How Good was the Sega Dreamcast?

[NYANKS]

Musouka said:

Dreamcast was on its way to success but Sega just killed it (couldn't afford more loses and I guess they were afraid of the PS2 super hype machine) but oh the fond memories I have of playing Sonic Adventure and Soul Caliber on it... And then Street Fighter III and all the VS. Fighters!

Those were the days :)

Sadly, Sega went downhill especially after the Sammy merger. The restructuring killed many of its talented development studios (many talents left anyway) and Sonic Team is not what it used to be.

Okay, I hear different stories alot.  How much of an impact did Sony actually have on The Dreamcast's demise?  You make it sound like Sega ended it without much pressure, but many say otherewise.  Anyone?