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OK, this may only affect Dreamcast owners, but I have written 40 reviews of Dreamcast games, maybe you will find it useful - I wanted to pots it here because there are so many!
Key:
1 star = worst, 5 star = best.
HERE GOES!!
1.
House of The Dead 2 is a good game, but like most arcade to console conversions, itís not really going to hold your attention for that long ñ a decent arcade game, thatís worth the £1 just to shoot the hell out of the un-dead, or walking dead, whatever name they call themselves, and itís great that the game is available in a box set with the light gun, but if you can get hold of the game then well done ñ itís probably sold out over the country as no more new stock is being sold.
The aim ñ go into the house, with a friend ñ all you have to do is shoot, but shoot well, precisely and at the right people, or youíll be losing lives. ìDo not go into the house aloneî Great, but really, HOTD2 isnít scary ñ itís just fun. Arcade madcap shooting fun, and youíll like it for the first few goes at completing it, when you finally do, youíll probably sell it. Thatís the general done thing, and thatís what I did, I think.
The zombies and dead people all look reasonably grotesque and a definite improvement upon the original is notable, but the graphics donít look quite arcade perfect, still, theyíre close enough. The sound and acting is appalling, some of the worst virtual acting and scripting youíll see in a game, but thatís to be expected and it doesnít really matter.
The game is easy, a real blast as it were, and something to do on a rainy day. 4 Stars because itís fun!
2.
Toy Commander ñ a classic game from where Iím playing ñ this game is one of the best from makers No ClichÈ, the game is so original and well done, but has its faults ñ like most games, but its one of the most fun 4 player games around, although the main feature is the excellent single player mode!
Single Player ñ you are the commander of toys, a childís toys, so donít get too excited now, so youíll control mini helicopters, cars, toy tanks, planes and boats ñ in order to complete the mission told to you in the mission briefing! The gameplay is really good, with some tricky tasks and bosses, but itís unlike anything Iíve played before. The visuals are pretty good too ñ this was one of the first ëwaveí of Dreamcast titles, and it still looks good by the dayís standard.
Multiplayer games are enhanced by completing the single player mode ñ the more in one player you do, the more rooms you unlock for the 4 player shoot/fly ëem ups that will take place in the lounge, kitchen, dining room, kids bedroom and so on. Itís hard to see your toy in the multi player modes, so make sure you play on a decent Television!
Plus points:
Great gaming, original and stands out from the crowd!
Graphics are top notch, very well done!
Great fun game!
Price!
Downsides:
Hard to find now,
Hard to see what youíre trying to control in the multiplayer games, you need a big television: aim: destroy opponents!
Controls are slightly tricky.
Overall a decent game 4 stars, very good and worth your cash, good!
3.
Ecco The Dolphin, Defender of the Future, is one of the most visually ëwowí games you will see on the Dreamcast, it really is that good! Swimmingly good in fact, with some startlingly impressive lighting effects and water graphical presentation ñ it looks awesome. The dolphin animation is quite simply stunning ñ Sega based all the movements on a real Dolphinís, using some kind of technology, and itís just a superb result ñ 6 stars out of 5 for visuals.
Now for the bad aspect ñ the gameplay, unfortunately Ecco is one of the most difficult games youíll play, should you even buy it ñ itís so hard that I gave up on around level 5 out of 30 odd, but 5 levels was enough to realise that the game was getting boring, challenges just didnít seem that exciting, not even the graphics could make up for it, but on visual splendour alone, the game is definitely worth a look ñ renting perhaps, or maybe if youíre really good at games, youíll find this easy, I certainly didnít and so I wouldnít really say itís one of the best games Iíve played. Best Iíve seen, but not best I played.
Plus points:
Amazing visuals and sound effects ñ very fluid, very tranquil ñ the game is quite fun to play just swimming about, forgetting about the tasks.
If youíre good, youíll be rewarded?
Downsides:
Way too hard, and no difficulty setting change!
Boring!
Overall? Err well itís a dolphin game, being a dolphin is harder than it looks! 2stars, sorry!
4.
Soul Reaver ñ the next step from Tomb Raider for Eidos? Well yes, and I would put money on Soul Reaver becoming a film as well, but hopefully a decent one ñ give it 3 more years, a chance for another 3 or 4 games to be released, starting off with Soul Reaver 2 ñ unsurprisingly the sequel to this one, and I would be sure that enough people would want a film.
Soul Reaver is a good game, but gets boring ñ like Tomb Raider, and itís basically the same game as Tomb Raider ñ just replace Lara Croft with a dead Vampire with broken wings called Raziel, change the wolves, bears and so on to gremlin type things and other beasts and youíve got the same game. Similar gameplay. Similar graphics engine, same cameras ñ but then thatís expected!
Graphically it looks dated, but there are some nice lighting effects to inspire you through levels of tedium ñ huge levels, some are impressive, some are just boring. The storyline is rather good though, with an explanation told to you after a very good intro ñ youíre setting out to fight Kain ñ you got too powerful, so he broke your wings, charming.
Raziel canít fly, but can jump high and glide ñ fighting off evil spirits and so on, there is a certain amount of sorcery and wizardry here, lots of spells to cast, lots to do and discover, but I didnít really get on too well with it ñ I think a multiplayer option should be added to games like these, they get boring on your own!
Overall, a decent game that is available at the right side of £10, so itís worth getting, just I wasnít overly astounded by it. If you like Tomb Raider, youíll love this, if you hated Tomb Raider, youíll throw up at this. 3 stars.
5.
Shenmue - the best or most hyped ëRPG/adventure/fighting/racing game of all time ñ what do you reckon? After playing through the whole game I am going to have to say that it was definitely an experience that you should try, itís a different game to most in that it will have you enthralled and addicted to it ñ youíll complete it quickly because youíll want to get past the dull moments ñ of which there are plenty, in order to get to the exciting action parts ñ of which, again, there are many, but overall itís probably the most advanced game of all time, one that will set a new trend hopefully!
Hyped ñ Shenmue was hyped up because it cost $70million dollars to make and promote, with an incredible amount of voice acting to be completed ñ including translations, writing and editing ñ Yu Suzuki has worked very hard indeed for Sega to create something that I would say will last for a long time indeed ñ 16 more chapters to go folks! Selling over a million copies, and liked by many, the game has not failed.
Best adventure game? Yes and no. You take on the role of Ryo Suzuki, a young Japanese student, probably 17 years old, seeing as heís not allowed to drink alcohol, who has to find the murderers of his father ñ youíll get the storyline told to you via the brilliant opening introduction, taking about 10minutes to get through! There are lots to do in the game, including mini games, fighting ñ a 70man brawl is great fun at the end, and basically you will become Ryo for a while ñ the game will take at least 30 hours to get through, itís well worth the money for sure.
Graphics are better than ëthe most advanced visuals in a video game ñ everí, if thatís possible ñ theyíre lifelike, really, very good indeed. The animations and facial expressions of the characters is startlingly realistic ñ ever wanted a holiday in Japan? Yea? Well, 1986, buy Shenmue, youíre there.
Plus points:
Graphics are amazing.
Soundtrack is brilliant.
Fighting and adventuring is great fun, at times.
This is probably the best game youíll see from Yu Suzuki, until the next chapter!
Downsides:
Terrible acting from some characters!
DULL at times: do you really want to spend a day forklift truck working?
May seem pointless to some.
Overall, I did find it boring at times, but it is a masterpiece, forgive me ñ 4 stars because at times it was very tedious. Still, you have to play it.
6.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica, ah what a thoroughly impressive game from Capcom of Japan, this is definitely a true 128 bit Resident Evil game, which is soon to be released on the PlayStation 2 ñ a slightly edited version from the Dreamcast classic and absolute success story, one of the best selling Dreamcast games, and one of the most thrilling and chilling Survival horrorís in the genre and long running series of the supreme games.
Basically, you start off as Claire, Chris Redfieldís brother, and start off on the zombie infested island progressing your way through some really intense and exciting areas ñ escape from the island is the main objective, but it will prove harder than you think. No difficulty changing options will mean that youíll need to be sparing on the fire power, using the best weapons for the more powerful zombies and creatures ñ youíve seen it before, but never this good. RE CV is the best Resident Evil game ever, no question about it ñ 100% recommendation here, means something, I think youíll agree.
You donít just shoot Zombies (you can use fists as well!), but seriously you have a lot of thinking to do to ñ the game may make you jump, sorry ñ WILL make you jump and help your heart reach an anaerobic state of contraction, simply because itís will surprise you ñ hounds running out at you from nowhere, a groaning zombie whoís become muted for a while will sneak up and occasionally make you, yourself fall out of your chair! I remember an advertisement in a magazine, with the gamer playing from behind his sofa ñ yes it is rather scary at times!
Plus Points:
Amazing visuals ñ 3D backgrounds look REAL, excellent water and fire effects, impressive is an understatement!
Superb gameplay, itíll have you screaming, jumping and transfixed in Racoon city for a good 30 hours on end. Book the weekend off!
Price ñ very good value game, recommended!
Downsides:
ëSeen it all before!í but never this good!
Control system is a little odd ñ hard to figure things out.
Overall, a 5 star celebration of a zombie horror fest ñ who needs to watch a scary movie when you have this!!
7.
Fur Fighters, oh dear, I warn you now ñ my opinion may not be in the same belief as others, but itís my opinion, so there. I donít like this, I donít like this for many reasons, but mainly because the game is aimed at children ñ the cute and cuddly Furry animals in the game, but then they go around shooting each other with plasma guns, shotguns and all sorts ñ itís basically not at all for children, but at least it doesnít have gallons of blood in the game.
There are two modes, the fluff match and then the single player adventure ñ mission mode. You pick one of 6 characters, fur fighters suggesting that these are animals ñ they are; choose from a dog, cat, kangaroo type thing, penguin and more, each has a special strength like digging powers, jumping strengths or climbing, and in their mission you have to play through the great many levels.
I only went half way through the game because I just didnít like the idea of it, and beat all the bosses to rescue the little baby animals. Great, how soppy! Shoot your way through some real frustrating and boring levels, itís not the best game Iíve played I can tell you that for sure.
The multiplayer mode is ok though, itís a bit like Quake 3, Golden Eye, games like that ñ a 4 player fluff match will see you and friends fighting it out with the weapons over a selected level, in order to get the most kills, aptly named ëfluffsí. This is the only part of the game that I found remotely interesting, but I sold it because I donít agree with the ethics of a game that appears to be aimed at children, then to find out that thereís shooting in it, I wouldnít let my kid brother play this.
2 stars, graphics are good, sound is dull, but I donít like this at all.
8.
Rayman 2 is one of the strangest Adventure games you will probably play, but itís also one of the best, and on Dreamcast it received a lot of critical applause for itís outstanding gameplay and superb visual splendour. Released last year Rayman 2 was the game that rivalled Sonic Adventure on the Sega console, although previously released on the N64, the action and adventure in Rayman was something of revelation.
Forget Tomb Raider and all that lot, this may seem to be a game aimed at children ñ visually amazing levels, lavishing in replenishing colour ñ itís a delight to play through for the graphics alone, but the gameplay is something else. Marvellous control system, really easy to play although the levels are a good challenge ñ it has a lot of character, totally bursting with life as you set out on your quest as the limbless hero. Loads of levels including online downloadable ones, Rayman will be jumping, swimming and solving problems with your help.
Plus points:
A vast selection of variation in levels, the gameplay is absolutely brilliant. Itís not as fast as Sonic, but just as good.
The graphics are spectacular, so, do not be put off by its youthful looks!
The control system and camera system are brilliant.
Price ñ only £15 from most places!
Downsides:
Itís very strange and that may put some people off = limbless hero? Odd!
Thatís all the downsides!
Overall a strong contender for adventure game of the last decade, brilliant 5 stars.
9.
Sonic Adventure 2 is slightly better than the first one ñ I can definitely come to that conclusion, but I will only award the sequel 4 stars instead of 5 because 1 and a half years on I do not believe the improvement is great enough, there still some niggles and flaws in the game, but overall, itís more of that same classic, unbeatable Sonic speed gameplay. And itís worth your money, I can tell you that.
Graphics have improved from the original, although only slightly as the first was pretty impressive, and we now no longer have to endure the ëbetween levelí boredom that was gratuity with the first, thankfully everything is a lot less dull, more vibrant and more exciting to play. An incredible amount of levels sees Sonic and some new, previously unheard of, friends progress through colourful, often frustrating, but unmistakably Sonic-style levels and challenges.
Plus Points:
Evil Sonic! Sonic faces the new suspiciously similar looking, but dark, hedgehog, created by his enemy! Livens the game up no end!
Graphically, proficiently, masterfully and superb gaming!
Less waiting around, lack of cut scenes. Good!
Downsides:
Camera is even dodgier than before!
Game gets boring in completion - itís a play once, sell on kind of game.
Overall an excellent game, but the longevity once completed is minimal.
4 stars.
10.
Tee Off is not good. In fact itís appalling and I wouldnít even give it any stars if I had the option, but I donít so 1 star will it be. The game is even more boring than the real sport, watching, which is an achievement, but not one to be proud of. Playing golf can be good, but watching it is not, and playing a virtual game of golf is worse than sucking chainsaws ñ yep, very painful!!
