Is it worth owning a Dreamcast?

[RetroRich]

Seems like every game that used to be a dreamcast exclusive has been ported to other systems, and most of the ports are superior. I don't really see a reason in owning a dreamcast. Maybe others can tell me what is so attractive about it?

[treismac]

All in all, I really enjoyed the Dreamcast Crazy Taxi port over the PS2 version. The pressure sensitive trigger shoulder buttons made the "hitting the gas pedal" experience even cooler, too. Also, apart from the PSP, the Dreamcast is the only system with Capcom's Power Stone series.

[isufje]

Under defeat. It never got a XBOX 360 US release and that's the only current gen system i own :\

edit:

Rainbow Cotton, Cleopatra Fortune, Puyo Puyo 4... it all depends on what you like. What about Border Down? Maybe even last hope or those other NG:DEV.TEAM games ->fast striker & gunlord

[Leo_A]

While the luster might've wore off it with so many of its games having reappeared elsewhere over the years, that's all the more reason to take the chance on it. It's evidence of just how excellent the Dreamcast was when most of the well rated releases for it have made appearances on more recent console's and handhelds.

They're not system seller's, but some favorites that are exclusives that come to mind include Metropolis Street Racer and Toy Commander. You won't find those on a console like the Playstation 2.

[CatTehBus]

the dreamcast has a handful of great RPG's like skies of arcadia, grandia 2, egg. It also has a good amount of two player fighting games.

[Jack_Burton_BYOAC]

Do you like video games?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gskHksi2Yc&feature=player_detailpage

[IHatedSega]

Its worth owning just to say you have one. :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNLtEAvdLgM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIyVhgc8WyM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1UHdcNZVJA

[wiggyx]

Hearing Leonard Nimoy sigh as I press the start button to interrupt his rant about my man-faced fish = TOTALLY worth it.

Do it!

[Ryudo]

Grandia II is best on DC. They messed up the port on PS2/PC

Shenmue still only on DC

Elemental Gimmick Gear still on DC

Also has a huge homebrew scene

SA on XBL is a weird port of the Gamecube game and the DC version is still best

Crazy taxi still best on DC than the gimped XBL/PSN version

Sword of Beserk Guts Rage

[SpaceHarrier]

I'd gladly trade the extra character and added backgrounds from the PS2 version of DEAD OR ALIVE 2 for the superior, super-clean, anti-aliased visuals of the Dreamcast version. MDK 2 similarly, though I'd miss the difficulty options since I'm a wuss. Soul Calibur's amazing Mission Mode was removed from the XBL port, which is a shame, since it's awesome. Hydro Thunder/Rush 2049 were ported to PS2 in Midway Arcade Treasures 3, but the visuals look somewhat muddy to me. Maybe not a fair comparison on that one..

[theclaw]

Most ports to PS2 and in some cases even Gamecube removed 480p.

[Rickstilwell1]

I'm taking a wild guess but it might also be possible to get a lot of the games cheaper on Dreamcast, especially if you go disc only just to play them. If you go digital download or compilation its not much different than disc only anyway.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Toy Commander has not been ported to anything. It's reason enough to own a Dreamcast in my opinion.

[wiggyx]

Also, awesome new indie games are still coming out for the damned thing. Nothing seems to be able to keep the DC down. It was too far beyond its time at launch, and it seems that time should have been now.

[Greg2600]

As others have said, DC games have mostly been ported to PS2, Gamecube, Xbox, and newer stuff. Is it worth it?

PRO: Systems and most accessories are still very affordable. Lots of great light gun games, if you have an old CRT. Have been several near complete games that have been released, which had been canceled back in the day. Sure there are many more still out there, due to SEGA's abrupt pulling of the plug.

CON: If you want 480P graphics, you have to buy a VGA Box or cable (costs $40+), and if you don't have VGA on your TV, a converter to HDMI or Component (another 30-40 bucks). Most white systems fall victim to the chemical yellowing SNES's and old computers have. If you don't replace the VMU batteries (I don't) you get that damn high pitch beep when you power on! You have to be wary of how CD-R's are burned to use, will cause laser damage.

