Actually, Cosmic Smash was cheap at $39.99.
It was released as somewhat of a budget game. I specifically remember as I dismissed the game when it was first released because of the "budget" game vibe around Cosmic Smash. After a few weeks of reading the buzz on some forums I ordered it from NCSX for $39.99 plus shipping.
I recall it sold out shortly after I ordered it, made me think I got one of the last copies. Always figured it must've had a small print run.
I also felt that something was off about the way the character moved and controlled - though it's likely a matter of me just not being good at it. I never did play the whole way through it.
Space Channel 5 I was never a fan of, but SC5 Part 2 is one of my favorite games on the Dreamcast (and PS2), give that a try if you can (notably I'm able to beat it on PS2 more easily than on Dreamcast)