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Sega Dreamcast Games That Used The Microphone - List of Dreamcast Games with Microphone Support
Released in 1999 in Japan and 2000 in North America, the Sega Dreamcast microphone was a rather unique peripheral for its time that allowed gamers to interact with their games via voice. While it wasn't the first microphone accessory released for home consoles, coming out after Nintendo's Voice Recognition Unit which was released in conjunction with Hey You, Pikachu!, it definitely had a more lasting impact on the industry, as the Sega Dreamcast was the first console to support online voice chat. So, what Dreamcast games supported the microphone? Read on to find out!
Seaman
Alien Front Online
Alien Front Online is an arcade arena combat game where you control either tanks or alien spacecraft (depending on which side you choose) and blast away at your enemies. As referenced in the title, the focus of this game was definitely the online multiplayer, featuring different game modes like capture the flag and your basic team deathmatch. The game used the microphone for online voice chat, allowing players to record short voice clips that would then be sent to the other players. So it wasn't real-time voice chat, but it was still really cool, and thanks to the hard work of fans, Alien Front Online's online multiplayer has been restored and can still be enjoyed today.
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Planet Ring
Planet Ring was a Europe-exclusive online-only party game by Sega that was aimed at introducing casual players to online gaming and featured real time voice chat via the Dreamcast microphone. The game had an online community system, allowing you to create your own avatar and explore the game's world while interacting and competing with other players in four casual-style minigames. It was a very cool and revolutionary game for its time, and did a great job in showcasing the unique experiences that could be had through online console games. The game became unplayable after the official servers shut down back in the day, but the online play has now been fully restored by fans so it can once again be enjoyed by gamers today.
Mr. Driller
Namco's Mr Driller is an action-puzzle game that has you strategically drilling blocks to get to the bottom of the stage while trying not to get crushed. It's a spiritual sequel to Dig Dug, and if you like action-oriented puzzle games it's definitely a good game to check out. The game supports even supports the microphone as an unadvertised feature, allowing you to shout to drill the blocks instead of using a button. It's basically just a fun novelty, but it's really cool that Namco went out of their way to add microphone functionality for what was otherwise a straight arcade port.
There were also a handful of other games that offered microphone support, but these were Japan-exclusive titles that would be impossible to play if you can't speak and read Japanese. We'll list them below for completion's sake, however:
- Battle Beaster
- Christmas Seaman: Omoi o Tsutaeru Mou Hitotsu no Houhou
- Death Crimson 2: Meranito no Saidan
- Dream Passport 3
- Dream Passport Premier
- Heisei Mahjong Sou
- Jahmong
- Kiteretsu Boy's Gangagan
- Marionette Handler 2
- O.to.i.Re: Dreamcast Sequencer
- Sakura Momoko Gekijou: Coji Coji
- Seaman: Kindan no Pet: 2001 Nen Taiouban
The PAL web browser Dreamkey Version 2.0 also supported the microphone, allowing users to send 10-second voice clips to online friends.
Don't own a Dreamcast microphone yet? It was originally packaged together with Seaman and Alien Front Online, so complete in box copies of both games should include one (make sure before you buy), but you can also buy it separately online.
16-Bit Survival Horror Classic Returns: Clock Tower Announced for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5, XBox, and PC
In an exciting announcement for survival horror fans, CAPCOM, Sunsoft, WayForward, and Limited Run Games have joined forces to breathe new life into the seminal Super Famicom horror game Clock Tower. The landmark horror title, a pioneer of the survival horror genre, will be reborn with a port/enhanced remaster, set to release in early 2024 for modern consoles.
Clock Tower, originally released for the Super Famicom in 1995 only in Japan and developed by Human Entertainment, has gained a cult following for its tense gameplay, atmospheric storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game was a point-and-click adventure game focused on the survival of protagonist Jennifer Simpson, who found herself trapped in a nightmarish mansion while being relentlessly pursued by the hideously deformed Scissorman. Clock Tower has the honor of being the best Super Nintendo horror game ever made, in our opinion. Several sequels to the game later followed on the Sony PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2.
Clock Tower is set to launch simultaneously on multiple platforms. Fans can look forward to experiencing the horror classic on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC via Steam.