The game features cartoon style golfers with large oversized heads ñ not very fun, even though itís meant to be. The music is rubbish, the golfing is tedious and basically the only thing that saves the game isÖno, nothing saves this ñ itís rubbish. 4 players or not, youíll be back on Virtua Tennis in an instant.
The graphics are green. Dull, lifeless and just wasteful of the Dreamcast technology. This doesnít belong in anyoneís gaming collection, even if you like golf! The world circuit mode is a waste of time, the mini croquet game is feeble and free rounds are just likeÖanyway, the physics donít seem right, youíd be better off with Tiger Woodís golf or something more realistic, but golf in a video game ñ doesnít work.
1 Star.
11.
Virtua Fighter 3TB is not the most amazing game out there, but for me, as a fan of the original two games, I still think this is a brilliant game, despite being less well liked as Dead Or Alive 2 or Soul Calibur, itís one of the most complete and rewarding fighting games around. Look past itís apparent slowness to discover a masterful game ñ youíll have to learn the moves rather than just button bashing in games like SC and DoA2, Virtua Fighter 3tb features heavily on the team battle mode, is very similar to Virtua Fighter 2 just with better graphics, new mode and a couple more fighters ñ I really like it personally.
The best fighters are Jacky, Akira, Lion ñ but each to their own choice, the moves take time to learn, but youíll pick up basic punches, kicks and throws relatively simply. VF3 has some brilliant levels to fight in, with Kageís being the best in my view. The game is for 1 or two players ñ thereís a training mode, where you learn your moves against some strange looking fighters, and basically, itís really good!
Virtua Fighter 4 is coming out on the PlayStation 2 and looks like itíll be better than Tekken 4 and rivalling Namcoís other fighter ñ Soul Calibur, out on GameCube, and PlayStation 2 perhaps. I canít wait, itíll be a truly brilliant game!!
Plus points of VF3:
Great gameplay ñ intuitive moves and combos!
Graphics are far better than VF2 on the Saturn.
Price ñ the game is very good value where found.
Downsides:
Graphics look dated now,
Maybe too slow for some,
VF4 will look and play a lot better than it.
Overall, my opinion, I like it ñ 4 stars.
12.
Again, Fighting Vipers 2 is the second kind of Sega fighting game that is the sequel of the original Saturn game, but appearing on the Dreamcast, if you know what I mean.
VF3tb for me was a great game, but Fighting Vipers 2 doesnít really seem that brilliant. Perhaps itís because I prefer the slower style of gameplay in fighting games, thereís more time to think, but FV2 is just not as good a sequel as it should be. Itís lazy, whereas in VF3 you can tell that the developers made more of an effort.
The fighters are practically all unchanged and the gameplay remains the same ñ some great fighters like Bahn, but to be honest, I should have rented this one and so should you. There are practically no improvements other than in the eye candy department, so you should rent it if youíre considering buying.
The graphics arenít bad, but not as great as Tekken Tag, Soul Calibur, Dead Or Alive etcÖ The fighters all have a certain character two them ñ each has a different style, some use skateboards or poles to smash the opponent on the head with, and some just use bear fists.
If you liked the first, play the first ñ you donít need this as well, itís more of the same because it is the same. Nothing great here, but if you missed the original, then it may be worth a look ñ or a rent, 2 Stars maximum!
13.
Power Stone! Power Stone is an ace fighting game, one of the best on any console, ever released. Its made by the creators of Resident Evil, so you had to expect something original, and youíll be thoroughly impressed ñ Power Stone is a Capcom marvel.
The game is different to other fighters, as you have to run around some very strange arenas, more like rooms ñ full of all sorts, and picking up objects in order to knock your opponent senseless is actually rather good! You can also collect the three power stones, which act as power ups!
Once you have the 3 power stones, youíll turn into a huge version of yourself, and become all-powerful ñ easily winning that round against the enemy! So as you can imagine, itís completely mad, youíre trying to get the stones, and not lose them ñ keep the opposition away!
The fighters are all mad looking ñ typical Japanese gaming, and all have different qualities: some can fly for a short while, some can jump high, and some are just very powerful! Choose wisely in the one player mode, itís actually quite a good charrenge! (I mean challenge, but the Japanese in game voice says Charrenge :-)
The levels are well designed, and thereís plenty to keep you occupied ñ if you can get the game for less than a tenner then do so! Itís an original classic, and very quirky fun and full of vibrant life. 5 Stars.
14.
Soul Calibur ñ the best game on the Dreamcast? Who can say for sure, but this is a very impressive fighting game that would appeal more to the ëcasualí gamer if there is such a thing, than the likes of Tekken.
Donít get me wrong ñ Tekken is a great game, but Soul Calibur is probably easier to get into and play ñ itís certainly one of the highest rated fighting games, and produced by Namco, you wouldnít expect anything else!
The game has a large one player mission mode which will keep you busy for a while, some tasks are very challenging, and then thereís the arcade mode ñ chance to unlock lots of great new characters, but the best mode is the 2 player of course!
Thereís nothing like beating a full of themselves mate at a fighting game, and Soul Calibur is a great way to have tournaments, a winner stays on competition and more. The game is so good for many reasons though ñ itís great fun for 2 or more people (take it in turns), the one player mission is a mission, and the graphics and gameplay is excellent.
Graphically very advanced, although it may not look as great as some top PS2 games ñ the detail and smoothness is definitely strong with SC. The moves are easy to learn, and youíll pick up lots in no time at all.
A superb game, that is a little fast a furious, but deserving of your pound coins or credit card number.
15.
Right, Dead or Alive 2 ñ Iím coming with you! This is another great fighting game on the Dreamcast games console, and this time 4 of you can battle it out in some supreme Tag battle action ñ thereís plenty more to float your boat too, but the best point of the game is the multiplayer activity.
Gameplay ñ the controls are good, very easy to learn and some stunning moves can be performed with a little practice. Counter moves are impressive ñ learn the right button combination and you could become unbeatable! The game plays really well, in all modes, aside from the slightly boring and empty story mode ñ daft stories, strange looking boss to beat!
Graphics ñ very, very good. No pop up, no glitches. Some very shiny and flamboyant outfits, some very interesting characters and levels! The graphics are probably better than Soul Calibur, thatís saying something!
The modes are plentiful, but as I say the main reason you should get this is in order to utilise all four of the control ports ñ great fun with 4 of you playing, the tag mode is excellent.
Overall for £20, or less this is a superb game, with the one player mode being the only let down. 5 Stars
16.
Power Stone 2 is another really great game from Capcom, itís the follow up to the original, as youíd expect, and is probably one of the speediest and most fun 4 player simultaneous fighting games around! Just like the original, you get to select from a bunch of really strange looking characters, and there is a fairly ok single player mode, but the action lies with the multiplayer option.
4 of you can play at once, on the same screen, and the best part is youíre on your own, every player for themselves! As you drop from level to lower levels, fighting in mid air can and will take place ñ youíll still be able to pick up boxes and chests and bombs to throw at your opponents, but this time itís a whole lot crazier!
Surprisingly the gameplay is just as good, although at times it can get a little too crazy ñ 4 of you racing around the fighting arena room for the power stones ñ quite funny, but in general this is as good as it gets. The graphics are amazing, very chunky and visually astute, the game looks like a clear-cut winner.
Replay value is good too as the game wont set you back an awful lot, the four player mode will be returned to time and time again, often in preference to the 4 player tag game of Dead Or Alive 2. As a game thatís so mad, and so very Japanese, this is actually quite brilliant.
Overall, if you donít own this, donít worry ñ just go out and buy it before it sells out across the country. 5 Stars.
17.
Ready? Ready for what! Letís get Ready 2 Rumble! Or not, depending on how far youíve gotten in the game. You see, ready 2 Rumble is a great boxing game that isnít let down by over seriousness, in fact itís far from serious with caricature style boxers ñ from the fast and funky afro, Afro Thunder to the solid butcher Brown heís probably the most powerful boxer outside of the secret characters!!
The gameplay is great, with lots of superb moves to pull off ñ uppercuts, right jabs, head buts, loads more ñ and you can even make the boxers speak, youíll be hearing witty phrases like ìSomebody call the doctor!î ñ anyway, you had to be there, Ready 2 Rumble is great in the arcade game for 2players to battle it out, but the world circuit mode is pretty dull.
You have to train up your boxer, using gyms, health pills and suspicious medicine, and more ñ itís not that fun after a while, but I managed to complete through the game without using the popular cheats! Then take him or her out to face the world ñ progressing through bronze level, silver, then gold ñ then the massive boss who may prove slightly trickyÖ
Graphics are very good, and it still looks alright, seeing as this was a launch title, the characters and arenas look smooth and polygon proficient ñ itís a damn fine game to play too, other than the not so brilliant one player mode.
2player boxing, great fun - 4 Stars!
18.
Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC as it is also known, could this be the king of fighters? Sadly not, but it does have some great strengths, but also a few flaws too. It features a training mode ñ harden up your fighter, no matter what style of fighting they posses ñ anything goes in UFC.
Thereís also a superb tournament mode, probably the best mode other than the 2 player versus mode ñ the idea is simple, pick a fighter, find an opponent and knock the wind out of them, using any fighting style you care to perform ñ itís a very, very realistic game, you can hear every punch, every cry of pain, itís not for the faint hearted, definitely not for the kids!
Graphics are brilliant, but graphics donít always make a game, although this and the control system are the strong points of Ultimate Fighting Championship, it lacks a certain something ñ something called depth. The game wonít hold your attention for very long really as there isnít a really lengthy decent one-player mission or anything, and the fact that thereís only one arena ñ the same boring hexagonal arena, will help the boredom pour in. Itís good, just longevity what be itís saving grace.
Overall, the fighters are excellent, the graphics are realistic, but donít expect this to last ñ so get it if you can find it for less than £20 I would say. 3 stars.
19.
Ready 2 Rumble 2 is a good sequel to the original Midway classic, but doesnít successfully add enough to the longevity in the one player circuit championship mode for me to rave for hours on end about it. But it is an improvement, and if you liked the first one, you will most probably find peace with the second ñ itís funnier than ever before, slightly less serious than the non-serious first one, and involves a lot of new exciting characters!
Gaming is similar to before, but whereas in the first game you just needed to gain 6 letters spelling ìrumbleî from particularly good moves or attacks, in order to become super fast and powerful, totally knocking your opponent out ñ in the sequel you can have 3 levels of Rumble, so once all the letters are there, you can go on getting more power up punches right until the most powerful rumble level ñ itís quite amazing how far youíll punch the other player out the ring!!
The controls have been addressed well in that theyíre still easy to perform great moves, but thereíre also a lot of new combos and moves to learn, something the original lacked. The secret characters add to the charm of everything, you still have Afro Thunder, the undisputed champion of the world, but heís joined by some really weird bonus boxers like Michael Jackson, the Clintonís ñ Hilary and Bill! As well as some strange others, Shaquille OíNeal, a funny robot and some others too.
Graphics have advanced slightly, but not overly so. The game is as funny as ever, but the lack of a decent one-player championship still detracts from the game. Itís good, but not 5 star worthy yet ñ the third should be great. 4 Stars. Worth getting - Yes! The best fighting game on the PlayStation 2.
20.
WWF Attitude is as good as wrestling is real. Make sense? Hopefully, because Wrestling is all staged, and itís great, but we all know itís not real, the results are predetermined in most cases, and in general, Wrestling is just for entertainment, not in anyway a serious sport, in my view.
There are some wrestling games that deserve recognition ñ WWF No Mercy was good, despite its recall (one of the only recalled games), and WWF Smack Down 2 and the original, both great games. Attitude is not good. In fact itís the worst wrestling game available.
The controls are sloppy, the wrestlers all feel as if theyíre about 10 tonnes each, they take so long to get across the ring ñ itís so slow and unresponsive, but the game has an official licence ñ how on earth did they let this be released? There moves are near impossible to pull off, youíd be far better off with Smack Down on the PlayStation 1.
The graphics and sound are abysmal, a word I seldom use ñ I rarely say seldom too, so itís clear Iím not impressed with Attitude ñ there is no attitude in the game, just a feeling that the developers had a bad attitude when making it.
Avoid this if you want your sanity in tact. You will not forgive yourself for paying the £10 or whatever you pay. 1 star.
21.
Sega Bass Fishing is a really good game, one that you need to play, and one that everyone will want to play at parties, new years and family gatherings - it's fun just to use the fishing rod peripheral to actually real in that super bass - and they look so authentic too!
At a good price, the game is worth buying, despite it not being the greatest in longevity terms. You will play for around a week or two before getting bored I would think, but this is one to keep as your family and friends will love playing it, it's quite funny watching someone try their hand at virtual Fishing!
Why go fishing in a video game? Well, why go fishing in life? All you do is put the fish back after hours of waiting around to catch it? In Sega Bass fishing you keep the fish, with it's mass being added to the total mass, giving you a score at the end. It's as pointless as the real thing, but there's less waiting around, and you won't get wet if it rains.
The graphics are sensational, although the rippling effects on the water surface are a little poor, but the fish look real - they move like real fish, and think like them too - some will go straight for the bait, whilst others, usually large super bass, will just stay static and not give a monkeys.
The sound is dreadful though, with awful commentary 'select time' in an annoying voice, although the water sounds aren't bad.