If you got a DC, here are some recent projects to keep an eye on....

1. AtariAge modder Yurkie (http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/206259-dreamcast-rechargeable-battery-replacement-service-with-holder-14/) now offers a cheap alternative to the DC system battery. He replaces it with a holder for a rechargeable battery!

2. Been out for a few years, but you can buy an SD Adapter (usually on ebay for about $25) that plugs into the back serial port. Load SDHC with games, and play! It works fine for most games, but has some stuttering on FMV. Alternatively you could mod the system with SD directly. The SD adapter requires a burned disc with software called Dreamshell.

3. Multiple people are currently working on GD-ROM replacement. These would be IDE-based solutions that you could plug into the system board instead of the disc drive. Hook up a hard drive, and there you go. Follow progress here. AssemblerGames Forum. (http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?39733-quot-Let-s-make-GD-ROM-emulation-happen-quot-Facebook-group) Facebook Group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/336612363081189/).

[IHatedSega]

If you love importing games, then the Dreamcast is an awesome console for current Doujin shooters and other projects around the world.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUU5WOdwK1w


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izZHb8058zI

[Ryudo]

Actually you can get a VGA cable for 10$

[o.pwuaioc]

Dreamcasts are worth it for being able to play burns alone. They're also super cheap. I have one for sale if you're interested.

[retroguy]

Aside from all the great games other folks mentioned, it's absolutely worth owning a Dreamcast for the emulator discs and homebrew games. I've been able to play Neo Geo games I never would've been able to otherwise due to the expense of the original hardware. Very cool.

[Greg2600]

Actually you can get a VGA cable for 10$

Where?

[FrankSerpico]

There are many Skies of Arcadia fans who prefer the Dreamcast version over the Gamecube update because of its superior sound. I'm not one of them, but I've heard the opinion voiced many a time. Also the DC versions of Guilty Gear X and MvC2 are both in my top 5 all-time when it comes to fighters, no other version I've played is as responsive as the DC ports.

[scaleworm]

Seems like every game that used to be a dreamcast exclusive has been ported to other systems, and most of the ports are superior. I don't really see a reason in owning a dreamcast. Maybe others can tell me what is so attractive about it?

The same could hold true for any system then.
One could get a gen one xbox, mod it and that would be it for all of the older systems.

If you are a gamer collector then your question is moot, in my mind. No disrespect meant, but this site is in essence (for me anyway) all about collecting, learning about and playing systems and games, and peripherals.

I personally play games on the systems they came out for, on discs/carts they were made on. a purist?

emulators suck. Nothing beats a system game on the system it was made for. I tried xbox live for shooters, and new ones are good, but Ikaruga stays on my 'cube, (I do not have the DC version).

Cheerio

[scaleworm]

Do you like video games?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gskHksi2Yc&feature=player_detailpage

I Love this start up screen. The SNES and DC are my most fav of all the systems (a Lot) that I own.

[scaleworm]

Toy Commander has not been ported to anything. It's reason enough to own a Dreamcast in my opinion.

100% in agreement here. (Yep, I'm a DC fanboy) and as to homebrews, don't get me started... YEAH!

[Ryudo]

Where?

Whoa guess you're right. I got mine for 10$ a few years ago on Ebay and they for a long time selling those things cheap as can be. I go look now and the same one I have is 50$. Wierd.

[Edmond Dantes]

To answer the topic question:

Yeah yeah yeah yeah YEAH!

It's time to have some CRAZY fun when you get yourself a Dreamcast!

Seriously... I do not and never will regret owning a Dreamcast, even though I only have eight games for it, the only game I own that I don't like is Virtua Fighter 3tb... and that's more because of my bias against 3D fighting games than anything.

Also the Dreamcast supposedly has the best home versions of Marvel vs Capcom 1 and 2.

[wiggyx]

To answer the topic question:

Yeah yeah yeah yeah YEAH!

It's time to have some CRAZY fun when you get yourself a Dreamcast!

Seriously... I do not and never will regret owning a Dreamcast, even though I only have eight games for it, the only game I own that I don't like is Virtua Fighter 3tb... and that's more because of my bias against 3D fighting games than anything.

