Dreamcast Preview 2022

18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker

• By: {% rauserpic Tybis %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Have you ever dreamed of being a pro trucker? If so, Sega’s got you covered. Balance racing the clock with protecting your cargo as you drive through the United States in this arcade port.

Cannon Spike

• By: {% rauserpic Delmaru %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

The roster of this multi-directional shooter is made up of a cast of familiar Capcom characters. This is a fast-paced, action-packed experience, with frequent boss fights featuring complex bullet patterns.

Crazy Taxi

• By: {% rauserpic xnaivx %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

If there were ever a game that both served as a game as well as a snapshot of the cultural zeitgeist at the time, Crazy Taxi is certainly it! This arcade racer is a near perfect port to the Sega Dreamcast. Your objective is to pick up customers in your taxi and get them to their destination as quickly as possible. The faster you get them there, the more money (and time in Arcade Mode), you’ll receive. The game might best be remembered for its soundtrack, including the Offspring and Bad Religion, and it’s customers destinations which include, Pizza Hut, Tower Records, Kentucky Fried Chicken and many more.

Donald Duck: Goin' Quackers

• By: {% rauserpic blendedsea %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

This 3D platformer starring everyone’s favorite cartoon duck features plenty of collectibles to gather as you run and jump your way through Crash Bandicoot-esque platforming gauntlets. It’s largely based on the Nintendo 64 version, but with audio and visual enhancements made possible by the more powerful hardware.

Dynamite Cop

• By: {% rauserpic shnick1980 %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

What if Sega made Die Hard the beat 'em up and made it over the top? That is what you get with Dynamite Cop. Board the cruise ship and set sail for a short but wacky knuckle buster brawler. Or just shoot your enemies dead, it's really your call!

Ecco the Dolphin - Defender of the Future

• By: {% rauserpic MGNS8M %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

What can be more fun than controlling a dolphin swimming through the ocean? Doing so in 3D, of course! This reboot of a Genesis classic features similar gameplay to the originals, but newly adapted into the third dimension. This is not a remake, however, featuring unique levels and a brand new story.

Grandia II

• By: {% rauserpic Ryudo %} and {% rauserpic SnowPin %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

The follow-up to the legendary RPG Grandia is finally coming to RetroAchievements! The battle system that made the original so unique returns here, and the world is now fully rendered in stunning 3D. This entry features a standalone story, making it the perfect jumping on point for newcomers.

House of the Dead 2, The

• By: {% rauserpic SnowPin %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

This horror rail shooter is best known for its branching path system, which keeps replayability high as each playthrough is unique. Originating in arcades, high score chasers will find plenty to enjoy here. The game is designed around a light gun, though a more traditional control scheme is also available.

King of Fighters Neowave, The

• By: {% rauserpic zxmega %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

A spin-off of the King of Fighters series, Neowave is best described as a remixed version of King of Fighters 2002. Fighting game enthusiasts will enjoy identifying the many small tweaks that make this entry unique, but the most notable change here is the inclusion of three distinct modes of play: SC Mode, GB Mode, and M2 Mode.

L.O.L.: Lack of Love

• By: {% rauserpic LogicalFallacy %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

A Dreamcast exclusive released only in Japan, this may be one of the most unique experiences available on the console. You play as a creature from birth through its evolutionary stages, with a focus on survival and forming bonds with those you encounter. With such an original premise, it’s no surprise that this one has become a cult classic.

Looney Tunes: Space Race

• By: {% rauserpic TeddyWestside %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Bugs, Daffy, and friends take to the Dreamcast in this kart racer. From the roster to the voice acting to the track designs, the Looney Tunes theming is incredibly well-implemented here. This is a strong contender for the best Mario Kart alternative on the system, and should not be dismissed based on the reputation of licensed games.

Magic: The Gathering

• By: {% rauserpic guindev %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Magic: The Gathering needs no introduction, but even its most hardcore fans may have missed out on this Japan-only Dreamcast exclusive. On top of the classic cards and mechanics, it embraces its video game-ness by introducing ten unique cards with randomization elements that would not be practical in a real life setting.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

• By: {% rauserpic zxmega %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

The crossover fighter is back, with tons of new features that make this a truly worthy sequel. You’ll immediately notice the new visual style, bringing together beautiful sprite-based characters with stunning 3D backgrounds. The gameplay has been heavily revamped as well, with teams of 3 being the new standard and a more beginner-friendly control scheme. With a whopping 56 characters to choose from, it’s easy to see why this game is so beloved.

Metal Slug 6

• By: {% rauserpic zxmega %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Metal Slug 6 continues what everyone loves about the series: jaw-dropping spritework and hard as nails arcadey run and gun action. Your character choice actually matters this time around, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re sure to enjoy this one as well.

