Sega Master System opinions

[Cheetahmen]

From what I've seen over the years, Master System is a great, inexpensive system to collect for.  99% of the games can be had for extremely cheap.  I think pretty much the only game that's rare is Sonic 1, and even that's just in the box.

I think the later European releases of the Master System had that game built-in.

[Frank_fjs]

Sonic 1 isn't rare, it's a $5-$10 game. There is one particular version that is rare, it was a re-release in the US, the only difference between it and a standard copy is one little sticker, but purist collectors will pay hundreds for it just for the sake of having a 100% complete collection.

Most games are indeed cheap, but there are a few expensive ones, such as Power Strike II and The Smurfs etc.

[Epic_Lotus]

...the only game that's rare is Sonic 1, and even that's just in the box.

People seem to be missing what I already pointed out   

Anyways, from what I understand, it's also the same game as the Game Gear version, so there are multiple options for playing it (including on the Virtual Console   ).

Personally, I'd love to play Ys, although I'm not sure if I'd like to play the SMS version or one of the later iterations.

[modeltfordman]

 I would recommend looking up Golden Axe Warrior. It is a Zelda clone, but really a lot of fun. I believe it was made in 1990.This is a must have game for the SMS if you like The Legend of Zelda.  Also the Alex Kidd series. 

[That Guy from Faxanadu]

Master System is really cheap here in Sweden. Most games go for about £2-4 regardless if they are complete or not. Very afordable.

I think the god-bad ratio is worse than on the NES, perhaps because most titles seems to be released both here and in Japan. If you compare Master System with Famicom it may be a more even match... Still, I think MS has fewer highlights than Nintendos 8-bit console. Golvellius Valley of Doom is a cool Compile action RPG, and the first Sonic game is a nice plattformer. Fantasy Zone and all of the Wonder Boy games are awesome too.

[jpx72]

The master-mega converter PCB  scans:
http://cgfm2.emuviews.com/img/master-mega-converter-mb01.jpg
http://cgfm2.emuviews.com/img/master-mega-converter-mb02.jpg
Credits to Charles MacDonald of cgfm2.emuviews.com

[keropi]

regarding the FM sound on sms, you can add it on the EU/US consoles by getting one of these: http://members.iinet.net.au/~stinkyfist/reviletim/smsfm/smsfm.html

Just don't bother with it on a SMS2 console, had to learn it the hard way  (always prefer a sms1)

[jpx72]

Oh yeah the FM expansion board is a wonderful addon made by the smspower people (hello Bock!), been there when it was born

[garyptaszek]

I agree SMS1 is better, it has AV and RF. You can use the same power and AV hookups as a Sega Mega Drive model 1.

I love the Master System, it was my first console so i have a soft spot for it always.
Here's some of my Master System bits.


Master System, Master System II (Sonic 1 built in), Power Base Convertor 1&2.


My favourites being MIckey Mouse in Castle Of Illusion, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, Wonder Boy and Master of Darkness.


My Hero on Sega Card

[keropi]

not only it offers an AV port but the overall quality is better too... it's just the sms of choice 

[Frank_fjs]

It also offers RGB.

[garyptaszek]

not only it offers an AV port but the overall quality is better too... it's just the sms of choice 

oh for sure, the sound and picture quality is far better on the SMS model 1

[DerZocker]

We always called the SMS2 "Garbage container" back then^^ My first own SMS was the first Master System Converter. It slowly killed the plug of my Multi Mega's PSU but i had endless hours of fun playing Put & Putter and Donald Duck with it

[keropi]

It's true, no matter how well you mod a sms2 you can't reach the same picture quality as the sms1.
As for the SMSFM, it is plagued with noise and cross-interference, something that does not exist on the sms1. I have wasted my time with 2 sms2 consoles and when I got a sms1 I was banging my head on the wall over that wasted time 

[ulera]

How does the power base converter for the Genesis stack up?