Wednesday, 17 May 2023

What Horror Games Are On The Nintendo Wii? The Ultimate Buying Guide To Wii Horror Games!

The Nintendo Wii may not be the first console that comes to mind when you think of horror games, but it actually had its fair share of spooky and unsettling titles. From survival horror to rail shooters to psychological horror, there's something for every horror fan to enjoy. In no particular order, here's a list of all of the horror games available for the Nintendo Wii.


Calling

Calling (2010) Wii Cover Art


Calling is a horror game by Hudson that takes place in a mysterious realm called the "Mnemonic Abyss." You play as various characters who have been trapped in this creepy parallel dimension through an online chatroom, where they must solve puzzles, fight ghosts, and uncover the truth behind their confinement. This first person point-and-click-esque horror game takes great advantage of the Wii's hardware, featuring a very cool and immersive gameplay mechanic that turns your Wii Remote into a cell phone. The game will even send e-mails to your Wii as you progress. Really cool stuff! With a very spooky atmosphere and a compelling narrative, fans of J-Horror will find a lot to like in Calling. Highly recommended!

Shop for it on eBay


Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Silent Hill Shattered Memories Wii Cover Art

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a reimagining of the original Silent Hill game, featuring updated graphics, a new storyline, and unique gameplay mechanics. You play as Harry Mason, who is searching for his missing daughter in the eerie town of Silent Hill, armed with only a flashlight that you control with the Wii Remote. The game has some great psychological horror elements, with the player's choices affecting the outcome of the story. A truly terrifying classic, this is one of the best horror games available for the Wii.

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Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 Wii Cover Art


Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror game that's not just one of the best games in the long-running Resident Evil franchise, but one of the best games of all time. You play as Leon S. Kennedy, on a mission to rescue the President's daughter from a mysterious cult in Europe. The game revolutionized the series and the entire gaming industry as a whole by shifting to an over-the-shoulder third person perspective, providing a more action-oriented gameplay style than previous games in the series. Capcom went above and beyond with this Wii port which is still to this day the best way to play Resident Evil 4 - combining the improved accuracy of the Wii remote for aiming, the extra content from the PlayStation 2 port, and the superior graphics of the GameCube original. A must-have for every Wii collection.

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Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil 0

Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil 0 Wii Cover Art


Resident Evil 0 is a port of the original Resident Evil prequel game that was first released for the Nintendo GameCube. The game follows the story of Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen, who are investigating a series of murders in the Arklay Mountains. With some still amazing-looking graphics and a new control scheme that takes advantage of the Wii Remote, this is a great horror title for the Wii that you'll want in your collection.

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Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil

Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil 1 Wii Cover Art


Capcom also brought us Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil, which is a complete remake of the original 1996 Resident Evil PlayStation game that originally appeared on the GameCube and was ported to the Nintendo Wii. You play as either Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield as they investigate a series of bizarre murders in the Spencer Mansion, which just so happens to be full of zombies. Featuring jaw-dropping updated graphics, all new areas and zombies, and the classic survival horror that made the series such a hit, this is one that you won't want to miss.

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Onechanbara

Onechanbara Bikini Zombie Slayers Wii Cover Art


Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers is a hack-and-slash game that follows a group of scantily-clad female warriors who are fighting against hordes of zombies. The game features over-the-top action, a quirky storyline, lots of blood and gore, and hot babes in bikinis. With jiggle physics.... What more could you ask for from a game?

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Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop

Dead Rising Chop Til You Drop Wii Cover Art


Capcom ported their hugely popular Xbox 360 game Dead Rising to the Nintendo Wii and made it even better with  Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop. The game follows photojournalist Frank West as he attempts to survive a zombie apocalypse in a shopping mall and uncover the truth behind what the hell is going on. The Wii version is a from-the-ground-up remake based on the Resident Evil 4 engine for the Wii and features new weapons, new enemies, and a new control scheme that takes great advantage of the Wii Remote. Mowing down hordes of zombies in a mall a la Dawn of the Dead has never been so fun!

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Ju-on: The Grudge

Ju-on The Grudge Haunted House Simulator Wii Cover Art


Ju-on: The Grudge is a horror game based on the popular Japanese horror movie series of the same name. You play as various characters who are investigating a cursed house, where the spirits of those who have died in a fit of rage continue to haunt the living. This "haunted house simulator" features a creepy atmosphere, jump scares, and puzzle-solving. While some may be turned off by the game's slow pace, J-horror aficionados should be able to appreciate this interesting horror title.

