Sega Dreamcast Console
The Dreamcast system is, in a word, awesome. Fire up Soul Calibur, and instantly you’ll appreciate that the graphics and gameplay are even better than in the arcade version. And Sonic Adventure, with its light-speed gameplay, is sure to wow even the most jaded gamer.
It’s amazing that such a small machine (it’s about the size of your mouse pad) can deliver such incredible performance. Chalk it up to superior engineering. Dreamcast’s only downside is that it comes with only one controller and a demo disc. In order to truly take advantage of Dreamcast’s capabilities, we recommend outfitting the controller with a Jump Pack and a Visual Memory Unit. Getting one or more extra controllers is also a good idea, because some of the best Dreamcast games support up to four players at once.
Why it’s so cool:
- Ultramodern components: Custom-made video, audio, and processor technology blows away the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation and puts Dreamcast in the same league as PS2 and XBox.
- Integrated modem: In another video-game first, Dreamcast comes with a 56K modem. Use your regular Internet service provider and the separately sold keyboard to access e-mail, shopping, and the World Wide Web. Not only can you upload high scores, participate in chat discussions, and download updates and enhancements for your games, but, through a membership to the SegaNet Internet service provider, you can play Quake III Arena, NFL 2K1, and other games against Dreamcast owners over the Internet.
- The Visual Memory Unit (VMU): More than just a memory card, the VMU is a miniature portable game system that fits inside a controller–so its LCD screen is easily seen by you but hidden from your opponent.
- All-in-one entertainment: It plays games. It plays audio CDs. It connects to the Internet and lets you browse the Web or e-mail friends. Our note to the cost-conscious: If you have a Dreamcast system, you just don’t need a separate CD player or a separate computer. Dreamcast does it all, and does it well.
–Mike Fehlauer
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Dreamcast Still Awesome
I never owned a dreamcast until now, but i’ve wanted one for quite some time. It has such a great library of games. TONS of fighting games for fighting game fans. Awesome racing games, and crazy taxi. Fantastic Adventure games, and TONS of homebrew games that people are STILL releasing. It’s a fantastic system that at the cheap price it’s at make it a real steal.
4 Stars Great system, bad timing
The Dreamcast, when it came out, was the best system available. Even today, it can still hold its own against most consoles. The problem that doomed the Dreamcast was timing.
Usually, and we see it even today, consoles come out in groups - SNES/Genesis, PlayStation/N64, the PS2/Gamecube/XBox, PS3/Wii/XBox 360. The Dreamcast came between the PS1/N64 wave and the PS2/GC/XBox wave. Casual gamers had just shelled out money for the previous generation, and the more savvy ones were saving up for the next. Developers held off making Dreamcast games, so when the next generation did come out the Dreamcast had a lack of titles and less-advanced tech, dooming it.
That said, the Dreamcast is a good console. The controllers look weird but actually sit well in the hands, and I like that the DC has four ports off the shelf. The console is also fairly compact. Plus, for its lack of titles, it had some really good ones: the original Soul Calibur, Shenmue, Skies of Arcadia and Grandia II come to mind.
5 Stars A Teenager’s Review
Oh my god. That was when I first thought when I plugged in my new-used dreamcast about a year ago. Let me just start with saying that this is one of my favorite consoles EVER. It has so many absolutely amazing games that are still fun to this day. The controller is pretty cool, especially with the addition of the VMU (I love it that in 2k football you can pick plays on the VMU). It actually has 4 controller jacks, unlike the PS2, which is great. Plus, the console just has that great feel that game consoles should have.
Let’s start with the games. Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, Resident Evil Code Veronica, NFL 2k and 2K1, Crazy Taxi, Phantasy Star Online, Soulcaliber, and then some underappreciated games that no one knows about like Gundam Side Story. People say the games suck. They are just plain stupid. How can you deny the sheer awesomeness of these games, and more. The Dreamcast literally has a game for EVERYONE. If you like life-simulators, try Seaman. If graffiti is your thing, try Jet Grind Radio. The Dreamcast has more specialty games than any other console in history.
Lets go to the controller now. People say it sucks. I love it. First of all, they say it’s to big. Why does that matter as long as it works, and it’s comfortable. They also say it’s bad because it doesn’t have two analog sticks. People, the didn’t have two analog sticks until late in the PS1’s lifetime. It’s not really a necessity. It does have two analog triggers (That the Xbox copied), and that’s great. Plus, the Dreamcast controller has the VMU. No other console has that. It’s an extra screen right in your controller. It even has it’s own D-pad for minigames. And you can do extra functions on it like in NFL 2k games you can pick a play without you opponent knowing what it is. To bad you can’t do that today.
When people complain about the Dreamcast, they usually say one thing, “Ummm… It just sucks.” Wow. That is the stupidest complaunt ever. Most people can’t think of a good complaint. They probably had one person who didn’t like it, so they decided they didn’t like it to. The Dreamcast is one of the best systems ever, and everyone I know who had it, still does today.
5 Stars a ton of fun!
dreamcast is the greatest system… too bad it died early….
only the good die young! see if you can get your hands on one today!
5 Stars Great Item
Love this system and I wish it was still going on. I’ll always have this system until it is no longer found.