Ok, well I thought I would make a thread about this as many people are probably still unaware of the fact that the Dreamcast is still alive and kicking in the online arena
so here it goes.Quake III Arena (USA NTSC version only):
Yes, Quake 3 Arena is still online for the Dreamcast usually with about 5-10 servers available most of the time. There is usually someone to play on Quake 3 Arena although sometimes it can be a little dead so it might be worth arranging a meetup if you want to be sure of finding someone to Frag
. The game has full Support for both the traditional Dial-up modem and the Broadband adapter (BBA). Sadly the european (PAL) version of this game went offline in April 2004 due to the Dreamarena authentication servers being shut down, rendering it useless, so european players will need to import the US version. The game also allows cross play with PC players.Phantasy Star Online V1&2 (PAL European versions only):
Wow, Phantasy star online (PSO) is still probably the ultimate online RPG for a games console and here it is, still online on its home system
. Phantasy Star online is Still online in both Europe (PAL regions) and Japan, sadly it has been offline in the USA since the 1st of October 2003. In order to play on the official EU PAL servers you will need a European PAL version of either V1 or V2 of the game. If you decide to purchase one, please keep in mind that you will need brand new Serial number and access keys (SNAK's) so try to buy a brand new copy especially if you get V1 as new V1 codes are now very hard to come by. I suggest purchasing V2 as it is the best version and allows you to play more people online. At present there are a total of 4 ships still online (2 Japanese & 2 European) there are usually between 10-30 people online most of which are Japanese players. Although the game does have support for the Broadband adapter it doesnt officially support it...confused...lol...basically PSO has a built in browser that has BBA support so if you use the correct browser (Dreampassport or XDP) to enter the broadband details you can use the BBA to get online, despite the fact you will not see any mention of this on the game itself or the manual. Dial-up is obviously also compatible Please note: There are unofficial methods of playing online with the USA NTSC versions of quake 3 arena but involve the use of cheats/hacks
Starlancer:
Still online in all regions, works via gamespy and is a fantastic game online. Sadly there are very few people playing Starlancer so a pre-arranged meeting is necessary. Dial-up Only sadly
. The game also allows cross play with PC players.4x4 Evolution (Only released in the USA):
This game also works via gamespy and is still pretty active online due to its cross compatability with the PC version...usually 10-30 players online at all times, but watch out for cheaters when playing PC players. The demo version of this game also works online but only has a small number of trucks and tracks available. Dial-up only.
Maximum Pool (Only released in the USA):
On the 17th of June 2005 Maximum pool was put back online for Dreamcast players, which I personally played a part in...I know I know...how great am I...lol (nah didnt do much really just moaned A LOT). This game went offline some time back when the server IP addresses were changed and the DC was trying to connect to the wrong place...this was then solved by editing the IP addresses in a save file so that the DC version contacted the correct IP's and so the game sprung back to life. This is the Dreamcasts most active online title (largely due to being PC compatible) with well over 100 players at all times on the various servers. To play you will need to download the patch file. Dial-up only.
Sega Swirl:
Not much to say really, odd little puzzle game which works over POP3 E-mail
The Future of the remaining games:
Quake III Arena:
Quake has the option enter a server IP address manually, so it will always be possible to host servers with a PC and then connect via the DC, so essentially this game is online forever...the master server could one day go offline, but as its such a massively popular game with PC players that will not happen any time soon.
Officially online forever (USA NTSC version only)
PSO:
Eventually PSO will be taken offline by Sonic team, however, research has been carried out and has proven that the PAL EU version of the game will be the only version that will be able to run on private servers after the japanese "Dricas" servers are closed down because the US and Japanese versions both require it whilst the EU versiosn never used it. This means that even when the servers do go offline it will be possible to host your own server via a PC using already freely available server software, just like quake 3
Officially online forever (PAL versions only)
Starlancer:
Lordnikon of onlineconsoles.com has managed to create server software to perfectly run private servers for starlancer even when Gamespy eventually stops support, so this game is safe.
Should be Online forever
4x4 Evolution:
This game also supports direct IP connections so it will always be possible to host a game and connect manually even if/when the official server goes offline.
Officially online forever
Maximum Pool:
A guy called Tino over at Pauth.com has server software for maximum pool and assures me that he will not let this game go offline.
Should be online forever
Sega swirl:
Speaks for itself really....for as long as POP3 email exists so will this game
Officially online forever
Cheers, Craig
