sega master system recommendations

professor ganson · Post by **professor ganson** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:00 am

Anything worthwhile on this system? Also, which shmups, if any, are essential?

szycag · Post by **szycag** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:34 am

Power Strike II is great, I think it's an exclusive
Power Strike 1 = Aleste but Aleste 2 != Power Strike II

Castle of Illusion, Golden Axe Warrior... nothing awesome to be honest

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:44 am

I like these:

for 'Adventure/Role Playing:
Spellcaster
Miracle Warriors
Y's
Golden Axe Warrior
Phantasy Star (obvious)

for 'Action':
Golvellius
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy in Monster Land
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap
Kenseiden
Captain Silver
Psycho Fox
Alex Kidd in Miracle World

for 'Arcade'
Shinobi
Out Run
After Burner
Time Soldiers
Alien Syndrome

Shooting:
Cloud Master
Aerial Assult
Transbot
Power Strike

Other games:
Maze Hunter 3D (need 3D glasses)
Zaxxon 3D (need 3D glasses)
Rescue Mission (need Sega Light Phaser)

Many Genesis games were ported to Sega Master System but I feel the 16 bit games are better overall than the 8 bit

Strider
Golden Axe
Ghouls & Ghosts
Moonwalker
Columns (this is still pretty good for SMS)
Sonic the Hedgehog
Mickey Mouse - Castle of Illusion (it is a solid title still)
Spiderman (vs. Kingpin)

DISCLAIMER
I am in USA so my game play knowlege and experience is come from games of USA region.
Europe (especially United Kingdom) is have far more Sega Master System releases, many which are of high quailty. I am confident one of our fellow blokes can enlighten better.

jp · Post by jp » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:59 am

Power Strike and Power Strike II are phenomenal!!!

R-Type is pretty good on the SMS. Wonder Boy III: Dragon's Trap is amazing. Golvellius is a really good Zelda clone. Alex Kidd in Miracle World is AWESOME!!!! Sonic Chaos is pretty good. Zaxxon 3-D is cool.

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:01 am

Doh!
I totally forget R-Type

R-Type is quality on the Sega Master System (but I am prefer the TG16 version

but SMS is still good!)

Ed Oscuro · Post by **Ed Oscuro** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:16 am

ALEX KIDD IN SHINOBI WORLD YEEHAW

be aware that the US version (which I have) is much more spendy and looks slightly different from the European/UK version

Herr Schatten · Post by **Herr Schatten** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:50 am

jp wrote:Alex Kidd in Miracle World is AWESOME!!!!

Thank you!

Also, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 are not ports of the Mega Drive/Genesis games, but have completely different levels. I think that at least part 1 is a better game than the 16-bit Sonic 1. Part 2 is at least very different and quite original. Sonic Chaos I didn't like. It's way too easy and the jerky scrolling makes my eyes bleed.

Master of Darkness is a nice Castlevania clone. Nothing exceptional, but very well worth playing.

The enhanced port of Bubble Bobble is pretty cool, too.

Turrican · Post by **Turrican** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:12 am

Herr Schatten wrote:Master of Darkness is a nice Castlevania clone. Nothing exceptional, but very well worth playing.

Master of Darkness is quite hot. Igarashi should've dumped the whole 1800's vanias and replace them with this one, there's much more consistency and style!

Power Strike II is mandatory, Lucky Dime Caper is the best Disney platformer ever, Impossible Mission is also a very cool port.

D · Post by D » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:24 am

Look, just get these three:
Shinobi
Wonderboy III
Wonderboy IV
Once you get these we can look further.

Herr Schatten · Post by **Herr Schatten** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:42 am

D wrote:Wonderboy III
Wonderboy IV

Eh? There are only 3 Wonderboy games for the Master System. Wonderboy, Wonderboy in Monster Land and Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap. (Not counting the terrible port of Wonderboy in Monsterworld.) Where do you get that part IV from?

I just realized that nobody mentioned Zillion yet. Get that, professor, it's awesome.

Ed Oscuro · Post by **Ed Oscuro** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:34 am

My favorite thing about Zillion is the music. Other than that, I dunno (don't really like the original Metroid, either).

I have a Zillion teacup, though.

azmun · Post by **azmun** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:08 am

My top SMS games are:

The Ninja
Golvellius
Fantasy Zone II
Gangster Town
Black Belt
Miracle Warriors
Alex Kidd in Miracle world
Zillion
Phantasy Star

D · Post by D » Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:30 am

Herr Schatten wrote:
D wrote:Wonderboy III
Wonderboy IV
Eh? There are only 3 Wonderboy games for the Master System. Wonderboy, Wonderboy in Monster Land and Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap. (Not counting the terrible port of Wonderboy in Monsterworld.) Where do you get that part IV from?

