Genesis Imports

[BrianC]

I just got a Game Genie and I'm interested in getting some imports for my Genesis. Unfortunetly, some seem to be selling for a bit high. Here are some imports I'm interested in:

Micro Machines Turbo Tournament '96-sells for cheap and has no region protection, but there is that issue with it being a PAL game. How does it play on NTSC TVs?

Super Fantasy Zone-There is only one Japanese version of ebay right now and it's from a PAL seller at a possibly higher price than it's worth. How much does the Japanese version usually sell for? The PAL version sells for cheap and apparantly has no region protection or optimization problems. Is this correct?

Monster World IV-Apparantly sells at mid ranged prices, but I would like to get a better idea of the price point. Has region protection, but I have Game Genie, so no worries there.

Alien Soldier-Japanese version is expensive with the only Japanese seller selling it for over 200 dollars. Yikes! Is it really worth that much? PAL version is cheaper, but has PAL optimization. Would a switch on my Genesis for 50-60 Hz solve this problem? Again, I can just use Game Genie to bypass region protection.

Yu Yu Hakusho, the Treasure one: Another expensive game that I would need to use my Game Genie with. Is it worth it?

Wonder Boy III Monster Lair: I'm not sure on the price point on this one, but I love the Adventure Island games, which this plays more like than the other Wonder Boy sequels.

Puyo Puyo: Apparantly has no region protection or price issues. I have Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, but this version actually has other differences besides cosmetic ones and I'm interested in playing the original with the originals graphics and game balance.

Volfied: Apparantly sells for cheap in complete condition and seems to be somewhat easier to find than Ultimate Qix. Not sure if it has region protection, though.

[azmun]

Can't really comment on the other megadrive games on your list except for two. I used to own Super Fantasy Zone several years ago but sold it (can't remember how much). It was a pretty solid game. If you've ever played the arcade or the sega master systems versions (part 2 is the best in my opinion) then you have a good idea of how this one is.

Yu Yu Hakusho on the other hand is a keeper and is one of my all time favorite fighters. Very easy to pick up but difficult to master. However, you really ought to have a multi-tap, four controllers and 3 buddies to maximize this game's design. Consequently, it's a great party game (along the ranks of Saturn Bomberman). That said, I couldn't quantify this game's worth (it's priceless). This is really a difficult question to answer since it depends on what your viewpoint is. In general, prices probably reflect more of how rare or limited supply a game is, rather than being related to gameplay (which itself is very subjective).

[Neon]

You really should look into Sensible Soccer as well. Fun with great music (music emulation is poor in Gens, try Kega)

[BrianC]

Can't really comment on the other megadrive games on your list except for two. I used to own Super Fantasy Zone several years ago but sold it (can't remember how much). It was a pretty solid game. If you've ever played the arcade or the sega master systems versions (part 2 is the best in my opinion) then you have a good idea of how this one is.

Yu Yu Hakusho on the other hand is a keeper and is one of my all time favorite fighters. Very easy to pick up but difficult to master. However, you really ought to have a multi-tap, four controllers and 3 buddies to maximize this game's design. Consequently, it's a great party game (along the ranks of Saturn Bomberman). That said, I couldn't quantify this game's worth (it's priceless). This is really a difficult question to answer since it depends on what your viewpoint is. In general, prices probably reflect more of how rare or limited supply a game is, rather than being related to gameplay (which itself is very subjective).

oh ok. I played Super Fantasy Zone on a rom and I love the original Fantasy Zone. Edit: I decided to go ahead and import the PAL Super Fantasy Zone. More than one source suggested that it should work fine on a US Genesis.

Yu Yu Hakusho definatly sounds worthy. I love what I have seen of the anime and the game sounds like it does the anime proud, or maybe even 1ups it.

Sensible Soccer? Isn't that on SNES and GB too. Wasn't it released in the US with a different name? How does the Genesis one compare to the other versions?

One thing I noticed that seemed a bit odd when I tried Monster World IV on a rom. Apparantly, it's compatible with European Mega Drives without game genie or similar codes, but not the US Genesis. It seems a bit slowed down in PAL mode (at least that's what the emulator suggests), though.

I found out that the Japanese Mega Drive Heavy Unit sells for cheap. Should I go for it?

[Diabollokus]

sensible soccer was also on the mega-cd.

