To 32X or not to 32X? That is the question

[Strider]

Well, I've been contemplating the purchase of a 32X, however, I'm just not sure if the game library justifies the purchase. Sure games like Chaotix, Virtual Racing and Blackthorne are no-brainers, but with only a handful of decent games, it may not be worth it.

Thoughts from those of you who own one?

[lilmul123]

If you can get it for ~25 bucks with all the necessary connections, go for it. The lacking library of games is worth about that. Significantly more, and the price isn't really justified.

[Genesis Knight]

Your RF Generation collection lists you as only having Genesis and Sega CD. If that's true, I would urge you to pass on the 32X and spend your money on some better console (Dreamcast?). IMO the 32x is only for people who've done everything else and are still hankering for it. Because odds are that once you get into other systems you'll find better versions of many of the 32x games (Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing, Afterburner, Space Harrier) and realize you couldn't care less about the 32x exclusives (Chaotix).

Anyway, to answer your question generally - and having owned one in the past - I think the 32X is a waste of time. It's a neat novelty at first, but it just doesn't have a place in the library of a casual or passionate gamer. In short, it is for the extreme hardcore collector, because it basically has nothing to offer anyone else.

[Strider]

Your RF Generation collection lists you as only having Genesis and Sega CD. If that's true, I would urge you to pass on the 32X and spend your money on some better console (Dreamcast?). IMO the 32x is only for people who've done everything else and are still hankering for it. Because odds are that once you get into other systems you'll find better versions of many of the 32x games (Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing, Afterburner, Space Harrier) and realize you couldn't care less about the 32x exclusives (Chaotix).

Anyway, to answer your question generally - and having owned one in the past - I think the 32X is a waste of time. It's a neat novelty at first, but it just doesn't have a place in the library of a casual or passionate gamer. In short, it is for the extreme hardcore collector, because it basically has nothing to offer anyone else.

Well said GK. This is what I was thinking as well, but I just wanted other opinions.

FYI - I do own a 360, however, I'm not using RF Generation to track my very small collection :D

[Joe Redifer]

The 32X has the best version of Virtua Racing. The Saturn version is ass. I'd rate that one below even the Genesis version. The PS2 version is OK but it is kind of quirky.

[Scooter]

Your RF Generation collection lists you as only having Genesis and Sega CD. If that's true, I would urge you to pass on the 32X and spend your money on some better console (Dreamcast?). IMO the 32x is only for people who've done everything else and are still hankering for it. Because odds are that once you get into other systems you'll find better versions of many of the 32x games (Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing, Afterburner, Space Harrier) and realize you couldn't care less about the 32x exclusives (Chaotix).

Anyway, to answer your question generally - and having owned one in the past - I think the 32X is a waste of time. It's a neat novelty at first, but it just doesn't have a place in the library of a casual or passionate gamer. In short, it is for the extreme hardcore collector, because it basically has nothing to offer anyone else.

And the exact same thing could be said for the Sega CD. Owning and enjoying a Sega CD and/or 32X is as much for the novelty of it and the history of it. It's interesting to see what Sega was trying to do and there ARE a decent number of gems for each system. There are certainly games on the 32X worth avoiding like the plauge but there are also more than just a couple great, interesting and fun games for the system.

[gamevet]

The 32X has the best version of Virtua Racing. The Saturn version is ass. I'd rate that one below even the Genesis version. The PS2 version is OK but it is kind of quirky.

The Genesis version is the worst!

I'd rank the PS2 version as the best. It has graphics beyond that of the arcade version, and it plays as smooth as silk.

[Rusty Venture]

I'd say the decision to own one really needs to based on what games you want to own for it.

If you want it for Space Harrier & Afterburner then just get them on Saturn.

If you are determined to own the 32x exclusive games/versions then go for it.

I personally had no reason to play it (aside from SH and AB) and I could never really find another game to justify setting it up.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

Theres Shadow squadron but again there is a much better version on saturn. I don't regret getting my 32x at all but certainly it wasn't a must have i just bought it for the hell of it and for the few extra games i could attach to my collection. Trust me once you hear the intro to Tempo you will know that you made the right decision.

[Zebbe]

Get a 32X - you must have one to complete the Tower of Doom or Super Battleship Formation. Another reason is the Japanese cartridge slot, which saves you from giving your Genny a circumcision or putting a Game Genie (or similar) into it everytime you want to play an Asian cartridge. The library of the 32X isn't that bad - it is certainly better than the one of that 64 addon that was named after a weird bra size or something.

[Joe Redifer]

The 32X makes Blast Processing™ even blastier! Plus if you are using composite video, simply hooking up a 32X will clean up the picture since it re-encodes the composite signal itself.

