The 10 Best Dreamcast Games

The Dreamcast is long gone, but the games listed here live on as some of the most beloved games made. Aware that its time in the console business was almost over, Sega said to hell with it and went all-in on fascinating, weird experiments, from the delightful rhythm games like Space Channel 5 to strange curiosities like Seaman. We sought to create a snapshot of the Dreamcast's legacy, which encompassed everything from burgeoning online play to wild peripherals. With that, here are the 10 best Sega Dreamcast games of all time.
This video was originally published on May 18, 2022 on IGN Games

[@dbmooo]

Top 10 without Shenmue and Crazy Taxi is insane

[@CiccioCarella]

and Virtua Tennis 2

[@Twomp209]

For real tho, I'm about to get me a dreamcast and one of the main reasons is crazy taxi.

[@LoGiTeChNoPrOdUcEr]

YES! Shenmue was the BEST!!!

[@jonathandacanay1297]

Shenmue is a master piece from dreamcast.

[@j.goggels9115]

IGN can't even spell Phantasy Star, that's how clueless they are.

[@johtojoe420]

Where tf is Shenmue??

[@BerserkerX]

Classic game

[@Mrperson662]

Typing of the Dead was better

[@johtojoe420]

@@Mrperson662 Nah

[@user-es5vg7vd1c]

Resident Evil code Veronica. Quake 3.

[@Mrperson662]

Where’s metal gear solid 2??

[@andylinkOFFICIAL]

Dreamcast is an era of gaming we will never forget.

[@GrunchieMan]

The era of free gaming

[@perfectlyslicedegg3348]

@@GrunchieMan GD ROMS….

[@quietgamer4429]

The 1st intro to graphics on consoles

[@LG-ro5le]

The best era. Games started to fall off around 2009

[@Livingtree32]

Almost no one had a dreamcast…

[@TheJadedJames]

It is a crime how many Dreamcast franchises basically died with this system. Skies of Arcadia, Power Stone, Jet Set Radio …. these are franchises that should still be going strong. Instead we got the truly awful Shenmue 3

[@nickmakura459]

Jet Set Radio Future? Space Channel 5 came back.

[@TheJadedJames]

@@nickmakura459 SEGA only made one more JSR game on Xbox. That was still 20 years ago.

[@daihideo]

@@TheJadedJames Still better than nothing, right?

[@smashboy64]

@@nickmakura459 During the wii era a JSR game was in the works for the wii but got scrapped

[@perfectlyslicedegg3348]

Power Stone did get released on PSP.

[@TheRamboss]

Slave Zero, Sword Berserk:Guts Rage, Lets Get Ready to Rumble, NBA2k, NFL2k. Sega Bass Fishing, are some of my fav Dreamcast games.

[@nbcjefe1213]

Bro let jus slide spawn in there an your list is perfect

[@grahamb7947]

Sword of the Berzerk was pretty amazing, ngl. As was House of the Dead 2, Shenmue and Omicron The Nomad Soul. None got mentioned, but a gimmick typing game did. Just wow.

[@samuelmartin117]

The amount of hours spent on Sega Bass Fishing was wild.

[@Y4NNI]

Code Veronica was one of my favorite games!

[@Y4NNI]

@cristianojoseschonhals5488 for sure dude. Playing as Chris in the second half was so much hype. And the beginning of that game was iconic.

[@Y4NNI]

@youtubeistoogayformycomments It was released for the Dreamcast at first

[@madaction9373]

This needs a top 20 cause there are a bunch of great games not listed.

[@perfectlyslicedegg3348]

Agreed

[@DDarkoBR]

No Shenmue?

[@madaction9373]

No Shenmue! No Crazy Taxi! No Sonic Adventure!

[@HYBORIANCOMICS]

@@madaction9373 if none of these are on the list then the list is a joke and needs removed.

[@kaiser1963]

Dreamcast had nothing but great games could easily be a top 50

[@chibisf4]

You could easily make a list like this with only Capcom games in it.

[@danielallen5551]

Spawn!

[@shinvirgilspectra6137]

@@danielallen5551 In to demons hand

[@ElAlex214]

Facts

[@macuser7048]

The Marvel games, the Street Fighter games, Capcom VS. SNK games, Power Stone games, Cannon Spike, Resident Evil games, Dino Crisis, ect

[@shinvirgilspectra6137]

@@macuser7048 Finally someone say it but there more capcom games like project justice (rival school) and plasma sword (star gladiator 2)

[@MsTebim]

Sad not to see shenmue on the list

[@luckyrockmore2796]

Ain't the holiday season without a Shenmue playthrough! 👍👍

[@NoLimitNinos]

How on earth is Shenmue not on this? Also Street Fighter Third Strike , Capcom vs SNK 2, Crazy Taxi

[@williamwhalen746]

The Dreamcast remains my favorite console. Skies of Arcadia was my favorite title, but I'm amazed that "Shenmue" didn't make the list. Granted even at the time it was both loved and hated but it was way ahead of its' time with the open world do anything gameplay.