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Obscure: The Aftermath

Obscure The Aftermath Wii Cover Art


Obscure: The Aftermath is a survival horror game that takes place in a high school that has been overrun by monsters. You play as a group of students, each with their own unique abilities, who are trying to escape the school and uncover the truth behind the outbreak. The game also features a unique co-op mode, where two players can work together to solve puzzles and fight off monsters. With strong 90's teen horror movie vibe, this is definitely one that you're going to want in your collection!

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Cursed Mountain

Cursed Mountain Wii Cover Art


Cursed Mountain is a survival horror game that takes place in the icy mountaintops of the Himalayas. You play as a mountaineer who is searching for his lost brother, who was last seen on a cursed mountain. This third-person horror adventure game features a spooky atmosphere, with ghosts and supernatural phenomena lurking around every corner, and a unique control scheme developed around the Wii Remote. A somewhat flawed but engaging horror experience, and one that was and still is exclusive to the Wii.

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Escape From Bug Island

Escape From Bug Island Wii Cover Art


Escape From Bug Island is a cheesy B-movie-inspired survival horror game that follows three characters who are stranded on an island infested with giant insects. While this isn't what I'd consider to be an especially good game, fans of B-grade horror game classics like Illbleed and Overblood are sure to find a lot to like here as Escape From Bug Island has a very similar vibe. It's a Wii exclusive as well!

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House of the Dead Overkill

House of the Dead Overkill Wii Cover Art




House of the Dead: Overkill is an all-new entry to the legendary rail shooter series House of the Dead. Made by the kings of the genre Sega, the game follows two agents, Isaac Washington and the OG Agent G as they investigate a series of brutal murders. Overkill features a grindhouse-style presentation that was definitely infulenced by the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez film by the same name, with its over-the-top violence and sexual innuendos. As per usual with the series, there's also an awesome couch co-op mode allows two players to shoot up hordes of zombies together.

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House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return

House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return Wii Cover Art


House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return is a compilation of two classic Sega arcade rail shooters - House of the Dead 2 and its sequel House of the Dead 3. With the Wii remote replacing the antiquated lightguns, this collection provides a much more accessible way to experience these two classic titles, and blast zombies on your couch with a buddy. Sega still does what Nintendon't!

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Dead Space: Extraction

Dead Space Extraction Wii Cover Art


Dead Space: Extraction is a story-heavy rail shooter that takes place in the Dead Space universe. You play as a group of survivors who are trying to escape from a mining colony that has been overrun by Necromorphs, horrific creatures that have been reanimated by a mysterious alien artifact. The game plays similarly to the House of the Dead games, but with a bit more depth and a much more story-driven approach. With an excellent narrative complete with actually good voice acting, Dead Space: Extraction is a must play for any horror fan with a Wii.

Shop for it on eBay


Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

Resident Evil The Umbrella Chronicles Wii Cover Art


Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a rail shooter that revisits the events of Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Featuring great graphics, new enemy types, a high-tense atmosphere, and a co-op mode that allows two players to play through the game together, The Umbrella Chronicles is a rail shooter that actually manages to be scary - a must-play for every fan of Resident Evil.

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Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

Resident Evil The Darkside Chronicles Wii Cover Art


Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is yet another rail shooter by Capcom, this time focusing on the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil: Code Veronica chapters of the series. Everything that was said about The Umbrella Chronicles applies here as well, as this sequel is more of the same (and that's a good thing). Another fantastic horror rail shooter on the Wii.

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Alone In The Dark

Alone in the Dark Wii cover art


Atari rebooted the Alone in the Dark series yet again with this title that also appeared on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and PC. Alone in the Dark is a survival horror game where you yet again play as paranormal investigator Edward Carnby as he investigates supernatural occurrences in New York City. Terrible story and voice acting await you in this unintentionally campy re-imaging of the classic horror franchise. It's a janky port of an already pretty jank game, but it's still worth checking out if you're at all a fan of horror games and also happen to own a Wii.

