Support NeoGAF

[SonicMegaDrive]

This is a little research project that I've worked on for a few years, on and off. And this thread provoked me to finally finish it up. When displaying my Genesis games on shelves, I like to organize them by release date. I like looking at the history of the library, plus it keeps the colors organized and looking nice. There's just one small problem - there does not exist a list on the internet that has exact release dates for every Genesis game. Or at least down to the month each title was released. Nintendo provides this information for it's NES and SNES titles through it's website. Sega does not. Afaik, nobody has ever attempted to create a list of North American officially released games organized chronologically by their original release date. So I gave it a shot.

These dates were all compiled from old video game magazines like GamePro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, GameFan, and Sega Visions. Every single date here was taken from information in a magazine or a website like Mobygames when I ran into a dead end.

It's definitely not perfect, but it's as close as I'm able to make it with the information I have available. If there's anybody out there with personal experience with buying Genesis games on release day or maybe even have old receipts or something, that might be helpful. Feel free to correct any information you know is wrong here as you see fit, because I know there's bound to be some errors.

Click here for list.

 

[sixteen-bit]

This is a little research project that I've worked on for a few years, on and off. And this thread provoked me to finally finish it up. When displaying my Genesis games on shelves, I like to organize them by release date. I like looking at the history of the library, plus it keeps the colors organized and looking nice. There's just one small problem - there does not exist a list on the internet that has exact release dates for every Genesis game. Or at least down to the month each title was released. Nintendo provides this information for it's NES and SNES titles through it's website. Sega does not. Afaik, nobody has ever attempted to create a list of North American officially released games organized chronologically by their original release date. So I gave it a shot.

These dates were all compiled from old video game magazines like GamePro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, GameFan, and Sega Visions. Every single date here was taken from information in a magazine or a website like Mobygames when I ran into a dead end.

It's definitely not perfect, but it's as close as I'm able to make it with the information I have available. If there's anybody out there with personal experience with buying Genesis games on release day or maybe even have old receipts or something, that might be helpful. Feel free to correct any information you know is wrong here as you see fit, because I know there's bound to be some errors.

Click here for list.

Nice work! I wonder if this'll help out stewy's work on Generation-16

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Nice work! I wonder if this'll help out stewy's work on Generation-16

Oh, nice! I wasn't aware of this site's existence. Looks like he's trying to do the same thing I did.

Yeah, stewy probably knows this already, but many of those old issues of EGM, Sega Visions, etc. can be found on various sites around the internet. Also, GamePro is surprisingly good with providing the release dates as it turns out.

If my work helps him out at all, he's more than welcome to use any of it he finds useful, even if it's just as a thing to compare and contrast his own work to.

 

[Sixfortyfive]

What's the best ROM dumper out there? Retrode?

I'm a little curious if anything can dump the MD version of Phantasy Star 1, and if so, if there are actually any differences between it and the Mark III original, no matter how minor.

 

[Mercutio]

Why not get the UK version of centy - Soleil? It's cheaper and iirc runs full speed on an NTSC machine.

Oh! Would I need to swap the shell on the board to fit my Genesis? Does it just plug and play?

 

[Polioliolio]

Got my new shelving up. I'm gonna need more shelves.

Here's my hodgepodge collection of Boxed Sega Genesis games. Really just started going for Genesis, and most of this stuff was left to me or I plucked out of a huge lot of stuff I shouldn't have bought in the first place and needed to sell.

I also have some MegaDrive games I picked up while abroad, but I picked them up on a whim for about a dollar each.


The Eliminate Down is a shitty repro.

 

[Rich!]

A Genesis collector wouldn't get a PAL game with a Genesis release.

That's cool, they can just not play the game at all then.

Or they could just buy it to play it, you know.

 

[womp]

That's cool, they can just not play the game at all then.

Or they could just but it to play it, you know.

Play the game? Play!? Are you crazy!?

^_____^

 

[Teknoman]

How much cheaper? I wouldnt mind having a pal cart since i already have jp carts too.

They wouldnt need a game genie passthrough?

