Availability of rare/import DC games

SEGA
1

So I’ve just re-bought a Dreamcast off eBay (first one was nicked several years ago). I’ve got Crazy Taxi, F355, Jet Set Radio, Virtua Tennis 2, San Francisco Rush 2049, Resident Evil 2, RE: Code Veronica and RE: Dinosaur Edition (sorry, Dino Crisis).

I think I might still have a couple of my original games at home - Powerstone 2 and Skies of Arcadia. And if not, I’m going to try and get 'em, given that they’re pretty much what I bought the DC for.

But I thought it’d be nice to get some games that I haven’t already played, that might be a bit refreshing. Trouble is, with all the games I know I want, they’re either unavailable even secondhand from the main online retailers (and never mind small stores) or non-PAL only.

So this is a four-way request… for advice on getting my DC (safely) set up to play foreign games, for any other outlets besides Amazon marketplace and eBay where I’ve got a realistic chance of finding rarer games, for giving me an idea of whether the games I’m chasing are worth the effort, and for suggesting any attainable gems I might have missed.

So I’m interested in:

Rez (though I don’t want to pay ?80ish quid for it, so I’m guessing I should just give up on this one)

Armada - I’m not sure if this was released in the UK, but no-one outside America is selling it, but I really like the idea of shooter/RPG hybrid.

Cannon Spike

Silver - I know this didn’t get great reviews, but the guy who works in the local 2ndhand shop was saying he and his friends all really enjoyed it

Virtual On 2 (I just loved the original on the Saturn)

Ikaruga - I haven’t played a decent vertical shooter in years. I’d really rather get Radiant Silvergun for the Saturn, but again I don’t want to pay ?80, and this seems to be the next best option and potentially cheaper

Worms Armageddon - I’m a bit hot and cold about the Worms series - I still think the original was the best version I’ve played, back when it was a real test of aiming skill and super-weapons were rare and exciting - but defunctgames.com (which I quite like) has a very positive review of this. It’s not so rare as the others, but I’m not really sure whether I want it.

Ready 2 Rumble Round 2 - I liked the original, and contrary to what most people said, found it quite ‘deep’ - in the sense that winning is a real test of skill, not memorising countless combos

Shenmue 1 and 2 - I didn’t actually think Shenmue was that great in the end - it really felt like a great game was straining to break free of the bad voice acting, pointlessly fiddly combat (where you spend 3 hours perfecting a move, and then win most fights with basic pppk stuff), inexplicably random story events, boring collection subgames, and unexciting routine of searching through your clothes draws, but just as things seemed to be getting started the game ended. I suspect the sequel would be kind of similar, but the optimist in me has always wanted to see whether it actually fulfilled some of the promise of the first game.

The Nomad Soul - I’ve seen some really mixed reviews on this. I’m drawn to it by my love of narrative. The David Bowie thing is a very minor plus, but I’m basically indifferent to him… the reviews also seem to suggest it’s a bad conversion from the PC. So as well as wondering whether it’s worth getting, I’m curious whether the shortcomings in the conversion outweigh the relative ease in getting it up running on console.

And so does anyone have any suggestions for other DC games that are both worth getting and gettable? I tend to like RPGs especially, or games with similar layers of stats or that are built around a narrative (hence the RE bundle above). I also love a good beat-em-up in theory, but I find the DC pads just too awkward and the D-pad too easy to wear out for most of them (Powerstone 2’s analogue control being an obvious exception.

I used to own a few of the ones people might suggest, and have no particular desire to re-buy them:

Soul Calibur (just can’t understand what people saw in it. VF2 - and I assume VF3 - and even R2R were much more satisfyingly ‘serious’, Powerstone 2 and the SF series were much more entertainingly pyrotechnic)

Metropolis Street Racer - it was ok, but all pretty 90-degreeish, and never felt like real driving for its much vaunted realism. The invincible cars were a big turn-off, too. Besides, SFR2049 is clearly the best racing game ever, so I don’t see much point in getting another unless it does something pretty distinct.

Grandia II - I don’t normally like cutesy games, especially when the plot is so banal and tortuous as this. Something about Skies of Arcadia’s world gave it a real charm that was just absent here.

Soul Reaver - I did quite like this, but the ending was a complete let-down, and I’ve got one of the more recent sequels for the PC anyway, so I don’t feel any need to go back.