Metropolis Street Racer

• By: {% rauserpic suXin %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Though you may not realize it from the title, this is the first entry in the Project Gotham Racing series. This is no ordinary racer, featuring an open world structure and a staggering 262 tracks. The challenges on offer keep your objectives varied as well. This is a massive game that will appeal to completionists who love the grind of always unlocking something new.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Typing Project Advanced

• By: {% rauserpic Mekevin255 %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Pen Pen TriIcelon

• By: {% rauserpic voiceofautumn %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

The closest you'll ever come to a 3-D re-imagining of Antarctic Adventure, Pen Pen TriIcelon is a penguin-adjacent racing game. The game has three game modes. TriIcelon is your classic circuit racing mode that has 20 races spread over 4 different courses. Time Trial is where you can practice the courses and try and set personal records. Where the game really shines is in the VsIcelon mode, where you can play multiplayer with up to 4 players. The game's appeal lies in its simplicity. With very few controls needed to play the game, practically anyone can pick up and join in on the fun!

Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2

• By: {% rauserpic SnowPin %} and {% rauserpic Zpeligo %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

The Dreamcast was ahead of its time with its online capabilities, and Sonic Team took full advantage of that technology with Phantasy Star Online, the first online console RPG. Although the achievement set is restricted to offline mode, this is still a massive game with tons to do. The “Ver. 2” in the title refers to a version update over the original that adds even more content. The gameplay loop here is all about fighting monsters and bosses with your customized build, gathering exp and loot, and returning to the hub to prepare for the next adventure.

Power Stone

• By: {% rauserpic SlashTangent %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Have you ever gotten so mad at your opponent during a fighting game that you wanted to pick something up and throw it at them? If so, have we got a game for you! Power Stone mixes all the best elements of 3-D fighters and Beat 'em Ups to create an experience that is like no other. Nearly everything in the arena can be picked up and used as a weapon, powerful weapons that range from lead pipes to rocket launchers drop during the fight, and all of this happens as each fighter tries to capture three Power Stones which allows the fighter to turn into a nearly unstoppable version of themselves.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

• By: {% rauserpic AlexGatao %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Jill Valentine is back and on the run as an aptly named creature Nemesis has one mission, kill members of STARS. The original boogieman of video games, Nemesis will not stop until he has a Jill sandwich...unless you stop him and purge Raccoon City forever!

Samba de Amigo

• By: {% rauserpic lordpsycho %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

An arcade port from Sonic Team, Samba de Amigo is a rhythm game best known for its maraca controllers. The song list consists of a nice mix of Latin tunes and 90s pop. Aside from the standard modes you’d expect from this sort of game, there’s a challenge mode full of special objectives to complete, and even a minigame mode! Samba de Amigo is a truly unique game that fans of the genre won’t want to miss.

Sega Bass Fishing

• By: {% rauserpic Fridge %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Never one to shy away from bringing esoteric experiences to the arcade, Sega Bass Fishing is the Dreamcast port of Sega’s hit fishing arcade title. The first game to utilize Sega’s fishing rod controller (don’t worry, you can use the standard controller as well) offers several modes: Arcade Mode sees you trying to catch as many fish as possible, in total weight, in a very short time frame. Each fish you catch adds more time to your timer and the bigger the catch, the bigger the time bonus! Original Mode has you competing in fishing tournaments to see who can catch the most fish in total weight. Lastly, there is a Practice Mode you can utilize to help you learn how to get the biggest catches. So, what are you waiting for? Get out on the lake and start casting!

Shin Seiki Evangelion: Typing E Keikaku

• By: {% rauserpic Mekevin255 %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

RAUser, get in the mech and start typing! This strange title features you in the Evangelion universe, but instead of fighting in giant mechs in an action title you'll go on a typing adventure. Its anime Typing of the Dead!

Sonic Adventure

• By: {% rauserpic GalacticSpear %} and {% rauserpic SlashTangent %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Sonic Adventure is the first true 3D Sonic game and the highest selling Dreamcast game. A radical departure from its predecessors, Sonic Adventure features six playable characters, each with their own story campaign, and many different styles of gameplay. Level designs range from linear to exploratory to…fishing-based? The fan favorite Chao Garden makes its debut here, a pet raising and racing game-within-a-game with surprising depth. Completionists will have plenty to keep them busy in this massive game, undoubtedly one of the greatest the Dreamcast has to offer.

Soulcalibur

• By: {% rauserpic SnowPin %} and {% rauserpic televandalist %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Space Channel 5

• By: {% rauserpic DoctorV %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Space Channel 5 is a call and response rhythm game in which you play as Ulala, a galactic reporter who fights aliens and encounters all sorts of wacky characters and situations that can only be overcome through the power of dance. It’s a delight on the senses, weaving together story, music, and gameplay seamlessly with consistently engaging visuals and a soundtrack that will surely remain stuck in your head. Space Channel 5 also features one of the greatest cameos in video game history that will leave you wondering “how did they get HIM?!”.