Tomba! Returns: Limited Run Games Announces the Classic Platformer for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC
Get ready to swing back into action as Limited Run Games, in collaboration with creator Tokuro Fujiwara, has announced Tomba! for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. This beloved platforming gem from the past will be resurrected on modern consoles, thanks to the power of the Carbon Engine. Additionally, fans will be treated to a new soundtrack by the legendary FUJITA HARUMI, further enhancing the nostalgic experience.
Tomba!, also known as Tombi! in PAL territories, originally debuted on the Sony PlayStation as a first-party mascot platformer back in 1997. Developed by Whoopee Camp and created by the acclaimed Tokuro Fujiwara, the game introduced players to the energetic and pink-haired hero, Tomba. Known for its colorful visuals, classic 2D platforming gameplay, and quirky humor, Tomba! quickly won the hearts of players and became a cult classic.
Adding to the excitement, the talented composer Harumi Fujita of the original Tomba! and many other classic games, has returned to craft a new soundtrack for the game's revival on modern consoles.
Limited Run Games Announces Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution: Cancelled Game Boy Advance Shantae Game to be Released for GBA
Limited Run Games is teaming up with WayForward to publish the previously unreleased Game Boy Advance game Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution on a physical cartridge for the GBA. The game was being developed back in 2002 but was cancelled as the developer was unable to find a publisher for the game as the first game, Shantae on the Game Boy Color, was received well by the press and fans but didn't sell very well at retail.
Shantae, the half-genie guardian of Scuttle Town, has become a beloved character in the gaming world since her debut in 2002. Known for her distinctive hair-whip attacks, shape-shifting abilities, and vibrant personality, Shantae was an instant hit with gamers who played the first game on the Game Boy Color, spawning four sequels across multiple consoles and handhelds, not including the previously unreleased Shantae Advance.
The game looks like it'll be a solid entry to both the series and the Game Boy Advance's platforming library. Shantae Advance will even support 4-player support via the GBA link cable. It's awesome to see a new Game Boy Advance game being released physically, especially one that was cancelled back in the day, giving the game a chance to finally be enjoyed.
There's no word on a release date yet, with Limited Run Games only saying that the game would come out "in the near future".
Gex Trilogy Announced for PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series S/X, and PC
Limited Run Games, in collaboration with Square Enix, has made an exciting announcement: the release of the Gex Trilogy for modern consoles. Fans of the wisecracking gecko will soon have the opportunity to relive the classic platforming adventures on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam). The collection includes Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko.
Gex, the charismatic and pop culture-savvy gecko, first emerged on the gaming scene in 1994. Developed by Crystal Dynamics, Gex quickly became a mascot character for the 32-bit generation. The first game, titled Gex, was initially released on the 3DO, PC, and SEGA Saturn, before making its way to the PlayStation. It introduced players to the world of Gex and was a 2D platforming game, filled with references to pop culture and challenging levels based on classic movies and TV shows.
Gex: Enter the Gecko marked the gecko's return and first foray into 3D, this time gracing the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and PC platforms. It was a solid early 3D platforming game that expanded on the series' humorous take on the genre.
Finally, Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko took players on an action-packed 3D adventure across multiple platforms, including the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and PC.
There aren't many details about this upcoming collection yet, and it's not clear at this time whether this release will feature simple ports or full-on remakes of the classic games.
Sega Saturn RPGs - The Complete List of the Best Sega Saturn Role-Playing Games!
While the original Sony PlayStation may have stolen the show when it came to role-playing games in the 32-bit era, the Sega Saturn was definitely no slouch in the RPG department. The system featured quite a number of original, unique, and very enjoyable titles in the genre. And somewhat shockingly, almost all of the Saturn RPG games we'll cover here have remained exclusive to the platform. So, without further ado, let's take a look at some of the best RPGs the Sega Saturn had to offer in this complete list of every Saturn role-playing game currently playable in English.
Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean
Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean is your typical run-of-the-mill Japanese RPG that does a lot of things really well - its 2D graphics look great, the turn-based battles are intuitive and well-executed, and the adventure is engaging throughout. The game doesn't attempt to reinvent the genre or try to be the next big thing in J-RPG gaming - it's just a simple, well-made RPG with an enjoyable quest. And that's a good thing! This is actually one of the more polished and well-rounded RPGs on the Sega Saturn. If you're looking for a traditional turn-based Japanese RPG for your Saturn collection, Albert Odyssey is a great option to check out.
