Joystiq

Dreamcast shoot-'em-up 'DUX 1.5' now shipping

Danny Cowan — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST

Sega may have shelved its final console more than a decade ago, but for homebrew developers, at least, the Dreamcast lives on. HUCAST Games announced this week that its R-Type-ish Dreamcast shoot-'em-up, DUX 1.5, is now available.

Originally released back in 2009, DUX was later retooled and offered as an incentive for fans who helped to Kickstart an upcoming sequel. Along with a new soundtrack and rebalanced gameplay, DUX 1.5 gives players the option of respawning instantly upon death - a key addition, for those who have had it up to here with the original game's checkpoint system.

If you happen to own a copy of the original DUX and are willing to jump through a hoop or two, you're eligible for a free upgrade. HUCAST Games notes that DUX owners can get a free copy of DUX 1.5 if they submit a proof of purchase or, alternatively, "a picture of your DUX 1.0 copy with a current newspaper in picture."

Dreamcast shoot-'em-up 'DUX 1.5' now shipping originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Constructed by evil genius/mad scientist/hardware hacker Bacteria, Project Unity is a single, unified gaming console that can play Sega Master System, Neo Geo MVS, GameCube, Dreamcast, Saturn, Intellivision, Colecovision, Atari 7800, Turbografx 16, PS1/PS2, Mega Drive, NES, Super NES, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and Amstrad GX4000 games.

Project Unity's most impressive feature, besides the fact that it works, is that it was constructed entirely out of authentic hardware and does not make use of emulators or combo units like the FC Twin. It also manages to use a single power supply, video output and custom-built controller, regardless of the system selected.

Jump to 09:30 in the video above for a demonstration of this behemoth in action, including the repurposed NES cartridges that contain different circuit boards for each controller type, or start from the beginning for some deliciously chaotic wiring shots.

'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega introduces line of console-themed laptops

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST

It's not quite the return to hardware production that some Sega loyalists may be hoping for, but Sega's new line of retro console-themed laptops are expensive and doomed to obsolescence, so it's kind of the same thing.

Manufactured in conjunction with Japanese retailer Enterbrain, the Sega Note PC laptops come in four styles: Generic Sega, Mega Drive, Sega Saturn and Dreamcast. Your choice of style can be ordered in one of four hardware configurations, with ascending prices ranging from ¥99,750 ($1075.47) to ¥194,250 ($2094.35). The base model comes equipped with the 64-bit version of Windows 8, a 1920x1080 display, 4 gigs of RAM and a 500 gig HD, all powered by a Pentium 2020M processor, according to our friends at Engadget.

It's kind of a lot of money for not a lot of computer, but each laptop is packed with Sega-branded Windows 8 themes, replete with custom system sounds. Shipment is expected to begin in June for those who either live in Japan or are brave enough to import.

Gallery: Sega Note PC

Sega introduces line of console-themed laptops originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Genesis RPG 'Pier Solar' goes HD via Kickstarter

JC Fletcher — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST

Pier Solar was developed for the Sega Genesis and released on cartridge in 2010. With the benefit of fifteen years or so of technological advancements, developer WaterMelon Co. was able to put it on a 64MB cart, making it the biggest Genesis RPG ever. It's a traditional role-playing game about a botanist named Hoston on a quest to find a rare herb and cure his sick father. Now, the developer wants to update its turn-based throwback RPG for platforms people still use ... and Dreamcast too.

Pier Solar HD is planned for Xbox 360, PC, Mac, Linux, and Dreamcast - that last one won't actually be in HD. The style is reminiscent of the original, but places more detailed 16-bit style sprites on hand-drawn HD backgrounds. To fund the redrawing of assets and licensing for new platforms, WaterMelon is seeking $139,000 on Kickstarter.

Backers get a copy of the game for PC, Mac, Linux, or Xbox 360 by pledging at least $15; $49 is required for the Dreamcast CD or a physical copy on the other platforms. Naturally, there are more expensive collector's editions, as well as luxury items like a Pier Solar branded Dreamcast or arcade stick.

Genesis RPG 'Pier Solar' goes HD via Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everything old is Neo again: NG:DEV.TEAM on GunLord

JC Fletcher — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST

The Neo Geo X has people contemplating the possibility of buying "Neo Geo" hardware in 2012. But SNK and Blaze aren't the only companies bringing back the 24-bit platform in the new millennium. In fact, there's a group with an even keener eye for accuracy.

