Getting back into the Genesis...

[Bar81]

I think I agreed with just about everything in that post.

My insanity is spreading. DA HORRA

[Bar81]

Normally I find that my tastes differ from Rob and Bar81 a lot, but in this case I mostly agree too. (Minus Aladdin, which I find to be severely overrated... to each his own though. ) Glad to see there are some other King's Bounty fans here too! I love that game! I managed to beat it once by digging in a random spot when I only had one piece of the map uncovered...
"Hey, those trees in the upper left seem to be in the exact same position as these... HOLY SH*T!!!"

I don't know if I've ever done with just one, but that feeling is incredible. Of course, finishing the game that quick is a perfect excuse to restart immediately and play again

[Bar81]

A couple of other points:

If you dig Golden Axe, love the game's music, or just love game music in general you NEED to download the Golden Axe Death Adder Trancer (OC Remix) Though, make sure you have some good hardware and the proper equalizer settings to properly experience it.

Forgot to mention Mercs. Yes, the graphics are downgraded on the Genny and it's limited to single player gaming unlike the impeccable SS Capcom collection conversion that features a pixel perfect TATE mode with 3 player action like the arcade. What makes the game so fantastic however, is the amazing Sega original mode. IMO the original mode stomps all over the arcade version (in all forms) when it comes to solo gaming and I feel is an overall better game regardless.

[nullstar]

Lots of good recommendations here -- and not too much junk. I just hooked the genny up again myself and have been playing CV: Bloodlines, Contra Hard Corps, and Gunstar Heroes.

Aero Blasters (just does everything right in the fun department although I really could do without that crappy floating space control)

For me, the inertia thing kills most of the fun for the second half of the game. Awesome otherwise, but I've got no patience for it after playing one stage of inertia wackiness (stage 4).

The MUSHA price: you should be able to find cart only for $10-$15.

I picked up Grindstormer for $3 about six months back. But then again, I've never gotten the cart to load. Must be the working copies that are expensive... ;)

[FRO]

if you can get jewel master, get it, period.

battle squadron i sold the second day i bought it, it plays like shit.

im too think steeel empire is a bit on the crappy side, not to mention the game loops into itself, so stage 5-6-7 are just color palettes of stages 2-3-4, whatever.

give biohazard battle a chance, it's quite great.

I concur on all this, except Steel Empire - I rather enjoy it.

Gynoug = Wings of Wor in the US. M.U.S.H.A. Aleste is just M.U.S.H.A. in the US. Arrow Flash DID get a US release - it's not one of Renovation's best efforts. A solid, but rather average shmup. Good for $3 or less (cart only).

You've never played Mystic Defender? You, my friend, are missing out one of the crown jewels of the Genesis launch titles. Go find a copy immediately and revel in the cool weapon system and awesome music. The controls feel a little weird compared to some of the later platformers, but once you get used to it you'll be fine. It's similar to Jewel Master, mentioned above.

[jp]

I like the McDonald's game. It ain't Treasure's best but it's a decent platformer.

I'll give it a shot. I love Treasure... so...

for 5$ you can't go wrong on that one

Awesome, I'll pick it up this afternoon!

BTW, the "Wonder Boy in Monster Land" game you're referring to is actually called "Wonder Boy in Monster World" (US title) or "Wonder Boy V: Monster World III" (Japanese title). Wonder Boy in Monster Land is the US/EU name of the first Monster World game for SMS (don't ask me why there were so many confusing title changes with this series, but the TG-16 name changes are even more confusing, especially since most of them have different names in Japan).

Whoops, my bad. I'm not too big on Wonder Boy or Alex Kidd for some reason, so thanks for the heads up. ^_^

And yes, Mega Turrican is an incredible game. I prefer it over Metal Slug and Gunstar Heroes.

What´s up with your other consoles? Did you move to another city and left them behind or something?

I shall definitely check out Mega Turrican then.

The Saturn got banged up in the move to my apartment from the dorms. The Dreamcast's laser went kaput. The PC-Engine Duo R worked for like... one night after I bought it (and even then it was working sketchy).
I'll have a new Saturn and PC-Engine Duo R (replacement) soon... I can hold off on the DC til a new G.Rev game comes out.

This topic makes me very happy and sad all at the same time. Happy because a member is back playing perhaps the greatest console ever created in terms of games and sad because someone had to get back into the Genesis/MD (one should never get out of the MD)

Yes, I know.
I'm actually kind of glad all my systems conked out and gave me a chance to rediscover the Genesis. I already own just about all of the first-party titles and big name titles (prolly missing some later releases), but the only shmups I had were the Thunder Force games. I'd love to check out Gley Lancer and Eliminate Down... but I'm trying to avoid huge purchases for a minute (I just bought Sapphire and I'm hunting Derisoba Deluxe, so I needs to be putting some money to the side). If I can find Wings of Wor, Grind Stormer, or MUSHA at one of these places that would be ace!

