Famicom World

Misc. => Other Gaming => Topic started by: NintendoKing on January 02, 2010, 11:27:28 am

Title: Mega Drive game related article w/ Sega Firecore
Post by: NintendoKing on January 02, 2010, 11:27:28 am
I have successfully gotten 2 games for my Mega Drive.

MD Snake Rattle N Roll
MD Battletoads - has arrived and plays really well.


I cannot wait to play them on my Sega Firecore!!
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 02, 2010, 12:05:58 pm
I have always wanted to play both those games, but both were only released on Mega Drive... never on our beloved Genesis.  :o 

Its gonna be so great, I love the Firecore. It cost me less then buying a region modded Genesis 2.
Title: Re: Success!! Mega Drive
Post by: Nightstar699 on January 02, 2010, 12:54:01 pm
Thats pretty cool dude. Glad you found some nice games. A few years back, I had mega drive Golden Axe, and it worked fine on my Genesis though!
Title: Re: Success!! Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 02, 2010, 03:06:28 pm
Quote from: Nightstar699 on January 02, 2010, 12:54:01 pm
Thats pretty cool dude. Glad you found some nice games. A few years back, I had mega drive Golden Axe, and it worked fine on my Genesis though!


I also really want to get Bare Knuckle 3!
I like collecting Mega Drive games, its a new adventure for me to start.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: satoshi_matrix on January 03, 2010, 12:30:10 pm
I recently tried the Megadrive/Genesis version of Golden Axe 1 for the first time since I was a kid. Is it just me, or does that game not stand up to the test of time whatsoever? i mean, it looks like an early 16-bit Sega game sure, but its gameplay and animation are subpar to what many 8-bit beat-em-ups offer. I just felt no drive to play it for more than a few minutes.
Title: Re: Success!! Mega Drive
Post by: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 01:00:04 pm
I guess it's not the best beat em up... But I think its a great game. Try Golden Axe 2. And also, play as the elf guy! It makes the game play better.
Title: Re: Success!! Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 03, 2010, 03:37:01 pm
Quote from: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 01:00:04 pm
I guess it's not the best beat em up... But I think its a great game. Try Golden Axe 2. And also, play as the elf guy! It makes the game play better.


I am okay with Golden Axe, my Sega Firecore has it built-in.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 03:47:58 pm
Right, very solid game. I would personally rather play Ninja Turtles, but if it's built-in, then go crazy!!
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 03, 2010, 04:11:29 pm
Quote from: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 03:47:58 pm
Right, very solid game. I would personally rather play Ninja Turtles, but if it's built-in, then go crazy!!


Lol, I just like commenting on the games Firecore has with it.
Hehe.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 04:14:56 pm
What else does it have?
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 03, 2010, 04:20:42 pm
It has included:

Golden Axe,
Crack Down,
Altered Beast,
Sonic & Knuckles,
Ecco the Dolphin,
Alex the Kidd in the Enchanted Castle,
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja,
Columns III,
Gain Ground,
Arrow Flash,
Ecco Jr.,
Flicky,
Decap Attack,
Cyber Police ESWAT City Under Siege,
Alien Storm,
Shadow Dancer,
Sonic Spinball,
Jewel Master,
Kid Chameleon,
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 04:25:53 pm
thats quite the list. I have a few of those games, the best is Shinobi III ;D
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 03, 2010, 04:29:43 pm
Quote from: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 04:25:53 pm
thats quite the list. I have a few of those games, the best is Shinobi III ;D


Shadow Dancer is a offshoot of Shinobi. (ftp://Shadow Dancer is a offshoot of Shinobi.)
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: Nightstar699 on January 03, 2010, 04:30:34 pm
Yeah, I know. I played it once. 'Twas purdy good.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: satoshi_matrix on January 04, 2010, 08:03:32 pm
what the heck is a Sega "Firecore"?
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 04, 2010, 08:11:42 pm
Quote from: satoshi_matrix on January 04, 2010, 08:03:32 pm
what the heck is a Sega "Firecore"?


It is the 4th official Sega Genesis to be released in the U.S.

Its a licensed Sega Genesis system that plays all region games, has 20 built-in games.
And will soon be having new games released to be played on it, new Genesis games. The new games wont play on regular Genesis' because the Firecore has a special chip that the regular Genesis do not have.

I honestly, put away my Genesis 2 once I got Firecore because Firecore is more reliable and the ability to play NTSC-J and PAL imports makes it better.

Also it shows a clearer image on screen then other Genesis have before it.

My Sega Nomad is lucky that its portable, otherwise it would also be boxed up. Lol.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 04, 2010, 09:56:51 pm
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/innex-sega-deal-us-distribution-agreement-signed-for-assortment-of-handheld-and-plug-into-the-telly-games

Official Sega Firecore, not a clone as many sites would want you to believe.

http://games.ign.com/articles/102/1027105p1.html
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 01:00:39 pm
^^^
I need to get one of those!