Space Channel 5: Part 2

• By: {% rauserpic DoctorV %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Space Channel 5: Part 2 doubles down on everything that made the original so great. More levels, tighter controls, better graphics, and even stronger audio design are some of the highlights. The presentation is once again delightfully upbeat and downright weird, somehow to an even greater extent than its predecessor. This is a must play for fans of rhythm games and anyone who can appreciate an offbeat sense of humor.

Super Puzzle Fighter II X for Matching Service

• By: {% rauserpic televandalist %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2

• By: {% rauserpic Pebete %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

You may enjoy racing games, but only the truly extreme need apply here. Like its predecessor, Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 is a mission-based racer taking place in the streets of Japan, now with improved graphics and plenty of new content. There are rivals to challenge, upgrades to purchase, and new cars to discover. Despite stiff competition, Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2 ranks among the greatest racing games on the Dreamcast.

Toy Commander

• By: {% rauserpic Brandovsky %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Toy Commander is yet another example of the dazzling creativity found in so many Dreamcast games. You control several different toy vehicles, completing a variety of themed tasks in the different rooms of a house. You never know what the next objective may be, offering plenty of surprises that keeps things engaging throughout. The environments are similarly inventive, balancing nostalgic childhood aesthetics with innovative gameplay functionality. Check this one out if you’re interested in something unlike anything you’ve played before.

Triggerheart Exelica

• By: {% rauserpic TeddyWestside %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Ok, so you are playing a bullet hell shmup, standard fare in gaming. But instead of a ship, you control a flying robot girl with a spear she can impale enemies with. When she uses this she can then chuck those enemies into the other enemies. Sure, she can fire normal bullets too, but the heart of this game's fun is using your enemies as bowling balls!

Typing of the Dead

• By: {% rauserpic televandalist %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Typing of the Dead revisits the plot of The House of the Dead 2 with an unexpected twist. This time around, rather than shooting enemies outright, you damage them by typing the words that appear on your keyboard as quickly as possible. The changes made to the presentation transform what could once be described as horror into more of a comedy. Multiple paths and endings are available once again, adding some variety to subsequent playthroughs. The difficulty is adaptive as well, becoming easier or harder based on the player’s performance. Typing of the Dead is an utterly bizarre game that deserves to be experienced for the novelty factor alone.

Under Defeat

• By: {% rauserpic guindev %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Originating in the arcade, Under Defeat is a shmup following an alternative historical take on World War II. The 3D visuals give it a unique look that even hardcore shmup fans will find refreshing. If you’re in the mood to shoot down old school artillery and slip past hordes of bullets, then Under Defeat may be the perfect Dreamcast game for you.

Wacky Races

• By: {% rauserpic BrunoKiko %}
• Available At Dreamcast Launch!

Armada

• By: {% rauserpic siouxerskate %}

Originally intended as an MMO, Armada is a space shooting action-RPG that presents itself as a shoot 'em up. While traversing space, you'll find yourself taking on a plenty of missions, from escorting ships, delivering materials, and destroying enemy ships. Your reward for these missions is collecting large bounties to enable you to upgrade your ship for future missions. With support for up to 4 players simultaneously, enlist three friends to help you take down the powerful Armada!

Fighting Vipers 2

• By: {% rauserpic Bl4h8L4hBl4h %}

Ikaruga

• By: {% rauserpic BenGhazi %}

Illbleed

• By: {% rauserpic Soulsderfuchs %} and {% rauserpic Infernox %}

Jet Set Radio

• By: {% rauserpic TheJediSonic %}

Puyo Puyo Fever | Puyo Pop Fever

• By: {% rauserpic Bearfax62 %}

The last Dreamcast game released by Sega themselves, Puyo Puyo Fever never made it out of Japan. If you’ve played any Puyo Puyo game in the past, you know what to expect: a tile-matching puzzle game where the tiles are little slime bubbles. Connect four or more of them and all of the connected ones will pop. New to Puyo Puyo Fever however is Fever mode which has filling your fever bar in order to be given a new, temporary board. The new board takes the form of a puzzle wherein creating massive chains will allow even bigger attacks on the opposing player.

Resident Evil 2

• By: {% rauserpic AlexGatao %}

Resident Evil CODE: Veronica X | BIOHAZARD CODE: Veronica Kanzenban

• By: {% rauserpic BahamutVoid %}

Rez

• By: {% rauserpic Etron %}

Sega GT

• By: {% rauserpic MGNS8M %}

Shenmue

• By: {% rauserpic Bartis1989 %} and {% rauserpic SporyTike %}

Skies of Arcadia

• By: {% rauserpic Tayadaoc %}

Sonic Adventure 2

• By: {% rauserpic Chawk %}, {% rauserpic SlashTangent %}, and {% rauserpic Zpeligo %}

Tokyo Xtreme Racer

• By: {% rauserpic Pebete %}

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

• By: {% rauserpic ZZKer %}