The game has several modes, including a fairly good championship mode - the game is good, but there's only one style of fish, the game gets boring after a while, so 4 stars for originality alone.
22.
ESPN Track and Field is the one of few Konami titles to be released on the Dreamcast, and sadly it's not very good. It has around 12 events, the usual ones, but it's just not anywhere near as good as the Track and Field 2 game on the original PlayStation 1 console.
The game is worth getting if you love running the 100m Dash, 110m Hurdles, or throwing the Javelin, performing the Long Jump and Pole Vault, and up to 4 of you can partake in the events, some one at a time, and others, like the racing events and free style swimming, you can all race it out at once - your control pad will not be the same again.
But, it isn't as good as the originals, the game has fewer events and the graphics don't seem that much better than the PlayStation versions, and another poor aspect is the camera angle - in some events its near impossible to see when to throw as a line or marker is obscured by a tree or dodgy camera styles.
The controls are simple, all you need to do is press the right buttons, and press them damn fast too! The game will not last you as long as some athletics games, but at least there is the option for four of you to play it.
Overall, a disappointing game because of the lacking events, but it's worth getting if you're a must have fan of this style of game. 3 stars.
23.
Sega aren't renowned for producing top quality football games, they didn't do very well with Sega World Wide Soccer - any of them, and Virtua Striker 2000.v.1 was a joke, but there have managed to up class Virgin Interactive as Virgin's game - European Super League, is the most appalling football game, ever.
The game is just not a game. They have managed to gain an official licence, so there's 16 of the best football teams available to choose from, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Real, Barcelona and more - but SIXTEEN teams? That's just not enough I'm afraid, and you won't recognise any of the players anyway, so there's no real point.
The graphics are bemusing. This game would be ridiculed on a 32bit console, on a 128bit Dreamcast, the game is beyond a joke, the visuals are pathetic - they spent more time on the stadiums, and totally forgot about the rest. This isn't authentic, this is laughable and just not what you should be playing.
The controls are slightly better than the ping-pong pinball style action you'll see in the Virtua Striker game, but that doesn't say much. It's hard to run, shoot, tackle or make a string of passes - I can only assume they employed football haters to make ESL.
Overall. Overall nothing - it's a waste of money, time and your game playing. Avoid it. 1 star.
24.
Extreme Sports isn't a bad game either, it's an appalling game. Another one of Sega Sport's blunders, Sega Extreme Sports is about as extreme as a glass of water. The only plus points here are the visuals which do seem fairly good, aside from the obvious frame rate buggies, and lack of weather effects.
It's an inexpensive game for a reason, it's so poor that hardly anyone bought it, therefore it's been reduced to a very 'good' price, but I'd say don't pay more than £5, or you will have yourself thinking you've wasted your money. I certainly did, and I managed to sell the game before it was too late!
Basically you wait for the game to load, select a player and take on one of a few select courses, each involves a series of extreme sport - each one is boring, hard to control and totally pointless. There is no reward for playing through this, other than to say you've learned a lesson - never play through such a rubbish game again.
You can hang glide, ATV, run, cycle and bungee jump as well as snowboard, but none are well executed, the game suffers from an overwhelming sense of slowness and drab, you really do not want to buy this.
The graphics are not enough to save the game, it disappoints right from the word go. Don't show your mates this one, they'll laugh at you. 1 star.
25.
Giant Killers has become one of the only managerial games to hit the Dreamcast, and yes, it probably is the only one - at least, the only football managing game on the console, and it's pretty good too. It's well presented with clear, simple menu screens, but don't go expecting a Championship Manager, as Giant Killers is not as vast as the king of manager games.
You can select any team in the English leagues, which includes the Premiership, first, second, third divisions and the Football conference, all the teams are up to date for last season - i.e. the 2000/2001 seasons, and you must guide you club to the top, selecting one of three difficulty modes. The harder the mode, the more pressure, more tasks and more fun generally you will have.
The commentary is not voiced, but instead it's like CM, with the text coming up to show you what's happened, and of course you can adjust the way your team plays, change tactics - make that substitution, but be warned as freak results rarely happen, so don't go setting out with an all out attack formation when you're Luton or a similar team, facing someone like Manchester United! Not a wise decision.
You can make transfers, and everything is realistic - Michael Owen will not come and play for Luton, and Manchester United don't really want to buy Scunthorpe's reserve striker, but choose your team wisely. The game is fun to play, it's a challenge and will keep you entertained for a while.
4 stars.
26.
Jimmy White is a legend. He's one of the best British, more importantly - English - snooker veterans around and has had an astounding career, and in due course he was bound to get his own computer game! Jimmy White's 2 Cue ball is a great game for the snooker fan, and even those who don't usually like snooker.
The snooker table looks very good, and all the balls are shiny - the graphics are simple, but effective and realistic - the physics are right and you can even put backspin on the ball, the angles all play into effect, it's just like the real thing, but with control pads instead of actual cues, so I don't think it will ever be more popular than the real sport.
The controls are easy to learn, the game is great when you're playing a friend - less fun against the computer, but some other games like the darts sometimes seem more fun, so I often play them in the game, as they are an added feature.
Jimmy White's will last and last, you can have a tournament - knockout championships, as well as practicing and more. The game is very good for the price, which is around £10, so if you like this kind of game, you can't really go wrong with it!
Overall, it's a great title, for a great console, 5 Stars!
27.
NBA 2K is great! It's as you might expect, a basketball simulation, but it's one of the most impressive sports titles from Sega, and is probably the best 4player sports game other than Virtua Tennis. There are many features in the game that make it such a worthwhile title.
Modes: you can play in the playoffs, play a league, play an exhibition, quick start game, or just practice - all modes are great, but be prepared for this - if you want to save your championship/season, you're going to need to have a whole memory card's worth of space free - quite demanding, but it's worth it. The game plays so well, with all the NBA official teams and players.
The commentary is excellent, the players all look realistic and the graphics in general are top notch, with some great lighting reflection effects on the court, a decent crowd and courts! Four players can play - 2 a side - it's absolutely mad, but great fun with it.
You can create your own players, which is a very good idea - some players will look really strange - 5ft basketball players, really fat, but they can dunk it? Madness! You can give them shades, bands, different sneakers, very good idea, but again, this takes a lot of memory to save, so be careful!
Some players are better than others, and you'll soon find out who are the best - I'd say the Blazers, 76ers, Nicks and Pacers, but you may support a team and only want to be them.
The graphics as I say are superb, as is the sound - here the crowd cheer, the squeaking of the players' trainers on the court - brilliant.
Overall, you will not be disappointed. 5 star gaming.
28.
Sydney 2000, a good athletics game or just a button basher - it's definitely the official game of last years Olympics, but already I've forgotten about it, it wasn't that good then, and by no means has it suddenly gotten into my good books. I was convinced that this would be a worthwhile purchase after hearing lots of good acclaim about it, but unfortunately, it's not that wonderful.
The controls for me let the game down completely - it's far too hard to get to grips with this one, I'm sorry if you like it, but I just don't think the control system is very well executed, which is a shame because Eidos claimed the official Olympic licence for this game, and it's not as good as it should be.
There are around 10 events to get to grips or gripes with, depending on your view of the game, and each one will leave you fuming, as they're pretty hard to do. The graphics are good, but not a revelation by any means. The game was released on the PC, PlayStation and Dreamcast - the DC version looks the best, but I wouldn't spend anymore than £10 on this.
4 players! Four of you can partake in the events though, so that is a bonus, but I am reluctant to give the game any more than 2 stars. It'll last as long as the Olympics, by the time they're over, the game won't be played anymore. Overall, it has some nice features like a virtual gym, but no, not great.
2Stars.
29.
Metropolis Street Racer is a very good game although I have found some discrepancies with the game. It has a lot of plus points too though but I have to say that this is amongst one of the best racing games on the format. The graphics will astound you -theyíre based on 3 real life cities ñ very realistic and very smooth indeed.
Essentially the game revolves around a respect system in the one player mode, called Kudos ñ race stylishly against 25 chapters worth of mini tasks ñ mini races and championships ñ itís very vast. Get kudos for hot laps ñ but remember, itís not about how fast you drive - itís about how you drive fast! So they sayÖ
Plus points:
Superb graphics
Amazing gameplay ñ very good handling, realistic physics!
Stunning cars and very nice lighting effects.
The vastness of the whole game ñ MSR is huge!
The one player experience!
Downsides:
Multiplayer mode: itís very complicated and takes AGES to set up.
The Frame rate in multiplayer ñ slow!
The warnings ñ every time you touch a wall or car, you get kudos deducted and an annoying warning sign. ANNOYING.
Overall? Itís a worthy game of your money. But itís not a 5 star game. 4.
30.
Sega Rally is another of the Dreamcast catalogue of racing titles. Looking back at the first game Sega Rally 1 ñ an arcade classic, and one of the best games on the unpopular Sega Saturn console, itís really strange why I donít like this game. Itís not fresh, so itís been out for over 2 years now, but Sega Rally 2 is an arcade game at heart, and that is where it belongs, in my opinion.
The graphics arenít bad, but theyíre nothing on GT3 and MSR ñ the pop up is still evident and the frame rate isnít fantastic, although sliding round on the icy snowy circuits does have itís moments. Thereíre many cars in the game, including the Peugeot 206, 306 and 205, Subaru Imprezaís and the classic Evoís from Mitsubishi ñ stunning car.
Plus points?
Thereíre a lot more tracks and cars than the first game.
The cars are all official.
Itís Sega Rally 2.
Downsides:
The graphics are not as they should be.
Horrible border around the edge of the screen ñ no 60hz options!
The frame rate and ëfoggingí effects (as the scenery suddenly appears) is not a patch on GT3 and MSR.
Itís an arcade game at heart - wasnít designed for a control pad and tiny screen.
Overall, I would recommend Sega Rally 2 to you to play in the arcade, or if you have a large television and a couple of steering wheels, but with a control pad it just loses the realism and fun. 2 stars, but for £10 Iíd say get it.
31.
Sonic Adventure was a launch title for the illustrious Sega Dreamcast and I have to say that it was probably one of the biggest leaps in adventure games of all time. Sonic has been around for over ten years, and his first outing on the Sega Dreamcast was a very successful one, arriving in a full 3D action packed fun filled adventure, as the title would suggest.
Nearing two years of age now, the game has had a sequel in the form of the also pretty impressive Sonic Adventure 2 but still remains one of the best games on the console, as well as being an incredible bargain at just £7.99 from retailers. The game sees Sonic and 5 friends on their own little adventures which all blend into one towards the end ñ the main goal for sonic is to defeat the creature called Chaos, as well as fending off the evil Dr Egg man (Dr Robotnik).
I wont spoil it for you too much, but needless to say the game has many strengths ñ a great sense of character, Sonic Team graphics that will not disappoint, and the most brilliant gameplay with very few faults at all.
Plus points:
Great graphics and some excellent effects, one of the first DC games to take advantage of the power.
Massive game, with loads and loads of levels, sub levels and mini games ñ will keep you entertained for ages!
Superb sense of character and style ñ Sonic Team really did turn up the heat with this one.
Price! Itís just £7.99 ñ you cannot go wrong.
Downsides:
Unfortunately the in game camera crew were all drunk, thus dodgy cameras.
Frustrating gameplay at times ñ some levels are really hard and monotonous, but only a few.
Overall, a top game, at the time I would have given 4 stars, but because of the price and replay value, I have to say 5.
32.
Uefa Striker is an average football game, itís as good as UEFA Dream Soccer on the Dreamcast, but itís better than the other mouldy crop of Dreamcast football games ñ thereís not a lot on the console that justifies all this football sponsorship ñ Arsenal etc, but Uefa Striker is ok.
The game has really good goalkeepers, so itís fairly hard to score, but thatís not so much of a problem, as there are some very good strikers too! The game is an all round good game I would say, it has appreciable graphics and gameplay ñ the controls are easy to learn, but those goalies are pretty amazing, it is hard to score.
You can choose from training and certification mode, friendly matches (either club or country), a league or a tournament/knockout. The options and game selections are fine, youíre able to select the time limit for the game, choose stadium, weather and extra times, but unfortunately there is no indoor match option!
The teams are all official, the game has an official licence, although the names of the teams, not the players strangely, do seem a little odd for some ñ since when was AC Milan ëRosso de Milanoí? But donít worry too much.
The commentary is ok but Ron Atkinson is an idiot and repeats his lines over an over again, just like in real life, but Jon Pearce is alright.
Overall, Uefa Striker is a good game, but sometimes it gets frustrating when you can hardly score. 3 stars.
33.
Four Wheel Thunder, in my opinion, is not as bad as some people make out, but then each to their own train of thought, as I think it is worth getting this monster truck/off road racing game. The game does have its downsides, but it also has a lot of positives to go by.
The graphics are very good, although they could have done a lot more with the presentation and menu screens: they look too dark and fiddly. The monster trucks look reasonably shiny, and the arenas, outdoor circuits are quite interesting & look good, but the sky just doesnít seem to fit right, looks very odd. You can also race smaller four-wheel drive cars, which look like buggies.
The game plays very well indeed, with a good control system ñ the cars handle well, and the emphasis being on speed, picking up power ups, much like in games of Hydro Thunder, and of course the aim is to win. Frame Rate is fantastic ñ a little too fast at times, as one secondís lost concentration will result in a crash.