Indie developer NG:DEV.TEAM has been steadily releasing games developed specifically for the vintage hardware since 2006, and porting them to Dreamcast for an extra touch of retro accessibility.

Its latest work is GunLord, a Turrican-inspired side-scrolling run-and-gun. For those of you not familiar with Turrican, that means vast levels that expand out in every direction, full of platforming challenges and tons of enemies to shoot Contra-style. The first stage of GunLord alone features scenery varying from a wooded mountainside, to a waterfall-fed underground cave, to a series of ruins against a stormy sky.

Continue reading Everything old is Neo again: NG:DEV.TEAM on GunLord

Everything old is Neo again: NG:DEV.TEAM on GunLord originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Adventure 2 coming to PSN/XBLA this fall

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 15:20:00 EST

An XBLA/PSN port of Dreamcast classic Sonic Adventure 2 was announced during Sega's Sonic Boom event at this week's San Diego Comic-Con. While details remain sparse, the shaky-cam footage above shows the port as part of an ongoing Sega Heritage initiative and gives the game a "fall" launch window. It also shows a massive crowd of Sonic fans freaking out, which is incredible on several levels.

Should this be the same Sonic Adventure 2 port that briefly showed up on the Xbox Marketplace last month, it'll be an HD remake, rather than a straight port, though the logo seen in the video above lacks any sort of HD branding. We'll update as soon as an official missive arrives from Sega with more information.

Sonic Adventure 2 coming to PSN/XBLA this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GunLord now available for Dreamcast

JC Fletcher — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:00:00 EST

GunLord, NG:Dev-Team's new(!) Dreamcast run-and-gun game, is now available for purchase through retailer Play-Asia. The standard edition costs $39.99, with a soundtrack-bearing Limited Edition available for $49.99. An extravagant "Dragon Box" is on the site for $120, but is not available for purchase yet.

If you're put off by newfangled Dreamcast technology and would prefer to play GunLord on Neo Geo, you can get that directly from NG:Dev-Team.

GunLord now available for Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Indie shmup Redux succeeds on Kickstarter, adds plans for Vita and 3DS

JC Fletcher — Thu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 EST

How much interest is there in an indie Dreamcast shooter? At least $41,983 - that's how much developer ReduxGame has raised on Kickstarter for the Dreamcast (and iOS/PC) shooter Redux: Dark Matters. The team crossed the $40,000 goal for its drive, making it one of only two console game projects to succeed on the platform (the other is Star Castle for Atari 2600) and prompting the team to make additional goals, like two-player support and a new stage for $60K worth of backing.

According to an email we received from the team, the plans for platforms have been altered since we last reported on this labor of love. "Sega Dreamcast, iOS and STEAM/PC are already set in stone and will be released this year, the team notes, and it is "actively working" to get Redux on PSN, XBLA, Vita, and 3DS.

Indie shmup Redux succeeds on Kickstarter, adds plans for Vita and 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kickstart Steam/XBLA/PSN shmup Redux to get a Dreamcast version

JC Fletcher — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:00:00 EST

Redux: Dark Matters is the sequel to Dux, a 2009 shooter you may not have played ... because it came out on Dreamcast. However, developers Rene Hellwig and KTX Software want to bring the side-scrolling followup to PSN, XBLA, and Steam, and have posted a $25,000 Kickstarter drive toward that goal.

But the developers haven't forgotten their insane drive to keep the Dreamcast alive. If you contribute $65 or more, you'll get a limited-edition Dreamcast copy of Redux, exclusive to the Kickstarter campaign. This is all we needed to clear up our mixed feelings about the Kickstarter phenomenon; anything that leads to more Dreamcast games can only be a good thing.

Kickstart Steam/XBLA/PSN shmup Redux to get a Dreamcast version originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Shenmue 1 and 2 HD finished, hitting XBLA/PSN

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

All right, before we go any further than that headline up there, we want everyone playing along at home to go to the kitchen and bring back one of those big cardboard cylinders of Morton's salt with the little metal flap on top.

Got it? Okay great, because you're going to need more than a grain for this one: HD versions of Shenmue 1 and 2 have been completed for more than a year and are pending release on XBLA and PSN, according to an anonymous source reporting to Gamerzines. The source goes on to say that Sega has been sitting on the remakes while it decides the fate of a potential Shenmue 3, though the source did not specify what that fate is.

