Seaman (1999)
The gaming community is paying tribute to the Sega Dreamcast console, launched on September 9th, 1999, on it's 10th anniversay in September 2009. One of the games developed especially for it was Seaman, that Game Informer named Nine Dreamcast Games In Need Of Resurrection:
 "When playing video games, sometimes you want to blow things up. Sometimes, you just want to converse with a virtual fish while listening to the soothing tone of Leonard Nimoy's voice. Seaman was a virtual pet game for the Dreamcast which came packed with a microphone attachment. By feeding the Seaman and talking with it, players could help guide the evolving aquatic organism into maturity. Seaman definitely had its quirks, but there is no denying that the game pushed the boundaries of how players could interact with video games." |
Leonard Nimoy did the introduction to the game, gave hints and advice, and welcomed the player at the start of a gaming session, also updating him/her on the progress made. The description of Seaman sounds harmless enough, but it was not exactly meant for kids, as this video suggests. Here is a video review of the game by The Game Room from the year 2000. (Warning, torture of virtual creatures follows.) For a more adult review watch Ray's Retro Review (Part 1, 2, 3, 4). While loved by many, the reviews reveal some of the weaknesses of Seaman. Voice recognition sometimes was problematic and the game was not for people wanting immediate satisfaction. Those patient and caring enough of their virtual pet got their rewards most of the time, as stated in reviews on Amazon like this:
"Voice-intro and advice in the game are provided by Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock), whose monotone, emotionless voice fits well. Don't be surprised if he mocks you occasionally.
[...] You may look at this game with a skeptical eye at first, as I did, but then find yourself playing with your fish-men at 2:30 in the morning and catching grief from Spock for doing so. That mere thought should prove how intriguing this game is."
Seaman
Sega's gone insane... and I like it - Review By Mad Carl
The always cool Leonard Nimoy acts as the guide on your journey into Seaman's world. His voice greets you each time you boot up the Seaman disc, filling you in on the current state of your aquarium, and recapping recent events. Leonard will also point out upcoming evolutionary events to keep your eyes peeled for. If you're old enough to have ever seen the old Nimoy-narrated show In Search Of, then you'll enjoy his guidance even more. It's almost as if you're living through an episode of In Search Of Seaman. [NOTE: I don't know for sure, as the credits do not say, but there are times when Seaman sounds a bit like Leonard Nimoy's old co-worker, Mr. Sulu himself, George Freak'n Takei.]
Source: PlanetDreamcast
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There is a playthrough available on YouTube in multiple parts, but be warned, the fanboys milk the game's title for all its phonetic value and there's no happy end. Go to Let's Play Seaman - Day 01.
On IGN there's a written playthrough here.
Seaman in 3D? Read about it here and here or here.