You can play one player in a championship, or even 2 players in championship, but the likelihood is that just one of you will take it on, definitely a challenge! The two player games are superb though, probably the best aspect of 4 Wheel Thunder: play a bomb tag mode, balloon popping and all sorts.
Give the game a chance to impress as it is slightly hard to win anything, but itís worth getting to grips with. The worst aspects of the game have to be the lame engine noises and awful music, which are painful to listen to.
Overall, a worthy game of your money, you should be able to pick this up for a bargain price ñ somewhere around £10. 4 Stars
34.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater One, was one of the best games ever released, but makers/creaters Activision/Neversoft have managed to improve upon a game so complete and thoroughly entertaining and released Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 to the market's acclaim - this game is superb, it's one of the best games you'll ever play and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Just like the first, it's addictive...
Very addictive in fact, but this time the career has more, it has better designed levels, more tournaments, more challenges and more addiction factor. There are many new features, the best levels are probably the warehouse, the first level in the Hangar and of course Marseille - the first competition stage.
The new features include better 2 player action, you can select more modes to play in, but the classic HORSE, trick attack, graffiti modes are there, but TAG is new which does add a slight variation. The best new aspects of the game are the skatepark design and player design option.
You are skateboard god - you can create your very own world in which to skate, using a selection of premade parts, like half pipes, pipes to grind along, trees, dips, it's very impressive - some of the levels you can make, superb.
The Player Design is also great as you're able to give your skateboarder a name, face, age, mass, clothing and more. It's just a really good customisable option that enhances the already superb gameplay experience. Well done!
The graphics are better than before, it's very smooth indeed, and the music just keeps getting better and better - some great Papa Roach style sounds going on!
The game is around £20 to buy, really good value - you should definitely buy this game.
5 Stars
35.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is one of the greatest revelations in gaming today, it kicked started a new wave of top quality gaming in the form of extreme sports titles.
Tony Hawk, one of the best skateboarders in the world, definitely the most influential, has made his fame through this game, and the game has inspired many to take up the sport, and I believe this game is one of the best around.
Graphically impressive, the game was originally on the PlayStation, so essentially this is just a clone of that game, but it allows those with a Dreamcast to play the game, so that cannot be bad. Plus, the graphics are a lot better than the shaky PlayStation Graphics, so this is definitely the better version.
The game excels on gameplay more than anything, with the emphasis being on getting points for showing off really - the better the tricks and moves you do, the more points you will get - you'll find the gameplay rewarding and great fun, even when you're a beginner. There's something very addictive about Tony Hawk's Pro Skater - you will not be disappointed.
Grind all over rails, table tops, anywhere in the greatly designed areas, do some spectacular manoevers in the air, pulling off a huge combo of tricks to much reward or a certain splat, which is funny! THPS is a very, very entertaining game, one player and two player modes - it's a class title.
The two player battles are just as good as the single player fantastic career mode, you can play the horse trick, graffiti or trick attack modes - it's great fun, just show how good you really are!
The game has great music, great graphics and gameplay, and is a class act all round.
5 stars.
36.
Le Mans 24 ñ a totally brilliant Dreamcast racing game with some absolutely mind blowing graphics, theyíre probably the best in any Dreamcast Racing game, and to be honest this is probably the best Dreamcast racing game available ahead of everything else, although I wouldnít say itís quite as good as GT3, but what is? The graphics arenít just the gameís strong point though, as this has everything!
Brilliant gameplay is due to the superb handling of the large high speed le mans cars, the best of course is the McLaren F1 car, but thereíre others too including a stunning Audi car which is my personal favourite, but the handling of everything is superb. The sensation of speed is really good too, with a very impressive draw distance, meaning no pop up or glitches, no frame rate issues and no problems regarding dodgy music ñ this is light, but decent dance music.
Another cool feature is the fact that four of you can race at once ñ split screen four player is amazing, great fun, really competitive and the graphics arenít affected in any way at all ñ well done infogrames.
Plus points:
Sound, music, graphics ñ all are flawless.
The cars look real - the lighting effects are amazing too: itís very classy!
The gameplay is exceptional, racing le mans cars around real circuits at 170mph is great fun ñ four player woohoo!
Downsides:
Overall, a 5 star game, get it while you can.
37.
Daytona USA 2001 is not the best racing game I have ever played in my life and to be perfectly honest, Sega have been disgraceful in their decision to NOT include the promised online play ñ the Americans and Japanese have this mode, but we do not. Why is this? Sega claims that they wanted the game to be released at a certain time, and therefore the online play, which wasnít that important anyway (yeah right), would be lost as a feature.
Still, you have a two-player mode, and a single player mode too. But are they any good? I was a great fan of the arcade original ñ found racing against 36 computer AI cars and 3 other humans was great fun! The Sega Saturn games were a mess to be honest, with shoddy graphics and dodgy looking tracks, but the Dreamcast version hasnít really evolved.
The cars are unrealistically shiny, the handling is not very nice at all, and just like Sega Rally 2 Daytona USA should remain an arcade game, the console conversion just doesnít do it justice. You NEED the steering wheel and feedback. Just not the same here!
Plus points:
The tracks are all varied & the graphics are good too!
The speed is phenomenal, a really fast racing game indeed.
Many options to fiddle with, but the only car tweaking is changing the colours.
Downsides:
Over shiny cars - so not very impressive at all in my view!
No online play, which really does put a whole spanner in the works.
Not the original arcade game it once was. Lost appeal.
Feedback through a steering wheel and moving seat ñ ouch my back? Itís just not here.
2 stars.
38.
Crazy Taxi 2 is, surprise-surprise, the follow up to the smash hit Crazy Taxi on the Dreamcast, which is now on PlayStation 2 ñ but while the PlayStation 2 has only recently had the original ported onto it, the DC has been graced with the second, and although itís more of the same, the same is just what we wanted, because it was so good in the first place ñ why alter it too much!
Instead of racing round a San Francisco like city, or the complicated and not so fun Dreamcast original city, you now get to race around the streets of the small apple and the around apple cities ñ based on New York obviously. The best thing about this is the vast amount of traffic and customers ñ you can now perform the superb trick, which is the Crazy hop! Just press the X and Y buttons, youíll learn easily ñ performs a jump over the other traffic ñ great fun!
Plus points:
You can now take multiple passengers! That means youíll get more fares and more tips, itís harder than you think sometimes though, so be careful.
The graphics, although similar to the first game, are fantastic ñ very fresh, very fast and outrageously funky.
The gameplay is excellent, yet again this is first class entertainment in a Dreamcast game.
Soundtrack ñ more offspring! Great stuff.
Downsides:
New cabbies just arenít the same as BD Joe, Gus, Gena and Axel
Turning is trickier ñ not as sharp.
Overall? A top Dreamcast game that is worth your £29.99, one of the best sequels to hit the console!
5 stars
39.
Crazy Taxi is not your average racing game, in fact itís hard to say itís a racing game at all, but in all honest it does involve cars and racing around cities with the objective of taking customers to their chosen destination within a time limit in order for you to gain money - $ as points, so it is kind of, but itís a Taxi game ñ thatís the genre ñ madcap taxi driving!! And itís so damn good too!
The game is absolutely superb fun to play ñ the controls are simple, but youíll learn new skills, like Crazy Dash and Crazy Drift, and more ñ in order to get your customers to the places quicker and receive bigger tips! Race through traffic, knock over juggernauts, itís so much fun! The graphics are fresh and colourful, the cars handle arcade like, which is relieving, and in general, this is one original game.
Plus points:
Amazing gameplay ñ the game is simply in a class and genre of itís own.
Arcade like handling and fast paced action, this is one crazy game!
The music is just class ñ the offspring and bad religion provide a funky and furious soundtrack!
Crazy Box mini modes ñ great fun!
Downsides:
Slight pop up here and there with some
slowdown.
Wonít last as long as some other racers.
Overall a very worthy game that deserves to be bought, Hitmaker have done a fantastic job with porting the arcade classic onto the Dreamcast.
5 star gaming.
40.
Tokyo Highway Challenge lives up to itís less than exciting name, simply because itís one of the most tedious and mind numbingly boring games of all time. As youíd expect from the title, the premise is just racing at night time ñ in the dark, which brings about one of the games only strong points ñ decent lighting effects and car visuals, but itís just so boring ñ youíre racing along long stretches of Japanese highways, at night, itís not fun at all!
The graphics are fine, but simple and plain ñ the speed is OK, but nothing more so, and theyíre not up there with Polyphony Digitalís masterpiece, but still, this is probably the gameís only strong point. The cars are all unofficial look-alikes of mainly Japanese Hondas, Nissans and more ñ not good being unofficial, and the tracks are just so lifeless ñ basically itís just one track, but with more sections opening up as you complete through the game.
Woefully handling cars, not at all desirable to play, probably why this game is just £5 second hand, and around £8 new! A fifth of the price when it was first released.
Plus points:
Cars sound and look alright, with good lighting effects.
Price.
Downsides:
The game is the most boring racing game youíll play, Sega Rally 2 is better than this pile of THC.
The tracks are rubbish.
Unofficial.
Bland and lifeless
Overall, this is not one to watch, itís one to avoid. Even at £5! 1 star.
41.
As far as F1 games go, I would recommend you play on a PC only with a decent F1 steering wheel with force feedback ñ i.e. buy Grand Prix 3 and a Microsoft Wheel, itíll be the best F1 gaming experience you can have, but F1 World Grand Prix isnít bad at all.
It has an official licence, with all the cars and drivers and tracks from the 1998 season ñ that means Eddie Irvine is still at Ferrari and Mika Hakkinen would be the best choice of driver, and thereíll be some dodgy commentary from a fake Murray Walker!!
So, the official status is a must have with any F1 game, but most do, but itís nice to know that at least one Dreamcast game has a licence. The two player races are excellent, it doesnít matter how good you are ñ racing at 200mph is fun, no matter how virtual it is ñ a lot safer in a game of course.
The single player championship is what itís all about though, but donít worry ñ you wonít have to race 70 odd laps each circuit, you can tune and select in the options for whatever suits your needs. Good options package here!
Pit stops, good Ai cars, decent graphics ñ commentary, stupid but ok, and very nice vroooom sounds!
Plus points:
Great graphics!
Sound!
Speed sensation.
Tuning and options ñ selections etc..
The astounding two player battles.
Downsides:
Itís old now.
Nothing on GP3.
Overall, F1 World GP is official, it has realistic handling that will require a skilful driver ñ itís fast, good fun and a challenge.
4 stars.
42.
Wacky Races is actually a very good game, I would say itís most definitely aimed at the younger generation of Dreamcast racing game players, but adults and all generations will have a good couple of hours play out of this from time to time. Staring Dick Darstedly and Mutley ñ you know, from the cartoons, as well as many other superb and hilarious characters.
Itís very much a non serious racing game, you canít take it too seriously, itís just a really fun and entertaining racer that will appeal to children and so for the asking price of just £10 - £20, where available (Dreamcast games are getting hard to find nowadays), itís well worth the money.
Stylishly done, with a unique 2D as 3D presentation, it has to be seen to be appreciated ñ the Dreamcast version is far better than the PlayStation version, graphically at least ñ so get the DC version if you donít have either console (thatíll mean you need a Dreamcast too). The music is fun too!
Plus points:
Tracks are simple and well designed. Itís a cartoon come to life in a game.
Power ups ñ a Mario Kart clone? Not quite, this game puts a new spin on things.
Graphically impressive, different and dares to stay different.
FUN!
Downsides:
Longevity wonít be that great
More for kids than adults I think.
Overall, itís not a serious racer, but the races could get fierce ñ full of life and wacky!
4 stars!
43.
F355 is yet another classy racing game around on the 128but monster consoles, unfortunately for Yu Suzuki ñ itís on the now rid from the shelves Sega Dreamcast, and can be bought second hand or even new from sites across the country for as little as £10, maybe even less. But for you, that is a brilliant price ñ the game is shear class, one of the best racing games around ñ comparable visuals to the mighty Gran Turismo 3.
The game features official tracks from across the globe ñ mostly Japanese circuits, but of course Monza is included ñ Italyís f1 track. The cars look very realistic with excellent lighting effects, without being over shiny. You only have a choice of racing F355s, but thatís not such a problem, although I do feel a Ferrari racing game with all the models would be impressive. Racing an old Testarossa against an F60? Fantastic!
Plus points:
Graphics, they really are superb, with great sound too.
Handling, itís tricky but rewarding, the handling is very realistic.
The official licence, the game is one of the only Ferrari games to achieve a licence.
Lighting effects.
Price!
Downsides:
The skies may look great, but they cheat ñ canít be earth Iím racing on, must be Monza in a country with at least 4 suns! Play the game youíll know what I mean.
Only one car!
Overall, well worth your money. 5 stars.
Phew!!!!!
There you have it, 43 Dreamcast games reviewed, I hope you get use from these!!!!!!
SilverDog
Key:
1 star = worst, 5 star = best.
HERE GOES!!
1.
House of The Dead 2 is a good game, but like most arcade to console conversions, itís not really going to hold your attention for that long ñ a decent arcade game, thatís worth the £1 just to shoot the hell out of the un-dead, or walking dead, whatever name they call themselves, and itís great that the game is available in a box set with the light gun, but if you can get hold of the game then well done ñ itís probably sold out over the country as no more new stock is being sold.