Look, we're not saying that it isn't true, or that we don't want HD remakes of two of our favorite games ever, because of course we do. We just want you to be careful and not get your precious little hopes up, only to have them dashed to pieces -- your broken, mangled hearts never able to trust or love again.

Rumor: Shenmue 1 and 2 HD finished, hitting XBLA/PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NG:Dev.Team keeps the Dreamcast and Neo Geo going with GunLord

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST

NG:Dev.Team continues to keep both the Dreamcast and Neo Geo in a state of near-life, with the "Eurostyle" (think Turrican) platformer GunLord. Featuring "9 stages of exciting 2D game play with over 45 unique enemy types," GunLord will be released on Neo Geo MVS cartridge (the format used in Neo Geo arcade machines) in December, with Dreamcast and Neo Geo home system releases following in 2012.

You might not think you need a new run-and-gun on your Neo Geo ... but you may just change your mind when you see the trailer.

NG:Dev.Team keeps the Dreamcast and Neo Geo going with GunLord originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XBLA in Brief: NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, Sega Bass Fishing, Space Channel 5 Part 2

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:29:00 EST

With our review of Orcs Must Die! already up, it's time to take a look at this week's other XBLA releases, NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, Sega Bass Fishing and Space Channel 5 Part 2. In other words, we have two old Dreamcast games, and one game that's trying to make you remember old games.

There are new Xbox Live Arcade games released every week. We realize that our readers are busy, attractive people, and may not have time to download and examine each and every new XBLA game. You've got busy, attractive person stuff to do, after all. Not to worry though, because we've done the work for you, downloading every single trial game and giving you a taste of what to expect. Watch XBLA in Brief every week to see which games deserve a closer look. When you have the time, of course.

XBLA in Brief: NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, Sega Bass Fishing, Space Channel 5 Part 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Handheld Dreamcast systems go on sale in Japan

JC Fletcher — Mon, 30 May 2011 20:16:00 EST

Under most circumstances, our answer to the question "Should I buy a Dreamcast" is yes. If you don't have a Dreamcast, you should buy a Dreamcast. If you already have a Dreamcast, what if your Dreamcast breaks? What would you do then? Not play Plasma Sword, that's what.

But when that Dreamcast costs ¥38,000 ($469), we must be more reserved with our recommendations. That's the price PachimonTV gives to this handmade portable Dreamcast unit, shipping next month in Japan. We'll leave it to you to decide whether or not that's a fair price for the ability to play Shenmue on the go.

At the very least, it's a more elegant portable Dreamcast solution than the infamous Treamcast.

Handheld Dreamcast systems go on sale in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 May 2011 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Adventure and sequel get 20th anniversary soundtracks

Mike Schramm — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST

The soundtracks to the Dreamcast's Sonic Adventure games are being re-released in Japan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first game's arrival back in 1991. The track listing isn't the full version of the soundtrack, evidently, but the first disc will have the classics, including the "It Doesn't Matter" theme as well as "Open Your Heart." The Sonic Adventure CD is due out on May 18, with Sonic Adventure 2 following on June 22.

CDJapan will be selling both for about $27, and Amazon Japan also has preorders available. Ah, the memories -- we can almost feel that giant killer whale smashing up the pier behind us.

Sonic Adventure and sequel get 20th anniversary soundtracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega does its part to help Japan with gear auction

Justin McElroy — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST

Delivering another fine example of the industry pitching in to help Japan, Sega is auctioning off a Yakuza track jacket, a Dreamcast hoodie and a ton of neat stuff, all of which you can see after the break. All proceeds go to the Red Cross, so you can dress like a geek but still feel like a champ.

Continue reading Sega does its part to help Japan with gear auction

Sega does its part to help Japan with gear auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: Dreamcast Collection, soundtrack vinyl and 'Still Thinking' hoodie

Randy Nelson — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST

How does one pay tribute to such a great console as the late Sega Dreamcast? With cool swag, of course. To celebrate the company's final console -- and the release of Dreamcast Collection -- Sega manufactured a limited run of the title's soundtrack on vinyl. This snow-white record was intended only for Australia, but we got our hands on a few to give to you (because we kinda, y'know, like you). Some really sharp Dreamcast hoodies were also made. They're zip-up, with orange hood lining and draw strings, plus an embroidered Dreamcast logo on the front and the Dreamcast swirl above the words "Still Thinking ... " on the back.

