I grew up a NES/SNES fanboy in the 90s--but now I'm ready to get into Genesis too! :)

[Estil]

I'm fairly new to this forum but I was originally from the AtariAge and NintendoAge forums. I was born in 1980 so I had the privilege of growing up in the late 8-bit and 16-bit era (the greatest console war ever). My father got me my first NES for my 10th birthday in 1990, and as soon as I saw that first commercial for the SNES in fall of 1991 (the Super Mario World with "a little bit..." said 16 times), that's all I wanted for Christmas, and I would indeed get a SNES for Christmas--three years later.

But it seemed like I was in the minority among my classmates. I don't know what it was like for the rest of you who grew up in that time period, but it seemed like the Genesis was the "cooler" more popular console. I remember a few times being told "Sega has better graphics" (which of course was not true but back then there was no Internet or Wikipedia or whatever to verify) and sometimes seeing Game Gears and even a Nomad around. But I was very much pro-Nintendo through and through then and now. In 1993 I got to try out a Genesis for the first time in 1992-93 (before I got my SNES in 1994) at a Ronald McDonald House (my aunt had a premie) but at that time the only games that really appealed to me were Sonic 1 and 2 (and GreenDay was really popular for some reason too). You can tell I was used to Nintendo and Mario because I stupidly thought at first that Sonic collected coins instead of RINGS.

I just got back into classic gaming last fall and currently own just under 100 NES games, 27 SNES games, and 19 N64 games. That being said, I'm now about ready to jump into the Genesis pool. I had one at one time but I was only interested in the Sonic games at the time and sold it when Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Adventure DX came out on the 'Cube. I want to get a Genesis 1 that's been modded to do S-video and stereo sound (red/white cables); after all if the SNES can do S-video/stereo, I want my Genesis to do the same. I also want to get a Power Base Convertor to play Master System games as well as the front loading Sega CD 1 (the top loading Sega CD 2 won't fit in my shelf and the front loader feels sturdier, not to mention I like it's boot up screen music better). And of course you can't have such a nice video game console without games, right? So here's what I plan on starting with (and what my usual online dealer charges):

GENESIS:
=======
(in addition to the Sonic games, I want to get the launch title and all the sports games that were featured in the original Genesis Does ad since they're only a buck or two each anyway; I also have this thing about getting each console's version of Monopoly, casino game, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy version)
6-Pak: $6
Altered Beast: $4
Arnold Palmer Golf: $1
Buster Douglas Boxing: $2
Caesars Palace: $3
Columns: $2
Double Dribble: $2
Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine: $3
Ecco the Dolphin: $3
Family Feud: $5
Flicky: $6
Greendog: $3
Jeopardy: $3
Joe Montana Football: $1
John Madden Football (original): $1
Klax: $5
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker: <---I hope this game is cheaper now
MLBPA Baseball: $1
Monopoly: $2
Mortal Kombat: $2
Ms Pac Man: $2
Pac Mania: $7
Paperboy: $4
Pat Riley Basketball: $1
Ristar: $9
Simpsons Bart v. Space Mutants: $6 <---I LOVE the NES version
Sonic 1: $2
Sonic 2: $2
Sonic 3: $6
Sonic & Knuckles: $5
Sonic 3D Blast: $4
Sonic Spinball: $2
Sonic Classics: $8
Super Monoco GP: $2
Star Trek Next Generation: $2<---My wife's a Trekkie
Tommy Lasorda Baseball: $1
Vectorman: $3
Vectorman 2: $4
Virtua Racing: $3
Wheel of Fortune: $2

MASTER SYSTEM:
=============
Casino Games: $6
Monopoly: $2
Sonic 1:
Sonic 2:
Sonic Chaos:

SEGA CD:
========
Compton's Encyclopedia: $5
Jeopardy: $4
Sherlock Holmes: $6 (launch title)
Sega Classics 4 in 1 (or whatever it was called; launch title)
Sol-Feace: $3 (launch title)
Sonic CD: $12 (flagship title)
Trivial Pursuit: $3
Wheel of Fortune: $5

One thing I absolutely LOVE about collecting for the Genesis is that it's a LOT cheaper than SNES collecting--the SNES' blue chips are usually considerably more expensive (good thing I don't do RPGs!) than the Genesis' blue chip games.

[Phantar]

Hi there, and welcome about. As a fellow 1980-born, I welcome you to your decision on joining the Genesis fray

You've got your eye on quite a few games there, and to a very decent price, too. If I may make some suggestions here:

- Don't pick up Sonic Classics; you're already getting Sonic 1, 2 and Dr. Robotnik individually (and cheaper, too), so there's no need to get that one as well. Plus, the lock-on-technology of Sonic & Knuckles doesn't work with Sonic classics (meaning you can't play Knuckles in Sonic 2 that way). As quantity of cartridges doesn't seem to be an issue for you, I'd suggest dropping that one from the list.

