Games

Seaman

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."

 

There is a play through 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.

Seaman in 3D? Read about it here and here or here.

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