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Shenmue (Dreamcast)

Sega

With an epic story line, luscious graphics and gameplay to match, Shenmue is everything than the Dreamcast can produce and more.
Ever since the launch of the Dreamcast, Sega have been looking for a decent RPG to bolster the range of titles available and to reply to the popularity of the final fantasy series on the PlayStation.
The main character of Shenmue is Ryo Hazuki, a hard-working college student who has been knocked sideways by the death of his father and swears vengeance as he sets off in search of the killers.
Although the story sounds familiar, Shenmue differs through its execution. Everything from the finely tuned opening sequence to the interactivity with the 500 or so characters is nothing short of superb.
But beware, this is no pick-and-play game. Shenmue comes on three packed discs, with a further disc for extra features and Internet options allowing the game to boast over 250 hours of gameplay. Couple this with the rumours that this is, in fact, part one of a trilogy and you've got an epic on your hands.
The game boasts distinctive time settings: different things happen during the day and night. Knock on someone's door during the day and they are likely to be out; visit the local shop in the evening you'll probably find it closed.
But it's not all talking to old people and children in an attempt to find the bad guys. Shenmue offers the chance to get into fights, race a motor bike and interact with everything and anything.
This game is a slow-burner, rising to an epic crescendo at the end. It's notCrazy Taxi or Resident Evil but something far greater, something almost compelling so that, although you know you're going to do a lot of walking around searching, you can't help but blindly carry on. --Stuart Miles
Fur Fighters

Acclaim

A cross between to Rayman 2 and Sonic Adventure, Fur Fighters from Acclaim puts you in charge of a group of fur balls avenging the kidnapping of their families by the evil General Viggo who is planning to take over the world. Your band of furry critters consists of Roofus, a great digger allowing you to each new area; Juliette, a seductive feline who can scale walls; Tweek, a new-born dragon who can glide from high places; Chang the firefox, who is a bit on the small side and can therefore fit through ventilation shafts; Rico the penguin who can swim underwater; and Bungalow, a kangaroo who can jump higher and further than the rest of them.
The controls are styled similarly to a first person shooter on the PC, with one control to look and another to move. And they can be tricky to use. While Fur Fighters lacks the spark of gaming greats like Rayman 2, it does have some advantages, like the multiplayer levels, where you and three friends get to battle it out in the good old traditions of Quake, and rather than being stuck to one character, the game lets you change into another via the transportation pods--a great tip for tricking friends as to your identity. --Stuart Miles
Jet Set Radio

Sega
Sword of the Berserk: Gut's Rage (Dreamcast)

Eidos
Sword of the Berserk: Guts' Rage is an action game with phenomenally good graphics but overly simplistic gameplay. You fill the shoes of the main character, Guts, and spend most of your time smiting foes with his seven-foot monster of a sword, Dragon Slayer.
Some levels provide the best hack-and-slash gaming to be found anywhere, but usually Sword of the Berserk is more cheap than challenging. We certainly felt rage when boulders began falling on Guts's head at random during one level and the designers took great pains to populate most of the levels with dozens of tiny ankle-biting enemies that are nigh impossible to hit. Unfortunately the lack of combat moves, weapon upgrades or anything else that could have spiced up gameplay makes Sword of the Berserk far more tedious than it should be for gamers.
What really distinguishes this game from other gore games is the eloquent integration of storyline--enhancing cut-scenes that are gorgeously rendered with the game engine. There is over an hour of non-interactive story line to sit through--so many scenes that this almost qualifies as an interactive movie. If mindless combat and a compelling story sound appealing, Sword of the Berserk is what you've been waiting for. Parents should note that this game is particularly violent, and may not be suited for young children. --T. Byrl Baker, amazon.com
Pros:
- Beautiful graphics
- Gory, visceral combat
- Outstanding production values
Cons:
- Repetitive gameplay
- Level design sometimes cheap
Resident Evil - CODE: Veronica (Dreamcast)

