genesis and master system same game but 8 bit is more fun than the 16 version

[acdc]

yeah can somebody tell me why there are the same games for both the systems but the 8 bit version is more fun

example

sonic the hedgehog
castle of illusion
asterix

and why did games like

lucky dime caper starring donald duck
the ninja
global defense
miracle warriors
golden axe warrior

never got a 16 bit release

oooh post 600 hoooooraaaay

[bluelloydpugh]

I disagree that the master system sonic 1 is more fun than the megadrive one. But thats just me.

I do however think "alex kidd in miracle world" is more fun than "alex kidd in the enchanted castle" though. Enchanted castle is bigger and what have you, but it just doesn't have that same spark which the original does.

[ceibant]

Ya know, I recently purchased Sonic The Hedgehog for SMS and honestly, I found it to be EXTREMELY fun. It's great to run around, collecting rings, and exploring the levels from top to bottom to find the hidden Chaos Emeralds. I wouldn't necessarily say that it's better than the one for Genesis, but both games, in my opinion, are classic and offer great experiences.

And I love both Alex Kidd in Miracle World/Enchanted Castle!!

[MrMatthews]

yeah can somebody tell me why there are the same games for both the systems but the 8 bit version is more fun

example

sonic the hedgehog
castle of illusion
asterix


Castle of Illusion SMS was quite fun, but I don't know if it's better than the Genesis version.

I can't vouch for Sonic one way or the other, but I've heard from multiple sources that Sonic 2 on the SMS is awesome. One of these days I might download it to the Wii, but I'd rather have the original game in this case.

Edit: Speaking of SMS games; don't everyone bid on this at once, alright?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NInja-Gaiden-Brazilian-Complete-Edition-Sega-Master_W0QQitemZ400019812388QQihZ027QQcategoryZ139 973QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[ceibant]

Sonic 2 on SMS is the same one that appeared on the Game Gear, and I must say...it pisses me off!! I could never get past the damn hang-gliding part in the 2nd (??) stage!! ARGH!!

[Rusty Venture]

I'm glad SOR isn't on that list because I played the game on Game Gear...it sucked ass.

[MrMatthews]

Sonic 2 on SMS is the same one that appeared on the Game Gear, and I must say...it pisses me off!! I could never get past the damn hang-gliding part in the 2nd (??) stage!! ARGH!!

Is it? Then screw that game! I did play it, and was sorely disappointed.

[ceibant]

Yeah man, the hang-gliding part in Sonic 2 is freakin impossible.

Rusty Venture, you didn't like Streets of Rage GG? I thought it was a pretty good representation of SoR on an 8-bit system. A lot of the Game Gear games are Master System ports, or vice versa. Like Sonic 1 and 2, Sonic Chaos, Streets of Rage 1 and 2, Super Monaco GP, etc.

[Wesker]

yeah can somebody tell me why there are the same games for both the systems but the 8 bit version is more fun

sonic the hedgehog

I don't agree, but I respect your point.


castle of illusion

Same here.


asterix

Asterix? Are you comparing SMS Asterix with SMD Asterix and the Great Rescue? They are totally different and unrelated games.

Compare SMD Asterix and the Great Rescue with SMS/GG Asterix and the Great Rescue instead, and then we can start talking about who's better.


and why did games
never got a 16 bit release like

lucky dime caper starring donald duck

The Mega Drive got Quackshot at that time, which is not only a different game, but a very superior one in my point of view.

In fact, I regard Quackshot as the best video game Donald Duck has ever starred. But not only that. I also consider it as the best Disney themed game Sega ever designed and developed (rivalling with the also gorgeous World of the Illusion), and truly one of the best games in the history of Disney themed video games.


the ninja
global defense
miracle warriors

These games came out before the Mega Drive was even released.


golden axe warrior

It would have been interesting, but the Mega Drive actually took a different path for the series with the exclusive releases of Golden Axe II and Golden Axe III.


Rusty Venture, you didn't like Streets of Rage GG? I thought it was a pretty good representation of SoR on an 8-bit system. A lot of the Game Gear games are Master System ports, or vice versa. Like Sonic 1 and 2, Sonic Chaos, Streets of Rage 1 and 2, Super Monaco GP, etc.