[0x15e]

As someone who owns one (bought it when it was brand new), and even generally likes it, I can say that if I didn't have it, I wouldn't really miss it.

I have a stack of games (http://www.rfgeneration.com/cgi-bin/collection.pl?name=0x15e&action=&results=&folder=Collection&console=%7C055%7C&type=) for it and the only game I can see going back to are Chaotix and possibly Tempo and Kolibri.

[GameUser-16-32-128]

Pass the 32X, it's not worth it! If you want to get into 32-bit gaming, GET A SATURN! Virtua Fighter, Stellar Assault (Shadow Squadron) and Virtua Racing look much better on the big black box than on the mushroom of doom. On the other hand, if you are a true hardcore gamer and collector, then get it.

[VinnyT]

Your RF Generation collection lists you as only having Genesis and Sega CD. If that's true, I would urge you to pass on the 32X and spend your money on some better console (Dreamcast?). IMO the 32x is only for people who've done everything else and are still hankering for it. Because odds are that once you get into other systems you'll find better versions of many of the 32x games (Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing, Afterburner, Space Harrier) and realize you couldn't care less about the 32x exclusives (Chaotix).

Anyway, to answer your question generally - and having owned one in the past - I think the 32X is a waste of time. It's a neat novelty at first, but it just doesn't have a place in the library of a casual or passionate gamer. In short, it is for the extreme hardcore collector, because it basically has nothing to offer anyone else.
.........................

Thanks.

[David J.]

Unless you really need to use the Power Base Converter, or play Virtua Racing, and are low on outlets, it really doesn't harm anything sitting there.

Just don't spend a lot of $$$ for it.

[GohanX]

Also having owned one since launch, I would say pick one up if it's cheap, but don't go nuts and buy one if it costs a lot of money.

Find one on ebay with a copy of Knuckles Chaotix for 20 bucks? Sure! Find a minty boxed unit for $100+? Hell no.

I've dug one of mine out of mothballs for the first time in over a decade and I've been having a blast with Virtua Racing, Space Harrier, and Afterburner. All of those games you can pick up for like a dollar on ebay.

[Genesis Knight]

.........................

Thanks.

Haha, you're one of those XTREME HARDCORE types who get a kick out of it! It was a compliment, amigo! I have not thy dedication...


FYI - I do own a 360, however, I'm not using RF Generation to track my very small collection

Okay, that's good. :D

[AD2101]

Strider, didn't you just get that nice Genesis 1/Sega CD model 1 setup the other day? If thats gonna be you main system, the 32x needs an extra cable to hook up to your genesis. The cable can be hard to find and can be pretty expensive as far as cables go (I paid 15 for my cable, im sure others have gotten it cheaper though).

Besides, the 32X isn't worth it. The only games I found to be better than shit were Afterburner and Doom. Unless you HAVE to have it your not missing out on anything except the worst idea Sega ever had, and the piece of hardware that began Sega's fall from grace IMO.

[Smii]

Pass the 32X, it's not worth it! If you want to get into 32-bit gaming, GET A SATURN!

Aw. Just like back in the day ;)

I like the 32x, it's fun to spend a few hours every now and then playing the games I have - Chaotix, Kolibri and Star Wars especially, they're always fun to go back to. However, this only happens when I can be bothered to plug it in - looks so cumbersome sitting there all the time, so I don't leave it hooked up.

Far as I can tell though, the machines and most of the games are so cheap in the US atm - if the right one comes along, go for it!

[Strider]

Strider, didn't you just get that nice Genesis 1/Sega CD model 1 setup the other day? If thats gonna be you main system, the 32x needs an extra cable to hook up to your genesis. The cable can be hard to find and can be pretty expensive as far as cables go (I paid 15 for my cable, im sure others have gotten it cheaper though).

Besides, the 32X isn't worth it. The only games I found to be better than shit were Afterburner and Doom. Unless you HAVE to have it your not missing out on anything except the worst idea Sega ever had, and the piece of hardware that began Sega's fall from grace IMO.

Yeah, I did just get those and I'm torn between buying it or not. I suppose if I have to question myself over and over again, I should pass. However I am looking at a LOT on eBay that has a 32x included, so I may end up with one anyway.

One more question, will the 32X work on any version of the Genesis?

[GohanX]

It will work with almost any version of the Genesis. The only systems it won't work with are the Nomad and the (I think) Genesis 3. There are some quirks-

A model 1 requires an AV adapter cable that is often missing from 32x systems. If you have a model 1, make sure it has this adapter. Also you can't get stereo sound out of it, so you will need to use a Sega CD or the headphone jack for stereo.

Despite the instructions saying otherwise, it will work with a CDX, although it's a bit awkward.

It will work perfectly with a JVC X'Eye, but you can't open the CD door with the 32x attached.