Shadow Man - just in case anyone thinks liking Soul Reaver means I should like this… I thought this was awful. It had all the worst bits of SR - endlessly retracing levels to look for the incredibly artificial newly unlockable areas and relentlessly grim scenery - without any of the intelligence or intrigue in the plot of the former game.

Soo… any advice (or just general reminiscence) to be had?

  1. Which of the games I’m contemplating are worth getting?

  2. Are there any I haven’t mentioned that are worth tracking down?

  3. Is there anywhere besides Amazon marketplace and eBay to get rare games?

  4. Is it possible to get a PAL console safely set up to play foreign games?

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gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=2885

Also, 80 quid for Rez?

Where do you shop?

3

Rez and Ikaruga are both definitely worth getting. You might want to consider the Xbox 360 versions of these two, however.

I remember having a lot of fun playing Phantasy Star Online, but that was mostly online. My understanding is that the game is no longer playable online on the Dreamcast, so you’d be better off hunting down the game for Gamecube/Xbox/PC.

Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 are worth playing. Start with the first game as it’s the better of the two, if you like it then move on to the second game.

I seem to remember Crazy Taxi 2 was decent, but I only played it briefly.

And don’t forget… Chu Chu Rocket! :anjou_love: Addictive multiplayer puzzle madness.

ncsx.com will ship International. They have Dreamcast games from all three territories. Many are sold out, but if you ask they might be able to get them for you.

You can use a boot disc, or mod your console. Keep in mind that if you’re using a PAL console, NTSC games that run in 60htz may only run in 50htz on your PAL machine without the option to change to 60htz. Alternatively you could get an NTSC Dreamcast, but you’re going to have display issues if you try to run PAL 50htz only games.

4

Awh Virtual On 2…I’m tempted to tell you to get it just so you can tell us what it’s like. I know, there are videos out there but can’t beat first-hand review.

I had Worms Armageddon on my DC and up until the disc got an insane scratch on it, it was a lot of fun. I’d still play it now if I could. In my opinion, it’s worth picking up, even if you don’t consider it the best of the series after playing it, it’s gotta be the 2nd best at least.

Oh and sending an old woman to her explosive doom, never gets old.

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[quote=“Chizzles”]Also, 80 quid for Rez?

Where do you shop?[/quote]

The only place I’ve seen the proper UK version for sale at all is here:
Link

[quote=“Solo Wing Dragon”]

I remember having a lot of fun playing Phantasy Star Online, but that was mostly online. My understanding is that the game is no longer playable online on the Dreamcast, so you’d be better off hunting down the game for Gamecube/Xbox/PC.[/quote]

I played PSO briefly on a friend’s DC and it seemed quite nice, but I imagine it’s dated a lot now. Also, I’m not really interested in buying any of the current gen of consoles, partly because they cost so much and partly 'cause I haven’t heard of a single game for any of them that I’d want to pay the box cost for, never mind the cost of a new system!

Again, I played SA briefly, but it didn’t really grip me. I thought the ‘adventure’ bit was done quite poorly, with nothing that emotionally invested me in any of the characters, and the speedy platform sections, which I loved in the Megadrive Sonics, seemed too fiddly and disconnected for some reason. I was vaguely thinking of giving SA2 a chance after seeing the Defunct Games review (like me they weren’t too keen on the first), but I’m not sure… can you go into more detail about them?

I’m not that into CT1, so I don’t think I’ll be tracking down the sequel. I just can’t find the basic element that draws me back to it, or even makes me want to continue playing it.

Forgot this one. I’ll probably pick it up, since I think it sits well next to Virtua Tennis 2, Powerstone 2 and Rush 2049 (and since it’s easy to find and stupidly cheap).

Any others? I forgot to say I’m also interested in games that would go well with those I just mentioned - four player party games basically. I’m tempted by Gauntlet Legends, although I have a feeling it would reduce the average quality of my collection quite a bit :stuck_out_tongue: I like the cooperative aspect, though - helps you avoid DC-owner-kills-all…again syndrome.

I’d also be theoretically tempted by some of the 2D fighters (and maybe Virtua Fighter 3, since I love the series - but I don’t know how good it is relative to its kin. I’d specifically like to know how it shapes up vs VF2 and whatever the latest/best version is supposed to be) if anyone canrecommend a reliable 3rd party controller that wouldn’t screw up the console, that would be easy to get hold of that was better suited to that type of game?

Ok, but how do I mod my console? (the local shop didn’t know how to do it) Or where do I get a boot disc from. Also, how much difference does 50vs 60hz make? I’ve never really noticed a difference, but maybe it’s important for some games.