Nope, that's not actually the case of the Streets of Rage games.

Both of those titles resulted in separate developed versions for the Master System and the Game Gear, with the first Streets of Rage being the one where you can truly see how different and unrelated they are. Streets of Rage II at least shares some graphics between versions, but they still have lots of differences overall (the Game Gear version being way more polished imo).

What's more weird is the fact that both of the Game Gear games benefit of 2 player mode by Gear to Gear cable, while neither of their two counterparts for the Master System, which doesn't need a link cable at all because of being a home console, have any multiplayer option, and they are Single Player only.

[Rusty Venture]

Rusty Venture, you didn't like Streets of Rage GG? I thought it was a pretty good representation of SoR on an 8-bit system.

I might have had SOR2, but the control was still shit compared to the Genesis original.

But that is probably because SOR2 spoiled me with its wonderful control, which is the standard I use to judge all "beat 'em up" games by.

[ceibant]

I see. Yeah, Genesis SoR 2 is the most badass beat em up game ever.

[Mr Smith]

The only game I can really comment on is Sonic the Hedgehog, but it was 10 times better on the Mega Drive. Of course, now knowing the levels blindfolded, the Master System game does offer a different Sonic challenge (in much the same way all these new Sonic games don't).

I cannot imagine many 8-bit games that would rival their 16-bit counterparts.

[Kollision]

I agree Castle of Illusion for the SMS is a masterpiece, and I find it just a little better than the MD version. It's an amazing game for the hardware it runs on.

Don't agree about Sonic.

And I just wish Kenseiden had a 16-bit version, it would kick ass.

[MrMatthews]

I cannot imagine many 8-bit games that would rival their 16-bit counterparts.


Not so much an argument as an exception proving the rule:

Mega Man 1-6 > Mega Man 7

[j_factor]

Doesn't quite fit the topic, but I have to say, I definitely prefer the SMS version of Battlemaniacs over the SNES version.

[john8248]

California Games on Master System is far superior to any 16-bit version. An overlooked gem.

[Alianger]

Road Rash was pretty impressive for an 8-bit port.. quite smooth, had all the tracks and bikes, great music (more dynamic and catchy than the genny version imo).

I don't agree about sonic 1 but Castle of Illusion was a bit more fun on the sms, it played faster and had somewhat more interesting level design.

[Rusty Venture]

Not so much an argument as an exception proving the rule:

Mega Man 1-6 > Mega Man 7

Yeah, but 1-3 are also better than 4-6.

[MrMatthews]

Yeah, but 1-3 are also better than 4-6.

Did you really like 1 that much? The music was great and it's a classic, sure . . . but I never thought it was especially fun. I recently played through all of them on the Mega Man Anniversary compilation, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed 6 much more than 1*

*Gameplay-wise only. 6 has some of the worst bosses in the history of the Mega Man series, rivalled only by Mega Man 7.

[TmEE]

sonic the hedgehog

Cannot agree more with you

[vintagegamecrazy]

Doesn't quite fit the topic, but I have to say, I definitely prefer the SMS version of Battlemaniacs over the SNES version.

J factor, that a joke right???

[j_factor]

J factor, that a joke right???

Not at all. The SMS version certainly doesn't look or sound as good, but it plays better IMO. In the SNES version, whenever you deal the last blow to an enemy, it does the exaggerated animations, like in the first game, except longer. The problem is, during this animation, other enemies can still attack you, and you can't do anything about it. In the SMS version, the finishing animations are quick, so it doesn't have this problem.

[MrMatthews]

So the SNES got a Battlemaniacs, the SMS got a Battlemaniacs, and I'm pretty sure the Gameboy got one, too.

. . . And the Genesis didn't?

[j_factor]

Game Boy didn't get Battlemaniacs. It had a port of the original Battletoads, a port of Battletoads Double Dragon, and another Battletoads game that was exclusive to the system.

I know, it doesn't really make sense. Battlemaniacs was released for SNES and SMS, and that's it. No Genesis, no NES, no Game Gear.