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Dragon Force
Dragon Force is a very deep strategy RPG that features epic battles with hundreds of soldiers on screen at once. The game is hardcore and pretty intimidating for first time players - reading the manual here is going to be a must. You'll spend a lot of time managing your troops and castles outside of battles, and you need to strategize which castles you'll attempt to take over based on a lot of different factors. Dragon Force offers 8 different storylines depending on which character you choose to play as, so there's plenty of replay value here. If you want a very in-depth strategy RPG for your Sega Saturn, look no further than Dragon Force
The Legend of Oasis
The Legend of Oasis (known as The Story of Thor 2 in Europe) is a sequel to the underrated action-RPG Beyond Oasis for the Sega Genesis. The game offers an overhead 2D Zelda-like experience filled with puzzles and exploration. Combat here is quick and responsive with a lot of different moves and attacks you can perform - there's even a combo system in place, making the combat feel sort of like a beat-'em-up game. The game also has a unique buddy system allowing you to summon elemental spirits that you unlock as you progress to help you solve puzzles and fight enemies. All in all it's a fantastic action-adventure RPG and a great addition to the Sega Saturn's library.
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Dark Savior
Dark Savior is a game in Climax Entertainment's LandStalker series, combining platforming and RPG elements in a unique adventure. If you're familiar with LandStalker you'll have a good idea on how this one plays. There's a lot of very tricky platforming thanks to the game's isometric viewpoint, but it definitely becomes easier once you get used to it. Battles in the game are pretty interesting, taking inspiration from one-on-one fighting games. Dark Savior also has plenty of replay value with branching storylines where the choices you make impact the rest of the game. It's a great platforming-heavy action-RPG that is still exclusive to the Sega Saturn.
Shining Wisdom
Shining Wisdom is an overhead Zelda style action-RPG spinoff game in the Shining Force series. It's nowhere near as polished as your average Legend of Zelda game, but it offers a cute and engaging action-RPG adventure with some small quirks and flaws. The game features real-time combat, exploration and puzzle-solving that requires the use of the new abilities you learn as you progress throughout the game, similar to Zelda, along with a compelling story and charming characters. There weren't many Zelda-like games released on the Sega Saturn, and despite some of Shining Wisdom's minor peculiarities, it's still a good action-RPG that's exclusive to the Saturn and worth checking out.
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Virtual Hydlide
Virtual Hydlide is a remake of the classic action RPG Hydlide. This is the only western-style RPG released for the Sega Saturn in North America, playing kind of like an early Elder Scrolls game. While the game has a poor reputation due to its poor framerate and somewhat janky gameplay, if you can get used to its quirks there's actually a good adventure to be had here. You'll embark on a quest to save the princess, battling monsters while exploring a vast 3D world. If you're looking for an RPG for the Saturn that's very different from the standard fare, Virtual Hydlide is a unique and underrated exclusive RPG for the system that might be up your alley.
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Shining Force III
Shining Force III is the Sega Saturn exclusive third game in Sega's classic strategy-RPG series Shining Force. The game offers a tactical RPG experience with an epic adventure set in a richly detailed medieval world. Fans of the Shining Force series will feel right at home here as Shining Force III features the same classic gameplay formula as the earlier games, but this time with a 3D presentation. The game's branching storyline and tactical depth make it a standout entry in the Shining series. Sadly, Shining Force III as we know it in the west was only the first of three separate releases in Japan, with each game offering a different scenario with its own plotline. Even though we never got the full game outside of Japan, Shining Force III is a great (and extremely expensive) tactical role-playing game that is a must-play for every Saturn RPG fan.
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Herc's Adventures
Herc's Adventures takes a comedic twist on the RPG genre, offering a lighthearted adventure inspired by Greek mythology. It's very similar to Zombies Ate My Neighbors from the same development team, appearing to run on an updated version of that game's engine, but Herc's Adventures takes place in a large open world with action-RPG elements. You can control one of three heroes - Herc, Atlanta, or Jason - in a quest to save the goddess Persephone from Hades and restore balance to the world. The game features action-oriented overhead gameplay with plenty of puzzles to solve, a humorous story, and even a cooperative multiplayer mode. Herc's Adventure's is definitely a hidden gem for the Saturn, offering a fantastic 2D action-RPG that's brimming with personality.