Eidos
The first Dreamcast instalment in the Resident Evil series, Code: Veronica is "survival horror" at its finest. Unmatched in its ability to convey a persistent feeling of dread--and scare the pants off of you ever so often--this is one of those hard-to-put-down games that will keep you up for several nights on end.
The fourth chapter in the dark Resident Evil epic, Code: Veronica delves further into the machinations of the sinister Umbrella Corporation, once again pitting players against zombies and other horrifying mutations created by Umbrella's biotechnological viruses. Players begin the game as Claire Redfield, Resident Evil 2's college-girl-turned-zombie-killer, and later control Chris Redfield, the beefcake cop from the original game. There's more strategy required here than in the previous games, as Claire's actions have a direct impact on Chris. For example, playing a trigger-happy Claire that uses every health-restoring item in sight will call for some fancy footwork on the part of brother Chris.
While the basic game design here is largely unchanged from that of its PlayStation predecessors, Code: Veronica features many visual refinements--including exquisitely detailed 3-D character graphics, roaming camera viewpoints, and spectacular atmospheric and lighting effects--that greatly enhance the cinematic feel of the game. Equally high production values are evident in the game's excellent use of ambient and dynamic sound effects.
Upon completing Code: Veronica, players are rewarded with "Battle Game," a timed slaughterfest that can be played in third- or first-person point-of-view and has rewards all its own. --Joe Hon
Pros:
- Engrossing storyline and well-developed characters
- Cinematic Dreamcast-enhanced graphics and excellent sound effects
- Challenging, first-rate gameplay
- "Battle Game" greatly increases replay value
Cons:
- Despite non-fixed camera angles, viewpoint can still be awkward at times
- Less than perfect controls
Tomb Raider Chronicles

Eidos

Lara Croft, cultural icon, cover girl and scourge of wildlife everywhere was last seen buried beneath an Egyptian pyramid at the end of Tomb Raider: the Last Revelation. Despite this apparent demise, Lara returns in Tomb Raider Chronicles, an adventure that features previously unseen episodes from her career. Old friends of Lara who have gathered for her funeral and to swap stories about her exploits introduce the stories.
The first level is set in Rome, and is classic Lara; plenty of jumping and puzzle solving with a minimum of gunplay and is reminiscent of the very first Tomb Raider--it even features the comedy bad guys Pierre and Larson from that game. This chapter also serves as an introduction to Lara's various moves and is a real nostalgia-fest for long-time fans.
The other chapters have distinct themes: on a spooky deserted island an unarmed teenage Lara must get through by wits alone, there is an action-packed level set on a submarine and, most intriguing of all, Lara infiltrates a high-tech building and utilises various stealth techniques. This is very Metal Gear Solid-esque and possible indicates the direction the series will take in future. (Lara's not really dead? Now there's a surprise.)
Unfortunately, the fiddly control system still remains, and the graphics have only been given a slight polish, but to combat this, an array of customary new moves have been added--this time Lara can use a tightrope, for example--but these are essentially cosmetic. The gameplay overall hasn't evolved much, but thankfully the puzzles are less obscure this time round, and the levels are tightly designed which cuts down on the aimless wandering that was common in the middle games of the series.
Tomb Raider fans will be very happy with what is probably the most purely enjoyable game since the first. Lara-phobes will take more convincing, but all the hype that surrounds her shouldn't obscure the fact that the divine Ms Croft hasn't appeared in a bad game yet and Tomb Raider Chronicles is no exception. --Michael Bartley
Resident Evil 2

Sega
MDK 2

Interplay
Playing MDK2 is like riding a roller coaster or watching a good action movie. In fact, fighting aliens has never been this much fun.
You begin the adventure as Kurt, a human in a Batman-like suit equipped with some loopy but lethal accessories. Kurt packs a powerful chain gun and a built-in parachute for gliding around levels. Kurt also has access to a simple-to-use sniper mode that allows you to smoothly zoom between multiple magnification levels (1x to 75x) for long-range kills. As the game progresses, you'll eventually be able to control Kurt's six-legged dog, Max. This is no ordinary housebroken pet. This not-so-cuddly creature can carry up to four guns at once for immense firepower. In addition, Max uses a jetpack to fly around (à la Boba Fett of Star Wars fame). Finally, there is Dr. Hawkins, who uses his scientific skills to combine common household objects into weapons of mass destruction. The diversity (and strangeness) of these characters adds a unique twist to the otherwise conventional gameplay.
Most of the environments you'll encounter in MDK2 are rendered in dark colours--perfectly suited for showing off the game's outstanding lighting effects. The graphics overall are crisp, incredibly detailed, and brimming with personality. Numerous cut-scenes are rendered using the game's 3-D engine, which lends much drama (not to mention comedy) to the storyline. This is one of those rare games that is as fun to watch as it is to play, and it belongs in the library of any action fan with a Dreamcast. --T. Byrl Baker
Pros:
- Impressive 3-D graphics
- Varied gameplay
- Intuitive controls
Cons:
- Very challenging
Alone in the Dark : The New Nightmare (Dreamcast)

