In 2001, Sega released Hundred Swords, a real-time strategy title developed by Smilebit for the Dreamcast.
While highly anticipated, the game ultimately became a Japan-exclusive for Sega's final home console.
Like several Dreamcast titles of the era, Hundred Swords offered robust online features, setting it apart in the early days of console gaming.
However, as Sega discontinued official online services for the Dreamcast, the game's innovative online multiplayer component was lost to time. A renewed wave of preservation has brought these dormant features back, thanks to the dedication of the Dreamcast community.
Leading the charge is Shuouma, a notable figure recognized for his unwavering commitment to reviving online play for classic Sega titles.
Through meticulous work, Shuouma has successfully restored online functionality to Hundred Swords, allowing players to experience its competitive RTS gameplay once again—provided they have the proper hardware setup to connect online. Despite this milestone, there are limitations.
Hundred Swords remains available in its original Japanese-language form on Dreamcast, which may pose accessibility challenges for non-Japanese players.
Nevertheless, the game's relatively straightforward mechanics help ease the language barrier for newcomers.
Notably, the game had international versions released on PC in both Europe and North America, suggesting hope for broader accessibility and potential community translation projects in the future. Sega’s Smilebit studio, famed for other innovative Dreamcast projects such as Jet Set Radio, contributed significantly to the platform’s unique game library.
The revival of Hundred Swords' online play not only highlights the enduring popularity of Dreamcast-era titles, but also underscores the importance of video game preservation efforts.
As more classic games face the risk of disappearing due to aging hardware and discontinued services, the work of individuals and communities like Shuouma has become invaluable in keeping gaming history alive. For enthusiasts looking to revisit Sega's RTS legacy or discover it for the first time, Hundred Swords' return to online play demonstrates how passionate communities continue to shape the industry’s past and future.
The Dreamcast remains a prime example of innovation in console gaming—a legacy that, thanks to ongoing preservation projects, is far from forgotten.
While highly anticipated, the game ultimately became a Japan-exclusive for Sega's final home console.
Like several Dreamcast titles of the era, Hundred Swords offered robust online features, setting it apart in the early days of console gaming.
However, as Sega discontinued official online services for the Dreamcast, the game's innovative online multiplayer component was lost to time. A renewed wave of preservation has brought these dormant features back, thanks to the dedication of the Dreamcast community.
Leading the charge is Shuouma, a notable figure recognized for his unwavering commitment to reviving online play for classic Sega titles.
Through meticulous work, Shuouma has successfully restored online functionality to Hundred Swords, allowing players to experience its competitive RTS gameplay once again—provided they have the proper hardware setup to connect online. Despite this milestone, there are limitations.
Hundred Swords remains available in its original Japanese-language form on Dreamcast, which may pose accessibility challenges for non-Japanese players.
Nevertheless, the game's relatively straightforward mechanics help ease the language barrier for newcomers.
Notably, the game had international versions released on PC in both Europe and North America, suggesting hope for broader accessibility and potential community translation projects in the future. Sega’s Smilebit studio, famed for other innovative Dreamcast projects such as Jet Set Radio, contributed significantly to the platform’s unique game library.
The revival of Hundred Swords' online play not only highlights the enduring popularity of Dreamcast-era titles, but also underscores the importance of video game preservation efforts.
As more classic games face the risk of disappearing due to aging hardware and discontinued services, the work of individuals and communities like Shuouma has become invaluable in keeping gaming history alive. For enthusiasts looking to revisit Sega's RTS legacy or discover it for the first time, Hundred Swords' return to online play demonstrates how passionate communities continue to shape the industry’s past and future.
The Dreamcast remains a prime example of innovation in console gaming—a legacy that, thanks to ongoing preservation projects, is far from forgotten.
