The Sega Dreamcast was a short-lived but beloved console that had a surprisingly rich library of horror games. Here are my picks for the top 5 horror games for the Sega Dreamcast, in descending order of awesomeness.
5. Blue StingerBlue Stinger is a survival horror game that takes place on a remote island where a meteor has crashed, unleashing a horde of mutated creatures. You play as either Eliot G. Ballade, a former special forces agent, or Dogs Bower, a beefy sailor, as you explore the island and fight off the monsters. The game has a cheesy B-movie vibe, with over-the-top voice acting, ridiculous dialogue, and absurd plot twists. The gameplay is a mix of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration, with a variety of weapons and items to use. Blue Stinger is a fun and campy game that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's a big part of its charm.
4. Alone in the Dark: The New NightmareAlone in the Dark: The New Nightmare is a reboot of the classic horror series that started on the PC. The game follows Edward Carnby, a paranormal investigator, and Aline Cedrac, a university professor, as they travel to Shadow Island to investigate the death of a friend. The game is divided into two scenarios, one for each character, that offer different perspectives and paths through the island. The game features a dark and atmospheric setting, with creepy sound effects and music, and a dynamic lighting system that uses your flashlight as a key gameplay element. The game also has plenty of clever puzzles, as well as a healthy dose of combat against the island's ghastly inhabitants. Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare is a solid and spooky game that pays homage to the original series while updating it for a new generation.
3. D2D2 is a sequel to the obscure D, a horror adventure game that was released on the 3DO, Sega Saturn, and PS1. The game stars Laura, a young woman who survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, only to find herself in a bizarre and dangerous situation. The game is a mix of genres, with elements of survival horror, RPG, and adventure. It also has some stunning (for their time) cinematic cutscenes, with impressive graphics and voice acting, and some very creepy moments. The game isn't terribly long, clocking in at a little over 10 hours, but it features a complex and surreal story that touches on themes of loss, identity, and drug abuse. D2 was a very unique and ambitious game that offers a surreal and somber experience, somewhat similar to the Silent Hill series.
2. IllbleedIllbleed is a horror comedy game that parodies the genre and breaks the fourth wall. The game takes place in a twisted amusement park called Illbleed, where the attractions are designed to scare and kill the visitors. You play as Eriko Christy, a fearless girl who is challenged by her friends to enter Illbleed and survive. The game has 6 levels, each based on a different horror trope, such as a haunted house, killer doll, giant worms, and a Toy Story from hell. The game has a lot of humor and satire, with references to horror movies, games, and pop culture. It also has a very unique gameplay mechanic, where you have to use your senses to detect and avoid the traps and dangers in the park. The game also has a lot of secrets and surprises, such as multiple unlockable characters, alternate endings, and a bonus minigame. Illbleed is a hilarious and inventive game that simultaneously mocks and celebrates the horror genre.
1. Resident Evil: Code VeronicaResident Evil: Code Veronica is the fourth installment in the legendary survival horror series, and the first one to be released on the Dreamcast. The game follows Claire Redfield, a survivor of the Raccoon City incident, and Chris Redfield, her brother and a member of the anti-bioterrorism group S.T.A.R.S., as they uncover the secrets of the Umbrella Corporation and their bioweapons. The game is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 2, and features many returning characters and locations, as well as new ones. It also introduces a new 3D engine, with dynamic camera angles and improved graphics. Code Veronica features a long and epic story, with multiple scenarios and locations, and a lot of action and suspense. The game also has some puzzles and exploration, as well as a variety of enemies and bosses, including the iconic Tyrant. Resident Evil: Code Veronica is a masterpiece of the genre, and the best survival horror game on the Dreamcast, in my humble opinion.
While these 5 are my favorites,
there are even more horror games on the Dreamcast. If you're a fan of the genre, Sega's final console definitely has a lot to offer!
