So I think I fixed my Dreamcast/Carrier issues... I was thinking about the glitches at work, and how they only happen when the game is loading another section, so I guessed that maybe the lens was having issues (Despite reading my other discs fine). So when I got home, I cleaned the lens with some Isopropyl Alcohol, and reset the laser sled by pushing it all the way to the centre.
Lo and behold, the game worked fine! I only played it for a half an hour, but besides not crashing, the loading times were exceptionally better! I was able to get a feel for the game, and while it's a bit janky at times (Invisible zombies are frustrating, not scary), it's pretty great so far. The uncapped frame rate would drive some members of "modern console GAF" up the wall: the game seems to swing wildly from 25ish to 60 fps, sometimes within the same room!
Despite the less than stellar presentation, the game's core mystery is engrossing, I'm legitimately curious to see what happens next. And I've already accumulated about 120 pistol bullets, so I'm ready to start blowing through zombies instead of running past them (RE skills for the win!).
Some pictures to share:
The new game hanging out on my "Sega Shelf"
As someone new to the Dreamcast, I totally love the VMU.
I totally love how the main character is about twice as detailed as the others, haha.