In an interesting move to boost public image, Sega announced it will bring select classic Dreamcast game titles to the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 game consoles.
The first two titles to be ported over will be Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi. Sega anticipates a fall release for both games, but didn't say when other titles will appear for the PS3 or Xbox 360. The fall release of Sonic Adventure will mark the 11th anniversary of the Dreamcast’s release, which took place on Sept. 9, 1999.
Both game titles will be available through PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade, with improved high-resolution graphics, better sound, and online score trackers.
"The Dreamcast is fondly remembered by a large community of dedicated fans as a console that was ahead of its time in terms of graphics, quality and online gaming," said Haruki Satomi, Sega digital business VP, in a press statement. "There are few things that are more requested from us than making Dreamcast classics available for download in today's digital market place."
After Sega launched the Dreamcast in late 1999, it was pulled from all markets by the end of 2002. Although the console had a strong following, it had to compete with the Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube. As sales numbers continued to slide, Sega left the game console market permanently after Dreamcast was retired. Sega now focuses primarily on its software, developing arcade games and titles for the current generation of consoles.
As someone who grew up playing Sega game titles, I look forward to seeing which Dreamcast games are given another lifeline via the online stores.
