Psionic

Actually, I enjoy Mr. Do! quite a lot, we have a lot in common.

Apparently you didn't actually visit the thread that I linked; there are before, during, and after scans in post #3. It looks like the label is off the cart in the scans, so I assume that FND removed it or it was already off the cart. I Imagine best results would be obtained using the gum remover with the label off so all the adhesive can be removed from the back side. Actually, I did in fact visit the thread that you linked. I was referring to an actual Activision cartridge. :!:

Thanks A.J., interesting info. I assume you still have to remove the label completely and reapply after. I wouldn't mind seeing some before and after pics of an Actiplaqued cart label.

Yeah right...don't we wish. As soon as she gets sick of it, it'll probably end up in the dumpster.

Very nice.

I wish. Not a chance. I believe your only option is to remove the old label and reapply a new (reproduction) label.

Let's hope it stays that way.

From what I've heard, most of them are junk. But I wouldn't buy a knockoff even if they were good, personally.

As far as those numbers go, the NES looks about right as it sold about 60 million (30 million+ of those were in the U.S.). Regarding the SMS, the first number (33 million) is way off. It's likely a typo, it's way too much. The Master System sold about 13 million (2-3 million in the U.S.).

Yeah good call, T-N-G. I just bought something from you a few weeks ago.

SMS fans always bring up DD as an example, and unfortunately, it's a bad one. Sorry bedouin, but good graphics can't save a bad game. I love my SMS and like you, I spent hours playing that game (I was just playing it yesterday), but SMS Double Dragon really is terrible. It looks great but plays horribly. The sound and music are bland compared to the NES version. The controls are good, but your attacks are weak. It is nearly impossible to do some of the special moves (head knee smash, elbow throw) and others are worthlessly ineffective (elbow smash). The collision detection is suspect and it takes too many hits to knock down/defeat enemies. The game overall is very difficult and you will need the infinite continues to finish the game (the NES version was much more balanced). The CPU opponents are frustrating and cheap shots are aplenty (enemies will often jump kick you repeatedly). Despite the nice graphics and scenery, several gameplay elements were removed (ladder climbing), and there is severe sprite flicker. It does have 2P mode like the arcade game but since the flicker makes the 2P mode nearly unplayable anyway, big deal. I'd go with the NES version, despite its (other) shortcomings. As far as the NES vs. SMS overall, the SMS has some goodies, no question about it, but the overall library is weak. Despite complaints about the lack of U.S. support by third parties due to Nintendo monopoly, there isn't anything that came out in Europe that I've played that would have made the SMS a success in the U.S. Sega's translations of their arcade games are generally poor, because the SMS just wasn't up to the task. They would have been better off going with earlier titles (Carnival, Congo Bongo, Zaxxon) that would have translated better. Some of the platform action/adventure games were great, but other than maybe Alex Kidd in Miracle World or Wonder Boy III, there's still nothing in the library that compares to Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Kid Icarus, Kirby's Adventure etc., just lots of junk like Aztec Adveture. I have 75% of the U.S. Master System library, and there's more than a few duds, trust me.

That wouldn't be a bad idea, and I'm sure it would work. Unfortunately, the SMS didn't stick around long enough for Sega to try anything like that, and even if they had thought of it, that most likely would have been cost-prohibitive back then. If they had released Jeopardy! for SMS back then ($49.99), would anybody pay another $15-$20 (at least) for extra question packs on Sega Cards? I'm not so sure.

He simply asked what to expect to pay for 5200 games so as not to get ripped off. The prices I was giving were what one should expect to pay for copies in excellent shape either from a merchant or on eBay. Obviously, they can be found cheaper if you want to look. If you can find them in a thrift store, you'll only pay a dollar or two (like just about everything else for sale in thrift stores). But if you can find 5200 carts (especially complete ones) in the wild you're lucky. I have yet to come across one. I've only seen a 5200 system (with 2 games) for sale once in a store.

Yeah, that's what I meant to say. Thanks for clearing that up, A.J.

I have a lot of those that I want to get rid of, PM if interested.

I have an extra boxed NES Zapper, PM if interested

Seeing as how that auction had both "promo" and "prototype" in the title, I'm very surprised it didn't get pulled.

You are probably right, but that's still cheaper than a cartridge. - Bank Panic (Europe only release) - F-16 Fighting Falcon - Ghost House - Great Soccer (Europe/Australia release, released in U.S. as a cart) - Hang On (Australia only release, U.S. release as a cart and built-in) - My Hero - Spy vs. Spy - Super Tennis - Teddy Boy - Transbot - Woody Pop (never released for SMS, eventually released as a cart for Game Gear) Most of the Sega Card games were reissued in Europe as cartridges with the launch of the SMS II, which doesn't have a card slot.

Yeah, they were cheaper. The card games sold for only $20-$25, half the price of cartridges. Also, from reading the 1986 Sega Game Catalog, I get the impression that it was also probably a gimmick: Yeah okay, Sega. Most of the card games suck, BTW, if you've never played them.

A real Sega arcade compilation featuring not only the Genesis-era arcade titles but older ones (Zaxxon, Carnival, Congo Bongo, etc.) is long overdo, but I've given up hope on that one at this point.

I was just looking through an old issue of the Nintendo Fun Club News (#5, Feb./March 1988). On page 10, there is a section callled "Sneak Peeks" that discussed upcoming NES games. There are shots of a game called U.S. Golf (a golf game similar to NES Open that was released in Japan for the Famicom Disk System but never made it to the U.S.). Also mentioned are Super Mario Bros. II (the description appears to be of the Japanese Famicom DS release, not the SMB2 that was eventually released) and a game called Return of Donkey Kong. The description is as follows: There are no screenshots, just a small inset with a shot of DK from the first game. Does anybody know anything about this game and what became of it? It seems very odd that Nintendo didn't release another Donkey Kong game until 1994.

Yeah, definitely spare all the sequels (though they left out Revenge of Shinobi) in favor of more original games. Neither Sonic or Sonic 2 belong on there as they were already on Sonic Mega Collection. The Phantasy Star games also should be released on a separate compilation like the one they did for the Game Boy Advance, they don't really belong on this. Where are Greendog, Gunstar Heroes, etc., and the million others they could have included. I hope they have another volume planned.

Yes, it was some kind of weird Hong Kong only release. I don't really know for sure if it was a legit or pirate release (very likely given the country of origin), but I think it's fair to say it's not worth $600.

Thanks, very good news!

Wow, I didn't notice that, pretty cool. Fun but very easy.