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Sega Genesis/MegaDrive Appreciation Thread: Alien Storm > Golden Axe

Cody_D165

Banned

v7c1kEZ.gif
 
Hang on!, the MegaDrive version was called SUPER Smash TV!!!??
A bunch of the console ports were called that -- SNES, Genesis, Game Gear, and Master System. Of the console versions, only the NES version didn't have "Super" added. I don't know why Acclaim (who published the home ports) did that, but why not? It is true that the SNES and Genesis versions are better than the NES one... even if the SMS and GG ones probably aren't so much, so yeah. Who knows. "This is totally different from the version we released last year on the NES, buy it again!" maybe?
 

Credo

Member
Before the 3DO talk completely subsides, I have a boxed FZ-10 that I'm looking to sell if anyone is interested. It's gotten basically no interest on eBay, so I thought I'd ask on GAF. I'll drop the price slightly for a GAFfer too. Just send a PM if you have any interest.
 

Jamix012

Member
I like the look of the FZ-1 personally...though I DID have one end up failing on me, might sell it for parts sooner or later.

Genesis wise, I have a question. I already have a model 1 but was wondering if there are any real drawbacks of the JVC X'eye or the CDX vs buying the parts seperately. I hear maybe no S-video? But I'm using RGB anyway so.
 

Mercutio

Member
I like the look of the FZ-1 personally...though I DID have one end up failing on me, might sell it for parts sooner or later.

Genesis wise, I have a question. I already have a model 1 but was wondering if there are any real drawbacks of the JVC X'eye or the CDX vs buying the parts seperately. I hear maybe no S-video? But I'm using RGB anyway so.

I think the second model of the X'eye can only do composite out... I could be wrong though. I know that people say the VA6 (and under) Model 1 units have much better bass as well.

Huh, here's more info... sounds like some have the mini-din, and some don't.

http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?37314-JVC-X-EYE-S-Video

Seems like you can add one back in though. Here's the original placement:

DSC07270.jpg


And here's one where just S-Video was modded on:

XEyeback.jpg


The CDX is kind of like gambling for audio quality. There are some HORRIFYING audio comparisons on YouTube, while others say the CDX is fairly comparable to better sounding systems.

Are you just trying to get a CD unit, and looking for the best option there?
 

Jamix012

Member
I think the second model of the X'eye can only do composite out... I could be wrong though. I know that people say the VA6 (and under) Model 1 units have much better bass as well.

Huh, here's more info... sounds like some have the mini-din, and some don't.

http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?37314-JVC-X-EYE-S-Video

Seems like you can add one back in though. Here's the original placement:

DSC07270.jpg


And here's one where just S-Video was modded on:

XEyeback.jpg


The CDX is kind of like gambling for audio quality. There are some HORRIFYING audio comparisons on YouTube, while others say the CDX is fairly comparable to better sounding systems.

Are you just trying to get a CD unit, and looking for the best option there?

I am basically just after a CD unit but toying with the idea of a CDX or Xeye just for collection purposes. I'll also probably get a power base converter and 32X eventually down the road, so any issues with those would push me away from getting one of those modes.

After you mentioned the sound I looked into youtube and I've found conflicting reports. Yes it seems at least some CDX units had awful sound, but it doesn't look like all of them did? Looks like it'd be risky to go for it. Is it really true that some JVC's only had composite? Damn. Might just get the standalone CD unit.
 

Mercutio

Member
I am basically just after a CD unit but toying with the idea of a CDX or Xeye just for collection purposes. I'll also probably get a power base converter and 32X eventually down the road, so any issues with those would push me away from getting one of those modes.

After you mentioned the sound I looked into youtube and I've found conflicting reports. Yes it seems at least some CDX units had awful sound, but it doesn't look like all of them did? Looks like it'd be risky to go for it. Is it really true that some JVC's only had composite? Damn. Might just get the standalone CD unit.

If you do get the standalone unit, look for one of the later production bundles. I snagged a mint in box Model 2 Sega CD in the Tom Cat Alley packaging variant for under $120 a few months ago. They seem to be in generally better condition, but you do not get the extension plate for the Model 1 Genesis. Purely cosmetic piece, but the only downside.

