mega drive

General tag for all things EURO SEGA Mega Drive.

Pick-Ups – Japanese Phantasy Star II Hint Guides

Posted by Sega Dude on August 25, 2020

Posted in: Mega Drive (Japanese), SEGA. Tagged: Fits of the North Star, Hint Guide, japanese, mega drive, Phantasy Star II, Playstation, PS2, sega, sony. 2 Comments

So this is pretty cool. Not very useful but cool.

Any 8-bit and 16-bit Phantasy Star fan knows that Phantasy Star II on the Sega Genesis came with a very hefty hint guide. And while the Japanese Mega Drive version of Phantasy Star II didn’t come with a hint guide they were available for purchase. I’ve known about them for a very long time but I never had good access to hunt them down.

Thanks to Japantiquity on Instagram (and FaceBook) I managed to get my hands on these two guides for a fair price.

How Japantiquity works is you get access to someone with easy access to the Japanese market. Request what you’re looking for and a small premium will be applied and it’s yours.

The two Phantasy Star II hint guides pictured below cost me $20 USD each.

Phantasy Star II pictured with two hint guides.

Set of two.

They appear to be a set of two. The book with Nei on the cover I believe is Part I. And because Dark Force is shown at the end of the book with Rolf on the cover I believe it’s Part II.

Maybe there are some Japanese readers out there who can set me straight.

Your journey begins!

Nei First, heart breaking.

Are those space faring boats?

Dark Force!

The second book with Rolf even has a small walk through for the first Phantasy Star at the end of the book.

If you look close at the photo below with the dungeon map and with Dark Force pictured you can see a hidden door is marked! As a kid I was stuck here for so long. I had no idea there was a hidden door. You had to turn and face what appeared to be a wall before it would reveal itself.

Mini Phantasy Star 1 guide.

The last dugeon of the first epic adventure.

Adverts for some early Mega Drive releases.

More hint guides.

Check out that last image above. Looks like lots of Sega Mega Drive games got hint books. This might be a new rabbit hole to tumble down.

I’ve also been collecting the Sega Ages 2500 games released for the Playstation 2 and Japantiquity managed to get me Fits of the North Star for $25 USD. It’s actually been many years since I’ve bought a game from the Sega Ages 2500 collection. Some are excellent and some are terrible. It’s a real mixed bag.

Sega Ages 2500 Fits of the North Star 01

Sega Ages 2500 Fits of the North Star 02

Sega Ages 2500 Fits of the North Star 04

Sega Ages 2500 Fits of the North Star 05

Sega Ages 2500 Fits of the North Star 06

Sega Ages 2500 Fits of the North Star 03

Below is my Sega Ages 2500 collection so far. I’d love to find the (good) Space Harrier and Monster World Complete Collection someday. But I’m really happy to have the Phantasy Star I and II remakes as well as the Phantasy Star Complete Collection. Those are by far the highlights of this series.

Of course I had to pay for shipping which cost me $20 USD by boat and took about 2 months to reach me. I’m OK with that. I’m much happier saving on shipping and waiting.

All in, this was a good Japanese Sega fix!

Pick-Ups – Boxed Japanese Sega Mega Drive

Posted by Sega Dude on June 12, 2020

Posted in: Hardware, Mega Drive (Japanese), SEGA. Tagged: japan, MD, mega drive, sega. 3 Comments

Just too beautify to pass up!

For a long time now it’s been a rare occurrence to find Japanese Mega Drive stuff out in the wild. So when I found this boxed Mega Drive console it was a genuine surprise. I wasn’t planning on buying what would be my third Mega Drive but after holding it for just a few minutes there was already an unbreakable bond. I offer Retro Quest $40 CAD (~$30 USD) and they were willing. It’s missing the power brick and video cable but I’ll find them eventually.

The condition is not perfect but it’s pretty good and it’s hard to argue with the price. If you’re local to Toronto (GTA) be sure to visit Retro Quest. I have purchased a lot of great retro gaming stuff from them over the years. It’s a great store with great people!

Initially I thought this was going to be an easy pass because in 2014 I purchased a really great condition Mega Drive (pictured below) at the VGCC Game Swap for $65 CAD (~$47 USD). However, since these two Mega Drives have different packaging they both feel like good additions to the collection.

Japanese Mega Drive

Asian Region Packaging

Box Opened

Mega Drive Close Up

Below is my loose Model 2 Mega Drive that cost me about $30 CAD (~$22 USD) in the same year (2014) as the model 2 above. Even though they’re not pictured I do have power and video cables for this Model 2; just no box.

