Import Dreamcast games/any recommendations?

[cavein2000]

I am trying to get a hold of the game shark or recommended accessory to play japanese imports on my US system. Any recommendations? Also, is there a website that posts games that wont play or will play using such a device/boot cd?

[Darren870]

DL a utopia Boot disk:

<a href ="http://www.mgforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40386">HERE</a>

You just swap, no big deal.

[Smithy]

The best boot disc money can buy is here..

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-w-49-en-70-uj.html

Although the Utopia will work fine for most games, there are some PAL ones that give it trouble..

[cavein2000]

great! Thanks for all the info. Also, what games that are not available for the US system are recommended?

[Julio III]

great! Thanks for all the info. Also, what games that are not available for the US system are recommended?

Shenmue II
Rez
Ikaruga
Capcom vs SNK 2
Puyo Puyo 4/Fever
Cool Cool Toon
Samba de Amigo ver.2000
Cosmic Smash

There's a serious amount of fighters and shooters out there of which I've not tapped into yet. The shmups get pretty expensive though.

[ubersaurus]

Border Down
Trizeal
Rez
Space Channel 5 part 2
King of Fighters 2000/2001/2002
Capcom vs SNK 2
Fighting Vipers 2
Psyvariar 2

I hear the new Radilgy game is pretty good, but can't comment on it for myself.

[Mark III]

Zero Gunner 2 is a really good shooter worth tracking down.
Under Defeat is coming out next month in Japan and looks absolutely incredible.

[The Great Dane]

If you like wrestling games, I seriously suggest Fire Prowrestling D. I bought a Dreamcast JUST for this game, and it was completely worth the money. It is by far my favorite wrestling game ever. It has over 200 wrestlers on it, including Japanese and American, a very detailed logic system for the wrestlers which is added into the edit mode (their equivilent to a create-a-wrestler mode) that allows you to make a wrestler wrestler exactly how you would like him. If you want to make a submission wrestler who primarily works on an opponent's leg, you can do that. If you want to make someone who is all high flying, but 100% serious, it can be done.

Plus, you can also make your own wrestling promotion and you can even create your own logo to go on the ring mat. Now, this is great for making up your own stories, but it doesn't really affect the game. It's just for fun, but a lot of fun it is.

[cavein2000]

If you like wrestling games, I seriously suggest Fire Prowrestling D. I bought a Dreamcast JUST for this game, and it was completely worth the money. It is by far my favorite wrestling game ever. It has over 200 wrestlers on it, including Japanese and American,

Is this game serious wrestling or are their chairs and outside ring battles involved??

[pragmatic insanester]

frame grid. its supposed to be like a mystical armored cored game.

[The Great Dane]

If you like wrestling games, I seriously suggest Fire Prowrestling D. I bought a Dreamcast JUST for this game, and it was completely worth the money. It is by far my favorite wrestling game ever. It has over 200 wrestlers on it, including Japanese and American,

Is this game serious wrestling or are their chairs and outside ring battles involved??

No, it's about the most serious pro wrestling game I've played. There are some weapons to be used, and there are some gimmick matches such as barbed wire board matches and exploding barbedwire cage matches. But, the actual wrestling is of Japanese origin, and Japanese wrestling is taken seriously there.

[Chuplayer]

The entire King of Fighters run on the DC is great. The Japanese version of Last Blade 2 is worth finding especially since they hacked up the US version real bad. The Japanese version of Dead or Alive 2 is great. Zero Gunner 2 is good fun. The Gundam Federation Vs. Zeon 2-pack is a blast. There's a great US PS2 version, but the DC version is great for when you're playing by yourself.

[cavein2000]

The Japanese version of Dead or Alive 2 is great. Zero Gunner 2 is good fun. The Gundam Federation Vs. Zeon 2-pack is a blast. There's a great US PS2 version, but the DC version is great for when you're playing by yourself.

What are the differences between the US and Japan version of Dead or Alive 2?