[MrMatthews]

Game Boy didn't get Battlemaniacs. It had a port of the original Battletoads

oh yeah . . .



and another Battletoads game that was exclusive to the system.

which was actually pretty good. That was the only one I had.


I know, it doesn't really make sense. Battlemaniacs was released for SNES and SMS, and that's it. No Genesis, no NES, no Game Gear.

What year was SNES Battlemaniacs released? I vaguely remember reading about it in Nintendo Power, which means it was probably between '91 and '93.
. . . which Sega system was popular at that time, again?

[KillerBean2]

Battlemaniacs was released for SNES and SMS

At first, I thought the SMS Battlemaniacs was a port of the Game Gear version of Battletoads, and that Tec Toy just got the name wrong. After all 99% of the Tec Toy SMS exclusives are crappy ports of Game Gear games or SEGA originals with "new" graphics. But I got this from Wikipedia:



The game was ported to the Sega Master System by Syrox Development and was going to be published by Virgin Interactive for a 1994 release in Europe, but was eventually cancelled, probably due to the system's dying lifespan even in that region. However, it was released in Brazil by Tec Toy, despite not being completely finished. It is playable, but there are minor problems, such as some stages not having background music.


I guess this game is one of Tec Toy's only "real" releases :D

[Wesker]

I'm pretty confindent the Mega Drive was also getting its own version of Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, through Virgin Interactive like in the case of the Master System version, but it seems there was something going wrong with this case. Either Virgin Interactive lost interest in finally releasing the Battlemaniacs ports they developed by licensing to Rare/Tradewest, or there was actually some kind of inconvenient in this license agreement.

Virgin Interactive used to release all their games back them in both Mega Drive and Master System/Game Gear formats, or at least in Mega Drive, so it doesn't make sense this one was targeted to the Master System (and probably Game Gear) and not to the Mega Drive, also considering that it was actually ported from a 16-bit console.

Maybe a Mega Drive version was also in development, but canceled in an early point than the Master System version ever was, complicating any attempt of releasing the game at a unfinished state, like Tec Toy actually did with the 90-95% developed Master System beta (which even managed to receive a Review in British Sega Power magazine).

That's something we'll never know for sure unless someone working in Virgin Interactive at that time (1994) could clarify it.

[crazyteknohed]

SMS Rastan > MD Rastan II

[john8248]

SMS Rastan > MD Rastan II

By a wide margin, at that. Good call!

[Black_Tiger]

I like the original Phantasy Star more than the Genesis sequels and I think that only PSIV is any competition to it overall. In terms of fun, Phantasy Star is by far the best in the series (for me anyways...).

[Joe Redifer]

Same here, and I also agree that Part 4 is the best Genesis PS.

[crazyteknohed]

I like the original Phantasy Star more than the Genesis sequels and I think that only PSIV is any competition to it overall. In terms of fun, Phantasy Star is by far the best in the series (for me anyways...).

Yeah but Phantasy Star 1 SMS = Phantasy Star 1 MD. It would be impossible to get more identical ports!

[Phantar]

True. However, it really IS the exact game - no updates in terms of graphics, sounds or anything. Since I'd expect a bit more coming from a 16-bit-console, I'd say PS MD loses out.

[Zebbe]

Yeah but Phantasy Star 1 SMS = Phantasy Star 1 MD. It would be impossible to get more identical ports!

Yes, a port that supports FM sound would be more accurate.

[TmEE]

AFAIK, the PhS1 is nothing but a SMS cart rewired for MD cartslot, and MD in SMS mode

[Zebbe]

Yep. Works on neither the 32X nor Nomad for me. I have actually never played my copy :D.

[The Jackal]

Zebbe, aren't the MD copies of PS1 supposed to uber-rare; how and where did you get yours?

I swear they only made like 1,000...

[Rusty Venture]

For only 1,000 made they sure have shown up on Ebay often.

[Zebbe]

Zebbe, aren't the MD copies of PS1 supposed to uber-rare; how and where did you get yours?

I swear they only made like 1,000...

I think that's a myth. I got mine from Japan Game Stock for much below what Alien Soldier, Panorama Cotton and the like usually goes for. I think the game is quite easy to get actually.