Mega Drive Model 2

Believe it or not I purchased this model 2 Mega Drive in a bundle that included the very elusive game Eliminate Down. Click here for those details. The short answer is I scored Eliminate Down for about $80 CAD in 2014 (~$70 USD).

OK, this is something real special. How often do you get a chance to own a video game sound track on cartridge? Not often… not often at all. Almost never actually.

Have a look at the Tanglewood OST with its beautiful red (orange?) cartridge for play on your original Sega Genesis and Sega Mega Drive. This is a sight you won’t see often!

In addition to the OST cartridge you might have noticed a set of 10 Tanglewood themed Post Cards.

Normally you’d only get one random Tanglewood Post Card in every physical copy of Tanglewood the game from Matt Phillips’ Tanglewood Kickstarter campaign. The full set of ten was only available to those who purchased the collectors edition. A true gem that I could not afford at the time.

So how did I end up with a full Post Card set?

Courtesy of a very close friend who reached out to the creator Matt Phillips of Big Evil Corporation and asked if he could buy a set for me.

Not only was Matt willing but he went one step further and included a free OST cartridge as well. When I received this packaged I was truly beside myself. I like very niche things. Things that are incredibly hard for family and friends to deduce. And my buddy nailed it… in a very big way.

Thank you RamboRy!

How good is this 16-bit video game sound track by freezedream?
Oh, it’s good. It’s very good.

The very first track is the Tanglewood theme and it sets a serene and calming mood. Conjuring images of the fairy tale ending you’ll want to earn for our fury friends; Nymn and Echo.

If I had to choose, I’d say my favourite songs would be tracks #20 (So long) and #21 (Deadwood). Not only are they incredible songs in their own right but they play at a very pivotal storytelling moment in the game and they are major contributors to a very emotional moment of loss and enduring.

Below is a recording I captured of the entire OST playing from my original model 1 Sega Genesis. Have a listen!

Unfortunately the Tanglewood cartridge OST is sold out at the time this post was published.
But a digital version is available over at freezedream.bandcamp.

Haven’t heard of Tanglewood? Read my spoiler free review here: Tanglewood 16-bit Perfection.

And have a peak at my Tanglewood longplay:

Honestly, if you’re a retro gamer you need to get your hands on Tanglewood.

Pick-Ups – To be this good takes Analogue

Posted by Sega Dude on January 19, 2020

Posted in: Article, Hardware, SEGA. Tagged: 8bitdo, Analogue, genesis, mega drive, Mega Sg, NES, nintendo, retro-bit, sega, snes. 4 Comments

So I did something crazy and it feels great! I purchased the extremely high-end and very expensive Mega Sg by Analogue.

Easy now, stop your gasping. I did get the wife’s permission first.

I’ve been borderline desperate to get my hands on this (dare I say) perfect Sega Genesis / Mega Drive replacement console since it’s release on March 25th, 2019. However, the steep price tag of $190 USD plus $50 USD shipping had held me off. I just could not justify the ~$310 CAD grand total; regardless of all the high praise this modern 16-bit wonder has been receiving.

It’s true, a tremendous amount of skill and a quality has been poured into the Mega Sg and I do understand that this product has a very niche audience. I cannot criticize the price tag. It feels appropriate. But at the same time I could not justify it to myself.

So what happened? I found a used Mega Sg. In fact since it’s release this is the first Mega Sg I’ve seen for sale on the second hand market. I didn’t get away like a bandit but I do feel I did well and scored it for a fair price of $240 CAD (~$184 USD). Saving $70 CAD (~$54 USD) really helped. But buying it used also did more. It spared me the risk of duty. Had I purchased it direct from Analogue and had I been charged duty I would have been hit with another $88 CAD (~$67 USD) according to borderbuddy.com. Leaving me with a grand total of $390 CAD (~$300 USD). Ouch…

As a very nice gesture the seller included this retro-bit 6 button arcade pad for free. Which I can use on my new Mega Sg or my original Sega Genesis. Of course the Sega Dude is all wireless now but this was still a very nice thing.

What really made all this fall into place is a little bit of downsizing I’ve been doing. Just a few days after my Mega Sg purchase I managed to sell some Super Nintendo carts. I’ve decided that I want just some of the AAA titles complete with box and manual. As a result I’ve recently sold the following:

Axelay $65 CAD
Super Mario All-Stars (with BitBox Case) $30 CAD (with manual)
Super Mario RPG (with BitBox Case) $70 CAD (with manual)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV Turtles in Time (with BitBox Case) $60 CAD
The Legend of Mystical Ninja (with BitBox Case) $40 CAD
Parodius Da (Super Famicom with BitBox Case) $15 CAD
Pop’n TwinBee (Super Famicom with BitBox Case) $15 CAD
Super Genjin 2 (Bonk 2) (Nintendo Super Famicom) $20 CAD

Netting me $315 CAD which more than paid for my $240 CAD Mega Sg.

