The Best Dreamcast Games Under $10
I started the Cheapest Games series quite a while ago and I figured I should revise some of the posts to reflect some of the changing values and give more relevant recommendations. Hopefully, this revised list of Dreamcast games will help you start or build up your collection without having to spend much.. (Prices listed are an average eBay price for US games, including shipping)
I was quite surprised on some of the prices changes over the last couple of years. The Sonic Adventure games have seen quite a jump — especially considering that they are also availible on the Gamecube. Shenmue really took off in value since it’s a cult classic and still a Dreamcast exclusive. Jet Grind Radio is another one of the big hold-outs of top-end Dreamcast games that haven’t been ported, it’s starting to rise in value. However, the Dreamcast’s great selection of racing games has seen lower prices and most gamers have moved onto newer and equally-cheap alternatives.
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Jet Grind Radio: $9 Not only is the gameplay in Jet Grind Radio compelling and unique, but the graphical style hits you like a brick in the face (in a good way) with its well-executed cel-shaded models and landscapes. The Jet Grind Radio soundtrack is also one of the most popular gaming lineups of all time featuring an array of eclectic songs combining the musical genres of J-pop, Trip-hop, Hip-hop and Electronica. Between the slick graphics, upbeat and quirky audio, and intense gameplay, Jet Grind Radio is a gaming experience that completely envelopes you when given the chance. Shop for Jet Grind Radio at eBay Shop for Jet Grind Radio at Amazon.com |
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Space Channel 5: $7 While the rhythm genre has moved on to full instrument controllers, Space Channel 5 topped the charts with Dreamcast owners. Both the graphics and the music had a phenomenal retro-futurist (reminds me of a hip Jetson’s atmosphere) feel to them and kept Space Channel 5 from becoming just “another” simon-says-type game. Shop for Space Channel 5 at eBay Shop for Space Channel 5 at Amazon.com |
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Soul Calibur: $9 This Dreamcast launch title is one of the best examples of the incredible graphics the little white box is capable off. Between the polished visuals and the deep gameplay, the original Soul Calibur still holds surprisingly well to its newer siblings. The Soul Still Burns! Soul Calibur is also one of the Dreamcast games that has had the largest price drop over the last couple of years. Shop for Soul Calibur at eBay Shop for Soul Calibur at Amazon.com |
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Crazy Taxi: $6 This arcade port was one of the main reasons I initially jumped on the Dreamcast. Crazy Taxi gives you control of a cabby racing around two San Francisco-esque cities, picking up customers and dropping them at their required destinations by any means necessary. It’s a race against the clock, resulting in no-holds-barred racing around the two cities, flying off hills and screeching around bends. Although some may argue that the game lacks some depth, they forget that this is a pure arcade game that compels you to beat your best scores. Crazy Taxi 2 is also availible for a little over $10 if you need more tracks to choose from. Shop for Crazy Taxi at eBay Shop for Crazy Taxi at Amazon.com |
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Tennis 2K2: $7 Having the essential quality of being easy to play and difficulty to master, Virtua Tennis (and it’s successor, Tennis 2K2) was one of the sleeper hits on the Dreamcast. It is often overlooked as a killer party game — I have had many parties with both guys and girls of all gaming levels having a blast on a 4-player doubles tournament. Shop for Tennis 2K2 at eBay Shop for Tennis 2K2 at Amazon.com |
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Chu Chu Rocket: $8 This little gem from Sega was extremely popular and recognized by most gamers who had actually played it and virtually unknown otherwise. Chu Chu Rocket is a unique puzzle game that not only served as a good brain-teaser in single-player mode, but also has solid multi-player features. Shop for Chu Chu Rocket at eBay Shop for Chu Chu Rocket at Amazon.com |
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Samba De Amigo: $9 This Latin-flavored rhythm game involves waving/shaking maracas in certain directions to match the upbeat music. Not only is Samba wonderful to play, but it also fun to watch other people shake their maracas like there’s no tomorrow. Of course, a follow-up was released on the Wii, but the Wiimotes didn’t provide as accurate and enjoyable control as the Dreamcast’s maracas. Shop for Samba De Amigo at eBay Shop for Samba De Amigo at Amazon.com |
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Resident Evil Code: Veronica: $6 As a Resident Evil game that wasn’t a port of an older Playstation title, Code Veronica actually took advantage of the Dreamcast’s power and still serves as a cheap thrill to this day. (Some still consider it the best in the series up until Resident Evil 4) Shop for Resident Evil Code: Veronica at eBay Shop for Resident Evil Code: Veronica at Amazon.com |
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Test Drive LeMans: $6 Le Mans was one of the best all-around racers for the Dreamcast and one of the most under-appreciated. It can be found for a surprisingly low price even through it isn’t terribly common. Shop for Test Drive LeMans at eBay Shop for Test Drive LeMans at Amazon.com |
