(http://nfgworld.com/grafx/games/logos/MegaDriveLogo.svg)
OKAY - so I'm thinking of getting a SMD for Christmas (for myself) and wanted to pick y'all brains on the best set up.
I was thinking of a Japanese 60hz model 1, with Mega CD model 1 and Japanese Power Base Converter to play Master System games too.
I already have two Game Gears set up and ready to go with a MS Converter as well and a couple of the best games.
(http://tvgames-life.up.seesaa.net/image/megdora2Bmega_cd.jpg)
I don't like the model 2 Megadrive and Mega CD and Wondermegas are too rich for my blood. Could someone super familiar with these machines (i.e Stealthlurker) advise on the best setup?
- If I do have a good setup in mind, where's the best place to buy from and what kind of price am I looking at? Any particular must-have mods or points for me to be aware of?
Lastly, is the 32X really worth getting? I don't see it is as yet, so was going to postpone that til I've played through all the better games.
I had a Megadrive as a kid, so I'm familiar with what the best games are, but heck let's list some hidden gems too, such as EX-Ranza aka Ranger-X.
While we're at it, let's also use this thread for all things Sega Megadrive, I know some of you love it as well as our dear Famicom!
My favourite games were Sonic1-3&k, Road Rash, Mercs and Street Fighter 2 SCE back in the day.
Here's a great site by the way:
http://megadrive.me/mega-drive/
Just a short on this awesome console:
Sega cd model 1 is the coolest, but much more easily to be damaged as the model 2. Model 2 is pracyically indestructible :)
Oh and because of the cartridge shape, I recommend getting a genesis instead of the japanese counterpart.
And 32x? Only for the looks, not for the games, or the connection problem.
Quote from: jpx72 on October 01, 2013, 12:12:26 pm
And 32x? Only for the looks, not for the games, or the connection problem.
What about
Kolibri, a hummingbird-based shooter from the makers of
Ecco the Dolphin? Totally worth getting a 32x.
Thanks JPX, I definitely trust your advice! There are only a handful of CD games I'm after rally, so hopefully I can find a nice model 1 SCD that won't get overused.
I must be honest and say I don't want a GENESIS though, I really want the Japanese MegaDrive specifically, it looks so much better and doesn't have a silly name :)
I just read that the very first MD is the best one for some minor reasons:
(http://s3.dreamfan.com/jp_md.jpg)
Don't know anything about the VA4,5,6,7 stuff though, but I did find this:
http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?7796-GUIDE-Telling-apart-good-Genesis-1s-and-Genesis-2s-from-bad-ones
I obviously have some bias, being from the States and the Genesis being my second game console (both playing and owning). But I've got to say the US version has a more interesting name and appearance than the Japanese Mega Drive. Genesis is not only a less generic and more elegant name, but it's also kind of accurate. It really was the beginning of 16-bit gaming for many of us.
As for some interesting games:
Alisia Dragoon
Battletoads (same game as NES/FC, but with better graphics and less difficulty)
Beavis and Butt-head
Bio-Hazard Battle
CastleVania Bloodlines
Comix Zone
Contra: Hard Corps
Desert Strike (and its sequels; also on SNES of course, but I played it 'em on Genesis)
General Chaos
Ghostbusters
Grind Stormer
Gunstar Heroes
Haunting Starring Polterguy
Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition (actually a sequel to the first Sega JP game)
Krusty's Super Fun House (also on other consoles, but I know the Genesis version best)
Mega Bomberman
RoboCop Versus the Terminator (yeah, it's also on SNES, but I've never played that version)
Rocket Knight Adventures
Shove It: The Warehouse Game (a good sukoban-style puzzle game)
Sonic 3D Blast (since you didn't mention it with the main Sonic games)
X-Men 2: Clone Wars
Searching for the right model is all about better sound, personally I can't tell the difference. But 80sFreak is the right person to ask (cheers 80sFreak!).
Model 1 will need to exchange capacitors anyway, no matter how lightly used it is. That's a small warning. Much reading about that here:
http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?22027-Sega-CD-systems-repair-thread
And since I havent played Kolibri, now I badly want it (thanks UglyJoe). I bought 32x for Knuckles chaotix, as a fanatic Sonic fan. But its not worth the money for a regular player.