Shop for it on eBay


Metroid Other M

Metroid Other M Wii cover art


Metroid: Other M is a third-person action-adventure game that follows series protagonist Samus Aran as she investigates an abandoned space station that has been infested by a mysterious alien species. While Metroid: Other M isn't really a true horror game, the atmosphere provided here is creepy enough that it made it on the list as an honorable mention. Fans of movies like the Alien franchise will certainly be able to dig the vibe here, and Metroid: Other M just so happens to be a pretty great action-platformer with some strong adventure elements as well. The game was met with mixed reviews when it initially came out, but it's certainly worth a look as an underrated title in Nintendo's classic Metroid franchise.

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Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse Wii cover art


Sadly, this one stayed in Japan, but I still had to mention Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. The fourth entry in the popular survival horror series follows a group of four characters who are investigating a haunted island, and uses the Wii's motion controls to simulate using the Camera Obscura to fight and capture the ghosts that torment you throughout the game. While it never received an official English-language release on the Wii, there is a fan translation available which makes it fully playable in English on the console. It's also been remastered for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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Exploring all of the Super FX Chip Games on the Super Nintendo - What SNES Games Used the Super FX Chip?

During the 16-bit era, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System revolutionized gaming with its impressive library of titles. Among the many innovations that pushed the console's capabilities to new heights was the Super FX chip. Developed by Argonaut Software, this little chip empowered game developers to create immersive and visually stunning (for the time) 3D experiences. Without further ado, let's delve into the world of Super FX chip games on the Super Nintendo, highlighting the titles that left an indelible mark on gaming history.


Star Fox (Starwing)

Star Fox SNES Super Nintendo Box Art


Released in 1993, Star Fox (known as Starwing in Europe) was the first game to utilize the Super FX chip. Developed by Nintendo and Argonaut Software, this rail shooter introduced players to the thrilling intergalactic adventures of Fox McCloud and the Star Fox team. Its groundbreaking 3D graphics and fast-paced gameplay showcased the capabilities of the Super FX chip, setting a new standard for presentation in a video game and pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the SNES. It's a true classic with a ton of character, one of the best games on the console, and has an absolutely banging soundtrack as well. 10 out of 10!

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Stunt Race FX (Wild Trax)

Stunt Race FX SNES Super Nintendo Box Art

Arriving in 1994, Stunt Race FX (Wild Trax in Japan) brought arcade-style racing to the Super Nintendo. Developed by Nintendo EAD and Argonaut, this title showcased the Super FX chip's ability to deliver reasonably smooth racing in a fully 3D environment, and it featured some very impressive physics for the time. With a strong variety of tracks, adorable anthropomorphic vehicle designs, vibrant visuals, and personality to spare, Stunt Race FX offered a very unique racing experience to those who had the chance to play it back in the day, and it's still pretty fun and incredibly charming today. 

Shop for Stunt Race FX on eBay


Vortex

Vortex SNES Super Nintendo Box Art


While not as well-known as the previous two titles, Vortex made its way to the SNES in 1994. Developed by Argonaut Software, this space combat game employed the Super FX chip to create a visually impressive and unique gameplay experience for the time. The game has you piloting a transforming spacecraft through 3D environments, engaging in battles with enemy forces. It's definitely not a great game, to be sure - it's overly complicated while also managing to be really, really boring - but it's at least interesting as an early attempt at a 3D action game on a home console.

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Dirt Racer

Dirt Racer SNES Super Nintendo Box Art


Dirt Racer, developed by MotiveTime Ltd. and released only in Europe in 1995, showcased the Super FX chip's potential in a different genre - off-road racing. With its impressive-for-the-time scaling and rotation effects, Dirt Racer offered players a peak at what a next-generation dirt track racing game might be like. It's extremely jank and kind of sucks, to be honest, but yeah - it's a Super FX chip racing game with graphics that are somewhat impressive for the system. It's sort of worth checking out just on that basis alone. If you're looking for a good Super FX racing game though, just stick with Stunt Trax FX.

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Yoshi's Island (Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island)

Super Mario World 2 Yoshi's Island SNES Super Nintendo Box Art

Yoshi's Island, released in 1995, marked the culmination of the Super FX chip's journey on the Super Nintendo. Developed by Nintendo, this iconic platformer presented a vibrant and whimsical world filled with imaginative level design and charming characters with a watercolor-esque visual style. The next generation Super FX 2 chip enabled the game to showcase some impressive visual effects, including sprite scaling and rotation effects, as well as some polygon-based 3D effects. Oh yeah, and it's just a great game from a gameplay perspective as well. Yoshi's Island remains a beloved classic, demonstrating the Super FX chip's ability to enhance both gameplay and artistic presentation, even in a 2D platformer. One of the best games on the system for sure - if you haven't played it yet, you should definitely check it out ASAP.

