The SEGA Dreamcast just celebrated its 25-year anniversary in North America, having made its debut all the way back on September 9, 1999. (The 25-year UK anniversary takes place on October 14.)
Unfortunately, however, while you’d have a tough time finding anybody with a bad word to say about the Dreamcast, the device would prove to be a massive flop, so much so that SEGA would never make another home console again.
Despite not sticking around for long, the Dreamcast was blessed with a ton of fantastic games, from SEGA arcade ports and originals, to legendary RPGs and third-party fighting games.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for the Dreamcast and want to relive the glory days of SEGA’s final home console release, then we’ve put together a list of the top 10 DC games below.
Better yet, we’ll even tell you how you can play them on the PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch.
10. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
I was thinking of putting something a bit more unique and with more of a tie with SEGA in the number 10 spot (something like Cannon Spike, House of the Dead 2 or Virtua Tennis), but there’s no skating around the fact that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is a brilliant game that was beloved by all.
Don’t think there’s too much more to say about Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, which tasks players with pulling tricks and racking up the highest score possible in iconic stages and to a brilliant soundtrack.
Picking up a copy for retro consoles shouldn’t cost you too much as it was hugely popular and on everything. Modern fans can pick up Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 2 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.
(Image: ACTIVISION)
9. Resident Evil Code Veronica
While Code Veronica wouldn’t be on everybody’s top 10 list for the Dreamcast, I absolutely loved it, and still play it regularly to this day (come on Capcom, give us a remake).
It featured some fantastic scares and set pieces, a bizarre plot and a ton of cheesy cutscenes. Visually, it was also a big step up from the PSOne games of the era.
Thanks to an updated version called Resident Evil Code Veronica X, modern gamers can play this on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
(Image: CAPCOM)
8. Skies of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia isn’t just one of the best RPGs on the Dreamcast, it’s one of the greatest role-playing games ever made. It’s crying out for a remake, sequel or even just a basic remaster.
The colourful visuals were great for the time, and the turn-based combat system is solid as a rock, but it’s the characters and exploration that really makes Skies of Arcadia stand out from the pack. As soon as you pilot your airship and start exploring those skies, it feels like you’re embarking on an epic adventure.
Unfortunately, Skies of Arcadia isn’t easy to get hold of these days, unless you’re willing to go down the whole emulation route. If you want the original, then the Dreamcast and Gamecube versions tend to cost a lot of money. Alternatively, you can check out fellow Dreamcast RPG Grandia 2, which is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC and Switch.
(Image: SEGA)
7. Jet Set Radio
A true product of its time, Jet Set Radio is one of the first games I think of when somebody mentions the Dreamcast.
Featuring gorgeous visuals and a banging soundtrack, the game puts players in control of a rollerblading graffiti artist, whose tasked with tagging walls, billboards, vehicles and even rival gang members, all the while performing tricks, grinding rails and dodging the police.
Jet Set Radio is available on modern Xbox platforms via Backwards Compatibility, but only if you already own a copy – it was delisted from the Xbox Store in 2023. You can also pick up a copy on Steam for just £5.99. If you missed out on the Xbox version or you’re a PlayStation user, then Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is an excellent alternative.
(Image: SEGA)
6. Crazy Taxi
Much like Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi is another one of those games that screams SEGA Dreamcast, despite appearing on other platforms and in the arcade.
Blue sky gaming at its best, Crazy Taxi sees players speed through the streets a San Francisco-style location, picking up customers and dropping them off as quickly as possible in order to make money and extend the timer. It’s so addictive, especially when you master the various speed boosting and navigation tricks.
Crazy Taxi is Backwards Compatible on modern Xbox platforms and still available in the Xbox Store, where it costs just £6.75. There’s also a Steam version available for £5.99. Sadly, however, the original licensed music has been replaced with inferior alternatives.
(Image: SEGA)
