"If I win this race, they'll make Shenmue 3!"

“Kart Racers” as a genre have a bad rap. Back when Nintendo had success with the original Mario Kart, everyone wanted a piece of that hot, mascot racing action. The sad thing is that nearly every one of these attempts have failed. From Star Wars: Super Bombad Racing to M&M’s Kart Racing, most entries in the genre have been groan inducing.

Because of this, my hopes were pretty low for Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, but the addition of some very nostalgic Dreamcast characters drew me in. The first time I saw a screen-shot of Ryo Hazuki on his motorcycle, I knew I’d be playing this game one way or the other.

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On a very special thirty-third episode of “Barrel Roll! A Video Game Podcast”, we see nearly all of the WingDamage crew stepping up for the podcast. Dave, Luke, and Nate join the regular hosts to talk about what they’ve been playing in our appropriately titled “Whatcha Been Playing?” segment.

All those present that have had a chance to play Batman: Arkham Asylum agree that it is fantastic. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is carrying the torch of the series extremely well, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2… is also talked about.

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Do you guys remember Captain Caveman?

On a very special thirty-first episode of “Barrel Roll! A Video Game Podcast”, Wes asks that thought provoking question. Sadly, we are too busy talking about PAX Pox, our first PAX giveaway, and random gaming nonsense to pay it much attention.

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The Sega Dreamcast was the greatest system that never really had a chance. When most systems die after a year and a half, it is because they are terrible systems with horrendous game libraries (see 32x, Atari Jaguar). The Dreamcast had arguably the greatest first 18 months of any console in history. The unfortunate thing is those 18 months were all we got.

Why did the Dreamcast die?

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This day isn’t about us. It is about a mutual love and respect for Sega’s final and greatest console, The Dreamcast.

On that note, I asked around within the gaming communities I am a part of to see what others remember about the console. Come along with me and enjoy “Thoughts from Around the Internet”.

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There are few games as unique and downright strange as the original “Ecco the Dolphin”. It was really hard, it had a very eerie atmosphere and most of all, it had an insanely weird story. “Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future”, the fourth and final title in the Ecco series, manages to retain all of the difficulty and eeriness of the original series and makes a perfect transition from 2d to 3d.

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A luxury cruise liner has been taken over by “modern day” pirates, and it is up to three heroes and their monkey to save the day in the Dreamcast beat-em-up, “Dynamite Cop”.

I have decided that I do not like that one line description, as it gives the impression that this game makes sense. Oddly enough, the nonsensical nature is what makes the game so much fun.

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Before the 2K series, most video basketball games devolved into dunk contests. Things like defense, post play, and offensive sets were relegated to the bench to sit next to old Clippers players with blown out ACL’s. Before the 2K series, games were completely unrealistic.

A typical game consisted of running straight down the court at the hoop and dunking or launching a 3 from another county. For people who don’t know anything about actual basketball this was fine, but for those of us who understood the difference between a motion and a triangle offense it was physically painful. The 2K series was the first to understand there was more to basketball than dunks and 3-pointers. (more…)

When I look back at the Dreamcast’s library of hits, there is one title that stands out most strongly in my memory. It was a game that was unapologetically odd, with a unique art style, a funky soundtrack, and gameplay unlike anything I’ve experienced.

“Jet Grind Radio” is a standout game worthy of praise, even a decade after release.

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"It's Thinking!"

Our very own Lucas Janke never had a Dreamcast when it was first around. After having been at Gamer Time for a while, his co-workers finally convinced him to pick one up. Sadly, before he ever had a chance to try it out, his house burned down taking his game collection down with it.

Shortly after that, he found one at a garage sale on the cheap. Not just someone’s old gaming console. No, this one was brand new in the box. He has been waiting to open it, so we are very happy to be able to bring you the unboxing of a brand new Dreamcast on the console’s ten year anniversary.

See all the pics after the break.

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