Alien soldier is a must very hard! worth the money just to fight 7th force.
about 35 quid pal

[Nei First]

Battlemania 2, Gleylancer and El Viento, real good import games for the MD.

Alien soldier is nice too, real nice. The crazy action reminds me a little of Gunstarr Heroes.

[llabnip]

Puyo Puyo: Apparantly has no region protection or price issues. I have Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, but this version actually has other differences besides cosmetic ones and I'm interested in playing the original with the originals graphics and game balance.

You really want Puyo Puyo 2 (TSU). It's far better than the original because it HAS garbage cancelation. This is a key component to Puyo Puyo. I have every version up to Puyo Puyon (4) for the Dreamcast, and the gameplay has remained basically the same with the exception of the quantum leap in grabage cancellation between the first Puyo Puyo games (of which DRMBM and Kirby's Avalance are derived) and the second round of games (of which Puyo Puyo 2/TSU is the basis... Puyo Pop for the GBA is based on PP2 and Puyo Puyo SUN for the Saturn is the third major incarnation with Puyon on the DC being the fourth... these latter 2 just add better graphics and a few new modes but nothing earth shattering... PP2 has the largest cast of characters as well).

Puyo Puyo 2 came out for the Megadrive... and for the Saturn (under the name Puyo Puyo TSU). The Saturn also sports what I consider to be the best of the series in Puyo Puyo SUN - but I love them all.

[Turrican]

BrianC, I remember you asked me about Micromachines TT 96.

You'll be happy to know that I just bought one. I'll pass to pick it up fron the store and I'll let you know how does it fare on 60hz.

[Herr Schatten]

Monster World IV comes highly recommended.

[BrianC]

Puyo Puyo: Apparantly has no region protection or price issues. I have Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, but this version actually has other differences besides cosmetic ones and I'm interested in playing the original with the originals graphics and game balance.

You really want Puyo Puyo 2 (TSU). It's far better than the original because it HAS garbage cancelation. This is a key component to Puyo Puyo. I have every version up to Puyo Puyon (4) for the Dreamcast, and the gameplay has remained basically the same with the exception of the quantum leap in grabage cancellation between the first Puyo Puyo games (of which DRMBM and Kirby's Avalance are derived) and the second round of games (of which Puyo Puyo 2/TSU is the basis... Puyo Pop for the GBA is based on PP2 and Puyo Puyo SUN for the Saturn is the third major incarnation with Puyon on the DC being the fourth... these latter 2 just add better graphics and a few new modes but nothing earth shattering... PP2 has the largest cast of characters as well).

Puyo Puyo 2 came out for the Megadrive... and for the Saturn (under the name Puyo Puyo TSU). The Saturn also sports what I consider to be the best of the series in Puyo Puyo SUN - but I love them all.

I'm not too interested in the Genesis Puyo Puyo Tsu because I have Super Puyo Puyo Tsu Remix for SNES and Puyo Puyo Tsu for the GG. The GG version has very good graphics for the Game Gear and plays great, though it's barebones like the Genesis version. The SNES Remix has much more than the Genesis version. Tsu may be the better game, but I like the original too. I don't have the original with the original graphics, though I have Kirby's Avalanche and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. I am planning to get the GB b/w Puyo Puyo Tsu, though.

I also like Puyo Puyo Sun. I have the N64 version of it. Oddly enough, the Saturn translation faq actually worked for it. I like how it has three different paths for the story mode, though Puyo Puyo Fever does this too. I also like the GBA Puyo Puyo Fever quite a bit. Puyo Pop GBA is good, but a bit too easy.

Battlemania 2, Gleylancer and El Viento, real good import games for the MD. Cool

Alien soldier is nice too, real nice. The crazy action reminds me a little of Gunstarr Heroes.

El Viento is available in the US, but since you mentioned it, is there something missing in the US version? Battlemania 2 is one I'm interested in, but I'm worried about the high price. Same deal with Gleylancer and Alien Soldier. The problem with Alien Soldier is that the only ebay sellers with the Japanese version have it for over 200 dollars. I'm interested in knowing how playable the PAL Alien Soldier is on US systems. I heard it plays too fast, but would a mod switch for PAL/NTSC solve this problem?

BrianC, I remember you asked me about Micromachines TT 96.

You'll be happy to know that I just bought one. I'll pass to pick it up fron the store and I'll let you know how does it fare on 60hz.

Thanks for heads up. I liked what I tried of the game on emulation.