 

[IrishNinja]

Related: I keep looking at import devices but I really should just ask bapho or someone here how much they'd want to region mod my model 1

 

[Mercutio]

Related: I keep looking at import devices but I really should just ask bapho or someone here how much they'd want to region mod my model 1

Don't you have to cut the plastic near the flaps on the top of the unit? I really don't want to harm the casing of mine, as much as I'd love to have import capabilities.

 

[baphomet]

Don't you have to cut the plastic near the flaps on the top of the unit? I really don't want to harm the casing of mine, as much as I'd love to have import capabilities.

Yup, to physically fit megadrive games you have to cut the cart slot. A lot of games will work just by doing that. When you get around 92 or so games started locking out other regions, which to get those to run, you have to install a switch to change between regions.

Another neat thing is a lot of games have all the regions already on the cart. So playing something like streets of rage in ntsc-j mode will actually boot into bare knuckle. Lots of games have different content for the different regions.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Yeah, I get a Tatsujin title screen when I play NA Truxton on my JP Mega Drive.

 

[woodypop]

Another neat thing is a lot of games have all the regions already on the cart. So playing something like streets of rage in ntsc-j mode will actually boot into bare knuckle. Lots of games have different content for the different regions.

Is this also true of Streets of Rage 3?

 

[Sixfortyfive]

Is this also true of Streets of Rage 3?

No.

Also, Streets of Rage 2 is one of the first games that actually is region-locked. If you switch regions after the game successfully boots, though, you can still switch between Japanese and English text. The censorship changes are still intact, though, and if you reset to the opening screen at any point then the region-lock stops the game again.

 

[IrishNinja]

Yup, to physically fit megadrive games you have to cut the cart slot. A lot of games will work just by doing that. When you get around 92 or so games started locking out other regions, which to get those to run, you have to install a switch to change between regions.

Another neat thing is a lot of games have all the regions already on the cart. So playing something like streets of rage in ntsc-j mode will actually boot into bare knuckle. Lots of games have different content for the different regions.

yeah, i meant that switch! debated an overclock but i just dont see myself using it - how much do you think a mod switch would run bapho?

 

[Slermy]

A more cumbersome approach is to find a Game Genie. That will get you around the physical issues, and most games have Game Genie codes that will bypass the region locking for you.

However, if you intend on acquiring lots of imports, it definitely becomes a hassle.

 

[Peagles]

Region mod on my Model 1 was the first proper mod I did myself. I really need to widen the cart slot a little more though, my JP games fit but only just, I'm scared of scratching them up by taking them in and out too much.

 

[rezn0r]

Click here for list.

Awesome.

 

[Mzo]

You can use a Game Genie as a passthrough to play J Megadrive games on a US Genesis. There are also codes that let you bypass the region protection in some games. I've used it to play my import copies of Monster World IV and Makyou Toitsusen.

edit: oops, beaten.

It is kind of a pain. The code for the Treasure game is like 4 fucking lines long. Wonder Boy III and Battle Golfer Yui just work on their own.

 

[stewy]

Oh, nice! I wasn't aware of this site's existence. Looks like he's trying to do the same thing I did.

Yeah, stewy probably knows this already, but many of those old issues of EGM, Sega Visions, etc. can be found on various sites around the internet. Also, GamePro is surprisingly good with providing the release dates as it turns out.

If my work helps him out at all, he's more than welcome to use any of it he finds useful, even if it's just as a thing to compare and contrast his own work to.

Nice job. I've done pretty much the same as you, getting together information on the net as well as release dates in magazines. EGM and Sega Visions are my main sources, though both of them can still be WAY off. I'll have to find some GamePro scans as well. Thanks for the tip.

Case in point, Joe Montana Football. It was supposed to come out in late 1990, and most mags ran with that. However, from what I can gather, it didn't come out until around January 1991 due to all the drama with Activision and the subsequent deal with Electronic Arts.

It's a shame there's no master list around. I've gone as far as speaking to folks at Sega (both current and past employees) and no one seems to know of an accurate catalogue of US releases. Beyond the aforementioned sources I've just been reaching out to some of the actual developers to see if they have any records of their particular games.