[Chuplayer]

The Japanese version of Dead or Alive 2 is great. Zero Gunner 2 is good fun. The Gundam Federation Vs. Zeon 2-pack is a blast. There's a great US PS2 version, but the DC version is great for when you're playing by yourself.

What are the differences between the US and Japan version of Dead or Alive 2?

The US version has one or two extras.

The Japanese version has a bunch of new costumes, the return of Bayman, playable Tengu, two new arenas based on DOA1 arenas, one new area in the tower/wall arena, a handful of new tag team moves, and maybe a few more things I missed. It's the best DC version there is, but DOA2 Hardcore on the PS2 is the most complete DOA2 game out there, not counting DOA2 Ultimate on the XBOX which is more of a remake than a port anyway.

[Neo Rasa]

Oh man I love import Dreamcast games.

First off if you even remotely like shmups you're set. Even very recent titles like Under Defeat and Raijurugi are getting Japanese DC releases.

Second, if you like SNK there's a nice selection of great games. Also due to their popularity in Japan, almost every one of them got reprinted three (in some cases four!) times over on various bargain DC labels like DriKore and so on, so they can be had for very reasonable prices.

It is notable though that most SNK DC ports have a delay between the onscreen action and the sound effects due to the constant streaming the games employ to keep the load times down. This is fixed in much later ports like King of Fighters 2002 though (which looks better than the PS2 port, it's soft filtered by default).

As far as your method goes, I'll always stand by the DC-X. The Utopia disk is easy to get (since you can just download it) and free but personally I dislike how it doesn't really stop the DC from spinning, it's like doing a swap on your Saturn. I like how the DC-X gives you options for setting your video output and whether you're on NTSC or PAL since not all Dreamcast games detect this automatically (PAL Rez being the most infamous). I also like that it sets the DC, STOPS it from spinning, then you can pop the disk in. It feels like it's working the system less which if fine with me. ;)

Fire Pro Wrestling D is beyond awesome. I can't believe what a complete game it is. It's a must have for anyone who even remotely like wrestling. If you've got the time, the edit mode lets you edit every aspect of every wrestler, this was originally used by Spike's website where you could download save files that would keep the rosters and leagues in synch with what was going on in real life (in addition to downloading additional moves). You can construct entire leagues and everything. Plus once you own the game, like all DC fighting games it can be fun to make yourself a "backup" where you change the music to your liking.

I did this with KoF2002 DC, I have a copy where I used the 1993 ~ 1996 arranged versions of each song in the game. Interesting thing to toy around with.

Of what people are listing, I would argue that the XBox version of Capcom vs. SNK 2 is the best one overall. The Dreamcast version basically arcade perfect but the XBox version has some cool damage fixes that make it more balanced. Your call.

Also the Dreamcast port of Mark of the Wolves blows away from the PS2 version from everything I've heard. The sprites are at about 95% size in the Dreamcast version and it has the sound delays but the gameplay and controls are dead on. It controls great even with the default DC controller. It has an "AST" also that consists of a few midis SNK got one of their janitors to do before Aruze finished talent raiding them. This was actually the last SNK game published by that incarnation of the company.


Cool Cool Toon is another great gem from SNK. Really whacky rhythm game that's very challenging. Ouendan fans should give it a look.

Not system sellers, but Vampire Chronicle and Super Street Fighter IIX: Grand Master Challenge are both wonderful ports.

Vampire Chronicle is Darkstalkers 3/Vampire Savior only with the options have playing characters with the moves/super sets from the previous two games. SSFIIX has a ridiculous amount of options. There's a "dip switch" mode that lets you tune the game pretty much any way you want. You can strip it down and make it World Warrior SF2 or make it Hyper Fighting but have Sagat only have two kicks his special moves like when he was an unplayable character in World Warrior. It's got more options than Hyper Street Fighter II even if it's a little more obtuse to deal with.


Back to SNK, there's a great port of Twinkle Star Sprites on the system. It has a nice option that lets you choose what processor the game is being "run" on. This lets you set how much slowdown you'd like in the game, if any.

[cavein2000]

Oh man I love import Dreamcast games...