Also the Dreamcast supposedly has the best home versions of Marvel vs Capcom 1 and 2.

Yes and yes.

[The 1 2 P]

Is it worth it? Yes it is. The system can be found for pretty cheap and it has a nice selection of quality games. Outside of a lack of space theres very little reason not to own one.

[kedawa]

I mostly keep mine around for homebrew and indie stuff, but it still has a few exclusive or best versions of games as well.
It's the only system on which I can play Armada, which I've been meaning to do since getting into the online PC sequel.

I don't see much point in emulating older consoles on the Dreamcast, though, and I don't understand why others bother with it. With the possible exception of Gameboy, it can't emulate anything very well.

[Zthun]

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but it's also very easy to collect for. The entire game library in the US is only about 350 games, and most of those are pretty cheap, so getting a full set is much easier than something like the PS2 which has over 1000 games in it's library.

[IHatedSega]

I went to my retro store, man they have at least 15 official DC controllers for $10 each, they dont have any official Saturn ones though. Its after the Christmas rush so a lot of stuff is gone but they still have a good selection of behind the counter caliber games.

Im thinking its going to be the next console I buy. :)

[Koa Zo]

As others have said, DC games have mostly been ported to PS2, Gamecube, Xbox, and newer stuff.

That's a bit misleading. There are dozens of excellent titles that remain exclusive to Dreamcast.

some of the best:
Bangai-O
Bomberman Online
Canon Spike
Giga Wing 1 & 2
Gunbird 2
Mars Matrix
Outrigger
Record of Lodoss War
Red Dog
Seaman
Virtual On Oratorio Tangram

imports:
Bomber Hehe
Border Down
Cosmic Smash
Dynamite Deka 2
Eldorado Gate series
Fire Prowrestling D
L.O.L. Lack of Love
The Lost Golem
Musapey's Choco Marker
Samba de Amigo 2000
Zero Gunner 2

[SpaceFlea]

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but it's also very easy to collect for. The entire game library in the US is only about 350 games, and most of those are pretty cheap, so getting a full set is much easier than something like the PS2 which has over 1000 games in it's library.

The US DC library is actually smaller than that. It is only 246 games.

[Greg2600]

That's a bit misleading. There are dozens of excellent titles that remain exclusive to Dreamcast.

I said most, not all, of course there are exceptions! But all the well known original exclusive and most Sega published titles (Sonic, Crazy Taxi, MSR-Project Gotham, House of the Dead, Shenmue II, Resident Evil Code Veronica) not to mention many titles back then appeared on the N64 or PS1 as well (Shadowman, SFRush 2049, Rayman 2, Resident Evil 3, Dino Crisis) albeit in worse graphics.

PS: Gunbird 2 is found on a PS2 game called Gunbird Special Edition, although that was not released in the USA. Also many of the games you list are not cheap. That's why I mentioned the SD Card Adapter, to be able to play all games. Although that still doesn't solve the region lock problem. If you have a NA-DC you cannot play imported games without a boot disc, or a region mod.

[Koa Zo]

I said most, not all, of course there are exceptions!

Right. And where did I say you said all?
Saying most is still misleading and inaccurate - at the very least you are implying a majority, which is misleading and fails to inform the original poster of the many great games which are still exclusive to Dreamcast.

[Greg2600]

Right. And where did I say you said all?
Saying most is still misleading and inaccurate - at the very least you are implying a majority, which is misleading and fails to inform the original poster of the many great games which are still exclusive to Dreamcast.

Games which you failed to mention cost a lot of money, which is somewhat misleading as well, which I then did. :p

[Masamune]

If you really like shooters, the Dreamcast has an excellent selection. With how easy it is to play Japanese games on the American and European consoles, you'll open yourself up to a new library of games.

[theclaw]

I said most, not all, of course there are exceptions! But all the well known original exclusive and most Sega published titles (Sonic, Crazy Taxi, MSR-Project Gotham, House of the Dead, Shenmue II, Resident Evil Code Veronica) not to mention many titles back then appeared on the N64 or PS1 as well (Shadowman, SFRush 2049, Rayman 2, Resident Evil 3, Dino Crisis) albeit in worse graphics.