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Blazing Heroes/Mystaria: The Realms of Lore
Blazing Heroes, also released as Mystaria: The Realms of Lore, is a turn-based strategy RPG in the same vein as the Shining Force games. The majority of the game is spent in grid-based tactical battles, although there are some towns and other areas to explore outside of battles as well. It's your typical strategy RPG, and it's actually really well done. Definitely a hidden gem on the Sega Saturn for strategy RPG enthusiasts.
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Guardian Heroes
Guardian Heroes is a beat-em-up with some light RPG elements made by legendary developer Treasure. While the game is really all about the action, your character levels up as you gain experience through fighting enemies, allowing you to upgrade your stats at the end of each level, and you're presented with decisions at times which lead to many branching paths. It's also a lot heavier on story than most games in the genre as well, and features plenty of cutscenes and dialogue. This brawler also features a 2-player co-op mode so you and a friend can play through the story together, as well as a chaotic 6-payer melee mode that's very reminiscent of the Super Smash Bros games. The aesthetics are also on-point, with some great 2D graphics and a fantastic soundtrack. All in all, Guardian Heroes is a fairly deep and extremely fun beat-em-up/RPG mash-up that offers hours of entertainment with a cool story and plenty of replay value. This unique game is definitely one of the best ever made for the Saturn and should be experienced by every fan of the system.
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Shining the Holy Ark
Shining the Holy Ark is the sequel to the Sega Genesis game Shining in the Darkness, and is yet another game in Sega's Shining series to make an appearance on this list, joining Shining Wisdom and Shining Force III. Unlike the previously mentioned games, Shining the Holy Ark offers a traditional dungeon-crawling RPG experience, played from the first-person perspective. You'll assemble a party of adventurers to explore labyrinthine dungeons, battle monsters, and unravel the mysteries of the Holy Ark. The game features an engaging story, challenging battles, and a richly detailed world portrayed with a unique art style and some great graphics for the console. If you like these old-school dungeon crawlers, Shining the Holy Ark is another Sega Saturn exclusive RPG that shouldn't be missed.
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Magic Knight Rayearth
Magic Knight Rayearth is a bit of a bittersweet game for the Sega Saturn, as it was the last Saturn game released in North America. It's based on the popular manga and anime series Magic Knight Rayearth, and the Saturn-exclusive game is an action RPG where you play as three schoolgirls transported to the magical land of Cephiro. The game plays similarly to titles like The Legend of Zelda and especially The Secret of Mana, as you'll explore the world in a top-down 2D perspective and engage in real-time battles with enemies, switching between the three characters on the fly to take advantage of each girl's unique abilities. It's a fantastic action RPG with great graphics, nice anime cutscenes, and an endearing story. As a highly sought-after and rare release, it'll cost you a small fortune for an authentic copy of the game, but serious Saturn collectors and RPG players are going to want to have this awesome game in their collection.
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Panzer Dragoon Saga
Here it is, the holy grail of the Sega Saturn. Panzer Dragoon Saga is a legendary RPG that was only released on the Sega Saturn, and seeing as the source code for the game was lost long ago, it will most likely remain an exclusive to the console. The game takes the lore and aesthetics of the first two Panzer Dragoon and transforms the series from the arcade-style rail shooters of Panzer Dragoon 1 & 2 into an epic RPG adventure. The battles are a lot more action-oriented than your standard RPG fare, as you'll constantly have to change positions on the fly to gain the advantage. The game's story, cutscenes, and atmosphere will have you hooked into its intricately designed world of fantasy, with some of the nicest art direction of the 32-bit era. From the graphics to the gameplay, Panzer Dragoon Saga is a role-playing adventure that simply should not be missed - be prepared to shell out a large sum of money if you want a North American copy of the game, but it's well worth it for its collectability and the fantastic journey it takes you on. Sega and Team Andromeda really outdid themselves with this title. A true classic in every sense of the word, and one of the best RPGs ever made!