If you do get 32x, definitely try one 32x-CD games (requires both addons). Just for the fun ;D
For the megadrive games, of all Sonics, buy at least Sonic&Knuckles, also putting my word for the Bio-hazard battle (Crying in Japan). And I heard the newly released "Pier Solar" is amazing.
Also multibios mod for the segacd is worth mentioning:
http://arakon.dyndns.org/
I'll be selling a CIB (probably new and unused) Japanese Mega Drive soon.
I hope you'll still need one then. ;D
I will, is it Model 1 or 2 Manuel? :)
Model 1 of course. ;D
I need to figure out how much it would be worth, though.
I know this is not a price check thread, but... Any ideas?
If you can PM me with some pictures we'll figure it out - please set it aside for me :)
As a fellow mod and friend on here I'd give you first dibs of course. :)
I'll take some photos when I find the time (and mood...).
I'll send you a nice spanking clean Salamander Everdrive cart case if you can upload some in the next 24 hours :bub:
I am setting aside Christmas money now, so this will help. I'm buying a MegaDrive for Christmas basically :help:
Thanks JPX and 80sFreak for the feedback - I would really love to be able to get the right one of these and some Japanese games for a decent price.
With the new systems literally around the corner, this actually excites me much more than PS4 or Xbox One.
I have an MD (model 1) and really love it. I`ve never owned a Genesis so I don`t know if there is much techinical difference, but the MD looks really cool and has some really awesome games.
Prices for them seem to vary quite a bit but I think 3000 -4000 yen is the going rate for a loose system at most shops.
Here you go. I've uploaded 12 pics:
http://s374.photobucket.com/user/famicom_manuel/library/megadrivecib (http://s374.photobucket.com/user/famicom_manuel/library/megadrivecib)
The box was closed with tape (see pics), but it still looks good. It was probably taken out for a test, but overall I think it's pretty much unused, because there are no easily noticeable scuffs or scratches as far as I can tell.
It even smells new. ;D
If you could make a good offer that would be great. :yoshi:
I don't see Mega Drives very often around here, so I have no real idea of what they're worth. ???
http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-06-10/51b6298b71710.jpg
http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-06-10/51b629f10cc17.jpg
http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-06-10/51b62a9a7c2fc.jpg
http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-06-10/51b62b760c2e1.jpg
http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-06-10/51b62c36482f4.jpg
http://img1.haraj.com.sa/userfiles30/2013-06-10/51b62cf6a0c5f.jpg
any information about this one :bub:
I have one in a box like this, too, but the condition is not as good as the one I posted above. (Still quite good, though.)
Good news Manuel is that you have the early model I'm looking for with that killer box art. I just saw a brand new one here for £200 but no-one is buying it (despite interest) so I'll see what they go for, I'm not familiar either. I can get a region switch 50/60hz model for under £50, but I was looking to offer you more than that for this, I'll shoot a PM over.
Mo, what you have there is the last revision of the Model 1 before they switched to the Model 2. I'll try and find out more than that. Probably VA6 motherboard.
I find that working Japanese model 1 Mega CDs and Mega Adaptors are pretty hard to come by.
Also, while fine on CRTs, 60Hz-modded PAL consoles can have sync issues with scalers since the 60Hz signal on these is too far off NTSC-spec.
Thanks, might leave the CD for now, I could get a Model 2 Sega CD but they don't look right together. I'll probably get the Master Converter first, those can be hard to find, at least the Japanese one is with it's cool red stripe. I love how it matches the SMD so nicely!
I have a nice 'flat' CRT, though I'm going to try and find a bigger one as well when I can.
Over here they went up to 37", but those go for a lot. Others you can pick up for free :bub:
- Manuel I've updated my sale thread, let's do this together :help:
Everyone I need you to take a look at my for sale thread, you can find it in my sig. Pick up some great item for a bargain, help me get my SMD!
http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=9423.0
Well, thanks to Manuel I was able to get the Megadrive in the end - now to try and get some essential games.