PS: Gunbird 2 is found on a PS2 game called Gunbird Special Edition, although that was not released in the USA. Also many of the games you list are not cheap. That's why I mentioned the SD Card Adapter, to be able to play all games. Although that still doesn't solve the region lock problem. If you have a NA-DC you cannot play imported games without a boot disc, or a region mod.

Like he says. DC *must* be modified to directly play GD-ROM imports from its disc tray.

Boot discs, CD-R, and SD loaders have their uses, but it's not quite the satisfaction of playing imports swap-free in the same manner as an imported console.

[Greg2600]

Also in the interest of full disclosure, I feel it's warranted to mention that the system fan is the loudest of any console I have. It's very loud. Secondly, the DC analog stick has a HUGE dead zone, which is a disaster on the racing games. You're forced either to play using the steering wheel (who wants to store that giant thing around) or hold the stick all the way up/north, where there is no dead zone. It's practically impossible to play a racing game like that. So for a system with so many racing games, I was really annoyed by that, and have been considering the stupid wheel. Of course, Mad Catz sold a universal wheel that worked on the Xbox, PS1/2, and Gamecube but not the DC.

[SpaceFlea]

You're forced either to play using the steering wheel (who wants to store that giant thing around) or hold the stick all the way up/north, where there is no dead zone. It's practically impossible to play a racing game like that.

That's simply untrue. I had no problem thoroughly beating all races, time trials and otherwise in MSR, Test Drive Le Mans, Re-Volt and Sega Rally 2 (and probably some others I can't recall right now) without doing either of the two things you claim are required. The stick works just fine when you're not looking for something to complain about.

[theclaw]

I've got Test Drive Le Mans at the moment, dang knows why though. No interest in it.

Already donated the beat up steering wheel some time ago...

[Aussie2B]

I'm happy to have a Dreamcast and wouldn't part with it, but if I take a step out of the collector mentality and look at things realistically, for me, personally, it probably isn't really worth owning. I very, very rarely play the thing. In fact, when I bought the system back in 2001, it wasn't because there were any Dreamcast games that particularly interested me but because I owned no other Sega console at the time and wanted to play a bunch of Genesis classics via the Smash Pack. Of course, the Smash Pack emulation isn't so hot and I, thankfully, own a Genesis now, so that purpose has long since passed.

It's fitting that the Dreamcast has one of the loudest system fans since the fans of the system are also some of the loudest. I don't know what it is about the Dreamcast, but it has some really crazy, fervent fans who shout from the mountaintops how it's the best system ever made, despite that, in reality, it has quite a few noticeable flaws. Other than many of its most notable titles no longer being exclusive, it also has a fairly small library that's lacking in quite a few genres, and the controller is absolutely terrible. For myself, I'm not that big on Sega arcade games, fighters, bullet hell shmups, or sports games, which eliminates most of the games that people gush over.

So just consider this an alternate perspective to contrast with all the people who rush in to shout "YES!" Unlike systems that have something for just about everybody with their huge libraries, like the PS1 and PS2, I think the Dreamcast takes a specific kind of gamer, and it may benefit to take Dreamcast fans with a grain of salt.

[Edmond Dantes]

It's fitting that the Dreamcast has one of the loudest system fans since the fans of the system are also some of the loudest.

Best comment ever.

And what he says is true--you shouldn't buy a system just because its got a fanbase, but rather, "does this have a game I want to play?"

In my case, it had several--and they weren't all easily found on other consoles (keep in mind, I said EASILY found). And from there I just kind of discovered stuff. It's hardly my most-played system (owing mostly to that I don't have many games for it) but I'm pleased with it overall.

Also its the only system to have a good home port of the first Marvel vs Capcom, which I consider superior to the second game.

[Gameguy]

I'm just going to vote no. I sold off the Dreamcasts I had along with any games, I don't miss anything too much. I suppose it does have to do with saving space somewhat as some of the games are decent enough to play, but I'd much rather be playing other games on other systems instead. The Dreamcast games worth playing the most are ported to other systems anyway.