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That's all of the RPGs for the Sega Saturn that were released in North America and Europe. However, there are a handful of Japan-only role-playing releases that have been translated into English by fans. We'll take a look at these titles below:
GameCube Horror Games - The Complete List of the Best and Scariest Nintendo GameCube Survival Horror Games
The Nintendo GameCube had a number of noteworthy survival horror and horror-themed games released for it during its lifetime. While it doesn't match the PS2 or the Sega Dreamcast when it comes to the amount of horror games available on the platform, it has a solid list of titles in the genre that are well worth seeking out. Here's a complete list of horror games that were released on the Nintendo GameCube:
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, developed by Silicon Knights and published by Nintendo, is a great exclusive horror title on the GameCube with an interesting emphasis on psychological horror. You play through multiple interconnected storylines across different time periods as you investigate the murder of your grandfather, encountering ancient evils and unraveling a dark conspiracy. The game was heavily influenced by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and certainly draws a lot of inspiration from the survival horror pioneer Alone in the Dark. The game is probably most well-known for its unique sanity mechanic that messes with your perception when your sanity meter gets too low. The game's unique storyline and gameplay mechanics and haunting atmosphere make Eternal Darkness a truly unforgettable horror experience, and one that you can only experience on the GameCube.
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Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4, the long-awaited and often-delayed sequel, burst onto the scene as a late GameCube release and redefined the survival horror genre, setting a new standard for horror games. You'll once again step into the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy, this time investigating a mysterious village full of strange and violent inhabitants. RE4 throws out just about everything the series up until then was known for and reinvents it with a creepy and surreal yet action-focused adventure played from an over-the-shoulder perspective. The game features plenty of intense combat and tons of over-the-top set pieces while still maintaining the atmospheric horror from its precursor Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Resident Evil 4 is one of the best horror games ever made for the GameCube, or any system for that matter.
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Resident Evil
The GameCube remake of the original Resident Evil was a fantastic new adaptation of the iconic PlayStation horror classic. The game was completely redone from the ground up, with new backgrounds, character models, enemies, gameplay mechanics, areas, and story segments. It's still the classic original Resident Evil at its heart, just with a new coat of paint - the game holds up just as well graphically as it does in the gameplay department. If you own a GameCube, you should have this game in your library.
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Resident Evil Zero
Resident Evil Zero serves as a prequel to the Resident Evil series, exploring the origins of the T-Virus outbreak. Running on the same engine as the GameCube remake of the first game, it's yet more classic RE-style action. Players control Rebecca Chambers from the first game and series newcomer Billy Coen as they investigate a train overrun by nightmarish creatures. The game has a unique character-switching mechanic where you'll have to swap between both characters in order to solve puzzles and progress through the game. If you like the classic Resident Evil series, Resident Evil Zero is an atmospheric and suspenseful horror adventure and a great addition to any GameCube collection.
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Resident Evil: Code Veronica X
Resident Evil: Code Veronica X is a port of the classic yet somewhat overlooked entry in the series that was originally developed and released for the Sega Dreamcast. Code: Veronica was the first fully 3D game in the main series - while it maintains the fixed camera angles from the previous games, the camera is now free to move around, providing some nice cinematic moments. All of the series' staples are here - zombies, item management, puzzle-solving, and tons of back-tracking. It's a fantastic horror game that is one of the best in the classic Resident Evil series and on the GameCube.
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Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, the third installment in the series, follows Jill Valentine's harrowing escape from Raccoon City. This is a straight no-frills port of the PS1/PC/Sega Dreamcast game - no upgraded graphics here. With that said, Resident Evil 3 is still a classic entry in the survival horror series. It's not revolutionary, but it provides plenty of intense moments with the classic RE puzzle solving and horror adventure gameplay.
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Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 is another straight port of the horror classic that also appeared on the PlayStation, PC, Sega Dreamcast, and N64. This sequel expanded on the first installment in the series with a more action-focused approach and higher production values as you explore the Racoon City Police Department while trying to make your escape from the city. It's another classic survival horror game from Capcom, full of zombies to kill and puzzles to solve. The GameCube version of the game is probably the best all-around version of the game, making it a great game to add to your collection.
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BloodRayne
BloodRayne is a third-person action-adventure game starring a sexy vampire named Rayne in an atmospheric and gore-filled adventure. Set in the same universe as Terminal Reality's earlier Nocturne survival horror games, the game plays like a combination of a third-person shooter, melee hack-n-slash, and platformer all mixed into one while you take on zombies and Nazi soldiers. Since you're a vampire, the game also has a blood-sucking mechanic that allows you to heal your character and even use your prey as shields while you do so. BloodRayne is a somewhat unpolished but fun horror action game and a worthwhile game to check out for the GameCube.