Wow dude, that's a ton of heads up right there!! I truly appreciate the recs you've given. I'm a bit curious on how exactly you change the music tracks on backups. I need the image file, not a real game, correct? Any details you could give me would be welcomed.. Thanks again.

Jay

[AB Positive]

I just shimmied this over to Classic, as DC counts as classic here.

That being said, Firepro D is WONDERFUL, nab yourself a nexus card to download edit packs off the net for name translations and WWE/TNA edits? Goooood stuff. If you're a move nazi, that is the game for you.

TIGER DRIVER '91!

-AB+

[cavein2000]

I just shimmied this over to Classic, as DC counts as classic here.

That being said, Firepro D is WONDERFUL, nab yourself a nexus card to download edit packs off the net for name translations and WWE/TNA edits? Goooood stuff. If you're a move nazi, that is the game for you.

TIGER DRIVER '91!

-AB+

Where can I pick up a Nexus Card?

[Fighter17]

Get the shmups. 8-)

[cavein2000]

Okay, won a bid on a copy of Fire Pro. We'll see if this game is as good as everyone says it is. Thanks for the advice, I think I will look into the Darkstalkers (Vampire Chronicle) game and SNK vs. Capcom 2 as well. Any more recommendations, send em over!! Thanks for all the help again.... :rocker: :cheers:

[diskoboy]

Rez and Ikaruga, are must owns. And use the Utopia boot disc. It works great, and it's free. Just make sure you download the 1.3 version.

Oh, and I was never into the Shenmue games, but if thats your cup o' tea, Shenmue 2. It's even a fairly easy find in the US.

[Smithy]

Just make sure you get the PAL version of Shenmue II, so you can actually understand what's going on.. JAP isn't subtitled.

[cavein2000]

True, I'd have to go back and actually play through the first Shenmue as well. I remember playing a few hours worth or so. The highlight was super kitty petting!! Coochy cooo!!

[Julio III]

True, I'd have to go back and actually play through the first Shenmue as well. I remember playing a few hours worth or so. The highlight was super kitty petting!! Coochy cooo!!

haha
Do it though. Shenmue is a game not to be missed. If you enjoy it you'll definitely want to play through the sequal also.

As for the rest of the games, well, I've already listed my recommendations but recently been getting into Psyvariar 2, its a nice shooter with a good system. You'll probably want to start with Ikaruga though to see what all the hype/fuss is about, plus its awesome.

Strangely enough, I ordered FirePro D a few days before this topic was created, haven't been into wrestling for a few years though

[cavein2000]

True, I'd have to go back and actually play through the first Shenmue as well. I remember playing a few hours worth or so. The highlight was super kitty petting!! Coochy cooo!!

haha
Do it though. Shenmue is a game not to be missed. If you enjoy it you'll definitely want to play through the sequal also.

As for the rest of the games, well, I've already listed my recommendations but recently been getting into Psyvariar 2, its a nice shooter with a good system. You'll probably want to start with Ikaruga though to see what all the hype/fuss is about, plus its awesome.



Strangely enough, I ordered FirePro D a few days before this topic was created, haven't been into wrestling for a few years though


Yeah, same over here. I used to be into wrestling for a while. I got the game cause I figured it would be a good multi-player and all, but I've been known to rock a DX chop from time to time or give a solid Vince McMahon Hollar... "It's gonna be a cage match!!" :rocker:

[Daltone]

Did Headhunter get a US release? If not I'd pick that up. Once you get it firmly into your head that you're playing a B-Movie it becomes a whole lot of fun. Sure the bike sections don't handle that well, and the stealth is less than refined, but somehow the whole package just sits together nicely. It'll never be a true classic game, but it is defintely worth getting.

[JPeeples]

Headhunter didn't get a U.S. release for the DC, it did get a U.S. release for the PS2 though. Rez and ESPECIALLY Fire Pro Wrestling D are great DC import pickups. FPD is the best wrestling game I've played in some ways, and easily the most robust Firepro I've played as well. Rent-A-Hero No. 1 (which SHOULD have come to the U.S. Xbox, dagnabbit!) is said to be a fine import pickup for the DC, but only if you have an FAQ handy.