Atari
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation

Eidos
Lara Croft makes her Dreamcast debut in Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, a must-have title for fans of the busty heroine's PlayStation exploits. Featuring high-resolution graphics that rival those of the PC version, this visual masterpiece sports a fleshed-out Lara in addition to lighting and water effects that make its 3-D environments seem all the more realistic.
Beneath the surface, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is petty much the same old Tomb Raider action-adventure formula, with gameplay consisting of exploration, combat, and puzzle solving. (Which is not necessarily a bad thing, as most Tomb Raider fans just can't seem to get enough.) However, gamers do get to play as young Lara Croft for the first time, and the gallery mode rewards players with pictures of Lara as they progress through the game.
Unfortunately, advancing in Tomb Raider: the Last Revelation can be quite frustrating at times, as the controls--which utilise all the functions of the Dreamcast controller--are not only awkward, but also lack the responsiveness that some of the game's challenges require. --Joe Hon, Amazon.com
Pros:
- Enhanced graphics rival those of the PC version
- Ability to play as young Lara Croft
- Gallery feature a definite plus for fans
Cons:
- Poor controls
Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles (Dreamcast)

Lucas Arts

The battle pitting the noble Jedi Knights against the nasty Trade Federation continues in Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles in its triumphant form on the Dreamcast. For fans of extremely basic arcade beat 'em ups, this is quite possibly the most-improved translation of a bad PlayStation game ever made for the Dreamcast. Sabre-swinging action on a console has never looked better.
Yes, the game has bright and shiny graphics that take advantage of the Dreamcast's extra processing muscle, but the game relies heavily on the basic walk-from-left-to-right-and-chop-the-baddies formula reminiscent of Double Dragon.
Fortunately, LucasArts made quite a few wise tweaks for this new version. In addition to the original playable characters (Obi-Won Kenobi, Qui Gon Jinn and Mace Windu) the Dreamcast version adds the speedy Ki-Adi-Mundi.
The Dreamcast version runs very quickly and smoothly (supposedly at 60 frames per second) no matter how much action is taking place on screen. New to this version are training levels for up-and-coming Jedi's and a cool mano-a-mano fighting mode (think Street Fighter with lightsabers) that's good for a few laughs.
Without the Star Wars name, this game could have been considered rather ordinary. But Jedi Power Battles delivers the fun for all who ever wanted a chance to go toe-to-toe with Darth Maul and all of his friends from the Dark Side. Neither original nor deep in gameplay, Jedi Power Battles does show that the Force is still strong in the Dreamcast. --Mark Brooks
Soul Reaver: Legacy Of Kain

Eidos

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver tells the story of Raziel, one of the undead lieutenants of the vampire lord Kain. Jealous of Raziel's newly evolved wings, Kain tears them apart and casts his former champion into the netherworld. But a powerful entity that dwells in the netherworld has restored Raziel to a semblance of life and has set him on a path of vengeance.
After this tantalising movie introduction, you take control of Raziel in the spectral realm, where your new existence is explained to you. From there you enter the physical plane, ready to begin your quest for power and revenge.
Raziel's combat moves are extremely brutal, as you'd expect from a vampire who has returned from the dead. When he finds a spear, Raziel gleefully stabs and slashes before he impales his foe, lifts it off the ground, and feasts on its soul. Doing so enhances Raziel's power, and devouring the souls of the rest of Kain's lieutenants is the only way to get the special abilities--scaling walls, phasing through gates, etc.--needed to reach Kain himself. While fun for adults, parents should take note: this game is definitely not suitable for kids. --John Cocking
Blue Stinger

Activision
Stranded by a bizarre meteor impact and surrounded by monstrous mutations, rescue agent Eliot Ballade must unravel the mysteries of Dinosaur Island--or die trying.
As Eliot you explore the island and uncover the story behind the disaster. While most of the game focuses on solving puzzles and learning more about the meteor and its effect on the island, roaming zombies and huge monsters will keep you on your toes.
Graphics are good--with nice flashy weapons effects--but not mind-blowing like Soul Calibur or Sonic Adventure. The vibration pack accessory (sold separately) provides great tactile feedback when firing weapons or getting mauled by a monster--it seems to spend more time rumbling than not.
While the fighting is a lot of fun, some players may be frustrated by the regeneration of zombies. It can get tedious to exit a room after killing all of the enemies, only to run into them again when returning. The game's viewpoint system also could be improved, as it occasionally leaves you fighting an enemy you can't see. Parents should note that Blue Stinger is a horror game, and the gore flows readily
All in all, while it doesn't build any new genres, Blue Stinger provides a solid gaming experience. Its flaws keep it from being a great game, but doesn't keep it from being a good time. --Aaron Karp
Pros:
- Long gameplay
- Involved science fiction/horror storyline
- Good balance between puzzles and action
Cons:
- Occasionally awkward viewpoint system
- Repetitive enemy encounters
Dynamite Cop (Dreamcast)

