SEGA Dreamcast

You can now play Flappy Bird on your Dreamcast’s VMU

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Thanks to Instagram user guacasaurus_mex, the world’s most frustrating iPhone game can now be played on your Dreamcast VMU! guacasaurus_mex is not new to the world of VMU game creation, having also created Deadpool and Star Wars: The Force Awakens VMU games, but Flappy Bird pushes things to a whole other level of absurdity. guacasaurus_mex had this to say regarding how to get the game working on your own VMU:

“If anyone is interested I just finished making a Flappy Bird clone for the VMU. Just put the file on an SD card, load with Dreamshell and once Speud’s VMU Tool has loaded navigate to ‘Open CD’ and copy FLPPYBRD.vmi to the VMU.

Like most VMU games this doesn’t work properly in the emulator so please use on an actual VMU!

Also, for anyone giving this a go, you hold A rather than tap like in the iOS and Android versions. Tap functionality didn’t work so well with only 32 vertical pixels!”

You can find the direct download link for the .VMI file here.

[Via The Dreamcast Junkyard]

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SEGA Dreamcast Nintendo 3DS theme brings the nostalgia with the Phantasy Star Online lobby theme

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If you haven’t been following us on the social networks, earlier this week we shared that more SEGA themes are heading to the Nintendo 3DS for those in the west. Yesterday, Americans received a SEGA Dreamcast theme for $1.99 while today Europeans receive Dreamcast, Saturn and Hi-Tech (arcade) themes. Saturn and Hi-Tech had already released in America some time ago, so no surprises there, but what was surprising was that aside from the expected regional tweaks to the Dreamcast theme (blue swirl in Europe, different packaging designs on the top screen) there was also another change to the original Japanese Dreamcast 3DS theme. While the Japanese theme had some happy background music that I can’t quite place from the Dream Passport internet application, the western theme has the incredibly iconic Phantasy Star Online lobby music.

It may sound like I’m fanboying out over this, and I probably am, but man does the inclusion of that music make this theme a must own for any Dreamcast owner who has fond memories of 2am PSO play sessions. Not only did this music ensure that you have properly connected your console to the internet, but it was also the beginning of the adventure. Picture chat with your friends, pretend to be a Japanese girl, trade some guild cards, form a team, and hit the forest of Ragol for some rare blue Al Rappys. After the break, check out the theme in action and if you like it download it yourself. It’s well worth it.

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SEGA News Bits: First impressions of the indie SEGA Dreamcast game Pier Solar

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2015 sure has been a great year for indie SEGA Dreamcast games! We’ve seen shmups, odd puzzlers, vikings, and now we’re seeing an RPG by the name of Pier Solar and the Great Architects. While Pier Solar released way back in 2010 to the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, the recent Dreamcast port features improved graphics, new scenarios, and special extras that take advantage of the Dreamcast’s unique capabilities (VMU mini-games!). As seen in my recent unboxing, the game’s packaging is beautiful. Now, in this latest episode of SEGA News Bits, I talk with George about my first impressions of the game.

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Unboxing: Pier Solar Japanese packaging for the SEGA Dreamcast

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The long awaited Dreamcast release of Pier Solar has started to arrive in mailboxes, and I was so impressed with the packaging that I knew it had to get the unboxing video treatment. This isn’t the first SEGA console the game has released to, back in 2010 the game hit the Mega Drive/Genesis and I shared an unboxing of the reprint edition. The Dreamcast version I present to you today is a first edition in the Japanese style packaging, other versions include US and PAL, but seeing as how most indie Dreamcast releases emulate the Japanese packaging, I went with this style and don’t regret it in the slightest. A lot of effort went into this release, and it really makes modern game unboxings look like crap by comparison. Seriously, who wants to see somebody opening a Wii U game where all you get is a disc and a slip of paper telling you to read the digital manual.

You can buy Pier Solar on several platforms. The Dreamcast and Mega Drive/Genesis versions are sold out at the moment, but more may be available in the future. Check out the official site for more details. Like this video? Subscribe to the SEGAbits YouTube channel.

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Watch this fan translated Making of Shenmue Japanese TV special from 1999

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During the release of Shenmue, there existed quite a few interviews and TV specials about the game that sadly never received proper translations. Thankfully, with nothing but time on their hands between the release of Shenmue 2 and the announcement of Shenmue 3, several fans have since translated these insightful looks at the making of the game.