The aim ñ go into the house, with a friend ñ all you have to do is shoot, but shoot well, precisely and at the right people, or youíll be losing lives. ìDo not go into the house aloneî Great, but really, HOTD2 isnít scary ñ itís just fun. Arcade madcap shooting fun, and youíll like it for the first few goes at completing it, when you finally do, youíll probably sell it. Thatís the general done thing, and thatís what I did, I think.
The zombies and dead people all look reasonably grotesque and a definite improvement upon the original is notable, but the graphics donít look quite arcade perfect, still, theyíre close enough. The sound and acting is appalling, some of the worst virtual acting and scripting youíll see in a game, but thatís to be expected and it doesnít really matter.
The game is easy, a real blast as it were, and something to do on a rainy day. 4 Stars because itís fun!
2.
Toy Commander ñ a classic game from where Iím playing ñ this game is one of the best from makers No ClichÈ, the game is so original and well done, but has its faults ñ like most games, but its one of the most fun 4 player games around, although the main feature is the excellent single player mode!
Single Player ñ you are the commander of toys, a childís toys, so donít get too excited now, so youíll control mini helicopters, cars, toy tanks, planes and boats ñ in order to complete the mission told to you in the mission briefing! The gameplay is really good, with some tricky tasks and bosses, but itís unlike anything Iíve played before. The visuals are pretty good too ñ this was one of the first ëwaveí of Dreamcast titles, and it still looks good by the dayís standard.
Multiplayer games are enhanced by completing the single player mode ñ the more in one player you do, the more rooms you unlock for the 4 player shoot/fly ëem ups that will take place in the lounge, kitchen, dining room, kids bedroom and so on. Itís hard to see your toy in the multi player modes, so make sure you play on a decent Television!
Plus points:
Great gaming, original and stands out from the crowd!
Graphics are top notch, very well done!
Great fun game!
Price!
Downsides:
Hard to find now,
Hard to see what youíre trying to control in the multiplayer games, you need a big television: aim: destroy opponents!
Controls are slightly tricky.
Overall a decent game 4 stars, very good and worth your cash, good!
3.
Ecco The Dolphin, Defender of the Future, is one of the most visually ëwowí games you will see on the Dreamcast, it really is that good! Swimmingly good in fact, with some startlingly impressive lighting effects and water graphical presentation ñ it looks awesome. The dolphin animation is quite simply stunning ñ Sega based all the movements on a real Dolphinís, using some kind of technology, and itís just a superb result ñ 6 stars out of 5 for visuals.
Now for the bad aspect ñ the gameplay, unfortunately Ecco is one of the most difficult games youíll play, should you even buy it ñ itís so hard that I gave up on around level 5 out of 30 odd, but 5 levels was enough to realise that the game was getting boring, challenges just didnít seem that exciting, not even the graphics could make up for it, but on visual splendour alone, the game is definitely worth a look ñ renting perhaps, or maybe if youíre really good at games, youíll find this easy, I certainly didnít and so I wouldnít really say itís one of the best games Iíve played. Best Iíve seen, but not best I played.
Plus points:
Amazing visuals and sound effects ñ very fluid, very tranquil ñ the game is quite fun to play just swimming about, forgetting about the tasks.
If youíre good, youíll be rewarded?
Downsides:
Way too hard, and no difficulty setting change!
Boring!
Overall? Err well itís a dolphin game, being a dolphin is harder than it looks! 2stars, sorry!
4.
Soul Reaver ñ the next step from Tomb Raider for Eidos? Well yes, and I would put money on Soul Reaver becoming a film as well, but hopefully a decent one ñ give it 3 more years, a chance for another 3 or 4 games to be released, starting off with Soul Reaver 2 ñ unsurprisingly the sequel to this one, and I would be sure that enough people would want a film.
Soul Reaver is a good game, but gets boring ñ like Tomb Raider, and itís basically the same game as Tomb Raider ñ just replace Lara Croft with a dead Vampire with broken wings called Raziel, change the wolves, bears and so on to gremlin type things and other beasts and youíve got the same game. Similar gameplay. Similar graphics engine, same cameras ñ but then thatís expected!
Graphically it looks dated, but there are some nice lighting effects to inspire you through levels of tedium ñ huge levels, some are impressive, some are just boring. The storyline is rather good though, with an explanation told to you after a very good intro ñ youíre setting out to fight Kain ñ you got too powerful, so he broke your wings, charming.
Raziel canít fly, but can jump high and glide ñ fighting off evil spirits and so on, there is a certain amount of sorcery and wizardry here, lots of spells to cast, lots to do and discover, but I didnít really get on too well with it ñ I think a multiplayer option should be added to games like these, they get boring on your own!
Overall, a decent game that is available at the right side of £10, so itís worth getting, just I wasnít overly astounded by it. If you like Tomb Raider, youíll love this, if you hated Tomb Raider, youíll throw up at this. 3 stars.
5.
Shenmue - the best or most hyped ëRPG/adventure/fighting/racing game of all time ñ what do you reckon? After playing through the whole game I am going to have to say that it was definitely an experience that you should try, itís a different game to most in that it will have you enthralled and addicted to it ñ youíll complete it quickly because youíll want to get past the dull moments ñ of which there are plenty, in order to get to the exciting action parts ñ of which, again, there are many, but overall itís probably the most advanced game of all time, one that will set a new trend hopefully!
Hyped ñ Shenmue was hyped up because it cost $70million dollars to make and promote, with an incredible amount of voice acting to be completed ñ including translations, writing and editing ñ Yu Suzuki has worked very hard indeed for Sega to create something that I would say will last for a long time indeed ñ 16 more chapters to go folks! Selling over a million copies, and liked by many, the game has not failed.
Best adventure game? Yes and no. You take on the role of Ryo Suzuki, a young Japanese student, probably 17 years old, seeing as heís not allowed to drink alcohol, who has to find the murderers of his father ñ youíll get the storyline told to you via the brilliant opening introduction, taking about 10minutes to get through! There are lots to do in the game, including mini games, fighting ñ a 70man brawl is great fun at the end, and basically you will become Ryo for a while ñ the game will take at least 30 hours to get through, itís well worth the money for sure.
Graphics are better than ëthe most advanced visuals in a video game ñ everí, if thatís possible ñ theyíre lifelike, really, very good indeed. The animations and facial expressions of the characters is startlingly realistic ñ ever wanted a holiday in Japan? Yea? Well, 1986, buy Shenmue, youíre there.
Plus points:
Graphics are amazing.
Soundtrack is brilliant.
Fighting and adventuring is great fun, at times.
This is probably the best game youíll see from Yu Suzuki, until the next chapter!
Downsides:
Terrible acting from some characters!
DULL at times: do you really want to spend a day forklift truck working?
May seem pointless to some.
Overall, I did find it boring at times, but it is a masterpiece, forgive me ñ 4 stars because at times it was very tedious. Still, you have to play it.
6.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica, ah what a thoroughly impressive game from Capcom of Japan, this is definitely a true 128 bit Resident Evil game, which is soon to be released on the PlayStation 2 ñ a slightly edited version from the Dreamcast classic and absolute success story, one of the best selling Dreamcast games, and one of the most thrilling and chilling Survival horrorís in the genre and long running series of the supreme games.
Basically, you start off as Claire, Chris Redfieldís brother, and start off on the zombie infested island progressing your way through some really intense and exciting areas ñ escape from the island is the main objective, but it will prove harder than you think. No difficulty changing options will mean that youíll need to be sparing on the fire power, using the best weapons for the more powerful zombies and creatures ñ youíve seen it before, but never this good. RE CV is the best Resident Evil game ever, no question about it ñ 100% recommendation here, means something, I think youíll agree.
You donít just shoot Zombies (you can use fists as well!), but seriously you have a lot of thinking to do to ñ the game may make you jump, sorry ñ WILL make you jump and help your heart reach an anaerobic state of contraction, simply because itís will surprise you ñ hounds running out at you from nowhere, a groaning zombie whoís become muted for a while will sneak up and occasionally make you, yourself fall out of your chair! I remember an advertisement in a magazine, with the gamer playing from behind his sofa ñ yes it is rather scary at times!
Plus Points:
Amazing visuals ñ 3D backgrounds look REAL, excellent water and fire effects, impressive is an understatement!
Superb gameplay, itíll have you screaming, jumping and transfixed in Racoon city for a good 30 hours on end. Book the weekend off!
Price ñ very good value game, recommended!
Downsides:
ëSeen it all before!í but never this good!
Control system is a little odd ñ hard to figure things out.
Overall, a 5 star celebration of a zombie horror fest ñ who needs to watch a scary movie when you have this!!
7.
Fur Fighters, oh dear, I warn you now ñ my opinion may not be in the same belief as others, but itís my opinion, so there. I donít like this, I donít like this for many reasons, but mainly because the game is aimed at children ñ the cute and cuddly Furry animals in the game, but then they go around shooting each other with plasma guns, shotguns and all sorts ñ itís basically not at all for children, but at least it doesnít have gallons of blood in the game.
There are two modes, the fluff match and then the single player adventure ñ mission mode. You pick one of 6 characters, fur fighters suggesting that these are animals ñ they are; choose from a dog, cat, kangaroo type thing, penguin and more, each has a special strength like digging powers, jumping strengths or climbing, and in their mission you have to play through the great many levels.
I only went half way through the game because I just didnít like the idea of it, and beat all the bosses to rescue the little baby animals. Great, how soppy! Shoot your way through some real frustrating and boring levels, itís not the best game Iíve played I can tell you that for sure.
The multiplayer mode is ok though, itís a bit like Quake 3, Golden Eye, games like that ñ a 4 player fluff match will see you and friends fighting it out with the weapons over a selected level, in order to get the most kills, aptly named ëfluffsí. This is the only part of the game that I found remotely interesting, but I sold it because I donít agree with the ethics of a game that appears to be aimed at children, then to find out that thereís shooting in it, I wouldnít let my kid brother play this.
2 stars, graphics are good, sound is dull, but I donít like this at all.
8.
Rayman 2 is one of the strangest Adventure games you will probably play, but itís also one of the best, and on Dreamcast it received a lot of critical applause for itís outstanding gameplay and superb visual splendour. Released last year Rayman 2 was the game that rivalled Sonic Adventure on the Sega console, although previously released on the N64, the action and adventure in Rayman was something of revelation.
Forget Tomb Raider and all that lot, this may seem to be a game aimed at children ñ visually amazing levels, lavishing in replenishing colour ñ itís a delight to play through for the graphics alone, but the gameplay is something else. Marvellous control system, really easy to play although the levels are a good challenge ñ it has a lot of character, totally bursting with life as you set out on your quest as the limbless hero. Loads of levels including online downloadable ones, Rayman will be jumping, swimming and solving problems with your help.
Plus points:
A vast selection of variation in levels, the gameplay is absolutely brilliant. Itís not as fast as Sonic, but just as good.
The graphics are spectacular, so, do not be put off by its youthful looks!
The control system and camera system are brilliant.
Price ñ only £15 from most places!
Downsides:
Itís very strange and that may put some people off = limbless hero? Odd!
Thatís all the downsides!
Overall a strong contender for adventure game of the last decade, brilliant 5 stars.
9.
Sonic Adventure 2 is slightly better than the first one ñ I can definitely come to that conclusion, but I will only award the sequel 4 stars instead of 5 because 1 and a half years on I do not believe the improvement is great enough, there still some niggles and flaws in the game, but overall, itís more of that same classic, unbeatable Sonic speed gameplay. And itís worth your money, I can tell you that.
Graphics have improved from the original, although only slightly as the first was pretty impressive, and we now no longer have to endure the ëbetween levelí boredom that was gratuity with the first, thankfully everything is a lot less dull, more vibrant and more exciting to play. An incredible amount of levels sees Sonic and some new, previously unheard of, friends progress through colourful, often frustrating, but unmistakably Sonic-style levels and challenges.
Plus Points:
Evil Sonic! Sonic faces the new suspiciously similar looking, but dark, hedgehog, created by his enemy! Livens the game up no end!
Graphically, proficiently, masterfully and superb gaming!
Less waiting around, lack of cut scenes. Good!
Downsides:
Camera is even dodgier than before!
Game gets boring in completion - itís a play once, sell on kind of game.
Overall an excellent game, but the longevity once completed is minimal.
4 stars.
10.
Tee Off is not good. In fact itís appalling and I wouldnít even give it any stars if I had the option, but I donít so 1 star will it be. The game is even more boring than the real sport, watching, which is an achievement, but not one to be proud of. Playing golf can be good, but watching it is not, and playing a virtual game of golf is worse than sucking chainsaws ñ yep, very painful!!
The game features cartoon style golfers with large oversized heads ñ not very fun, even though itís meant to be. The music is rubbish, the golfing is tedious and basically the only thing that saves the game isÖno, nothing saves this ñ itís rubbish. 4 players or not, youíll be back on Virtua Tennis in an instant.
The graphics are green. Dull, lifeless and just wasteful of the Dreamcast technology. This doesnít belong in anyoneís gaming collection, even if you like golf! The world circuit mode is a waste of time, the mini croquet game is feeble and free rounds are just likeÖanyway, the physics donít seem right, youíd be better off with Tiger Woodís golf or something more realistic, but golf in a video game ñ doesnít work.