[@GG_Dreamcast]

It wasn't hated in its own time. It was universally acclaimed. It wasn't until, like, 2010 that people started publishing contrarian opinions in videos and articles, and those were made solely to differentiate their voice from the countless voices that praised Shenmue for almost a decade before. The game is an undeniable masterpiece, a technical achievement, paved the way, etc. It can't be overstated.

[@theshield1613]

Same and Sega Dreamcast was my first game console in 1999 and still have it to this day

[@Arnold.Hey85]

@IGN drop the ball not putting Shenume in this list. Edit: They even rated it 9.7/10😂

[@BerserkerX]

Who remember Hydro Thunder!?

[@user-es5vg7vd1c]

А он точно с Дримкаста? Или это порт? Игра говнище, шедшая на игровых автоматах с видеокартой Vodoo. Квадратное говно. )

[@TheBotleyBoy]

Yes! Loved that game and the Dreamcast got the best port. You can get it on Xbox now.

[@BerserkerX]

@@TheBotleyBoy that's cool! I've been reliving some Ninja Gaiden recently but will definitely get HT too. Thanks! :)

[@TheBotleyBoy]

@Darth Tyus Enjoy (Merry Christmas, by the way).

[@BerserkerX]

@@TheBotleyBoy Merry Christmas to you too!

[@chicoB001]

Played games online for the first time with my Dreamcast! Will never forget those memories.

[@MatthewPape]

Shenmue was the best game. Completely ground breaking for the time.

[@mmd3585]

Groundbreaking isn't the same as best. It was a defining game, but it was also a chore to play.

[@jhonathanvargas9446]

Nope it was groundbreaking There was nothing like it at the time

[@pafoneto1275]

Not the same as the best.

[@antiquefuturistic]

@@mmd3585it is the reason open world games exist and the amount of money put into at time, yes it was also groundbreaking

[@thegamingchef3304]

Shenmue is definitely number 1 on Dreamcast. Most Americans simply want games where it doesn't require patience and thinking. They just want to shoot and blow up everything. That's why Resident Evil turned into an action game instead of that perfect balance of action and puzzles.

[@andrewbellows2046]

I'm truly shocked Shenmu didn't make that list

[@andanpatria]

no crazy taxi, no shenmue.... smh

[@anthonycerulli1423]

Soul caliber, shenmue, chu chu rocket, nfl2k, jet set radio, and crazy taxi is my top list. With honorable mention going to legacy of kain 2, MDK, and power stone.

[@grahamb7947]

Omicron The Nomad Soul was another belter. Shenmue all time favourite game though. It literally pioneered every adventure game we play today.

[@bluepill6644]

CHU CHU ROCKET was so addictive. also NFL2k got updated version pc mods if u gotta Emulator. 💯

[@yuvraj01]

To this day it remains a mystery why Sega is or has dragged it's feet in bringing out a Dreamcast mini, (along with the fact that Virtua fighter 3 remains an exclusive on that platform...) Instead they are more interested in bringing out Genesis remixes..

[@perfectlyslicedegg3348]

Headhunter & Shenmue 2 👀

[@BlackJezuzBaby]

Dreamcast had so many great games. A lot of memories.

[@Djmatt30519]

MVC2 was and still my favorite on the dreamcast so much nostalgia

[@rionugroho1403]

Yes!

[@mosando]

A game that played better on the DC comparing it to arcade, ps3 and xbox 360. Now that is insane

[@MJbulls23airJs]

Still my favorite console of all time!

[@aegisreflector1239]

Same

[@OmarHernandez-nw3gf]

Same

[@joshmeads]

Still one of my fav gaming moments ever was getting stranded on the desert island in Skies of Arcadia.

[@koerel]

No Shenmue, no Metropolis Street Racer and no Virtua Tennis but somehow Typing of the Dead made the list 😂

[@Andromeister27]

we need a sega dreamcast mini

[@akilwilliams7466]

Glad to see Sonic, MVC 2, Jet Set, Power Stone and Soul Calibur get love but the next list should definitely include Shenmue.

[@jsavage5150]

Power stone 1 and 2

[@StonedRambo01]

Shenmue, Resident Evil Code Veronica, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver, Metropolitan Street Racer, Virtua Tennis

[@IamJdTrent]

Shenmue blew my mind back then...but you put a typing game on here instead?

[@AWESOM.O]

This was the only 128 bits console of its generation... It was like having an arcade machine at home, most of the games were based on the naomi system which was used to create Sega arcade games... This console was like an awesome rock musician dying too young...

