The Dreamcast is the last console released by Sega, marking the end of the company’s 18 years in the console market.
It was the first of the sixth generation of video game consoles, making Dreamcast a pioneer.
For those of you who have played this console in the past, I bet you want to know the best Dreamcast games of all time.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. MDK2
- Release Data: BioWare/Interplay, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Despite its few flaws, MDK2 is a great first effort by BioWare, and it’s a better game than the original.
While the extremely difficult nature of the game may put off some gamers, the title is well worth the extra effort needed to see it through.
#24. NBA 2K
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/Sega, 1999
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Sim
In the end, NBA 2K‘s dazzling graphics, superb control, and strong AI make it one of the most dynamic basketball video games ever.
But even with some of performance issues, playing NBA 2K will just about ruin you for all other basketball games.
#23. Metropolis Street Racer
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Metropolis Street Racer is a beautiful racer with accurate physics that pretends to be a racing simulation by requiring perfect execution, but it fails to give you the desired customization options to make it worthwhile.
And in its attempt to appeal to both sides of the racing spectrum, Metropolis Street Racer ends up stuck in limbo.
#22. Grandia II
- Release Data: Game Arts, 2000
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
In the end, some will say Grandia II is a dumbed down experience with a less than moving storyline.
While it is true that the sequel is a more linear and easier affair, there’s still much to enjoy.
Game Arts has put together a solid RPG with Grandia II, even if it isn’t as deep or difficult as the original.
#21. Shenmue
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
This is not a game for those who demand action, violence and fast-paced fantasy gaming.
It is a very mellow experience and one that inspires as much dislike as it does adoration.
If you are one of the lucky ones who “get” the appeal of Shenmue then this will probably remain one of your favourite games.
#20. NFL 2K2
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
Many hoped that NFL 2K2 would be that perfect football game, however, NFL 2K2 really isn’t that much of an improvement upon the previous year’s offering.
But in the end, fans of the NFL 2K series will undoubtedly find that it’s hard not to like NFL 2K2.
#19. Test Drive Le Mans
- Release Data: Melbourne House/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
If you’re a racing game fan, you really owe it to yourself to give Le Mans a try.
It is truly a game you will come back to day after day, week after week, aiming to unlock every car, break every record, and experience the excitement of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
#18. Shenmue II
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Shenmue II is a good game and a definite pick-up for action-adventure fans, but more should have been done with this sequel to make it more accessible to those who never played the original.
It’s certainly a love or hate type of game, which means that you should only buy it if open world games appeal to you.
#17. NBA 2K1
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Sim
Compared to its predecessor, the game has crisper visuals, smoother textures, fluid animation, realistic and entertaining gameplay, and new modes of play such as franchise, street, and online.
In short, NBA 2K1 has stepped out of the shadows of its football counterpart and shines as a multilayered and entertaining sports game on its own merits.
#16. Phantasy Star Online
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
Phantasy Star Online has its share of problems—problems that could have been avoided had the game’s developers looked a little more closely at similar games.
But in the end, even with its shallow storyline and camera issues, Phantasy Star Online simply manages to be a whole lot of fun.
Enough fun, in fact, to overshadow most of the game’s flaws.
#15. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
- Release Data: Capcom/Virgin Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Overall, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is an outstanding fighting game.
If you’re even a remote fan of Marvel comic books, Capcom fighting games, or fighting games in general, then this game has something to offer to you.
Fans of the off-kilter action found in the previous versus games will surely be pleased with Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
#14. Crazy Taxi
- Release Data: Hitmaker/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
While some may argue that Crazy Taxi sticks a little too close to the arcade model to have any real longevity, the replay value comes from the sheer fun of the game.
The game has the same kind of universal appeal and pick-up-and-play mentality that made Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater a hit on the PlayStation.
#13. Skies of Arcadia
- Release Data: Overworks/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The game’s developer, Overworks, was responsible for the first, second, and fourth games in Sega’s classic Phantasy Star series, which is partly why Skies of Arcadia got so much attention when it was first announced.
