We’ve known that Sega was prepping a disc based Dreamcast Collection of some sort, but the question was what games would be included. So far Sega has only released two classic Dreamcast games on the PSN/XBLA (Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi) with two more on the way (Sega Bass Fishing, Space Channel 5). The Dreamcast may not have lived that long as a console, but it did have an amazing roster of 1st party games, some of which are greatly desired by gamers to appear on the HD consoles. So what will the Dreamcast Collection comprise of? Well you better strap in for some disappointing news, especially if you’re a PS3 gamer.
Sega has announced that the Dreamcast Collection will comprise of Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, Sega Bass Fishing and Space Channel 5. Yup, it’s just a disc based compilation of all the games that are currently available or are soon to be available on the PSN/XBLA. I know most of us weren’t expecting Sega to drop a major surprise like Shenmue in the Dreamcast Collection, but it’s hard not to be disappointed with a mere collection of digital releases. It’s also disappointing that the Dreamcast Collection is only slated for release on the Xbox 360 and PC and will be skipping the PlayStation 3.
It kind of sucks there isn’t a PS3 version inbound but supposedly there’s word that Sony isn’t too keen on releasing or at least approving a compilation release of something that can be bought on the PSN. With Sony having released compilations of digital releases in the past (the PixelJunk compilation came out in Japan) I have a feeling the reason we’re not seeing a Dreamcast Collection on the PS3 is because Sony won’t be getting a major cut of the action compared to if the product was available on the PSN.
I’m all for Sega releasing classic Dreamcast games on the PSN and XBLA in the future, but I have to be honest in saying that the Dreamcast Collection is kind of a disappointment. Unless the price is $29, there’s no real reason for anyone to pick the collection up and it doesn’t even entice gamers since there’s no new HD remix games in it. Give us some Jet Grind Radio, the fabled Shenmue or even go old-school and give us Virtua Cop 2 with PlayStation Move support and we’ll be there day 1 Sega. But until then, don’t repackage games to us with no bonus features or worthy content in the attempts to make a buck.
The Dreamcast Collection will be available in North America on February 22nd and in Europe on February 25th. Price details are TBA.
Reading through the collection I found myself playing "one of these things is not like the other", seriously, wtf with Bass Fishing?