Well I loved the original, and I haven’t heard anyone say anything but that this is similar but better in every way, so I have high expectations. Definitely high on my list if I set my DC up to play Japanese games.

6

How can you guys be forgetting about Marvel vs Capcom?

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Because Marvel VS Capcom is neither rare nor import only.

Besides, Marvel VS Capcom is arguably the worst game in the VS series, MVSHVSC and MVC2 are much better. :anjou_love:

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The Megadrive Sonics are superior to the Sonic Adventure games hands down. If you didn’t enjoy Sonic Adventure at all, then Sonic Adventure 2 probably won’t do much for you. There are less Sonic/Shadow levels than in the first game, although the framerate is better. There are too many places where you can fall off the level, which make these stages less fun than in the original. The Knuckles/Rogue puzzle stages are placed at intervals throughout the two stories, which slows the pace down considerably.

I bought a premodded DC, but you can download a boot disc and burn it onto a CD. Do a Google search, if you can’t find anything I’ll help you look for where you can find the download.

50htz games often (but don’t always) have black borders at the top and bottom of the screen. Usually 60htz games have a better framerates too (it can be the difference between 50 and 60 frames per second). You’d need to check that you TV can display 60htz - modern TVs will have no problem with this, but older TVs tend not to support 60htz.

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  1. Is there anywhere besides Amazon marketplace and eBay to get rare games?

Videogameimports.com, Playasia.com, genkivideogames.com ect . What ever you do, don’t pay ?80 for REZ you can get it much cheaper than that (it isn’t that rare) and yes its a must . BTW if you’re getting VO II (for my money the best looking DC game ever) make sure to get the DC twin Sticks (hard to find) as the pad controls are really poor and make the game unplayable

  1. Is it possible to get a PAL console safely set up to play foreign games?

Yes, Just get Datel’s CD-X and its as simple as swaping discs

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I think SA is the best Sonic game ever made and by far and away the best 3D platform game ever made . The ammount of work and effort that went into that game was quite breathtaking , the music score alone must have cost loads and months to produce .

11

Well, maybe I’ll give SA another try given those endorsements… I only played it for about 10 mins before.

I’m definitely tempted by the 2D fighters as I say, but only if anyone can recommend a DC pad that’s better suited to them (ie. with 6 buttons on the front and, more importantly, a D-pad that doesn’t stick after 30 mins of use).

Does VO2 have worse controls on the standard DC pad than VO did on the standard Saturn pad? I daresay the sticks improve the experience, but I’ve never played the original in the arcade - I fell in love with the bog standard Saturn setup.

Will have a look around for Rez… can anyone suggest a max price I should be looking to pay for it?

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[quote=“Jinx”]Well, maybe I’ll give SA another try given those endorsements… I only played it for about 10 mins before.

I’m definitely tempted by the 2D fighters as I say, but only if anyone can recommend a DC pad that’s better suited to them (ie. with 6 buttons on the front and, more importantly, a D-pad that doesn’t stick after 30 mins of use).

Does VO2 have worse controls on the standard DC pad than VO did on the standard Saturn pad? I daresay the sticks improve the experience, but I’ve never played the original in the arcade - I fell in love with the bog standard Saturn setup.

Will have a look around for Rez… can anyone suggest a max price I should be looking to pay for it?[/quote]

VO II is next to impossible with the standard DC pad, you’ll be lucky to get off stage III . I really don’t know what happened , but unlike the Saturn version (which was ace with the pad) it’s a total nightmare onthe DC with the Pad . Make sure to get the game though , other than say Shenmue II its the best use of the DC you’ll ever see. Model 3 visuals with 60 fps not matter what happpens onthe screen and the game features the best textures you’ll ever see on the DC - Make sure to Get it ! .

For a fighting pad just get a ASCII Fighting Pad and you’ll be sorted . As fpr REZ really don’t pay over the odds its not that rare (though the Pal version can be hard to find) I wouldn’t pay more than ?30 (tops) for it myself .

BTW give Soinc Adv another go Windy Valley and Speed Higway are as Sonic as its gets , and the Lost World level is awesome and so its the soundtrack to that stage.

