Dreamcast had quite a few classics

​With Dreamcast titles like Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventures already available for download and Space Channel 5: Part 2 on the way, it appears Sega is serious about bringing some of their ill-fated console's most beloved titles to the digital marketplace.

  

That got us thinking about what Dreamcast gems we'd like to see make a reappearance via downloadable rebirth. Jump past the break to see eight of our top selections.

 

Shenmue

Shenmue was a fantastic action title featuring a revolutionary day/night cycle and shifting weather. This massive open world title also had an amazing amount of polish and offered far more to the player than just beating up thugs and exploring a surprisingly deep and involved story. There were odd jobs to pick up, arcade games to play and loads of additional world elements to interact with. As far as giving players a living, breathing world to explore, Shenmue was a solid attempt. It's no wonder the game has a devoted following that's waiting patiently for another chapter.

 

Tech Romancer

While most fighting fans on the Dreamcast were drooling over the original Soul Calibur, some managed to locate the less-known Capcom fighting game Tech Romancer. Players piloted giant Gundam-esque robots and waged one-on-one war in massive, destructible environments. The story mode felt like it was ripped straight out of an anime and those who used their VMU could discover additional mini-games to play.

 

Typing of the Dead

How fast can you type? If your digital life depends on it, chances are you'll become a keyboard ace in no time. Typing of the Dead is an on-rails shooter based on House of the Dead but, instead of using a light gun to blast the undead hordes, you typed out words or phrases popping up below each enemy. Both fun and educational, Typing of the Dead put a unique spin on a familiar genre and told a hilarious story with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

 

Chu Chu Rocket!

This one is kind of hard to explain without just shoving a controller in someone's hand and saying "Here. Just play it." Afterward, however, you'll have a hard time getting said controller back as the player falls in love with the simple, yet addictive gameplay requiring the placing of arrow tiles to guide their troop of mice through a board being patrolled by vicious cats. It sounds silly but, trust us, it's awesome.

 

Power Stone 2

Take everything you loved about the original arena fighter and multiply it by two. This four-player battle royale with interactive objects and unique fighting styles was a lot like a 3-D version of Super Smash Bros. and usually resulted in a group of friends playing into the whee hours of the morning, cursing each other's names and loving every minute of it.

 

Jet Grind Radio

Jet Grind Radio featured simple, yet amazingly addictive gameplay, an original and vibrant cell-shaded artstyle and a hyper catchy soundtrack. This was one of the earlier "cool kids" games. If you hadn't played it, you clearly knew nothing about video games and, well, that means we can't talk to you anymore. Sorry.

 

Phantasy Star Online

Wouldn't it be great if they brought this back with all of its online components intact? Phantasy Star Online was a real-time hack-and-slash online RPG with bright, vibrant atmospheres, a fun world to explore and co-op adventures. Sure, there are better versions of this type of game around today, but nostalgia's gotta count for something, right?

 

Skies of Arcadia

If your eyes just bugged out of your skull, it's most likely because you've already played this obnoxiously good RPG and just remembered how much you loved it. That, or you have some sort of medical condition you should probably have checked out. Eyes aren't supposed to behave like that...Moving on. If you wanted to play a top-notch JRPG on the Dreamcast, this was the title to pick up. You could explore dungeons, kill monsters, loot random treasure chests, cruise around in airships, wage war among the clouds, discover new lands, follow a solid story and even play a mini-RPG on your VMU. *catches breath* Did I mention there are airships? Loads of them! And, yeah, you can fight in them. All of this plus, for its time, the game looked damn good to boot. If only one more game can be ported from the Dreamcast, this should be the one.