Shop for Yoshi's Island on eBay


Doom

Doom SNES Super Nintendo Box Art

Doom, the iconic first-person shooter developed by id Software, made its way to the Super Nintendo with the assistance of the more powerful Super FX 2 chip. Released in 1995, Doom on the SNES offered a shockingly faithful adaptation of the groundbreaking PC original. While the Super FX 2 chip wasn't as powerful as most of the competing platforms that Doom appeared on at the time, it still enabled the developers of the port to deliver on the intense horror action the game was known for, albeit with some major compromises in terms of visual fidelity and frame rate. Still, in some ways it was actually the most faithful console port of Doom that was released in the 1990's, besting even the PlayStation version in terms of having more complex level design that mirrored the PC original, rather than the simplified levels the other console versions offered. An impressive port of an all-time classic game, Doom on the Super Nintendo was a great addition to the console's library and really showed off what was possible with the Super FX chip. 

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Dirt Trax FX

Dirt Trax FX SNES Super Nintendo Box Art

Developed by Sculptured Software and released in 1995, Dirt Trax FX was another racing game that utilized the Super FX 2 chip. This off-road racing title aimed to provide a more immersive racing experience with its dynamic track conditions and realistic physics. The Super FX 2 chip allowed the developers to enhance the game's engine and graphics with smooth scaling and rotation effects in addition to the impressive 3D polygon track. And as a racing game it's actually not too bad - sure, it's a bit repetitive and has some annoying quirks (like the weird horn honking that plays every single time you go from 2nd to 1st place and vice versa), but it actually runs and plays quite well and it's kind of fun. All in all, Dirt Trax FX is worth a look if you're curious.

Shop for Dirt Trax FX on eBay


Winter Gold

Winter Gold SNES Super Nintendo Box Art

Winter Gold, also known as FX Skiing in Japan, was a sports game developed by Funcom and released in 1996. It featured a variety of winter sports events, including skiing, bobsledding, snowboarding, and figure skating. With the awesome power of the Super FX 2 chip, Winter Gold showcased some pretty impressive graphics and stylized cutscenes, immersing players in the snowy landscapes and competitive atmosphere of the winter sports arena. While it's technically more of an FMV game than it is a 3D one, it nevertheless boasts some really cool visuals for Nintendo's 16-bit console, with a level of presentation that managed to rival early 32-bit titles for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. The game itself offers some pretty simplistic extreme sports gameplay, but there's some fun to be had here if you don't require your games to have a ton of depth.

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The Super FX chip revolutionized gaming on the Super Nintendo, introducing players to a new level of visual and gameplay innovation. Titles like Star Fox, Stunt Race FX, Doom, and Yoshi's Island pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible on a 16-bit console, captivating gamers with their stunning graphics and immersive experiences.

Although the Super FX chip library was relatively small, the impact of these games can still be felt today. They served as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of game developers during that era, and their influence can be seen in subsequent generations of consoles and games.

As we reflect on the Super FX chip games on the Super Nintendo, we appreciate the pioneering spirit that drove developers to push technological boundaries and deliver unforgettable gaming experiences. These titles stand as milestones in gaming history, reminding us of the transformative power of innovation in the ever-evolving world of video games.

Monday, 1 May 2023

Rent A Hero No. 1 For Sega Dreamcast Unofficial Fan Translation English Patch Download

The wait is over! Rent A Hero No. 1 for the Sega Dreamcast is now fully playable in English!


Thanks to a dedicated group of fans led by VincentNL, going by the name of the Rent-A-Modders, we now finally have a fully translated version of Sega's classic Dreamcast action-RPG Rent A Hero No. 1: Hero For Hire! The original Dreamcast version was released only in Japan in 2000 (later ported in 2003 for the Japanese Microsoft Xbox - an English version was planned for release in North America as well but was sadly cancelled), and was a 3D remake of the original Japanese Sega Mega Drive game called Rent A Hero which was released in 1991. The Dreamcast remake was built using the engine of the hit arcade game Spikeout, and feels like a humorous, tongue-in-cheek counterpart to Shenmue.