BTW, for anyone who's interested, I've gotten to the video editing phase of Generation 16 Episode 013. Just about finished the first segment, and about six more to go.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Nice job. I've done pretty much the same as you, getting together information on the net as well as release dates in magazines. EGM and Sega Visions are my main sources, though both of them can still be WAY off. I'll have to find some GamePro scans as well. Thanks for the tip.

Case in point, Joe Montana Football. It was supposed to come out in late 1990, and most mags ran with that. However, from what I can gather, it didn't come out until around January 1991 due to all the drama with Activision and the subsequent deal with Electronic Arts.

It's a shame there's no master list around. I've gone as far as speaking to folks at Sega (both current and past employees) and no one seems to know of an accurate catalogue of US releases. Beyond the aforementioned sources I've just been reaching out to some of the actual developers to see if they have any records of their particular games.

BTW, for anyone who's interested, I've gotten to the video editing phase of Generation 16 Episode 013. Just about finished the first segment, and about six more to go.

Oh, that's right. I'd forgotten that factoid about Joe Montana. What makes using magazines as a reference difficult is the many delays that many games get. David Robinson's Supreme Court was another title that seemed to get delayed over and over again, for instance.

btw, I've been marathoning your series. Amazingly good stuff. Keep it up.

 

[PixyJunket]

Somebody locally sold me a Grind Stormer for $20 today.

Now all I'm thinking about is getting more Genesis shmups.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Somebody locally sold me a Grind Stormer for $20 today.

Now all I'm thinking about is getting more Genesis shmups.

Go after Vapor Trail. I friggin' love that game. It's ultra uncommon and it seems to be creeping up in price.

 

[stewy]

Oh, that's right. I'd forgotten that factoid about Joe Montana. What makes using magazines as a reference difficult is the many delays that many games get. David Robinson's Supreme Court was another title that seemed to get delayed over and over again, for instance.

btw, I've been marathoning your series. Amazingly good stuff. Keep it up.

Thanks!

Yeah, David Robinson's was on release lists and being advertised for like a year it seems.

 

[Teknoman]

Go after Vapor Trail. I friggin' love that game. It's ultra uncommon and it seems to be creeping up in price.

Whoever recommended Biohazard Battle earlier did the community a great service. Its still cheap, ordered one the other day (complete too) and man is it great! Its got a really cool biowar premise, the stages seem logically linked together (stage 1 is actually a reverse vertical scrolling stage that has you descending into the Earth's(?) atmosphere while being attacked by jet sized bees and flying centipede mutants), the soundtrack is pretty unique and fitting, and the action is pretty challenging.

People need to play this game. I always confused it with Sub Terrania back in the day, and never got around to playing it until now.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Whoever recommended Biohazard Battle earlier did the community a great service. Its still cheap, ordered one the other day (complete too) and man is it great! Its got a really cool biowar premise, the stages seem logically linked together (stage 1 is actually a reverse vertical scrolling stage that has you descending into the Earth's(?) atmosphere while being attacked by jet sized bees and flying centipede mutants), the soundtrack is pretty unique and fitting, and the action is pretty challenging.

People need to play this game. I always confused it with Sub Terrania back in the day, and never got around to playing it until now.

That was me! I love that game <3

 

[theSlacker]

I just got a copy of Phantasy Star 3 that is in such good condition that I am kinda bummed out about it. It is by far the best condition genesis game that I have now. The right side of the manual being a little bent from having the game poster and genesis product poster behind it is the only thing that can even be considered wear on it. I would have thought it was never even played if not for a save file at the end of the game that still works, and that is what is bumming me out. Someone obviously took really good care of the game though even playing it completely. I wounder what made them sell it at all.

Also I guess that it isn't a game I care more for that is in such good condition is another reason to be sads.

 

[sixteen-bit]

My Rolling Thunder 2 was kinda like that when I first got it. The exterior of the cart didn't even have scuffs on it so I'm not sure it was even played.