- Getting the original Joe Montana I can get behind. As for Madden, though, I'd rather pick up the '93 or '94 version, as it plays quite a lot better and is more balanced. Also, I've seen Madden '93 flying around for 1 $ as well on occasion, so you probably wouldn't pay more.

- There seem to be a few launch titles missing from your list (like Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Thunder Force II or Space Harrier II); what list of reference are you using when looking for launch titles?

- Chances on Moonwalker getting cheaper are, sadly, very slim - since Michael Jackson's death it has become some sort of collector's item for fans (quite a few of which probably don't even own a Genesis). Seeing as there are still a lot of Elvis-worshippers out there, it seems to me that the mourning about Michael Jackson will go on for quite a while - so the chances of that cart going down in price are very slim - celebrity worship can really take on crazy forms.

- If you love Run'n'Guns, try getting your hand on "Contra: Hard Corps" or "Gunstar Heroes", two really great titles.

I hope I could help there

[Estil]

- There seem to be a few launch titles missing from your list (like Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Thunder Force II or Space Harrier II); what list of reference are you using when looking for launch titles?

Well, I wanted to make sure to get THE launch game (Altered Beast--I guess I should get the SMS version too?) as well as the first console Madden game ever and the Sonic Classics (both for collectors reasons), but did they offer those others right afterward or something?

As for Moonwalker, I figured it has to be at least a little cheaper than say, right after MJ's passing. I also find it fascinating that MJ was working on the Sonic 3 music (until the 1993 scandal) and at least a couple tunes still managed to sneak into the final version of Sonic 3. Imagine if he could've finished the whole thing...

[Y2Jericho]

Looks like a good bunch of games to start off with never been a game show fan myself lol :P

[Phantar]

Well, Altered Beast was the game they packed in with the Genesis on launch, sure enough. When you said "launch titles", I thought you were referring to games available at launch; those consisted of Thunder Force II, Space Harrier II, Alex Kidd, Last Battle and Tommy Lasorda Baseball (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

as for the "Michael Jackson working on Sonic 3" thing, that is just a legend; there has been much debate on that topic without any actual solid proof, only some sound bites that kinda sound like MJ-songs. I suggest reading this feature here http://sega-16.com/feature_page.php?...0&%20Sonic%203 and then keep it at that, as this topic has been discussed around here time and again (and personally I'm getting a bit tired of hearing that theory again; personally I think it's a myth).

[Elliotw2]

Well, Altered Beast was the game they packed in with the Genesis on launch, sure enough. When you said "launch titles", I thought you were referring to games available at launch; those consisted of Thunder Force II, Space Harrier II, Alex Kidd, Last Battle and Tommy Lasorda Baseball (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

as for the "Michael Jackson working on Sonic 3" thing, that is just a legend; there has been much debate on that topic without any actual solid proof, only some sound bites that kinda sound like MJ-songs. I suggest reading this feature here http://sega-16.com/feature_page.php?...0&%20Sonic%203 and then keep it at that, as this topic has been discussed around here time and again (and personally I'm getting a bit tired of hearing that theory again; personally I think it's a myth).

Some UK game mag actually reviewed someone, and confirmed that he worked on the music. I'll see if I can't go dig it up.

Drop Columns from your list, you're already getting it in the 6-pak, and if you're going to get the Sonic Classics cart, you'll be having 3 copies of Sonic 1. Same thing for Sega Classics 4/5-in-1, those games are also on the 6-pak, though the CD one has (arguably) better music. Drop Greendog, it's complete trash.

[Y2Jericho]

Maybe you should consider adding some classics golden axe, shinobi, streets of rage or get them later but these are some great games

[Pulstar]

Good. Another Nintendo convert. Too bad it's fifteen years too late. First rule of Sega Club is that you TALK about the Sega Club.

Welcome to the club.

/clubbin

[Sega Genesis]

You have taken the first step. Now you must sell or destroy all of your nintendo games.

[oldskool]

If you grew up on NES and SNES and are a fan boy like you say, sadly I must inform you that no matter how hard you try to get into other consoles, it just won't do it for you. Because of nolstalgic reasons you'll always be drawn back to what you had as a child.

I have tried to collect for other consoles like the SNES and Turbo Grafx-16, yet I always default back to the Genesis. I can't help it. It's what I grew up on.

Not trying to persuade you to stay away or anything like that - just don't expect to be blown away and trash the rest of your collection.

Now me on the other hand, I am still blown away by the awesomeness of the Genesis, but like I was saying, I grew up with it. Got one for Christmas of 89'. It's in my DNA.