This new patch isn't just a translation either - it features all-new exclusive content, which according to the developers include "unlockable secrets, 3D models, VMU animations, [Opening/Ending subtitles], reworked interface controls, Debug modes and much more!"


Downloads:


.GDI patch

.CDI patch


Esppiral’s widescreen patch: (Game assets don't use 16:9 resolution, so some visual issues may occur)

.GDI widescreen patch

.CDI widescreen patch


Thanks again to VincentNL and his team for all of their hard work! Check him out on Patreon and Twitter.

Monday, 17 April 2023

Sega Sammy Holdings Acquires Rovio Entertainment: A Strategic Leap into the Future

Angry Birds front page
Image copyright Rovio Entertainment www.angrybirds.com



In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry (well OK, maybe not), Sega Sammy Holdings, the renowned Japanese entertainment conglomerate, has recently announced its acquisition of Rovio Entertainment, the Finnish gaming company behind the globally popular Angry Birds franchise. This unexpected merger has set the stage for exciting possibilities, forging new paths for both Sega Sammy and Rovio in the ever-evolving world of interactive entertainment.

A Match Made in Gaming Heaven


The decision to acquire Rovio Entertainment aligns with Sega Sammy Holdings' long-standing strategy of expanding its global presence and diversifying its portfolio of popular gaming titles. The addition of Angry Birds to its already impressive lineup of iconic franchises, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Yakuza, enhances Sega Sammy's position as a major player in the gaming industry.

Rovio Entertainment, on the other hand, gains access to Sega Sammy's extensive resources, including a vast network of distribution channels, expertise in game development, and a loyal global fanbase. The synergy between the two companies holds tremendous potential for both short-term and long-term growth, benefiting players, shareholders, and industry stakeholders alike.

Unlocking New Opportunities


The acquisition represents a strategic leap forward for Sega Sammy Holdings, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing mobile gaming market. With Angry Birds boasting over 4.5 billion downloads globally, Sega Sammy can leverage the franchise's immense popularity to engage and entertain a broader audience.

Moreover, Rovio's expertise in mobile game development and its established brand recognition will undoubtedly strengthen Sega Sammy's foothold in the highly competitive mobile gaming sector. This move allows Sega Sammy to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its dependence on traditional console gaming, further adapting to the evolving preferences of modern gamers.

Expansion into New Markets


With Rovio Entertainment's strong presence in the European market, the acquisition provides Sega Sammy with a springboard for expanding its reach across the continent. By leveraging Rovio's established distribution channels and localized knowledge, Sega Sammy can tap into a broader player base and build stronger relationships with European consumers.

Additionally, Sega Sammy's global network and experience in the Asian market can help Rovio Entertainment penetrate new territories, particularly in Japan and other Asian countries where Sega Sammy enjoys a strong market position. This collaboration opens doors to mutually beneficial partnerships and the potential for cross-pollination of gaming cultures, further enriching the industry as a whole.

Investing in Innovation and Future Growth


The acquisition of Rovio Entertainment signals Sega Sammy Holdings' commitment to investing in innovation and driving future growth. The collaboration between these two industry giants creates fertile ground for the development of groundbreaking games and technologies that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

With Sega Sammy's strong financial backing and Rovio's creative talents, we can expect to see the Angry Birds franchise evolve and expand, introducing fresh gameplay mechanics, captivating storylines, and immersive experiences across multiple platforms. The fusion of Sega Sammy's expertise and Rovio's creativity will undoubtedly result in a portfolio of games that cater to a diverse range of players and capture the imaginations of millions worldwide.

Conclusion


The acquisition of Rovio Entertainment by Sega Sammy Holdings marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of both companies. This strategic move solidifies Sega Sammy's position as a global gaming powerhouse while empowering Rovio Entertainment to reach new heights in terms of market presence and innovation.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the synergy between Sega Sammy and Rovio promises to redefine industry standards, enhance player experiences, and propel the gaming industry into uncharted territories. Together, they have the potential to create gaming experiences that transcend boundaries, captivate audiences, and leave an indelible mark on the world of interactive entertainment.

Thursday, 18 August 2022

Sega Genesis Mini 2 Complete Games List For North America And Europe

Sega Genesis Mini 2 games list
Image copyright Sega https://www.sega.jp/


Get ready for the Sega Genesis Mini 2, Sega's upgraded mini console based on their hugely successful Sega Genesis/Mega Drive hardware. We have the list of all 60 games that will be appearing on the system (and the 7 extra "bonus games" that are exclusive to the mini console) when the mini console launches on October 27, 2022 for $99.99 plus shipping from Japan, exclusively sold on Amazon.