Four lucky readers will win a package consisting of one soundtrack vinyl, one sweatshirt and one copy of Dreamcast Collection for Xbox 360. Head past the break for the full contest rules, and good luck!

Continue reading Joyswag: Dreamcast Collection, soundtrack vinyl and 'Still Thinking' hoodie

Joyswag: Dreamcast Collection, soundtrack vinyl and 'Still Thinking' hoodie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreamcast Collection now on Steam(cast)

JC Fletcher — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST

If you'd like to play Sega's Dreamcast Collection without actually collecting any boxes, you can do that now. The four-game compilation is now available for PC download through the Steam service, for $29.99. It was released as an Xbox 360 disc on February 22.

You can also purchase the games individually, if you're only interested in one or, perhaps, have enough copies of Crazy Taxi in your house. Each of the four games is available for $8.99 each. So for the price of a pizza, you could have the wonderful Space Channel 5 Part 2. Go ahead and get that pizza too. You deserve it!

Dreamcast Collection now on Steam(cast) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreamcast Collection gets dreamy pre-order bonus vinyl Down Under

Randy Nelson — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST

Though we still lament the all-too-early demise of the late, great Sega Dreamcast, its maker lets us know from time to time that our unending loyalty does not go unrequited. Case in point: the pre-order bonus item for Dreamcast Collection in Australia. It's a silver record (an ancient audio storage media made of vinyl) containing songs from Sonic Adventure, Space Channel 5: Part 2 and Crazy Taxi in a sleeve that looks like a Dreamcast. Pretty cool, right?

Pretty collectible, too, no doubt. The Sega Europe Blog has a bunch and intends to give them away in an upcoming contest. Hopefully, foreign fans will get a shot at them -- hey, we can dream, right?

Dreamcast Collection gets dreamy pre-order bonus vinyl Down Under originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreamcast Collection puts four whole games on PC and Xbox this Feb.

JC Fletcher — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:55:00 EST

The "Dreamcast Collection," first spotted on GameStop in November, is official. Sega announced the disc-based collection today, and we're a bit disheartened to see that it's exactly what we expected, because what we expected was pretty sad.

The collection contains Crazy Taxi, Sonic Adventure, Sega Bass Fishing and Space Channel 5 Part 2 (all with "enhanced graphics"). In other words, the Dreamcast Collection is composed of just the four totally random games that have already been released (or announced for release) on PSN and XBLA, burned onto a disc for Xbox 360 and released digitally on PC. We suppose it could be good news for PC gamers who weren't going to have access to the games otherwise.

The Dreamcast Collection will be available on February 22 in North America and February 25 in Europe. Pricing has yet to be confirmed by Sega, but GameStop's original listing showed $30, which would at least be cheaper than purchasing all four downloadable versions of the games separately. Yay?

Dreamcast Collection puts four whole games on PC and Xbox this Feb. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yu Suzuki discusses concept for Shenmue 3

JC Fletcher — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:26:00 EST

James Mielke, formerly of 1UP, tracked down Sega legend Yu Suzuki for an interview, during which Suzuki revealed one of his ideas for the design of Shenmue 3 -- which, just to keep you from getting your hopes up, is still totally not happening. But it sounds interesting! But it's not happening.

"Shenmue 3 doesn't expand outward, but inward," Suzuki said, contrasting the expansive worlds of the original games with an emphasis on deeper interaction with the main characters, Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua. In the examples he gave, which were "not actually in the game," your choice of tea or coffee, or answers to hypothetical questions, would affect your relationship with in-game characters.

The rest of the two-part interview discusses Suzuki's past creating novel arcade games like Hang-On, the acquisition of 3D technology from Lockheed to develop Virtua Fighter and Virtua Racing, and the long-lost touchscreen arcade game Psy-Phi. "I think it would be good to make it for Kinect," Suzuki mused. "Yeah, maybe I'll make that my next project, although, I should probably make the game a little simpler for the Kinect audience."

Yu Suzuki discusses concept for Shenmue 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Dreamcast Collection' for Xbox 360 and PS3 listed on GameStop

JC Fletcher — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:40:00 EST

Coinciding with the PSN release of the Dreamcast's Crazy Taxi, a mysterious listing for a PS3/Xbox 360 "Dreamcast Collection" has been spotted on GameStop. The listing does not offer any details about the unannounced title, except a (likely placeholder) release date of February 15 and a price point of $29.99.

