22 Best SEGA Dreamcast Co-Op Games

Back in the days of the console wars, Sega had a solid grip on the Co-Op market, right alongside Nintendo. This dynamic lasted until the era of the Dreamcast, when things took an unexpected turn. The Dreamcast found itself facing a formidable blow dealt by the rise of new competitors like the PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox. Ultimately, this marked the end of the road for the Sega Dreamcast in the console market.

The Dreamcast may have met its demise, but it’s still remembered as one of the best platforms for great Co-Op games. There are all types of games here, including third-person shooters, fighters, beat ’em ups and even sports games. In case you’re not in the mood to go outside. (The sun hurts these days)

Back in the day, Sega achieved a notable feat by popularizing online co-op gaming. But while many of the games that depended on an online connection were truly fantastic, their official servers have long been put to rest. As a result, players now have to depend on fan-operated servers to relish these games’ online delights.

With that said, I’m skipping the preamble and diving straight in, here’s the cream of the Co-Op crop on the Dreamcast.

Best Dreamcast Couch Co-Op Games

The Best Couch Co-Op Games on the Dreamcast

Power Stone™ 2 2000

About
	Release Date April 27, 2000
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise Power Stone
	Genre 3D Fighting
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players 1v1, Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2000-04-27
2000-08-23
2000-08-24

Power Stone 2 remains one of the finest fighting games available for the Dreamcast. The fact that Capcom hasn’t yet treated everyone to a remastered version on modern platforms adds an extra layer of importance to relishing this title on the Dreamcast.

In contrast to contemporaneous titles that aimed to ride the coattails of successful fighters like Super Smash Bros, Power Stone 2 glims as a refreshingly unique game, surpassing its predecessors in multiple aspects. Players can choose between engaging in one-on-one showdowns or elevating the excitement with thrilling 2vs2 battles. Whichever route you go, the game delivers an absolute blast.

Cannon Spike™ 2000

About
	Release Date November 15, 2000
	Developer Psikyo
	Publisher Capcom
	Genre Top-Down Shooter
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Top-Down
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2000-11-15
2000-12-21
2002-04-26

Cannon Spike marks yet another great couch Co-Op game on the Dreamcast. Brought to you by Capcom once again, this is one of the many Dreamcast exclusive titles that are in dire need of a remaster or remake because Capcom hasn’t made a follow-up or anything that comes remotely close to it.

Within this top-down shooter, players navigate through multiple stages while embodying beloved Capcom characters. The roster includes icons like Mega Man, Street Fighter’s Cammy, Ghosts ‘n Goblins’ Arthur, and even lesser-known figures like Shiba Shintaro from Three Wonders. You can either spring into action either solo or rely on the help of your friend. Whatever you end up, the game is fantastic.

Gauntlet® Legends 1999

About
	Release Date August 31, 1999
	Developer Midway Games
	Publisher Atari Games
	Genre Dungeon Crawler
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Isometric
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Dreamcast Releases
2000-06-06
2000-07-21

The spirit of Gauntlet continues to follow us, no matter where we venture. After previously discussing the excellence of one instalment in the franchise on the PS2, it’s now the Dreamcast’s moment to shine and earn its share of praise.

In this dungeon crawler designed for up to four players sharing the same battlefield, all participants assume the roles of the legendary four heroes entrusted with halting an imminent threat. Skorne has risen from the depths of the underworld, determined to seize control over the land. Your united quest is to collectively thwart his menace and restore peace.

Star Wars® Episode I Jedi Power Battles™ 2000

About
	Release Date April 04, 2000
	Developer Lucasfilm Games
	Publisher Lucasfilm Games
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Dreamcast Releases
2000-10-04
2000-10-18

The Star Wars gaming universe has always served up a diverse range of fantastic co-op adventures. From adrenaline-pumping FPS epics like the Star Wars Battlefront series to the beloved Lego adaptations, the selection is surprisingly rich.

Within this action-adventure game, infused with beat ’em up essence, the objective revolves around vanquishing each on-screen adversary with the aid of the Force. Whether you choose to elegantly wield your lightsaber or beckon a companion from the Jedi council, may the Force be with you, fellow Jedi.

Dynamite™ Cop 1999

About
	Release Date May 27, 1999
	Developer Wow Entertainment
	Publisher SEGA
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Martial Arts
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
1999-05-27
1999-10-14
1999-11-02

Dynamite Cop is a must-try beat ’em up on the Dreamcast whenever you can spare the time. Known as Dynamite Deka 2 in Japan, this 3D masterpiece delivers an exhilarating beat ’em up adventure that welcomes up to two players for couch co-op fun.

Taking on the roles of two formidable soldiers, your mission entails battling your way through an assortment of pirates. Whether you embark on this quest alone or team up with a companion, the objective remains to rescue the president’s daughter from the clutches of these troublesome villains.