Sega has finally announced the 60 games (20 more than what was included with the first Genesis Mini) that will be included with the console in North America and Europe, including 7 extra bonus games, for a total of 67 games! The most exciting part is that 12 Sega CD games also made it onto the console! This is the full list of games that will be included in the North American version of the system:

  • After Burner 2
  • Alien Soldier
  • Atomic Runner
  • Bonanza Bros.
  • ClayFighter
  • Crusader of Centy
  • Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf
  • Earthworm Jim 2
  • Elemental Master
  • Fatal Fury 2
  • Gain Ground
  • Golden Axe 2
  • Granada
  • Hellfire
  • Herzog Zwei
  • Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar
  • Midnight Resistance
  • OutRun
  • OutRunners
  • Phantasy Star 2
  • Populous
  • Rainbow Islands Extra
  • Ranger-X
  • Ristar
  • Rolling Thunder 2
  • Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi
  • Shining Force 2
  • Shining in the Darkness
  • Sonic 3D Blast
  • Splatterhouse 2
  • Streets of Rage 3
  • Super Hang-On
  • Super Street Fighter 2: The New Challengers
  • The Ooze
  • The Revenge of Shinobi
  • ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron
  • Truxton
  • VectorMan 2
  • Viewpoint
  • Virtua Racing
  • Warsong
  • Ecco the Dolphin (Sega CD version)
  • Ecco: The Tides of Time (Sega CD version)
  • Final Fight CD
  • Mansion of Hidden Souls
  • Night Striker
  • Night Trap
  • Robo Aleste
  • Sewer Shark
  • Shining Force CD
  • Silpheed
  • Sonic The Hedgehog CD
  • The Ninja Warriors
In addition to all of these great titles, the Sega Genesis Mini 2 also includes seven “bonus games,” including two games that had been previously unreleased, with the others being new ports of games from other platforms. 

The previously unreleased games are:
  • Devi & Pii
  • Star Mobile
And the five new games ported for the Genesis Mini 2 are: 
  • Fantasy Zone
  • Space Harrier 2 (+ Space Harrier)
  • Spatter
  • Super Locomotive
  • Vs. Puyo Puyo Sun.

You can check out Sega's announcement trailer on Youtube below, featuring short gameplay clips of every game included:



Saturday, 18 April 2020

What Horror Games Are On The Dreamcast? The Ultimate Buying Guide To Sega Dreamcast Horror Games!

The Dreamcast was home to a fair number of noteworthy horror games, many of which remain exclusive to the platform. In no particular order, here's a list of the horror games that are available on the Sega Dreamcast.


Blue Stinger

 
Blue Stinger Sega Dreamcast horror game Cover Art
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2251117


Released as a pre-launch title for the Dreamcast in North America (it came out a few days before the Dreamcast was officially released on 9/9/99), Blue Stinger was the system's first horror game and it definitely didn't disappoint. There was nothing else quite like this epic adventure game at the time, or even until the release of Dead Rising on the Xbox 360 in 2006. Mixing arcade style beat-em-up and hack and slash melee action with over-the-top gunplay, a fully-realized 3D world that felt a lot bigger and more realistic than anything that had come before it, incredible monster designs, an epic big budget movie-like soundtrack, insane Christmas setting, River City Ransom-esque character upgrades and tons of optional weapons to play around with, this criminally underrated Dreamcast exclusive is one of my favorites of all time on any platform.


D2


D2 Sega Dreamcast horror game Cover Art


One part interactive movie, one part RPG, part point and click adventure, with a little bit of hunting simulation mixed in for good measure, D2 is the very unique Dreamcast exclusive sequel to the original D for the 3DO, Sega Saturn, and Sony PlayStation. The story has absolutely nothing to do with the first game other than featuring the same "digital actress" Laura, but the gameplay will definitely be familiar to anyone who's played WARP's earlier horror titles. Be prepared to watch a lot of lengthy cutscenes as you traverse through this bizarre horror adventure set in the snowy Canadian wilderness. Also another Dreamcast horror game that takes place during Christmas!



