3. SoulCalibur (Namco)
One of the best reviewed games of all time on any console, and one of the select few games to pass the million sales mark on Dreamcast. This arcade port from Namco was one of the definitive titles of the entire console generation, let alone SEGA's machine. A sequel to PSX title
Soul Edge, SoulCalibur was considered a masterpiece as soon as it hit US shelves as a launch title. Yes, this game came out in 1999 and still looks fantastic. The lighting, the fluid character animations and the fresh weapons-based combat helped to make this fighting game one of the best in history. It also helped that it wasn't a fighter you needed eighteen thumbs to play. Combos were intuitive and relatively easy to perform, meaning that anyone could pick up a controller and join in. They might still lose to the veteran player with mastery of the more fiddly tricks, but they wouldn't necessarily be humiliated. Another advantage for the newb, was that knocking an opponent from the ring was the equivalent of a knock out blow - meaning that even a player on the tiniest bit of health could still realistically make a comeback. There was an epic range of options too, with a Team Battle mode that allowed for really long brawls as each player cued up eight characters along with the usual versus and arcade modes. And with a gallery full of fan art and videos to unlock, the game encouraging play beyond simply unlocking all the characters. The first SoulCalibur still has the finest single player mode of any fighting game too, with the epic quest your character goes on actually feeling epic, as you select missions off a dusty world map. These missions weren't just simple bouts against NPC combatants either, with lots of cool challenges and gameplay twists to keep you playing. It's the only fighting game I've been able to play on my own for more than a couple of hours. The game also introduced a likeable set of characters, spawning a series which continues to this day. And though the most recent incarnations of SoulCalibur may not be as revolutionary today as the original felt in 1999, it's a series that has a very special place in the hearts of Dreamcast gamers.
2. Jet Set Radio (SEGA/Smilebit)
SL: Jet Set Radio stood out as one of the most unique games of its era. I loved the funky J-pop infused soundtrack, the gorgeous cel-shaded graphics and the addictive mix of skating and tagging. It was so good that even an awkward camera and infuriating difficulty spikes couldn't change the fact that Jet Set Radio was something truly special. 2002s Jet Set Radio Future was decent, but not a patch on the groundbreaking original. Its a classic that deserves to be resurrected. Get it together SEGA. Read whilst playing
this. Known as Jet Grind Radio state-side, this cel-shaded beauty launched a mini-revolution in graphical presentation, spawning countless imitators (including the previously mentioned Wacky Races). Yet none has ever pulled it off with as much style as this graffiti-spraying, roller-blading game. You play the GG's, one of many rival gangs currently tagging the colourful city of Tokyo-to in order to stick it to the man - evading riot police, tanks and even attack helicopters on the way. It's basically about gangs of disenfranchised teenagers caused to wantonly deface public property by a corrupt, joyless state (now would be an appropriate time for another sequel). Jet Set Radio boasts the best soundtrack of any game ever made with an endless stream of infectious hip hop, J-pop and funk numbers which match the graphical presentation in terms of utter brilliance. And like Ecco, it's one of those games that's just fun to control, grinding on rails, skidding against walls and jumping across rooftops. If I could commission SEGA to make one single game of my choice... it would be Shenmue 3. But a new JSR would be a close second. And the greatest Dreamcast game ever?