5 Indie Dreamcast Games Worth Your Time

While there are a lot of great independent Dreamcast games out there, many worthy of a Dreamcast collector’s collection, not every game is worth it for the casual fan. Some games are too short, too difficult or too simplistic. Gamers shouldn’t be expected to pay $20 to $60 for a so-so indie game simply because that money goes towards development of new games. We’re not dealing with charities. People buy games with the promise that the game will be worth their money.


As such, I thought I’d share five independent Dreamcast games that are worth the time and money of not only collectors, but also those who have a Dreamcast console but aren’t into the indie scene. The following five games are just as good, and in some cases better than official Dreamcast games.

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In the comments, let me know what indie Dreamcast games you've enjoyed!

100 Games and Counting!

Over the weekend I realized that I've hit the 100 games mark with my Dreamcast collection! The epic event started when I paid a visit to the local used games store and found a few treasures: the Limited Edition version of Shenmue, complete with Jukebox CD for $17, Alien Front Online in box with microphone for $14, Versus Books Official Shenmue Perfect Guide with poster for $9 and the SEGA Saturn's Puyo Puyo Sun for $8 (check out the Saturn Junkyard for a look at that game).

Arriving home, I found that the indie shmup Fast Striker standard edition had arrived in the mail from Play-Asia (InsideOut video to come). So I got on the computer, went over to my playfire.com profile and added the games to my collection list and the counter hit 100! No flashing lights went off, and there wasn't any confetti, but it was a fun moment. I should note, the 100 count doesn't include games I own in multiple regions, demo discs and browser discs. If that were the case, I'd be at around 125. I plan on doing a collection photo roundup, just as Gagaman did back in November when he hit 200, but will hold off until a few other items arrive in the mail. Specifically Unreal Tournament, Quake III, Fur Fighters, Wetrix+, Seventh Cross Evolution, Slave Zero, Soul Fighter, Time Stalkers, Trick Style and Tokyo Xtreme Racer which were all in a lot sale. The seller just has to get back to me once he "finds all the games", lolz.

There's something about the winter months that make me buy more Dreamcast games than usual. I think it's due to the lack of new games being released in January and being stuck indoors.

DCJY InsideOut - Clear White Dreamcast

Frequently seen in my collection photos, but never featured in a video, it's my clear Dreamcast!

NG.DEV.TEAM bringing GunLord to the Dreamcast in 2011!

Less than a month into 2011 and already we have two games to look forward to on the Dreamcast! RedSpotGames announced the shmup Strumwind, and now NG.DEV.TEAM announced a game called GunLord! Very little is known of the game, aside from a teaser site and logo. However, above the logo are the words "Jump. Shoot. Explore." as well as "A Jump N Shoot Action Game", leading me to believe that the game will play very much like Metal Slug and Contra. An indie Dreamcast game that ISN'T a space ship shmup!? Exciting! Check out the teaser site for a bit of music, presumebly created by SoniQfactory.

Thanks to Anthony817 for the tip! Remember readers, the little comment box on the right column is a great place for comments and news tips.

EDIT: I took a closer look at the teaser image and spotted what I assume to be the star of the game:

Dreamcast Collection for 360 and PC Revealed (don't get excited)

From SEGA comes the full press release revealing just what that Dreamcast Collection compilation disc contains. For those not in the know, back in December we made note of an XBOX 360 Dreamcast Collection compilation disc momentarily made available for pre-order at GameStop's website. This collection was confirmed in a Game Informer interview with Alan Pritchard. Well speculate no more, it contains exactly what I thought: Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, Space Channel 5 Part 2 and SEGA Bass Fishing. As Bass Fishing and Space Channel 5 have yet to hit downloadable marketplaces, I assume they will first release on the disc, thus providing a little incentive to pick it up. Also, I should note that no PS3 version has been announced. Then again PS3 owners get Virtua Tennis 4 this year, so it all evens out. ;)

SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that a packaged compilation of  classic titles from  SEGA’s  popular Dreamcast™  console will hit retail shelves on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PC. The Dreamcast Collection will be available on February 25th 2011 in Europe and February 22nd in North America, February 24th in Australia and February 25th in New Zealand.