Resident Evil: Code Veronica

Resident Evil: Code Veronica Sega Dreamcast horror game Cover Art


Capcom brought out the big guns for this at-the-time Dreamcast exclusive that was actually supposed to be Resident Evil 3. Code Veronica was a huge upgrade to the series, finally offering fully 3D graphics which are some of the best on the system, while retaining the familiar gameplay and ambience the series was known for. This is definitely one of the best of the old-school style Resident Evil games - personally I'd rank it right up there with the original game.




Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


After bringing us the amazing Code Veronica, Capcom gave Dreamcast gamers a version of the classic Resident Evil 2. It's more or less the same game that we saw back on the PlayStation, but the graphics are definitely a lot better. Either way, you can't go wrong with playing this one on the Dreamcast as it's arguably the best version of the game that was released back in the day.

Shop for Resident Evil 2 on eBay!



Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Resident Evil 3 Nemesis Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


And after Resident Evil 2, Capcom kept the hits coming with a port of the sequel Resident Evil 3. This one has you playing as Jill Valentine trying to escape Raccoon City and takes place at the same time as RE2, originally being developed as a side story rather than a fully fledged sequel. This one offers some great mechanics including a dodge move and the ability to go up and down stairs in real time, and a terrifying new foe named Nemesis who stalks you throughout the game. This more action-focused take on the classic Resident Evil formula gives the Dreamcast yet another great horror title.




Alone In The Dark: The New Nightmare

Alone In The Dark: The New Nightmare Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


Not to be outdone by Capcom, Infogrames brought us a brand new entry to the original survival horror series, Alone In The Dark: The New Nightmare, after a 6 year hiatus. This was a more modern re-imaging of the classic series, the first of two reboots the series would see. The game retains the static cinematic camera angles with gorgeous pre-rendered backgrounds, and adds a dynamic flashlight mechanic that still looks great to this day. If you're into the classic survival horror style adventure games, Alone in the Dark is a must play, and it gets my vote as the scariest game for the Dreamcast, with some of the best atmosphere of any horror game ever made.

Shop for Alone in the Dark on eBay!


Carrier

Carrier Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art
By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12704635


Right before the release of Resident Evil: Code Veronica, Jaleco came out with their take on the survival horror genre with the Dreamcast exclusive Carrier. It's the unintentionally campy low budget b-movie to Resident Evil's comparatively more serious blockbuster horror game, but it's still a good solid horror adventure that brought a unique element to the genre - Having to scan NPCs to figure out whether they're actually monsters or not, a la The Thing. It's a pretty cool mechanic and one that makes Carrier worth checking out.



Illbleed

Illbleed Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


From the makers of Blue Stinger (fittingly renaming their company Crazy Games for this release), Illbleed is another horror game that really had no peers at the time of its release. While it's nowhere near as good as Blue Stinger as an actual playable game, the insane, over-the-top atmosphere and B-movie inspired charm makes this one an experience like no other that every horror fan should check out. You'll puke with pleasure! You'll vomit with excitement! You'll shit with fear!




Dino Crisis

Dino Crisis Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


Coming to the Dreamcast courtesy of Capcom yet again, this Jurassic Park meets Resident Evil style mashup was an instant classic horror title. You've got vicious dinosaurs, big guns, a mysterious lab, and a hot redhead in skin-tight military gear - What's not to love? To top it all off, the Dreamcast port is definitely the best way to play this game.




Zombie Revenge

Zombie Revenge Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


After giving us a port of the arcade classic The House of the Dead 2, Sega came back with a brand new spin-off from the series called Zombie Revenge. The game takes place in the same universe but is now an arcade beat-em-up with a heavy emphasis on gunplay. If you're familiar with the Die Hard Arcade/Dynamite Cop/Dynamite Deka series you'll feel right at home here with tons of crazy, over-the-top weapons you can pick up that are a blast to use.

Shop for Zombie Revenge on eBay!



Evil Dead: Hail to the King

Evil Dead: Hail to the King Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


Evil Dead: Hail to the King is a very Resident Evil-inspired horror game based on the Evil Dead films. Instead of just being a rehash of the story from the movies, Hail to the King offers a brand new story featuring voice acting by the one and only Bruce Campbell. While the gameplay has some quirks to it that can be somewhat irritating, it's completely playable and a pretty amusing time once you've adapted to its style of play, and the original story is a hoot. Definitely a must-have for Evil Dead fans and/or fans of survival horror games looking for a solid horror adventure to play through on the Dreamcast.