[Greg2600]

That's simply untrue. I had no problem thoroughly beating all races, time trials and otherwise in MSR, Test Drive Le Mans, Re-Volt and Sega Rally 2 (and probably some others I can't recall right now) without doing either of the two things you claim are required. The stick works just fine when you're not looking for something to complain about.

Maybe it's just SEGA developed games but Sega GT and Daytona USA have this problem. Sega GT is an unplayable crap fest of a game. And MSR is a dim shadow of what it would become with PGR on XBox.

You can also add in VMU memory block problems, in that some games will take up a third of the VMU in blocks, making it quite a pain to save many games at once. Granted the Gamecube wasn't much better. And you're always going to get fanboys and haters. I don't think the Dreamcast is fantastic or terrible, it's okay to pretty good. It's not like the fanboys of the Atari 7800.

[Genesaturn]

Really happy to see other people enjoy Toy Commander. DC has such a wealth of good titles. Even with a lot of them being brought to other systems, I like the originals better. If you love 2D fighting games its worth it alone to pick up a DC and arcade stick.

[kedawa]

I kept mine for years just for the VGA support. It's a great way to make use of nice CRT monitors.

[The 1 2 P]

Like he says. DC *must* be modified to directly play GD-ROM imports from its disc tray.

Like the very next line you mention: you don't have to modify your US system in order to be able to play imports. I use the Gameshark lite disc to play imports and haven't had any issues getting them to play. I think the only area you might run into a problem is if you have a muti-disc game. But since all my imports are single disc I haven't experienced that to know if it works or not. I still have never had any need to mod any of my systems to be able to play imports. I either use an import converter(for every system leading up to the launch of the PS2) or I get an import system.

[IHatedSega]

I went to the HPB I used to go to a ton up to a year or more ago and it was like a Sega fanboy had to give up a lot of their collection. Tons of stuff from Sega CD to Dreamcast, plus a PAR cart. The store knows what it got though, so Mars Matrix is $35. I bet they sold the consoles already, darn it. They wanted too much for some things though that they had left ( and Suikoden V was $50), but it was cool to see so many Saturn and other games there in one spot.

[theclaw]

Like the very next line you mention: you don't have to modify your US system in order to be able to play imports. I use the Gameshark lite disc to play imports and haven't had any issues getting them to play. I think the only area you might run into a problem is if you have a muti-disc game. But since all my imports are single disc I haven't experienced that to know if it works or not. I still have never had any need to mod any of my systems to be able to play imports. I either use an import converter(for every system leading up to the launch of the PS2) or I get an import system.

I never said that. What I said was, unless modified, DC cannot immediately boot to an original import GD-ROM placed in the tray.

You're referring to DC import loader methods who involve a disc swap.

[FoxNtd]

I think the only area you might run into a problem is if you have a muti-disc game.

No issue here. The Dreamcast doesn't perform region checks after booting a disc once until you power off or return to system menu, only then will it check again. I've confirmed this by playing Eternal Arcadia on a US DC using a swap disc. Game prompts for Disc 2, made the disc change, all was good.

In fact, the swap disc itself is proof that swapping discs ignores region checks. :roll:

[theclaw]

No issue here. The Dreamcast doesn't perform region checks after booting a disc once until you power off or return to system menu, only then will it check again. I've confirmed this by playing Eternal Arcadia on a US DC using a swap disc. Game prompts for Disc 2, made the disc change, all was good.

In fact, the swap disc itself is proof that swapping discs ignores region checks. :roll:

Yeah the major difference with my setup is I own a DC with an actual modchip inside.

[M.Buster2184]

Seems the people have spoken. Even though I'm a huge fan and supporter of the Gamecube, there are still some games that I prefer to play the Dreamcast version of. Plus it's worth having just to experience Seaman.

[getridman]

I used to love Shenmue, would i need a dreamcast for this?

