Why are Dreamcast homebrews so expensive?

[Einhander]

I actually want these games. Fast Striker and Gunlord look really good and now I'm starting to research the Dreamcast more. I find it fascinating how people still make games, especially shooters for the console. But why are some of these games like Gunlord so pricey? Anywhere to find them a little cheaper?

[Megatron]

If you're just out to play the games, the Dreamcast has no copy protection, meaning you can download and burn games onto a CD, and they will play perfectly in your DC (assuming you follow the proper steps for burning ISO files - it's not exactly like burning a CD)

[Einhander]

If you're just out to play the games, the Dreamcast has no copy protection, meaning you can download and burn games onto a CD, and they will play perfectly in your DC (assuming you follow the proper steps for burning ISO files - it's not exactly like burning a CD)

Well I am for both collecting the game and playing the game. But as far as downloading, I don't mind that too much as a 2nd option, but have no idea how to do all that. What type of special equipment would I need?

Also, how hard will it be to get artwork on here? I noticed there's nothing for some of these games.

[Megatron]

I'm not too sure what is "taboo" on the boards, so I don't want to post any links, but just google how to burn ISO files.  You need a cd burner, blank CD-Rs and a free trial program of an ISO Burner (there are a few really good free ones, just google and you'll see).  Plenty of DC ISO files as well.  Lots of rom hacks, and alterations.  As for art, some sites have DVD style cases similar to TCP, I have a few Japan only fan translations as well as some hacks, and the sites had the artwork already made.

[Einhander]

I'm not too sure what is "taboo" on the boards, so I don't want to post any links, but just google how to burn ISO files.  You need a cd burner, blank CD-Rs and a free trial program of an ISO Burner (there are a few really good free ones, just google and you'll see).  Plenty of DC ISO files as well.  Lots of rom hacks, and alterations.  As for art, some sites have DVD style cases similar to TCP, I have a few Japan only fan translations as well as some hacks, and the sites had the artwork already made.

Cool. Do I need a special computer or will any do?

[Megatron]

Well, I did this in 2007, so anything newer than that should probably be ok.  Prior to that, I'm not sure.

[Einhander]

Well, I did this in 2007, so anything newer than that should probably be ok.  Prior to that, I'm not sure.

so games pre 07 might not work is what you're saying?

[Megatron]

....no.  Any ISOs, and thereby any games, are fine.  I'm saying if your computer isn't a pathetically outdated paperweight, then it can burn ISOs just fine.
Stop doubting yourself.  Believe in yourself, Einhander.  BELIEVE!

[Einhander]

....no.  Any ISOs, and thereby any games, are fine.  I'm saying if your computer isn't a pathetically outdated paperweight, then it can burn ISOs just fine.
Stop doubting yourself.  Believe in yourself, Einhander.  BELIEVE!

I will start believing. But this is news to me. Do lots of people actually do this? Is this for every DC game?

[larryinc64]

I think this topic is falling in to no no territory, I'll leave the final word up to another mod, but

Yes, you can pirate every DC game. Look it up elsewhere,

[palmer6strings]

Well, for HOMEBREW only which is legit... In a sense. It's really easy to do. I've done a few, most are pretty bad but some are really good. So if you need help just hit me up and I can try to direct you where you want to go.

[Superchop]

To answer the original question, games like Gun lord were never official releases and the people that made the game only made so many physical copies.  With such a limited run and the dreamcast having a fairly big following prices of those games stay pretty high all the time.

[Einhander]

Well, for HOMEBREW only which is legit... In a sense. It's really easy to do. I've done a few, most are pretty bad but some are really good. So if you need help just hit me up and I can try to direct you where you want to go.

I sent you a PM

[OhhNoYouNintenDidnt]

As far as Im concerned.......if mods here have a problem with pirating, then that would be pretty strange as essentially EVERYTHING we do here (from zombi'ing and using art for our covers we do not own, to many people who make covers for games they do not own legally) is a form of piracy.

So yeah, as long as we arent posting direct links to downloads on the boards that some company could come along and say we are directly promoting game piracy, then we should be fine.

Also, as far as these Homebrew games.........these ARE pirate games in effect to begin with! lol, unofficial games made by unauthorised developers who are exploiting a fundamental flaw in the DC.

As for covers..........youre in luck Einhander! as I have been and am still making covers for these games!......we have a few hosted on here like Castlevania: Symphony of Destruction and a few others. I will be making a Fast Striker one soon so anything else you want, let me know via a request in my thread (linked in my signature below) and either will be or can make whatever you want.

Ohh and do not worry about the download, its simple, easy and safe as long as you are using the right host (which I am sure you are being linked to via PM right now).

But I specifically wanted Gunlord and Sturmwind (two we dont have, one you want and one you SHOULD want!) and so here they are for you man =

Gunlord - Region Free (Added English Translation) N.G. Dev - Black and Orange Custom



Sturmwind - Region Free (Added English Translation) - Black and Orange Custom



Ohh and here is my Alien vs Predator one that I just love and am particularly proud of, as an incentive for you to get this awesome and never ported to home console game!  

Alien vs Predator (Beats of Rage Engine) - NTSC/Region Free - Custom


 

[Einhander]

As far as Im concerned.......if mods here have a problem with pirating, then that would be pretty strange as essentially EVERYTHING we do here (from zombi'ing and using art for our covers we do not own, to many people who make covers for games they do not own legally) is a form of piracy.

So yeah, as long as we arent posting direct links to downloads on the boards that some company could come along and say we are directly promoting game piracy, then we should be fine.

Also, as far as these Homebrew games.........these ARE pirate games in effect to begin with! lol, unofficial games made by unauthorised developers who are exploiting a fundamental flaw in the DC.

As for covers..........youre in luck Einhander! as I have been and am still making covers for these games!......we have a few hosted on here like Castlevania: Symphony of Destruction and a few others. I will be making a Fast Striker one soon so anything else you want, let me know via a request in my thread (linked in my signature below) and either will be or can make whatever you want.

Ohh and do not worry about the download, its simple, easy and safe as long as you are using the right host (which I am sure you are being linked to via PM right now).

But I specifically wanted Gunlord and Sturmwind (two we dont have, one you want and one you SHOULD want!) and so here they are for you man =

Gunlord - Region Free (Added English Translation) N.G. Dev - Black and Orange Custom



Sturmwind - Region Free (Added English Translation) - Black and Orange Custom



Ohh and here is my Alien vs Predator one that I just love and am particularly proud of, as an incentive for you to get this awesome and never ported to home console game!  

Alien vs Predator (Beats of Rage Engine) - NTSC/Region Free - Custom


 

Very nice work, impressed. I also wrote you a request in your thread.

Also, do you know anything about disc (cd) covers? I read something about people printing disc covers. Have no idea how you would cut and paste the art onto a disc.