samadust's Full Review: Sega Dreamcast Grey Console
For the past year on the horizon loomed a dark shadow. Way up ahead, blocking out the radiant sun, casting its black and blueness upon us was a monolithic figure, cloaked in mystery, surrounded by hype, growing larger and larger as it came closer and closer. It bared its terrifying teeth, it captivated audiences who devoted their nearly blind devotion to it, casting the little white box that could to the side in their wait for the black and blue one. "I don't want a Dreamcast" they said. "I'm going to wait for the PS 2".
The days grew shorter and the shadow loomed closer. And as it came closer it began to shrink. It lost some of its powerful stance, hung its head little and deflated its ego a bit, for when it finally arrived it was merely the size of a bread box, not some giant like it was thought to be.
I hope you all are happy. The PS 2 has arrived and while it is great, it is definitely not the gigantic revolution in a box that we all hoped it would be. The launch titles are not as spectacular as they could be (albeit I recognize it is a launch) and hundreds of thousands of gamers are left empty handed. Don't get me wrong. I waited outside of Virgin Megastore last night just so I could pick up a copy of the system just to be turned away and shot down. Of course I want a PS 2 but I am extremely disappointed with Sony for its marketing mistake and it's weak launch line-up. There are a few pretty nice games out now but all together the launch is mediocre at best. Especially since the console is non-existent.
The Dreamcast on the other hand is experiencing its Golden Age. The systems most anticipated, most worked on, most revolutionary titles are just about to come out firin' and gunnin' down suckas like the first scene of "Saving Private Ryan". Shenmue, Skies of Arkadia, Grandia 2, NBA 2K1, Unreal Tournament, Halflife, Jet Grind Radio, Alone in the Dark 2 etc. There are so many great reasons to own a Dreamcast right now it is ridiculous and with the on-line play heating up with the recent addition of Quake III, there really is no better place to be.
While I am infuriated by Sony's incompetence I am also happy to see that the Dreamcast is proving to be so successful. With a pre-installed base of 2.5 million DC's as of October, Sony's blunder will undoubtedly help increase sales that will probably sky rocket over the holiday seasons. It looks like DC's position has just gotten that much sweeter.
The initial batch of PS games don't do very much to impress me and yes, I have seen them running on the hardware. Where is this revolution? I am definitely rooting for PS2 within its own bounds. I don't want it to conquer the console world because of marketing and hype and squelch out a lively and masterful system like the Dreamcast, much like the PS 1 did to the Saturn. It's ridiculous that such a console (Saturn) had to disappear from the market as a result of Sony's monopoly. I would really like to see consoles co-exist. I am a gamer at heart, not a capitalist. I don't want to see Sony kick Sega's @ss and then we'll only have one console to play and less games. Why can't they all flourish so we can enjoy the fruits of the game developers sick, twisted imaginations.
I think those of you out there who have already condemned the DC in favor of the PS 2 should rethink your strategy. Why condemn a system? All systems make games that are worth playing. DC definitely has and will have some first class, bonafide, head crackin' titles that you, if you are a real gamer, should have. Code Veronica, Crazy Taxi, Grandia 2, Shenmue, Ecco, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Skies of Arcadia. These games are great guys just open your eyes. If you are already a DC fan then ignore my rant, just raise you hands in agreement and cheer. This is the dawn of a new age for DC, one that I wouldn't miss for a million bucks. One that reminds me of why I love video games, why I dig further than the bottom of my pocket to furnish my addiction.
The PS 2 is on the streets. I can't believe the day has finally come where the two consoles will actually go head to head. We'll see what happens. I just would hate to see the vibrant, loveable DC go to the dust because of biased, misinformed "gamers". There's so much to love about it.
"THE online RETRO GAME SHOP"Our store, Collection Games, is committed to providing excellent customer satisfaction and strives to provide the highest ...More at eBay
"THE online RETRO GAME SHOP"Our store, Collection Games, is committed to providing excellent customer satisfaction and strives to provide the highest ...More at eBay
"THE online RETRO GAME SHOP"Our store, Collection Games, is committed to providing excellent customer satisfaction and strives to provide the highest ...More at eBay
"THE online RETRO GAME SHOP"Our store, Collection Games, is committed to providing excellent customer satisfaction and strives to provide the highest ...More at eBay
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