[Koa Zo]

Games which you failed to mention cost a lot of money, which is somewhat misleading as well, which I then did. :p

No. There is nothing misleading. The original poster made no stipulations about cost, nor did I make any implications of money.
And the only game I mentioned which "costs a lot of money" would be Border Down.

Your comments about the VMU further down in the thread are kind of dumb too. Yes, memory devices fill up - that is why they are interchangeable, and in the case of the Dreamcast, color coded if you choose to buy them as such. And since you're concerned with money in your evaluation of the topic, you should be aware VMUs are dirt cheap.
Also some Dreamcast games recognize all 8 potential VMU slots (four controllers, two ports each), so storage and save game management is some of the most convenient of any system of that era.

You try to claim a dead-zone in the analog stick, and then reference Daytona USA, but fail to mention that game has significant calibration options for the control - any dead-zone is in the game, not the controller.

You mention fanboys and haters, when there appears to be neither in this thread, but it does appear you are erroneously casting a negative bent on your answers.

[Damaniel]

I'm a big fan of Record of Lodoss War (http://www.mobygames.com/game/dreamcast/record-of-lodoss-war), which is a very Diablo-style ARPG. As far as I know, this has never been released for any other platform.

Overall, Dreamcast had one of the highest quality-to-garbage ratios of nearly any classic console. They cost next to nothing, and many (though not all) of the games are pretty affordable. Plus, there's always the disc burning option if you can't find a game any other way (I certainly don't condone this though). If you have the space, there's no reason not to pick up a Dreamcast at some point.

[Vaporman87]

I would say, it is worth owning if you plan on modding it for use with Japanese titles. You can't exactly find Godzilla Generations for the Xbox 360.

[BlastProcessing402]

That's a bit misleading. There are dozens of excellent titles that remain exclusive to Dreamcast.

some of the best:
Bangai-O
Bomberman Online
Canon Spike
Giga Wing 1 & 2
Gunbird 2
Mars Matrix
Outrigger
Record of Lodoss War
Red Dog
Seaman
Virtual On Oratorio Tangram

imports:
Bomber Hehe
Border Down
Cosmic Smash
Dynamite Deka 2
Eldorado Gate series
Fire Prowrestling D
L.O.L. Lack of Love
The Lost Golem
Musapey's Choco Marker
Samba de Amigo 2000
Zero Gunner 2

Firepro D might technically be DC exclusive, but I don't know that I'd bother listing it as such, since there are two Firepros after that on the PS2 (not to mention two more on GBA). Not the same exact installment of the series, but honestly it's not like the series changes that much, so if you, say, play R with a good edit pack to put in the guys that are in D but not R, it might as well be the same game. Plus it would save the trouble of tracking down all the downloadable moves and such (and finding room for them on multiple VMU's). And R even got localized so you don't need to know Japanese or look at a guide to learn the menus.

[Aussie2B]

Bangai-O isn't exclusive to the Dreamcast either. In fact, it didn't even debut on the Dreamcast. It was designed for N64 and was then ported to Dreamcast. There are some gameplay differences between the two, though. Some people prefer the N64 original; some prefer the changes made for the Dreamcast version.

Only the Dreamcast version made it to the US, though.

[theclaw]

I would say, it is worth owning if you plan on modding it for use with Japanese titles. You can't exactly find Godzilla Generations for the Xbox 360.

I'm in this camp. So many people are content to live with boot discs and burning.
I instead went for the same experience as my US titles.

I've also got a chipped PS2 and Gamecube. Though my fanciest GC needs repair since I messed it up.

[Koa Zo]

Bangai-O isn't exclusive to the Dreamcast either. In fact, it didn't even debut on the Dreamcast. It was designed for N64 and was then ported to Dreamcast. There are some gameplay differences between the two, though. Some people prefer the N64 original; some prefer the changes made for the Dreamcast version.

Only the Dreamcast version made it to the US, though.
The Dreamcast game is a remix if anything. Gameplay, graphics, BGM, and story development are different. While levels are generally the same, the games play differently enough to consider the games separately. The Dreamcast release is certainly not just a port of the N64 game.