 

[Teknoman]

Is it just me or are all Renovation published games going up?

 

[IrishNinja]

are they? just looked up Vapor Trail, looks like that's going on the "cart only" list for me

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Is it just me or are all Renovation published games going up?

Even their Sega CD games are going up.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Is it just me or are all Renovation published games going up?

I gotta cop that Gaiares soon...

 

[IrishNinja]

Even their Sega CD games are going up.

i blame rygar

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

I gotta cop that Gaiares soon...

I've got an extra one.

 

[Teknoman]

That was me! I love that game <3

Yeah the enemies are genuinely creepy.

 

[PixyJunket]

Go after Vapor Trail. I friggin' love that game. It's ultra uncommon and it seems to be creeping up in price.

I'll keep an eye out for it, I actually haven't heard about it until now.

 

[Teknoman]

Same here. Bullet Heaven has a review on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0iz_2r5GJ8

Its crazy how many Genesis games I missed by being a majority Nintendo kid back in the day. Well that and not being a fan of shooters until Gradius 3.

 

[Riesenfass]

Is it just me or are all Renovation published games going up?

Yeah I've noticed that too. There are some I want but even current prices they're above what I want to pay. Maybe I'll get lucky and find some at yard sales.

Knowing my luck, I'll probably just kick myself in a few years when they get even higher.

 

[theSlacker]

Knowing my luck, I'll probably just kick myself in a few years when they get even higher.

I know those feels.

By the by, does anyone here know of a way to fix or repair console specific jail bars? My older non TMSS Genesis has them pretty obviously on blues now and I don't believe that has always been the case. My later high definition graphics model with TMSS doesn't have them with all the same cables is how I know it is the console itself and not some other factor.

 

[IrishNinja]

so who else is watching this cart-only grind stormer auction jump up in the last hour, out of morbid curiosity

 

[Teknoman]

Isnt it possible its the Grind Stormer that freezes up or whatever?

 

[IrishNinja]

yeah i recall Sega-16 having a thread about something with their chips falling apart over time or the like? i forget the specifics

 

[baphomet]

Yea the boards on those old tengen games can go bad. Don't know why, but the chips can be taken out and put in another board and work fine. Too much trouble though.

 

[Mercutio]

What was unusual about the auction? How much is it going for?

 

[Superblatt]

so who else is watching this cart-only grind stormer auction jump up in the last hour, out of morbid curiosity

I've been watching it, too. Average sale for a loose copy is $56 so it's tracking to end right there.

Edit: it just ended at $51. Not a surprise.

 

[Teknoman]

Now is time to the 68000 heart on fire!!


The second NeoGAF Retro Challenge!
Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi

The second game released in the "trilogy" for the Sega Genesis/Mega drive, Shadow Dancer proves itself to be the most challenging of the three, testing the player with true, one hit death arcade caliber gameplay!

And now for the rules:

• All options are left at their default settings
• Single credit only, no continues! Play until your life count is 0, and then pause at the very start of your 0 life. Alternate: Your final score when / if you defeat the last boss.
• While this screen is displayed, take a picture of the screen with your user name written and attached to your TV / Monitor / display of choice. Only an actual picture of the entire display and name attached, taken by a camera/phone/etc. will count. No emulator screenshots!
• Make sure to type your score in the post as well.
• You can post as many times as you want, but of course your highest score before the deadline will be the one that counts.
• No cheat devices, save states, or turbo controllers of any kind.
• The length of the contest will be from Thursday July 24th until Thursday August 7th @ 11:59pm PST.You can post as many entries as you want during the challenge, but of course, only the highest score you posted will count towards winning.

Protips

• Not everything you touch equals death
• Shoot all the Ninjas!

 

[IrishNinja]

yeah, guess i didn't miss much of a deal there

The length of the contest will be from Thursday July 24th until Thursday July 7th @ 11:59pm PST.[/list]

heh

 

[Teknoman]

Damn it lol, late night posting.

 

[IrishNinja]

haha it's cool - i'm in for this one! my only personal rule is a 2 drink minimum before play~