Killer7
Killer7 is a downright bizarre, surreal, and trippy horror adventure developed by Grasshopper Manufacture, helmed by industry legend Suda51. It's a weird mix of genres with unusual gameplay mechanics - character movement is on-rails and enemy encounters take place in a fixed first-person perspective. While there is some action here, the game is mostly a weird visual novel/interactive movie-style game with some puzzle-solving along the same lines as Snatcher and the D series. The story is probably even stranger than the gameplay, mixing a schizophrenic plot with plenty of mature themes and a grindhouse, Japanese schlock-film style. With its distinctive cel-shaded visuals and psychological narrative, Killer 7 is a truly mind-bending horror adventure. It definitely won't be for everyone, but if you enjoy the strange and unusual, Killer7 definitely doesn't disappoint in that regard.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds is an action-packed action-adventure game based on the popular TV series. Set sometime during the fifth season of the show, you'll play as Buffy, Xander, Willow, Spike, Faith, and even Sid The Dummy as you battle against a variety of supernatural threats in third-person melee-based combat. The game features a very faithful representation of the show's characters and quirky sense of humor, so if you're a fan of the show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds is a must-have. It's a surprisingly great video game adaptation of the classic TV series.
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Hunter: The Reckoning
Hunter: The Reckoning is a cool horror-themed hack-n-slash game with some light RPG elements. The game plays like a 3D version of Gauntlet or Smash TV as you have to defeat waves of zombies and other terrifying monsters while trying to make your way through the levels and levelup your character. You'll have plenty of guns, melee weapons like swords and chainsaws, and magic attacks at your dispensal as you make your way through hordes of enemies. The game also has a fantastic co-operative multi-player mode, making this one of the few horror games that can be played through with friends.
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Blood Omen 2
Blood Omen 2 is a sequel to the PS1 classic Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. This action-adventure game plunges you into a gothic vampire-filled world, playing as the vampire Kain on a quest for revenge against an army of vampire hunters. The game has an atmospheric gothic setting similar to the Castlevania games - it's not a true horror game, but the game features plenty of monsters and a blood-sucking mechanic, which makes sense seeing as you play as a vampire. If you're looking for a solid action-adventure game with some Zelda/Metroid elements, Blood Omen 2 offers a solid adventure with a classic horror theme.
Luigi's Mansion
Now we'll look at some kid-friendly horror-themed gaming on the GameCube. Luigi's Mansion won't scare you with its cartoony visuals and silly story and presentation, but it has a light horror theme so it makes it on this list as an honorable mention. It's an action-adventure game with a focus on solving puzzles and capturing ghosts by sucking them up with a vacuum. It's a fun, well-made game by Nintendo, just don't expect it to be a scary survival horror game or anything.
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Wii U Survival Horror Games - The Complete List of the Best and Scariest Nintendo Wii U Horror Games
If you're looking for horror games with physical releases on the Wii U, there are a few available, but it's a rather paltry list. There were also a couple of horror games available digitally on the Wii U, but the eShop is now closed for good and it's not possible to download those games anymore so we won't include them here. At least the Wii U is backwards compatible with the original Wii, so you also have access to the rather strong library of horror games on the Nintendo Wii. Anyway, here's the list of the 4 horror games on the Wii U that you can still purchase and play:
ZombiU
ZombiU was a launch game for the Wii U developed by Ubisoft that takes place in the zombie-infested streets of post-apocalyptic London. As a survivor of a zombie outbreak, you must scavenge for supplies and make your way through dilapidated environments while fending off hordes of the undead. With unique gameplay mechanics that emphasizes survival and permadeath, Zombi U keeps you on edge, as each encounter with the undead could spell the end of your character, in which case you'll assume the role of a new survivor. The game also makes innovative use of the Wii U GamePad to do things like looting corpses, hacking cameras, and managing your inventory, adding some tension and immersion and making it a standout horror experience on the platform.
Resident Evil: Revelations
The Resident Evil franchise made its mark on the Wii U with Resident Evil: Revelations, an upgraded port of the 3DS original. Set between the events of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, this atmospheric survival horror game follows series favorites Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a deadly bioterrorism threat aboard a stranded cruise ship. With its tense exploration, limited resources, and claustrophobic environments, Resident Evil: Revelations delivers the trademark survival horror experience the series is known for. The Wii U version takes advantage of the GamePad's touchscreen for inventory management and puzzle-solving, further enhancing the immersion. An excellent addition to the Resident Evil series and the Wii U's small collection of horror games.
