============================================================================== The Sega Master System Game Guide Started Monday, 25th November, 2002 Written by Matt Keller Last updated Tuesday, December 21, 2004 Version 1.10 342 titles covered 319/342 entries complete (93.27%) ============================================================================== ======== Contents ======== 1. Overview 2. Explanation of Format 3. Game List 4. Unreleased/Unconfirmed Titles 5. Blank Form 6. Credits 7. Legals 8. Contact 9. Version History =========== 1. Overview =========== This guide is intended to serve as a reference to all of the commercially available titles on the Sega Master System. While it is currently a work in progress, I hope that it could one day be touted as a comprehensive guide to the games available on the system. This is the second guide of this nature that I have written, with my long running Gamecube Game Guide being the first. The guide currently caters to the games available for the system, but I would like to one day expand it to cover the various different models of Sega Master System hardware and the variety of peripherals that were once available. Please note that I am unable to fluently speak Portuguese, so I apologise to any South American readers if I make any glaring errors while referring to popular culture which appears in some of the Brazillian SMS releases. My Japanese abilities have suffered unmeasurably since the completion of high school, so some of my translations may be less than acceptable. With the help of the Master System community, I'd like to get these both up to scratch. Also note that this is a WORK IN PROGRESS. There are still many glaring errors in the guide, such as double ups and titles that don't exist. I am aware of the majority of these errors, and am doing my best to correct them, but keep in mind that these things take time. ======================== 2. Explanation of Format ======================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Name of the game, preferably full title Author/Vendor: Developer/Publisher Year: Year of release Region: Places it was released in Language: All languages supported Genre: Type of game Cart Size: How many Megabit? Players: # of players Peripherals: What extra peripherals are supported Premise: What the game is about Impressions: What I think of the Game Rating (1-10): A rating for the game Comments: Any extra notes Variations: Notes about versions on other consoles or clones ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============ 3. Game List ============ ============================================================================== # ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: 20 em 1 Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1997 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Multi Cart Size: ? megabit Players: Multi Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: One of those cheap multi-game carts designed for children who are so poor they can't afford to pay attention. (I kid, I kid) Impressions: Some of the games are visually pleasing, but they're all so simple, most real gamers won't want to bother. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: A 20 in 1 cart bundle with some Master System III units. Variations: The 50 in 1 coming with the 2002 Xmas SMS? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: 4 Pak All Action Author/Vendor: Open Corporation/Daou Infosys Corparation/HES Year: 1995 Region: Australia Language: English Genre: ? Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The 4 Games are 1. Adventure Kid 2. Power Block 3. Twin Mouse 4. Cave Dude Impressions: The games all appear to be simple pallete swaps of other games or really simple homebrew efforts. Not really worth the effort it takes to track a copy down. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: Only available in Australia, with a fairly hefty price tag, now, one would imagine. Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== A ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: A Turma Da Monica em O Resgate Author/Vendor: Tec Toy Year: 1993 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: See WONDER BOY III: THE DRAGON'S TRAP, but substitute the various animal transformations for various character types. Impressions: See WONDER BOY III: THE DRAGON'S TRAP Rating (1-10): See WONDER BOY III: THE DRAGON'S TRAP Comments: Roughly translates to Monica's Gang in: The Rescue. I don't know the origins of the character. Variations: Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ace of Aces Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A bomber sim based during the second world war. You fight as the Allies against the Germans. Impressions: Horrible, to say the least. Sim fans might find a little something here, but it won't keep their attention for long, its just a bit hard to get a grasp of. Buggy, and feels kind of unfinished. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Action Fighter Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Japan Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Bunch of terrorists kidnap the president, and send a bunch of troops to storm the country, or something. You drive a motorbike which can be upgraded into a car and even an aeroplane. Impressions: Action Fighter is to the Master System as Spy Hunter is to the NES. Both very similar games, but I'd say Action Fighter is a little better. Not great, though. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Action Pack Author/Vendor: Tec Toy Year: ? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Various Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: ? Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Addams Family, The Author/Vendor: Flying Edge/Arc Developments/Ocean Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action/Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Loosely based on the film starring Angelica Houston and the late Raul Julia. Gomez must rescue various family members scattered around the house and various other places. Impressions: It's a bit meh, nothing really inspiring, but it isn't totally awful like some Flying Edge efforts. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Ported from another version? Variations: SNES, Megadrive, PC and NES versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Aerial Assault Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: One of many fairly stock standard horizontal shooters on the system. Fly an advanced fighter jet, and blow up everything that comes your way. Impressions: While it can't even put a dent in Fantasy Zone's title as the best horizontal shooter on the system, it isn't all that bad. Not terribly exciting though. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: After Burner Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Japan, Europe, Australia Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're an ace fighter pilot. For wings you have an F-14 Thunder Cat, the most advanced jet fighter ever developed. In the sky, you are the perfect match of man and machine. The country's freedom depends on your success. Good Luck. Impressions: A pretty impressive port, as the arcade machine was a little more complex than the SMS hardware. Fun for the first few missions, but becomes dull quickly. Boss fights are good but there isn't nearly enough of them. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Ported from the arcade game. Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: Arcade, Megadrive and Mega CD versions and sequels exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Air Rescue Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A helicopter based rescue game which takes place in the cold war era. Impressions: Not a patch on Choplifter, even though it offers a few little extras. Controls are a bit naff. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Aladdin Author/Vendor: Disney/Sega Year: 1994 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit Disney movie starring Robin Williams. Impressions: Shares more in common with the SNES game than the Megadrive one, but seems to be better. There's a few nifty chase scenes in there, and the game generally feels a little like Flashback on the Megadrive...if that's any concellation. Better than I expected. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive, NES, and SNES versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Aleste Author/Vendor: Compile (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Japan Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another top down shooter, this time against various alien ships Impressions: Pretty good shooter actually, almost seems like a prequel of sorts to Power Strike, the power up structure is very similar. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: Very similar to Power Strike ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alex Kidd and the Lost Stars Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Japan, Europe, Australia Language: Various Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: An evil monster Jiggarat steals the stars from above Planet Aries, and it is up to Alex Kidd to stop him. Impressions: Its very different, but I cannot say I like any of the new themes in the slightest. Something went wrong here. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Third game in the Alex Kidd series. Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alex Kidd: BMX Trial Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Sports (bmx) Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Paddle Controller Premise: A BMX game featuring Alex Kidd, which was only released in Japan. Impressions: Due to the fact it uses a paddle controller, it's pretty much impossible to give a fair and reasonable impression on how the game is meant to play without having used the said peripheral. Doesn't really control well with anything else. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: For the last few years, I was under the impression that this was an unfinished beta, but apparently it was a commercial title for the Mark III. Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alex Kidd in High Tech World Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: Various Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Alex Kidd hears about a great new arcade in a nearby city. Unfortunatly, his map has been torn up, and he must get to the arcade before it closes at 4pm. Impressions: Quite an odd story. The first mission is a very good adventure game-esque fare, but then it breaks down into platforming in the second. Fairly good, overall. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Second game in the Alex Kidd series. Variations: Known as Anmitsu Hime in Japan, features different characters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alex Kidd in Miracle World Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Japan, Australia Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Janken and his three henchmen Rockhead, Scissorhead, and Paperhead, have taken the land of Radaxian hostage. They have kidnapped Alex's brother, Igor, and the King has mysteriously gone missing. Only Alex can save the day. Impressions: The first in the series, and by far the best. Simple platform action, with a few nifty gadgets thrown into the mix. Paper Scissors Rock is pretty easy to memorize, but that music has forever stuck in my head. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Built in game for most people's Master System II's, but a cartridge version exists. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alex Kidd in Shinobi World Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: After ten thousand years, the once banished Dark Ninja returns to make another attempt to take over Miracle World. Someone's definitely got to stop him! Guess who dares to meet the challenge? The Kidd, the prince who knows no fear. He's the only one who can fight back. Impressions: Its not too bad. Pretty much like Shinobi, with a few extra little tricks thrown in (wall jumps). I can't seem to enjoy it, however. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: 4th in the Alex Kidd series. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: ALF Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The world's favourite bad boy alien is back...on your Sega System. It's Alf! And he's got a mission...get to Mars to visit his friends Rhonda and Skip. The problem is his space ship is broken. And the Alfer isn't about to grow wings. So it has to be fixed...and that's where you come in! Guide Alf as he searches for the things needed to fix his ship. Pearls snatched from the jaws of giant clams... space scooter fuel in the darkest caves, spacesuits, costumes and more! Alf's Sega adventure will take you from the bottom of lakes to the moon, through houses and across busy streets. Some things you will be able to find, others you will need to buy and all the while you will have to keep on escaping from the creepy clutches of the Alien Task Force. You never know when they'll appear next! Succeed and you will send the Alfer on his way to a happy reunion. Mess up, and Alfer stays stuck on Earth. Do you think you can do it? No problem. Impressions: Absolute tosh! Alf looks like something runny and brown that cracks porcelin, and the gameplay is a bit naff. If you are looking for your Alf fix, get cable, or something. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: Based on the hit 80's TV show Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alien 3 Author/Vendor: Acclaim Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the third movie in the Alien series, in which Ripley finds herself on an a prison planet. All seems to be under control until the mother alien shows up. Impressions: A little bit different from the movie in the fact you actually have guns to dispose of the aliens. Fairly standard shoot the baddies and rescue the goodies gameplay. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: NES, SNES, Megadrive, Game Boy and Game Gear versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alien Storm Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Aliens invade earth, and three heroes, Gordon, a girl (who I still don't remember the name of) and Scooter (a robot) take it upon themselves to stop the extra terrestrial threat. Based on the hit arcade game. Impressions: Another technically limited arcade port. First off, the female character is missing. Next, about 90% of the animation is missing. The difficulty is non existant, too. Barely resembles the arcade and Megadrive versions. The first person shooter bits are probably the best bit now. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None? Variations: Arcade and Megadrive versions exist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Alien Syndrome Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Japan, USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A top down maze based shooter in which you must rescue various hostages and deactivate bombs, kill aliens, you know, the usual. Based on the arcade hit. Impressions: I found it to be a little bizarre, and a bit tedious. Two player action is alright if you can find someone willing to play with you, otherwise it is a little dry. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Altered Beast Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Japan Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Sega's newest arcade hit! You can transform into a wolfman, dragon, tigerman and bearman. (promo) Impressions: Missing a bit of the charm of the Arcade and Megadrive versions, not to mention a lot of the animation, but it does have a few charms of its own (I love the shattering sprites). Better than the godawful NES port, for one thing. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Despite what the promo says, the bear man is not in the Master System game Variations: Megadrive, Arcade, NES and TG16 versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: American Baseball Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (baseball) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Well, erm, its a baseball game. And it has lots of modes and stuff. Impressions: Graphically pleasing, and the gameplay holds up, but it is definitely something you will need a friend for to enjoy to its maximum potential Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Non American version of Reggie Jackson's Baseball Variations: Reggie Jackson's Baseball ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: American Pro Football Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (football) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Football, American style, with a bunch of tournament modes and a two player option. Impressions: It's not too bad, but not terribly great. Joe Montana Football is a bit better in my opinion, but those football fans out there can decide for themselves. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: European version of Walter Payton Football Variations: Walter Payton Football ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Andre Agassi Tennis Author/Vendor: Lance Investments Ltd./Tecmagik Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (tennis) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A tennis game featuring the legendary Andre Agassi, back when he had hair. Impressions: It's alright, but weird animation and lacking control let it down. Even so, it's one of the better tennis games on the system, but pales in comparison to Wimbledon. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Anmitsu Hime Author/Vendor: Studio Pierrot/Sega Year: 1987 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Looks to be exactly the same as Alex Kidd in Hi Tech World, due to Alex Kidd being a failure in Japan, Sega obviously decided to mix it up. Impressions: Seeing as my Japanese skills are not what they once were, I cannot give this a fair impression, but for all purposes it's probably the same as Alex Kidd in Hi Tech World. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Alex Kidd in Hi Tech World for the West ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Arcade Smash Hits Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1992 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Three classic Atari arcade games on the one cartridge. Impressions: I hate these "classic" arcade compilations, but for those who were around back then, this should be a blast from the past, or a trip down memory lane, or some other cheesy cliche. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Many of these stupid compilations exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Argos no ju-jiken see RYGAR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ariel: The Little Mermaid Author/Vendor: Tec Toy Year: Unknown (not stated on box) Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Unknown, but I'd assume it was based on the movie or the TV show which followed Impressions: Yet another cut down Megadrive port from the looks of it. Better off with Ecco for all of your underwater action, though that's not saying much. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: Apparently, it's a port of the Game Gear version. Variations: Little Mermaid games exist on the Megadrive and NES, but they may be completely different. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ashura Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're a lone commando, and you get to shoot lots of things. Need I say more? Impressions: Not a bad little top down shooter, and a bit of fun in two player mode, but I imagine that it is completely lacking in the longevity arena. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Is it just me, or does this use the same engine as The Ninja? Variations: Japanese version of Secret Commando and Rambo FBP2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Assault City Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, Light Phaser (special version) Premise: A bunch of robots turn against their human creators, and full scale war breaks out Impressions: Stock standard light phaser game that doesn't really offer much more than a few different sprites to shoot at. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: There was a special light phaser version. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Asterix Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English, French Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the popular comic book which originated in France. Impressions: Excellent animation, smooth control, and all round fun, this is definitely one that you should consider picking up, even if you aren't a fan of the comics. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Is it just me, or is the presentation very similar to Castle of Illusion? First in the Asterix series on the Master System. Variations: There is one Asterix game on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Asterix and the Great Rescue Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1994 Region: Europe Language: English, French, German, Swedish, Spanish Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Unknown Impressions: Seems to have taken the approach that the Megadrive game took, as it bears resembelence to its 16-bit brethren. The animation is a little less smooth (limited memory), but more importantly, the gameplay is still there. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Possibly ported from the Megadrive? Third in the Asterix Series Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Asterix and the Secret Mission Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: French, English, German Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Asterix and Obelix must find various different herbs to provide a cure for one of their leaders before full scale war breaks out. Impressions: Once again, Asterix displays brilliant animation and gameplay that people who aren't fans of the comics can enjoy. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Second in the Asterix series. Variations: Re-released as a Sega Classic ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Astro Warrior and Pit Pot Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Compilation Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Two games on the one cart, one shooter and one puzzle/maze game. Impressions: Value for money for all those cheapies out there, but see the individual entries for game evaluations. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Both available as separate carts. Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Astro Warrior Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A nice vertical shooter which requires you to blast the bejeezus out of a bunch of aliens. Impressions: Not bad as far as shoot em ups go on the system, but it is a little tough for the inept (such as myself) and the powerups are a little lacking to say the least. Worth a look. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Also on a compilation cart with Pit Pot Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Aztec Adventure: The Golden Road to Paradise Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Australia, Europe Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Welcome to the land of the ancient Aztecs, where money talks and enemies can be bought. Your objective: reach the Aztec paradise, where the tokens of wealth and happiness await. (back of the box) Impressions: Its a bit of a Legend of Zelda clone, but with a bit superior graphics, but lacking the polish of Zelda. Worth a look for adventure fans. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Nazca '88 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== B ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Back to the Future: Part 2 Author/Vendor: Image Works/Mirrorsoft Year: 1990 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit movie starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, which tells a story of a young boy, a crazy scientist, and a DeLorean that has been converted into a time machine. Impressions: To be frank, its a steaming pile of turds. Looks ugly, plays pretty poorly, and the music is irritating. Just stick with watching the movies, and you'll be alright. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Back to the Future: Part 3 Author/Vendor: Image Works/Mirrorsoft Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit movie starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, which tells a story of a young boy, a crazy scientist, and a DeLorean that has been converted into a time machine. Impressions: Laughably bad, but still manages to be better than the game for the second movie (kind of an inversed relationship). Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Baku Baku Animals Author/Vendor: Sega/Tectoy Year: 1996 Region: Brazil Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A puzzle game of sorts, which shares a little in common with Compile's Puyo Puyo. Impressions: The thing that it shares in common with Puyo Puyo is that I have absolutely no idea how to play the damn thing. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: May be a Game Gear game, I am not sure (confirmation needed) Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bank Panic Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Europe, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're in the old west, and you must take care of the bank robbers, but be careful of the innocent civilians! Impressions: It's not to bad once you get used to the mechanics, but the game doesnt have too much staying power. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Ported from the arcade. Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bart vs the Space Mutants Author/Vendor: Flying Edge Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Blatant cash in on the early Simpsons popularity (when Bart was the most popular character). Basically a bunch of aliens with an attraction towards certain colours invade Springfield, and Bart must grab spray paint, and change their colour so the objects are not stolen. Impressions: Its a fairly decent game, but it's frustratingly hard. Simpsons fans and platformer fans might want to take a look, but some may want to look elsewhere. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Ported from the NES? Variations: NES, Megadrive and PC versions exist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bart vs the World Author/Vendor: Flying Edge Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Don't exactly know what the premise is, but I take it Bart has done something to annoy the world. Impressions: Its the first of the Simpsons series which basically consists of a bunch of poorly put together minigames. Simpsons fans might want to look to Bart vs the Space Mutants, or the Simpsons arcade game if they are interested in a good game. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Ported from the NES? Variations: NES version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Basketball Nightmare Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (basketball) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You are the captain of the Hometown High School's basketball team. You've won the tournaments and are trying to win the All-Americans High School Championship! But one night you had a very strange dream...