1 Star.
11.
Virtua Fighter 3TB is not the most amazing game out there, but for me, as a fan of the original two games, I still think this is a brilliant game, despite being less well liked as Dead Or Alive 2 or Soul Calibur, itís one of the most complete and rewarding fighting games around. Look past itís apparent slowness to discover a masterful game ñ youíll have to learn the moves rather than just button bashing in games like SC and DoA2, Virtua Fighter 3tb features heavily on the team battle mode, is very similar to Virtua Fighter 2 just with better graphics, new mode and a couple more fighters ñ I really like it personally.
The best fighters are Jacky, Akira, Lion ñ but each to their own choice, the moves take time to learn, but youíll pick up basic punches, kicks and throws relatively simply. VF3 has some brilliant levels to fight in, with Kageís being the best in my view. The game is for 1 or two players ñ thereís a training mode, where you learn your moves against some strange looking fighters, and basically, itís really good!
Virtua Fighter 4 is coming out on the PlayStation 2 and looks like itíll be better than Tekken 4 and rivalling Namcoís other fighter ñ Soul Calibur, out on GameCube, and PlayStation 2 perhaps. I canít wait, itíll be a truly brilliant game!!
Plus points of VF3:
Great gameplay ñ intuitive moves and combos!
Graphics are far better than VF2 on the Saturn.
Price ñ the game is very good value where found.
Downsides:
Graphics look dated now,
Maybe too slow for some,
VF4 will look and play a lot better than it.
Overall, my opinion, I like it ñ 4 stars.
12.
Again, Fighting Vipers 2 is the second kind of Sega fighting game that is the sequel of the original Saturn game, but appearing on the Dreamcast, if you know what I mean.
VF3tb for me was a great game, but Fighting Vipers 2 doesnít really seem that brilliant. Perhaps itís because I prefer the slower style of gameplay in fighting games, thereís more time to think, but FV2 is just not as good a sequel as it should be. Itís lazy, whereas in VF3 you can tell that the developers made more of an effort.
The fighters are practically all unchanged and the gameplay remains the same ñ some great fighters like Bahn, but to be honest, I should have rented this one and so should you. There are practically no improvements other than in the eye candy department, so you should rent it if youíre considering buying.
The graphics arenít bad, but not as great as Tekken Tag, Soul Calibur, Dead Or Alive etcÖ The fighters all have a certain character two them ñ each has a different style, some use skateboards or poles to smash the opponent on the head with, and some just use bear fists.
If you liked the first, play the first ñ you donít need this as well, itís more of the same because it is the same. Nothing great here, but if you missed the original, then it may be worth a look ñ or a rent, 2 Stars maximum!
13.
Power Stone! Power Stone is an ace fighting game, one of the best on any console, ever released. Its made by the creators of Resident Evil, so you had to expect something original, and youíll be thoroughly impressed ñ Power Stone is a Capcom marvel.
The game is different to other fighters, as you have to run around some very strange arenas, more like rooms ñ full of all sorts, and picking up objects in order to knock your opponent senseless is actually rather good! You can also collect the three power stones, which act as power ups!
Once you have the 3 power stones, youíll turn into a huge version of yourself, and become all-powerful ñ easily winning that round against the enemy! So as you can imagine, itís completely mad, youíre trying to get the stones, and not lose them ñ keep the opposition away!
The fighters are all mad looking ñ typical Japanese gaming, and all have different qualities: some can fly for a short while, some can jump high, and some are just very powerful! Choose wisely in the one player mode, itís actually quite a good charrenge! (I mean challenge, but the Japanese in game voice says Charrenge :-)
The levels are well designed, and thereís plenty to keep you occupied ñ if you can get the game for less than a tenner then do so! Itís an original classic, and very quirky fun and full of vibrant life. 5 Stars.
14.
Soul Calibur ñ the best game on the Dreamcast? Who can say for sure, but this is a very impressive fighting game that would appeal more to the ëcasualí gamer if there is such a thing, than the likes of Tekken.
Donít get me wrong ñ Tekken is a great game, but Soul Calibur is probably easier to get into and play ñ itís certainly one of the highest rated fighting games, and produced by Namco, you wouldnít expect anything else!
The game has a large one player mission mode which will keep you busy for a while, some tasks are very challenging, and then thereís the arcade mode ñ chance to unlock lots of great new characters, but the best mode is the 2 player of course!
Thereís nothing like beating a full of themselves mate at a fighting game, and Soul Calibur is a great way to have tournaments, a winner stays on competition and more. The game is so good for many reasons though ñ itís great fun for 2 or more people (take it in turns), the one player mission is a mission, and the graphics and gameplay is excellent.
Graphically very advanced, although it may not look as great as some top PS2 games ñ the detail and smoothness is definitely strong with SC. The moves are easy to learn, and youíll pick up lots in no time at all.
A superb game, that is a little fast a furious, but deserving of your pound coins or credit card number.
15.
Right, Dead or Alive 2 ñ Iím coming with you! This is another great fighting game on the Dreamcast games console, and this time 4 of you can battle it out in some supreme Tag battle action ñ thereís plenty more to float your boat too, but the best point of the game is the multiplayer activity.
Gameplay ñ the controls are good, very easy to learn and some stunning moves can be performed with a little practice. Counter moves are impressive ñ learn the right button combination and you could become unbeatable! The game plays really well, in all modes, aside from the slightly boring and empty story mode ñ daft stories, strange looking boss to beat!
Graphics ñ very, very good. No pop up, no glitches. Some very shiny and flamboyant outfits, some very interesting characters and levels! The graphics are probably better than Soul Calibur, thatís saying something!
The modes are plentiful, but as I say the main reason you should get this is in order to utilise all four of the control ports ñ great fun with 4 of you playing, the tag mode is excellent.
Overall for £20, or less this is a superb game, with the one player mode being the only let down. 5 Stars
16.
Power Stone 2 is another really great game from Capcom, itís the follow up to the original, as youíd expect, and is probably one of the speediest and most fun 4 player simultaneous fighting games around! Just like the original, you get to select from a bunch of really strange looking characters, and there is a fairly ok single player mode, but the action lies with the multiplayer option.
4 of you can play at once, on the same screen, and the best part is youíre on your own, every player for themselves! As you drop from level to lower levels, fighting in mid air can and will take place ñ youíll still be able to pick up boxes and chests and bombs to throw at your opponents, but this time itís a whole lot crazier!
Surprisingly the gameplay is just as good, although at times it can get a little too crazy ñ 4 of you racing around the fighting arena room for the power stones ñ quite funny, but in general this is as good as it gets. The graphics are amazing, very chunky and visually astute, the game looks like a clear-cut winner.
Replay value is good too as the game wont set you back an awful lot, the four player mode will be returned to time and time again, often in preference to the 4 player tag game of Dead Or Alive 2. As a game thatís so mad, and so very Japanese, this is actually quite brilliant.
Overall, if you donít own this, donít worry ñ just go out and buy it before it sells out across the country. 5 Stars.
17.
Ready? Ready for what! Letís get Ready 2 Rumble! Or not, depending on how far youíve gotten in the game. You see, ready 2 Rumble is a great boxing game that isnít let down by over seriousness, in fact itís far from serious with caricature style boxers ñ from the fast and funky afro, Afro Thunder to the solid butcher Brown heís probably the most powerful boxer outside of the secret characters!!
The gameplay is great, with lots of superb moves to pull off ñ uppercuts, right jabs, head buts, loads more ñ and you can even make the boxers speak, youíll be hearing witty phrases like ìSomebody call the doctor!î ñ anyway, you had to be there, Ready 2 Rumble is great in the arcade game for 2players to battle it out, but the world circuit mode is pretty dull.
You have to train up your boxer, using gyms, health pills and suspicious medicine, and more ñ itís not that fun after a while, but I managed to complete through the game without using the popular cheats! Then take him or her out to face the world ñ progressing through bronze level, silver, then gold ñ then the massive boss who may prove slightly trickyÖ
Graphics are very good, and it still looks alright, seeing as this was a launch title, the characters and arenas look smooth and polygon proficient ñ itís a damn fine game to play too, other than the not so brilliant one player mode.
2player boxing, great fun - 4 Stars!
18.
Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC as it is also known, could this be the king of fighters? Sadly not, but it does have some great strengths, but also a few flaws too. It features a training mode ñ harden up your fighter, no matter what style of fighting they posses ñ anything goes in UFC.
Thereís also a superb tournament mode, probably the best mode other than the 2 player versus mode ñ the idea is simple, pick a fighter, find an opponent and knock the wind out of them, using any fighting style you care to perform ñ itís a very, very realistic game, you can hear every punch, every cry of pain, itís not for the faint hearted, definitely not for the kids!
Graphics are brilliant, but graphics donít always make a game, although this and the control system are the strong points of Ultimate Fighting Championship, it lacks a certain something ñ something called depth. The game wonít hold your attention for very long really as there isnít a really lengthy decent one-player mission or anything, and the fact that thereís only one arena ñ the same boring hexagonal arena, will help the boredom pour in. Itís good, just longevity what be itís saving grace.
Overall, the fighters are excellent, the graphics are realistic, but donít expect this to last ñ so get it if you can find it for less than £20 I would say. 3 stars.
19.
Ready 2 Rumble 2 is a good sequel to the original Midway classic, but doesnít successfully add enough to the longevity in the one player circuit championship mode for me to rave for hours on end about it. But it is an improvement, and if you liked the first one, you will most probably find peace with the second ñ itís funnier than ever before, slightly less serious than the non-serious first one, and involves a lot of new exciting characters!
Gaming is similar to before, but whereas in the first game you just needed to gain 6 letters spelling ìrumbleî from particularly good moves or attacks, in order to become super fast and powerful, totally knocking your opponent out ñ in the sequel you can have 3 levels of Rumble, so once all the letters are there, you can go on getting more power up punches right until the most powerful rumble level ñ itís quite amazing how far youíll punch the other player out the ring!!
The controls have been addressed well in that theyíre still easy to perform great moves, but thereíre also a lot of new combos and moves to learn, something the original lacked. The secret characters add to the charm of everything, you still have Afro Thunder, the undisputed champion of the world, but heís joined by some really weird bonus boxers like Michael Jackson, the Clintonís ñ Hilary and Bill! As well as some strange others, Shaquille OíNeal, a funny robot and some others too.
Graphics have advanced slightly, but not overly so. The game is as funny as ever, but the lack of a decent one-player championship still detracts from the game. Itís good, but not 5 star worthy yet ñ the third should be great. 4 Stars. Worth getting - Yes! The best fighting game on the PlayStation 2.
20.
WWF Attitude is as good as wrestling is real. Make sense? Hopefully, because Wrestling is all staged, and itís great, but we all know itís not real, the results are predetermined in most cases, and in general, Wrestling is just for entertainment, not in anyway a serious sport, in my view.
There are some wrestling games that deserve recognition ñ WWF No Mercy was good, despite its recall (one of the only recalled games), and WWF Smack Down 2 and the original, both great games. Attitude is not good. In fact itís the worst wrestling game available.
The controls are sloppy, the wrestlers all feel as if theyíre about 10 tonnes each, they take so long to get across the ring ñ itís so slow and unresponsive, but the game has an official licence ñ how on earth did they let this be released? There moves are near impossible to pull off, youíd be far better off with Smack Down on the PlayStation 1.
The graphics and sound are abysmal, a word I seldom use ñ I rarely say seldom too, so itís clear Iím not impressed with Attitude ñ there is no attitude in the game, just a feeling that the developers had a bad attitude when making it.
Avoid this if you want your sanity in tact. You will not forgive yourself for paying the £10 or whatever you pay. 1 star.
21.
Sega Bass Fishing is a really good game, one that you need to play, and one that everyone will want to play at parties, new years and family gatherings - it's fun just to use the fishing rod peripheral to actually real in that super bass - and they look so authentic too!
At a good price, the game is worth buying, despite it not being the greatest in longevity terms. You will play for around a week or two before getting bored I would think, but this is one to keep as your family and friends will love playing it, it's quite funny watching someone try their hand at virtual Fishing!
Why go fishing in a video game? Well, why go fishing in life? All you do is put the fish back after hours of waiting around to catch it? In Sega Bass fishing you keep the fish, with it's mass being added to the total mass, giving you a score at the end. It's as pointless as the real thing, but there's less waiting around, and you won't get wet if it rains.
The graphics are sensational, although the rippling effects on the water surface are a little poor, but the fish look real - they move like real fish, and think like them too - some will go straight for the bait, whilst others, usually large super bass, will just stay static and not give a monkeys.
The sound is dreadful though, with awful commentary 'select time' in an annoying voice, although the water sounds aren't bad.
The game has several modes, including a fairly good championship mode - the game is good, but there's only one style of fish, the game gets boring after a while, so 4 stars for originality alone.
22.
ESPN Track and Field is the one of few Konami titles to be released on the Dreamcast, and sadly it's not very good. It has around 12 events, the usual ones, but it's just not anywhere near as good as the Track and Field 2 game on the original PlayStation 1 console.