[Greg2600]

I'm awaiting one of those SD card adapters (http://www.ebay.com/itm/180849455054?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649) that plug into the serial port. I was advised on the ISO ZONE (http://theisozone.com/downloads/dreamcast/sd-isos/), where you can get modified dumps that work on the SD card, that they should work without me needing to region mod the console. So I'll see how that goes.

[The 1 2 P]

I never said that. What I said was, unless modified, DC cannot immediately boot to an original import GD-ROM placed in the tray.

You're referring to DC import loader methods who involve a disc swap.

Ahhh, I see what you mean now. But I honestly don't think that would bother very many people.

[Aussie2B]

Yeah, perhaps "port" isn't the best word for the Dreamcast version of Bangai-O, but it's a stretch to count it as a system exclusive either way. Changes aside, it's still the same core game at the end of the day. I wouldn't say the differences in graphics and audio account for much since there are plenty of games that were on PlayStation and/or N64 and Dreamcast, and the Dreamcast versions just about always look and sound better (and are still considered ports). And the design and layout stayed just about identical anyway, they just dropped in new bitmaps for the backgrounds and new tile sets for the terrain.

[isufje]

Long ago i once read in Gamefan a review of Bangaio for the Dreamcast. I can't remember the reviewers name, but it was the issue where 'Fury' gave Sword of the Berserk like 99.9 / A+ rating (i think...) Well anyway, the reviewer stated that he hated playing the game with the DC controller. He further stated that the game was originally designed for the N64 controller and that he would rather use the twin stick to play (ok, that last part i probably just made up) But whatever the case, all i remember is that the last time i played Bangaio for the DC is that i had a hard time controlling that little dude with the DC controller.

PS
Never argue with a guy about a game who has a character from said game in his avatar :\

[gameofyou]

Where else can you play Blue Stinger or Illbleed ???

I'm not an expert on which DC games got ported to other systems, but the DC definitely has a solid library, especially if you count JPN games.

[PreZZ]

Is it worth owning the greatest video game system of all time, and also one of the cheapest to get? ... speechless!

[FoxNtd]

I think it's worth noting that N64 Bangai-O had a small print run. I hear only about 10,000 copies were made. Thanks to that it can be tough to find and it's certainly more expensive than the DC version.

EDIT: I may as well chip directly in regarding the thread's title. I felt like the Dreamcast was like the next generation of N64. Four onboard controller ports, so you're going to see a nice assortment of wonderfully-entertaining multiplayer games, and more broadly, the system is really good at giving you lots of fun. Like the N64, it's not a hardware power-house by any means, though surely some aspects are pretty appealing such as the VMU design. Anyway, it's cheap, there is a big stack of great titles to play too. Despite which genres are your favorites surely there will be more than enough to say, hey, I should play this stuff!

Ignoring the console I have a "Five Rule" - if a system has at least 5 games worth owning for it then I think it's worth owning the system (with rare exceptions like Neo Geo where the entire barrier to entry is way too expensive, ha...) Dreamcast goes well above and beyond merely 5 titles.

[Koa Zo]

Yeah, perhaps "port" isn't the best word for the Dreamcast version of Bangai-O, but it's a stretch to count it as a system exclusive either way. Changes aside, it's still the same core game at the end of the day.
The core gameplay is changed significantly since the manner in which you recharge your mega-attack is different between the two games.
The Dreamcast version introduces many more characters and dialogue sequences, more bosses, different attacks, and since it is the only version in English, that makes it pretty damn exclusive.

I've owned both Bangaiohs for over a decade, played the shit out of them. Oh yeah, look at my user name and avatar...
The N64 game is significantly different from the Dreamcast game - I happen to prefer the N64 game for a number of reasons (and not just because of the controller)
They are not the same game, and indeed the Dreamcast rendition is very much exclusive to that system.

edit

PS
Never argue with a guy about a game who has a character from said game in his avatar :\
lol

And furthermore:

Differences Between the Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast Versions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Dreamcast version of Bangaioh is NOT a port of the Nintendo 64 version. The two look similar, but the strategy for the game has changed completely. So far, this is what I've noticed.