The House of the Dead 2

The House of the Dead 2 Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


Sega brought the sequel to the hit arcade original home to the Dreamcast on launch day, and it provides a subliminal on rails lightgun shooter experience. Dismembering zombies up close and personal has never been as satisfying as it is here in this arcade classic.

The Typing of the Dead Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


It's The House of the Dead 2 again, only with typing instead of shooting. Improve your words per minute in this quirky cult classic, surely the greatest typing tutor game ever created!

Shop for The Typing of the Dead on eBay!



The Ring: Terror's Realm

The Ring: Terror's Realm Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2114575

Based on the popular-novel-turned-into-popular-movie series Ringu, the Dreamcast got an exclusive survival horror title that was released in the west as The Ring: Terror's Realm. Unfortunately, it's not very good. Production values are extremely low, with poor graphics and a mind-numbingly repetitive soundtrack, this definitely feels and plays like a budget title. It's not completely unplayable or anything though and die-hard horror fans might find some redeeming qualities hiding somewhere in here.

Shop for The Ring on eBay!



Shadow Man


Shadow Man Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


Acclaim brought a port of its multi-platform hit Shadow Man to the Dreamcast, which combines classic gothic horror elements with 3D Zelda-inspired gameplay and progression. The atmosphere in this one is really great, with excellent writing, voice acting, music and sound, and it plays extremely well to boot. This horror adventure is as close as you're going to get to a Zelda/Metroid style game on the Dreamcast. Highly recommended.


Sword of the Berserk: Gut's Rage

Sword of the Berserk: Gut's Rage Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


While this might not be a pure horror game, the story and atmosphere have enough horror themes that I'm putting it on the list anyway. Sword of the Berserk: Gut's Rage is based on the manga and anime series of the same name and features a brand new original story that is very well written and interesting. Which is good because the excellent real time cinemas are the majority of the game. Between the extremely well done story segments you get an excellent and surprisingly deep hack and slash action game somewhat reminiscent of Devil May Cry, which forces you to take into account your surroundings as you slice your way through hoards of mutated zombies. This Dreamcast exclusive is a unique and fantastic beat-em-up adventure and a must have for the system.



Nightmare Creatures II


Nightmare Creatures II Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art



Nightmare Creatures II is a hack and slash horror adventure that came over to the Dreamcast straight from the PlayStation, and it definitely shows. But despite it's visual shortcomings, the game still manages to provide a nice creepy gothic atmosphere. There's not a lot of depth to the gameplay here, but it's a decent enough experience that's worth checking out.



Half Life



While the Dreamcast port of Half Life was unfortunately canceled before it could finish development, a fairly complete and fully playable beta was leaked years ago. It's not well optimized for the system, but it can be played to completion, and this all-time first person shooter classic is a great horror title that makes an excellent addition to the Dreamcast's horror library. If you have never played the original Half Life, you owe it to yourself to finally experience this amazing title.

The expansion packs Blue Shift and Opposing Force are available to download and play on the Dreamcast as well.


They Hunger

They Hunger Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


They Hunger was a free Half Life mod by the magazine PC Gamer that was brought to the Dreamcast by fans thanks to the previously mentioned unfinished Half Life port to Dreamcast that actually supports mods! If you're looking for a pure horror FPS, this is one of the best in its genre - truly an incredible experience featuring amazingly creepy atmosphere. A great addition to any Dreamcast horror fan's library!

The other horror-themed Half Life mods ported by fans won't get their own writeups here but here's the list of all that are currently available:
  • Paranoia 
  • U.S.S. Darkstar 
  • Gunman Chronicles 
  • Grunt 

Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile

Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile Sega Dreamcast horror game cover art


Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile is a horror game with a unique-at-the-time 2 player mechanic. While the game was never officially released outside of Japan, it has since been fan translated into English so it's now playable for Western audiences. As far as the game itself goes, it's not one of the system's best - I'd rate it on the same tier as The Ring - but if you're looking for another horror game on the Dreamcast to play, this is one.

 DOOM

Doom Sega Dreamcast Cover Art


Thanks to the hard work of the Dreamcast homebrew scene, Doom, Doom II, and a ton of mods are all available to play on the system. Not much more to say about this one, you should know what Doom is all about by now - shooting through hordes of demons as you try to escape a military base on Mars where everything's gone completely FUBAR.