We can speculate just a bit based on that price. Since the two existing PSN/XBLA ports, Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi, cost $10 each to download, it seems unlikely that Sega would simply dump those two games on a disc and charge an additional $10. That effectively rules out the worst-case, most boring scenario. It could be the set of four announced PSN/XBLA ports, including Space Channel 5 Part 2 and Sega Bass Fishing. In fact, given GameStop's moves toward PSN/XBLA content, it could be a code for downloading the games. But for a definitive answer to the tricky question of "what is in the collection," we'll try asking Sega.

[Thanks, Taren.]

'Dreamcast Collection' for Xbox 360 and PS3 listed on GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crazy Taxi drivers get an early start, available on PSN today

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

It's so rare that games come out sooner than expected rather than ... well, the other way around. That seems to be the case with Crazy Taxi. Though the game was initially slated for a November 23 release, it will actually be made available later today on the PlayStation Store for $9.99. Sorry, Xbox Live Arcaders, but your release date didn't get the red carpet treatment -- it's still coming November 24.

In fact, Sega has made the pot even sweeter for PS3 owners. If you're a subscriber to PlayStation Plus, you can go ahead and knock $1.99 off the price of the game if you purchase it before November 30. Wow, two dollars? That's cuh-raaaaaazy money. Actually, no, wait. That's perrrfectly saaaaane money.

Continue reading Crazy Taxi drivers get an early start, available on PSN today

Crazy Taxi drivers get an early start, available on PSN today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Channel 5 Part 2, Sega Bass Fishing coming to XBLA and PSN

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST

Sega's next batch of high-definition Dreamcast ports (following Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure) is a good reminder of the failed console's eclectic and enduring selection of games. The first has reeled in hundreds of scaly creatures who can only stare vacantly at their captor, mouths agape -- the other one is Sega Bass Fishing.

According to Eurogamer, the all-singing, all-dancing Space Channel 5 Part 2 will arrive on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network in "early 2011," alongside the aforementioned aquatic catch-em-up. Interestingly, Sega has never published Space Channel 5 Part 2 in North America. The Dreamcast version never made it out of Japan, and a PlayStation 2 port -- bundled with the first game as Space Channel 5: Special Edition -- was released in America by Agetec.

Overseen by Rez and Child of Eden designer Tesuya Mizuguchi, Space Channel 5 was unique in melding a goofy story with rote rhythm-based mechanics. Part 2 ditched the first game's pre-rendered video backdrops and added instrument battles, impromptu singing showdowns and expanded on the original's catchy, Austin-Powers-in-space music.

Update: Screens and art added below.

Gallery: Space Channel 5 Part 2 (XBLA/PSN)

Gallery: Sega Bass Fishing (XBLA/PSN)

Space Channel 5 Part 2, Sega Bass Fishing coming to XBLA and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever

JC Fletcher — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The Dreamcast continues to cling to the barest sliver of life, thanks to the work of NGDev Team. The developer and publisher announced that it's porting Fast Striker, a vertical shooter made for (fellow dead system) the Neo Geo, to the Dreamcast, with a scheduled winter 2010 release.

If you want to buy a new Dreamcast game (and doesn't that sound great?) you can pre-order Fast Striker from NGDev directly, in either a regular edition or a limited edition that includes a soundtrack. If you're really enthused about Fast Striker, you can buy a pack containing both editions. The Neo Geo MVS version is also available.

Check out a trailer after the break. A trailer for a Dreamcast game.

Continue reading Fast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever

Fast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic Adventure arrives on XBLA September 15 for $10

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The first (but certainly not last) Dreamcast title to arrive on Xbox Live Arcade is, appropriately enough, the fastest. Major Nelson's latest schedule for the platform has revealed a September 15 release date for Sonic Adventure, which will be available for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). No word yet on the release plans for Sega's other previously announced Dreamcast revival, Crazy Taxi.

We've contacted Sega to find out if the game will arrive on PSN on a similar timetable. We also sent them an email with the subject line "Give us Seaman," followed by a body of text which simply read, "SEEEEEAAAAAAAAMAAAAAAAN."

Sonic Adventure arrives on XBLA September 15 for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redspotgames looking to continue publishing for Dreamcast

Kyle Orland — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Redspotgames, the small publisher behind relatively recent Dreamcast releases such as Last Hope, Rush Rush Rally Racing and Wind and Water: Puzzle Battles, says they are looking to continue publishing games for the long-dead system into next year.