Recently, Shenmue Dojo member Switch went above and beyond and translated an hour long “Making of Shenmue” TV special into English, French, Spanish, and German. The special, which can be seen above, is perhaps the longest most in depth look at the game at the time of its release. As an added bonus, it also features a rare look inside SEGA during their final years as a first party developer. Thanks to Ziming of Shenmue Dojo for sending us the special!

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Indie SEGA Dreamcast game Ghost Blade is now available for your undead console

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Its been a long time coming, but HUCAST Games’ latest release Ghost Blade is now available to purchase and play on your SEGA Dreamcast. Insert the obligatory “a Dreamcast game in 2015!?” here. Described as “an ace shoot ’em up for the Dreamcast with a focus on arcade action and an elaborate scoring system”, Ghost Blade promises three game modes with three player ships too choose from, five stages, a Caravan Mode, and support for the VGA Box, Arcade Stick, VMU and standard Dreamcast controller.

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16 years and still thinking: Happy September 9th, SEGA Dreamcast fans!

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Another September 9th is upon us, a date that is very important to American SEGA fans. Sixteen years ago today, SEGA released the Dreamcast to the American public. Looking back, it was a bittersweet launch, as it was the last home console to be released by SEGA. Of course, we didn’t know that at the time. Back then, September 9th was nothing but excitement, and there was so much to be excited about! I know I may get some flack for saying this, but the Dreamcast’s American launch lineup stands as the best launch lineup in video game history. Just look at what games were available on day one: Air Force Delta, Blue Stinger, Expendable, Flag to Flag, House of the Dead 2, Hydro Thunder, Monaco Grand Prix, Mortal Kombat Gold, NFL 2K, NFL Blitz 2000, PenPen TriIcelon, Power Stone, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing, Sonic Adventure, SoulCalibur, TNN Motorsports Hardcore Heat, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, TrickStyle. A variety of first and third party titles spanning multiple genres, some returning franchises like Sonic, House of the Dead, and Mortal Kombat and some new ones that would go on to become major successes like SoulCalibur and the 2K series of games.

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Gamestop’s Retro Shop is now open, selling SEGA Genesis and Dreamcast games and consoles

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Gamestop has now launched its Retro Game Shop, where they are planning on selling a wide variety of old school consoles, games and accessories. Sadly only two SEGA consoles made their retro gaming list which are the SEGA Genesis and the SEGA Dreamcast. Not surprising seeing as those two consoles are the most popular SEGA consoles released in America, but makes me a bit sad that the SEGA Saturn and Master System are getting no love.

While the prices might not appeal to frugal game chasing collectors that are looking for the best bargain, it does have some decently priced items like $10 dollar Dreamcast controllers and a few games on both Genesis and Dreamcast for under $10 dollars.

Sadly the site doesn’t say if the games come complete with manual and case, so know that going in. What do you guys think of GameStop selling retro games once more? 

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My Life with SEGA puts the Dreamcast Dream Movie VCD player to the test

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Thanks to the efforts of Derek Pascarella of backdrift.net and ‘Pasca Entertainment’, Andrew Rosa reviews the Dream Movie VCD & MP3 Player from Innovation for SEGA Dreamcast.

Yes, the Video CD format may be as dead as 8-track tapes and MiniDisc. Regardless, the Saturn and Dreamcast VCD peripherals are rare, expensive, and in high demand. Aside from their ‘collectible’ status, why are so many SEGA fans so anxious to watch VHS-quality video on their SEGA consoles?

We honestly have no idea, but if you’re curious to see how this dated format fares on Dreamcast, as well as how it compares to Saturn, you’ve come to the right place.

Do you own the Dream Movie hardware but your disc is damaged or missing? Download the CDI file and burn a replacement today! You’re welcome.

Like this video? Subscribe to the SEGAbits YouTube channel!

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Retro Review: Space Channel 5 (Sega Dreamcast/PS2)

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The Dreamcast era was a unique time for SEGA when it came to marketing their characters. While the Saturn’s launch made the error of shifting the spotlight away from Sonic the Hedgehog, the Dreamcast launch proved that there was more than enough room for established characters as well as new faces. Joining Sonic was a lineup of first party and third party faces, from Midway’s Afro Thunder of Ready 2 Rumble and Namco’s Soulcalibur fighters to SEGA’s own creations.