I think keeping the High Def Model 1 as the center of whatever Genesis setup you go with is probably best though, unless you do the audio mod to another model.

Oh, make sure you get the plate and screws with whatever version you find though. The extension plate also has a metal piece and screws to connect.
 
Before the 3DO talk completely subsides, I have a boxed FZ-10 that I'm looking to sell if anyone is interested. It's gotten basically no interest on eBay, so I thought I'd ask on GAF. I'll drop the price slightly for a GAFfer too. Just send a PM if you have any interest.
This is so totally unrelated, but if you're looking to RGB mod it, be wary of the date on your FZ-10. I found out the hardway. I wanna say July '94 or August '94 has a new motherboard that the Otaku store is apparently unaware of, and I could find no installation instructions for it. The motherboard revision was to allow for a combination of the audio and video encoder-- the new chip's name is "Anvil."

Sorry, but I figured I'd post this here in case I save anyone trouble.
 

Peagles

Member
I was actually too busy trying to troubleshoot the Super Everdrive. Thing arrived with a missing diode ugh...

Everdrive MD is awesome though! It runs a lot faster than the clone one did via menus and such. I like how it loads the OS via SD at start up too.
 

Jamix012

Member
I have both. Ask me anything.

Oh great ok! Some of these might be a bit hard to answer, so don't worry, but I appreciate you offering to answer.
1) How does the sound compare on both?
2) Do you use RGB? If so, does one produce a noticeably better RGB signal?
3) How are the loading times on each? I've heard the CDX at least, is significantly faster than the regular Sega CD.
4) There are a few CDX's I could buy from various places on ebay that have a broken CD drive. I don't suppose you have any idea how easy they are to fix?
5) I know the 32X blocks the CD opening on the JVC X'Eye, but what about on the CDX? How about the powerbase converter?
6) Have you ever had any problems with either? Which do you prefer? Any other comments?
Thanks again! I understand some of these might be hard to answer so don't worry about it.
 

Khaz

Member
I was actually too busy trying to troubleshoot the Super Everdrive. Thing arrived with a missing diode ugh...

Everdrive MD is awesome though! It runs a lot faster than the clone one did via menus and such. I like how it loads the OS via SD at start up too.

Oh, I was wondering why the Chinese shell came with a spare LED. What's the purpose of it?
 

Khaz

Member
But your official one was missing a LED too? Is that normal or just something the guy forgot to put on the board?
 

Peltz

Member
Oh great ok! Some of these might be a bit hard to answer, so don't worry, but I appreciate you offering to answer.
1) How does the sound compare on both?
2) Do you use RGB? If so, does one produce a noticeably better RGB signal?
3) How are the loading times on each? I've heard the CDX at least, is significantly faster than the regular Sega CD.
4) There are a few CDX's I could buy from various places on ebay that have a broken CD drive. I don't suppose you have any idea how easy they are to fix?
5) I know the 32X blocks the CD opening on the JVC X'Eye, but what about on the CDX? How about the powerbase converter?
6) Have you ever had any problems with either? Which do you prefer? Any other comments?
Thanks again! I understand some of these might be hard to answer so don't worry about it.

+1, I'd love answers to these questions.
 

lazygecko

Member
Okay, so I probably won't be doing the whole soundtrack. There's a ton of tracks in there and honestly I'm not super passionate about most of them.

Title Screen
Dracula's Theme
Simon's Theme (with gate SFX)

I even made a mockup title screenshot which I probably spent way too much time working on.

megacastlevaniagyjj2.gif


original for reference

I am not much of an image editing wiz when it comes to handling palettes and such. So I just picked a bunch of colors from various Genesis game screens and replaced the ones in the title. I did also increase the resolution to 320x224 though, and editing the background to fill in that extra space was easy thanks to its very tile-based nature.
 
Okay, so I probably won't be doing the whole soundtrack. There's a ton of tracks in there and honestly I'm not super passionate about most of them.

