Sega said Thursday that it would bring classic, updated Dreamcast classics to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, beginning with downloadable versions of Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi.
Sonic Adventure, originally released in the West in 1999 on the Dreamcast, will be the first game to arrive on current generation consoles' digital storefronts. Sega did not reveal a release timeframe for Crazy Taxi.
Both of the games will be based on the Dreamcast originals, but will be updated with high-definition graphics, surround sound, online leaderboards, and Achievement and Trophy support.
While Sega only announced Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi thus far, a press statement indicated that the games will only be the "first two classics made available" on current consoles.
The Dreamcast launched on September 9, 1999 in North America, and was supposed to be Sega's big comeback from the flagging Sega Saturn.
But despite a strong lineup of titles and technology that facilitated advanced graphics and out-of-the-box online connectivity, the console couldn't overcome competition from Sony and Nintendo. In January 2001, Sega said it would be pulling out of the hardware business.
"There are few things that are more requested from us than making Dreamcast classics available for download in today’s digital market place," said Sega of America and Europe VP of digital business Haruki Satomi. "We’re very excited to begin offering gamers our beloved Dreamcast titles again on the current console systems."
Rumors that Dreamcast games would be available for download on current systems emerged last year, when a purportedly leaked internal meeting document between Sega and Sony Computer Entertainment America revealed plans for Dreamcast digital titles on PS3. And earlier this week, the ESRB listed ratings for Sonic Adventure on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Digital models will become an increasingly important part of Sega's strategy going forward. Amid Sega layoffs earlier this year, Sega West president Mike Hayes revealed that Sega's San Francisco office would become home base for digital initiatives, while London would become focused on packaged goods.
Can't wait to fall through the ground in Sonic Adventure! haha, j/k. One of my favorite Sonic games, I'm looking forward to downloading it. Can't wait for Jet Set Radio.
And Capcom's been lagging on a downloadable Power Stone!
@Jeremy: apart from the fact that the Saturn was an absolute nightmare to program (and hence emulate), I suspect the games will be a little bit too graphically primitive. Though I'd love to have all three Panzer Dragoon games available...
In any case: bring on Jet Set Radio (aka Jet Grind Radio), Space Channel 5 and all those lovely shmups! However, beyond that, I'm struggling to think of any major Dreamcast games which haven't already been ported or had sequels - Rez, Soul Caliber, Powerstone, Ikaruga, etc. I mean, there's always Shenmue, but that was the very definition of commercial failure - and it also came on 3 GD-ROMs, so may not fit into the DLC world too well...
And Capcom's been lagging on a downloadable Power Stone!
In any case: bring on Jet Set Radio (aka Jet Grind Radio), Space Channel 5 and all those lovely shmups! However, beyond that, I'm struggling to think of any major Dreamcast games which haven't already been ported or had sequels - Rez, Soul Caliber, Powerstone, Ikaruga, etc. I mean, there's always Shenmue, but that was the very definition of commercial failure - and it also came on 3 GD-ROMs, so may not fit into the DLC world too well...