(back of the box) Impressions: Basketball with a plot, basically. As far as basketball games go on the system, its probably the best one. Single player is a little short, but the two player mode is sure to cause a bit of rivalry between friends and family. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Batman Returns Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the second movie in the Batman series starring Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfieffer and Danny DeVito. It's Christmas time in Gotham, and two new baddies have shown up, Catwoman, and the Penguin. It is up to Batman to deal with them. Impressions: An interesting little game, reminiscent of Shinobi, though lacking the same quality. You get to choose one of two routes at the start of the level which is fairly nifty, otherwise its just standard platform action. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Completely different animal to the Megadrive version and the SNES version. The SNES version is by far the best of the Batman Returns games. Variations: Different versions of this game exist on every platform available around 1992. Also available as a Sega Classic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Battle Out Run Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Outrun meets Chase HQ, with just enough to separate them. Impressions: Selectable levels and music is a bonus, and choosing your kit mid mission is a bonus, otherwise it's just Outrun, with a little destruction. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Sequel to Out Run Variations: Out Run appeared in the Arcade and on the Megadrive. A further 16-bit sequel followed in the form of Out Run 2019. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Battlemaniacs Author/Vendor: Rare/Tectoy Year: Unknown (not listed on box) Region: Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A port of the Super Nintendo game Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, a game by Rareware. 3 toad brothers must save the world from an evil queen..or something. Impressions: If you like cut down 16-bit games, you could go for this. Less frustrating than the original game (which isn't on the SMS), which automatically makes it 10 times better. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Looks to be only 95% complete. It's a port of the SNES Battletoads game. Variations: Battletoads: Battlemaniacs on the SNES. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Black Belt Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Erm, you're this Kung Fu type guy, and you beat things up. Impressions: It's generic button mashy action for the most part. The main levels are a side scrolling affair, with a constant flow of enemies (who shatter on impact) and the odd enemy with a piece of equipment. Finally the boss fights are a more Street Fighter 1 on 1 affair, though very simplistic. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Hotuko no Ken/Fist of the North Star ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Blade Eagle 3D Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, 3D Glasses Premise: A vertical shoot-em-up which supports use of the 3D Glasses peripheral. Impressions: Highly ordinary shooter with a few tricks thanks to the 3D glasses. Nothing special here. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Can be played without the 3D glasses. Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bomber Raid Author/Vendor: Activision/Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Take to the skies with Two-Mega fire-power in the gnarliest fighter-bomber game ever. (promo) Impressions: Fairly decent shooter with a good powerup system. Can get a little frantic at times, and the framerate does suffer. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Apparently there are two versions, an Activision one (US and early EU release) and the Sega one (all other). The Activision one is much more rare. Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bonanza Brothers Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Two brothers, Robo and mobo are sent on a mission to clean up Badville, by looting money from jewelry thieves and counterfeit money runners, etc. Impressions: Interesting little game which plays fairly well. Lacks the co-operative mode that was in the other versions which is a serious problem in the longetivity stakes. Collect the loot and dodgy the security guards. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Variations: Arcade and Megadrive versions exist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bonkers Wax Up! Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1994 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the Disney cartoon from the mid 90's about a crazy cat who happens to be a police officer. Impressions: Pretty much straight platforming action, nothing really good or bad with the title. Take a look if you like the original cartoon, otherwise there's nothing to see here. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Port of the Game Gear version. Variations: Bonkers on the Game Gear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Borgman Author/Vendor: Toho/Sega Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Most likely based on some form of mid 80's anime. Impressions: Very weird side scrolling action game which employs two viewpoints at once - may also require two pads to operate. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Released on a special Gold cartridge in Japan. Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: Tyouon Sensi Borgman ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bram Stoker's Dracula Author/Vendor: Sony Imagesoft Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the 1992 movie starring Johnny Depp. Impressions: As with all Sony Imagesoft games in the 90's, this one is a load of crap. Poor animation, loose control, bad collision detection and just generally bad to play. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: ? Variations: Megadrive, Mega CD, SNES and Gameboy versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Bubble Bobble Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Bub and Bob are two average boys, with cute girlfriends. At least until their girlfriends are kidnapped, and they're tranformed into bubble blowing lizards. Impressions: Definitely one of the top puzzle games on the system. Trap your enemies in bubbles and pop them through about 200 levels. Just pray your brother doesn't accidently kick the machine and wipe your progress :( Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Japanese cart contains FM sound. Variations: Arcade, PC and NES versions exist, as well as a graphical remake for the Game Boy Advance. Also known as Dragon Maze, Final Bubble Bobble. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Buggy Run Author/Vendor: Sega/Capcom Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Isometric racer in the vein of R.C. Grand Prix. Impressions: Decent little racer, though not as polished as some others on the system. Control is a bit off, unfortunately. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Does a Capcom version exist? Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== C ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: California Games Author/Vendor: Epyx/Sega (reprogrammed) Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Sports (multi) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-8 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Compete in a bunch of sports that were popular in California in the late 1980's, such as Skateboarding and Flying Disc. Impressions: Good little compilation of sports titles that provide for some enjoyable competitive action with your friends. Not really much chop on your own, though. Avoid the sequel at all costs. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: C64, PC, NES, Megadrive, Lynx and countless other versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: California Games II Author/Vendor: Epyx (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (multi) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-8 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Push your courage and cool to their limits in four innovative action sports from California. Showcase your skills speeding around the skateboard track, body boarding on foam breakers, hang gliding over the ocean and snowboarding down perilous slopes. Impressions: An absolute travesty, especially seeing the prequel was a damn fine game. Stupid events which are impossible to get the hang of. Luckily it had a small production run. Rating (1-10): 1 Comments: Sequel to California Games Variations: SNES and PC versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Captain Silver Author/Vendor: Data East (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're Jack Avery, a lad with a taste for treasure and high adventure! In this hot Sega adventure you are fast on the trail of the most feared sea pirate's treasure, Captain Silver. It doesn't matter that he's dead. His ghost goes on haunting the treasure... and all who try to find it... with a bloodthirsty vengeance that has chased strong men to their graves! But you have no fear... or do you? With a tattered old treasure map in hand, you must track down the sea dog's golden board, battling creatures both from this world and from beyond the grave! You'll start the game with your trusty cutlass and your wits. Fight well and you'll be able to increase the power of your sword, or purchase special powers to slow down the hands of time and make yourself temporarily invisible. Wield your cutlass well and you'll face the ghost of the Captain himself... with a chance to own all his buried treasure. But fail in your quest, and who knows what spirits will haunt you?" Impressions: Very dull side scrolling hack and slash adventure. I never knew that one could die by touching the water in a fountain. Apparently, Jack Avery does. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Arcade port? Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Casino Games Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, USA Language: English Genre: Party Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A compilation of various games that you'd find around a casino. Impressions: Fine if you like computerised gambling, but the rest of us will find it utterly tedious. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Castelo Ra Tim Bum Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1997 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: I don't know for sure, looks like it may be based on a cartoon or TV show of the same name. Impressions: One of the few original Brazillian titles available - could be a fun game if I knew Portuguese Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Champions of Europe Author/Vendor: Tecmagik Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another soccer game, this time from a bird's eye perspective. Impressions: Strikingly similar to World Cup Italia 90, but not even as fun to play, a bad thing considering Italia 90 was dire in itself. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Championship Hockey Author/Vendor: Electronic Arts/US Gold Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (hockey) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Essentially it's EA Hockey from the Megadrive, converted to Sega's 8-bit format. Impressions: While EA Hockey rocked, this one is quite dull. Limited animation, icky graphics and poor collision detection show that your time would be better spent elsewhere. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Port of EA Hockey Variations: EA Hockey on the Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Chapolim X Dracula Author/Vendor: Tec Toy Year: 1993 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's a pallete swap of Ghost House, with characters from what I would assume is some form of Brazillian cartoon. Impressions: See Ghost House, because they're exactly the same. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Palette swap of Ghost House Variations: Ghost House ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Chase HQ Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, Japan Language: Various Genre: Action/Driving Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: New York - to help eradicate crime, the Manhattan Police have established a special investigation headquarters. They call it Chase HQ - its objective: to arrest criminals escaping in cars from the scene of a crime. Impressions: It's a lot of fun, but a bit short lived, especially because of its lack of difficulty. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Sequel called Special Criminal Investigation Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Cheese Cat'astrophe see SPEEDY GONZALES: CHEESE CAT'ASTROPHE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Choplifter Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1985 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You control a helicopter, and must fly around the battlefield saving POWs, while trying to avoid being destroyed. Impressions: It's a fun game, but it can become very frustrating. Stick with it, and you'll have a good time. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: SNES Sequel in Choplifter 3. Variations: Arcade, Gameboy and C64 versions exist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Chuck Rock Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Unga Bunga! Chuck Rock's wife, Ophelia, has been captured by that no-good Gary Gritter. Can Chuck belly-butt his way through five increasingly challenging stages, each one packed with dozens of deranged dinosaurs and surprises galore? Or is his love destined to end up on the rocks? Impressions: Pretty stock standard platforming action. The graphics are pretty impressive, though the background is entirely black. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Suspected Megadrive port. Variations: Also on the Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck Author/Vendor: Core Design Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Eighteen months after his victory over Gary Gritter, Chuck Rock is now the owner of the hugely successful 'Chuck Motors' and has become a father. Kidnapped by his evil enemy Brick Jagger, Chuck Rock is likely to become Chuck Dust unless somebody rescues him... A sudden crash as Chuck Junior bursts from his play pen 'Goo Goo Gaa Gaa, I'll be back' Impressions: Pretty average platforming action, just substitute Chuck for his son, and belly butting with a club. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Also on the Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Circuit, The see WORLD GRAND PRIX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Cloud Master Author/Vendor: Hot B. Co. Ltd/Taito Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia, Japan, USA Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You control a little boy on a floating cloud who proceeds to blast the crap out of anything that moves. May or may not be based on some form of Asian mythology. Impressions: Unconventional in appearance, but nothing more than standard horizontol shooter action in reality. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Columns Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, Japan, USA Language: Various Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Line up the matching jewels by colour, and lather, rinse and repeat until you can't take it any more. Impressions: One of the best puzzle games of all time. Simple premise, but very easy to pick up, and hard to put down. A very good alternative to Tetris. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: None. Variations: Megadrive and Game Gear versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Cool Spot Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Play as the 7UP mascot Spot in his quest to become cool. Thrilling, isn't it? Impressions: Much better than your average Megadrive chop down job. The background detail is gone, but much of the animation (which was superb in the Megadrive game) is still there. Gameplay is virtually identical, which can only be a good thing. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the Megadrive(?) Variations: Megadrive, Game Gear and SNES versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Cosmic Spacehead Author/Vendor: Codemasters Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Absorb your senses in this giant Extra Terrestrial Odyssey of Cosmic discovery! Radical Adventure, Awesome Arcade and super Sub-Games combine in Cosmic Spacehead's 50's Sci-fi quest to prove the Earth's existence! Impressions: Amusing little point and click adventure title, but there's not nearly enough of it. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Ported from the Megadrive? Had a special contoured cart. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Cyber Shinobi Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: An evil force known as the Zeed return to the world to cause havoc, and only the super ninja type-bloke Joe Musashi can save us all from the impending doom. Impressions: This is a definite case of the old rose-tinted glasses. I recalled this game being a nice beat em up with ninja powers when in reality it's a farce and detrimental to the Shinobi name. Limited animation and stupid difficulty ruin what could have been a great sequel. The music is a blessing, though. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: The official sequel to Shinobi Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Cyborg Hunter Author/Vendor: Sega/Activision Year: 1988 Region: Europe, USA Language: English Genre: Action/Adventure Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're the toughest bounty hunter in the galaxy. Fight off swarms of deadly Cyborgs. (promo) Impressions: It's got a nice idea in the fact that it displays a first person and third person view at the same time, but the game mechanics are quite flawed, and there's just a general lack of direction within the game. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Released by Activision in the USA. Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== D ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Daffy Duck in Hollywood Author/Vendor: Probe Entertainment/Sega Year: 1994 Region: Europe Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Daffy Duck goes to Hollywood, and all hell breaks loose. It would appear that he is being stalked by some form of robot duck. Impressions: Must have been one of the last Sega Master System games developed, as it features some pretty impressive graphics. Gameplay is decent, but nothing you haven't seen before. Other games do it better. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Danan the Jungle Fighter Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action-RPG Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Danan is some form of barbarian type fellow, looking to crack skulls and take names in this side scrolling action RPG. Impressions: Yuck. Poor graphics and sound, and very average controls make Danan an absolute chore to play. You can get your RPG kicks somewhere else. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dead Angle Author/Vendor: Seibu Kaihatsu (reprogrammed by Sega) Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Shooting Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A third person shooting game. Impressions: Interesting mechanics, as the player controls the game from behind, yet has to control a targeting reticule as well. Would have been much better as a light gun game. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None. Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Deep Duck Trouble Author/Vendor: Disney/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Uncle Scrooge gets cursed, and becomes bloated after finding an artifact on one of his treasure hunts. Donald Duck gets to save the day. Impressions: Another quality Disney licensed game. This one is structured similarly to Quackshot on the Megadrive, but plays a lot like Castle and Land of Illusion. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Sequel to Lucky Dime Caper. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Desert Speed Trap Author/Vendor: Probe/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Play as the Road Runner, and run through a variety of levels while dodging the pesky Wile E. Coyote. Impressions: Probably the worst of the Road Runner games, but still fairly playable. The time limits can be a pain in the butt, and there are quite a few collision detection problems, but there's still a bit of game in there. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Various Road Runner/Coyote games are available on the Game Gear, Megadrive and SNES. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Desert Strike Author/Vendor: Kremlin/Electronic Arts/Domark/Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: With a fiery blast from your Hellfire missles, you must annihilate a ruthless tyrant's military arsenal. Smoke his private yacht and tear into his air force as you challenge the madman's forces in a series of surgical strikes. (back of the box, from the MD version) Impressions: Still not that bad a game, even though a few things suffered some major changes in the transition. However, the core gameplay remains, and thats the main thing. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Apparently a Sega version exists, but the majority was done by Domark. Variations: Megadrive, SNES, Mega CD and PC versions exist. The rest of the Strike series appeared on the Megadrive, Saturn, Playstation and N64. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dick Tracy Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the movie featuring Warren Beattie and Madonna, not the comic books. Impressions: It's a port of the Megadrive game, but it just doesn't feel right with two buttons. It didn't help that the Megadrive game was pretty mediocre to begin with. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Megadrive port. Variations: Megadrive version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dodgeball King Author/Vendor: Game Line Co. Ltd. Year: 1995 Region: Korea Language: Korean Genre: Sports (dodgeball) Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Asian countries have a bit of a knack for kicking ass at dodgeball, so it's only natural that they'd make a videogame out of it. Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: One of a few Korea-only releases. Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Doki Doki Penguin Land see PENGUIN LAND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Double Dragon Author/Vendor: Technos Japan Corp./Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: When Marion is beaten up by an evil gang, martial arts gurus and brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee go to get their girlfriend back. Impressions: Easily the best of the non-arcade port versions, and a solid beat 'em up that excels when played with two players co-operatively. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Loosely based on the Arcade version Variations: Arcade, Megadrive, NES, Game Gear and Game Boy versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Double Hawk Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You control the action as John and Jack, two warriors hand- picked by the United Nations, attempt to bring down a terrorist organisation which is responsible for a worldwide wave of violence. The terrorists are capable of launching attacks from the sky, the sea and by land. Are you the one person who can stop this reign of terror? Impressions: Feels like a game that was designed with a light phaser in mind. The fact you can't move your character and cursor at the same time makes this game overly difficult and frustrating. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: The guys on the box look a lot like Arnie and Stallone. Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Double Target see QUARTET ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Palette swapped version of Puyo Puyo, featuring characters from the then Saturday morning cartoon Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Well, all except Sonic and Tails. Impressions: Puyo Puyo is a great puzzle game, so if you enjoy that, chances are that you'll enjoy this. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive, Game Gear versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the Hollywood bio-pic starring Jason Scott Lee (no relation). Impressions: I was expecting it to be a port of the horrible SNES and MD versions, but what I got was an interesting platformer/beat 'em up combination that's definitely worth a look. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive and SNES versions exist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dragon Crystal Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Australia, Europe Language: English Genre: RPG Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're caught in a fantastic world of unearthly beauty and deadly demons. You'll pass through thirty worlds in search of the Magic Goblet. There's no way out of this musical nightmare, until you find it. Impressions: An interesting mix of a simplistic Action/RPG with a maze game is actually quite a joy to play, especially for the RPG inept such as myself. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Driving Pack Author/Vendor: Tec Toy Year: ? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: ? Cart Size: megabit Players: ? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: ? Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dynamite Duke Author/Vendor: Seibu Kaihatsu (reprogrammed by Sega) Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another one of those over the should cursor based shooters that are light on plot and heavy on action. Impressions: Controls the way that Double Hawk should have, but manages to botch up any enjoyment by not providing the slightest bit of variety Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dynamite Dux Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: An evil wizard has snatched your girlfriend, and turned you into a duck. Kick his ass and get your girl back. Impressions: Eh, it's pretty stock standard beat 'em up stuff which many other games on the system do better. Stick to Double Dragon Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Ported from arcade? Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dynamite Headdy Author/Vendor: Sega/Tectoy Year: 1994 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick. Premise: Interesting little platformer which requires you to beat enemies to death with your head. Impressions: The original version was developed by Treasure, who have a pretty good track record, which remains intact here. The SMS version takes a hit on performance and visuals, but still looks very strong when compared with other 8-bit peers. Novel idea, fun to play, check it out. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Original version was developed by Treasure. Variations: Also available on the Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== E ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Earthworm Jim Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1996 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A regular earthworm finds a powerful armoured suit, and takes it upon himself to fight an especially nasty bird named Psycrow, while saving the loverly Princess Whats-her-name. Impressions: It kicks ass, to be verbose and brief. Some obvious graphic and framerate hits from the 16-bit version, but the soul of the experience is still there. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the Megadrive or Game Gear? Originally developed by Shiny Entertainment. Variations: Megadrive, Mega-CD and PC versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ecco 2: Tides of Time Author/Vendor: Novatrade/Sega/Tectoy Year: 1996 Region: Brazil Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Help Ecco save the marine life from a futuristic menace. Impressions: Wasn't as good as the original on the Megadrive, and the same goes on the SMS. Ecco can change into a few different creatures now, but without the pretty graphics, Ecco might as well find a new home with John West. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Stripped down port of the Megadrive game? Game Gear port? Variations: Megadrive, Game Gear versions exist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ecco the Dolphin Author/Vendor: Novatrade/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A great storm has come and stolen Ecco's family and friends, as well as a vast majority of the ocean's ecosystem. It is up to Ecco to save the day. Impressions: While the Megadrive version was a thing of beauty, all of the visual draw was lost when it went from 16-bit to 8-bit, so its very hard on the eyes, and just not very fun to play. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Stripped down port of the Megadrive game? Game Gear port? Variations: Megadrive, Game Gear versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Enduro Racer Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Europe, Australia, USA, Japan Language: Various Genre: Racing Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another racing game where winning allows you to purchase upgrades, but this time it's on motorbikes, and there's lots of jumps, and cars from a 1930's gangster movie out to stop you. Impressions: I don't know why those cars are there. Game plays alright but isnt overly exciting, nor will it last you more than an afternoon Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Japanese version includes extra pictures and tracks not seen in the International versions. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: E.S.W.A.T. City Under Siege Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another one of those future of law enforcement types. You start off as a normal cop on the beat, but then are volunteered to be outfitted with some nice robotic enhancements. Impressions: More faithful to the arcade version than the Megadrive game but lacks the polish required to make you want to play for more than a few hours. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Arcade port. Variations: Megadrive and Arcade versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== F ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: F1 Championship see F1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: F16 Fighting Falcon Author/Vendor: NEXA Corporation/ASCII (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1985 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Simulation Cart Size: 1/4 megabit Players: Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Simplistic flight sim that looks to be taking after those old vertex based games. Impressions: For shooter fans who like games that attempt realism, but fail due to limitations of the format. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Ported from the SC-3000 Variations: Also available on card. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: F1 Author/Vendor: Domark Year: 1994 Region: Europe Language: Various Genre: Racing Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The official game of the FIA Formula One world championship. Impressions: As far as racing games go on the system, it's one of the better ones, but it still has some glaring flaws and annoyances that keep it from being a good game. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fantastic Dizzy Author/Vendor: Codemasters Year: 1993 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Follow the exploits of a rather adventurous egg as he attempts to save the love of his life. Impressions: Fun little platforming adventure with a few unique things such as an inventory screen, but the game's plot is rather silly when you think about it. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Uses a contoured cart. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fantasy Zone Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Europe, Australia, Japan, USA Language: Various Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You start out by building your own space ship. Then take off for The Fantasy Zone. Fly through screen after screen of perilous worlds, as you try to bring peace to a troubled universe. Impressions: Its a damn good shooter, one of the best on the system. Kill things, collect money, upgrade your ship and take on the bosses. Very colourful, very hectic, and very good. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Two sequels exist on this system Variations: Fantasy Zone 2, Super Fantasy Zone (Megadrive). Playstation 2 remake under the Sega AGES collection. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fantasy Zone 2: The Tears of Opa Opa Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Japan Language: Various Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Opa Opa is back, and is needed back in the Fantasy Zone, where all hell has broken loose once again. Impressions: Take the original, add some better visuals and a variety of new power ups as well as a new set of levels, and you have Fantasy Zone 2. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Came on a Gold cart in Japan. Variations: Fantasy Zone, Super Fantasy Zone ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fantasy Zone: The Maze Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: Various Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Somehow, Opa Opa has gotten itself stuck in a weird maze, and it's up to you to get it out of there. Impressions: A drastic departure from the original two games. The great shoot 'em up gameplay has been replaced by some ridiculous maze ordeal which makes this one an absolute chore to play. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ferias Frustradas Do Pica Pau Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: ?995 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Platform Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Platforming game with the one-time famous Universal mascot. Impressions: Bland platforming experience does little, if anything, to capture the bratty antics of everyone's favourite little woodpecker. Avoid. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: Translates to Woody Woodpecker's Frustration Vacation. Also on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: FIFA International Soccer Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: ? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Soccer, by EA Sports, but cut down to the Master System. Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: Has to be a Megadrive port, but I haven't managed to get my mits on a playable version. Variations: Available on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Final Bubble Bobble see BUBBLE BOBBLE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fire and Forget 2 Author/Vendor: Titus Year: 1990 Region: Europe Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Prepare to experience the most extraordinary arcade game ever designed for a console. You will have to pilot the Thundermaster II, capable of 850 horsepower on the road, and able to convert itself into a genuine airborne attacker, both equipped with sonic phasers and missle launcher. (back of the box) Impressions: Set it on fire, and forget about it. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: None Variations: Sequel to Fire and Forget (obviously). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fire and Ice Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: ? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: Ported from the Amiga. Variations: Also on the Amiga and NES. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fist of the North Star see BLACK BELT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Flash, The Author/Vendor: Probe/Sega Year: 1993 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Electronics wizard Trachmann and master villian Trickster have teamed up to take control of Central City and it's up to The Flash to set things right. Use your wits and The Flash's super speed to track down these villians before time runs out (back of the box) Impressions: The Flash's speed doesn't help him translate well into a controllable videogame character. Standard platform fare made close to unplayable by the sheer speed of the main character. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Flintstones, The Author/Vendor: Grandslam Entertainment Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Various Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Fred wishes to go bowling with Barney, but Wilma insists that he must babysit Pebbles while she goes shopping. Paint a wall, look after a baby and do other "enthralling" activities. Impressions: Anyone who has read my GameFAQs review knows how much I loathe this game. Avoid, unless you are sadistic, masochistic or both. Rating (1-10): 1 Comments: None. Variations: Based on the hit TV show. Many other Flintstones games exist, and all are better than this one. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Forgotten Worlds Author/Vendor: Capcom (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1988, 1991 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Ruins, destruction, wastelands - that's all there is to see. The fiendish aliens have infested your planet! As a Warrior, you swear to win back the Dust Planet for its rightful owners, the Human Beings. Get ready to face brutal alien fiends and risk your life in battle. Your only goal is to stay alive long enough to destroy your most powerful enemy, the War Tyrant! (back of the box) Impressions: Quite a good multidirectional shooter with all of the elements that make a goot shooter, except multiplayer, which has been left out of this port. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Arcade and Megadrive versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Fushigi no Oshiro Pit Pot see PIT POT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== G ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: G-LOC Air Battle: Loss of Conciousness by G-Force Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Simulation Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Vigilante forces have raided government military installations and "confiscated" planes, tanks, even warships! Fly your G-LOC fighter to victory against the guerillas! Impressions: One of those arcade like flight sims. Think Afterburner from the cockpit view, with missions that involve ground combat as well as air combat, and you're on the right track. Reminds me a lot of Top Gun 2 on the NES. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Also on the Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Gain Ground Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: Various Genre: Strategy Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A bunch of evil folk have taken over your land, and you've got to get it back..or something that required killing a lot of native folk. Impressions: It's pretty dull by yourself, but worth a look with a friend. Standard maze shooter action. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Also on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Galactic Protector Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: Whatever it is, it involves Opa-Opa, and is almost uncontrollable. May require a paddle or some other peripheral. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: ? Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Galaxy Force Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The future of the Junos Galaxy hangs by a thread. The evil Fourth Empire is intent on domination, invading and conquering all planets in its path. You're the galaxy's last hope for survival. (back of the box) Impressions: Plays like a poor man's Space Harrier/Afterburner hybrid, but set in space. Shuttery animation is quite distracting. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive sequel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Game Box Series (4 games) Author/Vendor: Various/Tectoy Year: ? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Various Cart Size: ? Players: Varies Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: 4 different compilation carts released by Tectoy, each featuring games from a different genre. See separate entries for more details. Game Box Serie Esportes: Great Volleyball, Super Futebol II and Wimbledon Game Box Serie Radicais: California Games, Jogos de Verao Game Box Serie Lutas: Shinobi, The Ninja, Kung-fu Kid Game Box Serie Corridas: Super Cross, Super Monaco GP, World GP Impressions: Each of these packs looks to be good value, with at least one good title in each. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None. Variations: Each game is available as a standalone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Gang's Fighter see MY HERO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Gangster Town Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Light Phaser Premise: In the 1920's, working as an FBI agent, you are pursuing a gang engaged in smuggling. After practicing your marksmanship, shoot at the enemies in Car Chase, Downtown, Saloon and Night Club scenes. (back of the box) Impressions: It's probably the best light gun shooter on the system. Difficulty levels adjust based on your skill, the game is tough but forgiving, and the action is just all round enjoyable. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Arcade version exists? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Gauntlet Author/Vendor: Atari/Tengen Year: 1992? Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Take your pick of a barbarian, elf, valkyrie and sorcerer, and set off for a fantastic maze based adventure game. Impressions: Once again, these maze games are best played with friends, but Gauntlet is a decent conversion and manages to do justice to the much-revered original. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Arcade port? Variations: Arcade version exists. Series continues to this day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: George Foreman's KO Boxing Author/Vendor: Flying Edge/Acclaim Entertainment Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Sports (boxing) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another boxing game, this time licensed by George Foreman. Impressions: Silly button bashing mess that pretty much separates this from any sort of serious boxing game. Stick with Rocky. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: This is from around the time where Foreman made his comeback and won the heavyweight crown at age 44. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Gerraldinho see TEDDY BOY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ghost House Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Try to find the hidden treasure in this spooky romp through Dracula's Haunted House. Impressions: A bizarre maze game of sorts. I'm completely amiss as to what the goal of the game actually is, but it plays fairly poorly. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Also available on card. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ghostbusters Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Simulation Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Ghosts. Ghosts. And more ghosts. They've decided to come out in force. And they've picked your city to show their stuff in. So who you gonna call? Impressions: An interesting take on the Ghostbusters idea. Rather than some cruddy action game, this is a simulation, much like Transport Tycoon or Theme Park, but with Ghostbusting as your service. Can be tricky at times, but its worth a shot. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Based on the action/comedy starring Harold Ramis, Bill Murray and Dan Ackroyd. Variations: Based on the C64 version, not the horrid Megadrive game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ghouls and Ghosts Author/Vendor: Capcom (reprogrammed by Sega) Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: O brave knight, save us from the Demon Lord and his minions! He has seized your love, the Princess, and carried her away to his dark delvings. Can you fight your way through the many enemies and obstacles in you path to save her - and her kingdom? Impressions: The much renowned fiendish difficulty seems sorely lacking in this conversion, but the rest of the game is there, for the most part. Still worth a look after all these years. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Sequel to Ghosts and Goblins Variations: Known as Dai Makai Mura in Japan. Megadrive, SNES and arcade versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Global Defense Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Japan, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Earth is under attack! Deadly missiles have been launched from the farthest reaches of space. Are you good enough to earn the title of Global Defender. Impressions: Rubbish horizontal shooter. You've got to control the cursor to aim your guns, but it also controls your ships movement as you press the button. Could have been a much simpler system, but its a convoluted mess, unfortunately. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: Known as Strategic Defense Initiative in Japan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Global Gladiators Author/Vendor: Virgin/Tectoy Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Strap on your Gooshooter and join Mick and Mack, the Global Gladiators, on a quest to neutralise the monsters of Slime World, The Mystical Forest, Toxi-Town, and Arctic World. Check out the bodacious backgrounds, the 1,250 awesome animation frames and the most spacious sound around! (back of the box) Impressions: It's fairly impressive visually, but just like the McDonalds food, its bound to make your stomach upset. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Also on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Gokuaku Doumei Dump Matsumoto see PRO WRESTLING ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Golden Axe Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The evil Death Adder has kidnapped the king and queen of the land, and stolen their treasured Golden Axe. It's up to you - Ax Battler - to end this reign of tyranny. Impressions: Unfortunately, this version has been severely cut down from the arcade version, with only one character selectable. The others are there in spirit, as their magic is still selectable, but you're better off giving this version a miss. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Based on the arcade game. Variations: Arcade and Megadrive versions available. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Golden Axe Warrior Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: RPG Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: World peace is at stake! Death Adder, a wicked giant, has stolen nine crystals from the kingdom of Firewood and has hidden them in the 9 labyrinths he has created. These nine crystals protected the people from evil - especially from Death Adder's grasp. But now the crystals are lost, and the world is defenseless! (back of the box) Impressions: It's Sega's answer to the Legend of Zelda, and while it's a solid effort, and even marginally better in presentation, it has nothing on Miyamoto and co.'s effort. Good try, though. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Some relation to the Golden Axe series. Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Golfamania Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (Golf) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A golf game, complete with various play modes, and an 18 hole course. Impressions: Pretty standard stuff as far as golf games go. If you like the sport, you mind find something here, provided you can work out the interface. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Has battery backup memory. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Golvellius Author/Vendor: Compile (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: RPG Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another one of those games where something evil has happened to the kingdom, and it's up to some pathetic little wretch to save the day. Impressions: It starts off as a platformer, and breaks down into an over- head adventure title. Not too bad, but a little tough for some players. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: GP Rider Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another motorcycle racing game. Impressions: It's got nothing on Hang On, which isn't saying much. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Baseball Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Japan, Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (baseball) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're the Manager. And you can field a total of 26 teams to battle for the League leadership. Pick the team of your choice. Designate a starting pitcher. Then, Play ball! And get ready for some of the most exciting baseball since the game was invented. Will it be a slugging match? A pitching duel? Need a pinch hitter or relief pitcher? You decide. It just takes the right strategy. A cool head. And sure ball control. And if you want batting practice, call up the Home Run Contest. A great feature of Great Baseball lets you swing at 20 perfect pitches. It's going..it's going..it's gone! (back of the box) Impressions: A decent baseball sim with enough depth for fans of the sport to get a few kicks. Utilises a behind the pitcher view, which most should appreciate. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None. Variations: Known as Reggie Jackson's Baseball in the USA? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Basketball Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Japan Language: English Genre: Sports (basketball) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: This is basketball at the professional level. Full of international competition from the first jump to the last shot. Whether its four on three or three on two, the action is fast and furious. And there are no favourites in this demanding play. You'll be called for double dribbling, cheered for every slam dunk, and carried off the court for making the winning throw. But so will your opponent. So go for it. Your tough offense can put up a fast break in the opposing team's stride while your defense remains as solid as a rock. But think fast - because only two can play at this game - and only one can win! (back of the box) Impressions: Very simplistic basketball game with opponents that wouldn't trouble a week old infant. The game stops and starts too much for my liking. Basketball Nightmare is superior. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Football Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA Language: English Genre: Sports (football) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Playoff fever grips you. And no wonder. You're the driving force that can take your football team to the top in this rough and tumble contest between the leagues. The outcome of the game is in your hands. As the quarterback, you select the plays. Line up the formations. Call the signals and carry the ball. Cut down your opponent with deadly blocking. Intercept a pass. Make a flying tackle. All you need is skill. Strategy. Cunning. And nerve. For non-stop action that charges across the screen. You decide to pass. It looks good. Touchdown! (back of the box) Impressions: The game feels as if it just doesn't work properly - passes and play selection don't seem to be happening - could it be that it needs the ill-fated sports pad? Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: Known as Walter Payton Football in the USA. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Golf (japan) Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Sports (golf) Cart Size: megabit Players: Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: Not related to the other Great Golf. Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Golf Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (golf) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You need raw nerves of steel for this course. Because shrewd thinking and raw talent are your only allies in this calculating competition. (back of the box) Impressions: Poor interface and difficult control mechanisms make this golf sim an exercise in frustration. Don't bother. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: None Variations: Known as Master Golf in Japan. The Japanese Great Golf is a different game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Ice Hockey Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA Language: English Genre: Sports (hockey) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, Sports pad Premise: Welcome to the big leagues. Here's a rough and tumble hockey game that takes a steady hand and quick reflexes. Because your opponents mean business. Teams line up in full defense. Tackle one another. Scramble for the puck. Drive relentlessly for a goal. Victory for your team depends on you. So you need sharp techniques. Quickness. Power. And smooth stick-shifting ability. Show you have the right touch, hit the puck straight into the goal. But relax your guard, and you'll see why they call the game of hockey "wrestling on ice". (back of the box) Impressions: This one needs the sports pad by the looks of things. Too simplistic to be enjoyable, once you get around using the sports pad. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Soccer see WORLD SOCCER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Great Volleyball Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Japan, Brazil Language: English Genre: Sports (volleyball) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: So you wanna win the world championship? Give it your best shot. Gonna take teamwork. Nerves of steel, Service... spike...point for your side. Nice going. You're on your way. Impressions: Volleyball can sometimes convert poorly into a videogame, but Sega have done a respectable job here by creating a somewhat enjoyable volleyball title. The repetitious nature of the sport will get to you in the end, though. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Gunstar Heroes Author/Vendor: Tec Toy (originally programmed by Treasure) Year: Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Earth gets invaded by a bunch of nasty aliens, and the Gunstar Heroes are called in to solve the situation. Impressions: The Megadrive game kicked ass, and this is a pretty respectful port. A definite must buy for fans of platform shooters. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Hacked up port of the Megadrive game. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== H ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Haja no Fuuin see MIRACLE WARRIORS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Hang On & Astro Warrior Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A combination of the Yu Suzuki motorbike classic, and the popular top down shooter. Originally distributed with certain Master System packs. Impressions: Worth it, if you like the individual games. See their individual entries for more. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Packed in with certain Master System deals. Variations: Hang on, Astro Warrior. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Hang On & Safari Hunt Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Combo cart featuring Hang on and Safari Hunt. See the separate entries for more. Impressions: See above Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Separate carts available. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Hang On Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1985 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Japan Language: Various Genre: Racing Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Err, basic motorcycle racing game ported from the popular arcade title of the same name. Impressions: Eh, it was alright at the time, but other games did the job better Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Released in the USA on a card. Variations: Arcade and Megadrive versions exist. Also available to play in Shenmue on the Dreamcast, and in Yu Suzuki's Arcade collection for Game Boy Advance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Heavyweight Champ Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Sports (boxing) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The challenger waits for an opening...a heavy right to the midsection, a crunching left uppercut and a powerhouse right to the jaw and the champ is down for the count! We have a new heavyweight champion! Listen to that crowd! Heavyweight Champ brings the power, pride and excitement of professional boxing right into your home. When you hear the bell, come out swinging! (back of the box) Impressions: It's just about identical to George Foreman's Heavyweight Boxing, but the game feels slightly less mashy, and has a better interface. It's also devoid of any signs of involvement from Acclaim, so think about it. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None. Variations: George Foreman's KO Boxing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Heroes of the Lance Author/Vendor: Tiertex/US Gold Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: RPG Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Discover the world of Krynn in this AD&D epic. Control the Companions of the Lance in their quest to recover the Disks of Mishakat. Only this can defeat the Queen of Darkness and restore the balance between good and evil. (back of the box) Impressions: Slow and dull AD&D adventure that will cure insomnia in 15 minutes flat or your money back. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: None Variations: NES version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: High School Kimengumi Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: ? Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: ? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on a rather obscure looking Japanese cartoon. Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: Released on a special gold cartridge. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Hokuto no Ken see BLACK BELT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Home Alone Author/Vendor: Probe/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit movie starring Maucauly Culkin (or however you spell his sodding name). Kevin has to set up a variety of traps so the bandits don't steal his parent's stuff. Impressions: This is just taking the piss. Utterly shit game that nobody should ever have been subjected to. Rating (1-10): 1 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive, Game Boy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Hoshi Wo Sagashite see STORY OF MIO, THE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== I ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Impossible Mission Author/Vendor: US Gold Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Agent4125: Halt the threat of world annihilation posed by Elvin Atombender from his underground laboratory. Penetrate his stronghold and dodge or deactivate the guard robots while unscrambling the secret code that will allow entry to the control center. The world awaits in fear. Your mission is stamped impossible. Impressions: I'm sure it'd be an interesting game if you had the knowledge of how the game is supposed to work. It plays well, at least. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: I think the game is supposed to be quite literally impossible due to a bug. Variations: C64, Amiga versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Incredible Crash Dummies, The Author/Vendor: Flying Edge/Acclaim Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the popular cartoon series. Impressions: It's a really awful set of minigames. Anyone with an ounce of sense will want to avoid this one, well, at least past the initial point of curiosity. Rating (1-10): 2 Variations: Megadrive version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Incredible Hulk, The Author/Vendor: Probe/US Gold Year: 1994 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another one of those side scrolling action/platformers, featuring Marvel's the Incredible Hulk this time around. Impressions: One of those rare cases where the Master System game is better than the Megadrive one. Whereas The Hulk was a sluggish, slow brawler on the Megadrive, the Master System one is actually quite fast, and therefore, more fun. It retains a reasonable amount of the graphical glitz, too. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None. Variations: Also on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Author/Vendor: Tiertex/US Gold Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 (take turns) Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit movie starring Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. Impressions: Standard platform action fare, but seemingly more difficult than one might expect. Decent use of the license, at any rate. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Different to the Megadrive version, although they may appear to be similar. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Itchy and Scratchy Author/Vendor: Acclaim Year: 1994 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the cartoon-in-a-cartoon from the Simpsons. Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: Not 100% sure this exists, just working from memory and a copy of Sega Megazone Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== J ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: James Bond 007 - The Duel Author/Vendor: Domark Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the character created by Ian Fleming. Uses the likeness of Timothy Dalton. Impressions: Poor side scrolling platformer that contains none of the elements of a good Bond flick. Sluggish pace, mediocre graphics and poor collision detection only make things worse. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: Also ont the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: James Pond II: Codename Robocod Author/Vendor: Vectordean/Millenium Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Evil Dr Maybe is destroying every game factory in the world with his evil penguin bombs. You must dive to the rescue as RoboCod - licensed to gill. Finning off bullets, scaling walls of danger, and filleting fiercing killer caterpillars in 8 cod smacking levels. Impressions: Mediocre port of a fairly average game. There's a few nifty things in there, such as the stretch ability, but the otherwise standardised platform gameplay is fairly offputting. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Ported from the Megadrive. Variations: James Pond series (MD) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Joe Montana Football Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Australia, Europe, USA Language: English Genre: Sports (football) Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: American football has arrived! Joe Montana football gives you the strategy and hard hitting action of pro football, along with some advice from Joe Montant -- the best Quarterback ever to play the game! You're the coach and star player in this new sports thriller from Sega! Impressions: Pretty good as far as football games go, but its fairly simplified. Not bad for a two player bash though. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Joe Montana series is also on the Megadrive and Mega CD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Jungle Book, The Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Get down to the bare necessities of life and escort Mowgli through the jungle to the safety of the human village. Fight the boggle eyed snake Kaa and defeat Shere Kahn the hungry tiger in this exciting adventure based on Disney's classic. It'll drive you ape crazy! Impressions: Lacks the charm of its Megadrive brother. Just one of those ports that cuts down on the fun, as well as the graphics, animation, sound, and so on. You can give this one a miss. Rating (1-10): 4 Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Jurassic Park Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit movie directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill and Sir Richard Attenborough. Impressions: A darn sight better than the Megadrive version - features vehicle based shooter and platform based sequences. The shooter bits are fine, though you might find that the platforming bits haven't been thoroughly tested, as collision detection and jump timing are severely off. Rating (1-10): 5 Variations: Not a single one of the Jurassic Park games released is similar to another. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== K ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Kenseiden Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: An evil has overfallen the land, and you, a samurai (or some other ancient warrior type) must vanquish it. Impressions: Fiendishly difficult, and frustratingly long. Not too bad if you're a patient person, which I am not. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: King's Quest: Quest for the Crown Author/Vendor: Microsmiths Inc./Sierra Online/Parker Brothers/Tonka/Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, USA Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: There's plenty of action, adventure and danger in this animated video game based on one of the best selling computer games... In days of old, you and the gallant Sir Graham must rescue King Edward and his beleaguered kingdom of Daventry. Your mission: To travel to the kingdom, unearthing clues and challenging adversaries to locate the King's magic mirror, protective shield and chest of gold. Use your knowledge and skills to make the right choices and solve the riddles, while defying ogres and others along the way. But keep Sir Graham away from the many pitfalls, or he will die -- and you will lose the game! There's endless challenge and entertainment in your battle to inherit the kingdom of Daventry! Impressions: One of the first, and arguably the most classic graphical adventures to be released, and the Master System port is quite faithful. Recommended to those looking for a break from the Master System's vast array of action titles. Rating (1-10): 9 Variations: PC versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Klax Author/Vendor: Tengen/Domark Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Klax will make you move fast and think fast. Catch coloured tiles as they come down the conveyor belt and arrange them in stacks of three, vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Sounds easy? It is, until they start tumbling so fast that it will drive you crazy trying to catch them all - while figuring out how to stack them before you run out of room. Impressions: Well, if you like puzzle games, this is amongst the best that you'll find on most systems. Easy to learn, tough to master. Rating (1-10): 8 Variations: Klax is on just about everything. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Krusty's Fun House Author/Vendor: Flying Edge/Acclaim Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Hey Kids! Give a hoot! Help your old pal Krusty the Clown! My official Krusty's Fun House is infested with rats! I've got my loyal cadet Bart Simpson to guard the rat traps, but I need you to lead those filthy rodents into those traps! Then we blow them up! We laser blast them! We KRUSTERISE the little stinkers!! Hoo baby! Making Krusty's Fun House vermin free isn't a pretty task, kiddy cadets, but someone's gotta do it! Impressions: Run through the levels, rounding up rats into traps. Good puzzle elements deliver an almost Lemmings-like feel to the game, but some may begin to tire of its antics quite quickly. Rating (1-10): 6 Variations: Krusty's Super Fun House (MD/SNES) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Kujakuou see SPELLCASTER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Kung-fu Kid Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Japan, Brazil Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The wicked Madanda has awakened from a sleep of several thousand years. Use your talents to save your village from his terror. Impressions: Highly mediocre scrolling fighter that has you smacking identical enemies until you reach the right side of the screen, where a boss fight takes place. Repeat ad naseum. Rating (1-10): 5 Variations: Makai Retsuden (Japan), Sapo Xule O Mestre do Kung Fu (Brazil) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== L ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Laser Ghost Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, Light Phaser Premise: Poor Katherine is scared stiff. Ghosts and Goblins have stolen her soul and imprisoned her. "Help me...somebody please help me..." Impressions: Katherine walks through level after level of crap, and it's your job to protect her. Unfortunately, she's the most docile being on the planet, and constantly walks EXACTLY where you don't want her to, making Laser Ghost an exercise in frustration. Rating (1-10): 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Lemmings Author/Vendor: Psygnosis Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A unique puzzle game where you must guide the brainless lemmings through to their goal, whilst avoiding a series of death traps. Funnily enough, the blokes that made this one went on to design Grand Theft Auto. Impressions: Fiendishly difficult as the game progresses - I guarentee that hair will be pulled out, and cuss words will be yelled. Still a fun game, though. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Possibly ported from the Amiga? Variations: Amiga, PC, Megadrive and SNES versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Lemmings 2: The Tribes Author/Vendor: Psygnosis Year: 1993 Region: Europe? Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The official Lemmings sequel, where the Lemmings have formed various tribes based on their new skills. Impressions: Lemmings was difficult enough, but the Tribes ramps things up by giving you completely different sorts of lemmings with each level, which can be rather confusing to those not familiar with the game. Still a good game, but I think the predecessor was just that little bit more solid. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Not 100% sure this was released. Variations: Lemmings series (various) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Les Schtroumpfs see THE SMURFS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Line of Fire Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Just as you stole the enemy's secret weapon and started back, the enemy spotted you! Now you must fight your way back to safety. But be careful! You're in the line of fire. Impressions: Vertical shmup with helicopters - not as good as it could have been, but it also could have been much worse. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Lion King, The Author/Vendor: Virgin/Tec Toy Year: 1994 Region: Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit Disney animation flick. Impressions: While its just your usual cut down port of a Megadrive Disney title, The Lion King manages to retain a bit of the charm of the MD version, while converting the game into a style that is more managable for the SMS. Fun to play, and varied enough to set it apart from the masses of platformers available on the system. Rating (1-10): 7 Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Lord of the Sword Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Art thou the man who will be king or just another rogue with a sword? Your name is Landau. Here's your chance to prove your worthiness to the Council of Elders. The followers of the evil Ra Goan have toppled the king from the throne. None are brave enough to take his place. The Elders have declared that any man who can pass three tests will become King of Baljinya. Find the Tree of Merrill. Defeat the Goblin of Balala Valley. Destroy the Statue of Evil. It sounds easy, but the followers of Ra Goan are waiting to stop you! It's an adventure that will take you across rivers and oceans, through swamps and over mountains. You have a sword and a bow, but magical weapons may become yours, for a price. Pass the tests and you shall become king. But remember, there's more to being a Lord of the Sword than hacking apart your enemies. Impressions: Fairly challenging and compelling action RPG title. The combat may not be grand, and the story isn't the most original thing under the sun, but the game is enjoyable nonetheless. Rating (1-10): 7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Lucky Dime Caper Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Evil Magica de Spell has stolen the Lucky Dimes, and kidnapped Huey, Dewey and Louie. Trek through six treacherous lands with Donald to save his nephews and retrieve the Lucky Dimes. Impressions: It may look nice from the outside, but its just a standard platform game, with very little in terms of uniqueness. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Also came in a special gift set with a soundtrack cassette with songs from various Disney films and a limited edition Donald Duck t-shirt (only available in the UK) Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== M ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Machine Gun Joe Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Action Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, Card Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: A Japanese only card game that's proving to be a real bastard to find. Variations: Also known as Comical Machine Gun Joe. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mahjong Sengoku Jidai Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: Japan, Korea(?) Language: Japanese Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Puzzle game based around the classic Asian game. Impressions: If you've played one mahjong game, you've played them all. Well, that's my uninformed, stupid gaijin opinion. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Translates to Mahjong: Age of Civil Wars. Alternate name is Mak Jong. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Makai Retsuden see KUNG FU KID ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Marble Madness Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The arcade sensation of the 80's comes to your Sega Master System! Have you got what it takes to guide a lone marble through six weird and wonderful courses packed with odd obstacles and insane indestructable inhabitants? Find out in Marble Madness. Impressions: Guide a marble through 6 difficult courses. Frustrating but still remotely enjoyable. Rating (1-10): 7 Variations: Arcade and Megadrive versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Marksman Shooting/Trap Shooting Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Brazil Language: English Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Light Phaser Premise: Two in One cartridge combines Marksman Shooting and the sport of Trap Shooting. Impressions: Pretty self explanatory stuff here - good for a bit of Light Phaser training. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Master Chess Author/Vendor: Year: Region: Language: Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: megabit Players: Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's chess. Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Master Games I Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Multi Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A compilation that includes Super Monaco GP, World Soccer and Columns. Impressions: See individual entries for more details. It's pretty good value, nonetheless. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Packed in with some Master System II units. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Master of Darkness see VAMPIRE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Masters of Combat Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Choose one of four colossal fighters, each one with a number of special moves and fighting techniques, and go head to head with the other three! Take on a friend in exhibition combat or make your way to the top in the one player tournament, where you must fight for your life - and the lives of all the people on Earth! Impressions: Below average fighter with uninspired lineup of characters and low quality fight mechanics. Stick to the Mortal Kombat games for your fighting fix. Rating (1-10): 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Maze Hunter 3D Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, 3D Glasses Premise: You're trapped in a 20 level, creature filled maze. To survive, you must fight your way to the bottom! The odds are against you, but you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Impressions: Dull game, mediocre 3D effects. Your time is better spent doing other things - like laughing at the silly box art. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Released on a Gold cart with FM chip in Japan Variations: Known as Maze Walker in Japan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Megumi Rescue Author/Vendor: Aicom (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: ? Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: ? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: Released on a gold cartridge in Japan. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mercs Author/Vendor: Capcom (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You are a Merc, a professional mercenary. Use your awesome fighting skills to rescue the former US president from the hands of terrorists. Impressions: Bears a lot of resembelence to Secret Commando, but it's just not as good. In fact, it's pretty crap. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: None. Variations: Also available in the Arcades and on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990? Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the movie starring Michael Jackson. Impressions: Its a bizarre game based on a bizarre movie, but its still pretty good. Go through levels, find the kids, save them, and then beat a few guys up, all to a few well known MJ tunes. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Altered port from the arcade version? Variations: Arcade and Megadrive versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Micro Machines Author/Vendor: Codemasters Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's miniature mayhem! Race micro cars, choppers, boats, tanks and formula one! Whiz around the spectacular scale mini tracks. Can you handle sand pits, pool tables and school desk courses. It's excellent! (Promo) Impressions: Quite a fun, fast paced game once you get used to the partially screwy control method. An absolute blast with a friend. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Comes on a rounded cartridge Variations: Micro Machines series (MD) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mickey Mouse Castle of Illusion Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The evil witch Miserable has kidnapped Minnie, and Mickey must save the day, as he so often does. Impressions: Beautifully animated, and fun to play, but it becomes very unforgiving towards the end of the quest. Recommended. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Similar, but different to the Megadrive version of the same name. Variations: Megadrive, Game Gear versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mickey Mouse Land of Illusion Author/Vendor: Disney Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Journey with Mickey Mouse through spooky castle ruins, dark caverns, an enchanted forest and a toy shop gone crazy! Use your wits and Mickey's magic to evade challenging traps, explore secret passages, and restore peace and happiness to the Land of Illusion! Impressions: Pretty much direct sequel to Castle of Illusion - box art even has the same blasted dragon that made me nearly destroy the previous game (though, it's a red dragon). It may be more of the same, but that's acceptable in this case. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Also on Game Gear? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mickey Mouse Legend of Illusion Author/Vendor: Disney/Sega Year: 1994 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Once upon a mouse, there was a kingdom that was ruled by the selfish king Pete. One day, a terrible shadow crept over the kingdom, threatening the lives of its inhabitants. The king's adviser said the only way to stop the shadow would be for the king himself to travel out and to seek the cure. But the cowardly king Pete preferred to stay in the castle, and sent a simple laundry boy named Mickey instead! As Mickey Mouse, you will travel through various levels in this platform game. Mickey shoots an unlimited amount of little balls on the enemies, can jump, climb on stairs, hang on ropes, and perform other tricks. Mickey can also pick up items and put them in another place, for example to access a higher level or to break a treasure chest open. Impressions: A different animal to the two previous Illusion games, with this one taking a more adventure oriented approach, much more along the lines of the Mickey games on the SNES, but still contains a few classic platform elements. Not a bad game, though. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Ported from Game Gear. Variations: Game Gear version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Minigolf see PUTT AND PUTTER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Miracle Warriors: Seal of the Dark Lord Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: RPG Cart Size: 2 megabit + battery Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Fate calls thee to bar evil's way! The dark lord Terarin has removed the Golden Seal from the Pandora Passage to let monstrous creatures roam the five lands. An ancient prophecy fortells of four brave warriors destined to battle Terarin and return the Seal to its rightful place. Art thou the one fated to lead the Miracle Warriors? Dost noble blood flow in thy veins? Join now in a fantasy role playing quest across time to a world of swords and sorcery. Three companions await you... if you can wake them from slumber. Miracle Warriors has battery backup memory so up to 5 can play and save their games! It's video gaming like you've never played before...only from Sega! Impressions: A much older style turn based RPG than Phantasy Star, but it should appeal to fans of that genre. Everyone else may be left a little bored. Rating (1-10): 8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Missile Defense 3D Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: Peripherals: 3D Glasses, Light Phaser Premise: The day has arrived for nuclear warfare. You're armed with The Eliminator and you must save the world. Impressions: Another one of those games built on Cold War fever. Think Defender in 3D, and you're on the right track. 3D effects are kinda nifty, but the game could have been done without them. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Included in the Segascope Master System pack. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Monica no Castle do Dragao Author/Vendor: Tec Toy Year: ? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action/Advenrture Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Altered version of Wonderboy in Monster Land, with various characters from the Monica series. Impressions: Exactly the same as Wonderboy in Monster Land, I assume. Rating (1-10): 8 Variations: Wonderboy in Monster Land ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Monopoly Author/Vendor: Parker Brothers/Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Pass GO and collect $200!" "Go directly to Jail!" Everyone knows MONOPOLY, the world famous real estate trading game. Now, you can play the exciting MONOPOLY video game on your Sega System! MONOPOLY is fantastic fun for the entire family. You can play against the computer - with skill levels you select - or get up to ten players in on the action. It has special features such as built-in battery so you can save games and play them later. Roll the dice with a push of a button. Your token comes to life and moves around the board! Buy companies and properties. Increase the value of your properties by building houses and hotels. Land on "Chance" or "Community Chest" and pick a card. With strategy and luck, you can become a winner. But you never know how the dice with roll! (Back of the box) Impressions: It's essentially a computerised version of the board game, and you'll find that the board game is probably a more enjoyable experience. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: The board game of the same name. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Montezuma's Revenge Author/Vendor: Parker Brothers Year: 1988 Region: USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Guide Panama Joe through the 100 room labyrinth that is Montezuma's Pyramid. Collect treasure and defeat various foes along the way. Impressions: Devilishly frustrating maze game made even more difficult by some niggling control issues. Worth a quick look at any rate. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: As far as I can tell, this is the only game that is a USA only release. Variations: PC(?) version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mortal Kombat Author/Vendor: Arena/Probe/Acclaim Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Fighting Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Mortal Kombat tournament takes place every 100 years. It sees the best warriors of the Outworld take on the best of Earth Realm. The evil Shokan prince, Goro, has won the tournament for the last 900 years. One more victory will see the Outworld be allowed to consume the Earth Realm. Pick a warrior, and save Earth realm. (back of the box) Impressions: It's severely cut down due to the fact the arcade game was much more advanced, but most of the principle is still in place. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the arcade game Variations: Arcade, Megadrive, SNES, PC and Mega CD versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mortal Kombat II Author/Vendor: Arena/Probe/Acclaim Year: 1994 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Fighting Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: While Liu Kang saved the Earth from certain doom, the evil Shang Tsung begged his master Shao Kahn to host another tournament, this time in the Outworld. But something isn't quite right...(back of the box) Impressions: Once again, it's limited by the fact the arcade version was advanced, and the Master System was really really showing its age at this point, but it's still a solid game. One of the last known Master System releases in the industrialised world. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Arcade, Megadrive, SNES, PC and Saturn versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Mortal Kombat III Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1996 Region: Brazil Language: English Genre: Fighting Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Shao Kahn, angered by the outcome of the last Mortal Kombat tournament, invades Earth realm, and attempts to take it over with brute force. Impressions: Features only 9 characters, but the fact they managed to cram a respectable conversion of Mortal Kombat 3 onto the SMS provides great testament for the skills of Tec Toy. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the Game Gear version Variations: Mortal Kombat series (various) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ms. Pacman Author/Vendor: Namco/Tengen Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's Pacman. With a bow. Impressions: Slightly better graphics, a changed perspective, faster gameplay and more sound effects make Ms. Pac-man slightly better than her other half. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: None. Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: My Hero Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Your girlfriend has been kidnapped, so you've got to get her back. Awe inspiring plot, eh? Impressions: It's crap. Ugly sprites and dull, samey action. Probably the worst action game on the system. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: Available on card as well as cart. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== N ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Nazca '88 see AZTEC ADVENTURE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: NBA Jam Author/Vendor: Midway/Acclaim Year: 1994 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (basketball) Cart Size: megabit Players: 2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Port of the arcade basketball title. Impressions: NBA Jam was great at the time, especially in the arcades. The fact someone tried a Master System port is admirable, but you have to admit that it isn't a patch on the other conversions. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: I'm not even sure this was released, but there is a rom available. Variations: NBA Jam series (various) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Nekyuu Kousien Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Sports (baseball) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another Japanese baseball game. Impressions: Might be interesting if you like baseball, and have the ability to read Japanese. Since most of you don't, you'll be better served with one of the English baseball games. Rating (1-10): 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: New Zealand Story, The Author/Vendor: Taito/Tekmagick Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Take to the stars for the adventure of a lifetime in this no. 1 arcade hit. Watch feathers fly as you guide Tiki through the hazards of New Zealand, including mazes, defeating fiendish foes, rescuing his kiwi friends and finally facing the evil Wally Walrus in the ultimate battle. Will you be the next dish on the fresh kiwi menu? Only time will tell, and it's running out! Impressions: Interesting if not slightly difficult platforming fair. There's plenty of potential for enjoyment, and the game isn't exactly short. Check it out. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: It's not about sheep ^_~ Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ninja Gaiden Author/Vendor: Tecmo (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Dragon Ninja village has been massacred! The powerful scroll of the Bushido has been stolen! You are Ryu Hayabusa, last of the Dragon Ninjas, and you must find the Bushido before it can be used to unleash evil across the Earth. Impressions: A poor man's Shinobi. I know I might anger a lot of people by saying that, but Shinobi is clearly the better ninja game on the system. Not enough depth or enjoyment to sustain continued interest. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: NES port? Variations: NES versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ninja, The Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're a ninja, and you've got to kill the other ninjas in this top down shooter. Impressions: Not a bad little game, but a little too simple for some tastes. Rating (1-10): 7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Nuclear Creature see TRANSBOT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== O ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Olympic Gold: Barcelona '92 Author/Vendor: US Gold Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (multi) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The official game of the Games of the 25th Olympiad. Impressions: Yeah, it's not so bad, if you love mashing the hell out of your control pads. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Also on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Operation Wolf Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Shooting Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, Light Phaser Premise: A coup d'etat in Cherigo gave birth to the political leadership of the Communist Party. The new president of Cherigo has already sent the ex-President, who is pro-Carmean, and the Carmean Embassy staff into a concentration camp. Now, it is your turn to go on stage! You have just landed all alone on Cherigo, parachuting down into the country. Can you help the hostages escape unhurt from Cherigo? Impressions: My dad loves this game. Pretty good as far as shooters go, and it ain't easy. Graphics are simple, but pure gameplay makes up for it. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Sequels in Operation Thuderbolt and Operation Wolf 3 Variations: Arcade version and NES version exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ottifants, The Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: All is not well for Bruno, the baby Ottifant. A father captured by Aliens! Or so our Otti-infant imagines as he follows the trail of sweets that will lead him to his abducted parent. It's a trail of peril and adventure -- terrifying toys, a blood chilling basement and an office of hi-tech horror. Impressions: Graphically pleasing, but there isn't much here that sets it apart from the slew of platformers available on the system. Still, it's solid, and that counts for a lot. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Based on a popular European TV series. Variations: Megadrive version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Out Run Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You've got this neat-o Ferarri, and you get to drive around highways, taking separate routes....for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Kickass! Impressions: The arcade version made the trip fairly intact, although there was a slight graphical hit. Highly playable, but lacking in the lasting stakes. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the Arcade Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Out Run 3D Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, 3D Glasses Premise: Strap yourself in and take a 3-D ride on the wild side. Sega's Out Run 3-D is so close to reality it will leave you breathless! As your car whips around treacherous curves and over hills, you can almost feel the engine screaming and the wind whipping through your hair! Impressions: See Out Run, because they're practically the same if you take the 3D glasses away. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Also has a 2D mode. Variations: Out Run ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Out Run Europa Author/Vendor: Sega/US Gold Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Out Run, once again, but this time it's in Europe. Impressions: All the European setting gives you is a few changes in the backdrops and extra vehicles. See the Out Run entry. Rating (1-10): 7 Variations: Out Run ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== P ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Pac Mania Author/Vendor: Tengen Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Pac-man moves to an isometric perspective, and gains the ability to jump - but watch out, because the ghosts learnt how to jump as well. Impressions: Yeah, it's just Pac-man with jumping, not much else has changed, so if you like Pac-man, give it a look. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Paperboy Author/Vendor: Tengen Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You've landed a job as a paperboy. Get the papers onto the welcome mat or in the mailbox, or face the consequences. Impressions: It's a solid port of the classic arcade game, but you'd have to be a fan to want to play it all over again. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Ported from arcade. Variations: Too many to list. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Parlour Games Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Various Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Choose from the exciting challenges and action of Billiards, Darts, or World Bingo! In Billiards, choose nine-ball or rotation. Play the Darts games 301 or 50. Or test your luck in a high-stakes game of World Bingo! Impressions: The billiards game is mildly enjoyable, and darts is okay once you've sussed the odd control method out, but World Bingo is just....weird. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Also known as Family Games and Party Games. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Party Games see PARLOUR GAMES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Penguin Land Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Welcome to Penguin Land. Your mission: bring fragile eggs back safely to home from a foriegn land. Your journey will take you deep into mysterious caverns where dangerous animals await to attack and destroy your eggs. Impressions: Enjoyable, but very challenging puzzle game. Includes an editor to let you create you own levels, extending replay time. May frustrate some gamers, though. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Contains battery backup abilities. Variations: Doki Doki Penguin Land (Japanese release) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: PGA Tour Golf Author/Vendor: Sterling Silver Software/EA/Sega/Tengen Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (golf) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A hush comes over the crowd surrounding the 18th hole. After 27,012 yards, 71 holes and four grading rounds, a 23 foot birdie putt separates you and your first tournament victory. This is the big time. PGA TOUR-Golf puts all of the excitement, fun, challenges and rewards of the real PGA TOUR right in your hands! Impressions: A good little golf game...if you can stand the load times. Tries to do more than is really technically possible on the SMS, and the overall game suffers because of it. Pity, because it's just about the best golf game on the system. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Megadrive versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Phantasy Star Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Europe, Australia, Japan, USA Language: Various Genre: RPG Cart Size: 4 megabit + battery Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The time: Space Century 3240. The place: The Agol Star System. It began when King Lassic turned evil and let hordes of hideous, magical creatures run amok on the three planets. When her brother was killed, Alis vowed to avenge his death and put an end to Lassic forever. Join her in a journey across time and space to a world where creatures speak...where magic and science combine to take you on the ultimate video quest. Phantasy Star is total adventure role playing with towns full of people and shops...16 level dunegons full of traps and treasure...three companions who will help you if you find them and some of the most awesome graphics ever put in a video game. (back of the box) Impressions: The Master System's best RPG, not to mention one of its best games. Its got a lengthy quest and an interesting story. Pity about those first person dungeons, though. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: None Variations: Featured in compilations on the Saturn and Game Boy Advance with an updated version being released on the Playstation 2 later this year. Sequels exist purely on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Pit Fighter Author/Vendor: Atari Games/Domark Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Fighting Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: In the Pit, it's mean, it's tough and it's no place for the fainthearted. Take on all comers - the fighting's below the belt and rules don't exist. Survival and the prize money are all that matter. Welcome to the world of the Pitfighter! Impressions: Fun little fighter, but very, very shallow. Loses a lot of the charm of the Arcade version on the way home, but then again, the arcade game wasn't really that good, either. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Loose arcade port? Variations: Megadrive and Gameboy versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Pit Pot Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A witch has kidnapped the princess, so you've got to get her back. Sounds thrilling. Impressions: Nice little maze game, but very unforgiving. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None. Variations: Available in compilation with Astro Warrior. Known as Fushigi no Oshiro Pit Pot in Japan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Populous Author/Vendor: Bullfrog/Tecmagik Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Strategy Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Now it's your chance to play God! Create the world in a week and destroy it in a heartbeat. Conquer 5000 hostile worlds. Unleash floods, volcanos, swamps and earthquakes. Impressions: The quintessential God game. Not as good as the Amiga and PC versions thanks to the lack of a mouse, but if you feel the need to crush some meddling humans, then this is the game to go with. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive, Amiga and PC. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Poseidon Wars 3D Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, 3D Glasses Premise: Keep your eyes on the horizon and your trigger finger twitching in this explosive 3-D naval battle game from Sega. With dive bombers, missiles and torpedoes trying to send you to Davy Jones' locker, you'll need every ounce of skill and luck you've got to keep your attack cruiser afloat and to destroy the enemy. Impressions: Ordinary shooter type game that features no benefit from 3D whatsoever. Had Light Phaser support been included, this might have been a better game. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Features a 2D Mode. Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Power Strike Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Your planet has been overrun by the meanest mutant vegetation ever created in a genetics laboratory. It's taken over buildings, labs, fighter craft...even people! And it's getting bigger...and meaner...with each passing second. But it hasn't taken over you. Now you're going in on a mission to deliver a POWER STRIKE! You have a special attack ship with the ability to use weapons you free from the ground. The action is hot and heavy. The enemy is coming faster than you could ever believe! So fight hard and fast. If you don't turn the mutated vegetation into a giant tossed salad, they'll turn you into toast! Impressions: Easily one of the best shmups on the system, with a neat power-up system, and cool boss fights. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: A special edition of the game was available in America, a first, if you trust the blurb on the back of the box. Variations: Sequel in Power Strike 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Power Strike 2 Author/Vendor: Compile/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A lone pilot puts on his flight gear and gets ready. His life has been leading up to this moment - he knows that the time has come to take on the air pirates' sky forces! The battle has begun. Are you ready to help in the fight to free the skies from the clutches of the air pirates? Impressions: The quality of the original with a new campaign and a bunch of new power ups. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: None Variations: Sequel to Power Strike ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Predator 2 Author/Vendor: Arena Entertainment/Acclaim Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Predator is in town with a few days to kill!!! It comes from a distant world...Invisible, it's armed with powerful weapons unlike anything we know. It mercilessly stalks humans...for sport. As Lt. Hannigan, it's up to you to rescue innocent people from the clutches of the evil drug gangs -- before they become trophies of the Predator. Search the streets, rooftops and subways until you confront IT. The Predator is on the hunt...find him before he finds you! Impressions: Enjoyable side scrolling run and gun shooter. A little difficult, but light years ahead of the Megadrive game. Must be the perspective. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Based on the film starring Danny Glover. Variations: Also on Megadrive and Game Gear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Prince of Persia Author/Vendor: Broderbund Year: 1991 Region: Europe/Australia Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You've been thrown into a dungeon, and have exactly one hour to save the princess from falling into an eternal slumber.. or was it from being executed...oh well. Impressions: Excellent adventure title, with well executed platforming elements, thrilling fights and nasty puzzles. Gets pretty difficult and frantic as you go along. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: On just about every system known to man. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Pro Wrestling Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (wrestling) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's the video match of the year. A no-holds-barred battle between you and a friend, or some of the biggest bruisers this side of Madison Square Garden. Just try to pin The Iron Soldier. Or wiggle away from The Giant Bull. Or just survive the cruel Crusher Brothers. Body slam. Drop kick. Pile drive. You'll even have the notorious German Suplex Hold. All at your command. Go for the title. Mexican League, Pacific League or World League. Whatever you do, play rough. Play to Win. Impressions: Hilariously bad on your own, but provides a few laughs when played with friends. Go with Steel Cage if you need a better wrestling game with a license. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Has a very amusing box art. Variations: Gokuaku Doumei Dump Matsumoto (Japanese title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Pro Yakyuu, The Author/Vendor: Sega Year: Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Sports (baseball) Cart Size: Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: Translates to The Pro Baseball ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Psycho Fox Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Psycho Fox is an adventure game centering around the entertaining and thrilling escapades of a very special fox. Psycho Fox ventures into many strange worlds to conquer strange beasts and boss monsters he encounters. Impressions: Surprisingly speedy platformer with some rather demanding challenges. Give it a little time, and you'll enjoy it, but don't expect to pick it up and be a master within 5 minutes. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Sapo Xule vs Os Invasores do Brejo (Brazillian pallete swap) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Psychic World Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: In a science lab in the middle of no-where, Dr Knavik does his research on ESP. The twin sisters Lucia and Cecile work as his assistants. One day a section of the lab blew up. The monsters which were kept in the lab for experiments have kidnapped Cecile, and it is up to Lucia to get her back, with the aid of a ESP booster given to her by Dr. Knavik. Impressions: Run and gun platform shooter which doesn't deliver on it's enormous potential. Limited powerups and use of abilities and poor graphics really hold this game back. Music is catchy, for some unknown reason. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Putt and Putter Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Sports (golf) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The waves crash against the shore as you tee up. Ahead in the distance...pinball bumpers? An outrageous combination of mini golf and pinball! It's Putt and Putter! Impressions: Fun little remix of mini-golf that adds in the use of common pinball equipment such as bumpers, as well as a few crazier contraptions such as conveyor belts. Of course, mini-golf can be a little frustrating, but this game offers plenty of enjoyment if you give it a chance. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Minigolf (Brazillian title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== Q ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Quartet Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Space colony Number Nine is being threatened by an invasion of the most dangerous kind. Alien attack. Only you have the power to stop this gruesome group. And save the colony from certain collapse. Impressions: Fairly simplistic side scrolling shooter which requires a lot of jumping, blasting stuff, and collecting keys to work your way into the next level Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Based on an Arcade game? Variations: Known as Double Target in Japan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Quest for the Shaven Yank see REN AND STIMPY: QUEST FOR THE SHAVEN YAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== R ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: R-Type Author/Vendor: Irem Corporation (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's you against the creatures of the evil Bydo Empire! Pilot the supersecret R-9 fighter spacecraft through the waves of aliens and their deadly war machines. Impressions: Egads! This one is a tough cookie. Serious shooter fans shouldn't waste any time in playing this one, while any less fanatical player might want to watch themselves, as this one can be very frustrating. Otherwise, it follows a fairly good formula, and remains faithful to the original. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Ported from the Arcade(?). Future R-Type installments have appeared on the Gameboy, SNES and Playstation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rainbow Islands Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Bob and Bub return, this time in human form. Their girls are kidnapped once again, and they have to use the power of rainbows to save them. Impressions: It's a solid title, but it lacks some of the magic which Bubble Bobble oozed. Don't let that thwart your attempts to play it. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Sequel to Bubble Bobble. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: R.C. Grand Prix Author/Vendor: Absolute Entertainment Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A radio controlled car race has begun -- right in your own house. With this game you can enjoy the excitement of a real radio controlled car race. Enjoy the thrill of challenging a number of different race circuits, where four radio controlled cars go head on against each other. There's also a drag car race waiting. Impressions: Solid little racing game with the ability to upgrade your car. Unfortunately for you, the other cars get an equal or better upgrade two races later, which makes the game somewhat unfair. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rambo: First Blood Part 2 Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit movie starring Sylvester Stallon and the late Richard Crenna. After being imprisoned, Rambo is offered an opportunity by his friend Colonel Trautmann to return to Vietnam to search for lost American POWs. Impressions: Exactly the same as Secret Commando, with a different title screen. Given a separate entry because I like Rambo. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Rambo II was a box office smash in the US in 1986, which is probably the reason the US version was further localised. Variations: Very similar to Secret Commando ;) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rambo III Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA, Brazil Language: English Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, Light Phaser (required) Premise: John Rambo, America's favourite soldier, makes a daring rescue attempt on a Russian military base deep in war-torn Afghanistan. A fast-shooting Light Phaser game that tests your fighting skills to the limit. Impressions: Pretty good as far as shooters go. Very easy though. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: A Megadrive game of the same name exists, but is an entirely different animal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rampage Author/Vendor: Bally Midway (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Mass destruction has never been so much fun! And arcade superstars Ralph the Wolf, George the Ape and Lizzie the Lizard make a riotous wrecking crew. So go wild! Crunch the concrete. Trash a trolley. Snack on a soldier. Have an office building for lunch. Go on a RAMPAGE! Impressions: Good fun for two people, but golly is it repetitive. Good luck to anyone who actually wants to go through all 50 levels (I have done it, btw). Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Ported from the arcade. Three sequels, one arcade and two console based. US version has a funky looking box with a red stripe. Variations: Arcade version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rampart Author/Vendor: Atari Games/Tengen (conversion by Developer Resources) Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Strategy Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Rampart combines the best of strategy puzzle games with dynamic action and medieval destruction. Rampart allows up to 2 players at a time to travel back in time to the middle ages, building fortifications and positioning cannons, just as the powerful Lords and Barons once did...Now prepare for all out battle! Impressions: A war sim combined with a Tetris style rebuilding section. Fun for two players, crappy on your own. The transition from track ball to control pad hinders enjoyment a lot more than expected. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Ported from the arcade, also on NES and Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rastan Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Journey into the dark lands of Semia where no man dares to tread. A princess has been kidnapped. If you rescue her, untold riches will be your reward. But you're a barbarian ...a master of cold steel! And who really controls your destiny? Impressions: Think of it as a primitive Castlevania game, and you'll enjoy it about 10 times more than you normally would. Hack and Slash platformer saved by a nifty power up system. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Arcade version exists. Sequels on Megadrive and Playstation 2/Gamecube. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Reggie Jackson Baseball see GREAT BASEBALL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ren and Stimpy: Quest for the Shaven Yak Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1993 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the hit Nickelodeon cartoon. Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: 99% sure this is a Game Gear port. Variations: Game Gear version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Renegade Author/Vendor: Technos Japan Corp./Taito/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're an iron-fisted vigilante out to save your city from the evil Syndicate. Brawl down and dirty in the streets. Challenge biker gangs to a dangerous highway battle! Punch past armed thugs on your way through the Syndicate mansion and the ultimate fight! Impressions: Bears a lot of resembelence, move wise, to Double Dragon II. An amusing brawler in it's own right thanks to some hilarious cinematics, this one shines most when played with a friend. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Arcade port? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rescue Mission Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Light Phaser Premise: Your friends are trapped behind enemy lines. They're wounded and need your help to escape. You're taking the medics in...on a dangerous rescue mission. Impressions: Much more fun than it sounds - protect your medic who's in a rail cart while he attends to the downed soldiers. Challenging yet still fun, and the variety of enemies can be amusing (communist Australians :P) Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Road Rash Author/Vendor: Probe (conversion)/Electronic Arts (original)/US Gold Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English, Portuguese Genre: Racing Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 (take turns) Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Challenge - Race for your life - there are no rules, no speed limits and no going back! Watch out for road blocks, oil spills and the cops! Reach speeds of at least 150mph whilst punching, kicking and clubbing your opponent before he gets you first! The adrenaline is pumping...and he's waiting for you...! Impressions: Faithful port of one of the best games on the Megadrive, but isn't without a few problems - mainly the ultra thin characters and slowed sense of speed. Still technically impressive and fun to play. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from Game Gear? Variations: Megadrive sequels in Road Rash 2 and Road Rash III. Game Gear versions also exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Robocop 3 Author/Vendor: Eden Entertainment Software/Ocean/Flying Edge/Acclaim Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Old Detroit. The streets are full of danger. Only one man can stand alone against such numbers. ROBOCOP! With state of the art weaponry, a skin of steel and nerves to match, he stalks his prey...evil doers everywhere! Impressions: The worst game in the series is based on the worst movie, what a surprise. Robocop walks like a bit of a nancy, collision detection is non existant, the game looks like the remnants of a Taco Bell feast, and just isn't any fun to play. Rating (1-10): 1 Comments: Based on arguably the worst movie in the Robocop series. Variations: Also on Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Robocop vs Terminator Author/Vendor: NMS Software Ltd./Virgin Interactive Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: In the near future, the worlds of RoboCop and The Terminator merge into a single reality. You, as RoboCop, must save mankind by destroying the Skynet super computer in this possible future in which machines rule the Earth and Skynet is supreme. Impressions: Identical to its Megadrive brother - with the typical down grades. Run and gun platform shooter with a bit of extra gore - nothing we haven't all seen before. Better than Robocop 3, though. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Based on the Dark Horse comic series by Frank Miller. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rock'n Bolt Author/Vendor: Activision (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1985 Region: Japan Language: Genre: Cart Size: megabit Players: Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rocky Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (boxing) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You're living the dream. Taking on all comers in your quest to be the best. The heavyweight champion of the world! A knockout adaptation of the boxing movie classic. Impressions: It's a tough boxing game, with relatively limited moves, but the training minigames are pretty fun. Two player makes for a slightly extended life - boxing on the SMS (sadly) doesn't get any better. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Loosely based on the events of Rocky through Rocky IV. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Romance of the Three Kingdoms 3 Author/Vendor: Year: Region: Language: Genre: Cart Size: Players: Peripherals: Premise: Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: Sangokushi III (Japanese title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Running Battle Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A neighboring city has fallen into the hands of the sinister 'M' and his 'Soldiers of the Darkness.' Get inside the 'Dark Zone' and punch, kick and blast your way through to the final conflict. Impressions: Looks worse than any SMS game should, and plays absolutely terribly. Limited moves and poor collision detection take away any possible enjoyment. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Rygar Author/Vendor: Salio Inc./Tecmo Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Home port of the popular arcade game. Impressions: Straight up action with a few platforming bits. Nothing especially interesting - the idea behind the NES version might have been better suited to the SMS than this version. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Released on a silver cartridge in Japan. Variations: Arcade port. Argos no ju-jiken (Japanese title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== S ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sagaia Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Darius, a peaceful planet much like Earth, was all but destroyed some time ago by an unknown enemy. Two young pilots managed to escape...Following a distress signal from what remains of their home planet, they're headed back into the fire Impressions: Side scrolling shooter with all of the usual trimmings, except with two fighter types instead of one. Give it a try if you're a genre fan. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Despite what the premise says, this version is for one player only. Variations: Also on Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sangokushi III see ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sapo Xule o Mestre do Kung Fu Author/Vendor: Sega/Tectoy Year: 1995 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A Kung Fu Kid pallete swap, with the Sapo Xule character replacing the main protagonist. Impressions: See KUNG FU KID Rating (1-10): See KUNG FU KID Comments: Translates to Stinky Frog: The Master of Kung Fu Variations: Kung Fu Kid ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sapo Xule SOS Lagoa Poluida Author/Vendor: Sega/Tectoy Year: 1995 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Stinky Frog gets thrown into Astro Warrior Impressions: See ASTRO WARRIOR Rating (1-10): See ASTRO WARRIOR Comments: Translates to Stinky Frog: SOS Polluted Lagoon Variations: Astro Warrior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sapo Xule vs Os Invasores do Brejo Author/Vendor: Sega/Tectoy Year: 1995? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Stinky Frog gets thrown into Psycho Fox. Impressions: See PSYCHO FOX Rating (1-10): See PSYCHO FOX Comments: Translates to Stinky Frog vs. the Swamp Invaders. Variations: Psycho Fox ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Satellite 7 Author/Vendor: Year: Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Cart Size: Players: Peripherals: Premise: Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Scramble Spirits Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Earth has been attacked by extra-terrestrial forces. Their weaponry is fierce and their numbers are almost too great to count. It will take a couple of fearless fighter pilots to bring them into defeat. Feel up to the job? Impressions: Forgettable vertical scrolling shooter that suffers from minor problems such as a lack of power up variety and excess sprite flickering (and thus slowdown). Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: SDI: Strategic Defense Initiative see GLOBAL DEFENSE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Secret Commando Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You know the drill - you're a lone soldier on an impossible mission and you have to blast the stuffing out of anything that moves. Impressions: Difficult but rewarding vertical shooter. Some minor issues such as poor collision on the arrows can infuriate the player, but otherwise, this game is highly recommended. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None. Variations: Ashura (Japan title), Rambo: First Blood Part II (USA title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sega Chess Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's chess. Impressions: Some nice features like switching between 2D and 3D boards (technically impressive), but I'd rather use a real board and real pieces. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sega World Tournament Golf Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (golf) Cart Size: ? megabit Players: ? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Challenging courses, a variety of modes and realistic gameplay - Sega World Tournament Gold has it all! Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: ? Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sensible Soccer Author/Vendor: Sensible Software/Sony Imagesoft Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The best soccer game on the computer formats makes a belated transition to the consoles. Impressions: It's the best darn soccer game on any system. Plenty of depth in play options, stacks of teams, and league and cup modes to keep anyone glued to the game for months to come. Don't forget about the multiplayer mode, either. Rating (1-10): 10 Comments: None Variations: Also on Amiga, PC, Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Shadow Dancer Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A violent terrorist group is trying to foil a crucial space mission. You, as Takashi, the noble Ninja warrior, attempt to take them out using your death stars, your mighty sword and Ninjitsu magic. Impressions: This is a direct port of the arcade game - a lot of the graphical finesse was lost, because the game just looks outright ugly. Nothing notable gameplay wise - the one hit kill stuff can be a royal pain in the ass, though. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: The Megadrive game of the same name is a different animal, centering around the exploits of the original Shinobi protagonist Joe Musashi, who goes on a quest rescuing kidnapped children Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Shadow of the Beast Author/Vendor: Psygnosis/Tecmagik Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: From beyond the edge of darkness the warrior cries revenge. Shadow of the Beast is unleashed on the Master System in a superlative arcade adventure. Relentless combat as the Beast battles over 100 different alien forms in 8 hostile regions of a supernatural World. It feels so real - you can almost taste knuckle. Impressions: More adventure centric than the Megadrive game - I don't know which is the more faithful conversion as I never played the original computer version. Worth a look, even if it doesn't have the cool soundtrack of the 16-bit game. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None. Variations: Amiga, PC and Megadrive versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Shanghai Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Steady your nerves and concentration. You're about to play Shanghai! Shanghai is based on an ancient game that is over 25 centuries old. Over the years since, it has been a favourite of pirates, smugglers, flappers and gangsters, pf working men and the well-to-do. Now you can play it too on the Sega System. The game is simple...the strategy complex. Remove 144 tiles from a pyramid; two matching tiles at a time. But be careful. Remove two wrong tiles and you're left with no more matching pairs...game over! It's a game everyone can play and enjoy. Impressions: Simple in concept - just match the pieces with a free side edge, but it quickly becomes challenging, and is one of the most enjoyable puzzle experiences on the SMS. Highly recommended Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Shapes and Columns see COLUMNS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Shinobi Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Powerful ninja Joe Musashi sets out to rescue a bunch of kidnapped children from an evil crime sydnicate. Impressions: Not as pretty as the arcade game, but retains all of the necessary gameplay. Fun to play, long and as tough as nails - essentially a game that every Master System owner needs to have. Rating (1-10): 10 Comments: None. Variations: Arcade and Game Gear versions exist. Sequels in Cyber Shinobi, Shadow Dancer and Revenge of Shinobi (MD). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Shooting Gallery Author/Vender: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Light Phaser Premise: Have you got what it takes to last through four incredibly intense shoot 'em up games? A sharp eye? Steady hand? Split-second timing? Let's hope so. Because that's the only way you'll survive the SHOOTING GALLERY. Impressions: Simple but enjoyable Light Phaser effort that helps with light gun skills, but doesn't really do much else. Can get very challenging. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sitio do Picapau Amarello Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1997 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Adventure Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Another game based on a Brazillian cartoon license. Impressions: Original efforts from Tectoy seem to be few and far between and are rarely any good. This one is somewhat playable, but I'm afraid that those of us who don't speak Portuguese won't enjoy it to its full potential. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Slap Shot Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (hockey) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Chop That Shot! Get in on all the excitement of a game so rough that it's sometimes called hand-to-hand combat on ice. This game brings twenty-four of the best teams from around the world into your living room for hours of fast-paced fun. Impressions: Hockey is poorly represented on the SMS, and Slap Shot does nothing to help. Stupid fight system, no face-off system and goals wider than Aunty Fay's posterior. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Not to be confused with the Paul Newman film. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Smash TV Author/Vendor: Flying Edge/Acclaim Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's sometime in the not too distant future, and game shows feature contestants locked in a battle for their own survival, whilst winning all sorts of prizes. I'd buy that for a dollar! Impressions: Seriously fun in two player, but the difficulty level is somewhat unforgiving. A top blaster, nonetheless. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the Arcade game Variations: Arcade, NES, SNES and Megadrive versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Smurfs, The Author/Vendor: Infogrames Year: 1994 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Gargamel has already kidnapped three Smurfs. Smurf to their rescue! Smurf down the mountains riding on a sledge, explore the labyrinths of the mine, travel on the back of the stork...but beware of nasty enemies such as the Buzz flies, the Angry Smurfs, the Howlbird, Azrael and..Gargamel! Impressions: Above average, but not by much. Generic platformer with little to offer - but at least the gameplay is solid. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Les Schtroumpfs (French title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Smurfs Travel the World, The Author/Vendor: Infogrames Year: 1995 Region: Europe Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Inquisite Smurf and Smurfette have broken the magic crystal and now they are being taken off to various parts of the world. Collect all the crystals to be found along your route. To reveal them, brave the sea-lions of the North Pole, the Indians of America, and the octopuses of the deep... Only after you have smurfed all these challenges and many others will you be able to return to the village Impressions: Faster paced than the original Smurfs title, but still suffers from being far too generic - but then again, how many standout titles did Infogrames make? Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Les Schtroumpfs Autour Du Monde (French title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Solomon no Kagi Author/Vendor: Salio Inc./Tecmo Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Run through the maze and rescue the fairies. Impressions: The game is pretty self explanatory, but the difficulty level jumps through the roof quite quickly, leading to frustration. If you can deal with that, you might enjoy the game. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Special silver cartridge. Full title is Solomon's Key: Tears of Queen Sohita Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sonic Blast Author/Vendor: Sega/Tectoy Year: 1997 Region: Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 8 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Think Sonic the Hedgehog meets Donkey Kong Country, and you're about halfway. Impressions: It's just another Sonic game to be honest, but this one has pre-rendered sprites. Frame rate is a little questionable, but Sonic fans should take a peek. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the Game Gear Version Variations: Game Gear version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sonic Chaos Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Dr. Robotnik's stolen the red Chaos Emerald, and it's up to Sonic The Hedgehog to get it back! As Sonic or "Tails" the two-tailed fox, you'll zip through the Zones, using your quick moves and quicker thinking to collect rings and evade Robotnik's latest batch of Badniks! Impressions: Vast improvement over Sonic 2, but still just short of the original games. Bigger levels, gadgets completely unique to this Sonic title (Rocket shoes!), and the ability to play as Tails help a lot, but it still can't stack up to the 16-bit Sonic titles. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: None Variations: Also on Game Gear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sonic Spinball Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: From slimy sewers to monstrous machine rooms, Dr Robotnik's latest fortress is a giant pinball machine! Will it withstand a Sonic spin-vasion? Bounce from giant flippers and hissing steam vents. Rev through dizzying loops and up death-defying ramps! Impressions: Not much a Sonic game, and not much of a pinball game. Not much of anything really - but you can do much, much worse. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive and Game Gear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sonic the Hedgehog Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1991 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Sega's popular blue haired mascot makes his first Master System appearance. Impressions: At the start of the game, one thinks that we're all set up for another stripped down Megadrive game, but this one breaks off on a tangent of its own. Keeps the gameplay of the Megadrive game, but adds some much needed challenge. One of the best on the system. Rating (1-10): 10 Comments: None. Variations: Game Gear version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Sonic returns for another adventure, this time he's after Dr. Robotnik, as his best friend Tails has been kidnapped by the evil scientist. Impressions: This one was a real botch up. The hang glider and mine cart bits sounded rather fun, but they actually contribute toward making this the worst Sonic game in existance. Avoid. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: Game Gear version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Space Harrier Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Japan, Australia Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A home conversion of the classic Yu Suzuki arcade game. Blast your way through hordes of enemies to return peace to the Fantasy Zone. Impressions: Pretty poor as far as arcade conversions go. Space Harrier never really translated well to home until the 32X, though. For fans only. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Port of the arcade game. Variations: Arcade version exists. Has appeared in compilation on the Game Boy Advance and Saturn (?), and also in Shenmue and Shenmue II on the Dreamcast and Xbox. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Space Harrier 3D Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, 3D Glasses Premise: 3D version of Space Harrier with support for the 3D Glasses peripheral. Impressions: Well, its virtually identical to the normal game, but looks a little better if you have the 3D Glasses. Don't bother if you don't have them. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Space Harrier ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Space Gun Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, Light Phaser Premise: From a crippled starship at the edge of the galaxy comes a cry for help. Alien monsters have taken over, and it's up to you to save what human crew remains! Choose your own path down dark corridors and through deadly arenas in non-stop shooting action! Impressions: Disappointing effort from Taito, given their track record. Slow pace, ugly graphics and bad art override the few cool things in the game, such as the variety of special weapons. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Special Criminal Investigation Author/Vendor: Taito Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action/Driving Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: This is high-powered excitement that starts just as soon as you get behind the wheel! You are the police force's finest, and you are up against criminals who are prepared to do anything to carry out their plans. They've kidnapped the mayor's daughter and you are her only hope. Impressions: Think Chase H.Q. with a gun, and you're on the mark. Lacks the music that made the original memorable, but still has the same level of enjoyment in the chase sections, slightly amplified by the enjoyment one gets from hitting a crim from behind with a bazooka. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None. Variations: Sequel to Chase H.Q. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Speedball Author/Vendor: Bitmap Brothers/Mirrorsoft Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Speedball is the action sport of the 21st century. Dodge neck breaking tackles and bone crushing body slams to pass a solid steel ball towards your opponent's goal. Hammer your foe enough times and he will cry for mercy! Impressions: One of your typical future sport type games, but this is the one that really put that genre on the map in Europe. Take your team into battle, and beat the crap out of the opposition, while occasionally taking the time to score some points. Rating (1-10): 8 Variations: Available on various home computer formats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe Author/Vendor: Bitmap Brothers/Virgin Interactive Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Speedball 2. A violent quasi-legal future-sport with one rule - slam a solid steel ball into your opponent's goal. The only thing tougher than the brutal blood sport is the thugs who play it. And they don't come any tougher than Brutal Deluxe, new faces at the bottom of the league, thirsting for blood and hungry for success. Impressions: Improved version of Speedball with better pacing and league play - something that developers of future sports titles on current consoles need to include. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Available on Megadrive and various computer formats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Spellcaster Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil, Japan Language: Various Genre: RPG Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's a Sega quest of a lifetime featuring graphic text adventure and high-powered action scenes! You are Kane, the SpellCaster warrior of Summit Temple. You have mastered the art of shooting Ki Force from your fingertips. With magic spells you have the power to call down the strength of the Gods! Now an army of evil is sweeping the countryside, destroying temples and villages. You have been called into battle to discover who the enemy is... and what is at the heart of their evil plans. It's an adventure that will take you above and below ground, across time, space and even into the Land of the Dead! As you battle strange creatures and gain the use of magical weapons, you'll learn the truth behind the attacks and much about your destiny as an eternal warrior of truth and justice! Live through the final battle and you'll discover what it really means to be called SpellCaster! Impressions: Moderately compelling plot with very half assed action scenes - had they been tightened up a little, maybe this game could have been up there with Phantasy Star. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Includes password save option. Variations: Kujakuou (Japan title), Warrior Quest (Brazil title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Spider-man: Return of the Sinister Six Author/Vendor: Flying Edge/Acclaim Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Sinister Six, a group containing some of Spider-man's most formidable foes, such as Dr. Octopus, Electro and Mysterio, have returned to make the Web-head's day just a little bit worse. Impressions: Nice pace, boring action, bad control, lacks the feel of what a Spider-man game should be. Could have been much more, but that's Acclaim for you. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: NES version exists? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Spider-man vs the Kingpin Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Kingpin is back in town and his plan to destroy Spider-man is by far his most devilish! He has planted a bomb in New York and publicly blamed Spidey. Can you defuse this desperate situation? Impressions: Woeful port of a classic Megadrive game. Ugly sprites, bad collision detection and frustrating control make this one Spider-man game that you can skip. Rating (1-10): 4 Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sports Pad Football Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA Language: English Genre: Sports (football) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Sports Pad Premise: Playoff fever grips you. And no wonder. You're the driving force that can take your football team to the top in this rough and tumble contest between the leagues. The ouctome of the game is in your hands. As the quarterback, you select the plays. Line up the formations. Call the signals and carry the ball. Cur down your opponent with a deadly blocking. Intercept a pass. Make a flying tackle. All you need is skill. Strategy. Cunning. And nerve. For non stop action that charges across the screen. You decide to pass. It looks good. Touchdown! Impressions: Fairly basic American football sim that uses the rather uncommon sports pad. If you can find one of those, and you like your football, you might find something worthwhile here. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sport Pad Soccer see WORLD SOCCER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Spy vs Spy Author/Vendor: First Star Software (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Two spies aiming at obtaining 5 items compete against each other in trying to capture them. By utilising powerful KICKS and PUNCHES, intelligenly ensnaring the opponent by using the TRAP items and avoiding being caught. Impressions: Even with two players it's rather dull, and a little too hard to grasp off the bat for most players. Give it a miss, even if you do like the comic in MAD. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Also available on card. Based on the comic from MAD Magazine. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Star Wars Author/Vendor: US Gold Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the 1977 smash hit sci-fi flick starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. An enhanced port of the NES game. Impressions: Mediocre platforming action to begin with, and when it all looks as if its going to come together, it falls apart. Pity that nobody got it right until Super Star Wars. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Ported from the NES Variations: NES and Game Boy versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Story of Mio, The Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Very little idea - seems like an adventure/dating sim. Impressions: Unplayable without very sound Japanese reading abilities - a lot of vocabulary is required (though there's not much kanji) Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Street Fighter 2 Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 199? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Fighting Cart Size: 6 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A second Street Fighter tournament is held, in order for Sagat to get an opportunity to beat Ryu, the competitor who defeated him in the first tournament. Many different fighters show up, each with his or her own reasons. Impressions: I'm suprised it even exists. I'm even more suprised at how well it turned out. Uses portraits from Super Street Fighter II, but resembles the original version more than anything. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: Ported from the Megadrive? Variations: Arcade, SNES, Megadrive versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Street Master Author/Vendor: ? Year: 198X Region: Korea Language: Korean Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: ? Variations: ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Streets of Rage Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: 3 ex-cops, Adam, Axel and Blaze go after a crime boss, Mr X. to end his reign of tyranny. Impressions: Decent port, but loses most of the graphical glitz, though it is a bit faster. Good for curiosity, but most should opt for the older and superior Megadrive version. The lack of two player mode really hurts. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None. Variations: Megadrive version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Streets of Rage 2 Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Mr. X kidnaps Adam in an act of revenge for his defeat at the hands of Adam, Axel and Blaze one year earlier. Axel, Blaze and Adam's brother Skate set out to rescue their friend. Impressions: Faster than the Megadrive version, but much rougher, and missing the vital two player component - the one thing that really made the series what it is. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None. Variations: Also on Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Strider Author/Vendor: Capcom (reprogrammed by Sega)/Sega Year: 1991 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The earth is under siege - Grand Master Meio has unleashed his diabolical creations on an unsuspecting world. Strider Hiryu faces the wave of terror alone, and needs your help to wipe out the threat! The Master awaits! Impressions: Retains the basic feel of Strider, but the SMS is just technically incapable of a faithful replication of a great arcade classic. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: Also in the Arcades and on the Megadrive. The NES Strider game is completely different. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Strider 2 Author/Vendor: Capcom USA/US Gold Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Strider, athletic commando and ultimate warrior returns! This time his mission is to cut through 5 hazard packed levels in order to reach the evil Grand Master and save the Earth from destruction. This time there are NO LIMITS... NO MERCY...NO SURRENDER! Impressions: Capcom USA's rendition of Strider just doesn't keep up with the Japanese arm's version. Mind you, as a conversion, it is much better than the original Strider, but as a game, it outright sucks. Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive and computer formats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Submarine Attack Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The Meta-creature has returned to haunt the citizens of Balderia, who haven't yet recovered from their last encounter with the monster 4 years ago! Guide Admiral Mikan through the underwater dangers and into the enemy complex, and help him get rid of the monster for good. Impressions: Basic horizontal shooter with the main protagonist as a submarine - nice for a change, but the game doesn't really do much to expand on this concept. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Sukeban Deka 2 Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: I assume that the main protagonist is a female college aged detective. Impressions: Unable to give adequate impressions due to level of Japanese required. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Never released outside of Japan. Released on a Gold cart. Variations: Translates to Sorority Detective 2: Legend of the Masked Girl (full title). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Summer Games Author/Vendor: Epyx (adaption by Sega)/Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: Sports (various) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A compilation of various sports that feature in the Summer Olympics (without the IOC license, of course). Impressions: A good selection of events (100M Sprint, 100M Freestyle, Diving, Gymnastics and Pole vault), and they're all easy enough to get into. Control method is a bit bung, though. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Jogos Olympicos (Brazil title). Available on Amiga. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Basket 2 Author/Vendor: Year: Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Cart Size: Players: Peripherals: Premise: Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Boy II Author/Vendor: Year: Region: Korea Language: Korean Genre: Cart Size: Players: Peripherals: Premise: Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Cross see ENDURO RACER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Futebol see WORLD SOCCER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Futebol 2 see WORLD CUP ITALIA '90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Kick Off Author/Vendor: Anco/US Gold Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Super Kick Off captures all the thrills and excitement of the football field. Played at a blistering pace, this is a true test of speed, control and footballing skill! Impressions: The only real threat to Sensible Soccer on this system, but some of the game's mechanics strike me as a little odd. Fast paced, plenty of strategic depth and fun to play. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Super Kick Off titles are available on the Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Monaco GP Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1990 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Super Monaco GP's World Championship sends you and your pit crew on a 16-race international circuit. Burn rubber with the best drivers around in a piston-pounding test of speed, road savvy, and endurance! Impressions: Harsh, unforgiving and rather ugly grand prix game - better than World Grand Prix, but not by much. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: Not a direct port of the arcade game. Variations: Also in Arcades and on Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Monaco GP 2 Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Experience the heart-stopping action of F-1 racing on the most challenging circuits in the world! You are in control of a precision machine, ready to test your skill and abilities to the limit to win the ultimate prize: The championship cup! Impressions: Much improved over the original game thanks to better graphics and a far superior handling system. If you have to have a formula 1 game for the system, this is the one to get. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Sometimes referred to as Ayrton Senna's Super Monca GP 2, as the late great driver is featured on the cover. Variations: Also on Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Off-Road Author/Vendor: Leland/Virgin Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Home port of the popular racing game. (I think) Impressions: I've always had a soft spot for this game - easy to pick up but the later tracks require a lot of patience and precision not to mention well planned upgrades of your car throughout the previous racers. A good compliment to R.C. Grand Prix. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Based on Ivan "Ironman" Stewart's Super Off Road. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Racing Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Racing Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-? Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: ? Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: Released on a special gold cartridge Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Space Invaders Author/Vendor: Taito/Domark Year: 1991 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Space Invaders is the most famous video game ever! Now Super Space Invaders has arrived with a host of amazing new features - wave after wave of weird and hostile aliens, fantastic multiway scrolling playfields, huge end of level mega monsters and secret levels for only the best to find. It'll drive you crazy, but you won't be able to leave it alone! Impressions: Well, it's still Space Invaders, but I believe some things are better left untouched. The new additions are okay, but Space Invaders puritans should stick to the old machine at the pub. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Update of Space Invaders (arcade). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Tennis Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (tennis) Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Lob! Volley! Smash! It's deuce and you've got one set to go for the match. All the details are here, bringing realistic action and strategy on your home court. Impressions: So close to Nintendo's Tennis game on the NES that you'd think they'd have sued them. Fun little game, but for serious tennis, go to Wimbledon. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Identical game on the NES called Tennis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Tetris Author/Vendor: ? Year: ? Region: Korea Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1/2 of a megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Same old Tetris, but with "Super" bunged in front. Impressions: Looks like Tetris. Plays like Tetris. Smells like Tetris. Must be Tetris. Well, it's Tetris with a pretty picture in the background. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None. Variations: Tetris is on every bloody system. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Superman: The Man of Steel Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Lois Lane has been kidnapped by Braniac. The Doom Star orbits the Earth. The deadliest adversaries Superman has ever encountered are running amok. What greater challenge for the Man of Steel, his heat vision and the might of his super punch? Impressions: I'm not a big fan of Superman, but this game is at least passable, considering some of the abhorrent games bearing the license. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Super Wonder Boy see WONDER BOY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== T ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: T2: The Arcade Game Author/Vendor: Probe/Arena/Acclaim Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the smash hit movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Impressions: Not entirely horrible, but the conversion loses all of the magic of the arcade original, given the huge technical difference. Heck, I'm surprised they managed to pull anything even slightly resembling the original game off on an 8-bit console. No Light Phaser support is a bummer. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Arcade, Megadrive, SNES, Gameboy versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Taz-Mania Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Join TAZ, the Tasmanian Devil, as he whirls off in search of the world's biggest omelette. Nothing can stand in his way for long as he munches his way through an island filled with precarious plateaus, hostile jungles, eerie caves and crumbling ruins. Impressions: A simple, yet quick and enjoyable platforming romp. Not a lot to it, but for some reason, it's just fun to play. Completely different game to the Megadrive version, which is probably a good thing given the high frustration factor of the 16-bit game. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Sequel in Taz: Escape from Mars ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Taz: Escape from Mars Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1995 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Taz gets kidnapped by Marvin the Martian, and has to escape his clutches. Impressions: ? Rating (1-10): ? Comments: ? Variations: Direct port of the Megadrive game? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Tecmo World Cup 93 Author/Vendor: Tecmo/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: ? megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Twenty-four teams from around the globe have come to participate in this soccer showcase. Pick one and match your skills against the computer in an exhibition match, take on a friend, or put it all on the line in the World Cup tournament! The action never stops! Impressions: Decent soccer game with a quick pace, easy controls and wide variety of teams. The AI puts up a decent fight, and its fun to play with a few friends. Not as good as Sensible Soccer, but worth a look for football fans. Rating (1-10): 7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Teddy Boy Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A young lad gets caught in some bizarre world with nothing but his shrinking ray. Impressions: Very simple in design and concept - even has those old levels where running out one side essentially makes you appear on the other side. Bloody frustrating, though. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None. Variations: None. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Tennis Ace Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (tennis) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: On your first serve, the ball explodes off your racquet like a fiery missile. Instinctively you move toward the net. Your opponent returns your serve, but you're ready for him. With lightning speed you raise your racquet and smash the ball. He never had a chance. You're the Tennis Ace! Impressions: Terrible tennis game - play Wimbledon or Super Tennis instead, for the love of God. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: Features a password save option. Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Tensai Bakabon Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: A very Japanese adventure game. Impressions: Unable to give accurate impressions due to lack of Japanese vocabulary. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Terminator 2: Judgement Day Author/Vendor: Arc Developments/Flying Edge/Acclaim Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The second game to be based on the smash hit movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Impressions: This is a direct port of the NES game, which happened to be a fair bit better than the woeful 16-bit games. Follows the events of the movie, mostly, and provides a rather mediocre action experience - but it could be worse, trust me. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Also on NES, SNES and Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Terminator, The Author/Vendor: Virgin Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Kyle Reese, a lone warrior from the future, returns to the past to protect the one woman who holds the key to the survival of the human race. Together they must face not only everything Los Angeles has to throw at them, but also the terrifying might of a cyborg known as the Terminator... who will stop at nothing to kill them both. Impressions: Closely resembles the Megadrive game, but the layout is different - it feels a little more balanced, but at the same time, just doesn't seem to impress as much. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive, Mega CD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Thunderblade Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil, Japan Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Your mission: Save your country by destroying the rebel's gigantic mobile fortresses! It's a battle you will fight over land and sea...in cities, caves and refineries. This time it's you...against all of them! Impressions: Plain old vertical shoot 'em up, lacks any sort of power up system, which makes it appear very bland amongst the other shooters on the system. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Super Thunderblade (Megadrive) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Time Soldiers Author/Vendor: Alpha/Sega Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Fight your way through the horrors of the past and future to rescue your friends and save the world in this fantastic voyage through time from Sega. Impressions: Unremarkable scrolling shooter along the lines of Secret Commando, but just not as good. Shooter fans should take a brief look. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Tom and Jerry: The Movie Author/Vendor: Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Oooooh, that mouse! If there's one thing Tom can't stand, it's a rascally rodent named Jerry, and if that mouse isn't careful, Tom is going to nab him. But Jerry is pretty tricky. So muster up all your feline courage, Tom, 'cause there's a dangerous little mouse in the house! Impressions: A novel idea, and some cute cartoon cliché can't save poor execution and slow gameplay. A shame, really. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Transbot Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil, Japan Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1/4 of a megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Ward off a computerised underworld invasion with your transforming weaponry. Impressions: It's a pretty cool idea, but doesn't seem to work as well as you'd expect. The powerup system is nasty, and the gameplay is somewhat more sluggish than it should be, Rating (1-10): 3 Comments: Also released on card. Variations: Astro Flash (Japan title), Nuclear Creature (Brazil title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Trap Shooting see MARKSMAN SHOOTING/TRAP SHOOTING ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Tri Formation: Zillion 2 Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: They're at it again! The dreaded Norsa Empire is back... and stronger than ever before. This time they won't make any mistakes. Others have tried to stop them and all have failed. The evil Braon Ricks knows are you coming. And it's a trap! But you're the galaxy's last hope. Can you do what's never been done before? Impressions: So it's not as bad as I originally made out, but you must admit that it is a great departure from the quality seen in Zillion. The developer has gone for a more action centric game, and while it works to an extent, the first is still the superior game. Holds its own against other run and gun games on the SMS though. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Alternate title is Zillion II: The Tri Formation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Trivial Pursuit: Genius Edition Author/Vendor: Horn Abbot/Domark Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-6 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Trivial Pursuit is the World's greatest and best selling board game. This Sega version incorporates everything that has helped make it so. Plus, Russell your animated and friendly question master, superb sound and colour, wonderful screen background and over 2,000 brain teasing questions. Impressions: I'm not too fond of computerised versions of board games, but big Trivial Pursuit fans might get a few kicks out of this. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: The board game, stupid. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: TV Colosso Author/Vendor: Tectoy Year: 1995? Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on a Brazillian cartoon of the same name that centres around a group of canine companions. Impressions: As far as I can tell, it's based on one of the three Asterix games Sega did in the early 90's. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Asterix. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== U ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar Author/Vendor: Origin Systems (reprogrammed by Sega) Year: 1990 Region: Europe, Brazil Language: English Genre: RPG Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Lord British, the wise and compassionate ruler of Britannia, wishes to erase the legacy left behind by the 3 Evil Lords. To do so, he must find an Avatar! An Avatar is one who has achieved enlightenment in the 8 virtues - Honor, Valor, Sacrifice, Compassion, Justice, Spirituality, Honest and Humility. Only the most virtuous of souls can complete the journey that lies ahead! If you think you are that saviour for whom Lord British is searching, then prove your worth by taking the Quest of the Avatar! (back of the box) Impressions: The PC RPG fans love it, and this is a perfectly good conversion. Not recommended for those who don't like doing a lot of reading, however. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: The first graphically based Ultima title. Variations: Ultima series (various) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Ultimate Soccer Author/Vendor: Rage Software/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: Various Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Everybody knows what soccer is. Apparently this version of soccer is the ultimate one. A bit pretentious, no? Impressions: Good, fast paced soccer title. Slightly reminiscent of Sensible Soccer, although not as good. Still worth a look, though. Rating (1-10): 8 Variations: Megadrive version exists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== V ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Vampire Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The shadow of Dracula has spread across Victorian England. Make your way through strange and forbidding streets and cavernous warehouses while fighting his army of monsters. Find Dracula, the Master of Darkness, and rescue England from his terrifying grasp. (back of the box) Impressions: It's nothing more than a blatant, mediocre Castlevania rip off. Get your vampire jollies on the NES, if you must. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: Master of Darkness (alternate title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Vigilante Author/Vendor: Irem Corp. (reprogrammed by Sega) Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Take it to the streets in a battle to rescue your girl from some of the meanest baddies around. (promo) Impressions: This serves as a great archived example of how plain some 80's action games were. Walk through the levels, down every enemy in one punch, and then fight a really tough boss. Repeat. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Arcade port Variations: Arcade and NES versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Virtua Fighter Animation Author/Vendor: Tec Toy Year: 1997 Region: Brazil Language: Portuguese Genre: Fighting Cart Size: Unknown Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Virtua Fighter compressed to a 2D plane with only 8-bit power behind it. You do the math. Impressions: Very plain looking fighter. Rating (1-10): 5 Variations: Virtua Fighter series (various) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== W ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Walter Payton Football see GREAT FOOTBALL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wanted Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1989 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Shooter Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Light Phaser Premise: The desperadoes are back! It's time for you to put on your silver badge, strap on your Light Phaser and restore peace to the quiet little western towns. It won't be easy... because this time the bad guys are gunning for you. Impressions: A good idea, but the calibration on the gun seems to be off by a mile, and differentiating between the gun toting bandits, and the innocent civilians is near impossible (in the time you are required to take a shot) given that they use the same goddamn sprite. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Warrior Quest see SPELLCASTER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego Author/Vendor: Broderbund/Parker Brothers Year: 1988 Region: USA, Brazil Language: English, Portuguese Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Where in the World is Carmen Sandegio? and where has her gang of thieves taken the loot? You're the detective tracking down culprits in this globe-hopping mystery action game. And as you work your way up the five challenge levels from Rookie to Ace Detective, the mysteries get more complicated and your suspect and his henchmen become more aggressive, firing bullets and throwing knives you must duck on-screen. In each case, one of 10 elusive villains has stolen one of 90 national treasures and absconded to one of 30 foreign cities. Chase your suspect around the world, racing the clock and making crucial decisions: What city did he go to? Where will you investigate, the Embassy or the Warehouse? Collect pertinent facts from the special Almanac, and travel the globe until you've got the goods on your crook. When you know whodunit, visit Interpol and bring your suspect to justice! This bestselling computer game has been specially adapter for the SEGA system to provide countless clues, heartpounding excitement and challenging solutions that will bring you many, many hours of 'round-the-world detecting fun! Impressions: Neat little adventure game that's good for teaching children geography - something that the general populace of America could use more of. Track Carmen and her cronies down, and use various clues to trap them. Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None. Variations: Also available on PC, Amiga and Megadrive. Sequel in Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wimbledon Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (tennis) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: It's tennis, but this particular game is one of the first to be sponsored by the prestigious All England Club. Impressions: It's the best game on the system as far as tennis goes. Nice lengthy tournament mode which rewards players with bonus attributes if they win. The quick pace may put some gamers off, though. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: None Variations: Sequel in Wimbledon 2. Also on Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wimbledon 2 Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (tennis) Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You started out at the bottom, and unknown name in a field of highly talented players. You worked your way up the ranks, playing in America, Australia and France. And now, the big day... the day you take on the best tennis players in the world for the Wimbledon Open Cup! Impressions: Pretty much the same as Wimbledon, with improved graphics. Technically, it's the better game, but given its rarity, only die hard tennis fans will need to bother tracking this down, as the original should suffice Rating (1-10): 8 Comments: None Variations: Sequel to Wimbledon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Winter Olympics '94 Author/Vendor: US Gold Year: 1994 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (various) Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The official game of the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Impressions: A few decent events (bobsled), but the majority of the game verges on being unplayable. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wolf Child Author/Vendor: Core Design/Virgin Interactive Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Some dude killed your mother and kindapped your sister, or some cliché shite like that, and you have to use your ability to turn into a wolf to save them Impressions: Extremely dull platforming romp that moves so slowly, you'd think that it was based on the moon. Rating (1-10): 2 Comments: None. Variations: Mega CD version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wonderboy Author/Vendor: Escape/Sega Year: 1987 Region: Europe, Australia, Japan, USA Language: Various Genre: Action Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Brave deep dark forests. Cross endless oceans. Endure arid deserts. All the while, fending off nasty creatures and natural disasters. Until you find her. Until you rescue your girlfriend, Tanya, from the clutches of a brutush king. Impressions: A great game. Very simple in structure, but the execution is brilliant. Does get a little tough later on, and is slightly repetitive in the design, but these slight faults do not take away from the game at all. Rating (1-10): 10 Comments: First of the Wonderboy series Variations: Arcade and Game Gear versions exist. Hudson Soft's Adventure Island series is identical, due to Hudson and Westone being the companies that once formed Escape. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wonderboy In Monster Land Author/Vendor: Westone/Sega Year: 1988 Region: Europe, Australia, USA Language: English Genre: Action/Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Wonder Boy is back! But this time he's playing for keeps. No more cute dolls, fruit or milk. Now it's swords, armor, shields, labyrinths and fire breathing dragons. Help Wonder Boy through 12 perilous, monster filled levels of challenging adventure. Impressions: A vast departure from the last game, but it was a risk which worked very well. Collect swords, learn magic, buy armour and shields. Make your way through the game to the labyrinth. Various choices and a side quest are thrown into the mix to make things a little easier for you once you work them out. I never did beat that lousy dragon, let alone find him Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Second in the Wonderboy Series Variations: Arcade version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap Author/Vendor: Westone/Sega Year: 1989 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action/Adventure Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Wonder Boy has been cursed! He critically wounds the ugly beast, but its final breath turns Wonder Boy into Lizard Man! The young fighter must now seek out the Salamander Cross, the only force that can restore him to his normal self. But first he must find it... Impressions: Picks up at the end of Wonder Boy in Monster Land, with the fight against the Mecha Dragon. Gameplay similar to the second game in the series, with a lot of variety offered by the various creatures you can transform into. Some say it is the best game in the series, but that's a disputable claim. Rating (1-10): 9 Comments: Contains a password save option. Variations: Released in Brazil as A Turma Da Monica. Not to be confused with the arcade and Megadrive Wonder Boy III, which is a horizontal shooter (!). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Wonderboy in Monster World Author/Vendor: Westone Co. Ltd/Sega Year: 1993 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action/Adventure Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: As the legendary hero Wonder Boy, it's up to you to rid Monster World of the terrible creatures that have taken over. Purchase your armor, weapons and spells, and embark on a quest through fantastic lands in search of the source of the evil monsters! Impressions: More closely resembles Wonder Boy in Monster Land than Wonder Boy III. More RPG elements - a slightly more free form layout, and some very familiar looking level layouts give it away. Interesting to note that the main character of this game is not the same as previous games. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Called "Wonderboy 5" in some circles. Re-released as part of a budget line called Sega Classics. Variations: Also on Megadrive and TurboGrafix 16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Woody Pop Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Japan Language: Japanese Genre: Puzzle Cart Size: 1/2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Paddle control Premise: It's a breakout clone. Impressions: Well, if you liked Breakout, and own the paddle control, then you may well enjoy this. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Also available on card. Variations: None? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Class Leaderboard Author/Vendor: Access Software Inc./US Gold Year: 1991 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (golf) Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: World Class Leaderboard simulates the challenge of the world's toughest courses and features the custom designed Gauntlet Country Club - the ultimate test of golfing skill! Impressions: Lots of courses to choose from, but the interface is more complicated than PGA's. Then again, it doesn't take ages for the course to load up for each shot, so it's really up to you to decide which you think is best. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: None Variations: Also on Megadrive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Cup '93 see TECMO WORLD CUP '93 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Cup USA '94 Author/Vendor: Tiertex/US Gold Year: 1994 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: The official game of the World Cup 1994 soccer tournament. Impressions: Contains a few deep options, but the actual soccer section of the game leaves a lot to be desired. Sensible Soccer has all of your soccer needs covered, leaving WC '94 rather irrelevant. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: Also on Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Cup Italia '90 Author/Vendor: ING Olivetti SPA/Virgin Mastertronic ltd./Sega Year: 1990 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Go head to head with the most skilled teams in the World! Prove your mettle in a Test Match, show off your sharpshooting prowess in a Penalty Kick Contest, or go for gold in the World Cup competition! Fast-paced and realistic Impressions: A little lacking in depth, but the core game is a little more solid than most other soccer offerings on the system. Can't hold a candle to Sensible Soccer, though. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None. Variations: Also on Megadrive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Games Author/Vendor: Epyx Year: 1986 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (various) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-4 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Compete in a series of unique sports events, such as Barrel Jumping, Log Rolling, Bull Riding and the Caber Toss. Impressions: A unique idea crippled by rather annoying play mechanics. Gets better as you give it more time and learn the intricacies of each game, but may become too frustrating in the mean time for the majority of gamers. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: PC and Amiga? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Grand Prix Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1986 Region: USA, Japan, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Racing Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Race the hottest cars in the world. On the hottest tracks in the world. And if that's not enough excitement for you, then build and race on your own track. Impressions: The track creation saves this one from being a total failure but even that can't help the overall lack of excitement offered by the title. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: The Circuit (Japan title) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Soccer Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: Europe, Brazil, USA Language: English Genre: Sports (soccer) Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Dribble, passes, corner kicks, etc. Retrieve the opponent's ball by tackling. Get past his strong defense with an overhead shot. Take advantage of a split second unguarded goal and head the ball into the net. Also features Penalty Kicks to decide a tie game. Impressions: Looks like a dog's breakfast, general gameplay lacks flow (players stop after each dribble!?) and is just too easy. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None. Variations: Super Futebol (Brazil title), Great Soccer (USA title) Sports Pad Soccer (Japan title, with Sports Pad support) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: World Tournament Golf see SEGA WORLD TOURNAMENT GOLF ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: WWF Steel Cage Challenge Author/Vendor: Flying Edge/Acclaim Year: 1992 Region: Europe Language: English Genre: Sports (wrestling) Cart Size: megabit Players: 1-2 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Put a bunch of your favourite WWF Superstars such as Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart into a steel cage match. Impressions: Very poor as far as wrestling games go - the NES ones are your best bit for the 8-bit formats. Rating (1-10): 4 Comments: None Variations: Also on NES. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== X ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Xenon 2: Megablast Author/Vendor: Bitmap Brothers/Virgin Year: 1992 Region: Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Arcade style vertical shooter. Impressions: It's not the worst shoot 'em up on the system, but is plagued by some hideous slowdown which was not present in other versions of the title (to my knowledge). Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Ported from the Megadrive version? Variations: Megadrive, Amiga, Game Boy and PC versions exist. The first Xenon is not on the Master System. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: X-Men: Mojo World Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1996 Region: Unknown Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 4 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Based on the popular Marvel comic. Impressions: Plays a bit like its 16-bit brother, but pales in comparison due to the fact the Megadrive was more powerful. Pick a mutant, and beat the crap out of those who oppose you. Rating (1-10): 7 Comments: Ported from the Game Gear version. Variations: Game Gear version exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== Y ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Y's: The Vanished Omens Author/Vendor: Falcom (reprogrammed by Sega) Year: 1988 Region: USA, Europe, Australia Language: English Genre: RPG Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: You are Aron, the wondering swordsman. Find the 6 magical books and set the Goddesses free. (Promo) Impressions: Pretty stock standard Japanese RPG, with the usual "Save the world" plot, but with simplistic real time fighting instead of a traditional turn based system. Not one for those with short attention spans. Rating (1-10): 6 Comments: Spawned a long line of sequels Variations: Sequels can be found on many consoles, including the TG-16, Megadrive, SNES and NES. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== Z ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Zaxxon 3D Author/Vendor: Sega Year: 1987 Region: USA, Japan, Language: Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick, 3D Glasses Premise: Another shoot 'em up, this time in 3D. Impressions: It's quite odd, really, and definitely made for use with the 3D glasses peripheral, as ships come from the distance and make their way inward. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: None Variations: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Zillion Author/Vendor: Tatsunoko/Sega Year: 1987 Region: Australia, Europe, Japan, USA Language: Various Genre: Action/Adventure Cart Size: 1 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Infiltrate the dangerous Norsa labyrinth to reach the main computer and rescue your friends. This game calls for brains as well as brawn. Impressions: One of my personal top 10 on the system. A fairly deep maze game, with a bunch of RPG elements and other strategies thrown into the mix. The Norsa complex is absolutely massive, and the game takes hours to finish. A password system or battery backup would have helped, but would also reduce the challenge. A great title, and one you should definitely own. Rating (1-10): 10 Comments: Released on a special gold cart in Japan Variations: Known as Akai Koudan Zillion in Japan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Zool: Ninja from the Nth Dimension Author/Vendor: Gremlin Year: 1993 Region: Australia, Europe Language: English Genre: Action Cart Size: 2 megabit Players: 1 Peripherals: Control Pad, Control Stick Premise: Well, erm, you're Zool, a Ninja from the Nth dimension, and you do all sorts of Ninjery type things. Impressions: It looks pretty good, but the thing plays fairly plainly. Certainly fast paced, though. Rating (1-10): 5 Comments: Ported from the Amiga? Variations: Megadrive and Amiga versions exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================== ================================ 4. Unreleased/Unconfirmed Titles ================================ Arch Rivals Arcus Oddysey Batman Animation Captain Planet CJ Elephant Fugitive Cliffhanger Die Hard 2 Dino Basher Double Dragon II: The Revenge Dropzone Duck Tales Excellent Dizzy Ferrari GP Challenge Ghostbusters 2 Hook Impossible Mission 2 Light Corridor Light Force Monster Maker Pat Reilly Basketball/Super Real Basketball* Pengo Quackshot Quarterback Robin Hood Robocop Shadow of the Beast II Speedy Gonzales: Cheese Cat'astrophe Spider-man vs. The X-Men Total Recall Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego * Prototype exists ============= 5. Blank Form ============= ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Author/Vendor: Year: Region: Language: Genre: Cart Size: Players: Peripherals: Premise: Impressions: Rating (1-10): Comments: Variations: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========== 6. Credits ========== Me - For thinking of this idea, and going through with it SMS Power - For providing some release info on various games Alex Kidd.com - For a relatively complete titles list Sam Pettus - For the format idea, and guide idea Sega - For getting me into gaming M. Buchan - For information on a bunch of titles, and for fairly interesting discussion (listening to my pointless banter ^_^;) Thago Simoes - provided additional information for several Portuguese titles Jorg Burkark - for providing information on alternates, and a number of corrections ========= 7. Legals ========= This document is © 2002-2004 Matt Keller. All other trademarks duplicated herein are the respective property of their owners and reproduced merely for the sake of reference. ========== 8. Contact ========== You can e-mail me at mpkeller[at]iprimus[dot]com[dot]au, or contact me via MSN Messenger drugrat@hotmail.com All impressions are to be sent via email, too. I can be reached through my IRC channel; irc.austnet.org:6667 #videogames Work on this guide will still continue, albeit slowly, but expect some major additions and improvements in the coming months. I'm beginning to get closer to college graduation, and after that my free time will decrease. My interest in writing seems to fluctuate based on the day and the level of caffiene in my system, but I promise I will have the guide as complete as I can possible make it in the next couple of months. ================== 9. Version History ================== 1.0 --- Released Monday, November 25, 2002 Guide started. 1.01 ---- Released Monday, December 2, 2002 Updated as much information as I could to try and finish the letter A. Updated a few other isolated entries. Received a little help from M. Buchan about various issues. Added IRC chat into contact Added Version History 1.02 ---- Released Tuesday, January 21, 2003. Minor update Grammar and Layout corrected. Premises for some games added and/or improved. Expect huge update in the upcoming weeks. 1.03 ---- So the huge update didn't come. Blame PALGN. 1.04 ---- Completed Z Worked on E, but some impressions are missing Will try to finish the guide by the end of July break 1.05 ---- Now 114 titles down, so that leaves 275 to go 1.06 ---- 130 titles done. Guide will be finished by March, come hell or high water. 1.07 ---- 156 titles done. Up to H is pretty much complete. 1.08 ---- Guide is now 50% complete A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, N, O, U, V, X, Y, Z complete. Alternates chopped and changed 1.09 ---- Counting was out on the last version, it was actually 59% complete. 1.10 ---- Everything rescored on new 1-10 scale (Alphabetical provided too vast a range) Rewrote Overview Game List now 93% complete, with a few obscure Japanese and Brazillian titles outstanding, some of which I suspect may be listed in the guide already. Planning a new section to discuss hardware Planning FAQ section There's a lot of fine tuning that needs to be done, I hope to have these things done soon. I managed to get this update completed on the 14th anniversary of the purcahse of my Sega Master System. Rather amusing. ============================================================================== End of File ==============================================================================