Outtrigger Online Play Revived: Dreamcast FPS Returns to Multiplayer Glory

Outtrigger Online Play Revived: Dreamcast FPS Returns to Multiplayer Glory Sega’s Outtrigger, a game that carved out a unique place in first-person shooter history, is making headlines once again as its online multiplayer functionality returns to active duty on the Sega Dreamcast.

Long celebrated as a cult classic among Dreamcast aficionados, Outtrigger was first released in Japanese arcades in 1999, at a time when Sega was exploring new territory in the FPS genre.

The arcade version’s distinctive combination of joystick and trackball controls made it stand out, though it initially posed a challenge for players more accustomed to traditional, accessible inputs. When Outtrigger was ported to the Sega Dreamcast in 2001, it brought with it support for mouse-and-keyboard gameplay—a forward-thinking move for its era—and, crucially, an online play feature.

Online multiplayer quickly became a defining aspect of the Dreamcast release, further fueling its reputation.

Unfortunately, this feature was not available in the game’s European version, and Sega’s decision to discontinue its official servers in the early 2000s forced fans to abandon the multiplayer scenes that had brought the game to life. Recently, renewed enthusiasm around Dreamcast preservation and retro multiplayer gaming has resulted in a wave of community-led efforts aimed at bringing classic titles back online.

As reported by Dreamcast Live, two notable members of the Dreamcast development and preservation scene, flyinghead and @Shuouma_DC, are spearheading a project to restore online play to Outtrigger via custom, unofficial servers.

Their work exemplifies the passion and technical ingenuity that keeps retro gaming communities vibrant more than two decades after the Dreamcast’s launch. Restoring online multiplayer for Outtrigger requires a bit of preparation by users, including reconnecting their Dreamcast consoles to the internet and configuring network settings.

Dreamcast Live, a prominent resource in the community, has published comprehensive guides to assist users in this process, making it more accessible for both seasoned fans and newcomers looking to experience Outtrigger’s competitive gameplay in its original online environment. Sega’s Outtrigger, developed during a period of bold experimentation, has persisted in the memories of players thanks in part to its innovative control options, online support, and fast-paced combat.

The game's return to multiplayer form highlights both the enduring affection for Sega’s Dreamcast library and the important role of fan-driven preservation efforts within the gaming industry.

As Outtrigger gets ready for a new era of online battles, this revival stands as a testament to the power of dedicated communities to keep gaming history alive.

Sega Xbox Series X|S Dreamcast Outtrigger Dreamcast Live flyinghead Shuouma_DC