Also, I'm not too familiar with how imports on the Genesis work. Am I going to need a mod chip? I could just get my JP Mega Drive from home (which I had all of one game for, Alien Soldier, ), but otherwise... eh...


Also:
Sub-Terrania isn't complete, its cart only. Meh.

PaCrappa: Yes! Please do see if you have MUSHA!

[Kiken]

One thing I'd like to add about the Genesis/MD version of Strider is that it doesn't suffer from quite the number of glitches that the original arcade version did. Plus, it has some added secrets/bonuses.

I know this may be getting a bit off-topic... but I've always wondered how the SuperGrafx version stands up to the other versions (CPS, MD/Genesis, PC-E Arcade CD, PSOne).

Also, Grind Stormer was originally called V-5 (I snagged a bare cart for about $7 from a local Gamestop), although, you can select which version of the game you'd like to play.

And with AeroBlasters/Air Buster, thankfully the inertia-floating is only for one stage.

[Bar81]

Playing imports depends on the game.

Most games are not chiplocked so all you need is something to convert the port like a GameGenie so that a MD cart will work. Alternatively you could just shave out the offending bits on the Genny cart port.

For games from other territories that are chip locked like Contra: HD JP and Vampire Killer if it's a big name game odds are that there is a GameGenie code for it. If not you're typically SOL. I find that the Euro chiplocked games are the biggest PIA to get to work with the Genny as there are no codes for them. You're forced to use convertor carts. Not all convertor carts are the same and only the most expensive bypass chip locks and have switches to set country code on them.

[Bar81]

One thing I'd like to add about the Genesis/MD version of Strider is that it doesn't suffer from quite the number of glitches that the original arcade version did. Plus, it has some added secrets/bonuses.

I know this may be getting a bit off-topic... but I've always wondered how the SuperGrafx version stands up to the other versions (CPS, MD/Genesis, PC-E Arcade CD, PSOne).

SGX Strider DOES NOT EXIST. The only claim to its existence is some coming soon preview in one mag that had pics of the arcade game.

ACD Strider is the biggest travesty to hit the system and the Strider franchise since its inception. HORRIBLE, SLOPPY controls and lackluster graphics destroy the port. The only redeeming feature is the CD sound. An embarassment.

[Kiken]

SGX Strider DOES NOT EXIST. The only claim to its existence is some coming soon preview in one mag that had pics of the arcade game.

ACD Strider is the biggest travesty to hit the system and the Strider franchise since its inception. HORRIBLE, SLOPPY controls and lackluster graphics destroy the port. The only redeeming feature is the CD sound. An embarassment.

Odd. I seem to remember an issue of Gamefan where they "reviewed" SGX Strider in the Graveyard section (it might have been one of those "Look what could of been" type reviews though).

I hear ACD Strider at least added some animated cut-scenes... you know, in an attempt to off-set the apparently horrid conversion.

[raiden]

For games from other territories that are chip locked like Contra: HD JP and Vampire Killer if it's a big name game odds are that there is a GameGenie code for it. If not you're typically SOL. I find that the Euro chiplocked games are the biggest PIA to get to work with the Genny as there are no codes for them. You're forced to use convertor carts. Not all convertor carts are the same and only the most expensive bypass chip locks and have switches to set country code on them.

I just modded the console, it´s a very simple thing to do. You just need a double throw, double something (don´t remember the English term) switch and some cable, no chip at all.

[Bar81]

For games from other territories that are chip locked like Contra: HD JP and Vampire Killer if it's a big name game odds are that there is a GameGenie code for it. If not you're typically SOL. I find that the Euro chiplocked games are the biggest PIA to get to work with the Genny as there are no codes for them. You're forced to use convertor carts. Not all convertor carts are the same and only the most expensive bypass chip locks and have switches to set country code on them.

I just modded the console, it´s a very simple thing to do. You just need a double throw, double something (don´t remember the English term) switch and some cable, no chip at all.

There is that option for the soldering types. The converter carts are a different animal however and to get past the chip lock they require a converter chip.

[iatneH]

I just modded the console, it´s a very simple thing to do. You just need a double throw, double something (don´t remember the English term) switch and some cable, no chip at all.