[The Great Dane]

Okay, won a bid on a copy of Fire Pro. We'll see if this game is as good as everyone says it is. Thanks for the advice, I think I will look into the Darkstalkers (Vampire Chronicle) game and SNK vs. Capcom 2 as well. Any more recommendations, send em over!! Thanks for all the help again.... :rocker: :cheers:

Awesome, you won a copy :D Take note with Fire Pro D, however. It has a steep learning curve. The grapple system is something that takes some time to get used to. I heard of many people giving up on it before they actually learn how to play. There are MANY good guides at Gamefaqs.com for the game to help you out, though, as well as translation guides. It is for sure worth it to learn how to play, though, so make sure that you keep at it.

[Jackattack]

If you only get one import get shenmue II! It was one of the best decesion I have ever made! The game is so amazing. And even though you can get it on xbox, the japanesse voices in the other 2 versions are far superior to the awful english ones in the xbox version.

[le geek]

Ditto Ikaruga, Rez, Shenmue II...

Cosmic Smash is pretty cool as well. Think Rez-lite but breakout/raquetball instead of space harrier...

Cheers,
Ben

[ubersaurus]

True, I'd have to go back and actually play through the first Shenmue as well. I remember playing a few hours worth or so. The highlight was super kitty petting!! Coochy cooo!!

haha
Do it though. Shenmue is a game not to be missed. If you enjoy it you'll definitely want to play through the sequal also.

As for the rest of the games, well, I've already listed my recommendations but recently been getting into Psyvariar 2, its a nice shooter with a good system. You'll probably want to start with Ikaruga though to see what all the hype/fuss is about, plus its awesome.

Strangely enough, I ordered FirePro D a few days before this topic was created, haven't been into wrestling for a few years though

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with Ikaruga, since it's on Gamecube. My version for cube and my friend's for DC appear to be pretty much identical, so really, unless you like the DC controller THAT MUCH over the cube's, it's not worth the extra dollars. Same with Chaos Field(although that has more stuff on cube).

The DC/Japan exclusive shooters are where your cash would be better put.

[soundwave]

great! Thanks for all the info. Also, what games that are not available for the US system are recommended?

Shenmue II
Rez
Ikaruga
Capcom vs SNK 2
Puyo Puyo 4/Fever
Cool Cool Toon
Samba de Amigo ver.2000
Cosmic Smash

There's a serious amount of fighters and shooters out there of which I've not tapped into yet. The shmups get pretty expensive though.

Ikaruga and Capsom vs SNK 2 are definitely worth playing

[cavein2000]

[quote=cavein2000]great!

There's a serious amount of fighters and shooters out there of which I've not tapped into yet. The shmups get pretty expensive though.

Ikaruga and Capsom vs SNK 2 are definitely worth playing

What capcom fighters are available in this game that aren't in the prior of the two?

[kainemaxwell]

This point I'm definitly gonna look into Fire Pro. Been wanting to finally buy my first DC import and this may be my chance. Might see about the Jap Gunbird 2 as well.

[Neo Rasa]

[quote=cavein2000]great!

There's a serious amount of fighters and shooters out there of which I've not tapped into yet. The shmups get pretty expensive though.

Ikaruga and Capsom vs SNK 2 are definitely worth playing

What capcom fighters are available in this game that aren't in the prior of the two?

Eagle (Street Fighter)
Kyosuke (Rival Schools)
Maki (Final Fight 2)
Rolento (Street Fighter Alpha 2)
Yun (Street Fighter III)

[tritium]

wtf is wrong with you people !!!!

GUILTY GEAR X

There ya go...

The rest of the recommendations are great ^^

[Neo Rasa]

Eh, it's almost as broken as the PSX original and the animation is pretty bad on GGX. It's made obsolete by GGXX#Reload on the PS2 and the better balanced GGX and GGX2 on the PS2, both of which got US releases.