[@mosando]

The 28 club

[@adrianblackwell29]

Skies of Arcadia is still tied for my favorite game of all time. The Witcher 3 being the only game to match its story, sense of adventure, and unbound exploration. A gaming masterpiece.

[@jspade4368]

I’ve been wanting a Power Stone remaster since forever. A shame it has not happened 😢

[@GG_Dreamcast]

Happened on PSP.

[@macuser7048]

There's rumors it's coming back.

[@cooblur]

Where TF is Crazy Taxi!?

[@younglove3362]

It's not special. Mario kart is way better. And it's not even a top 10 game. Putting crazy taxi on it makes dreamcast seem like a weak game system.

[@RickySama240]

PowerStone definitely needs to comeback!~ Whether it's a remaster for modern hardware or a reboot series! 😎😄

[@CodeXCDM]

Soul Calibur's intro is still one of the best.

[@Bekon241]

Soul blade is better... Soul callibur is even not close.

[@mikaelN00]

Best console ever!!! Too many memories and nostalgia. Shenmue 1/2 💪🏼👌🏼

[@prvygrdn]

How is Shenmue not on here?

[@akilwilliams7466]

Was thinking the same thing.

[@Tweaked818]

The dreamcast was something special

[@FlashBiduan]

Sonic adventure the best selling game on the dreamcast and It's not here

[@rcadenow7543]

Dreamcast was such a huge jump in graphics from ps1 and arcade games from the 90's///

[@MrDoughboimuzik]

Shenmue, crazy taxi, hydro thunder, ready to rumble boxing! They definitely should’ve at least had honorable mentions!

[@StaticPlaya]

The dreamcast was ahead of its time. So many classic games on one next level console.

[@pafoneto1275]

No it wasn't.

[@TITANMAN251]

Space Channel 5, Jet Set Radio, Samba de Amigo, Crazy Taxi, Ecco the Dolphin, Nights into Dreams, Skies of Arcadia, the House of the Dead 2, Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2, Bonus: Marvel vs Capcom 2.

[@adamphillip5305]

Night Into Dreams was a Saturn game, not Dreamcast

[@ShinkeiSeiguro]

It's hard to make a top 10 for everyone but i'd definitly not skip Re CV..

[@sabrethemoment6799]

Crazy Taxi 2 please

[@cooblur]

💯facts!!!!!!

[@ytm23ak]

Absolutely bizzare little console. It’s exclusives were so weird and innovative. Power Stone 2 is so packed with features and gameplay mechanics and systems absolutely mind blowing it came out 22 years ago

[@joshmeads]

Dreamcast had so many awesome and unique games!

[@andyscully]

Toy Commander was a top 10 for me.

[@bluepill6644]

Sega should have just partnered up with Microsoft after dreamcast, that would of been power move of the century.

[@mosando]

In theory yes, but both of them had horrible management

[@KandarpXJani]

You mentioned that the Dreamcast is the only place to play Power Stone 2. Think you forgot that it also came out on the PSP.

[@purge2--u--nite342]

MvsC... Wanna take you for a ride 😂 I played the Fk outta that game 🎯 on Dreamcast and at the arcade 👌👍

[@PaulRockey]

Great choice for number 1&2. Soul Calibur is the best exclusive launch title made to this day for me. And Skies of Arcadia is better on Dreamcast than GameCube, because the GameCube version neuters the soundtrack.

[@franciscobutte]

Dreamcast = Arcades at home

[@funsamgaming]

Great selection of games, surprised to not see a few on there shenmue 1&2 either one was ahead of the time pushing Dreamcast to limits, Crazy Taxi or even Metropolitan Street Racer if wasn't for that games like Gotham racer or even likes of Forza probably wouldn't exist.

[@mrmrandmrs800]

Metropolis street racer which then became pgr on the Xbox a driving game ahead of its time

[@funsamgaming]

Paved way for even games like Forza eventually, would definitely be in my top 10 loved MSR.

[@ninhoic]

I’m glad skies of Arcadia and power stone made it on the list.

[@spaceghostcqc2137]

Top 10 list is too small. Dreamcast deserved more time. Even though PS2 ended up having such a great library I'll always resent the hype train that undermined the DC.

[@gabor-toth]

Shenmue, Metropolis Street Racer, Ready 2 Rumble and many Sega arcade ports are sorely missing from this list.

[@AndorranStairway]

Sega was so far ahead of Nintendo. If Sega actually did better than Nintendo, we just might have had extremely futuristic games today

[@MEGAD-nb9uu]

🙄

[@cajunotaku3256]

Typing of the Dead and Rez made it over Shenmue and Project Justice?! Wow.