"We have seen some stuff on the PC, and we [are] talking to to the companies to see if they will agree to release on the Dreamcast," Redspotgames marketing and sales director Adrian Loudero told Joystiq at Gamescom this week. "We also have plans for 2011, maybe a new release, but this is really all I can say right now."

Loudero told us that Redspotgame only sells a few thousands copies of each new Dreamcast game it releases. As such, the company has recently expanded to WiiWare and Xbox Live Arcade development to stay afloat. But he also said that he's heartened by the way the Dreamcast demo units at the company's small Gamescom booth draw double takes and appreciative play from passers-by. "I think the Dreamcast is still famous," he said.

Asked if he thinks Sega should get back into the Dreamcast game-publishing business, Loudero responded enthusiastically. "Yes, of course, please."

Redspotgames looking to continue publishing for Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreamcast Returns on PSN and XBLA this year

JC Fletcher — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

"I want to go to the baseball stadium, and then the image gallery"As hinted by the ESRB -- and predicted on our Xbox E3 Bingo card, Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi, two of Sega's standout games for its dearly departed Dreamcast, will be released on PS3 and Xbox 360. But they're just the first Dreamcast titles.

Sega announced that those two games will be available this fall in North America and Europe, calling them the "first two classics" to be released as part of Sega's plan to republish Dreamcast games on PSN and XBLA. The games will include improved resolution, surround sound, and modern amenities like online leaderboards, Achievements, and Trophies.

We're going to spend the rest of the day fantasizing about the release of our favorite Dreamcast games. For example, all of them.

Gallery: Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast Returns)

Gallery: Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast Returns)

Dreamcast Returns on PSN and XBLA this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You're not dreaming: Custom portable Dreamcast is the real deal

Randy Nelson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST

An intrepid Sega fan going by the name Bacteria would like you to see what he's spent the last four months building: a portable Sega Dreamcast -- complete with a built-in VMU (Visual Memory Unit, should you have forgotten). Called the IntoDream, the handheld is actually comprised of some non-Sega components, specifically a 5" LCD screen for the PSone and ... a third-party N64 analog stick? The full specs are listed on his blog.

Bacteria says the rest of the buttons and innards came from a PAL Dreamcast console, and that it "was primarily made to play Quake 3 and also Unreal Tournament on the Dreamcast, and it does it very well indeed." Just not for long -- the IntoDream's six amps of battery juice powers the device for just over two hours on a single charge. Still, for such a commendable custom carry-along, you take what you can get, right?

Check out two videos -- one a making-of, the other of the IntoDream in action -- after the break. Oh, and in case you're wondering, it's not for sale.

Continue reading You're not dreaming: Custom portable Dreamcast is the real deal

You're not dreaming: Custom portable Dreamcast is the real deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreamcast controller turned into decoration for iPhone dock

JC Fletcher — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST

Deciding that the Dreamcast controller had too many input methods and not enough screens, Flickr user jayhauf removed the D-pad from the device and made the whole thing into an ornamental iPhone dock.

We're pretty sure you can try this one at home, if you've got a (preferably broken) Dreamcast controller: just pull out the D-pad and the cord, and thread your iPhone connector through. Just like that, you've got a telephone sticking out of the left side of your controller! It's certain to be a conversation piece, inspiring questions from your friends like "Why did you do that?" and "How are we going to play Power Stone now?"

[Via Engadget]

Dreamcast controller turned into decoration for iPhone dock originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Leaked minutes from Sega/Sony meeting reveal PS2 and Dreamcast on PSN, much more

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST

Okay, buckle up -- there's a whole lot to take in here. As discovered by French site Objectif-SEGA, Sega's public relations FTP site recently got a titillating addition: The alleged minutes from an August 5 meeting between the Hedgehog-centric publisher and Sony Computer Entertainment America. (The document is reproduced in its entirety after the break.)

The biggest, potential news from this document concerns SCEA's general plans for the future. One excerpt from the minutes lists a Spring 2010 launch window for the PlayStation Motion Controller -- specifically March for Japan. Another noteworthy section mentions a "PS2 emulator for PS3," claiming that "SCEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN." Later in the document, the possibility of Dreamcast titles on PSN is also suggested, in addition to a "Japanese Import" section.