[Genesis Knight]

NO NO NO! Don't do it, Strider! :p

[The Sports Guy]

Its alright to do it, but dont spend a luxurious amount of money to get it. AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAKE SURE THE CONNECTOR CABLE COMES WITH IT!!! The library is real weak past the two (IMO) main titles of the system, Star Wars Arcade and Virtua Racing Deluxe. Even those games are only good, not spectacular. Currently, my 32X is at my buddies house and I keep forgetting to give him the cable for it, so its collecting dust. Im still going to keep it fer sure, but Im not paying more than 10 dollars a game for anything. I pretty much cleaned my local game store out of 32X games last summer, but they still have Metalhead, T-Mek and Fred Couples. I dont know if I will pick those up, because they have every model of the sega CD for purchase (Model 1, 2 Xeye and the CDX, albeit the prices are kind of steep for the Xeye and SCD (80 and 110 respectively)). I still havent played Chaotix either, I know Im probably not missing much however.

So, my verdict: Get it if its not ridiculous, but if you cant afford it dont worry about it, because no one is going to buy it anyways. Its cool to say you have, but not really fun. Only pay a lot of money for Spiderman or that DarXide game. even if its PAL.

[Strider]

Guess I'll find out for myself on this one. I just won an auction for a lot of sega cd games that included a butt-load of other stuff, like a working 32x and the following games:

MORTAL KOMBAT 2
DOOM
STAR WARS
VIRTUA RACING DELUXE
VIRTUA FIGHTER
CORPSE KILLER

[Rusty Venture]

"Doom" huh? Just punch yourself in the junk right now.

[TmEE]

Its not THAT bad...

[GohanX]

Guess I'll find out for myself on this one.


Another victory for the darkside.

[Genesis Knight]

I feel like a failure now. I tried my best.

[Rusty Venture]

Its not THAT bad...

You're absolutely right.

Buy some brass knuckles, *THEN* punch yourself in the balls while viewing nude pictures of Sarah Jessica Parker.

Thats how bad it is.

[Strider]

You're absolutely right.

Buy some brass knuckles, *THEN* punch yourself in the balls while viewing nude pictures of Sarah Jessica Parker.

Thats how bad it is.

Haha, is it really that bad? This will sadden me, considering I have a DooM tattoo on my right calf :D

[TmEE]

Tempo, Chaotix, Metal Head, Afterburner, Stellar Assault and Darxide - I want 32X just to play them, they're great games.

[mick_aka]

TmEE there, the sage voice of reason :)

[Rusty Venture]

Haha, is it really that bad? This will sadden me, considering I have a DooM tattoo on my right calf :D

Well, it makes no sense to play (or pay for) some watered down port when playing the original is easy and readily available.

[GohanX]

I have to agree with Rusty here. Back in the day my friends and I played Doom 32x for months and months since we didn't have computers. Now everyone has computers that could easily play the game, not to mention that it has an awesome port on the 360 Live Arcade.

[KenshiroX]

Rusty Venture does have a point, though I'm sure he's a little busy watching a slightly "edited" (wink,wink,nudge) version of Adventures of the Gummi Bears XD!

[Epicenter]

Chaotix, Kolibri and T-Mek are worth having a 32x for as long as you get it cheap. Afterburner Complete is also a great port and blows the standard MD/Genesis version out of the water.

The Doom port is horrible, though. Garbage GEMS audio that sounds worse than an NES with half its waveform generators disabled, bad slowdown and tons of missing levels. Lazy, rushed trash.

[Rusty Venture]

Rusty Venture does have a point, though I'm sure he's a little busy watching a slightly "edited" (wink,wink,nudge) version of Adventures of the Gummi Bears XD!

Gummibjörn!


I'll rag on the "Doom" port because, well, it blows. I don't mention "Corpse Killer" because that game really does speak for itself.

And that Motocross game for the 32x...*AVOID*. Avoid more than "Doom".

[Genesis Knight]

You should like that game for the busty finish-line babes.

[Rusty Venture]

I should, but I'm not going to suffer through that shit game just to see some 32-bit cleavage.

[AD2101]

Hey man don't rag on Corpse Killer, the 32x version probably the best game in its genre. Of course when that genre is considered to be one of the worst genre's in the history of video games that isn't saying much I guess :/

[Joe Redifer]

32X is better than both the Genesis, Sega CD, Saturn, Dreamcast, Neo Geo and Playstation 2 combined. Get one!

[Rusty Venture]

Hey man don't rag on Corpse Killer, the 32x version probably the best game in its genre. Of course when that genre is considered to be one of the worst genre's in the history of video games that isn't saying much I guess :/

Which is why I said the game speaks for itself. :p