EDIT:  There seems to be multiple versions all with a cartridge slot and 20 built in games. 

FireCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1)

GenCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3)

GenMobile:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1)

Obviously the GenMobile has portability to set it apart from the other two, but what is the difference between the GenCore and FireCore?




Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 05, 2010, 02:11:17 pm
Quote from: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 01:00:39 pm
^^^
I need to get one of those!

EDIT:  There seems to be multiple versions all with a cartridge slot and 20 built in games. 

FireCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1)

GenCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3)

GenMobile:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1)

Obviously the GenMobile has portability to set it apart from the other two, but what is the difference between the GenCore and FireCore?







GenCore is shaped like a Sonic the Hedgehog head and has blue controllers, thats all the difference. Its designed to be more kid friendly looking, Firecore is designed to look more classic era Genesis.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 02:40:21 pm
Quote from: The Uninvited Gremlin on January 05, 2010, 02:11:17 pm
Quote from: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 01:00:39 pm
^^^
I need to get one of those!

EDIT:  There seems to be multiple versions all with a cartridge slot and 20 built in games. 

FireCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1)

GenCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3)

GenMobile:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1)

Obviously the GenMobile has portability to set it apart from the other two, but what is the difference between the GenCore and FireCore?







GenCore is shaped like a Sonic the Hedgehog head and has blue controllers, thats all the difference. Its designed to be more kid friendly looking, Firecore is designed to look more classic era Genesis.


That makes sense.  Seems that the Firecore is cheaper anyway.  Does it come with two six-button controllers too?
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 05, 2010, 03:05:30 pm
Quote from: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 02:40:21 pm
Quote from: The Uninvited Gremlin on January 05, 2010, 02:11:17 pm
Quote from: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 01:00:39 pm
^^^
I need to get one of those!

EDIT:  There seems to be multiple versions all with a cartridge slot and 20 built in games. 

FireCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Firecore-Classic-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B002SRQ3QI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-1)

GenCore:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Genesis-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZSC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262725274&sr=8-3)

GenMobile:
http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Portable-Cartridge-Playstation-3/dp/B002SLZRWA/ref=pd_cp_vg_1)

Obviously the GenMobile has portability to set it apart from the other two, but what is the difference between the GenCore and FireCore?







GenCore is shaped like a Sonic the Hedgehog head and has blue controllers, thats all the difference. Its designed to be more kid friendly looking, Firecore is designed to look more classic era Genesis.


That makes sense.  Seems that the Firecore is cheaper anyway.  Does it come with two six-button controllers too?

Yes; its does. Firecore is totally awesome. Before I heard of its release I was nearly at the point of not playing Genesis again, so for me Firecore has served its purpose.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 05:36:58 pm
I know what you mean.  I haven't been able to get back into my Genesis in a loooong time, probably due to my lack of quality titles.  The firecore has a lot of good ones from what I see (even Alien Storm so now I dont have to pay an arm and a leg for it) so I'll probably one up.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 05, 2010, 05:40:32 pm
Quote from: KEVMAN569 on January 05, 2010, 05:36:58 pm
I know what you mean.  I haven't been able to get back into my Genesis in a loooong time, probably due to my lack of quality titles.  The firecore has a lot of good ones from what I see (even Alien Storm so now I dont have to pay an arm and a leg for it) so I'll probably one up.


I know, right? Genesis only ever had 30 good games and it really wasn't worth the price to buy them in my eyes so $25 for about 12 games I really enjoy seemed quite worth it.

Then the thought of playing imports really brought me in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variations_of_the_Sega_Mega_Drive#Sega_Firecore_.28North_America.29
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: FamicomFreak on January 05, 2010, 08:18:40 pm
Neat stuff congrats man! Success indeed!
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: satoshi_matrix on January 05, 2010, 09:00:11 pm
wow. This is interesting. I have several questions.

1. Is this an actual licensed product (ie not a third party clone like those SNES/Genesis clone systems on the market)?

2. Any pics of the insides? This thing looks impossibly tiny to not just be the Genesis version of a Famiclone based on NOAC.

3. Sure it supports wireless third party controllers that will cost way too much and comes with two clone controllers, but can the FireCore use real Genesis controllers?

4. You mentioned it has an NTSC/PAL switch. What about NTSC-J games? Will this play those okay? What about 50hz PAL Genesis games playing on a 60hz NTSC tv? Any word on those?

5. As I recall, Genesis games are smaller than Megadrive games. Will Megadrive carts even fit in this thing?

6. Does Gamegenie for Genesis work?

7. How much does it cost?

8. How heavy is it/hows the build quality?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 06, 2010, 07:26:37 am
Quote from: satoshi_matrix on January 05, 2010, 09:00:11 pm
wow. This is interesting. I have several questions.

1. Is this an actual licensed product (ie not a third party clone like those SNES/Genesis clone systems on the market)? 
Licensed, not a clone like those horrible Yobo's.