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The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct
Based on the popular TV series, The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct transports players into the gritty world of the show. As Daryl Dixon, you attempt to survive during a zombie apocalypse in this first-person survival horror adventure. The game emphasizes the human drama and resource management aspects of survival, putting you in a relentless struggle against both the undead and other desperate survivors. The game emphasizes slow-paced stealth and strategy over gunplay, although you'll have to slay your fair share of zombies as well. While the Wii U version received mixed reviews, fans of The Walking Dead series should find enjoyment in its engaging and tense atmosphere and story that is canon to the TV show.
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Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water, known as Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water in Europe, brings the Fatal Frame series' unique brand of supernatural Japanese horror to the Wii U. You'll assume the roles of three different characters as they explore a haunted mountain and confront vengeful spirits. The game's signature mechanic involves using the Wii U GamePad as the "Camera Obscura," a mystical camera-like device that can reveal and capture ghosts. It's a great entry into the Fatal Frame series, and fans of J-Horror movies and games will find a lot to like here. With its eerie atmosphere, chilling ghost encounters, and the fantastic utilization of the GamePad's motion controls, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water delivers a haunting experience that is one of the best horror games on the Wii U. Unfortunately it was never released physically in North America, so you'll need to import one of the rare (and expensive) European or Australian limited edition releases of the game if you want to play it in English.
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And that's all there is in terms of horror on the Wii U. It's a short list, but there are some really good and fairly unique survival horror experiences to be had with all of these titles.
Related posts:
Horror Games on the Nintendo GameCube
Horror Games on the Super Nintendo
Horror Games on the Sega Genesis
Essential And Unique Dreamcast Accessories - The Best And Weirdest Peripherals For The Sega Dreamcast
The Sega Dreamcast was home to a number of unique and essential peripherals. Sega went all out to make their groundbreaking console an innovative experience, releasing quite a few accessories to enhance player experience. We'll take a look at some of the most noteworthy Dreamcast accessories - everything from your basic memory card (with a twist) to some of the more bizarre and innovative controllers and peripherals ever released.
VMU (Visual Memory Unit)
Obviously you're going to need at least one of these if you want to be able to save your games. Sure, you can get a basic memory card for a little cheaper, but you'll miss out on the iconic little screen that displays graphics and important information on your controller while you play. It's really handy for a game like Resident Evil: Code Veronica in particular, as you can quickly look down to see your health status rather than having to pause the game by entering the menu. And there's also the fact that the VMU is basically a little handheld console that lets you play mini-games on the go, like Chao Adventure (Sonic Adventure) and Pinta's Quest (Skies of Arcadia), that come included with some of your favorite games.
VGA Box/VGA Cable/HDMI Converter
In order to get the very best picture quality you can out of the Dreamcast, you're going to need one of these. Using a VGA box, VGA cable, or HDMI converter is the only way to get that sweet 640X480p image that the Dreamcast was known for. The VGA box is quite expensive these days, but VGA cables are usually cheap - Just keep in mind that not all games are VGA compatible so you'll need to keep a set of composite or S-video cables on hand for those games. You can also mod your Dreamcast with something like DCDigital HDMI, but this is expensive and requires taking your Dreamcast apart and some soldering skills - it's much easier to just buy an HDMI converter if HDMI output is the direction you want to go in.
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Fishing Controller
If you're planning on playing one of the many fishing games on the Dreamcast, you're definitely going to want one of these. Sega Bass Fishing plays so much better with the fishing controller than it does with the standard controller. And that's not all - there are even a few non-fishing games that are compatible with this motion-sensing controller. You can also use this to play Soul Calibur, Zombie Revenge, and Virtua Tennis too if you so desire. So yeah, Virtua Tennis on the Dreamcast was basically Wii Sports tennis 6 years before the Wii was even a thing.
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Samba de Amigo Maracas
One of the weirdest peripherals perhaps ever released, you're going to need some of these if you want to play Sonic Team's classic rhythm game Samba de Amigo. These motion-sensing maracas bring the arcade experience into the home and are a lot more responsive and accurate than the Wii remote controls for the Nintendo Wii version of the game. Honestly, you're probably going to want to want to buy two sets of these so you can play multiplayer - they're fairly expensive but well worth the cost.
