2021 provides a year full of new opportunities. That includes some for Sega, a company that continues to relishes its old-school franchises for a new generation to discover.
And while it’s not official yet, it sounds like the company could release new all-in-one systems similar to the Sega Genesis Mini that’s doing so well for them. There are a number of platforms that could benefit from this – but the biggest, we feel, is the Sega Dreamcast. Though the system only lasted a few years on the market before Sega turned third-party published, it flourished in bringing in the next-generation of gaming, while also shining with a number of excellent games that still hold up quite well to this day.
So while it may be a while before we see the Dreamcast Mini and what it has to offer, we’ve already got a few selections of games we’d like to play on it. Someone tell the president of the company that these are must-haves – and you’re bound to agree.
SoulCalibur
It’s kind of funny how one of the first games released for the Sega Dreamcast would up being one of its best, if not the best. SoulCalibur is a spectacular weapons-based fighting game, featuring luxurious visuals, fast-paced gameplay and a number of modes to keep players busy.
And even after 20 something years on the market, it’s still fun to play. You could say that the soul definitely burns here.
Crazy Taxi
Sega previously ported this open-world racing game to other platforms, including the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. However, it did so without the original soundtrack, before fans demanded that they bring it back – and, thankfully, they did. Now, that should lead to the game’s revival in some respects, and having it on the Dreamcast Mini would just make perfect sense. As the Offspring once said, “YAH YAH YAH YAH YAH!”
Jet Grind Radio
Though there may likely be issues with the game’s soundtrack (since all the songs aren’t really licensed anymore), the Dreamcast Mini just wouldn’t be a Dreamcast Mini without this excitingly original title. You skate through the streets with a number of stylish young kids, spray painting like a bandit while performing tricks and avoiding the cops. This is a must-have, plain and simple. You must understand, understand that.
Virtua Tennis
Easily one of the most surprising party games released for the platform, Virtua Tennis is still a highly playable game, featuring a number of superstars swinging their rackets for the quick score. While the roster might have to change a little, Sega could easily bring this game back with four-player support, along with all of its fun gameplay aspects and beautiful visuals. Now someone go get our tennis gear. We need to create a racket.
Power Stone 2
It simply wouldn’t be a Dreamcast Mini unless we had some Capcom classics thrown in for good measure, like Marvel vs. Capcom and Resident Evil: Code Veronica. However, if we had one go- to game to choose from in the company’s library, then Power Stone 2 is it. While the original multiplayer brawler would be welcome as well, the sequel just had more fighters, more stages and more fighting goodness. It’s definitely got us under a “powerful!” spell.
Sonic Adventure 2
This was a tough one, as we were pondering whether to recommend the first Sonic Adventure or its speedy follow-up. While the Dreamcast Mini could definitely use both, we’ll have to go with part two here. It just looks better, and has an improved number of characters to choose from. Sure, Knuckles’ stages can be annoying, but playing as a weapon-laden Dr. Robotnik more than makes up for it. We’re down for this.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2
It’s about time that Capcom took us for a ride again, as we haven’t seen a new entry in this crossover series since the underappreciated Infinite. So it wouldn’t be too much to ask to bring this mighty arcade favorite back, as it could easily deliver hours of team-up goodness. And we know Capcom still has access to the Marvel license, so re-releasing this one shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Bring on the Mango Sentinel! I think of New York Knicks…
Skies Of Arcadia
Last but certainly not least, do you know how long we’ve waited for the Skies of Arcadia franchise to make some kind of return? An eternity, really. And since Phantasy Star Online isn’t likely to fly without the, um, online, we’ll take this bit of role-playing goodness on the Dreamcast Mini. With an awesome story, memorable characters and a fun battle system, we can’t wait to play this gem again.
Want a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X instead of a Dreamcast Mini? Hang tight, because we’re giving them away!
