We already published the list of best Dreamcast games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Dreamcast shooter games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Dreamcast definitely has a great library of shooter games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Dreamcast and shooter games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Centipede
- Release Data: Leaping Lizard Software Inc./Hasbro Interactive, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Top-Down
Despite some control problems associated with the levels and a lack of useful playing views, the game is enjoyable.
If you’re a gamer with some patience and a capacity to forgive some oversights, Centipede will reward you with some exciting moments.
#24. Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes
- Release Data: Saffire/Midway, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
The Dreamcast version of Army Men Sarge’s Heroes is an engaging, albeit dated entry into the 3D action combat genre.
However, for the game’s target age group, the combination of a humorous plot, unlimited continues, and solid average gameplay makes for a great, non-violent initiation into the 3D combat genre.
#23. Slave Zero
- Release Data: Accolade/Infogrames, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
In many ways, Slave Zero is a 3D version of classic 2D shooters like the first few Contra titles, though it starts off much easier than those games.
It starts slow, but Slave Zero builds into a pretty strong shooter that’s worth checking out for its guns, bosses, and multiplayer mode.
#22. Spawn: In the Demon’s Hand
- Release Data: Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Spawn: In the Demon’s Hand will no doubt provide a fun night of enjoyable moments as a quick session, where blasting and trash-talking your friends will make you forget the camera problems and poor AI.
Playing it any longer and you might wonder if Spawn on the PlayStation was any better.
#21. Charge ‘N Blast
- Release Data: SIMS/Xicat Interactive, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
The game is definitely short and once you get the control down, this game is pretty easy.
And there’s no reward at the end after beating the game, so there’s really nothing to look forward to if you want to play through the game again.
However, it’s a somewhat enjoyable game.
#20. Giga Wing 2
- Release Data: Takumi Corporation/Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
GigaWing 2 is surprisingly a great deal, given the questionable quality of its predecessor.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more visually impressive shoot ’em up on the Dreamcast, and the game is highly playable to boot.
While the game is pretty short-lived, the four-player mode should serve as a decent diversion.
#19. Confidential Mission
- Release Data: Hitmaker/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Light Gun
Confidential Mission is a light-gun game in the spirit of the Virtua Cop series.
And if Sega’s other arcade light-gun games still hold appeal for you, this game may be right up your alley.
However, those who have grown weary of rail-based light-gun action games will find little of value in Confidential Mission.
#18. Gunbird 2
- Release Data: Psikyo/Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Ultimately, Gunbird 2 is a solid and highly inventive shoot ’em up for the Dreamcast.
Great music, great retro-styled visuals and a brilliant script coupled with enjoyable gameplay mean Gunbird 2 is certainly one that fans of the genre should seek out.
#17. Cannon Spike
- Release Data: Psikyo/Capcom, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Top-Down
The variety of playable characters and the fact that the game presents the first several levels in a random order does give it a certain replay value, but it’s better played occasionally than often.
It won’t keep you entertained forever, but if you can get around its lack of length, Cannon Spike delivers.
#16. Soldier of Fortune
- Release Data: Runecraft/Crave, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Soldier of Fortune is a decent-sized game stocked full of plenty of ammunition, health power-ups, and body armor.
Your biggest challenge in Soldier of Fortune for the Dreamcast is finding something to do during the long, boring parts that surround the action.
#15. Hidden & Dangerous
- Release Data: Illusion Softworks/TalonSoft, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Tactical
In the end, Hidden & Dangerous for the Dreamcast does little to improve upon the same product presented for the PC, and if you have already played Hidden & Dangerous for the PC, the Dreamcast version doesn’t offer much new.
But those willing to overlook AI and interface issues would do well to check out Hidden & Dangerous.
#14. Silent Scope
- Release Data: Konami, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
Silent Scope is not deep, and it’s not going to last forever on your mind.
But if you can part with some money and like the idea of dropping thugs with one between the eyes, Silent Scope will offer something for you.
#13. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six
- Release Data: Pipe Dream Interactive/Majesco, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Tactical
Rainbow Six is an excellent single-player experience whose mix of heavy strategy and action represents a style of game virtually nonexistent on the Dreamcast.
As long as you’re not expecting Quake III Arena and are ready for a steep learning curve, Rainbow Six is as deep and challenging as action games get.
#12. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear
- Release Data: Pipe Dream Interactive/Red Storm Entertainment, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
If multiplayer is not a big factor for you, Rogue Spear‘s single-player game is certainly worth the price of the game, that is, if you’re buying it.
It’s long and challenging, and it features a unique style of gameplay that mixes thoughtful planning with tense action.
And it provides yet another great excuse to get the keyboard and the mouse.
#11. Outtrigger
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
In the end, Outtrigger earns points for being a simple, easy-to-play game, but it isn’t for everyone.
First-person shooter fans will still be better served by a more diverse game, such as Quake III Arena or Unreal Tournament.
But if you’re looking for something new, Outtrigger fits the bill nicely.
#10. Armada
- Release Data: Metro3D, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Top-Down
Armada is pretty impressive technically.
The ship’s designs are interesting; the effects are plentiful, and the frame rate is seamless. Even with tons of ships onscreen, Armada never slows down.
It is easily one of the best shooters in the Dreamcast line-up.
#9. The House of the Dead 2
- Release Data: AM1/Sega, 1999
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Light Gun
The House of the Dead 2 does have provide more value than most other gun games, and it also has faster gameplay, better enemy placement, and awesome surrounding atmosphere.
Experienced players should not pass this one up; and the inexperienced may want to take a look as well.
And don’t forget to get the gun.
#8. Alien Front Online
- Release Data: Sega, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Alien Front Online offers an enjoyable gaming experience for those looking for some tank action.
While not offering the polish or depth of a classic, Alien Front Online is a good entry in the Dreamcast library that systems owners will want to check out.
#7. Mars Matrix
- Release Data: Takumi Corporation/Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Dreamcast-owning shooter fans should certainly check Mars Matrix out.
It’s really one of the more interesting shooters on a console, and there’s really no telling if it’ll get a sequel or a remake.
Its gameplay systems are solid, as are its presentation and production values—it really is the game that Giga Wing could have been.
#6. Fur Fighters
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Acclaim, 2000
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Whether or not you’ll really enjoy Fur Fighters is dependent on what type of game you’re after.
If you’re looking for a multiplayer first-person shooter, it should definitely keep you satisfied.
If you’re after a good single-player game, it may be playable if you can look past the game’s camera problems.
#5. The Typing of the Dead
- Release Data: Smilebit/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Light Gun
The Typing of the Dead is lots of fun, has lots of replay value, and, perhaps most importantly, provides yet another great use for the Dreamcast keyboard.
On top of the game’s fun nature, the tutorial and drill modes can actually go a long way in teaching you how to be a better touch-typist.
#4. Bangai-O
- Release Data: Treasure/ESP Software, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Dreamcast owners craving a genuinely compelling gameplay experience would do well to check out Bangai-O.
By the end of the day, in an age of thick productions and thin gameplay, Bangai-O really has it where it counts: in truly compelling and addictive gameplay.
#3. Unreal Tournament
- Release Data: Secret Level/Infogrames, 2001
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
For all its good points, the game does have a few drawbacks.
However, it’s an immensely fun game that sets new standards for console ports of PC first-person shooters and will have you coming back many months down the line.
Quake III Arena on the Dreamcast may offer more visceral gameplay, but Unreal Tournament is the most complete package yet.
#2. 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.
#1. 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.
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See also: Best Saturn Games & Best Gaming Chairs
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Dreamcast shooter game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
