Curious about Sega Genesis

[The Usotsuki]

The Genesis had the better Mortal Kombat, but the SNES port of Mortal Kombat II crushed the Genesis port. That prolly sold a lot of both systems.

[PsychoKittyNet]

One thing I love about the genesis is how easy and cheap it is to find CIB games, heck it's the only system I collect for where my CIB collection dwarfs my loose carts. To be fair, I don't go out of my way to find CIB NES or SNES titles, but it's fun to be able to do that for my Genny collection.

[The_Laird]

Yeah you have to love the plastic cases Sega chose!

[+wood_jl]

As a personal opinion and side note:

 

If you are going to collect anything Sega...buy yourself a CDX. It plays Genesis/CD/32x. And its small compact and stores better. Take care of it and it will take care of your gaming needs. Also it will likely be the only Sega system that mantains a steady value.

 

I disagree, but it's just my opinion, of course. The CDX is cool, but most of them I have seen in recent years had a broken CD player. I don't care for Sega CD games, myself, but the thought of having a broken CD player built into my Genesis is about as palatable as a TV with a broken VCR or DVD player built in. Even if what I have seen is not representative (that is to say, even if you claim the CDX is a paragon of consumer electronic reliability) you're going to massively overpay (once again, my opinion) just to play Genesis; if anything, one of the HUGEST advantages to Genesis (in modern times) is that it is DIRT CHEAP. To me, going for a CDX sets you up for high price and unreliability, while a $10 model 2 Genesis is quite the opposite.

[nathanallan]

...is about as palatable as a TV with a broken...

 

+1 for the use of palatable in a sentence actually conveying something. Hats off.

[Hatta]

Sega sucked until the Dreamcast came out, and that was killed by Sony.

Trollin'

 

 

what other big titles did Sega Genesis release that were exclusive titles?

 

ToeJam & Earl, Thunderforce series, M.U.S.H.A., and a metric ton of other shmups, Gunstar Heroes, Starflight, Road Rash, Phantasy Star series, Shining Force, Ecco, Strider, Splatterhouse, and so on. Just because you're ignorant doesn't mean the Genesis doesn't have plenty of great games.

 

It's fair enough to argue that the SNES has more of the types of games you like. But to totally discount the Genesis's library? That's trolling. If you honestly believe that the Genesis lacks good games, go watch Classic Game Room HD. Mark will educate you.

[The Usotsuki]

Ristar. And for a while, the Genesis version of Aladdin was unique although it eventually went to Game Boy, and NES in the PAL region.

[Emehr]

If you're seriously considering collecting for the Genesis/32X/CD, then here's what I suggest.

 

Get yourself an original Model 1 without the lockout. That'll give you the highest compatibility for all original Genesis games. If you want a Master Base converter, this is the one you'll want to use it with, but Master Systems themselves are incredibly cheap as well, so if you want to collect for that system, I'd just get a dedicated MS for the games.

 

Then, grab a Model 2 and a Model 2 Sega CD and a 32X. This way you can build the "Frankenstein" setup, with the CD and 32X attached simultaneously. This will give you the best compatibility for 32X and Sega CD games...

This is my set-up as well.

 

If I want to play Genesis or Master System games, I use my Model 1 Genny + Power Base Converter. I don't have to deal with all the power bricks just to play a Genesis game. Just pop the PBC off for Genesis games, of course.

 

If I want to play Sega CD or 32X games, I use my Model 2 Genesis + Model 2 Sega CD + 32X.

 

I've had issues with playing Genesis games through the 32X so that's why I use the Model 1 (plus I just like the design).

 

Genesis is so cheap because it wasnt as popular as SNES or N64

 

Nintendo destroyed Sega.

 

Sega sucked until the Dreamcast came out, and that was killed by Sony.

 

what other big titles did Sega Genesis release that were exclusive titles?

 

What I love about AtariAge is that trolls like this typically don't stick around for too long. They either get bored that few people feed them or they get banned.

[+Psionic]

The earliest consoles have "High Definition Graphics" boldly printed on top, and most importantly, do not have TMSS, a routine Sega later implemented for verifying that any game cart was "officially licensed" by Sega for the system. These consoles tend to be the more highly valued among Genesis systems because they play even the earliest 3rd party games from EA. TMSS systems will not play some early EA games, so be forewarned.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to pick up one of these units if you come across one, but calling them "highly valued" is a bit of a stretch. There's only a very small group of games that cause problems...Budokan, Populous, and Zany Golf by Electronic Arts won't work, nor will Ishido and Onslaught by Accolade/Ballistic. Unless you're planning on playing any of those, I wouldn't worry too much about TMSS. You can always use a Game Genie to bypass it, if need be.

 

Finally, there is the smallest of the Genesis consoles, the model III, released in the later 1990's by Majesco under license from Sega. These are somewhat sought after because of their smaller footprint. They simply take up less shelf space on your entertainment center. Only thing to be warned about on the model II's is that they are not compatible with tghe Sega CD or 32X peripheral add-ons. Also, there is something different about the CPU chip in these that does not allow them to play Virtua Racing and a couple others.