You’ll see a few games that I still have for sale in the images above. My prices have all been in-line with pricecharting.com; adding a bit extra if I had a game manual to go along with the cartridge.

I use to buy BitBox cases because I found it hard to find fordable complete SNES and NES games. But now that I’m reducing and looking for just some core games I’m letting go of some great games in favour of a smaller more complete Nintendo collection.

Below are the top three SNES games I’m hoping to track down complete someday:

Super Mario World
The Legend of Zelda
Metroid

I still feel Bitboxes from StoneAgeGamer look great but for me personally, I’m starting to change gears.

So, how is Analogue’s Mega Sg console?

I haven’t had it long so I can’t really praise it as 100% perfect yet but at first glance it seems like it could be. I’ve been testing my Mega Sg with Ghouls ‘n Ghosts and Tanglewood. I picked these two games because I’ve spent a lot of time with them very recently on my original Genesis console with my trusty CRT (tube) TV. The hope was that any differences on the Mega Sg connected to my HDTV would be easy for me to spot.

Of course there is a difference. The image quality of these 16-bit games running on the Mega Sg is off the charts. They run crystal clear as if running from emulation on a PC. And I love it! But that’s it. Everything else feels so incredibly authentic to the original hardware.

I am a very happy Retro Dude these days!

Paprium Launch Party and Live Demo

Posted by Sega Dude on October 30, 2018

Posted in: Community, Games, Genesis (North America), Mega Drive (EURO), Mega Drive (Japanese), SEGA. Tagged: 30th, anniversary, Fonzie, genesis, Gwenaël Godde, Launch Party, mega drive, Paprium, sega. Leave a comment

The modern made video game and ‘IN YOUR FACE!’ brawler PAPRIUM for the 1990’s Sega Mega Drive and Sega Genesis has finally launched!

Or has it?

On October 27th, 2018 Gwénaël Godde (a.k.a Fonzie) of Watermelon Games performed a live demo of PAPRIUM for the Sega Mega Drive / Sega Genesis at a launch party that was both celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sega Mega Drive and the release of Paprium.

Here’s how I know this:

“On the 27th of October 2018, we are having a party in Paris, France. Let’s celebrate SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive’s 30th anniversary and the release of PAPRIUM.” -Gwénaël Godde

But… something was missing; the video game Paprium.

What was shown was a very incomplete version of the game.

How could it possibly be that Paprium is ready for launch?

In short, and despite the quote above, this party was intended only as a celebration of the 30th anniversary. While having a glimpse of an old build of PAPRIUM was to be considered a bonus that didn’t have enough content to offer any spoilers. Is that true or does a complete version of PAPRIUM not exist?

The following message is believed to have come from Fonzie or Watermelon Games.
(*Sorry folks I have no actual facts. Consume all this with some healthy skepticism.)

It’s safe to say that everyone’s disappointment at this event is entirely understandable. Communications from Watermelon Games has been exceptionally muddled and confusing.

Keep an eye on Watermelon’s Facebook page for more news.

Below is a recording of the live demonstration/party which showed off what we are told is an old Beta version of PAPRIUM. Hopefully it’s current state is much more complete and polished.

Despite all the heartbreak the one really good bit of news to come from this event is that after a very long absence Gwénaël Godde (a.k.a Fonzie) is back and it appears that he is intent on completing and delivering PAPRIUM.

Personally, I’m a bit concerned of all the very negative backlash Fonzie is receiving. Of course it’s understandable but I’m afraid of the retro gaming community pushing so hard that Fonzie might just disappear again. If he’s willing to show that’s he’s taking the game seriously and that he’s still able to deliver a game to everyone who paid then I am willing to continue to support Fonize, Watermelon Games and Paprium.

Are you relieved that PAPRIUM appears to have some traction again? Are you raging mad? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this heated topic. Don’t pull any punches. PAPRIUM wouldn’t.

Below is the original email communication which announced the October 27th 30th anniversary party:

October 8th, 2018 PAPRIUM Release date Announcement:

“On the 27th of October 2018, we are having a party in Paris, France. Let’s celebrate SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive’s 30th anniversary and the release of PAPRIUM.

We understand this is a long trip but if by any chance you are around at that time, you’re of course very welcome. Please contact us at 1988@watermelon-games.com for booking and details.