[@jcapo5]

Still have dreamcast! Powerstone should come back

[@bluepill6644]

it would look sick in ureal engine 5

[@spooder-man4782]

Dreamcast > Xbox

[@IvanHernandez-pj4nu]

shenmue and crazy taxi deserve a place in a top ten list

[@Jaishiro]

There are a lot of great games missing from this list.

[@LG-ro5le]

So make your own video..

[@howdy90]

Daytona or San Francisco Rush 2049 ? Also, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 was a banger on the Sega Dreamcast

[@murrayjones3580]

San Francisco Rush 2049 was awesome!

[@andreas_brc6872]

Wtf where is Shenmue 1-2, Crazy Taxi 1-2, Headhunter, RE Code Veronica, Dead or Alive 2, Sega GT, MSR, MDK 2

[@jonathanbatistapeixoto5661]

No Sonic Adventure? No Rayman 2? Code Veronica? Where is Shenmue!? What a laughable and ridiculous list

[@itamaravidani]

Cazy Taxi, Ready 2 Rumble, Slave Zero - All amazing games on the DC. Great list here!

[@Nemonurwingy]

If you’re going to get weird, Samba de Amigo. Loved that game, and the idea of a dedicated maracas controller is hilarious.

[@sure1994]

Blue Stinger, Legacy of kaim Soul Reaver, Evil Dead: Hail to the King

[@thatsnotpudding]

Power stone was too dope

[@dementedone]

Leaving shenmue off this list is a crime

[@IHateDubstep]

The Typing Of The Dead better than the original HotD2? Really unusual choice

[@HatedJared]

Elemental gimmick gear is very under appreciated.

[@sometf2player752]

Surprised sonic adventure wasn’t on here as that was a pretty big game but at least sonic adventure 2 is here

[@6ixfoa320]

Blue stinger was my game boy!! Especially the Christmas part wit snowing

[@boomtown8203]

What about crazy taxi

[@IIIOldSchooLIII]

I'm just here for Jet Set Radio, yo.

[@ShawnMichaelAdams]

ESPN Football or whatever it was called. You missed that. Soul Caliber was definitely awesome on Dreamcast. Especially if you had the visual memory card

[@reuterss306]

RE: Code Veronica, Soul Calibur, Sword of the Berserk, Metropolis Street Racer.

[@kellygreenii]

CRT television…where’d you find those museum pieces??

[@colossusrageblack]

At the time PS One and N64 were the only two other consoles that were doing well. Then Dreamcast came out with 128 bit graphics. The games looked other worldly. About a year later the PS2 was released.

[@mikeh.9954]

Great list! Thanks for sharing ... I'm not heading over to eBay to look for a decent Dreamcast setup!

[@lucasmccaw8073]

Agree with the guy b4 this, Shenmue came out for Dreamcast "only" at that time and was by far the best game for that system.

[@WAZAMPGaming]

Dynamite cop was my entire childhood with Dreamcast. That and Let's get ready to rumble

[@IcedOften]

According to Maximilian dood the Dreamcast port of mvc2 is actually better than the arcade version there's some slowdown that happens in the arcade version that doesn't happen in the Dreamcast version

[@thatzaliasguy]

Jet Set Radio on Dreamcast was called Jet Grind Radio.

[@rxbeyond5582]

Dreamcast is GOATed. A treasure from the last great gaming generation...

[@franknitti100]

A new Power Stone is a *MUST*

[@urthborn132]

Zombie revenge , dynamite cop and psychic force 2012 could of made honorable mentions at least

[@imspartacus1977]

Shenmue?😒

[@kevinhenry4075]

How do you not have Crazy Taxi or Shenmue on here. That’s actually ridiculous.

[@axelfoley1768]

Virtua Fighter & Crazy Taxi were also two perfect ports of the Arcade. In fact, Crazy Taxi should have been in these top ten.

[@samuraigundam0079]

Wait! Where the hell is Shenmue?

[@chief_arbiter]

Spawn: In the Demon's Hand was nice too!

[@GeorgeWeeman]

Damn, Shenmue didn't make the cut? DOA 2, Code Veronica, and Hydro Thunder were also awesome!

[@Dtgray12]

Dead or Alive 2?

[@user-es5vg7vd1c]

Секасная игрушка. Но в общем зачете лучше будет Calibur

[@Bloody-Butterfly]

Dreamcast had so many great fighters

[@ojmoe]

Where is Spawn in the Demon’s Hand? That game was a true Dreamcast classic. Great campaign and multiplayer made it an underrated gem

[@aj3kingz]

So no nfl 2k and nba 2k not on there..y’all need reporters that play sports games..they changed sports gaming

[@dansawicki4982]

Loved my Dreamcast and my burnt games.

[@phristo]

Wait.......Shenmue? You can't name 10 Dreamcast games better than Shenmue