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Dreamcast Discussions

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November 8, 2001: Dreamcast Discontinued by Sega

I was telling George that Sega is halting production of the Dreamcast game console (they've decided to make games for the IBM-PC market). Even so, there are a lot of games out there, and even Sega has committed to continuing to release as many as 20 new games a year for the platform.

I've been interested in the Dreamcast ever since I played Crazy Taxi, a really fun game where you are a taxi driver in San Francisco. I also was very impressed with the graphics and animation on the World Series 2K1 game (but I've read a review saying the gameplay leaves much room for improvement), and World Series 2K2 was just released.

The best part is that this great 128-bit game console is selling new for just $79.99! And the extra controllers ar $14.99. Games have dropped in price, plus they're always available used at ebay or Amazon. I've got to have one! Now I just have to convince Teri that I need one... :-)

November 29, 2001: Paul Buys a Dreamcast
I bought something else... a Sega Dreamcast game system. You may remember me telling about the Dreamcast during the lunch on November 8th, and what a great bargain it was. Well, I got one! It is a nice little machine. Plus, it was a GREAT deal! I had previously reported a price of $79.99, but I actually got it at Best Buy for $49.99, and that included a free game (SegaGT-- a fun racing game).

I purchased World Series 2K2, and have really enjoyed playing this excellent baseball game. You can match up any two teams in major league baseball in any stadium, make substitutions, etc. During gameplay, you have control of what pitch to throw and where to throw it. Once the ball is hit (and if you're batting, you choose when and where to swing), you have control of the fielders and can make the play at any base. It is quite complex, but I found it easy to get started. I've been adding new things each time I play (most recently, I figured out how to bunt!). Each player's batting stance is modeled after the real player, and the windup and delivery motions of starting pitchers is uncanny! Randy Johnson's three-quarter delivery looks pretty familar, and there is no mistaking the submarine pitches of Byung-Hyun Kim!

The free driving game allows you to choose from many cars and a variety of track types. All in all, the graphics are quite good (maybe not as good as a PS2, but way beyond the Nintendo 64 and the original Playstation). I keep oversteering, though. More Practice Required!!!

Since getting the Dreamcast, I've found other reasons to like it-- it has a 56K modem! It comes bundled with its own browser on CD-ROM. You can use the controllers, or add a very inexpensive Dreamcast keyboard and mouse. Voila! You're surfing the web on your TV!

I also read a posting on a discussion board that it is possible to play Video CDs (VCDs) on the Dreamcast console. The necessary software even comes with a remote control! See the Dream VCD Player.

December 6, 2001: It runs Linux, too?

I know... you're getting tired of the Dreamcast stuff! But I was quite surprised to discover during my research that there are devoted followers out there who run variations of Unix on their Dreamcasts! There is a version of Linux, as well as a flavor of NetBSD. I'm not sure for what you can really use it, but it seems pretty cool.

I picked up another game for the DC at Target: Shenmue. It is a multi-disk game which is a combination of adventure, combat, and puzzles. Your character (Ryo Hazuki) is searching for Lan Di, the man who murdered his father. Along the way, he learns new martial arts techniques from various masters. I was standing there reading the case in Target when two young boys (probably 9 and 11) saw me and proceeded to tell me what a GREAT game it is. I'm sold! The best part: It was on Target clearance for $9.00.

I've been searching the web for Dreamcast resources, and came across a great game site (and it's not just for DC): IGN.com. They have a separate site for each game platform (including PCs). The IGN Dreamcast site contains lots of great game reviews, articles, and news about the platform. A really great article recommends the 20 best games for Dreamcast.

There's a website dedicated to saving the Dreamcast: DreamAlive, and there's even a Save Dreamcast website with a petition you can sign. I found it by reading through posts on the bulletin board at the Official SEGA site.

December 14, 2001: I Found a Great Site Selling Dreamcast
I found a great site which sells Dreamcast games and accessories: Baysoftgames.com. I ordered two games from them, as well as 6-foot extender cables for my controllers. When they get here, I'll report on the experience.

Update: The extension cables arrived, and they're perfect. And for just $3.99 each, they're a good value, too!

January 3, 2002: Steering Wheel for the Dreamcast

George believes he will be more successful at driving games (such as SegaGT) if he uses a steering wheel. There are at least three wheels for the Dreamcast-- two made by Mad Katz, and the Concept 4 Wheel by Interact Accesories, Inc [I have since discovered at least two more wheels-- I'll try to post more info on the Dreamcast page]. George likes the looks and features of the Concept 4, and found it at Buy.com for only 39.95! Here's a review of the wheel.

Last modified 01/16/2002.

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