When I think of games that are vibrant, catchy and instantly-fun, the first format to pop into mind is most definitely the good ol' arcade. In a close second place however, the little Grey and White box that could, AKA: the Sega Dreamcast. This association probably has a bit to do with the fact that the Dreamcast received so many excellent arcade ports, which makes perfect sense as its hardware is essentially a compact SEGA NAOMI. The DC is far more than just arcade ports though; its library of games is lined with tons of great titles. Many of them coming straight from SEGA's first party developers, who in my opinion, did much of their best work during the Dreamcast era.
SEGA's last attempt at a console was an exceptional one in many regards: it was the first to support any real on-line play with games like Fantasy Star and Quake III: Arena. Its processing power was was a huge leap over the PlayStation, which was the direct competition at the time of the Dreamcast's release (in my opinion it took quite some time for the Playstation 2, which was released two years later, to visually match the Dreamcast's best looking games.) It was also far ahead of its time in the way of video output hardware: composite, s-video, component and most surprisingly VGA, video signals were all available simply by swapping out the A/V cable. (Seriously though, if you don't have a Dreamcast VGA box, stop reading and go get one; you will not believe how amazing it will look connected to a good PC monitor.) SEGA was really thinking outside the box with the DC.
Though it's time as a player in the console market was short (1999-2001), the Dreamcast carved itself a special place in gaming history and remains a fan-favorite. Such an adored system deserves an outstanding final game, a beautiful encore to close out a fantastic show...
On March 23, 2006, FIVE YEARS after being discontinued by SEGA, the Dreamcast received it's final masterpiece in the form of an incredible Naomi arcade port: Under Defeat. Developed by G.Rev, a small company founded by ex-Taito employees, Under Defeat is a vertical scrolling ,expertly crafted shmup. It's a game that completely embodies what the Dreamcast is all about: beautiful and colorful graphics, tight responsive controls and the satisfying snap of arcade action, all too rare in this day and age.
One of the things I find refreshing about Under Defeat is that it's ever-so-slightly slower paced than most other modern shooters. I love Ikaruga and Dondonpachi as much as the next guy, but sometimes the "bullet hell" approach can be totally overwhelming and a bit off-putting, unless you are really in the mood for it (or unless you just spent 1000 bucks on the arcade board and desperately trying to convince yourself it was worth it.) While Under Defeat is most definitely challenging, the challenge revs up slowly, allowing you to gradually enter the zen-like state that it takes to master it.
By the time of Under Defeat's release, there had been plenty of time to figure out what the Naomi hardware was capable of, and it shows. It is the best looking Dreamcast game. Hell, I will go out on a limb and say as far as arcade style graphics, it looks as good as anything game I can think of. The explosions and particle effects are simply stunning and every stage and vehicle is wonderfully rendered with an exceptional attention to detail. There are many moments in Under Defeat where you might catch yourself wondering how the hell a ten year old console can produce such stunning images.
Great graphics are nothing without competient design; Under Defeat over-delievers on both. Everything feels gritty and war-torn, but at the same time decidedly polished. Nothing about the game's design feels rushed or without thought. The single design choice that most sets Under Defeat apart from the crowd is it's realistic presentation. There are no giant aliens to destroy, no magical special attacks, just bullets, tanks, ships and planes. Of course, it's still an arcade game, so sometimes those planes, ships and tanks might be ridiculously huge - but overall the game remains tied to reality. It's war: you versus them, no bullshit.
Under Defeat's soundtrack is among my all time favorites. It's incredibly catchy and straight forward; clearly written by someone who has studied what makes game music great. Rather than go too deep into a description, I'll present you with a YouTube clip of the first stage so you can hear the tunes yourself. Classic stuff, and goddamn, does that snare drum sound good!!!
There is a moment in Under Defeat that I feel would be a crime not to mention before closing: In the beginning of the game's final stage, all the explosive sound effects and catchy music that you have grown accustomed to through playing up to then then - are taken away; replaced by a simple melancholy piano melody. It's strangely artistic for an arcade game. After a minute or so, everything kicks back in. The effect is powerful. It clearly accentuates the fact that this is it: the final battle. This directional choice, though simple in execution, really sticks with me. It wouldn't be too far a stretch to call it vaguely: Kojima-ish.
Under Defeat is an excellent final chapter in the book of Dreamcast. If you have never played it, I hope you find time to brush the dust off of your "little Grey and White box that could" and enjoy a few rounds of a timeless shmup.
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