So you don't count a game if it is bad? interesting. I guess you contradicted yourself and answered your own question.
Why is it a bad port? It has the, if not one of the most stunning visuals on the Master System. It is a bit short, but it is a gem. I rather play the SMS version than the genesis version, because all the sprites are larger on the SMS.

Herr Schatten · Post by **Herr Schatten** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:59 am

D wrote:Why is it a bad port?

The range of your sword is much too short in the MS port, which affects the playability heavily. It's probably one of the last games I'd recommend to someone who's looking for good games for the system.

Good graphics != good game.

And yes, you're totally right. I contradicted myself. I guess I was too confused by the number IV you used, because afaik there is no Wonderboy IV, just two different IIIs. The one you are referring to is usually considered to be part V.

SAM · Post by **SAM** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:24 am

Fantasy Zone

D · Post by D » Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:44 am

Herr Schatten wrote:
D wrote:Why is it a bad port?
The range of your sword is much too short in the MS port, which affects the playability heavily. It's probably one of the last games I'd recommend to someone who's looking for good games for the system.
Good graphics != good game. And yes, you're totally right. I contradicted myself. I guess I was too confused by the number IV you used, because afaik there is no Wonderboy IV, just two different IIIs. The one you are referring to is usually considered to be part V.

That range is just in the beginning of the game, later everything is alright. That is an actual shortcoming, but true wb fans will just deal with it.
Good graphics do not make a good game, but the graphics are good and so is the game. I thought this one was regarded as part IV. I am aware of some strange sequel numbers in the wonderboy franchise

But OK enough is enough, you don't like the game, I was blown away by it. Few probably even know about it/played it. And the comment about the Megadrive version being better goes for alot of games that were listed in this thread. But for this one I don't know, It's the exact same game. Some sections have very slight cuts in the Master system, but it all comes down to same thing and AFAIK few things are missing.
The best thing to do is probably buy a Japanese PS3 and get the sega ages and play it through hdmi. But the thread is about sms games for the sms.
Kenseiden is also recommended.

Post by **Shatterhand** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:47 pm

There are at least 2 games that were available on the Mega-Drive, but the Master System version is better:

Castle of Illusion and California Games.

I would go as far to say that Calfiornia Games on the SMS is the best version available.

I don't have anything to recommend that haven't already be mentioned. Hmm.. maybe The Lucky Dime Caper , sweet disney platform starrting Donald Duck.

Herr Schatten · Post by **Herr Schatten** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:54 pm

Shatterhand wrote:Castle of Illusion and California Games.

But isn't Castle of Illusion a completely different game than the MD version, just like Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 are? (I haven't played either version of CoI, shame on me.) If that's the case, I guess the games shouldn't really be compared only because they share the same name.

I agree on California games. The SMS version is the best.

Mortificator · Post by **Mortificator** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:06 pm

My favorite SMS game's Ninja Gaiden. It's original, not a port, though the mechanics and style are similar to the NES games.

The R-Type port's pretty good, and it's significant for being ported by Compile, who added a totally new stage.

Post by **Shatterhand** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:07 pm

Yes, you have a point. They are very different. The SMS version also is longer, it takes a while to finish it. It's also a lot more challenging.. and the level design is just a lot more inspired.

D · Post by D » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:19 pm

Mortificator wrote:My favorite SMS game's Ninja Gaiden. It's original, not a port, though the mechanics and style are similar to the NES games.

Perhaps if it is the only game you ever played on the SMS.

It's not that bad, but by no means a classic. Joe hisahsi from shinobi kicks ninja gaiden's guy's ass. I can picture Joe now, whipping him relentless with his chain.

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:37 pm

- Power Strike (Aleste)
- Power Strike II (pal exclusive)
- Kenseiden
- Golvellius
- Master of Darkness
- Alex Kidd
- Ashura (jp)/Secret Command (pal)/Rambo: First Blood Part II (us)
- Shadow Dancer (only console port that resembles the arcade version)
- Rastan (the only console port, I believe)

Don't get the Wonderboys on SMS, get the PS2 Sega Ages Monster World Collection instead, much better value.

FRO · Post by **FRO** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:52 pm

I really like the SMS conversions of Shinobi & Rastan. For shmupping action, don't forget Bomber Raid - decent 1942/1943-esque shmup with an interesting weapon system. Not nearly up to par w/ 1943, mind you, but a solid, fun shmup nonetheless.