[Black_Tiger]

It's been a long time since I played Spell Caster (since it came out), but I'd rather play a questy hybrid than a straight up arcadey action platformer. Can anyone more familiar with Spell Caster say how it measures up to Mystic Defender?

[Joe Redifer]

Spellcaster is kind of like Mystic Defender meets Lord of the Sword with a dash of Captain Silver.

[Mamba Tabac]

Anyone played the Game Gear version of Jurassic Park? It's shits on the MD one from a great height...

[Smii]

Yeah, I have GG JP, & based on the MD's dull "play as Grant & die" mode*, I would agree. Those shooting sections are entirely pointless though.

*It was fun to play as a raptor. Anyone who disagrees.. probably never liked dinosaurs that much.

[johnnyb]

I agree too, when I first had the GG JP turn up I thought here we go again.... but was nicely surprised at how much better it was than the MD. It was more exciting playing as the raptor... I always wanted to be a dinosaur!

[MrMatthews]

So what's different about the GG version from the MD version?

[crazyteknohed]

Yes, a port that supports FM sound would be more accurate.

If some clever sod made an MD to Mk-III converter, I'm pretty sure the FM sound would be there, all intact ;)


Zebbe, aren't the MD copies of PS1 supposed to uber-rare; how and where did you get yours?

I swear they only made like 1,000...

I got mine which is in near-mint condition for little more than £20 plus delivery, from eBay of all places. If it is true that fewer than a thousand were made, now's the time to pick up a copy as they're all over eBay at the moment, and for very good prices too.

[Mamba Tabac]

So what's different about the GG version from the MD version?

MD Jurassic Park: A shoddy mess of uninspiring visuals combined with diabolical collision detection with a side order of irritating death happy gameplay and a soundtrack that could only have been composed by the incredibly tone-deaf.

GG Jurassic Park: Admittedly - the pre-level shooting bits are a bit pointless and rubbish, but once you get into the meat of the game it kinda reminds me of the GG Shinobi - with guns. It's probably the energy bars and character movement that does it. Also, the graphics are pretty damn good for a GG game it has to be said. Definately worth a look IMO.

[MrMatthews]

MD Jurassic Park: A shoddy mess of uninspiring visuals combined with diabolical collision detection with a side order of irritating death happy gameplay and a soundtrack that could only have been composed by the incredibly tone-deaf.

I couldn't agree with you more. As excited as I was to get this game, I was sorely disappointed with the crappy music, the awkward controls, and the hit-or-miss graphics. The main character sprites look pretty decent (mainly the animation of the raptor), but the backgrounds were terrible. Not to mention the boring gameplay that was made unnecessarily difficult by the wonky controls and collision detection.


GG Jurassic Park: Admittedly - the pre-level shooting bits are a bit pointless and rubbish, but once you get into the meat of the game it kinda reminds me of the GG Shinobi - with guns. It's probably the energy bars and character movement that does it. Also, the graphics are pretty damn good for a GG game it has to be said. Definately worth a look IMO.

That's just what I'll do!

[Mamba Tabac]

In fact the only good bit of MD Jurassic Park was at the start where the T-Rex says 'Sega'
:p

[MrMatthews]

In fact the only good bit of MD Jurassic Park was at the start where the T-Rex says 'Sega'
:p


That's wacky, kuh-ray-zee Blue Sky for ya! I'm so glad they refined their platforming mechanics for VectorMan

[Zebbe]

If some clever sod made an MD to Mk-III converter, I'm pretty sure the FM sound would be there, all intact ;)

Haha. I'm sure Tototek has the parts needed if you're willing to try :).

[squall280]

i own every us master system game.......very difficult feat once you get to the rarest games. anyways i could say that there are some stand out games with the system but i don't think they hold a candle to the genesis library of games. .

[KnightWarrior]

I love Sonic on the Master System...

But Sonic 2 on the Mega Drive for me

[jesus.arnold]

It's been a long time since I played Spell Caster (since it came out), but I'd rather play a questy hybrid than a straight up arcadey action platformer. Can anyone more familiar with Spell Caster say how it measures up to Mystic Defender?Spellcaster is a horrible frustrating experience, I'd go with Mystic Defender in a heartbeat.