The game is worth getting if you love running the 100m Dash, 110m Hurdles, or throwing the Javelin, performing the Long Jump and Pole Vault, and up to 4 of you can partake in the events, some one at a time, and others, like the racing events and free style swimming, you can all race it out at once - your control pad will not be the same again.
But, it isn't as good as the originals, the game has fewer events and the graphics don't seem that much better than the PlayStation versions, and another poor aspect is the camera angle - in some events its near impossible to see when to throw as a line or marker is obscured by a tree or dodgy camera styles.
The controls are simple, all you need to do is press the right buttons, and press them damn fast too! The game will not last you as long as some athletics games, but at least there is the option for four of you to play it.
Overall, a disappointing game because of the lacking events, but it's worth getting if you're a must have fan of this style of game. 3 stars.
23.
Sega aren't renowned for producing top quality football games, they didn't do very well with Sega World Wide Soccer - any of them, and Virtua Striker 2000.v.1 was a joke, but there have managed to up class Virgin Interactive as Virgin's game - European Super League, is the most appalling football game, ever.
The game is just not a game. They have managed to gain an official licence, so there's 16 of the best football teams available to choose from, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Real, Barcelona and more - but SIXTEEN teams? That's just not enough I'm afraid, and you won't recognise any of the players anyway, so there's no real point.
The graphics are bemusing. This game would be ridiculed on a 32bit console, on a 128bit Dreamcast, the game is beyond a joke, the visuals are pathetic - they spent more time on the stadiums, and totally forgot about the rest. This isn't authentic, this is laughable and just not what you should be playing.
The controls are slightly better than the ping-pong pinball style action you'll see in the Virtua Striker game, but that doesn't say much. It's hard to run, shoot, tackle or make a string of passes - I can only assume they employed football haters to make ESL.
Overall. Overall nothing - it's a waste of money, time and your game playing. Avoid it. 1 star.
24.
Extreme Sports isn't a bad game either, it's an appalling game. Another one of Sega Sport's blunders, Sega Extreme Sports is about as extreme as a glass of water. The only plus points here are the visuals which do seem fairly good, aside from the obvious frame rate buggies, and lack of weather effects.
It's an inexpensive game for a reason, it's so poor that hardly anyone bought it, therefore it's been reduced to a very 'good' price, but I'd say don't pay more than £5, or you will have yourself thinking you've wasted your money. I certainly did, and I managed to sell the game before it was too late!
Basically you wait for the game to load, select a player and take on one of a few select courses, each involves a series of extreme sport - each one is boring, hard to control and totally pointless. There is no reward for playing through this, other than to say you've learned a lesson - never play through such a rubbish game again.
You can hang glide, ATV, run, cycle and bungee jump as well as snowboard, but none are well executed, the game suffers from an overwhelming sense of slowness and drab, you really do not want to buy this.
The graphics are not enough to save the game, it disappoints right from the word go. Don't show your mates this one, they'll laugh at you. 1 star.
25.
Giant Killers has become one of the only managerial games to hit the Dreamcast, and yes, it probably is the only one - at least, the only football managing game on the console, and it's pretty good too. It's well presented with clear, simple menu screens, but don't go expecting a Championship Manager, as Giant Killers is not as vast as the king of manager games.
You can select any team in the English leagues, which includes the Premiership, first, second, third divisions and the Football conference, all the teams are up to date for last season - i.e. the 2000/2001 seasons, and you must guide you club to the top, selecting one of three difficulty modes. The harder the mode, the more pressure, more tasks and more fun generally you will have.
The commentary is not voiced, but instead it's like CM, with the text coming up to show you what's happened, and of course you can adjust the way your team plays, change tactics - make that substitution, but be warned as freak results rarely happen, so don't go setting out with an all out attack formation when you're Luton or a similar team, facing someone like Manchester United! Not a wise decision.
You can make transfers, and everything is realistic - Michael Owen will not come and play for Luton, and Manchester United don't really want to buy Scunthorpe's reserve striker, but choose your team wisely. The game is fun to play, it's a challenge and will keep you entertained for a while.
4 stars.
26.
Jimmy White is a legend. He's one of the best British, more importantly - English - snooker veterans around and has had an astounding career, and in due course he was bound to get his own computer game! Jimmy White's 2 Cue ball is a great game for the snooker fan, and even those who don't usually like snooker.
The snooker table looks very good, and all the balls are shiny - the graphics are simple, but effective and realistic - the physics are right and you can even put backspin on the ball, the angles all play into effect, it's just like the real thing, but with control pads instead of actual cues, so I don't think it will ever be more popular than the real sport.
The controls are easy to learn, the game is great when you're playing a friend - less fun against the computer, but some other games like the darts sometimes seem more fun, so I often play them in the game, as they are an added feature.
Jimmy White's will last and last, you can have a tournament - knockout championships, as well as practicing and more. The game is very good for the price, which is around £10, so if you like this kind of game, you can't really go wrong with it!
Overall, it's a great title, for a great console, 5 Stars!
27.
NBA 2K is great! It's as you might expect, a basketball simulation, but it's one of the most impressive sports titles from Sega, and is probably the best 4player sports game other than Virtua Tennis. There are many features in the game that make it such a worthwhile title.
Modes: you can play in the playoffs, play a league, play an exhibition, quick start game, or just practice - all modes are great, but be prepared for this - if you want to save your championship/season, you're going to need to have a whole memory card's worth of space free - quite demanding, but it's worth it. The game plays so well, with all the NBA official teams and players.
The commentary is excellent, the players all look realistic and the graphics in general are top notch, with some great lighting reflection effects on the court, a decent crowd and courts! Four players can play - 2 a side - it's absolutely mad, but great fun with it.
You can create your own players, which is a very good idea - some players will look really strange - 5ft basketball players, really fat, but they can dunk it? Madness! You can give them shades, bands, different sneakers, very good idea, but again, this takes a lot of memory to save, so be careful!
Some players are better than others, and you'll soon find out who are the best - I'd say the Blazers, 76ers, Nicks and Pacers, but you may support a team and only want to be them.
The graphics as I say are superb, as is the sound - here the crowd cheer, the squeaking of the players' trainers on the court - brilliant.
Overall, you will not be disappointed. 5 star gaming.
28.
Sydney 2000, a good athletics game or just a button basher - it's definitely the official game of last years Olympics, but already I've forgotten about it, it wasn't that good then, and by no means has it suddenly gotten into my good books. I was convinced that this would be a worthwhile purchase after hearing lots of good acclaim about it, but unfortunately, it's not that wonderful.
The controls for me let the game down completely - it's far too hard to get to grips with this one, I'm sorry if you like it, but I just don't think the control system is very well executed, which is a shame because Eidos claimed the official Olympic licence for this game, and it's not as good as it should be.
There are around 10 events to get to grips or gripes with, depending on your view of the game, and each one will leave you fuming, as they're pretty hard to do. The graphics are good, but not a revelation by any means. The game was released on the PC, PlayStation and Dreamcast - the DC version looks the best, but I wouldn't spend anymore than £10 on this.
4 players! Four of you can partake in the events though, so that is a bonus, but I am reluctant to give the game any more than 2 stars. It'll last as long as the Olympics, by the time they're over, the game won't be played anymore. Overall, it has some nice features like a virtual gym, but no, not great.
2Stars.
29.
Metropolis Street Racer is a very good game although I have found some discrepancies with the game. It has a lot of plus points too though but I have to say that this is amongst one of the best racing games on the format. The graphics will astound you -theyíre based on 3 real life cities ñ very realistic and very smooth indeed.
Essentially the game revolves around a respect system in the one player mode, called Kudos ñ race stylishly against 25 chapters worth of mini tasks ñ mini races and championships ñ itís very vast. Get kudos for hot laps ñ but remember, itís not about how fast you drive - itís about how you drive fast! So they sayÖ
Plus points:
Superb graphics
Amazing gameplay ñ very good handling, realistic physics!
Stunning cars and very nice lighting effects.
The vastness of the whole game ñ MSR is huge!
The one player experience!
Downsides:
Multiplayer mode: itís very complicated and takes AGES to set up.
The Frame rate in multiplayer ñ slow!
The warnings ñ every time you touch a wall or car, you get kudos deducted and an annoying warning sign. ANNOYING.
Overall? Itís a worthy game of your money. But itís not a 5 star game. 4.
30.
Sega Rally is another of the Dreamcast catalogue of racing titles. Looking back at the first game Sega Rally 1 ñ an arcade classic, and one of the best games on the unpopular Sega Saturn console, itís really strange why I donít like this game. Itís not fresh, so itís been out for over 2 years now, but Sega Rally 2 is an arcade game at heart, and that is where it belongs, in my opinion.
The graphics arenít bad, but theyíre nothing on GT3 and MSR ñ the pop up is still evident and the frame rate isnít fantastic, although sliding round on the icy snowy circuits does have itís moments. Thereíre many cars in the game, including the Peugeot 206, 306 and 205, Subaru Imprezaís and the classic Evoís from Mitsubishi ñ stunning car.
Plus points?
Thereíre a lot more tracks and cars than the first game.
The cars are all official.
Itís Sega Rally 2.
Downsides:
The graphics are not as they should be.
Horrible border around the edge of the screen ñ no 60hz options!
The frame rate and ëfoggingí effects (as the scenery suddenly appears) is not a patch on GT3 and MSR.
Itís an arcade game at heart - wasnít designed for a control pad and tiny screen.
Overall, I would recommend Sega Rally 2 to you to play in the arcade, or if you have a large television and a couple of steering wheels, but with a control pad it just loses the realism and fun. 2 stars, but for £10 Iíd say get it.
31.
Sonic Adventure was a launch title for the illustrious Sega Dreamcast and I have to say that it was probably one of the biggest leaps in adventure games of all time. Sonic has been around for over ten years, and his first outing on the Sega Dreamcast was a very successful one, arriving in a full 3D action packed fun filled adventure, as the title would suggest.
Nearing two years of age now, the game has had a sequel in the form of the also pretty impressive Sonic Adventure 2 but still remains one of the best games on the console, as well as being an incredible bargain at just £7.99 from retailers. The game sees Sonic and 5 friends on their own little adventures which all blend into one towards the end ñ the main goal for sonic is to defeat the creature called Chaos, as well as fending off the evil Dr Egg man (Dr Robotnik).
I wont spoil it for you too much, but needless to say the game has many strengths ñ a great sense of character, Sonic Team graphics that will not disappoint, and the most brilliant gameplay with very few faults at all.
Plus points:
Great graphics and some excellent effects, one of the first DC games to take advantage of the power.
Massive game, with loads and loads of levels, sub levels and mini games ñ will keep you entertained for ages!
Superb sense of character and style ñ Sonic Team really did turn up the heat with this one.
Price! Itís just £7.99 ñ you cannot go wrong.
Downsides:
Unfortunately the in game camera crew were all drunk, thus dodgy cameras.
Frustrating gameplay at times ñ some levels are really hard and monotonous, but only a few.
Overall, a top game, at the time I would have given 4 stars, but because of the price and replay value, I have to say 5.
32.
Uefa Striker is an average football game, itís as good as UEFA Dream Soccer on the Dreamcast, but itís better than the other mouldy crop of Dreamcast football games ñ thereís not a lot on the console that justifies all this football sponsorship ñ Arsenal etc, but Uefa Striker is ok.
The game has really good goalkeepers, so itís fairly hard to score, but thatís not so much of a problem, as there are some very good strikers too! The game is an all round good game I would say, it has appreciable graphics and gameplay ñ the controls are easy to learn, but those goalies are pretty amazing, it is hard to score.
You can choose from training and certification mode, friendly matches (either club or country), a league or a tournament/knockout. The options and game selections are fine, youíre able to select the time limit for the game, choose stadium, weather and extra times, but unfortunately there is no indoor match option!
The teams are all official, the game has an official licence, although the names of the teams, not the players strangely, do seem a little odd for some ñ since when was AC Milan ëRosso de Milanoí? But donít worry too much.
The commentary is ok but Ron Atkinson is an idiot and repeats his lines over an over again, just like in real life, but Jon Pearce is alright.
Overall, Uefa Striker is a good game, but sometimes it gets frustrating when you can hardly score. 3 stars.
33.
Four Wheel Thunder, in my opinion, is not as bad as some people make out, but then each to their own train of thought, as I think it is worth getting this monster truck/off road racing game. The game does have its downsides, but it also has a lot of positives to go by.
The graphics are very good, although they could have done a lot more with the presentation and menu screens: they look too dark and fiddly. The monster trucks look reasonably shiny, and the arenas, outdoor circuits are quite interesting & look good, but the sky just doesnít seem to fit right, looks very odd. You can also race smaller four-wheel drive cars, which look like buggies.
The game plays very well indeed, with a good control system ñ the cars handle well, and the emphasis being on speed, picking up power ups, much like in games of Hydro Thunder, and of course the aim is to win. Frame Rate is fantastic ñ a little too fast at times, as one secondís lost concentration will result in a crash.
You can play one player in a championship, or even 2 players in championship, but the likelihood is that just one of you will take it on, definitely a challenge! The two player games are superb though, probably the best aspect of 4 Wheel Thunder: play a bomb tag mode, balloon popping and all sorts.
Give the game a chance to impress as it is slightly hard to win anything, but itís worth getting to grips with. The worst aspects of the game have to be the lame engine noises and awful music, which are painful to listen to.