Title Screen
Dracula's Theme
Simon's Theme (with gate SFX)

I even made a mockup title screenshot which I probably spent way too much time working on.

megacastlevaniagyjj2.gif


original for reference

I am not much of an image editing wiz when it comes to handling palettes and such. So I just picked a bunch of colors from various Genesis game screens and replaced the ones in the title. I did also increase the resolution to 320x224 though, and editing the background to fill in that extra space was easy thanks to its very tile-based nature.
Awesome work, man. I prefer your Theme of Simon to the SNES version. Are there more? What do you think of Forest of Monsters or Cellar for FM/Genny conversion?
Someone already tried their hand at Forest of Monsters but it sounds so fuzzy and very un-Genny-like.
 

mltplkxr

Member
Oh great ok! Some of these might be a bit hard to answer, so don't worry, but I appreciate you offering to answer.
1) How does the sound compare on both?
2) Do you use RGB? If so, does one produce a noticeably better RGB signal?
3) How are the loading times on each? I've heard the CDX at least, is significantly faster than the regular Sega CD.
4) There are a few CDX's I could buy from various places on ebay that have a broken CD drive. I don't suppose you have any idea how easy they are to fix?
5) I know the 32X blocks the CD opening on the JVC X'Eye, but what about on the CDX? How about the powerbase converter?
6) Have you ever had any problems with either? Which do you prefer? Any other comments?
Thanks again! I understand some of these might be hard to answer so don't worry about it.

Looks like my Friday night is booked! I don't use RGB and don't have a master converter (I want one though), so I won't be able to answer those. Any games you want me to test ?
 

Lettuce

Member
A bunch of the console ports were called that -- SNES, Genesis, Game Gear, and Master System. Of the console versions, only the NES version didn't have "Super" added. I don't know why Acclaim (who published the home ports) did that, but why not? It is true that the SNES and Genesis versions are better than the NES one... even if the SMS and GG ones probably aren't so much, so yeah. Who knows. "This is totally different from the version we released last year on the NES, buy it again!" maybe?

I never noticed that the other ports were called 'Super' as well, i just thought they called it that for the SNES release
 

Jamix012

Member
Looks like my Friday night is booked! I don't use RGB and don't have a master converter (I want one though), so I won't be able to answer those. Any games you want me to test ?

Wow aha, you really don't have to go out of your way if it's too much hassle. If you're going through with some tests anyway, the Sonic games are probably a good baseline for sound and if you have any Sega CD+32X that uses both, that's probably another thing worth testing. Thanks again.
 

mltplkxr

Member
Wow aha, you really don't have to go out of your way if it's too much hassle. If you're going through with some tests anyway, the Sonic games are probably a good baseline for sound and if you have any Sega CD+32X that uses both, that's probably another thing worth testing. Thanks again.

No problem. I need to assess my collection and test a few thing. If I can help someone at the same time, why not? Forgot to mention I loaned my Sega CD. I can only compare CDX, X'Eye, 32x and a Model 1 that doesn't have a good sound chip.
 
Okay, so I probably won't be doing the whole soundtrack. There's a ton of tracks in there and honestly I'm not super passionate about most of them.

Title Screen
Dracula's Theme
Simon's Theme (with gate SFX)

I even made a mockup title screenshot which I probably spent way too much time working on.

megacastlevaniagyjj2.gif


original for reference

I am not much of an image editing wiz when it comes to handling palettes and such. So I just picked a bunch of colors from various Genesis game screens and replaced the ones in the title. I did also increase the resolution to 320x224 though, and editing the background to fill in that extra space was easy thanks to its very tile-based nature.


Real talk, that Simon's Theme rivals the Bloodlines version. Great stuff!
 
So I got a 3 pack of these from amazon

15177843100_fe8a37eaf0_c.jpg



They suck. Way too shiny.

15364531625_fb9c630b02_c.jpg



And that's just for starters. They're actually too thin. That's a Mega Drive case on the right.

15177841980_2f34d22263_c.jpg



Another comparison shot for fun. I think I want a refund.

15178014007_fe99a02494_c.jpg



Apologies if this has been discussed in the thread already.
 