[Ganelon]

El Viento is available in the US, but since you mentioned it, is there something missing in the US version?

No, there are no gameplay differences at least. I'm guessing that was mention just an oversight.

Anyway, if you like RPGs, Langrisser II and Surging Aura are musts. Langrisser II (sequel to Langrisser/Warsong) is by far the best SRPG on the MD and Surging Aura only has PSII-IV to compete against in the field of traditional RPGs (in fact, it's based off of PSIV's engine).

[BrianC]

El Viento is available in the US, but since you mentioned it, is there something missing in the US version?

No, there are no gameplay differences at least. I'm guessing that was mention just an oversight.

Anyway, if you like RPGs, Langrisser II and Surging Aura are musts. Langrisser II (sequel to Langrisser/Warsong) is by far the best SRPG on the MD and Surging Aura only has PSII-IV to compete against in the field of traditional RPGs (in fact, it's based off of PSIV's engine).

I'm a bit worried about the language barrier in those. I am tempted to tough it out with these games, though I still would miss out on the story.

[Ganelon]

Well, Surging Aura I can understand but Langrisser II is strictly a scenario-based SRPG with no movement outside battle, feeling more like Military Madness than a free-roaming SRPG like Shining Force II. Yeah, you may miss out on the fairly generic epic story but you'll have the awesome gameplay, which I feel should be the meat of an SRPG (though you may disagree).

Have you played the first Langrisser (Warsong)? The second game is very similar except the combat algorithms are a lot more refined, there are more units, and the game looks and sounds far better.

[BrianC]

Well, Surging Aura I can understand but Langrisser II is strictly a scenario-based SRPG with no movement outside battle, feeling more like Military Madness than a free-roaming SRPG like Shining Force II. Yeah, you may miss out on the fairly generic epic story but you'll have the awesome gameplay, which I feel should be the meat of an SRPG (though you may disagree).

Have you played the first Langrisser (Warsong)? The second game is very similar except the combat algorithms are a lot more refined, there are more units, and the game looks and sounds far better.

Ahh. Thanks for the info. Maybe I should try importing the older Fire Emblem games too. I haven't played the first Langrisser. I should try and find it. How much does the second game usually sell for?

[Ganelon]

About $10 last I checked on Ebay for a complete copy of Langrisser II. The game was really popular so it was never all that rare. Warsong, however, is fairly rare being an early US Genesis title and all and may go for $20-35 complete.

If you can play SFC imports, Der Langrisser is also a solid choice although you'll have to make decisions in that game to choose what path you'll take (but those decisions are translated in FAQs I believe). Fire Emblem actually takes a bit longer to fully understand since there's more extraneous factors there and plenty of decisions to make in the later titles.

[Nei First]

Yeah sorry my mistake man, El viento is available in the US.

I've played the JAP and PAL version of Alien soldier. I found them both very playable, but I don't know how well a US system would play them. My guess is a mod switch would solve the game speed problem (if there is one), since essentially you're tricking the system into thinking it is a JAP/PAL system. I can't say 100% for sure though.

Does anyone else have more info on this?

[BrianC]

About $10 last I checked on Ebay for a complete copy of Langrisser II. The game was really popular so it was never all that rare. Warsong, however, is fairly rare being an early US Genesis title and all and may go for $20-35 complete.

If you can play SFC imports, Der Langrisser is also a solid choice although you'll have to make decisions in that game to choose what path you'll take (but those decisions are translated in FAQs I believe). Fire Emblem actually takes a bit longer to fully understand since there's more extraneous factors there and plenty of decisions to make in the later titles.

Thanks for the info. I'll definatly look in to importing Langrisser II. I saw a couple Der Langrissers on ebay for dirt cheap in great condition, so I'm definatly interested in importing that one too. As you can tell from some of my previous posts, I definatly have my SNES set up for importing (nobody replied to my topic about Goemon 4 SFC. A pity, since I think it's definatly an overlooked game that is all around excellent).

[Shatterhand]

Sensible Soccer is much better on it's original form, on Amiga.

But the Mega-Drive version is worthy.

And Yuyu Hakusho is golden...