Overall, a worthy game of your money, you should be able to pick this up for a bargain price ñ somewhere around £10. 4 Stars
34.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater One, was one of the best games ever released, but makers/creaters Activision/Neversoft have managed to improve upon a game so complete and thoroughly entertaining and released Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 to the market's acclaim - this game is superb, it's one of the best games you'll ever play and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Just like the first, it's addictive...
Very addictive in fact, but this time the career has more, it has better designed levels, more tournaments, more challenges and more addiction factor. There are many new features, the best levels are probably the warehouse, the first level in the Hangar and of course Marseille - the first competition stage.
The new features include better 2 player action, you can select more modes to play in, but the classic HORSE, trick attack, graffiti modes are there, but TAG is new which does add a slight variation. The best new aspects of the game are the skatepark design and player design option.
You are skateboard god - you can create your very own world in which to skate, using a selection of premade parts, like half pipes, pipes to grind along, trees, dips, it's very impressive - some of the levels you can make, superb.
The Player Design is also great as you're able to give your skateboarder a name, face, age, mass, clothing and more. It's just a really good customisable option that enhances the already superb gameplay experience. Well done!
The graphics are better than before, it's very smooth indeed, and the music just keeps getting better and better - some great Papa Roach style sounds going on!
The game is around £20 to buy, really good value - you should definitely buy this game.
5 Stars
35.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is one of the greatest revelations in gaming today, it kicked started a new wave of top quality gaming in the form of extreme sports titles.
Tony Hawk, one of the best skateboarders in the world, definitely the most influential, has made his fame through this game, and the game has inspired many to take up the sport, and I believe this game is one of the best around.
Graphically impressive, the game was originally on the PlayStation, so essentially this is just a clone of that game, but it allows those with a Dreamcast to play the game, so that cannot be bad. Plus, the graphics are a lot better than the shaky PlayStation Graphics, so this is definitely the better version.
The game excels on gameplay more than anything, with the emphasis being on getting points for showing off really - the better the tricks and moves you do, the more points you will get - you'll find the gameplay rewarding and great fun, even when you're a beginner. There's something very addictive about Tony Hawk's Pro Skater - you will not be disappointed.
Grind all over rails, table tops, anywhere in the greatly designed areas, do some spectacular manoevers in the air, pulling off a huge combo of tricks to much reward or a certain splat, which is funny! THPS is a very, very entertaining game, one player and two player modes - it's a class title.
The two player battles are just as good as the single player fantastic career mode, you can play the horse trick, graffiti or trick attack modes - it's great fun, just show how good you really are!
The game has great music, great graphics and gameplay, and is a class act all round.
5 stars.
36.
Le Mans 24 ñ a totally brilliant Dreamcast racing game with some absolutely mind blowing graphics, theyíre probably the best in any Dreamcast Racing game, and to be honest this is probably the best Dreamcast racing game available ahead of everything else, although I wouldnít say itís quite as good as GT3, but what is? The graphics arenít just the gameís strong point though, as this has everything!
Brilliant gameplay is due to the superb handling of the large high speed le mans cars, the best of course is the McLaren F1 car, but thereíre others too including a stunning Audi car which is my personal favourite, but the handling of everything is superb. The sensation of speed is really good too, with a very impressive draw distance, meaning no pop up or glitches, no frame rate issues and no problems regarding dodgy music ñ this is light, but decent dance music.
Another cool feature is the fact that four of you can race at once ñ split screen four player is amazing, great fun, really competitive and the graphics arenít affected in any way at all ñ well done infogrames.
Plus points:
Sound, music, graphics ñ all are flawless.
The cars look real - the lighting effects are amazing too: itís very classy!
The gameplay is exceptional, racing le mans cars around real circuits at 170mph is great fun ñ four player woohoo!
Downsides:
Overall, a 5 star game, get it while you can.
37.
Daytona USA 2001 is not the best racing game I have ever played in my life and to be perfectly honest, Sega have been disgraceful in their decision to NOT include the promised online play ñ the Americans and Japanese have this mode, but we do not. Why is this? Sega claims that they wanted the game to be released at a certain time, and therefore the online play, which wasnít that important anyway (yeah right), would be lost as a feature.
Still, you have a two-player mode, and a single player mode too. But are they any good? I was a great fan of the arcade original ñ found racing against 36 computer AI cars and 3 other humans was great fun! The Sega Saturn games were a mess to be honest, with shoddy graphics and dodgy looking tracks, but the Dreamcast version hasnít really evolved.
The cars are unrealistically shiny, the handling is not very nice at all, and just like Sega Rally 2 Daytona USA should remain an arcade game, the console conversion just doesnít do it justice. You NEED the steering wheel and feedback. Just not the same here!
Plus points:
The tracks are all varied & the graphics are good too!
The speed is phenomenal, a really fast racing game indeed.
Many options to fiddle with, but the only car tweaking is changing the colours.
Downsides:
Over shiny cars - so not very impressive at all in my view!
No online play, which really does put a whole spanner in the works.
Not the original arcade game it once was. Lost appeal.
Feedback through a steering wheel and moving seat ñ ouch my back? Itís just not here.
2 stars.
38.
Crazy Taxi 2 is, surprise-surprise, the follow up to the smash hit Crazy Taxi on the Dreamcast, which is now on PlayStation 2 ñ but while the PlayStation 2 has only recently had the original ported onto it, the DC has been graced with the second, and although itís more of the same, the same is just what we wanted, because it was so good in the first place ñ why alter it too much!
Instead of racing round a San Francisco like city, or the complicated and not so fun Dreamcast original city, you now get to race around the streets of the small apple and the around apple cities ñ based on New York obviously. The best thing about this is the vast amount of traffic and customers ñ you can now perform the superb trick, which is the Crazy hop! Just press the X and Y buttons, youíll learn easily ñ performs a jump over the other traffic ñ great fun!
Plus points:
You can now take multiple passengers! That means youíll get more fares and more tips, itís harder than you think sometimes though, so be careful.
The graphics, although similar to the first game, are fantastic ñ very fresh, very fast and outrageously funky.
The gameplay is excellent, yet again this is first class entertainment in a Dreamcast game.
Soundtrack ñ more offspring! Great stuff.
Downsides:
New cabbies just arenít the same as BD Joe, Gus, Gena and Axel
Turning is trickier ñ not as sharp.
Overall? A top Dreamcast game that is worth your £29.99, one of the best sequels to hit the console!
5 stars
39.
Crazy Taxi is not your average racing game, in fact itís hard to say itís a racing game at all, but in all honest it does involve cars and racing around cities with the objective of taking customers to their chosen destination within a time limit in order for you to gain money - $ as points, so it is kind of, but itís a Taxi game ñ thatís the genre ñ madcap taxi driving!! And itís so damn good too!
The game is absolutely superb fun to play ñ the controls are simple, but youíll learn new skills, like Crazy Dash and Crazy Drift, and more ñ in order to get your customers to the places quicker and receive bigger tips! Race through traffic, knock over juggernauts, itís so much fun! The graphics are fresh and colourful, the cars handle arcade like, which is relieving, and in general, this is one original game.
Plus points:
Amazing gameplay ñ the game is simply in a class and genre of itís own.
Arcade like handling and fast paced action, this is one crazy game!
The music is just class ñ the offspring and bad religion provide a funky and furious soundtrack!
Crazy Box mini modes ñ great fun!
Downsides:
Slight pop up here and there with some
slowdown.
Wonít last as long as some other racers.
Overall a very worthy game that deserves to be bought, Hitmaker have done a fantastic job with porting the arcade classic onto the Dreamcast.
5 star gaming.
40.
Tokyo Highway Challenge lives up to itís less than exciting name, simply because itís one of the most tedious and mind numbingly boring games of all time. As youíd expect from the title, the premise is just racing at night time ñ in the dark, which brings about one of the games only strong points ñ decent lighting effects and car visuals, but itís just so boring ñ youíre racing along long stretches of Japanese highways, at night, itís not fun at all!
The graphics are fine, but simple and plain ñ the speed is OK, but nothing more so, and theyíre not up there with Polyphony Digitalís masterpiece, but still, this is probably the gameís only strong point. The cars are all unofficial look-alikes of mainly Japanese Hondas, Nissans and more ñ not good being unofficial, and the tracks are just so lifeless ñ basically itís just one track, but with more sections opening up as you complete through the game.
Woefully handling cars, not at all desirable to play, probably why this game is just £5 second hand, and around £8 new! A fifth of the price when it was first released.
Plus points:
Cars sound and look alright, with good lighting effects.
Price.
Downsides:
The game is the most boring racing game youíll play, Sega Rally 2 is better than this pile of THC.
The tracks are rubbish.
Unofficial.
Bland and lifeless
Overall, this is not one to watch, itís one to avoid. Even at £5! 1 star.
41.
As far as F1 games go, I would recommend you play on a PC only with a decent F1 steering wheel with force feedback ñ i.e. buy Grand Prix 3 and a Microsoft Wheel, itíll be the best F1 gaming experience you can have, but F1 World Grand Prix isnít bad at all.
It has an official licence, with all the cars and drivers and tracks from the 1998 season ñ that means Eddie Irvine is still at Ferrari and Mika Hakkinen would be the best choice of driver, and thereíll be some dodgy commentary from a fake Murray Walker!!
So, the official status is a must have with any F1 game, but most do, but itís nice to know that at least one Dreamcast game has a licence. The two player races are excellent, it doesnít matter how good you are ñ racing at 200mph is fun, no matter how virtual it is ñ a lot safer in a game of course.
The single player championship is what itís all about though, but donít worry ñ you wonít have to race 70 odd laps each circuit, you can tune and select in the options for whatever suits your needs. Good options package here!
Pit stops, good Ai cars, decent graphics ñ commentary, stupid but ok, and very nice vroooom sounds!
Plus points:
Great graphics!
Sound!
Speed sensation.
Tuning and options ñ selections etc..
The astounding two player battles.
Downsides:
Itís old now.
Nothing on GP3.
Overall, F1 World GP is official, it has realistic handling that will require a skilful driver ñ itís fast, good fun and a challenge.
4 stars.
42.
Wacky Races is actually a very good game, I would say itís most definitely aimed at the younger generation of Dreamcast racing game players, but adults and all generations will have a good couple of hours play out of this from time to time. Staring Dick Darstedly and Mutley ñ you know, from the cartoons, as well as many other superb and hilarious characters.
Itís very much a non serious racing game, you canít take it too seriously, itís just a really fun and entertaining racer that will appeal to children and so for the asking price of just £10 - £20, where available (Dreamcast games are getting hard to find nowadays), itís well worth the money.
Stylishly done, with a unique 2D as 3D presentation, it has to be seen to be appreciated ñ the Dreamcast version is far better than the PlayStation version, graphically at least ñ so get the DC version if you donít have either console (thatíll mean you need a Dreamcast too). The music is fun too!
Plus points:
Tracks are simple and well designed. Itís a cartoon come to life in a game.
Power ups ñ a Mario Kart clone? Not quite, this game puts a new spin on things.
Graphically impressive, different and dares to stay different.
FUN!
Downsides:
Longevity wonít be that great
More for kids than adults I think.
Overall, itís not a serious racer, but the races could get fierce ñ full of life and wacky!
4 stars!
43.
F355 is yet another classy racing game around on the 128but monster consoles, unfortunately for Yu Suzuki ñ itís on the now rid from the shelves Sega Dreamcast, and can be bought second hand or even new from sites across the country for as little as £10, maybe even less. But for you, that is a brilliant price ñ the game is shear class, one of the best racing games around ñ comparable visuals to the mighty Gran Turismo 3.
The game features official tracks from across the globe ñ mostly Japanese circuits, but of course Monza is included ñ Italyís f1 track. The cars look very realistic with excellent lighting effects, without being over shiny. You only have a choice of racing F355s, but thatís not such a problem, although I do feel a Ferrari racing game with all the models would be impressive. Racing an old Testarossa against an F60? Fantastic!
Plus points:
Graphics, they really are superb, with great sound too.
Handling, itís tricky but rewarding, the handling is very realistic.
The official licence, the game is one of the only Ferrari games to achieve a licence.
Lighting effects.
Price!
Downsides:
The skies may look great, but they cheat ñ canít be earth Iím racing on, must be Monza in a country with at least 4 suns! Play the game youíll know what I mean.
Only one car!
Overall, well worth your money. 5 stars.
Phew!!!!!
There you have it, 43 Dreamcast games reviewed, I hope you get use from these!!!!!!
SilverDog
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My stories are longer.
:D
:D
Did you actually write anything in all that, or was it all just copied? (Shaneo I mean). Scanning down I couldn`t see anything, but I didn`t read thoroughly so...
Sorry to keep quoting mass ammounts of text.
..
..
Fists in RE:code veronica?
Sure you don't mean Zombie Revenge :-)
Sure you don't mean Zombie Revenge :-)
2 stars is a bit harsh!!
I agree - Ecco is one of the best games on DC!!
AAARRGGHHH!!!! Ecco the Dolphin, 2 stars!!! You must be joking. Ecco is the best game on the Dreamcast. 5 stars and a bit more. Long, beautiful, difficult and you get to play underwater which always provides the best action. QUALITY GAME!
:)
:)
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