What I should I play first? I think it may well be Bare Knuckle II, so on that note I also wanted to show this:
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/L___E___T/null_zpsed251776.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/L___E___T/null_zps6f8866eb.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/L___E___T/null_zpseb1dc703.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/L___E___T/null_zpse3654c81.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/L___E___T/null_zps69a3874a.jpg)
I think Bare Knuckle II is the best game on the system and the best beat em up ever. I can't wait to play it on real hardware.
Congratulations!
My recommendations that are not already in earlier posts: Langrisser and Langrisser II if you can overcome the language barrier somehow (I think there are translation patches for both of them). If you get CD I also recommend Snatcher, but it may be expensive.
I'll definitely get a Sega CD, might have to be a model 2 though.
I am saving Snatcher for when I'm in the mood - might have to be on PS1 emulator via PSP though - I have time this Christmas to play that and Policenauts I think.
Now that I think about it, I won't be able to play the MegaDrive until I get back in January, but at least I know I can play it now. Considering getting a new CRT TV and amplified sound set up for it too.
here is my 2 cents worth of thoughts :-[
yep, a MD1 that has a serial port in the back (useless) is always a good revision. The main difference is the audio circuit in later models and md2 consoles... they butchered it
Had a 32X along with a tototek flashcart years ago... it was only for collection like 80sFreak wrote...
I have no experience with MCD1 or MCD2 , I got a CDX instead for CD games , but do get a CD-rom thingie as there are some nice games on it! ;D
Get a EverdriveMD and forget about the master system converter, it is not needed with the MD-ED.
Also when you get the MD1 mod it to output RGB with C-SYNC instead of Composite-SYNC. The signal is there, just cut a trace and patch it at the connector, no other modification needed. (Also SMS1 benefits from that). You will get a better picture and jailbar-free in lcd screens.
The 6button controllers are nice but they work mainly in fighting games. Just get one for completeness. ;D
Kali Mera Keropi and thank you. I read that all these early MDs have built in RGB, so I'll definitely explore that.
Trouble is, I'm not electronically competent enough to go modding it. There's a modding shop in London called RGB that I can probably get to do it though. They sell pre-modded EU systems but they're pretty beat up.
Post Merge: October 14, 2013, 06:20:10 am
Thanks 80sFreak, I am confident I bought the right MD1, JP Model 1s with the early box design and High Grade Audio come in VA0-4 (maybe Va5 too), all of which use the higher quality sound modules. The butchered TMSS sound didn't come in till the end of the Model 1.
I'll need to do as 80sFreak and Famifan say and replace the caps as well.
I'll probably leave the SCD for now, but I will look for a mint and working on in time, just because of how badass it looks stacked, same as the Master System Converter with that red stripe :) But those can come later.
For now I have the MD and will start saving for a couple of games and the Everdrive so that come January I have plenty to play. Been looking at the prices of some of the best SMD games CIB, Pulseman just went for $200, BKIII for $75... That's that then!
Post Merge: October 14, 2013, 06:41:43 am
So here's another question - is it better to get a 6 button pad and a 3 button Power Stick, or a 6 button Power Stick and a 3 button pad? I had. A 3 button Power Stick back in the day and was very fond if it. Since then I have played on a 6 button pad but I think the feel may take some getting used to. Given I may only want it for fighting games, I figure a 6 button Power Stick would be better, buuuuut I've never tried one. Hopefully someone here can advise.
Quote from: keropi on October 14, 2013, 05:49:52 am
Also when you get the MD1 mod it to output RGB with C-SYNC instead of Composite-SYNC.
You mean C-Sync instead of composite video for sync. C-Sync
is composite-sync.
Quote from: L___E___T on October 14, 2013, 06:10:10 am
So here's another question - is it better to get a 6 button pad and a 3 button Power Stick, or a 6 button Power Stick and a 3 button pad?
I'd stick with the 3-button pad and try and track down a Capcom Power Stick Fighter MD for the fighting games.