That'll be a double-pole double-throw (although I think a double-pole single-throw should also work, since I believe on a DPDT you'll always have the switch thrown all the way to one side or the other and never left right in the middle). Basically any switch with 6 leads will work.

[BrianC]

Playing imports depends on the game.

Most games are not chiplocked so all you need is something to convert the port like a GameGenie so that a MD cart will work. Alternatively you could just shave out the offending bits on the Genny cart port.

For games from other territories that are chip locked like Contra: HD JP and Vampire Killer if it's a big name game odds are that there is a GameGenie code for it. If not you're typically SOL. I find that the Euro chiplocked games are the biggest PIA to get to work with the Genny as there are no codes for them. You're forced to use convertor carts. Not all convertor carts are the same and only the most expensive bypass chip locks and have switches to set country code on them.

From what I heard, the European Alien Soldier does have a bypass code for Game Genie, but it's PAL optimized, so it runs too fast on NTSC machines. Is it still playable at the faster speed?

I really wonder about some of these Turbo CD games that don't take full advantage of the system. How did Strider turn out so poorly with the arcade card, especially compared to the excellent Genesis version? You would think that the PCE CD would handle it flawlessly. Why are Buster Bros and Street Fighter (Fighting Street) on CDs when they probably could have fit on a hu card?

[jp]

Well, I just went back and got:
Mega Turrican - Love it.

Jewel Master - Decent... need to play it more.

Vector Man 2 - Eh... nowhere near as good as the original.

Shinobi III - Still as good as it was back in the day.

Grind Stormer - It doesn't work...


Any advice on how to get a Genesis cart to work? I can get the start up screen (with the copywright info), but nothing after that.


They had Ghostbusters and Wings of Wor on display, but apparently they didn't have either, sadly...


They did have Twin Cobra though....

[Bar81]

Any advice on how to get a Genesis cart to work? I can get the start up screen (with the copywright info), but nothing after that.

It's either a dirty or dying cart. Most likely just dirty. Try using a q-tip with rubbing alcohol and cleaning the contacts.

[Bar81]

Playing imports depends on the game.

Most games are not chiplocked so all you need is something to convert the port like a GameGenie so that a MD cart will work. Alternatively you could just shave out the offending bits on the Genny cart port.

For games from other territories that are chip locked like Contra: HD JP and Vampire Killer if it's a big name game odds are that there is a GameGenie code for it. If not you're typically SOL. I find that the Euro chiplocked games are the biggest PIA to get to work with the Genny as there are no codes for them. You're forced to use convertor carts. Not all convertor carts are the same and only the most expensive bypass chip locks and have switches to set country code on them.

From what I heard, the European Alien Soldier does have a bypass code for Game Genie, but it's PAL optimized, so it runs too fast on NTSC machines. Is it still playable at the faster speed?

Being as how I don't think much of treasure and I hate bossfests masquerading as games I've never touched Alien Soldier in any form but I do recall reading that the Euro Alien Soldier, as you said was coded specifically for 50hz and runs way too fast at 60hz. My understanding was that it was not playable (the game worked but as expected it was though everything was on turbo) although I guess in the end it all depends on your definition of playable.

[jp]

Any advice on how to get a Genesis cart to work? I can get the start up screen (with the copywright info), but nothing after that.

It's either a dirty or dying cart. Most likely just dirty. Try using a q-tip with rubbing alcohol and cleaning the contacts.

Alright, I'll give it a shot this evening. I'd hate to have to take this game back.

[Kiken]

Any advice on how to get a Genesis cart to work? I can get the start up screen (with the copywright info), but nothing after that.

It's either a dirty or dying cart. Most likely just dirty. Try using a q-tip with rubbing alcohol and cleaning the contacts.

Alright, I'll give it a shot this evening. I'd hate to have to take this game back.

JP, when I bought my copy of Grind Stormer, I too had to clean the contacts on the cart before it would boot correctly.

[llabnip]

JP, when I bought my copy of Grind Stormer, I too had to clean the contacts on the cart before it would boot correctly.

Same here. And I've also got a dead Grind Stormer as well (given to me by the local Play-N-Trade). I always clean my used carts well before their first use in my systems - I always use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (which is 9% inert materials... not the 70% rubbing king which has mineral oils that will cause dust to stick to the contacts in a matter of days/weeks/months).

If you still can't get it to play, take a VERY fine emery board or ultra find sandpaper and just scuff the exposed contacts lightly to remove scoring and buildup. Then clean again with a good Q-Tip and Iso-Alcohol and let dry for a minute... should be good to go. Very few carts will not work after this treatment.

rubbing alcohol

Never! It will clean it, but the mineral oils will act like a dust and grime magnet in the future. Use the 91% stuff you can get at the local store... The extra 9% is just inert materials unlike the 70% "rubbing" alcohol.