Awesome game , I really don’t get why people knock it

13

Ok, that leaves me with three last questions…

Where can I actually pick up (PAL) Rez for that price? I had a brief look at the websites you suggested, but they all seem to be for Japanese imports, and a quick Google search for ‘buy dreamcast rez pal’ (not a phrase search) didn’t show up anything promising…

Similarly, is it possible to get the ASCII fighting pad for less than ?35? (consolesandgadgets.co.uk/cat … 23_50.html) Or is there anything nearly as good for a lot less? That seems kind of excessive for a 6 year old controller without an analogue!

And finally, do you know of anywhere whatsoever that I can buy twin sticks? The only thing I could find was an eBay US (I’m UK) auction with the opening price at $120!

Much as I’d love to get VO2, I don’t think I can afford to shell out that much. Would it be possible to play it on one of the other, non-official DC pads (that have an extra two buttons on the front) that I’ve seen on eBay, or would the game just not support them?

Ta :slight_smile:

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[quote=“Team Andromeda”]BTW give Soinc Adv another go Windy Valley and Speed Higway are as Sonic as its gets , and the Lost World level is awesome and so its the soundtrack to that stage.

Awesome game , I really don’t get why people knock it[/quote]

Sonic Adventure was a great game; easily the best of the 3D Sonics. I didn’t mean to imply that it was a rubbish game.

2D Sonic remains my preference, due to the control and camera issues introduced in Sonic Adventure.

15

There turn up from time to time , you just have to keep checking , or just get the Jp versions , its all in english anyway .

Thats about the going rate for those sorry , but if you want a 6 button pad , they’re the best you can get onthe DC, or you can get total control and use your Saturn pads

You can get total control and use the Saturn Twin sticks

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-h5-49-en-70-46.html

Get the game anyway of only for the graphics , the intro music and graphics will blow your mind

I know you weren’t calling the game rubbish , but I don’t get why people knock the game , even the camera stystem isn’t as bad as some love to make out , no more of an issue than the camera in Mario Galaxy to say the truth

16

I bought rez sealed for ?40 on eBay

Sonic Adventure is an amazing game. I don’t really understand peoples problems with the controls/camera, its nowhere near as bad as most people make it out to be.

The only time i notice a camera problem is if one of my friends play. They usually can’t play properly and sonic runs like a spaz makign the camera go all over the place.
If you play well/normally its no problem at all.

17

Definitely get VO 2. I personally found the controls to be great once I played it a few times. I beat the game many times and even unlocked Ajim (which is tough to do!)

As for other DC games to get (some may not be rare):

Games I have:
-Last Blade 2
-Marvel vs Capcom 2
-Street Fighter 3 Third Strike
-Skies of Arcadia
-Shenmue 1
-Power Stone 2
-Virtual On Oratorio Tangram
-Grandia 2
-Resident Evil Code Veronica

Games I plan on buying:
-Power Stone 1
-Shenmue 2
-Ecco the Dolphin
-San Fransisco Rush 2049
-Ikaruga
-Rez
-Gundam 0079 Side Story
-Daytona USA
-Maken X
-Sword of the Berserk

18

Talking of Power Stone, what did you think of 1 and 2 compared?

I loved the moving levels in 2 and all the new items, kept the frantic pace going. Of course, having 4 player was awesome as well. It just didn’t feel as frantic and fast paced as Power Stone 1, where you’d be desperatly clinging onto stones, narrowly avoiding attacks and having clay pots rain on your head.

Theres no way 4 player could’ve worked with the tiny Power Stone 1 maps (most likely why I remembered it being so frantic) but still.

I really liked SA as well. The camera did get on my tits sometimes with corners and such, as I found on some ramps I’d just fall right through, but apart from that I really enjoyed it.
I never compare them to the 2D versions, because they’re different games. It’s not really fair to compare them.

19

[quote=“Berserker”]Talking of Power Stone, what did you think of 1 and 2 compared?

I loved the moving levels in 2 and all the new items, kept the frantic pace going. Of course, having 4 player was awesome as well. It just didn’t feel as frantic and fast paced as Power Stone 1, where you’d be desperatly clinging onto stones, narrowly avoiding attacks and having clay pots rain on your head.

Theres no way 4 player could’ve worked with the tiny Power Stone 1 maps (most likely why I remembered it being so frantic) but still.
[/quote]

I enjoyed both as well. I don’t own the first game, but I did play it when I borrowed it from my friend. PS 1 was more frantic (I think smaller stages contributed to this), but 4 player PS 2 cannot be beat as a party game.

20

I loved Power Stone until the moment I played Power Stone 2. On going back to the original, I found it slow and very easy. Maybe it’s better if you can find another player of your ability, but the odds of that seem slim.