-Superficial Differences-

* Music has been remixed, and is played off of the GD-ROM (instead of through the system's sound card)
* Background and sprite graphics are enhanced over the N64 version.
* Missiles (Riki's and enemy) now turn before actually moving in that direction (which looks very nice indeed).
* "Replay Mode" has been added to allow you to skip over all dialog sequences.
* There are 16 new characters in the game to meet.
* The life gauge is a solid bar with no way to count hits remaining.
* Mami now shoots lasers instead of small missiles.

-Scoring Differences-

* There is no longer a percent-destroyed bonus.
* Fruit pickups are now a contstant value (instead of growing).

-Gameplay Differences-

* Riki's missiles home in more accurately.
* Mami's shots no longer home in after hitting a wall; they always travel in a predetermined direction based of the angle of the wall.
* Riki and Mami's shots now have the same power.
* The combo system has been removed, and replaced by the Baku meter.
* Energy and V powerups are automatically given for large Baku levels.
* You can no longer increase Bangiaoh's shot power or penetration.
* V powerups no longer end when encountering a boss.
* You can now only hold 5 Super Shots in reserve instead of 10.
* Super shots are powered up by shot hits, not by picking up fruit.
* Super Shots are no longer powered up by holding the button.
* The number of bullets releaed in a Super Shot is determined solely by the number and power of incoming attacks.

-Level Differences-

* There are minor tweaks in all levels, although the layout of the levels remain the same.
* There are new building and block types.
* Some walls can now be destroyed.
* Level 15 has been completely redesigned.

-Enemy Differences-

* There are two new enemy types: a rotating flamethrower and a spinning "egg" that grows and explodes when you shoot it enough times.
* Most bosses have been redesigned and now behave very differently.
* Missile Flak Turrets shoot about half as many missiles.

[theclaw]

IIRC Bangaioh is actually more expensive for Dreamcast in Japan than the US.

[Koa Zo]

IIRC Bangaioh is actually more expensive for Dreamcast in Japan than the US.
Yeah, it typically has been. At times selling used for ~$100 while the US version was available new for ~$30

The JPN version was in fact the first Dreamcast game I ever purchased. I ordered it from the old VideoGameDepot, and I didn't even end up buying a Dreamcast console till months later.

I find it surprising that the N64 version doesn't cost more than it does - considering its low print run, the ease of playing imports on NTSC consoles, and the uniqueness of the game.. one would think Bangaioh would be a collector's item among N64 fans, yet it usually is overlooked in "best of" threads and other N64 discussion.

[AlphaGamer]

.........................

[Aussie2B]

They are not the same game, and indeed the Dreamcast rendition is very much exclusive to that system.

Well, that's a silly way to put it, I mean, the "Dreamcast rendition" of any multiplatform game is exclusive to Dreamcast. :P

There's a reason why people use words like "version" and "rendition" to describe the N64 and Dreamcast releases; that is, they're different versions of the same game. That's all that my point is at the end of the day. With how the term "system exclusive" is used in this industry and among gamers, Bangai-O doesn't fit. Being "multiplatform" doesn't necessitate that the various versions be identical in every way. Even with quite extensive changes, a multiplatform game is still a multiplatform game. Bangai-O's changes aren't even really enough to consider the Dreamcast version a remake, let alone an entirely brand new game. There's a reason why on this article, both versions are under one listing with the changes merely explained rather than listed separately:

http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/bangaio/bangaio.htm

Same deal on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangai-O

Whether you're a huge fan of Bangai-O or not, they are still two versions of the same game, and neither deserves to be called "exclusive" to either platform.

[Polygon]

I'd say yes. Then again, I always prefer to play a game on the original hardware unless it doesn't make financial sense.

[Sundowner]

The Dreamcast is my least played console. It seems there are not much games that interest me. Where are all the platformers? Also, where are all these homebrow/indie games that is spoken of? I know of Redux, but that's it. Or the Peir Solar port, but that doesn't count(it's a genesis game) There's a lot of cool things you can do with a Dreamcast like use Linux or use ScummVM. I've never done either, but it's interesting the dreamcast potential.