The Dreamcast Collection includes the fan favourites Sonic Adventure™, Crazy Taxi™, SEGA Bass Fishing™ and Space Channel 5™: Part 2.  Players will get to enjoy four very different Dreamcast experiences, from hopping behind the steering wheel of Crazy Taxi, to taking things a little slower by luring in their fish before catching them hook, line and sinker with SEGA Bass Fishing. Alternatively, take over as intergalactic news reporter Ulala in Space Channel 5: Part 2 and dance your way past the evil Rhythm Rogues, or make it all about speed in Sonic’s first Dreamcast outing, Sonic Adventure!

SEGA’s Dreamcast Collection features enhanced graphics for both platforms versions, providing an even more engaging experience. In addition to this, achievements and online leader boards will be available for each game providing a competitive edge and allowing players to prove their skills!

“The Dreamcast console is still remembered as a pioneering console for online gaming,” commented Gary Knight, VP of Marketing at SEGA of America and SEGA Europe “We are delighted to be able to offer to our large community of dedicated fans a collection such as Dreamcast Collection for them to enjoy old favourites on this generation of consoles”.

Dreamcast Collection will be available in Europe in February 2011 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PC and PC digital download.

While I know this might be a letdown for some who were hoping for many more games on the disc (such as Skies of Arcadia, Shenmue, Sonic Adventure 2 and Jet Set Radio), did we really expect SEGA to cram all those great games on one disc? What is more likely the case, we'll see all those other games down the line and hopefully they'll receive the same treatment as successive volumes. If the retail price of $30 remains, at the very least those who didn't pick up the games on XBLA will save $10 by getting the disc.

Dreamcast rarity Space Channel 5 Part 2 could be a great port and the cover art is pretty cool. There's also a chance that there will be a disc menu in which you can select the games, unless the disc simply causes the titles to appear in your game library. I'll probably pick it up simply because it isn't every day that you see something Dreamcast related on game store shelves.

DCJY InsideOut: Dreamcast Doujinshi + Maken X Manga Comics

Probably the weirdest thing you'll ever see me feature for DCJY InsideOut, and actually a bit NSFW although unlike most Doujinshi (fan comics) it's not a hentai porn comic, but it is in places a tad perverted with quite a few er..well you'll see but you have been warned.

The comic features short stories based on Shenmue, Space Channel 5, Code Veronica, Soul Calibur and many others, but they pretty much all resort to rubbish and just plain weird jokes. The art is mixed, sometimes pretty decent and other times wonky.

Because Maken X features in the Doujinshi I also decided to show off a Official Maken X manga I bought years ago, which is just a tad more gory than I recall the game being. So yeah, this one is defiantly not for the younger lot or easily offended this vid. :P

DCJY InsideOut: Segagaga Box Set + Perfect File Book

This is a video from sometime in 2009 I found on my hard drive that I never got around to editing and uploading for some reason. Better late than never I suppose! This is of course that rather wonderful Segagaga box set that I bought back then, with the t-shirt, pin set, organizer and game in a DVD case. I posted some photos and info about it here back when I got it, but somehow this video got put aside until I found it today.

I have another InsideOut video that I made a few months back that I've also finally sorted out that will be up (probably) tomorrow and then after that I will work on some new videos with any luck!

Talking Classics – Keith Dreams of Dreamcast

It had to happen sooner or later. Keith of Talking Classics takes a bizarre look at the Dreamcast. Enjoy!