This leak has an air of credibility due to its appearance on Sega's public FTP media resource center -- however, it's entirely possible that it could have been uploaded to said FTP site by a hack-savvy Dreamcast enthusiast. Maintain your skepticism as you browse the full document.

Update: The document has been removed from Sega's FTP site, but we've got further analysis right here!

[Via NeoGAF]

Continue reading Rumor: Leaked minutes from Sega/Sony meeting reveal PS2 and Dreamcast on PSN, much more

Rumor: Leaked minutes from Sega/Sony meeting reveal PS2 and Dreamcast on PSN, much more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peter Moore looks back at the Dreamcast

Justin McElroy — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST

With this being Sept. 9, 2009 and all, you're probably going to be seeing a lot of looks back at the Dreamcast, which burst forth from the belly of the Saturn's rotting corpse 10 years ago today. Well, that is until the embargo ends on the Dreamcast 2 announcement at 9 p.m. ... Oh, crap. Forget you heard anything.

To distract you, here are Peter Moore remembrances of the system (with a liberal dose of rationalizing EA's lack of support for it, of course). He also clears up the important point of who finally pulled the plug on the console. (No, not the PS2, wiseguy. And shame on you for speaking ill of the dead!)

[Thanks, Chris]

Peter Moore looks back at the Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq remembers the Sega Dreamcast

JC Fletcher — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:47:00 EST

9/9/99. It was the coolest date imaginable to launch a new anything, and Sega's Dreamcast had one of the best launches in North America of any console to date. Except for the part where a bunch of the game discs didn't work.

Ten years later, the console is no longer being made, and Sega is just another software publisher, but fans continue to love the little white box. The Dreamcast's lineup of arcade ports and wildly experimental games inspired lifelong allegiance among the people who actually bought that stuff.

Join us after the break as a bunch of Joystiq writers share our Virtual Memories about that day (the day the snow turned to rain, and we saw a black car), and about the years of Dreamcast love that followed. In the process, we've learned that an unexpected number of us raised fish-monsters in Vivarium's Leonard Nimoy-narrated pet sim Seaman, and as a result we feel closer to one another. The Dreamcast is magical.

[Image credit]

Continue reading Joystiq remembers the Sega Dreamcast

Joystiq remembers the Sega Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy (belated) 10th birthday, Seaman

Justin McElroy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:39:00 EST

We try not to inundate you with birthday posts at Joystiq. They're typically not very exciting and they frankly make us feel really, really old. But this is one occasion we just can't let pass. It's been just a few days over 10 years since Seaman first emerged from the nautilus in Japan.

To mark the blessed day, 1UP's got a great interview from Famitsu Weekly with creator Yoot Saito, who manages to take humility to a whole new, utterly perplexing level. "Seaman received a lot of praise for its concept, but I don't think it's that original," he says. "I think it's something everyone's thought of before. I mean, I'm sure a lot of people have thought at least once in their lives that it'd be funny if a fish had a human face and could talk."

Sure, Yoot. We've all been there.

Happy (belated) 10th birthday, Seaman originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brand new 2D shmup 'Dux' released ... for Dreamcast

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST

It's a sad fact that at the end of every console war, a remainder of die-hard zealots from each camp stay behind, waving high their console's battle standard while refusing to endorse any and all future pieces of hardware. Such a camp surely exists for the Sega Dreamcast, and while time may have forgotten these stubborn warriors, the kind folks at developer HUCAST have not -- they recently released a 2D horizontal shoot-em-up titled Dux exclusively on the extinct piece of Sega hardware.

Dux is currently selling for the bizarre price of $27.90. Fortunately, it won't be the last game to come out on the system -- HUCAST is nearing completion on another Dreamcast-exclusive shmup titled Last Hope: Pink Bullets, which was presumably co-developed by The Shins.

Brand new 2D shmup 'Dux' released ... for Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some ThinkGeek Dreamcasts not so new

Justin McElroy — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:00:00 EST

The fiction we'd established for ourselves around ThinkGeek's recently unleashed stash of new Dreamcasts was fairly elaborate. Let's just say it involved one of Bernie Stolar's forgotten summer homes and a tesseract. But now it seems that some of the supply was just plain old.

One of ThinkGeek's customers complained to Destructoid yesterday, saying that their console (advertised as new-in-box) had fairly obvious signs of wear and tear. The company said that it would offer a refund to the customer, explaining that it had inspected some other consoles from the same batch and found them all to be brand new.

