident Evil – CODE: Veronica

The Resident Evil series was red-hot, and Sega landing an exclusive Resident Evil title was a big deal for the company. It’s too bad the Dreamcast was already on its way out the door, but it was nice for fans to get one of the best Dreamcast games at the end of the console’s lifespan.

Code Veronica ditched the pre-rendered backgrounds and American aesthetic. Instead, it presented European gothic horror with a dynamic camera and fully 3D-rendered environments. The power of the Dreamcast’s graphics gives players a more immersive look at the game’s enemies.

With better 3D technology and stronger hardware, Capcom delivered the next evolution in survival horror.

Sonic Adventure

What would our list of the best Dreamcast games be without an appearance from Sonic?

The leap to 3D and strong hardware was a recipe for success for the Sonic franchise. A killer soundtrack, detailed 3D levels, and an actual story made Sonic Adventure a smash hit, with the game selling 2.5 million copies.

Flying around at the speed of sound became even better in the 3D era, thanks to the power of the Sega Dreamcast. This is still one of the best Sonic games ever to grace our screens.

NFL 2K1

The Dreamcast was home to some of the best sports titles of all time. The 2K series had all the sports and all the simulation feel a sports fan would need. NFL 2K1 was the first online football game ever made.

The game had detailed player models, fluid animations, and lifelike stadiums. The AI was challenging, and it constantly feels like you’re learning the strategies NFL teams would use. The game had an incredibly deep franchise mode that made you feel like you were creating a team.

NFL 2K1 is not only one of the best Dreamcast games, but also one of the best football games of all time. Its online capabilities are the icing on the cake. If you don’t want your friend on your couch to see your plays, you pick them using the screen of the VMU, which was unique to the Dreamcast.

Carrier

Carrier is built on the DNA of Resident Evil, but it does enough to differentiate itself. An interesting story and terrible voice acting make Carrier feel like a B-movie.

The combat is what sets Carrier apart from other survival horror games. You had control of where you were aiming at an enemy. You had a quick switch button for equipping weapons. Using the Bio-Scanner was unnerving. You could see which NPCs were infected. This means that, eventually, they would become hostile. Can you escape the infected ship?

Carrier is proof that a game doesn’t have to be perfect to make an all-time list; it just has to be interesting. The game is a must-play for survival horror enthusiasts

Illbleed

Have you ever wanted to play a horror game filled with humor where anything can kill you? Want to die from a toilet or a pig butt? Illbleed has you covered.

Illbleed never takes itself too seriously. The goal is to survive a horror-themed park to win $100 million. Every level takes inspiration from a real-life movie. You have a level that is a rip-off of Toy Story, The Shining, and even Tremors. The environments are all so spooky and fun to explore.

The mix of humor and horror creates a unique experience in the video game medium. It is a must-play title stuck on the Dreamcast, and I hope someday gamers will see a port of this gem.

Skies of Arcadia

A strong story, innovative mechanics, and an uplifting sense of hope helped Skies of Arcadia stand out during a period of strong RPGs.

This is a top JRPG of all time. Its story was filled with hope, while all its contemporaries were dark and gritty. Its unique spin on turn-based combat, ship combat, and expansive world, which rewarded exploration, makes the game one of the best JRPGs of all time.

Skies of Arcadia sold poorly, and the series never took off due to the death of the Dreamcast. It did see a port to the GameCube, but it was too late to save it. Like many of the best Dreamcast games, it deserved better.

Soul Calibur

Soul Blade was one of the best polygonal fighters featuring weapons. Soul Calibur was the evolution of the series that fighting game fans hoped for. Not only is it one of the best Dreamcast games, but it’s still one of the greatest video games of all time.

Let’s give it some more praise: Soul Calibur was one of the best fighting games of the 2000s. Characters used different weapons and fighting styles, making no character feel the same. It’s rare for the home version to be superior to the arcade release. The eight-way movement system allowed you to move freely in the arena.

Sega continued to steal impressive games away from the PlayStation. Soul Calibur has it all. Beautiful visuals, amazing controls, and a soundtrack that sounds like a live orchestra was in the room with you.