The Genesis 3 is also nice because you can play Japanese Mega Drive cartridges on it without the bother of filing the cartridge slot (or using a Game Genie).

[tz101]

^

One issue with TMSS is that it wastes time every time you start a game. Like the Colecovision start-up screen, it becomes frustrating over the years. If you plan on doing much gaming and keeping your Genesis/Mega Drive around for many years, the lack of TMSS will really be appreciated.

 

About the Japanese Mega Drive games: Sega had no software region coding built into the systems. There are a few options for playing Japanese games on US systems. One, like mentioned is to use a Genesis 3 console. Another is to plug the Mega Drive cartridge through a Game Genie into the genesis 1 or 2 console. Finally, if you have the 32X add-on plugged onto your Genesis 1 or 2 system, the slot is large enough to accept the larger form of Japanese MD carts.

 

This can be important because there are many good Japanese Genesis titles available.

[SlowCoder]

One issue with TMSS is that it wastes time every time you start a game. Like the Colecovision start-up screen, it becomes frustrating over the years. If you plan on doing much gaming and keeping your Genesis/Mega Drive around for many years, the lack of TMSS will really be appreciated.

 

This I don't care too much about. Heck, I have to wait for my PS3 to boot (30 seconds?), then for whatever game to load (1 minute?). I don't have any problems waiting 10 seconds for a game.

 

You guys are really great! You know your Sega! I'm soaking it all up.

[jumbojohnny]

How is my opinion trolling?

 

All of what has been said is all peoples opinions, so does that make this entire thread a Trolling thread?

 

IF there is a problem with my opinion then ban me...I dont care. Its not like I use this site for the bulk of my sales or trades, so what I am going to lose out on? A few people thinking that their opinion is better than my own and therefore I am the troll?

 

Aside from that what terms of service have I violated? What grounds would I have to be banned? Somebody please educate me on this.

Edited November 4, 2010 by jumbojohnny

[mbd30]

How is my opinion trolling?

 

All of what has been said is all peoples opinions, so does that make this entire thread a Trolling thread?

 

IF there is a problem with my opinion then ban me...I dont care. Its not like I use this site for the bulk of my sales or trades, so what I am going to lose out on? A few people thinking that their opinion is better than my own and therefore I am the troll?

 

Aside from that what terms of service have I violated? What grounds would I have to be banned? Somebody please educate me on this.

 

The only part of your post that IMO seemed legit trollish was that Nintendo somehow "destroyed" Sega during the 16-bit era. If you only mean in terms of quality then fine, that is your opinion. If you mean in terms of mainstream success and sales, that is nothing but silly Nintendo fanboy historical revisionism.

[nathanallan]

How is my opinion trolling?

 

All of what has been said is all peoples opinions, so does that make this entire thread a Trolling thread?

 

IF there is a problem with my opinion then ban me...I dont care. Its not like I use this site for the bulk of my sales or trades, so what I am going to lose out on? A few people thinking that their opinion is better than my own and therefore I am the troll?

 

Aside from that what terms of service have I violated? What grounds would I have to be banned? Somebody please educate me on this.

Mentioning this as not being the bulk of your sales tells me that you are only here to sell to people and have little interest in gaming itself.

 

I am sure glad I was not that kind of seller; I love this stuff.

[SlowCoder]

I am respectfully requesting that you guys don't turn my thread into a fight for who's right and who's wrong. I'd like to keep it light. Thanks.

[Chuck D. Head]

I am respectfully requesting that you guys don't turn my thread into a fight for who's right and who's wrong. I'd like to keep it light. Thanks.

Geez yeah...some days it feels like were back in the schoolyard with dumbass kids saying dumbass kid things. I love both companies and their systems; there is so much to play on each. For me, one of the cool things for Sega is how common it is to find the games in their way-cool cases with instructions intact. So, who cares what system is best, I'm gonna play me some Toe Jam and Earl. Morgan

[mbd30]

It's amusing how the SNES vs Genesis debate can still be heated after all these years.

[+thegoldenband]

There's only a very small group of games that cause problems...Budokan, Populous, and Zany Golf by Electronic Arts won't work, nor will Ishido and Onslaught by Accolade/Ballistic. Unless you're planning on playing any of those, I wouldn't worry too much about TMSS. You can always use a Game Genie to bypass it, if need be.

There are also some Chinese pirate/unlicensed games that don't get along with the Model 2 (or any system with TMSS). Based on testing with the Everdrive and feedback from folks at Sega-16, there are about 15 games that'll work if you add a Game Genie (or turn off "hard reset" on the Everdrive), and about six games that won't work on the Model 2 at all. The latter category might be fixable if someone patches the ROM, but that hasn't happened yet.

 

(Of course you're probably not chomping at the bit to play "Pretty Girl Mahjongg" or "777 Casino", but still.)

 

Note also that the American release at Budokan doesn't work at all on the Model 2. I could be wrong about this, but I had zero luck getting the ROM to work on my Model 2 or Nomad, with or without a Game Genie. However, the Euro version works fine.