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Arcade Stick
The Dreamcast was obviously home to a ton of great arcade games, and the official arcade stick is the best way to play a lot of them if you're seeking an authentic arcade experience. If you're a fan of fighting games in particular the arcade stick is a must, as the standard Dreamcast controller just wasn't well-suited for 6-button fighting games.
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Dreamcast Microphone
You can't play Seaman without the Dreamcast microphone! Sega's iconic and bizarre virtual pet simulator where you talk to a fish-human hybrid is one of the must-have games in the Sega Dreamcast's library, and it requires this very unique-for-its-time and somewhat groundbreaking peripheral. You can also use it for online voice chat in Alien Front Online and Planet Ring, and even as a voice-activated button in Mr. Driller to drill the blocks.
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Dreamcast Keyboard & Mouse
You're going to need the Dreamcast keyboard (or a keyboard adapter) if you want to play Sega's absolutely bonkers edutainment title The Typing of the Dead, so it's worth having for that reason alone. But you can also use it to communicate in online games like Phantasy Star Online or even browse the web if you're so inclined to attempt to do that on a Dreamcast these days. It's also great when paired with a mouse for some of the few first-person shooters released on the Dreamcast like Quake III: Arena and Unreal Tournament.
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Shop for the Dreamcast Mouse on eBay
Jump Pack/Puru Puru Pack
The Dreamcast controller unfortunately didn't come with any rumble functionality out of the box, so you're going to need the Jump Pack if you want vibration feedback from your games. It's a pretty inexpensive accessory that thankfully doesn't require any batteries (unlike the Rumble Pak for the Nintendo 64), and the vibration feedback provided by the internal motor is strong, helping to provide just a little bit of extra immersion during gameplay.
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Broadband Adapter
Broadband internet was still in its infancy and hadn't managed to get many early adopters by the early-2000's, but that didn't stop Sega from releasing this forward-thinking peripheral. The Broadband adapter upgrades the standard 56k modem included with the Dreamcast to a blazing fast 100 Mbit per second for the few games released that actually supported it. Since it was released fairly late in the system's lifespan, it's fairly rare and pricy nowadays.
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Dreamcast Karaoke
The Dreamcast Karaoke attachment turns your Sega Dreamcast into a karaoke machine! This peripheral was only released in Japan, where karaoke is extremely popular. The unit has support for two microphones, so you and a friend can sing some sweet duets together; Well, theoretically you could, as the Dreamcast karaoke unit is completely useless without being able to connect to Sega's online servers, so this is just a cool collector's item (although fans have been working on getting it functional again, so who knows, maybe someday you'll be able to drunkenly sing some karaoke in your living room on the Dreamcast!).
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Neo Geo Pocket Dreamcast Link Cable
This little-known and barely-utilized accessory allowed you to transfer data between the Neo Geo Pocket Color and Dreamcast in a few games like Capcom Vs. SNK, The King of Fighters, and Cool Cool Toon. If you happen to have both a Dreamcast and a Neo Geo Pocket Color and the compatible games for both systems, this is a really cool little device which sadly didn't see many games released that took advantage of it.
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DreamEye
The DreamEye camera was another forward-thinking device released by Sega for the Dreamcast, allowing users to take pictures and send them through e-mail, and also functioned as a webcam for video chat. There were plans for games that would utilize the DreamEye like Sony would later do with the EyeToy, but unfortunately this never came to fruition. It's still a really cool peripheral for its time that takes pictures at an amazing 3 whole megapixels!
Densha De Go Train Controller
If you ever dreamed of being a train conductor, this is the peripheral for you! Taito's Densha de Go controller is a must for any would-be conductors out there looking to play Densha de Go, a Japan-only train simulator. Two levers and a brake pedal are all you'll need to drive your train from station to station, picking up and dropping off passengers while trying to keep to a strict schedule. Think you can make the trains run on time?
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DreamPhone
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| Dreamphone photo courtesy of estarland.com |
Unfortunately this isn't a Dreamcast version of the Milton Bradley board game where you call guys to guess which one has a crush on you; Instead, it's a phone that you could connect to your Dreamcast to receive calls while you were using the internet. It was only released in Japan direct from Sega, so it's a very rare collector's curio that doesn't really serve any useful functionality today.
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