Remembering 1999: 5 Sega Games That Still Make Us Smile!

remember 1999? It was a time when Y2K was a real fear, and we were all trying to figure out what on earth “The Matrix” was about. But for gamers, it was a golden era, especially if you were a Sega fan. This list dives into the best Sega games that 1999 had to offer, highlighting why they were so special and why they still hold a place in our hearts.

Whether you were a fan of fast-paced action, immersive RPGs, or quirky puzzle games, Sega had something for everyone. These games not only defined a generation but also pushed the boundaries of what video games could achieve. So, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the tail end of the ’90s and revisit the games that made us fall in love with Sega all over again.

Without further ado, here are the top Sega games of 1999 that you absolutely need to know about.

Highlights

• A deep dive into the best Sega games of 1999
• Insights into what made these games iconic
• Fun facts and stats to bring back the nostalgia

Sonic Adventure

If you think of Sega, you think of Sonic. “Sonic Adventure” was a game-changer (pun intended) for the Sonic franchise. Released for the Sega Dreamcast, it was the first Sonic game to feature 3D gameplay, and boy, did it deliver. The game was a visual spectacle, showcasing the Dreamcast’s capabilities with stunning graphics and fast-paced action.

What set “Sonic Adventure” apart was its ambitious storytelling. The game featured multiple characters, each with their own unique storylines that intertwined to form a cohesive narrative. From Sonic’s high-speed chases to Tails’ flight mechanics and Knuckles’ treasure hunts, the game offered a variety of gameplay experiences that kept players engaged for hours on end.

Let’s not forget the Chao Garden, a virtual pet simulator within the game that allowed players to raise and train adorable creatures called Chao. It was a delightful distraction from the main game and added an extra layer of depth to the overall experience.

• First 3D Sonic game on the Sega Dreamcast
• Introduced multiple character storylines
• Featured the beloved Chao Garden

Shenmue

“Shenmue” was more than just a game; it was an experience. Released for the Sega Dreamcast, it was one of the most ambitious projects of its time, blending elements of action, adventure, and role-playing games into a smooth whole. The game followed the story of Ryo Hazuki, a young martial artist on a quest to avenge his father’s murder.

What made “Shenmue” truly revolutionary was its open-world design and attention to detail. Players could check out a meticulously crafted Japanese town, interact with its inhabitants, and engage in various activities like playing arcade games, collecting capsule toys, and even getting a part-time job. The game’s real-time weather system and day-night cycle added to its immersive quality.

Despite its slow pacing, “Shenmue” captivated players with its rich storytelling and deep, emotional narrative. It was a game that encouraged players to take their time, soak in the atmosphere, and truly live in its world.

• Open-world design with real-time weather and day-night cycle
• Blended action, adventure, and role-playing elements
• Rich storytelling and emotional narrative

Crazy Taxi

Who knew that driving a taxi could be so much fun? “Crazy Taxi” was a wild ride from start to finish. Released for the Sega Dreamcast, the game put players in the driver’s seat of a taxi, tasked with picking up passengers and getting them to their destinations as quickly as possible. The catch? You had to find your way through a bustling city, dodging traffic and pulling off insane stunts to earn extra tips.

The game’s arcade-style gameplay was fast, frantic, and incredibly addictive. The controls were intuitive, making it easy for players to jump right in and start causing chaos on the streets. The lively, colorful graphics and energetic soundtrack, featuring bands like The Offspring and Bad Religion, added to the game’s high-octane atmosphere.

“Crazy Taxi” was all about having fun and pushing the limits of what you could do with a taxi. It was a game that didn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s what made it so enjoyable.

• Arcade-style gameplay with fast-paced action
• Intuitive controls and lively graphics
• Energetic soundtrack featuring popular bands

Soulcalibur

“Soulcalibur” was a fighting game that set a new standard for the genre. Released for the Sega Dreamcast, it was a sequel to the original “Soul Edge” and took everything that made the first game great and amplified it. The game featured a diverse roster of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and weapons.

What made “Soulcalibur” stand out was its fluid, responsive combat system. The game was easy to pick up but challenging to master, offering a depth of strategy that kept players coming back for more. The graphics were stunning, with detailed character models and beautifully designed stages that added to the overall experience.

The game’s story mode was also a emphasize, offering a rich narrative that delved into the backgrounds and motivations of each character. It was a game that combined fast-paced action with deep storytelling, making it a must-play for any fighting game fan.

• Fluid, responsive combat system
• diverse roster of characters with unique fighting styles
• Stunning graphics and beautifully designed stages

Resident Evil Code: Veronica

“Resident Evil Code: Veronica” was a game that brought the survival horror genre to new heights. Released for the Sega Dreamcast, it was the fourth main installment in the “Resident Evil” series and followed the story of Claire Redfield as she searched for her brother, Chris, in a mysterious European facility.

The game was notable for its use of fully 3D environments, a first for the series, which allowed for more active camera angles and a greater sense of immersion. The graphics were top-notch, with detailed character models and atmospheric lighting that added to the game’s eerie, unsettling mood.

But what truly set “Resident Evil Code: Veronica” apart was its gripping narrative and intense gameplay. The game featured a mix of puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat, keeping players on the edge of their seats from start to finish. It was a game that tested your wits and nerves, making it a standout title in the “Resident Evil” series.

• First “Resident Evil” game to use fully 3D environments
• Gripping narrative and intense gameplay
• Top-notch graphics and atmospheric lighting

These games weren’t just entertaining; they were groundbreaking. Each one pushed the envelope in its own way, whether it was through innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, or immersive storytelling. They captured our imaginations and set the stage for the future of gaming. Looking back, it’s clear that 1999 was a banner year for Sega, filled with titles that have stood the test of time. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or new to these classics, there’s no better time to dive back into the world of Sega and rediscover these gems.

References

1. Sonic Adventure Review – IGN
2. Shenmue Review – GameSpot
3. Good Guy Sega in 1999 : r/gaming
4. Sega Bass Fishing Review for Dreamcast (1999) – Defunct Games
5. [Sega][1995-1999] Game with a carnival/circus feel and maybe a …