D · Post by D » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:04 pm

CIT wrote:- Shadow Dancer (only console port that resembles the arcade version)

Well put. This also is the most impressive game, hardware wise on the Master System. It plays a bit choppy, but it's an ok game. Shinobi is a million times better regardless of pushing the system further than it ever went before with Shadow dancer.

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:13 pm

CIT wrote: - Shadow Dancer (only console port that resembles the arcade version)
- Rastan (the only console port, I believe)

I don't know how SMS or arcade Shadow Dancer is play but Shadow Dancer is also on Sega Genesis

How do I forget Rastan!?!?
I still need to track down this title. I like it much though arcade people say Sega Master System Rastan is garbage (but then apparent any game not arcade is garbage

)

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:19 pm

Sonic R wrote:I don't know how SMS or arcade Shadow Dancer is play but Shadow Dancer is also on Sega Genesis

Yeah, but Megadrive Shadow Dancer has completely different levels, so as to make it an entirely different game from Arcade/SMS.

How do I forget Rastan!?!?
I still need to track down this title. I like it much though arcade people say Sega Master System Rastan is garbage (but then apparent any game not arcade is garbage )

Compared to the arcade it's garbage yeah, but as far as SMS games go, I think it's pretty good.

It's so disappointing the PC Engine never got a port of Rastan Saga - could've been nearly arcade perfect. Instead it got Rastan II instead - bleurgh!

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:56 pm

CIT wrote:
Sonic R wrote:I don't know how SMS or arcade Shadow Dancer is play but Shadow Dancer is also on Sega Genesis
Yeah, but Megadrive Shadow Dancer has completely different levels, so as to make it an entirely different game from Arcade/SMS.

Ah, I don't play any other version of Shadow Dancer so I don't know about them - interesting to learn - I will look to check out the SMS Shadow Dancer - I don't play the emulation in the past because I thought it to be a port of Genesis Shadow Dancer

CIT wrote:

How do I forget Rastan!?!?
I still need to track down this title. I like it much though arcade people say Sega Master System Rastan is garbage (but then apparent any game not arcade is garbage )
Compared to the arcade it's garbage yeah, but as far as SMS games go, I think it's pretty good.

It's so disappointing the PC Engine never got a port of Rastan Saga - could've been nearly arcade perfect. Instead it got Rastan II instead - bleurgh!

I can agree that Rastan II on the Genesis is bleh

I am sure PC Engine can do hack and slash good just like The Legendary Axe and Legendary Axe II

jp · Post by jp » Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:34 pm

CIT wrote: Don't get the Wonderboys on SMS, get the PS2 Sega Ages Monster World Collection instead, much better value.

Erm... don't you need to the ability to read or something to play through Wonderboy? At least, for Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap having english text seemed to help.

BrianC · Post by **BrianC** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:15 pm

jp wrote:
CIT wrote: Don't get the Wonderboys on SMS, get the PS2 Sega Ages Monster World Collection instead, much better value.
Erm... don't you need to the ability to read or something to play through Wonderboy? At least, for Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap having english text seemed to help.

From what I heard, that collection has the English SMS Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap and the US Genesis Wonderboy in Monster World, but no English SMS Wonderboy in Monster Land. I also heard that, for the most part, Wonderboy in Monster Land/Super Wonder Boy in Monster World (AC/SMS) and Monster World IV are playable without knowledge of Japanese, though there are a couple places where characters ask questions in those games. Barely any text in the versions of the original Wonderboy and Monster Lair, so no worries about those.

I can agree that Rastan II on the Genesis is bleh

Rastan Saga II on any system is bleh, even at the arcades. The game actually deserved the localized name of "Nastar Warrior". "Nastar" fits the game much better than "Rastan".

CIT · Post by **CIT** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:50 pm

jp wrote:
CIT wrote: Don't get the Wonderboys on SMS, get the PS2 Sega Ages Monster World Collection instead, much better value.
Erm... don't you need to the ability to read or something to play through Wonderboy? At least, for Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap having english text seemed to help.

As BrianC says, the collection contains every Sega version of every Wonderboy ever released, with the sole exception of the English Monster Land 1 (not that much text comprehension is required for that one anyway). So yeah, all the Genesis/US-SMS releases are included too. Plus shitloads of extras, from superplays and original manual scans to a ton of display and resolution options, and all for around $20. IMO it is the single awesomest retro collection currently available.