The party starts at 19PM for some talk with WM and some 16-bit fun and then turn into electro music feast from 23PM until 6AM.

The event is free but booking is required in advance. PS: We are working hard to ensure you to receive your games around that time but we can’t guarantee it at the moment.

You will receive another email shortly to confirm your shipping address. For the few people still awaiting for their refunds on Paypal, we are still looking for a solution at the moment, thanks for the extra patience.”

-Gwénaël Godde

Don’t forget to follow the Sega Dude and Retro Megabit on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/retromegabit/

Pick-Ups – Local Game Swap Buying and Selling

Posted by Sega Dude on October 24, 2018

Posted in: Collection New Additions, Games, Genesis (North America), Nintendo, SEGA, SNES. Tagged: Alf, Bare Knuckle, genesis, master system, mega drive, nintendo, sega, snes, Star Fox, streets of rage, superman. Leave a comment

This past Sunday October 21st Nintendo Joe and I hit up a local Retro Video Game Swap. This time around Nintendo Joe was just shopping; hoping to scoop up the last few affordable NES carts towards his goal of a full NES set. While I setup shop with our mutual friend Flavio to both buy and sell.

Flavio is a bit of a Titan when it comes to selling. He’s constantly buying large lots of games and re-selling at these kinds of events. Over the years he has really helped me bolster my Sega Master System collection. In fact, for years now he has become my only source for Master System games.

If you’re hunting for Retro Video Games be sure to visit Falvio’s Facebook page.

This Sunday was no exception; for $110 CAD (~$84 USD) Flavio sold me a complete and truly mint condition ALF for the Sega Master System.

Occasionally Flavio and I would take a break from our sales table and leave the other to man our station solo so that we could each browse around and do some game hunting. On my first go around the event floor I found a really excellent condition boxed Star Fox for the Super Nintendo. It was missing the manual but everything else was there, the condition was fantastic and it was selling for $25 CAD (~$20 USD). But because I didn’t bring any money with me I promised my self I would come back and snap it up once I had sold some stuff.

I had a few common Genesis games and some consoles for sale and it didn’t take long for a few items to sell. I dashed back for my Star Fox as soon I had the cash in hand.

Part of my excitement was because I knew I had a Star Fox manual at home so now this excellent game is complete and close to pristine.

When I was paying for Star Fox I saw this same seller had a complete Death and Return of Superman for the Genesis for $80 CAD (~$60 USD). That was about $20 less than the best I’ve ever seen for this title; so again I felt some urgency to sell more stuff.

When all was said and done I had sold a Model 1 Sega Genesis, a Sega Dreamcast, an original Xbox, some old Taiwan bootleg carts, an At Games handheld console and a few common Genesis games… and maybe a bit more that I’m forgetting about. All in, everything I sold was enough to pay for Alf, Star Fox and Superman and still left me with $70.

As we were nearing the end of the show and when things had really died down a lot, I found it. Something I so very rarely find at these local game swaps. A Japanese Sega Mega Drive game. I love these things! And this one game just happened to be a fantastic title that was not among my 200+ Japanese Sega Mega Drive game collection; Bare Knuckle III (or Streets of Rage III on the Genesis).

And with $70 burning a hole in my wallet I was a bit concerned when I saw the price tag of $200 CAD (~$150 USD). The event was done and there was no more time for selling. So I asked they guy selling Bare Knuckle III if he wanted to check out my table and see if I had anything he wanted to trade for it. Honestly, I was a bit concerned when he glanced over my remaining wares, looked at me and said ‘how much cash you got?’. This guy was going to clean me out. Straight up I told him I had $70. So he suggested my two Nintendo DS Lites, Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros. (both for the DS) and my $70 cash. I did a lightening quick calculation in my head trying to compare the total value of my stuff next to his game. I panicked and all I could process was Bare Knuckle III + Bare Knuckle III = awesome. So, I said ‘awesome’ and he took my stuff.

Did you know that Bare Knuckle III came with a ‘move list’ sheet that is separate from the manual?

Now that the transaction is done I can more casually reconstruct what happened. I remember that I was trying to sell my two boxed DS Lites as two bundles; each coming with one of the Mario games. My price was $60 CAD for a completed Boxed DS Lite and one complete Mario game. So both bundles had a value of $120 plus my $70 cash for a total of $190 CAD. Had I found an interested buyer there is a good chance I might have been talked down to $50 for each bundle. So the cost of my Bare Knuckle III comes in at somewhere between $170 and $190 CAD (~$130 – $145 USD). Which is not amazing, not terrible but just about right. And I do like that I managed to unload some gaming stuff instead of paying for it all in cash.