[BrianC]

Thanks for the info. I wish I had a better idea of pricing for some of the games. I'm assuming that the Japanese versions of Super Fantasy Zone, Monster Lair, and Monster World IV go for low to mid ranged prices, but I'm not 100% on this. If I get one of the higher priced games, it will be like a once in awhile thing and maybe only one, though Treasure's Yu Yu Hakusho, Gleylancer, Battlemania 2, Alien Soldier, Alcon/Slap Fight MD, and Eliminate Down all sound like worthy games. Alien Solider is definatly a game I want to put some thought into before buying. With the PAL version, I doubt it will play as well on a US Genesis as the NTSC Japanese one, but the NTSC Japanese one sells as much as over 200 dollars. Gunstar is much cheaper and not too far off in terms of quality, from what I tried.

I'm real curious about that Monster World IV working on PAL consoles, but not on US ones thing (at least that's the impression I got from using the emulator). What's up with that?

Out of curiousity, which saga is the Yu Yu Hakusho game from Treasure based on?

[Herr Schatten]

I'm real curious about that Monster World IV working on PAL consoles, but not on US ones thing (at least that's the impression I got from using the emulator). What's up with that?

I think that really might only be the emulator. It will run on my PAL MD only when I set the converter cart to "Japan". "USA" and "Brazil" settings do not work. I can't tell you anything about how it works on a PAL MD in the native region setting, as the Monster World IV cart doesn't fit in the cart slot, but it would indeed be very strange if it worked in the European setting but not in any of the other non-japanese ones.

I like to hear more about that, though. You digged up a very interesting thing.

[PepsimanVsJoe]

Can't believe this thread went so long without a mention of PULSEMAN.
It's a brilliant little action-platformer where your main ability is using electricity to ricochet off walls to progress. Shame the developers went on to create nothing but Pokemon games but eh. Kind of pricey on ebay though. I got lucky and scored this complete and a cart only "THOR"(Beyond Oasis) for about $37.

Monster World IV as in green-haired girl and her cute pet? That game fetches absolutely monsterous(oops) prices on ebay(You're looking at $75-100 at least). Amazing game though even if the game is rather cryptic regarding progress(A translation exists if you're willing to take the rom route however).

YuYu Hakusho can be considered a "prequel" to Guardian Heroes. It uses the same engine except for being four players instead of six. Fantastic game as expected with some well done sprite scaling effects. Not sure about Saga but it features all of the most well-known characters. There was also an interactive manga-esque YuYu game for the Megadrive. Cheaper price but gameplay isn't nearly as good.

There is little reason to pick up most of the Megadrive games that have US versions as for the most part little is changed. One rare exception however is Bare Knuckle 3. If you can stand the prices it goes for the it is preferable IMO to the genesis version. For one the characters keep their original outfit colors(Axel is wearing his white shirt and blue jeans instead of the piss yellow shirt and black jeans). There's also an additional mid-boss in the first stage who was removed since well...you can look that up...I heard he was playable though.

Contra Hardcorps for megadrive also features of all things a HEALTH METER that let's you take three hits before you lose a life. Obviously made the game quite a bit easier(Didn't make the game any cheaper though..it goes over $100 on ebay easily)

[Kiken]

Can't believe this thread went so long without a mention of PULSEMAN.
It's a brilliant little action-platformer where your main ability is using electricity to ricochet off walls to progress. Shame the developers went on to create nothing but Pokemon games but eh. Kind of pricey on ebay though. I got lucky and scored this complete and a cart only "THOR"(Beyond Oasis) for about $37.

Yeah, I'm also surprised that no-one mentioned Pulseman. The game has a load of speech (mostly clear), which is certainly not standard MD fair. Aspects of the game remind me Sonic and Ristar (another Japanese MD game that sells for ridiculous amounts of money).

Monster World IV as in green-haired girl and her cute pet? That game fetches absolutely monsterous(oops) prices on ebay(You're looking at $75-100 at least). Amazing game though even if the game is rather cryptic regarding progress(A translation exists if you're willing to take the rom route however).

Arsha and the Pepelogue! Monster World IV (aka Wonderboy 6) is one of the finest action platform rpgs I've ever played. The game has some absolutely ingenious puzzle and level design. However, mild Japanese knowledge is required... especially if you want to make it past the Genie at the entrance to the Ice Cave levels.

And BrianC, Monster World III was released in the US. I'm pretty sure you can still get new copies from Sega Parts.

[BrianC]

Can't believe this thread went so long without a mention of PULSEMAN.
It's a brilliant little action-platformer where your main ability is using electricity to ricochet off walls to progress. Shame the developers went on to create nothing but Pokemon games but eh. Kind of pricey on ebay though. I got lucky and scored this complete and a cart only "THOR"(Beyond Oasis) for about $37.