It's nice that ThinkGeek's doing the right thing, but we can't help but be disappointed watching our "fold in space-time" theory go up in smoke.

Some ThinkGeek Dreamcasts not so new originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New FPS on the way -- for Dreamcast

JC Fletcher — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:10:00 EST

Think The Conduit is the biggest Sega first-person-shooter news this year? ... You're right. But it's not the only Sega-related FPS being published on an unexpected platform. A team of homebrewers is working on a game called Hypertension for Windows, Linux ... and Dreamcast. Great news for all of you who just bought the system!

Hypertension is a reimagining of Blood, made in the Doom-based EDGE engine. The use of fairly antiquated technology, and source material, seem appropriate for a game being released on a console that came out in 1999 After the break, you can see some footage of the current alpha version of Hypertension, which is looking very Doomy. TDGMods has yet to specify a release date for the game, but it's not like there's a rush at this point. The Dreamcast will still be old.

[Via Sega Nerds]

Continue reading New FPS on the way -- for Dreamcast

New FPS on the way -- for Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's ThinkGeeking: Online retailer selling new Dreamcasts

JC Fletcher — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:45:00 EST

We thought ThinkGeek's coolest items were the fake ones the company made up for April Fools Day. It has finally outdone its staff's own imagination, with Sega Dreamcasts. For $99.99, you can purchase a brand new North American Dreamcast, complete with cables, controllers, a web browser disc (version 2.0, so it includes Sega Swirl) and a demo disc.

You're on your own for games, which means you may have to resort to putting used games in your new console. Not that it's really a problem to spend the tiny amount of money required to equip your system with a bunch of great games -- Jet Set Radio, Shenmue, Bangai-O, Space Channel 5 and Typing of the Dead come to mind immediately.

We're of the opinion that the gaming community would get along so much better if everybody just played some Dreamcast and remembered what fun was like. After the break, we remember Segata Sanshiro, and the noble sacrifice that granted the Dreamcast its life.

Continue reading It's ThinkGeeking: Online retailer selling new Dreamcasts

It's ThinkGeeking: Online retailer selling new Dreamcasts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Old iMac becomes a home for Dreamcast

JC Fletcher — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:16:00 EST

How do you play games on a Mac? It's easy -- just pull out all the computer parts and put a Dreamcast inside.

Modder Logicdustbin pulled all of the obsolete computer parts out of the shell of a vintage iMac, replaced the bulky CRT with an LCD, and added a Dreamcast to the now-hollow unit. He fit controller ports onto the front of the computer and wired up the power button, with the result being this love letter to the late '90s. It's basically a homebrew version of Sega's own Divers 2000 Dreamcast!

After the break, we've got a video of this self-contained retrogaming box in action, along with a picture that answers the question on everyone's mind: ~~Why?~~ How do you get discs in there?

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Old iMac becomes a home for Dreamcast

Old iMac becomes a home for Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VOOT! Virtual On Oratorio Tangram coming to XBLA

JC Fletcher — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST

The latest issue of Famitsu reveals an XBLA game that we can already pretty much guarantee is going to be awesome -- because it already was awesome in arcades and on the Dreamcast. The 5.66 revision of Virtual On Oratorio Tangram, Sega's classic arena game about robots shooting each other until they explode, is on the way to Japan's Xbox Live Arcade at a price of 1200 ($15).

Gamers outside of Japan can look forward to the release as well: a listing for VOOT showed up on the Australian OFLC ratings board yesterday, indicating a new release for a platform that was, at the time, unknown. Now that mystery has been solved!

VOOT! Virtual On Oratorio Tangram coming to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega directing ChuChu Rocket! to WiiWare?

Chris Greenhough — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, WiiWare

Does Sega share our view that ChuChu Rocket! was Born for Wii? The company's U.S. arm re-registered a trademark for ChuChu Rocket! on December 22, and Siliconera's Spencer predicted that this could mean a future release for ... Xbox Live Arcade.

In this case, we hope Spencer is totally wrong, and that this actually signals a forthcoming WiiWare adaptation. Sega recently made its WiiWare debut with Let's Catch, so has already shown an interest in the service. Obviously, this news could also mean nothing, but we don't like to dwell on that possibility -- the dark satisfaction to be had from guiding your opponent's ChuChus towards a hungry KapuKapu is something we want to experience again.

Sega directing ChuChu Rocket! to WiiWare? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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