[Bar81]

rubbing alcohol

Never! It will clean it, but the mineral oils will act like a dust and grime magnet in the future. Use the 91% stuff you can get at the local store... The extra 9% is just inert materials unlike the 70% "rubbing" alcohol.

Interesting.

[Cthulhu]

I do recall reading that the Euro Alien Soldier, as you said was coded specifically for 50hz and runs way too fast at 60hz. My understanding was that it was not playable (the game worked but as expected it was though everything was on turbo) although I guess in the end it all depends on your definition of playable.

I've never tried the Euro version, but I recall hearing similar things about it not being playable on a 60HZ setup. That's probably part of the reason the Euro cart is so cheap compared ot the Japanese one.

[jp]

Picked up Robo Atomic Kid, Hellfire, and Arrow Flash at a used game store today!



I found Wings of Wor at another used game store, but they didn't have it in...

[jp]

Loving Hellfire. Great gameplay though, sadly, it has "Die and your fucked" gameplay. I made it far into level 4 on one life and ran into something I didn't realize I could run into, and that was it. The walkers and the super-popcorn-enemies ate me alive.


Arrow Flash is awesome as well. It seems like a bastard child of Irem and Tecno Soft... but hey, I love Tecno Soft so I'm not complaining. Though, once again, Die and your fucked...


Actually, aside from BioHazard Battle and Thunder Force I'm starting to think every Genesis shmup has "Die and your fucked gameplay". Ugh! I guess I'll go pick up Aero Fighters and Twin Cobra (despite the fact that I typically abhor helicopter shmups, but it is Toaplan... but i hate K. Tiger I and II).

Atomic Robo Kid is just retarded... walking down tight corridors away from turrets that shoot faster than you can move? Yeah, OK.

[captain ahar]

my copy of Shadowrun was on my floor for months, and when i plugged it in to play again, the contacts looked almost rusted they were so dirty. i abandoned the game as a lost cause until last night when i swabbed it with iso alc and it works perfectly.

its also a lot better than i remember, i bought it as a stand-in for the snes version and dismissed it as crap. appears i was wrong.

i need some more shooters for genesis though, only thing is i'll need a megadrive first. i need to find wings of wor though, grimiest looking game i have seen on genesis.

[Turrican]

The Saturn got banged up in the move to my apartment from the dorms. The Dreamcast's laser went kaput. The PC-Engine Duo R worked for like... one night after I bought it (and even then it was working sketchy).
I'll have a new Saturn and PC-Engine Duo R (replacement) soon... I can hold off on the DC til a new G.Rev game comes out.

That's when you go back to good old carts.

[raiden]

Actually, aside from BioHazard Battle and Thunder Force I'm starting to think every Genesis shmup has "Die and your fucked gameplay"

try Dangerous Seed or Twin Hawk.

That's when you go back to good old carts.

Amen!

[Cthulhu]

Yeah, there are a lot of "die and you're screwed" games on the Genny. I seem to recall dying in Hellfire and not being totally screwed, but I haven't played the game in years... I'm probably just mistaken.

How about Undead Line? It has the revolutionary "die or not, you're fucked" gameplay system.

Neither Gleylancer nor Eliminate Down has that problem, but those are two of the most expensive games on the system (and Eliminate Down is hard as nails anyway)...

[jp]

I was playing Arrow Flash today... and I just happened to have one stupid death towards the end of the 4th level. I couldn't even get halfway through the 5th level... I just didn't have the speed or power to do it.



I did 1CC Shinobi III and Splatterhouse 2 today though! I felt quite badass after that.



Once my financial situation evens out (my hours got cut drastically at work, I ran out of stuff to do, so now I'm confined to scheduled hours, and we aren't open that much during the summer... but I am getting a new job at a cell phone place next week), I may check out Gleylancer and Eliminate Down.

[Cthulhu]

Once my financial situation evens out (my hours got cut drastically at work, I ran out of stuff to do, so now I'm confined to scheduled hours, and we aren't open that much during the summer... but I am getting a new job at a cell phone place next week), I may check out Gleylancer and Eliminate Down.

Normally I'd warn someone about the perils of spending $100 (probably $150 or more for Eliminate Down...) on an old game, but you're the guy who is/was thinking about spending $600 or more on a virtually non-playable Saturn game. I think you of all people could get his money's worth out of Gleylancer and ED.