Sega

Fresh from the arcades, Dynamite Cop is a no-holds-barred, fast-action fighting game that will keep you entertained from the moment you power up your Dreamcast. The game begins with the kidnapping of the president's daughter on a cruise ship. Your goal is to rescue her from a gang of strange-looking thugs by kicking, punching and shooting your way through multiple environments of the cruise ship.
While single-player action is adequate, this game truly shines during the dual-player mode. With enemies attacking from every possible angle, the onscreen action can be overwhelming at times. Almost anything onscreen can be used as a weapon--and we do mean anything. For example, in one scene the fighting takes place in a public restroom. Let's just say that the urinals on the wall make wonderful weapons. Other innovative weapons include a vacuum cleaner, a couch and even a fish!
Dynamite Cop is instinctive and easy to use. Advanced gamers will likely breeze through the three distinct missions in this game, while casual gamers will appreciate the simplicity. --Brett Atwood
Spider-Man (Dreamcast)

Activision
Head Hunter (Dreamcast)

Sega
The Nomad Soul

Eidos

Omikron: The Nomad Soul thrusts you into a bustling metropolis, in a body that is not your own, on a quest that has not yet been revealed. It is a vast role-playing game with a David Bowie soundtrack, pitting good and evil against one another in a battle for the souls of humankind.
You arrive in the city of Omikron, with no idea of your place in this battle. Your job is to research who you are (since your soul has been transported into another body) and why your partner, Den, has died.
Through exploring the districts of Omikron for clues--and battling monsters in predictable fight scenes--you discover the truth about Den's death, mysterious serial killings, and demons that haunt Omikron. The game itself is even brought into the plot, suggesting that the way you play will determine not only the fate of your character, but of yourself in the real world (a clichéd device that may have been more effective if the game was in first person).
The action scenes are thrilling, but more complicated than necessary. Each type of fighting requires new keystrokes, leaving you to think more than react to your opponent. The first-person shooting scenes are hard to master in using both mouse and keyboard to dodge, crouch, shoot, and run. The hand-to-hand combat is much more exciting, and easier to manoeuvre.
The graphics are wonderful, although your interaction with the objects and people are not as sophisticated as might be expected.
Unfortunately, Bowie plays a much more minor role than anticipated. The music is played only in a bar concert and is slightly canned, so buying this game strictly for the Bowie effects is not recommended. RPG fans wanting to take a risk may find this combination-format game as intriguing as the mysterious world it's based on. --Madeleine Miller
Zombie Revenge (Dreamcast)

Sega
Think you undid the undead in Dreamcast's gun-crazy fright fest? Think again. The zombies from House of the Dead 2 are back, and they want revenge for your gun-happy ways. In a change from House of the Dead's first-person viewpoint, Zombie Revenge places all characters (including hordes of attacking zombified souls) in a third-person camera view.
A perfect translation of the arcade game by the same name, Zombie Revenge also offers up an original mode that features a few small differences, including the option to play with powered-up guns or in bare knuckles mode (without the aid of handguns).
The graphics are crisp and clean, but the controls are mired in poor response time, and too many functions are assigned to the same buttons. Fans of the arcade version will rejoice at not having to pump coins into a machine, but average zombie-hunting folks might be better off with Sega's other spooky shooter, House of the Dead 2. --Jeff Young
- A seamless arcade-to-Dreamcast conversion
- Interesting VMU minigames enable players to add strength to their characters
- Impressive graphics
- Ambiguous controls
- No save-game feature
- You can only carry one weapon at a time
Toy Story 2

Activision

Film favourites Buzz Lightyear and Woody are back in action with their latest video-game offering, Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2. The cowboy Woody is in trouble in a game that closely follows the plot of the hit computer-animated flick. Although the game is obviously aimed at luring fans of the movie of the same name, it does contain gameplay that will appeal to a wider audience. Toy Story 2 is not a perfect game, but it captures the playability and humour of the film, and also has movie-quality animations and graphics.
Woody finds himself kidnapped by Al, the evil toy collector, and it's up to Buzz to save the day--with a little help from the other toys in owner Andy's room. Buzz must venture outside Andy's house and into the local neighbourhood. Game environments include a perilous construction area, a toy barn, and a sky-rise apartment. Ultimately, Buzz will confront his arch nemesis, the Evil Emperor Zurg--but getting there is half the fun.
During his journey, Buzz must collect missing parts for Mr Potato Head. He also calls on his buddies Rex, Slinky Dog, and Hamm the piggy bank for helpful tips and directions. Controls are varied but can be confusing to master. Buzz can climb, do a "super foot stomp," fire his laser, and perform a Space Ranger spin attack to help him get through the various levels.--Bill Hutchens
Hidden and dangerous - Dreamcast - PAL

"Sega of America, Inc."