The Sega Dreamcast is often considered one of the quintessential classic gaming consoles. This is impressive considering it was on the market for so short a time. Still it managed to amass a surprisingly good library in just two years. One area it sort of struggled in was role playing games. To be fair it generally takes years for these to come out, and years was not what the Sega Dreamcast had. It was retired with less than two years on the market. Regardless it did manage to get several role playing games, and many of them were really good. That’s why today we’re going to be highlighting the best Sega Dreamcast RPGs. Let’s check them out.
Just a note before we start. You may notice that Shenmue is missing from this list when it has been included on so many others. That’s not a slight against the game at all. The thing is Shenmue in no conceivable way is an RPG. I think the reason it’s bunched in as one so frequently is because Sega originally announced it as a Virtua Fighter role playing game. Regardless it didn’t feel right including it here because chances are if you’re reading this list you’re looking for RPGs on the console. Shenmue clearly isn’t one.
#10. – Time Stalkers
In my experiences most people have never heard of Time Stalkers. Basically it’s a roguelike turn based RPG/strategy game highlighting characters and environments from games made by Climax Entertainment. This developer isn’t exactly a household name. They are best known for Landstalker on the Sega Genesis. If you can’t tell this name is kind of a play on that. Regardless it’s a pretty interesting role playing game. The battle system is turn based and on a grid. Most interesting about it is the fact that you can recruit monsters into your party. Yeah, Pokemon was a thing and it’s better in this regard, but it’s still an interesting mechanic here. For a game that was completely forgotten Time Stalkers is actually pretty neat. This is especially true if you’re a fan of Climax and their franchises.
#9. – Evolution: The World of Sacred Device
It’s kind of easy to see why almost no one has heard of this title. It’s main claim to fame was that it was one of the earliest Dreamcast RPGs. Nowadays that’s not worth much. Regardless this is a pretty basic role playing game. Combat is turn based, damage numbers spill out of characters when hit, etc. The difference here is that all of the dungeons are procedurally generated. I kinda hate that, but here it’s better than usual. This is because you can tackle the dungeons in any order you choose. Starting off further out isn’t always wise, but the option is kind of interesting. Evolution is kind of underwhelming overall, but in the desert that is Dreamcast RPGs it still stands out as one of the few decent ones. Just don’t go in expecting Final Fantasy VII.
#8. – Evolution 2: Far Off Promise
Developer Sting was trying really hard to make Evolution a thing. They followed up the original with a sequel, and with this managed to check more of the boxes needed for a good RPG. For the most part gameplay is the same. This is still a turn based RPG wherein you trade blows with enemies, earn experience points, and all that good stuff. Randomly generated dungeons return once again, but this time they’re intertwined with pre-designed areas. Honestly this just made me wish the rest of the game was more focused. It also highlights a lot of the shortcomings with the original game. If you only had a Dreamcast back then Evolution 2 would scratch the RPG itch. Unfortunately it wasn’t amazing back then, and it doesn’t hold up particularly well.
#7. – Rent A Hero No. 1
The original Rent-A-Hero was released for the Sega Genesis, and only in Japan. The game had you playing as a normal teenager by day, and a modern day super hero when duty calls. This was an action RPG with combat that was kind of similar to a beat ’em up, but progression and everything involved is pure role playing. In a rather odd move Sega decided to remake the game for the Sega Dreamcast, but then chose to only release it in Japan. Thanks to a decent fan translation we are able to experience it now. Rent a Hero No 1 is surprisingly fun. It’s over the top and has really satisfying combat. The best thing about it however is that this really feels like a classic Sega game. Rent a Hero No 1 is undeniably charming and absolutely insane.
#6. – Sakura Taisen 4
Sadly this is a game that has never seen an English release of any kind. Official or unofficial. It’s a real shame too considering Dreamcast RPGs were rare, and this could have rounded out the library nicely. Sakura Taisen 4 is a very unique combination strategy RPG and dating simulation. Basically you are in charge of a performing troupe by day that boards giant mechas and does battle against demons at night. All along the way you’re becoming friends with these women and romancing them with specific dialogue choices. It sounds weird, and it is, but it works. Largely the gameplay mechanics from part 3 are back. This means that while battles are turn based movement is in real-time. In my opinion it’s one of the weaker installments in the series, but it’s still quite good.
#5. – Grandia II
The original Grandia is easily one of the best PS1 RPGs. It’s mix of whimsical storytelling and heavily strategy based battle system made it a winner. With Grandia II Gamearts lost a little of that magic. They made this one darker to appeal to a post Final Fantasy VII world. While the story is not as good, and the characters largely forgettable, that classic battle system is what makes this one of the best Dreamcast RPGs. During combat you have a meter which shows icons for both your party members and the enemies. When they reach a specific point on this a command can be issued, and then after a brief wait you watch the action unfold. The thing is if you plan ahead you can cancel enemies’ attacks. Be warned because they can also do the same to you.
#4. – Sakura Taisen 3
Here’s another installment in Sega’s classic Japan-only strategy RPG series, and yet another one that has never been translated. You could do like I did and use google translate on your phone to make it through. This one is well worth it. Unlike past installments Sakura Taisen 3 takes place outside of Japan. In Paris France to be exact. This was also the first time the franchise moved to real-time movement in battle. The reason this game outranks part 4 is because it’s longer, and has more interesting battle scenarios. Sakura Taisen 3 also has one of the best stories in the series. If you’re devoted enough to play using a third party translating app then by all means give this one a go. Sakuta Taisen 3 is truly one of the best Dreamcast RPGs.
#3. – Segagaga
It’s an unfortunate fact that Sega left most of the best Dreamcast RPGs in Japan. Segagaga is one of their most unique and ambitious games of all time. It’s also one of their weirdest. The company described this one as a ‘Sega simulator’ at release. That’s pretty accurate, but with a huge anime spin. Basically you play as an employee of Sega that’s out to save the company from the evil competition known as Dogma (Sony). You primarily do so by battling in turn based combat against Sega employees. The main character, Taro, fights by hurling insults to save these guys who have mutated into over the top versions of their former selves. It’s strange but very compelling. This one is also special because it feels like an introspective look at Sega. They really put their heart into this game, and it truly signalled their departure from the hardware industry.
#2. – Phantasy Star Online
This might be my most played game of that entire generation. PSO was my first online RPG and it’s no exaggeration to say I was completely addicted. It’s also the game that got me interested initially in the Phantasy Star series. You begin here by creating a selecting a species and class, customizing their appearance, and finally naming them. From here you’re off to the planet of Ragol either online or offline to do battle against all series mutated monsters. It’s an absolutely amazing experience especially when playing with other people. Literally my only complaint would be that the level designs are a little boring, but the real-time combat is fun enough to carry the entire thing. Phantasy Star Online was an absolute event when it originally launched, and I’m happy to report it’s still a lot of fun even today.
#1. – Skies of Arcadia
Forget ‘best Dreamcast RPGs’ for a moment. Skies of Arcadia is easily one of the best role playing games of all time regardless of platform. The game is also quite unique both in setting and gameplay. The setting is a world consisting of floating islands. You play as a robin hood style sky pirate who robs the rich and pays it back to the poor. Soon our merry band gets pulled into a world saving adventure that takes them every which way. Not only is the story charming but it also bucks trends. None of the main cast is brooding or emo. Instead they’re care free do-gooders. Also, the battle system rocks. It’s based on classic Lunar wherein placement matters for splash damage, and range has an effect as well. The real highlight in my opinion is the airship battles though. Skies of Arcadia is really the best Dreamcast RPG.