Space Channel 5’s Ulala was without a doubt the most heavily marketed of these new characters, with her face seen just about everywhere. Ulala appeared in a promotional stage show at Universal City Walk, she dominated SEGA’s booth at 2000’s E3, she was seen in print and on TV and even appeared as product placement in the 2001 movie Josie and the Pussycats. There was even talk of Ulala hosting her own TV show! Suffice to say, there came a point in Space Channel 5‘s promotion where Ulala nearly overshadowed her own game. There is no doubt that Ulala is a fantastic character (she is a favorite of the SEGAbits staff, so much so that we named our podcast after her report show), but has the original game stood the test of time? Let’s find out as we look back at the United Game Artists’ classic Space Channel 5!

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Classic SEGA ads: Space Channel 5’s killer Dreamcast commercial

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SEGA fans love to wax nostalgic on old commercials. Whether they’re the fast paced and competitive ads of the Genesis/Mega Drive era, the bizarre ads of the Saturn era, or in the case of today’s featured SEGA ad, the American Dreamcast campaign featuring fun vignettes taking place inside the console. We’ve featured an ad from this campaign before, and its no wonder we’re going back to the same well because it truly is one of SEGA’s best. The campaign’s concept was simple. Viewers would be introduced to the Dreamcast console’s triangular orange light which acted as a gateway to a magical world inside the console consisting of several levels. On each of these was a different scenario, it could be a DJ party or it could be a sleepy cantina. Sometimes viewers would be treated to an epic crossover of characters from recently released and upcoming Dreamcast titles and every ad ended with a zoom out featuring the console, controller and the memorable slogan “It’s thinking…”.

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GOAT Store provides an update and cover art for indie Dreamcast game “SLaVE”

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During September of last year, longtime indie Dreamcast game publisher GOAT Store announced a new game entitled SLaVE. Described as a colorful first person shooter built around an enhanced Doom engine called 3DGE, SLaVE was due out in April of 2015. Since then, news has been light, but seeing as it is April of 2015 we finally have an update! Read the full e-mail from GOAT Store News after the break.

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Hucast Games announces Redux: Dark Matters revision disc

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Hucast Games, developer of indie Dreamcast shmups DUX and Redux: Dark Matters is well known for releasing revision discs of their games. The original DUX, for example, saw an original release, a 1.5 revision, and a special release featuring an earlier version of the game. Redux: Dark Matters was an enhanced remake of DUX funded on Kickstarter, featuring new gameplay modes and enhanced graphics. Unfortunately, the original release of Redux: Dark Matters had its share of problems, namely a game freezing bug during one boss battle and fuzzy 240p graphics. Hucast is looking to remedy these issues with a version 1.1 revision disc, featuring “Super sharp TV screen picture via RGB/S-Video Cable (And VGA of course)” and a fix to the “Boss Freeze” bug. Unfortunately, the initial 240p graphics are not being bumped up to 480p, but rather the developer plans to do something else to feature “super sharp TV screen picture”.

The revision Disc will be available in March, and Hucast promises more news and instructions for how purchasers can get the disc soon.

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The SEGA Five: Favorite Moments in Skies of Arcadia

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Hey everyone welcome to another episode of The Weekly Five, I’m your host George and today we will be talking about my favorite moment of Skies of Arcadia. The game originally came out in 2000 on the SEGA Dreamcast.

The game later got 2002 re-release in Japan and 2003 in the West on the Gamecube, which included better graphics, less random battles, extra content, and more. Regardless of what version of the game play, both are fantastic experiences. Some disliked the game due to its constant random battles but I think it more than makes it up with its charming characters, light hearted humor and sense of exploration.

Great games have great moments and Skies of Arcadia is full of them, so if I don’t mention a moment you loved, share it with us in the comment section. Let’s get this list started.

Warning: Spoilers ahead. 

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SEGA Tunes: Alien Front Online’s Alien and Army themes

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SEGA’s WOW Entertainment has a very eclectic resume, featuring games like the simulation-style racer SEGA GT, the dating sim Candy Stripe, the mutants teaching typing game The Typing of the Dead (co-developed with Smilebit), and today’s Tuesday Tunes spotlighted title, the online aliens versus army game Alien Front Online.

Initially released worldwide to arcades as Alien Front, Alien Front Online was soon released to the Dreamcast. Despite being Japanese developed, Alien Front Online was made to strongly connect with Western audiences. The game was simple, featuring online combat with voice communication allowing players to take on opposing sides of an army versus aliens war. Unfortunately, the game’s release was poorly planned out as Alien Front Online was released to North America six months after SEGA made the announcement that they were discontinuing the Dreamcast. The game ended up not releasing to other territories, and to make matters worse, shortly after release SEGA shifted to a pay to play model for their online games. I recall renting Alien Front Online when it released, and even through the game was just a few weeks old, the online community was incredibly small.

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