Click the image below to view the video:

Thanks to George of SEGAbits

Indie Game SQRXZ 2 Brings Free Run and Jump Action to the Dreamcast

While the Junkyard missed the boat on the first SQRXZ (pronounced... hell, I don't know!), developers of the freeware run and jump platformer recently announced that the sequel to the game is now available for the Dreamcast! According to the first SQRXZ (Squirxzey?) website, SQRXZ was originally a computer game developed in 1996. In early 2010, different folks got permission from the SQRXZ creator to remake the original game with improved graphics and new play modes. In addition to being available for computers, the game was also released on GP2X handhelds and our beloved Dreamcast! Better yet, its free! If you know how to burn Dreamcast game discs, check out the download page.

The sequel features ten more levels and can be downloaded here. While I've yet to master Dreamcast CD burning techniques, I have played both games for a bit on my GP2X Caanoo and they're quite fun! Sort of like a faster Mario with improved graphics. The music is definitly a highlight, and it's great to see indie platformers released for the Dreamcast. So if you need a break from puzzle games and shmups, give SQRXZ and SQRXZ 2 a try! All they'll cost you is a blank CD.


Links:
http://www.sqrxz.de/
http://www.sqrxz2.de/

Dreamroom 2010 Marathon Videos Hit YouTube!

Dreamroom 2010 was an eleven hour marathon that took place on September 9th, 2010 in celebration of the Dreamcast's 11th birthday. I streamed the event live from my living room, and throughout the day a number of viewers popped into the live chat to talk about Dreamcast memories. If you missed the event, you can watch the event in full (almost) thanks to YouTube's latest policy of allowing super long video uploads. The videos were originally recorded from the Justin.tv web stream that I held, so I apologize that they aren't in the HD we're so accustomed to.

The first part is above, the second and third are below. I have a good three or four more videos to share, so stay tuned to the DCJY and YouTube for more videos! For whatever reason, one video was being problematic. So I might not be able to share the final stages of Space Channel 5, Zombie Revenge, 18 Wheeler and Sonic Adventure 2. Still, there are a good 9 hours of gameplay footage to look forward to, enjoy the videos!

UPDATE: Added two more videos! Part 4 features Star Wars Demolition, part 5 features Rush Rush Rally Racing and Samba de Amigo. Again, enjoy!

DCJY InsideOut: Fast Striker Limited Edition

Hurray, the latest new Dreamcast indie release has arrived! Here's a quick video of the packaging of the limited edition which includes a bonus soundtrack disc, as well as rather a lot of footage of my first playthrough of it. first impressions are it's a much more accessible shooter than Last Hope and Dux what with it's four different game modes, I manged to play through to the 4th level on Novice in this first ever go without even grasping all the games techniques yet so that's cool.

Sturmwind Trailer!

Finally we have direct feed footage of Redspotgames new release due next year, and it looks stunning! In other news, Fast Striker is now shipping to all those who ordered! It's a great time to be a Dreamcast gamer! :)

RedSpotGames permanent price drops on R4 and W&W!

Redspotgames have just put out some permanent price drops on some of their excellent indie games including Rush Rush Rally Racing DX (which comes with the soundtrack CD) for just 22 Euros (£18.60 / $29.25) and get this: Wind and Water Puzzle battles for an amazing 10 Euros (£8.45 / $13.30)! If you haven't already picked up these outstanding games now is defiantly the time to get going to their shop!

Dreamcast Collection for PS3/360 confirmed.

"The Dreamcast fans are very devoted," he said. "You see on eBay people are still buying the games and system. We actually have a Dreamcast collection coming out soon. We are looking to bring some of the old Dreamcast games to market digitally and packaged. The titles are still to be announced. The Ultimate Genesis Collection did huge numbers on PS3 and 360, so it's an important part of our business. We've already been releasing some Dreamcast games digitally; Crazy Taxi [for one]." 

Quoted from Alan Pritchard, vice president of sales and marketing at Sega during an interview in the latest issue of Game Informer. This means that pre-order on GameStop is real, though wherever the price and release date were real is yet to be known.

Most likely it will at least contain Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, Sega Bass Fishing and Space Channel 5 Part 2, but will that be all or will there be more? Well Sega did say they plan to release more than those 4 in the future so we might start seeing announcement of further downloadable titles in the near future that could also be on the collection.