Yet the game lives up the high expectations. It’s the Dreamcast role-playing game you’ve been waiting for.
#12. Dead or Alive 2
- Release Data: Team Ninja/Tecmo, 2000
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
If you have enough gaming friends to maximize the tag-battle mode, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better 3D fighter out there.
This is, after all, just a fighting game, but it represents its genre like an ambassador at the ball.
#11. Virtua Tennis
- Release Data: Hitmaker/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Tennis
Graphically, Virtua Tennis is pretty nice. Replays show the full details of characters faces, which are very good for a Dreamcast game.
All around, Virtua Tennis is amongst the best of the best, all time tennis video games.
A must have for any Dreamcast game collection and a must play for tennis fans.
#10. NFL 2K
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/Sears, 1999
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
It’s got graphics that look great and move flawlessly, and sound that makes you feel as though you’re on the bottom of the pile during the action.
NFL 2K is a truly amazing football game that is nearly flawless in every regard.
If you’re a football video-game fan, NFL 2K is reason enough to buy a Dreamcast.
#9. Jet Grind Radio
- Release Data: Smilebit/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Jet Grind Radio is a game full of redefinitions, forcing you to really rethink what you expect out of a game from an audio/visual standpoint while delivering some exciting, balanced gameplay at the same time.
It is one of those “something for everyone” games that really make a perfect addition to the Dreamcast library that no one should be without.
#8. Quake III Arena
- Release Data: Raster/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Quake III Arena for the Dreamcast marks one of the few times that a PC first-person shooter has moved over to a console system without sacrificing much of its playability or options.
All things considered, Quake III Arena is a must-have for Dreamcast owners—provided that they also purchase a mouse and keyboard.
#7. NBA 2K2
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Sim
Ask fans of sports video games, and most will generally agree that basketball is the toughest sport to simulate.
However, NBA 2K2 comes the closest to simulating the actual strategy, player tendencies, and general look and feel of the NBA game.
The improvements in the game, although subtle on the surface, are substantial for serious fans of the NBA.
#6. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft, 2000
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
In short, Rayman 2 is one of the best platforming experiences available on the Dreamcast.
By including a wonderfully humorous story, excellent game mechanics, and perfection in almost all other categories, Ubisoft has created a game that appeals to all types of gamers.
#5. Resident Evil Code: Veronica
- Release Data: NexTech/Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action Adventure » Survival
In the end, Resident Evil: Code Veronica is the best game in the series, thanks to features like dynamic real-time camera angles, a wonderful linear story, and some of the best graphics seen on the Dreamcast.
To call it a must-own game is a definite understatement.
#4. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
- Release Data: Treyarch/Crave, 2000
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Skate / Skateboard
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is a classic in every sense of the word, and the Dreamcast port is the version that is best suited to stand the tests of time.
Even if you own another version of the game, you’d be doing yourself a large disservice by missing out on the Dreamcast version.
#3. NFL 2K1
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
In the end, NFL 2K1 is a deeper, more refined version of the original game.
The vastly improved running game makes all the difference in the world, since now you can truly mount an offensive attack that consists of a true-to-life air-and-ground assault.
The game plays faster, more precisely, and closer to the real thing than any football game has before.
#2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
- Release Data: Treyarch/Activision, 2000
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Skate / Skateboard
The game’s career mode presents an awesome challenge, yet it’s a challenge that you’ll want to undertake again and again, unlocking characters and cheats as you progress.
But even after everything is unlocked and completed, THPS2 is enough of a pick-up-and-play type of game that you’ll be coming back to it months after you’ve completed the challenges.
#1. SoulCalibur
- Release Data: Namco, 1999
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Yes, it is a fighting game, a genre with a fairly limited scope, but insofar as fighting games go, Soul Calibur is mind-numbing perfection.
Absolutely brilliant in all aspects, as far as games of this type go, Soul Calibur is the undisputed king of the hill.
It is essential in any gamer’s collection.
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See also: Best Saturn Games & Best Gaming Chairs
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Dreamcast game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!