Changing roms
Learn how to marry the majesty of your PC to classic games by emulating
Sega Dreamcast
Sega’s hardware swansong is the most advanced console to be successfully emulated. Though a much meatier piece of kit than PSX and N64 alike, it never really took off, though it retains a cult following. We’re concentrating on an older emulator here, no longer in development, but DEmul (demul.emulation64.com) still has the occasional update.
Get it working
1) Chankast needs a BIOS, and your DC games on disc.
2) Stick the BIOS into the same folder as Chankast, then load the emulator with chankast_alpha_25.exe. Run-Start will load the Dreamcast main menu, from where you can browse memory units (also emulated and, hey, play audio CDs.).
3) Options > Configure video > Video mode to pick a resolution, while keybindings are under Options-Configure controls.
4) If you don’t want to burn “found” Dreamcast disc images to CD, then an application such as DAEMON Tools will create virtual CD drives you can then “mount” images to.
Sega Dreamcast
Sega’s hardware swansong is the most advanced console to be successfully emulated. Though a much meatier piece of kit than PSX and N64 alike, it never really took off, though it retains a cult following. We’re concentrating on an older emulator here, no longer in development, but DEmul (demul.emulation64.com) still has the occasional update.
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Get it working
1) Chankast needs a BIOS, and your DC games on disc.
2) Stick the BIOS into the same folder as Chankast, then load the emulator with chankast_alpha_25.exe. Run-Start will load the Dreamcast main menu, from where you can browse memory units (also emulated and, hey, play audio CDs.).
3) Options > Configure video > Video mode to pick a resolution, while keybindings are under Options-Configure controls.
4) If you don’t want to burn “found” Dreamcast disc images to CD, then an application such as DAEMON Tools will create virtual CD drives you can then “mount” images to.
Above: Alas, the Dreamcast was too spherical for this world - and this picture window
Essential games
Ikaruga
A vertical shoot-em-up where you can switch between black and white modes; each is more vulnerable to certain enemies, and more damaging.
Jet Grind Radio
A graffiti and roller-blade-based platformer/racer, this demonstrated just how much of an edge the Dreamcast had over the PlayStation.
Soul Calibur
A challenging and wild 3D fighter, this still looks pretty good even now.
Above: Alas, the Dreamcast was too spherical for this world - and this picture window
Essential games
Ikaruga
A vertical shoot-em-up where you can switch between black and white modes; each is more vulnerable to certain enemies, and more damaging.
Jet Grind Radio
A graffiti and roller-blade-based platformer/racer, this demonstrated just how much of an edge the Dreamcast had over the PlayStation.
Soul Calibur
A challenging and wild 3D fighter, this still looks pretty good even now.