The Dreamcast was SEGA’s last attempt at a video game console. Sometimes you wonder what could have happened if it succeeded. We even discussed the Dreamcast, and other video game what-ifs, on the podcast.
Many video game fans recognize SEGA as the company that created popular franchises like Sonic The Hedgehog, Yakuza, Super Monkey Ball and more among others.
One of their biggest, yet underappreciated, contributions to video gaming was the Dreamcast.
I was only able to play with the Dreamcast a few times, but I still have a fondness for the console. The device was loaded with features.
Built-In Modem vs Attachments
Dreamcast had an internet modem included with the console in-box. Other systems like the PS2 and Nintendo Gamecube required a separate purchase before you could play online.
When I was younger, I wasn’t too familiar with online play, but if a console had online play without the need for buying an attachment I probably would have bought that system. The PS2 Expansion Bay was a big gap I used to wonder about? What was its purpose?
It took another generation of video games for me to realize how big of a deal online play was and I haven’t looked back since.
Unusual Memory Card
Companies like Sony and Nintendo had regular memory cards to keep your save files. SEGA got way too ambitious for their own good. They got too desperate to keep up with the likes of Sony and Nintendo.
The Dreamcast memory card was not just a memory card…it also acted like a Tamagotchi or Pocket Pikachu for those who grew up with Pokemon Gold and Silver.
For a device that was supposed to hold game saves, the VMU held too much space for minigames, bonus graphics and more.
You can check out the video by Stop Skeletons From Fighting where they discuss how good and how bad the Dreamcast VMU was.
2K Sports
Many folks can take things for granted. If it wasn’t for Sega taking in Visual Concepts’ 2K Sports series, the popular NBA 2K franchise would not exist today.
NBA 2K was originally a Dreamcast-exclusive game until it was adapted to other platforms as well in 2001. The pairing of 2K with other consoles would result in one of the biggest sports video game franchises of all time.
Even a casual basketball fan such as myself is in awe of the effort that 2K has done for the series. You can say what you want about the never-ending problem of Virtual Coins but the game was great for the longest time.
Too Much Too Soon
The Sega Dreamcast sadly failed because the company got too giddy to slap on as many features as possible. What’s funny is that a generation later, companies like Nintendo utilized motion controls for the Wii.
Sega already had a fishing rod accessory you can use for Bass Fishing and even Soul Calibur.
Online play was fully-utilized by the Xbox and PlayStation when the following generation arrived while Nintendo found a way to catch up as well.
The Dreamcast simply did too much, too soon and failed to square up with its competitors.
The Geeky Juans
The Geeky Juans is a geek culture podcast and blog. The Geeky Juans Podcast discusses a wide range of topics ranging from animation to video games to wrestling and beyond!
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