Good luck on your collecting though, you should be pleasantly surprised at the quality and fun level of the Genesis games, they are just "cool". Just make sure you don't fall into any crap that will make you turn away, as that can easily happen. Stick to the good games and you'll be happy. Make sure to Youtube anything you might be interested in, and get our opinions. Don't read the opinions of people on Youtube, usually it's just a bunch of Sega slamming Nintendo fan boys that have nothing else better to do, or never grew up on these great classics so they don't understand.

[OldSchool]

You have taken the first step. Now you must sell or destroy all of your nintendo games.

LOL

If you grew up on NES and SNES and are a fan boy like you say, sadly I must inform you that no matter how hard you try to get into other consoles, it just won't do it for you. Because of nolstalgic reasons you'll always be drawn back to what you had as a child.

I have tried to collect for other consoles like the SNES and Turbo Grafx-16, yet I always default back to the Genesis. I can't help it. It's what I grew up on.

Not trying to persuade you to stay away or anything like that - just don't expect to be blown away and trash the rest of your collection.

Now me on the other hand, I am still blown away by the awesomeness of the Genesis, but like I was saying, I grew up with it. Got one for Christmas of 89'. It's in my DNA.

Good luck on your collecting though, you should be pleasantly surprised at the quality and fun level of the Genesis games, they are just "cool". Just make sure you don't fall into any crap that will make you turn away, as that can easily happen. Stick to the good games and you'll be happy. Make sure to Youtube anything you might be interested in, and get our opinions. Don't read the opinions of people on Youtube, usually it's just a bunch of Sega slamming Nintendo fan boys that have nothing else better to do, or never grew up on these great classics so they don't understand.

You're gonna need to go ahead and cancel your account: there's only room for ONE OldSchool here, buster.

[Christuserloeser]

I remember a few times being told "Sega has better graphics" (which of course was not true but back then there was no Internet or Wikipedia or whatever to verify)

Well, the SNES does have its advantages over the Genesis:

• composite video instead of RF as the standard pack in
• MUCH better composite video in comparison to even the best Genesis models
• twice as many colors on screen (~50 vs ~100)
• mode 7 graphics mode (and DSP chips on cartridge to enhance this effect - like in F-Zero or Mario Kart)

The Genesis however does have its advantages over the SNES too:

• higher resolution (320x224 instead of 256x224)
• moving around way more stuff on screen without slowdown (sprites, bg layers, "line scrolls")

Maybe you should consider adding some classics golden axe, shinobi, streets of rage or get them later but these are some great games

Yeah, not enough classic Sega on that list... Here are a few games that I (and probably many others) would consider absolutely essential to anyone new to the MD:

• Castle of Illusion / Quackshot / World of Illusion
• Thunder Force III / Thunder Force IV (aka "Lightening Force")
• Streets of Rage / Streets of Rage 2 / Bare Knuckle III
• Golden Axe I / II / III
• Wonderboy in Monsterworld / [Monsterworld IV]
• Revenge of Shinobi / Shadow Dancer / Shinobi III
• Shining Force / Shining Force II / Shining Force CD
• Phantasy Star II / Phantasy Star IV

[tz101]

Some that are not on your list, but are highly recommended:

Ecco - The Tides of Time (better than the first Ecco by far)
Dynamite Headdy
Super Street Fighter II
NBA Jam TE
Castle of Illusion
Aladdin

[QuickSciFi]

That's a great decision. The Genesis has so many awesome titles. Expanding on the 16-bit era will only make you richer as a gamer (metaphorically speaking, lol). A good game is a good game, no matter the console.

Like TZ101 and others have mentioned, I'd add those titles and the following:

1. Aladdin (It must be reiterated. Lol. ).
2. Gunstar Heroes
3. Contra: Hard Corps
4. Castlevania: Bloodlines
5. Golden Axe Series
9. Rocket Knight Adventures
10. Space Harrier II
11. Thunderforce series
12. Phantasy Star Series
13. Many exclusive Shmups
14. Many exclusive RPGs
15. Many more awesome Genny exclusives.

Sorry. I can't thing atm of any more Genesis exclusives that weren't on the SNES (I'm pretty sure you'd want to get multiplatform titles on the SNES over nostalgia reasons. I'd be understandble. ). Anyways. I hope your journey through Sega's 16-bitter is a joyful one.


P.S.> I don't know why assumed you'd be buying all of the ones you mentioned. Lol. But if you only had a few choices, I'd say you should add to the top of your list (including the ones we've mentioned) the following:

Sonic 1
Sonic 2
Sonic 3
Sonic 3 & Knuckles
and... at least Vectorman 1 (too awesome).

P.S.S.>If you can also front the extra money for a CD unit and the SMS, I'd recommend Sonic CD and the SMS Sonic titles for sure. Beyond that, there are some awesome exclusive RPGs, platformers and shmups that you should look up for both systems.

[tz101]

Excellent shooter that has not been mentioned, but you will not get it for cheap:

MUSHA