Zombie Revenge™ 1999

About
	Release Date November 25, 1999
	Developer Wow Entertainment, Data East
	Publisher SEGA
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Zombie
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
1999-11-25
2000-01-25
2000-06-09

Zombie Revenge is a spin-off instalment branching from the iconic House of the Dead light-gun shooter series. Departing from the familiar rail-shooting gameplay of its lineage, Zombie Revenge takes the form of a beat ’em up action adventure. You have the option to enlist a friend’s aid to help you combat the looming zombie apocalypse.

Zombie Revenge adopts a gameplay style reminiscent of classic arcade beat ’em ups. Levels are driven by a time-based structure, wherein failing to complete missions within the allotted time leads to a game over. Similarly, the game imposes a finite number of continues. Should all available credits be exhausted, players face the necessity of restarting from scratch. However, despite this challenge, the game’s duration isn’t overly lengthy; it typically takes around an hour to reach the finish line.

The House of the Dead™ 2 1998

About
	Release Date November 20, 1998
	Developer Wow Entertainment
	Publisher SEGA
	Genre Rail Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective First-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Zombie
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
1999-03-25
1999-09-09
1999-10-04

Given the focus on showcasing the top Co-Op games on the Dreamcast, The House of the Dead is an absolute must-mention. Much like the scenario with Dead or Alive 2, House of the Dead 2 left a significant mark during its time of release, offering adrenaline-fueled, rapid-fire light gun shooting, chilling zombie designs, and the added bonus of exploring the house of horrors alongside a friend. For those who are fond of zombies or light-gun shooting, this game is an absolute must-try.

Armada™ 1999

About
	Release Date November 26, 1999
	Developer Metro3D
	Publisher Metro3D
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Top-Down
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Dreamcast Releases
1999-11-26

You might not have caught wind of Armada back in the day, especially given that it was only released in North America. This made it a bit of a challenge for folks living in Europe or Asia to get their hands on. Today, acquiring the game might come with a hefty price tag. And whether you want the game or not largely comes down to your fondness for shoot ’em ups. (For the record, I’m all in for them!)

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill shmup experience. Here, players have the option to team up, delving on a joint journey through the game’s diverse levels. Unlike the standard shmups that usher players along a linear path, be it horizontal or vertical, this title takes a different approach. It’s a top-down shmup that grants a touch of exploration, offering the freedom to move in all directions. The closest game you can compare Armada to is Geometry Wars.

Virtua Tennis™ 2000

About
	Release Date July 11, 2000
	Developer Hitmaker
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Virtua Tennis
	Genre Tennis
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Isometric
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players 1v1, Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2000-07-11
2000-09-08
2000-11-23

Virtua Tennis kept Sega’s cooperative game groove alive on the Dreamcast. Because really, what’s more sweat-inducing than a smashing tennis match that’ll leave you and your friend wondering if you accidentally signed up for a new Olympic sport?

Time for a reality check: introducing this game would be like trying to introduce pizza at a party. So, throw on that headband, clutch your towel, and hydrate because you’re about to engage in a tennis match that’ll have you sweating like a snowman in summer. Keep that ball bouncing!

Expendable 1999

About
	Release Date May 28, 1999
	Developer Rage Games
	Publisher Imagineer, Accolade, Atari SA
	Genre Top-Down Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Top-Down
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Dreamcast Releases
1999-06-24
1999-09-09
1999-10-14

Expendable is another shining gem in the realm of top-down shooters on the Sega Dreamcast. In this sci-fi adventure tailored for a dynamic duo, humanity teeters on the edge of oblivion thanks to an antagonistic alien race. To counter this imminent peril, humanity has forged the millennium soldier, an indomitable force ready to stand tall against the encroaching foe.

Dolphin Blue 2003

About
	Release Date February 01, 2003
	Developer Sammy
	Publisher Sammy
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Military
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases

Dolphin Blue spent quite a while reigning in the arcades before a dedicated fan took matters into their own hands and hacked the game to make it playable on the Dreamcast. Amid the plethora of run & gun games that graced the arcade era, Dolphin Blue stands as one of the finest choices to dive into during the weekends.

Developed by two former minds behind the Metal Slug series, Dolphin Blue is an absolute blast. The experience is even better when enjoyed in the company of a friend, So, don’t miss this one out.

Mars Matrix 2000

About
	Release Date November 09, 2000
	Developer Takumi Corporation
	Publisher Capcom
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Top-Down
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2000-11-09
2001-04-30

Mars Matrix wraps up the shmup lineup in this compilation. Created by Takumi Corporations and published by Capcom, Mars Matrix is a hidden gem within the Dreamcast’s library. Serving as a sci-fi shoot ’em up, it beckons you to venture through its awesome campaign accompanied by a friend. Prepare for an unrelenting storm of action, a symphony of destruction, infectious soundtracks, and an abundance of replay value.

Best Dreamcast Split-Screen Games

The Best Split-Screen Co-Op Games on the Dreamcast

Heavy Metal Geomatrix™ 2001

About
	Release Date July 12, 2001
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Genre Arena Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Metal
	Players 1v1, Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op, Split-Screen PvP
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2001-07-12
2001-09-12
2002-04-26

Heavy Metal Geomatrix catapults players into intense arena shooting matches, all set to the pulse-pounding backdrop of some of the most electrifying metal tracks from beloved bands. During the Dreamcast era, Capcom emerged as a powerhouse of cooperative gaming experiences, and among its impressive lineup, standout titles like Power Stone garnered attention.