[Black_Tiger]

Spellcaster is a horrible frustrating experience, I'd go with Mystic Defender in a heartbeat.

I just watched a video play through of Spell Caster and it's even better than I remember. I'd definitely take it over Mystic Defender, but I also enjoy questy and digital comic games.

[jesus.arnold]

I just watched a video play through of Spell Caster and it's even better than I remember. I'd definitely take it over Mystic Defender, but I also enjoy questy and digital comic games.Watching a video playthrough is pretty much a pre-requisite for enjoying Spellcaster.

[Raistlin]

Ghouls N' Ghosts plays better on Master System than on Genesis.

[Casselfornia]

Olympic Games 92 and Winter Games 94 have a better Gameplay on the MS, in my opinion!

[17daysolderthannes]

Sonic 2 on SMS is the same one that appeared on the Game Gear, and I must say...it pisses me off!! I could never get past the damn hang-gliding part in the 2nd (??) stage!! ARGH!!

Sonic 2 really pissed me off back in the day. Sonic 1 on Game Gear/SMS is better than the Genesis version IMO and one of the best Sonic games around. No Sonic game is quite like it, and the yuzo koshiro soundtrack rocks my sox. Sonic 2, on the other hand, wasn't ANYTHING like the Genesis Sonic 2 (which is still my favorite Sonic to this day) and felt very tedious and frustrating by comparison. The hang-gliders are so hard, you have to tap "back" to stay in the air, once you get the hang of it, its pretty easy actually. I think I actually beat Sonic 2 back in the day, don't know how I pulled that off in retrospect, especially with that asshole-y difficult second to last zone.


I'm glad SOR isn't on that list because I played the game on Game Gear...it sucked ass.

I had SOR 2 for game gear back in the day. It was all I could play since I didn't have a Genesis, I did, however, like how the specials didn't deplete your energy and you could do a sort of "ultimate special" that would do some serious damage. I would've liked to see the features of the Game Gear/SMS version make their way to the Genesis in SOR3.

[17daysolderthannes]

Olympic Games 92 and Winter Games 94 have a better Gameplay on the MS, in my opinion!

OMG YES! I LOVE the Lillehammer games on Game Gear, I used to play that shit for hours!

[sonictails]

I love Sonic on the Master System...

But Sonic 2 on the Mega Drive for me

Agreed

For me Streets is far superior on the MS then on the MD. The sound track for the first level is just phenomenal

[Casselfornia]

Oh, I forgot to mention that Sonic 2 sucks on the genesis...

I like the MS Version more. It has more cool ideas - the hangliding for example!

[Black_Tiger]

Watching a video playthrough is pretty much a pre-requisite for enjoying Spellcaster.

Back when it came out I rented it for a day and finished it. I guess it just depends on personal skill with 'digital comic' type games.:p

[jesus.arnold]

Back when it came out I rented it for a day and finished it. I guess it just depends on personal skill with 'digital comic' type games.:p
No it just depends on memory and patience.

[acdc]

ghoulest and ghost like it more on the mastersystem
and about power strike 1 and 2 why was there never a part 3 on the megadrive

[Christuserloeser]

There were: MUSHA Aleste and Robo Aleste

[jesus.arnold]

In my opinion these games are better on Master System by a wide margin

Bram Stoker's Dracula
Jurassic Park
Tazmania

These are arguably better on Master System

Terminator
Batman Returns
Chuck Rock II (nobody actually agrees with me though :()


Doesn't quite fit the topic, but I have to say, I definitely prefer the SMS version of Battlemaniacs over the SNES version.Yes, Yes, Yes! glad to see i'm not the only one with this opinion.

[thedaemon]

I've never seen a Master System, ever. Must be a USA thing.

[kool kitty89]

I like SMS Galaxy Force more than Genesis GFII.

[tomaitheous]

There were: MUSHA Aleste and Robo Aleste

Not the same. They don't have the Aleste/Super Aleste/Gunhed/powerstrike style of game engine.