D.Lo

Member
That'S hideous, but then again, it's a PAL megadrive, so no harms done :p
What's wrong with a PAL Mega Drive? Best looking one IMO, doesn't have the unneccessary purple, and doesn't have ugly-ass 'Genesis' silkscreened in huge letters all over it. It's the most understated of the Mark 1 models.

It's also trivial to 60Hz mod if that's what you're getting at ;)
 

Fularu

Banned
What's wrong with a PAL Mega Drive? Best looking one IMO, doesn't have the unneccessary purple, and doesn't have ugly-ass 'Genesis' silkscreened in huge letters all over it. It's the most understated of the Mark 1 models.

It's also trivial to 60Hz mod if that's what you're getting at ;)

The blue button is what makes a japanese MD so sexy
 

D.Lo

Member
Perfection to me. Japanese one is gaudy. Which is odd for me, every single other retro console I run is a Japanese model.

I run a 60Hz modded PAL MD2 however, space and hassle free stereo audio is the winner for me. Best looking MD2 too IMO, black white and red.
 

Tain

Member
Okay, so I probably won't be doing the whole soundtrack. There's a ton of tracks in there and honestly I'm not super passionate about most of them.

Title Screen
Dracula's Theme
Simon's Theme (with gate SFX)

I even made a mockup title screenshot which I probably spent way too much time working on.

megacastlevaniagyjj2.gif


original for reference

I am not much of an image editing wiz when it comes to handling palettes and such. So I just picked a bunch of colors from various Genesis game screens and replaced the ones in the title. I did also increase the resolution to 320x224 though, and editing the background to fill in that extra space was easy thanks to its very tile-based nature.

These are excellent.
 

IrishNinja

Member
just got my model 1 back in from bapho today! region & OC mods look great, already played a few imports too...so happy.

plus my Mega Everdrive showed up! and yeah, that shell i got is slightly off for the SMS pause button, heading outta town tomorrow so i'll have to work on it when i'm back, can't wait to break it in though!

I have, plenty. Can't seem to find a lot that's in good condition though lately... so I thought I'd try these. Never again.

yeah, i really should make a note in the OP about the shit condition of those Amazon cases, ugh. think i got rid of the 3 i'd tried as well, just no good.
 

mltplkxr

Member
<questions>
(Note that the X'Eye mentioned is the N.A.version)

1) How does the sound compare on both?
I compared Castlevania Bloodlines, Sonic 1, and Robo Aleste and didn't notice any significant difference. The X'Eye is a bit better than the Model 1 to my non-audiophile ears, but not by much. The X'Eye has independent audio and video out in addition to a phone out. The phone out has no volume control. The CD-X has a line-out and a phone out, in addition to the Model 2/32X A/V out. The phone out on my CD-X is a bit loose and seems less reliable than what's on the X'Eye.

2) Do you use RGB? If so, does one produce a noticeably better RGB signal?
Don't have RGB out. The color palette on the X'Eye seems different. I'll have to double check.

3) How are the loading times on each? I've heard the CDX at least, is significantly faster than the regular Sega CD.
Couldn't compare but the X'Eye doesn't boot straigth to game. It displays a CD player UI and you have to choose "Game". Boot times are pretty similar to the CD-X for Robo Aleste and Dark Wizard. CD-X boots straight to game.

4) There are a few CDX's I could buy from various places on ebay that have a broken CD drive. I don't suppose you have any idea how easy they are to fix?
No idea. In my experience the CD-X and X'Eye are more reliabe than the OG Sega CD. I bought the X'Eye because my Sega CD didn't work well.

5) I know the 32X blocks the CD opening on the JVC X'Eye, but what about on the CDX? How about the powerbase converter?
32X blocks the opening on the CD-X a little but you can still insert a CD. No powerbase converter to test (but I really want one!).