Yeah, I'm also surprised that no-one mentioned Pulseman. The game has a load of speech (mostly clear), which is certainly not standard MD fair. Aspects of the game remind me Sonic and Ristar (another Japanese MD game that sells for ridiculous amounts of money).

Monster World IV as in green-haired girl and her cute pet? That game fetches absolutely monsterous(oops) prices on ebay(You're looking at $75-100 at least). Amazing game though even if the game is rather cryptic regarding progress(A translation exists if you're willing to take the rom route however).

Arsha and the Pepelogue! Monster World IV (aka Wonderboy 6) is one of the finest action platform rpgs I've ever played. The game has some absolutely ingenious puzzle and level design. However, mild Japanese knowledge is required... especially if you want to make it past the Genie at the entrance to the Ice Cave levels.

And BrianC, Monster World III was released in the US. I'm pretty sure you can still get new copies from Sega Parts.

Wonder Boy III is not the same game as Monster World III aka Wonder Boy in Monster World. Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair Mega Drive was not released in the US. BTW, Monster World III aka Wonder Boy in Monster World is the fifth game in the Wonder Boy series. To make things even more confusing, Monster World II: The Dragon's Trap was released as Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap in the US and Europe. More info on the games can be found here http://www.classicgaming.com/reviews/wo ... derboy.htm .

I'll look into Pulseman. Play-Asia actually has one at a decent price ($54.99), though online sellers usually sell for cheaper than play-asia, so I should keep an eye out.

Monster World IV sells for that high? Might try and get it anyway, but there is a UK seller selling it for 50 pounds and the Japan sellers usually sell games for cheaper prices than he does.

[Ganelon]

I'd suggest you research into Pulseman a bit more. I found it pretty boring really. It's quite easy and long, making for a monotonous experience. I suppose if you love Ristar, you'll probably love Pulseman.

Beyond Oasis is definitely worth your time if you enjoy ARPGs though. It's short (should take you around 5 hours to beat the first time) but it has lovely visuals, well-placed Yuzo Koshiro music, and a really nice "medieval anime atmosphere." I'd say it's the finest ARPG on the Genesis although some give that credit to Landstalker.

Also note that while Yu Yu Hakusho is a prequel of sorts, it uses its engine as a fighting game and not a beat-em-up like Guardian Heroes.

As for Ash in Bare Knuckle 3, yeah, you could play as him in the JP version with a code. He also happens to be by far the best character in the game, quite unfortunately...

[BrianC]

I found out that Monster Lair Mega Drive is very cheap in both the PAL and NTSC configurations. It's an early MD game so it shouldn't be PAL optimized or region protected. I think I will get it since I love the Adventure Island games.

Beyond Oasis got a US release, but I'll definatly look in to getting it.

Yuu Yuu Hakusho Treasure is a prequel of sorts to Guardian Heroes like Gunstar is a prequel of sorts to Alien Soldier? I'm actually pretty set on Yu Yu Hakusho since I liked what I tried of it on a rom and my sister loves fighting games too. I need a multitap, but I do have the enough 6-button controllers for multi.

[Samudra]

I'm real curious about that Monster World IV working on PAL consoles, but not on US ones thing (at least that's the impression I got from using the emulator). What's up with that?

This is the case with the Japanese Alien Soldier even and I suspect with lots of other Japanese (only) games.

Adding a 50/60hz switch will only be of use if your tv supports this and if you are using a rgb connection. If this is the case there is no reason not to buy the PAL version of Alien Soldier.

[Imhotep]

X-Ranza (aka Ranger-X) has aged well.

[zinger]

X-Ranza (aka Ranger-X) has aged well.

This was released world-wide.

[jiji]

PAL Alien Soldier is not the same as the Japanese version. The game was adapted for 50hz when it was released in PAL territories. If you play it in 60hz mode, it will run too quickly. It might not be noticeable if you've never played any version of Alien Soldier before, though.

[LoneSage]

dartagnan got Yu Yu a few weeks ago. Dart! I don't remember you saying what you thought of it.

The only Genesis import I'm interested in getting right now is Fist of the North Star. Yeah yeah, we got Last Battle, but we didn't get blood and exploding heads! Exzplodiing headzs r teh roxx.