Sega Dreamcast Advice Needed!

[dogen]

unless its the PAL cube version you have as that is pretty bad to be honest...

What problems make the PAL Gamecube version so bad?

[rmoxon]

What problems make the PAL Gamecube version so bad?

The PAL version of Ikaruga has had frames removed/skiped to make it move at the same speed as the NTSC version, its a sloppy conversation and the animation is really stuttery.

I Have a pretty big Pal Gamecube collection and I think its the only game I have that dosent run in 60hz too.

[charlesr]

If you are considering a 2nd hand DC, it's worth noting that eventually they all suffer from reseting due to power pin corrosion. It's a 2 minute job to unscrew the case, scrub the pins and be back up and running for the next 12 months. So if you get one and 30 mins into a game it resets, it's normally due to this.

[charlesr]

Excellent list Nick.

I'll repost and add a couple:

Adventure:
Shenmue
Shenmue 2

Shooter:
Psyvariar 2
Border Down
Under Defeat
Mars Matrix
Zero Gunner 2
Ikaruga
Bangaioh
Gunbird
Gunbird 2
Gigawing

Fighter:
Soul Caliber
Capcom vs Snk
Capcom vs Snk 2
Marvel vs Capcom
M vs C 2
Power Stone 1 & 2
King of Fighters 98, plus maybe the others.
Street Fighter 3 3rd strike

Arcade:
Crazy taxi
Jet Set Radio
House Of The Dead (guns won't work on a HDTV )
Virtual On

Racing:
F355 Challenge
Rush 2049
Test Drive Le Mans

RPG:
Skies Of Arcadia

Puzzle:
Chu Chu Rocket

[JP]

I'm wondering if that was the problem I had with my launch machines Charles? They did work at first and then just stop loading!!

I've been looking on eBay and many of these games seem VERY cheap which is always a bonus lol. I'd like to make sure that they were as close to mint condition as possible though.

What are these boot discs that people mention? I'm guessing that they are similar to the discs you used to have for the PS2 which allowed you to load imports? Where would I buy one of those doohickies?

If I was to buy an import machine do I need a separate power lead to use it in the UK or a stepdown?

Crazy Taxi was cool!!! Loved that game!!!

[charlesr]

The boot disc you need is "DC-X".

You can buy a replacement PSU if you get an import machine, but obviously a stepdown is easier cos the PSU is internal. (No you can't just use a UK power lead - it'll break )

[Zaki]

Yeah says on the box, most of the big titles are I think, though Powerstone isnt, which is one I remember becuase Ive played it alot. Though I only have the Pal version, which is only 50hz too, maybe the NTSC version is VGA? dont know.

The US version is VGA compatible Powerstone really needs Xbox 360 treatment.

[JP]

No you can't just use a UK power lead - it'll break

Wasn't sure if it was universal like the PS3 one. Didn't expect it to be but I was hoping.

[fallenangle]

Just search for DC-X on the web and you should find places still selling it new. No doubt eBay will have too. BTW the PAL DC outputs PAL60 when used with 60Hz/NTSC games and the DC-X, this can cause problems for a small number of TVs. Not sure what the situation is if you're using VGA though.

Having trouble with two genuinely new DCs is most unusual. I have 4, 3 were used regularly and 2 still being used. All work fine and the 'inevitable' resetting problem, due to regular over-heating of a key series of contacts producing the result described^ can be avoided. If you ensure the DC is used in a well ventilated area and by raise it on additional rubber feet right from first use you will probably never have this problem.

One other thing: if you ever use DC RGB SCART leads be aware that there seem to be a number of 'faulty' independent leads on the market. I've read this is because the Jap DC had/has a slightly different size connector socket.

No idea if this is true but it might be the reason why some SCART leads don't work on PAL consoles. All I know is that out of 5 leads I bought from three different sources at different times, two via the Amazon Marketplace, one found elsewhere online, 4 had problems. BTW they were all ones with AV blocks.

[JP]

Thanks everybody!

I think I'll check in town before buying online as I'd prefer to see exactly what I was getting.

There is no disadvantage to buying a PAL machine from what I gather on here?

I really don't like the UK game cases for some reason. I think I prefer the JP cases so will buy those when possible.

With the DC-X, will that play all import games or are there some that just don't work?

I'd appreciate it if somebody could answer the PAL60 via VGA question that fallenangel asked above if possible.

[charlesr]

DC-X is the best available. It's almost 100%. Only way to go better is chip.

Early JPN models had better quality parts iirc.

Only problems I've had were with Powerstone and Gigawing not doing VGA I think, but you can force them with DC-X. Gigawing doesn't output RGB either so it's composite only so you have to force it. Um. Could have got that all wrong. It's been a while.

[fallenangle]

The DC PAL cases ARE appalling.

I have 35 PAL games, mostly bought new or used with perfect cases. I've accidentally broken 7 just through normal use and I'm ultra careful, almost anal, about looking after them. It's the stupidly fragile front hinge points that are the problem.

[JP]

I'm finding loads of variations on the console in just one shop!


Regulation 7 (R7) Limited edition (JPN)


Dreamcast Console (Japanese version)


Seaman Skeleton Limited edtion (JPN)


Dreamcast Console First Edition (JPN)


Hello Kitty Blue Bundle (JPN)


Sakura Wars Console Limited Edition Bundle (JPN)


Biohazard Code Veronica: Claire Bundle (JPN)


Seaman Christmas Limited Edition


Silver Limited Edition (brandnew)


Hello Kitty Bundle (Pink)


Sports Pack


Limited Edition Customizible model


Biohazard Code S.T.A.R.S. Dreamcast Console


Sakura Wars Dreamcast Console


I had no idea there was so many available.

I do like the look of that Hello Kitty set to be honest!!

[charlesr]

If you get that one, you need Typing of the Dead to use with the keyboard.

[JP]

The last thing I want to do is pay nearly ?200 to become some dead dudes secretary!

What else uses the keyboard? I suppose PSO does...which you probably can't play on the Dreamcast any more?