Edited November 4, 2010 by thegoldenband

[tz101]

Note also that the American release at Budokan doesn't work at all on the Model 2. I could be wrong about this, but I had zero luck getting the ROM to work on my Model 2 or Nomad, with or without a Game Genie. However, the Euro version works fine.

 

 

It is due to TMSS on the model 2. Evidently, the European version of Budokan addressed that problem.

[+thegoldenband]

It is due to TMSS on the model 2.

Yes, as with the others mentioned, but there's something extra going on with Budokan since it refuses to work even with a Game Genie. In the discussion at Sega-16, Eke-Eke mentioned that there were two phases to the lockout: having the "SEGA" string in the header, and writing "SEGA" to the TMSS register before accessing the VDP. The Russian and Chinese pirate carts that fail completely on TMSS systems, even with a Game Genie attached, are apparently overwriting or clearing that register after the GG sets it for them. Maybe Budokan is doing the same thing.

[tz101]

...but there's something extra going on with Budokan since it refuses to work even with a Game Genie.

 

This is educational. I was not aware that the early EA and Accolade carts would work with a TMSS system, even with Game Genie. So Game Genie trumps TMSS for those games?

[+Psionic]

It is due to TMSS on the model 2.

Yes, as with the others mentioned, but there's something extra going on with Budokan since it refuses to work even with a Game Genie. In the discussion at Sega-16, Eke-Eke mentioned that there were two phases to the lockout: having the "SEGA" string in the header, and writing "SEGA" to the TMSS register before accessing the VDP. The Russian and Chinese pirate carts that fail completely on TMSS systems, even with a Game Genie attached, are apparently overwriting or clearing that register after the GG sets it for them. Maybe Budokan is doing the same thing.

It's possible. As you indicate, it's not quite so simple as one would think. It could be something weird that has little or nothing to do with TMSS. You have to remember that those first three EA titles were released as fully licensed games, but were actually developed before EA had a licensing agreement with Sega (using the same reverse-engineering techniques that Accolade had used to develop Ishido). Although from what I've read, there seems to be at least some copies of the game that will work on later TMSS consoles. So apparently whatever the problem was, it seems that it was eventually corrected. I don't have a Genesis 2 (or most of these games) but I'll have to look into this further, as now I'm curious.

 

This is educational. I was not aware that the early EA and Accolade carts would work with a TMSS system, even with Game Genie. So Game Genie trumps TMSS for those games?

It should in theory, but as I alluded to above, there are multiple variables in play here, some having nothing to do with TMSS.

 

In addition to the titles in question being developed in an 'unlicensed' setting using reverse-engineering with no dev kit, the situation is further complicated by all the board revisions that the Genesis console had. It may be certain board revisions that are having problems. (At least some of these board revisions were likely attempts by Sega to lockout devices like the Game Genie itself, as well as unlicensed game titles, so that may be in play here as well in some cases.)

[TheGameCollector]

I have no interest in "collectability" other than collecting fun stuff that's in good shape and that I'll have fun with now and again. I really like the model 2. The old model is huge and clunky to me (just an opinion) with no stereo output on the AV cable. The Genesis 3 just looks and feels (and is) cheap to me, and the incompatibility with the 32X and Virtua Racing cartridges are turn-offs as V.R. (with or without 32x) is (to me) a huge feather in the Genesis' cap, and the 32x is a nice toy since you're getting a Genesis anyway; it's not like they're $149 anymore (mine was $6). The model 3 also comes with a monaural A/V cable - not a big deal to put it in the garbage and buy another, though.

 

Of course, none of this is for an investment. I think I'd turn to gold coins if I wanted to really collect for investment. I just collect for fun.

 

My solution to get stereo sound on a model 1 is to just plug a cord from the headphone jack into the L & R inputs on my audio receiver. Best way to get good stereo sound out of any Genesis and on nice big speakers.

[nathanallan]

My solution to get stereo sound on a model 1 is to just plug a cord from the headphone jack into the L & R inputs on my audio receiver. Best way to get good stereo sound out of any Genesis and on nice big speakers.

 

This works great! When I had the stereo I had it lined in to it, and got awesome sound from it-- very loud! Sonic getting rings could be heard two doors down

[chrisbid]

I have no interest in "collectability" other than collecting fun stuff that's in good shape and that I'll have fun with now and again. I really like the model 2. The old model is huge and clunky to me (just an opinion) with no stereo output on the AV cable. The Genesis 3 just looks and feels (and is) cheap to me, and the incompatibility with the 32X and Virtua Racing cartridges are turn-offs as V.R. (with or without 32x) is (to me) a huge feather in the Genesis' cap, and the 32x is a nice toy since you're getting a Genesis anyway; it's not like they're $149 anymore (mine was $6). The model 3 also comes with a monaural A/V cable - not a big deal to put it in the garbage and buy another, though.

 

Of course, none of this is for an investment. I think I'd turn to gold coins if I wanted to really collect for investment. I just collect for fun.

 

 

 

if you are really intested in sound quality, you really need to pick up a model 1.

 

http://arcade.ym2149.com/megadrive/