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Toy Commander: $9 On the surface, Toy Commander looks like a cheap third-party game that would only interest young kids, but this little Dreamcast gem actually has a lot of charm to it. Get it for less that $10 before everybody learns about it. Shop for Toy Commander at eBay Shop for Toy Commander at Amazon.com |
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Virtua Fighter 3tb: $9 Even though it was probably the least celebrated title in a fighting series with a cult following, Virtua Fighter 3TB is a deep and polished 3D fighter. Virtua Fighter 3tb isn’t as eye-catching as Soul Calibur or Dead or Alive 2, gameplay and strategy is where VF3tb excels. Shop for Virtua Fighter 3tb at eBay Shop for Virtua Fighter 3tb at Amazon.com |
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Sega Rally Championship 2: $7 Even though many hardcore fans still prefer the original game on the Saturn, Sega Rally 2 is a great graphical upgrade, is still an enjoyable racer and is well worth the small investment. Shop for Sega Rally 2 at eBay Shop for Sega Rally 2 at Amazon.com |
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Rayman 2: $8 This 3D platformer is one of the most beauttiful games on the Dreamcast and is the highlight in the rather limited selection of Dreamcast platforming games. Shop for Rayman 2 at eBay Shop for Rayman 2 at Amazon.com |
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Ecco The Dolphin: Defender of the Future: $9 Ecco the Dolphin for the Dreamcast is one of those rare instances of a company taking a 2D game (the Genesis and Sega CD originals) and making it work in 3D. Defender of the Future is an amazing looking game — the rich textures and animation really bring the sea life to life. The game is also among the most challenging around again, but you’ll enjoy the brilliant atmosphere and story. Shop for Ecco The Dolphin at eBay Shop for Ecco the Dolphin on Amazon.com |
Other Cheap Favorites:
- Metropolis Street Racer: $9 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Unreal Tournament – $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Quake 3 Arena: $5 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Dead or Alive 2: $8 -
- Alien Front Online: $7 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Re-Volt: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
- 2K2 Sports: $4 each – eBay
- Tony Hawk 2: $5 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Sega Bass Fishing: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Sega Marine Fishing: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Oooga Booga: $7 – eBay / Amazon.com
- MDK 2: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Ms Pacman Maze Madness: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Elemental Gimmick Gear: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: $6 – eBay / Amazon.com
- Red Dog: Superior Firepower: $8 – eBay / Amazon.com
14 Comments:
Awesome games especially for $10 and under.
I shop at thrift stores, pawn shops and salvation army stores.
So most of my Dreamcast game purchases have been under $10.
OR!, you could get any dreamcast game for about 10 cents if you burn them…
Great list, though.
Not everyone wants to go the burned games route.
Don’t you like any “real” games on your shelf?
@slowslow325
Clearly this is aimed for people who don’t feel like burning their games or collectors.
I’m sure most people are already aware about the lack of CD-R protection on the Dreamcast.
Another obvious tip is buying games in lots. The other week I bought a 9 game lot for $25 on eBay. I got great gems like Code Veronica, Worms Armageddon, Ecco, Soul Reaver, and Space Channel 5 along with other decent titles.
You won’t be finding them that cheap over in New Zealand -_-
I’m probably going to end up getting a DC from far off places.
slowslow325 is a little slow, isn’t he?
I hate to come off negative, but this list of games pretty much sucks. The US/PAL library of DC and SS pretty much suck to begin with. Let’s take a look at the jp DC and SS games for under 10$ Don’t let territorial borders stop you from playing the best games a system can offer.
But still cool that this article was made, I love all Racketboy articles!
Unless you only like shmups, dating sims or something, I don’t see how you could say the DC’s US/PAL library sucks. The Saturn’s was significantly weaker than the Japanese, but the Dreamcast is pretty solid.
Sega Marine Fishing is a great pick. First off it’s simply a fantastic arcade game as despite it being about fishing there’s a lot of depth, fast-paced action, and challenge. Secondly the aesthetics are great. What I mean is the atmosphere is nice, the music is excellent, and catching exotic fish is cool(not like 30 flavors of bass in that other game Zzz). Throw in a mode where you can build your own aquarium and it’s easy to blow several hours on this title.
I would also add Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 to that list.
Good list, I was glad seeing jet grind at the top. You might add Daytona USA? So many good games..
Hey, there’s also Zombie Revenge for less than $9 (shipping included)
http://www.amazon.com/Zombie-Revenge-Sega-Dreamcast/dp/B0000488VO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1249324069&sr=1-1
Great list, all must have games in my book. A++
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