6) Have you ever had any problems with either? Which do you prefer? Any other comments?
I sometimes need to adjust the cables plugged into the phone out and the A/V out on my CD-X. This maybe due to my unit though, as I bought it used.
The X'Eye has independent RCA outs for stereo audio and video so any RCA cable can be used, which is nice.
X'Eye plays NA and JPN carts (but not CD games), and is also a Karaoke machine.
It's also dark blue which is kinda neat.
The thumb pad on the gamepad that comes with the X'Eye is better than on the standard Genesis pad.
CD-X displays track number on its front LCD.
CD-X is almost a third the size of the X'Eye.
All inputs/outputs on the X'Eye are at the back (except for the phone out and the mic) while the CD-X has power input in the back, A/V out on the left and phone out and line out pn the right. I find the X'Eye layout cleaner. On the CD-X, the cables stick out from the side, so you have to make room for that. There's also a chance to damage a connector because they are on each side.
Some carts don't align well with connector in the CD-X.

All in all, CD-X is great because it is so compact. The X'Eye is also great because it plays import carts and has RCA outs for audio and video.If I had to pick, it would be the X'Eye because it plays JPN imports.

That's pretty much it for now. I'm going to test this some more as I go through my collection. I might add more later.

Let me know if you want to know anything else.
 

Jamix012

Member
(Note that the X'Eye mentioned is the N.A.version)

1) How does the sound compare on both?
I compared Castlevania Bloodlines, Sonic 1, and Robo Aleste and didn't notice any significant difference. The X'Eye is a bit better than the Model 1 to my non-audiophile ears, but not by much. The X'Eye has independent audio and video out in addition to a phone out. The phone out has no volume control. The CD-X has a line-out and a phone out, in addition to the Model 2/32X A/V out. The phone out on my CD-X is a bit loose and seems less reliable than what's on the X'Eye.

2) Do you use RGB? If so, does one produce a noticeably better RGB signal?
Don't have RGB out. The color palette on the X'Eye seems different. I'll have to double check.

3) How are the loading times on each? I've heard the CDX at least, is significantly faster than the regular Sega CD.
Couldn't compare but the X'Eye doesn't boot straigth to game. It displays a CD player UI and you have to choose "Game". Boot times are pretty similar to the CD-X for Robo Aleste and Dark Wizard. CD-X boots straight to game.

4) There are a few CDX's I could buy from various places on ebay that have a broken CD drive. I don't suppose you have any idea how easy they are to fix?
No idea. In my experience the CD-X and X'Eye are more reliabe than the OG Sega CD. I bought the X'Eye because my Sega CD didn't work well.

5) I know the 32X blocks the CD opening on the JVC X'Eye, but what about on the CDX? How about the powerbase converter?
32X blocks the opening on the CD-X a little but you can still insert a CD. No powerbase converter to test (but I really want one!).

6) Have you ever had any problems with either? Which do you prefer? Any other comments?
I sometimes need to adjust the cables plugged into the phone out and the A/V out on my CD-X. This maybe due to my unit though, as I bought it used.
The X'Eye has independent RCA outs for stereo audio and video so any RCA cable can be used, which is nice.
X'Eye plays NA and JPN carts (but not CD games), and is also a Karaoke machine.
It's also dark blue which is kinda neat.
The thumb pad on the gamepad that comes with the X'Eye is better than on the standard Genesis pad.
CD-X displays track number on its front LCD.
CD-X is almost a third the size of the X'Eye.
All inputs/outputs on the X'Eye are at the back (except for the phone out and the mic) while the CD-X has power input in the back, A/V out on the left and phone out and line out pn the right. I find the X'Eye layout cleaner. On the CD-X, the cables stick out from the side, so you have to make room for that. There's also a chance to damage a connector because they are on each side.
Some carts don't align well with connector in the CD-X.

All in all, CD-X is great because it is so compact. The X'Eye is also great because it plays import carts and has RCA outs for audio and video.If I had to pick, it would be the X'Eye because it plays JPN imports.

That's pretty much it for now. I'm going to test this some more as I go through my collection. I might add more later.

Let me know if you want to know anything else.

Wow thank you! That's a lot of cool info. I didn't actually know the X'Eye played imports, that's definitely a huge plus. This a lot of good info and uh, I can't offer much in return unless you want to know anything about the Gamecube/component cables/Panasonic Q etc.. Thanks again.
 
Is it normal for the USPS package tracker to say a package has been delivered, but your actual mailbox to be empty? I mean, I'd assume it'd just be in the box the next delivery day, but...
 
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