Kalispera L___E___T :star: :star: :star:
Quote from: zaneiken on October 14, 2013, 07:40:50 am
Quote from: keropi on October 14, 2013, 05:49:52 am
Also when you get the MD1 mod it to output RGB with C-SYNC instead of Composite-SYNC.
You mean C-Sync instead of composite video for sync. C-Sync is composite-sync.
yes, I mean the pure SYNC signal without any video data.
And I agree on the pad stuff too if you only have to get one of each kind. A six button stick would be more usable imho.
I have some first hand experience with japanese MegaCD model1 just now. I bought a non working piece , but the only thing that didn't work was CD reading, everything else like all the lights, cd tray sliding, starting up (bios showing start menu) works well. Even the drive belt is intact. The whole unit looks like new, really nice. But the PCBs are a horror! Like there was orange juice spilled all over them! Every single capacitor leaks. I am lucky, because the PCB is not damaged by the acid leaking from them (well it's not completely undamaged, but pretty well preserved). But leaving it like this for another year or two, and it will be like there was the Dig-Dug guy going crazy on it.
When my MD arrives, do you think the caps will need replacing immediately, or can I boot it up for a quick test in safe knowledge?
Secondly, would you be open and able to do a couple of mods on it? Slovakia's not far from here - if so, can you PM me your rates?
Go ahead and test it, don't worry. But after that be sure to check out the main PCB (right under the main cover, 6 screws, easily check-able) for leaks.
EDIT:I thought you are talking about segaCD, your megadrive probably doesn't need capacitor change.
Will be honored to mod for L__E__T ;D Only problem is my free time, shoot me a pm what you have in mind.
The earliest Mega Drives are pushing 25 years old now, so I'd be inclined to recap them regardless of whether the caps are leaking or not.
Ok so I exchanged 34 capacitors in my megaCD, replaced the belt in the drive, and glued a little broken tab that most probably broke during shipping because it holds the whole motor+laser+small pcb inside drive (goes up and down when inserting cd, the broken tab was holding the hinge) and it can wiggle during shipping.
And it works like new ;D
let me know if you need games :)
I do need games!
Going to be on the lookout for a working, clean, SEGA CD Japanese Model 1 soon. Can be boxed or loose, for the right price or trade.
Just picked up 3 shooters from yahoo japan. Tatsujin, zero wing (aka all your bases are belong to us) and hellfire. I tend to play on a sega genesis model 1. Pal is too slow these days for anything 8)
Bare Knuckle/Streets of Rage 2 is one of my favourite games of all time. Easily the best scrolling beat 'em up, it shits all over Double Dragon and Final Fight.
I'd agree with that whole heartedly - it's so, so playable from start to finish and never seems to get old or boring whenever I revisit.
If anyone has a double of sor2 they want to get rid of I would like to here from you ;D I have sor1 only. Have played them all though. I tend to always play 1.
I have it PAL?
Pm sent
I've got a spare NTSC (US) game. Boxed too, but I don't think it has the manual.
I've gotten really hooked on Genesis shoot-'em-ups. I'm not a mega-fan of the genre in general, but the Genesis has great hardware for it and a killer lineup of titles. I recently picked up a Hellfire as well, but it was overshadowed as it was in the same trade where I got my MUSHA and Phelios. The excitement for MUSHA is obvious. The latter is a really impressive title to me, too. I really dig the Greek mythology style and the charged shot (!). I got a good deal on a Vapor Trail last night, but I've yet to play it.
I'm glad this thread popped back up - I've had a Genesis and a small collection of games for quite a long time, but I decided to revisit the library and I'm discovering lots of great stuff I didn't know about before, particularly shooters. Bio-Hazard Battle has been kicking my ass.
One thing I noticed that's really nice is aftermarket prices seem to be much more reasonable than the other 16-bit systems. Stuff like the Phantasy Star and Shining Force games are not exactly cheap but you're not paying Chrono Trigger or Earthbound prices for them.
It's a hell of a system. I actually really like its perceived cons, which are now really charming (colour palette, YM synth music). It makes the SNES / SFC look like a poor underpowered Neo Geo. I've always thought the MegaDrive and PC Engine occupy that space between NES and Arcade beautifully.