However, when it comes to original games on the Dreamcast, Heavy Metal Geomatrix indisputably claims the spotlight. Jump into the arena alone as you shoot, evade, and conquer your adversaries, or challenge a friend to a death match to pick who’s the better fighter.

Outtrigger™ 2001

About
	Release Date July 24, 2001
	Developer Sega AM2
	Publisher SEGA
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspectives First-Person, Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2001-07-24
2001-08-02
2001-08-03

During the heyday of the Dreamcast, arcade games thrived big time, and among the must-try titles is Outtrigger. Originally debuted in arcades before marching its way to the Sega Dreamcast, Outrigger is a great cooperative shooter.

A standout feature of this game is its ability to seamlessly switch between first-person and third-person perspectives during single-player mode, adding a layer of diversity to the gameplay. Players are tasked with navigating through numerous matches where they engage in face-to-face shootouts. You have the option to square off against the CPU or invite a friend to an FPS split-screen deathmatch.

Fur Fighters™ 2000

About
	Release Date June 23, 2000
	Developer Bizarre Creations
	Publisher Acclaim Entertainment
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Animal
	Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Dreamcast Releases
2000-06-23
2000-07-13

Fur Fighters, a dynamic third-person shooter, throws players into a pet-packed battle royal where your very own furry friends duke it out. The idea of a penguin facing off with a kangaroo has frequently crossed our minds. And now, almost magically, this game has brought that very fantasy to fur-tastic reality. (Wait a minute, could Acclaim have been secretly observing our daydreams?)

Vigilante 8 2nd Offense™ 1999

About
	Release Date November 23, 1999
	Developer Luxoflux
	Publisher Activision
	Genre Vehicular Combat
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

Dreamcast Releases
1999-12-22
2000-02-18
2000-03-23

Vigilante 8 2nd Offense plunges players into a white-knuckle vehicular battlefield, where chaos and destruction reign supreme. And if the thrill of solo action becomes a bit lonely, fear not – you can dial up a friend and embark on the main campaign together via split-screen Co-Op.

Acting as a sequel to the original Vigilante 8, the game’s objective is refreshingly straightforward: You’re a member of a squad of vigilantes tasked with dismantling a sinister faction of terrorists and halting their malevolent schemes. A significant portion of the gameplay revolves around obliterating rival vehicles in third-person shooting combat to secure your triumph. It’s only over when all threats are vanquished from the screen. Anyone who’s into vehicular combat, should give this game a shot.

Incoming 1998

About
	Release Date March 23, 1998
	Developer Rage Games
	Publisher Rage Games
	Genre Flight Simulation
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective First-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

Dreamcast Releases
1998-09-15
1998-12-17
1999-10-14

Incoming quietly resides among the ranks of split-screen co-op games on the Dreamcast that seldom find their way into conversations. Despite its brevity, this flight simulation combat game offers an enjoyable experience, allowing players to tackle an extraterrestrial danger either solo or with a companion.

While the visuals may have aged poorly over the years, and the storyline is now often deemed generic, the true prowess of Incoming lies within its gameplay and the engaging multiplayer elements. Get this game if you are looking for some obscure games on the Dreamcast.

Nanatsu no Hikan: Senritsu no Bishou 2000

About
	Release Date January 20, 2000
	Developer Koei
	Publisher Koei
	Genre Survival Horror
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2000-01-20

Nanatsu no Hikan: Senritsu no Bishou stands as one of Koei’s daring ventures into the survival horror domain and the last. Serving as the follow-up to the original Nanatsu no Hikan on the Saturn and the PS1, this game saw an exclusive release in Japan. However, thanks to the dedication of fans, an English fan translation now exists that will help you go through the entire game.

If I were to draw a comparison, Nanatsu no Hikan’s single-player mode draws considerable inspiration from Resident Evil. On the flip side, when it comes to split-screen Co-Op gameplay, it’s more reminiscent of ObsCure, with a strong focus on teamwork. While the gameplay might not stand as one of the game’s strongest aspects, if you can overlook its shortcomings, the compelling story will be your guiding companion all the way to the end.

Spawn® In the Demon's Hand 2000

About
	Release Date February 01, 2000
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Genre Action Adventure
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players 1v1, Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Dreamcast Releases
2000-08-10
2000-10-18
2001-01-19

Spawn in the Demon’s Hand is one of the most difficult Dreamcast games, which is why you’ll need a talented friend to save your buttocks. This arena beat’em up shooter by the same developer as Heavy Metal Geomatrix comes with loads of Co-Op fun and prides itself on being the only Co-Op game set in the Spawn universe.

Each opponent in the game is challenging. They didn’t come to chit-chat; they came to finish you off. Even the weakest opponents in the game will present a challenge, but with the assistance of a friend, you may be able to survive.

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