2. Any pics of the insides? This thing looks impossibly tiny to not just be the Genesis version of a Famiclone based on NOAC.
I have taken mine apart but unfortunately i cannot get it apart again because i was to rough and stripped the top of one of the screws. But it has i think 6 chips and a nice looking board with capacitors.

3. Sure it supports wireless third party controllers that will cost way too much and comes with two clone controllers, but can the FireCore use real Genesis controllers?
Yes, I use original Genesis controllers on it as they work better then the Firecore controllers but I have heard that the new Firecore games only respond to a special chip in the Firecore controllers. (So I will hold onto them, in the box) Also they aren't clone controllers since the Firecore is officially licensed, they are like official reproductions but they are not the best as the d+pad is clumsy.

4. You mentioned it has an NTSC/PAL switch. What about NTSC-J games? Will this play those okay? What about 50hz PAL Genesis games playing on a 60hz NTSC tv? Any word on those? Yes, the system has a cyclone chip, so it takes about 1.5 seconds for the game screen to appear; because it is reads the region of the game. Also yes, the NTSC/PAL switch only switches the hz so the game plays properly; the television still looks alright. I was curious of this myself, so I hit PAL while playing NTSC Quackshot, it slowed a bit.

5. As I recall, Genesis games are smaller than Megadrive games. Will Megadrive carts even fit in this thing? The port is rounded and larger, to fit Mega Drive games, all set there my friend.

6. Does Gamegenie for Genesis work?
Game Genie requires more power to run, then the Firecore can supply. So, I am sorry but no. Cheating isnt fair anyways.

7. How much does it cost? I got mine for $25, but it was a special Christmas Internet sale. They usually run $45-60; especially now that they just went into back order because people are buying them up.

8. How heavy is it/hows the build quality?
Very light, just like the Sega Genesis 3. But the build quality is very sound, it is made very well; of course it is a official Sega Genesis... 4!

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: Hamburglar on January 06, 2010, 05:35:59 pm
Does the Firecore play NTSC-J games that check the region of the console? Like Pulseman? I know earlier games like Ghostbusters don't check, and will play in either a US or JP console.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 06, 2010, 05:39:00 pm
Quote from: Hamburglar on January 06, 2010, 05:35:59 pm
Does the Firecore play NTSC-J games that check the region of the console? Like Pulseman? I know earlier games like Ghostbusters don't check, and will play in either a US or JP console.


Yes; it will play them, Firecore has a cyclone chip with all region codes.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: Hamburglar on January 06, 2010, 05:48:35 pm
That sounds like the Ciclone chip by Retrozone for the NES. So the same people made it?

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=37&osCsid=18eb83c623db2902329e113d2ba5ee10
(http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=37&osCsid=18eb83c623db2902329e113d2ba5ee10)


Do you have a link to where it says it has this chip? I am interested in buying one if it does play all games.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 06, 2010, 05:51:23 pm
Quote from: Hamburglar on January 06, 2010, 05:48:35 pm
That sounds like the Ciclone chip by Retrozone for the NES. So the same people made it?

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=37&osCsid=18eb83c623db2902329e113d2ba5ee10
(http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=37&osCsid=18eb83c623db2902329e113d2ba5ee10)


Do you have a link to where it says it has this chip? I am interested in buying one if it does play all games.



I dont remember where I read it but it does play all regions.
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: nintendodork on January 06, 2010, 05:56:00 pm
Quote from: satoshi_matrix on January 05, 2010, 09:00:11 pm
1. Is this an actual licensed product (ie not a third party clone like those SNES/Genesis clone systems on the market)?
I had this same question, and yes, it is licensed by Sega, but it's built and distributed through RetroBit, which is the company who sells various clones such as the Yobo (under a different name of course, but it's the same system), and such others.

Quote from: Hamburglar on January 06, 2010, 05:48:35 pm
That sounds like the Ciclone chip by Retrozone for the NES. So the same people made it?
If you're asking if RetroZone made the Firecore, no, they did not. 
Title: Re: Success!! Sega Mega Drive
Post by: NintendoKing on January 06, 2010, 06:27:51 pm
Quote from: nintendodork on January 06, 2010, 05:56:00 pm
Quote from: satoshi_matrix on January 05, 2010, 09:00:11 pm
1. Is this an actual licensed product (ie not a third party clone like those SNES/Genesis clone systems on the market)?
I had this same question, and yes, it is licensed by Sega, but it's built and distributed through RetroBit, which is the company who sells various clones such as the Yobo (under a different name of course, but it's the same system), and such others.

Quote from: Hamburglar on January 06, 2010, 05:48:35 pm
That sounds like the Ciclone chip by Retrozone for the NES. So the same people made it?
If you're asking if RetroZone made the Firecore, no, they did not. 


I don't think everyone will appreciate the Firecore as much as I do, especially Genesis purist whom only use systems that are actually distributed by Sega. Which excludes Sega Genesis 3 by Majesco and the Sega Firecore by Retrobit.
But both those models were licensed by SEGA.