Some games might have issues getting ported, mainly due to licensing issues which led to the changes in the re-release of Crazy Taxi. Jet Set Radio for example might run into some issues that would led to cut music. Also Daytona USA 2001 would be stuck due to Sega not owning the Daytona license anymore (which is why the arcade re-release of the original Daytona is called Sega Racing Classic).

Also I doubt there will be any online play with any of these releases so that rules Phantasy Star Online out unless they really want to surprise and impress us. Space Channel 5 Part 1 was probably skipped due to the game using pre-rendered video backgrounds that would require a lot of work to look good on a HD resolution. Of course third party games will be out of the question too.

There are still plenty of easily portable games however: Skies of Arcadia, Dynamite Cop, Virtua Fighter 3tb, Zombie Revenge, House of the Dead 2, Outtrigger, Puyo Puyo Fever, Virtual On 2 (already on XBLA), Sonic Adventure 2, 18 Wheeler and many more.

Who knows!

New Redspotgames release announced: 'Sturmwind'!

Well this came out of no where! Redspotgames have announced a new game for the Dreamcast during an interview on a German TV show (about five minutes in)! Their website is down at the moment but I found the news via Dreamcast Scene. When the site is back up it should be up for pre-order. Can you guess what genre it is?

Why of course it's another scrolling shooter! There is very little footage of the game at the moment but this video does show a bit of it.

There has also been two screenshots via the DCemu forums. I must say it sure looks pretty!

 

Some details revealed about the game:

- 16 Levels
- 3 selectable difficulty levels
- Configurable Controls
- Adjustable screen position
- Different weapons selectable
- More than 20 giant enemies
- Hundreds of different enemies
- Introduction FMV sequence
- 2D/3D hybrid game engine
- Resolution: 640x480
- PAL50, PAL60, NTSC and VGA (with adapter)
- Region-free (universal)
- Works with any Dreamcast compatible with MIL-CD
- Sound CDDA
- Supports: Joypad, Arcade Stick (Analog / Digital), VMU, Rumble Pack (configurable)
- Hiscore tables with WebCoder to internet
- System of unlockable content awards

Interview with Corey Marshall, the DC Turns 12 and ODCM Overload

Courtesy of the awesome SEGAbits community member Supa comes a great interview with the English voice actor of Ryo Hazuki, Corey Marshall! Fittingly, this interview comes the day after Ryo’s fictional birthday. Ryo would have been forty-two years old. Check out the interview to see what Corey has been up to, hear some great stories from the days of Shenmue 1 and 2 and his thoughts on Shenmue City!

Click here to read more

In other news, while it happened a few days ago, the Dreamcast had it's 12th birthday in Japan on November 27th! Yup, November 27, 1998 was the day the Dreamcast first hit the retail market. And here we are in 2010 still talking about and still anticipating new (independently developed) games for it! Dead console my foot!

In other OTHER news, I have finally completed my Official Dreamcast Magazine collection! All I was missing was Issue 0, and now it is mine. Muahaha. Hopefully before the holidays I'll get to making a video detailing the mags as well as maybe showing off the demo discs.

Dreamcast Collection disc release heading to the 360?

Via SEGAbits and Scrawl comes an interesting piece of news! It seems that SEGA of America has a Dreamcast Collection disc release planned for the XBOX 360 (and possibly PS3) for release on February 15th, 2011. While nothing else is known of the title, it would make sense for SEGA to feature the four XBLA Dreamcast re-releases on one disc. Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, Space Channel 5 Part 2 and SEGA Bass Fishing on one disc? Even if I've already downloaded one of the four titles, it does sound tempting. Here's hoping for some kick-ass package art and more Dreamcast Collection releases to come!

I've picked up Qubed a while back, a collection featuring Rez HD, Lumines Live! and E4. These releases are a great value, often cheaper than buying the titles individually, and they save on harddrive space. Plus, who doesn't like holding a physical box?