The House of the Dead 2 is a light gun shooter game developed by SEGA AM1 and published by SEGA for the Dreamcast in 1999. The game first appeared in arcades a year earlier and quickly became a fan favorite for its over the top horror action and fast paced shooting. Players take on the role of AMS agents James Taylor and Gary Stewart as they fight through the streets of Venice, Italy to stop a zombie outbreak caused by the mad scientist Caleb Goldman. The story plays out across six chapters filled with grotesque creatures, screaming civilians, and memorable boss battles. What makes this title stand out is its arcade perfect presentation on home hardware, complete with full voice acting that fans still quote today. The cheesy dialogue, sharp visuals, and rapid fire gameplay turned it into one of the most beloved horror shooters of its era. It remains a classic example of how SEGA brought arcade thrills directly into the living room with great success.
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Screenshots

1.2 GB · Dreamcast ROMs
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Specifications
| Platform | Dreamcast ROMs |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror |
| File Size | 1.2 GB |
| Release Year | 1999 |
| Developer | SEGA AM1 |
| Updated | Jun 22, 2026 |
Overview
The House of the Dead 2 is a light gun shooter game developed by SEGA AM1 and published by SEGA for the Dreamcast in 1999. The game first appeared in arcades a year earlier and quickly became a fan favorite for its over the top horror action and fast paced shooting. Players take on the role of AMS agents James Taylor and Gary Stewart as they fight through the streets of Venice, Italy to stop a zombie outbreak caused by the mad scientist Caleb Goldman. The story plays out across six chapters filled with grotesque creatures, screaming civilians, and memorable boss battles. What makes this title stand out is its arcade perfect presentation on home hardware, complete with full voice acting that fans still quote today. The cheesy dialogue, sharp visuals, and rapid fire gameplay turned it into one of the most beloved horror shooters of its era. It remains a classic example of how SEGA brought arcade thrills directly into the living room with great success.
The game offers several modes that give it strong replay value beyond the main Arcade campaign. Original Mode lets players upgrade their character stats by finding hidden items and rescuing civilians during missions. Boss Mode focuses on rematches against the chapter end monsters, while Training Mode sharpens aim through target challenges. A two player cooperative option allows friends to fight side by side, which adds chaotic fun to every level. Players can choose branching paths through each stage based on the civilians they save, which leads to different routes and multiple endings. The Dreamcast version supports the official light gun for authentic arcade feel, though standard controllers work well too. Six chapters take players from canal sides and sewers to ancient ruins and a final showdown in a hidden chamber. The variety of enemy types, from chainsaw wielders to giant aquatic beasts, keeps every encounter fresh. The House of the Dead 2 remains a cornerstone of the light gun genre and a must play for horror fans.