Seaman Sega Dreamcast

Seaman is a unique and unconventional video game released for the Sega Dreamcast console in 1999 in Japan and 2000 in North America and Europe. Developed by Vivarium and produced by Yoot Saito, the game is often considered one of the most innovative and peculiar titles of its time.

In Seaman, players assume the role of a caretaker for a peculiar creature known as a "Seaman." The Seaman is a virtual pet that starts as an egg and eventually grows into a fish-like creature with a human face. What sets Seaman apart from traditional virtual pets is its sophisticated voice recognition and microphone functionality. Players can communicate with the Seaman using a microphone, and the creature responds to voice commands and questions.

The game progresses in real-time, and players are responsible for feeding and taking care of their Seaman, monitoring its health, and helping it evolve through various life stages. The Seaman will go through different forms, from a small fish with legs to a tadpole-like creature and eventually growing limbs and a human-like face. It's an unusual and sometimes surreal experience as players engage in conversations and interactions with the Seaman, which boasts a distinctive personality and can be both entertaining and moody.

Seaman incorporates a variety of gameplay elements, including puzzles and quizzes, to engage players and encourage them to interact with their virtual pet. The Dreamcast's internal clock affects the in-game events and determines when certain interactions with the Seaman can occur. The game also features a fish tank environment that players can customize with decorations and items.

Seaman received a cult following and was praised for its innovation, quirky nature, and immersive gameplay. Its unconventional approach and unique gameplay mechanics made it stand out among other games of its time. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its unconventional nature, Seaman remains a noteworthy title that pushed the boundaries of video game design and experimentation.