Dreamcast noob needs your help!

[ivotedforkodos]

Hello everyone, I know that people are very passionate about the Dreamcast so I thought I'd come here for some ABC's. My biggest question is about regional lock outs. What's the deal? I've heard conflicting information. Can this thing just boot a CD-R? I've seen the homebrew games available for download online, and honestly they look pretty cool. (I did purchase the mah-johng game from the GOAT store, BTW, so I am supporting the community!) I really want to import Ikaruga is the reason for my question in the first place. What's going on with those "boot a japanese game" cd's on eBay? Also, any general reccomendations you have for games would be appreciated.

[agbulls]

If you need a copy of Ikaruga and a JP boot disc, I can provide both to ya. :)

The system will load any CDR that has the Utopia (if I remember correctly) auto boot burned onto the frontend. A Utopia boot CD by itself can just load up imports.

Hope that helps!

[ivotedforkodos]

wow, that was fast - this is the best website ever, thanks

[agbulls]

If you want to send a private message just click on the user name and then click on private message. This is a good way to contact someone (like if you were interseted in my Ikaruga for example ;)).

Welcome to DP :)

[CosmicMonkey]

To boot imports you can either use a retail purchased DC-X boot disk, a downloaded Utopia boot disk or the Dreamcast Region Changer v1.5. This involves soldering one wire, and burning a disk. Check my post over in the Tech Forum for more info and links.

Yeah, homebrew DC games can be put on a CD and made to boot without the need for a boot disk or chip or anything. It's wonderful for the continued homebrew development on the DC, but not so good as retail games are easily downloaded and burnt onto CD. Yohoho and a bottle of Rum, and all that.....

Ikaruga is a good shout, but it's pure evil. Get yourself the incredible Under Defeat, Zero Gunner 2, Trigger Heart Exelica, Guilty Gear X and Marvel vs Capcom 2. Oh, and how about some King of Fighters for a bit of SNK love. And on a non fighting/shooter tip, get the legendary Jet Set Radio. Sorry, that should be Jet Set Radiooooooooooooooooo!!!

[Wolfgunblood Garopa]

I'll throw out a recommendation that most would probably not agree with:

Blue Stinger (JPN)

I had that rare glowy feeling the whole time I was playing through that game. It definitely has some cheesy voice acting and dodgy controls- but even with it's faults, it's still one of my favorites. The US version was completely ruined by Activision- they changed the cinematic camera (which was an important part of the game design) to a stupid, stupid behind the back camera.

[ivotedforkodos]

I have King of Fighters 99 Dream Match, Marvel vs. Capcom I, Soul Calibur, and a bunch of junk I picked up in lots here and there. I've found myself playing this more than my 360 actually, I think I'm starting to "get" why everyone loves it so much. Thanks for all the reccomendations.

[agbulls]

ivotedforkodos, I responded to your PM.

[Lerxstnj]

If you hate using bootdisks like me, Here's a good tip:

If you just make an iso of the import game, then burn a cdr, most will boot without a boot disk. Then you can put the original in a safe place. You'll need a pc w/ burner & some iso creating software. You can find instructions on the web.

[segarocks30]

Well I'm not the homebrew/japanese dc game specialist, but I CAN tell you some good dc games (you may already know but oh well:
Shenmue
Nfl 2k
Unreal Tournament
Pso
Sonic Adventure
Virtua Tennis

Plus there's so many other good american dc games. Sorry I really couldn't help your jp game problem though. But as mentioned before get Under Defeat, supposed to be a great SHUMP. BTW welcome.

[Jackattack]

You must play Shenmue II as well. It was never released in america except on the xbox (with the worst voice acting ever!) I have the pal version and burnt a boot CD and am good to go when ever I have the slightest desire to play one of the best games ever.

[8Ways2Tuesday]

I'll second the recommendation for Phantasy Star. And even if you've played it on Playstation, Soul Reaver really shines on Dreamcast.

[MarioMania]

What year is your DC..The CD-R Disk won't work on the 2000 Models & the Sega Sports one

[Sailorneorune]

The Gameshark CD-X works with imports as well.

I have March '99 and July '99 consoles, so check the manufacture date of yours.

Another good homebrew game is Sailor Moon Plus (it's a Beats of Rage mod). Very fun if you like beat 'em ups and don't mind the Sailor Moon theme. There are many BoR games out there. :)

As for recommendations: Soul Calibur, Skies of Arcadia, and Street Fighter Alpha 3 are more goodies.

[diskoboy]

We're sitting here talking about import games for the DC, and not one single person has yet to mention Rez!?

Forshame!! :)

[josekortez]

The Cheats & Codes Vol. 1 disk will work as a boot disc too. Just used it the other night on my European copy of Virtua Fighter 3tb.

[Flack]

What year is your DC..The CD-R Disk won't work on the 2000 Models & the Sega Sports one

This is incorrect. My Sega Sports Dreamcast (the black one) boots CD-Rs just fine.