Sega CD FAQ 2.0.1
April 2001
Barry W. Cantin (bcantin@aol.com)
Notes:
(1) This document may be FREELY distributed in its original form. No
changes or modifications are to be made without the author's permission.
(2) Please do not write to me asking for game codes; it's not that I
hate getting E-mail (other than JUNK E-mail, which I *despise*) - it's
just that if they aren't found at Sega Sages: (http://www.segasages.com)
then I can't get them.
NEWSFLASH!! Good Deal Games (http://www.gooddealgames.com) has just
released two Sega CD titles originally developed several years back:
"The Exterminators" and "Star Strike". Both titles were developed by
Stargate Films and originally slated for release in the mid-90's. Check
out the GDG website for more information on these two new releases!
Contents
O Introduction
I Description
II History
III System Specs
IV The Sega CD Line of Machines
V Software
VI Conversion - US/Japanese/Europe
VII Sega Backup RAM Cartridge
VIII Emulation
IX Leftovers
O. Introduction
Why?
This project began several years ago when I simply wanted to compile a
list of Sega CDs. I got my Sega CD unit (the original one) as part of a
trade in May 1995 and very quickly began collecting the games. They
had been heavily discounted nearly everywhere as places were rushing to
unload their Sega CD stock. Various titles were selling for as low as
$2 apiece, new.
The collector bug bit me and I started to amass these things. %^) So I
decided to make a list to track my collection. That list then grew to
include a few imports I acquired in a trade, then some info from
magazines looked good, then I dug up some old Japanese magazines for
info, and so on... before I knew it, I had enough information for a
bona-fide FAQ!
The information here is not exactly presented in FAQ form - true, there
ARE a few FAQs inside this document - but it's more like a GUIDE. My
goal here is to answer the questions before they're asked.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions not
answered here, or ANY comments in general related to the Sega CD. I
will be updating this FAQ/guide periodically, and I'm always looking for
more info.
There is no list of version updates because, after all, this isn't a
piece of software. %^) Besides, I can't remember what I added each
time.
This FAQ was written primarily for the North American Sega CD unit,
although much of the information included is applicable to the Japanese
and European Mega CD machines as well. I've tried to accommodate
everyone in this FAQ, but please bear in mind that since I live in the
U.S. my information on foreign systems is very limited.
I received TONS of information from several friends on the Internet for
the version 1.0 release back in June 1996. Without this help, the FAQ
would have merely been a list of titles. After the FAQ was released,
I received a great deal of input for an updated version, which you see
here. %^) Thanks so much to all who have helped. I have removed their
E-mail addresses to protect them from spam-bots:
Helios Aniketos
Marlin Bates
Larry Brackney
Patrick Brennan
Marc Cellucci
Kendrick Kerwin Chua
Charles Coffin
Clint Dyer
Jon Folkers
B.T. Garner
Hector Gonzalez
Juan Gonzalez
Rich Harper
Vic Ireland and the rest of the Working Designs staff
Se-Duk Lim
Joe Miller
John Olson
John Sherwood
Matthew Stanton
Nathan Stehle
Michael Thomasson
David Tipton
Thien Tran
Brian Trester
Glen Varley
Steve Wargo
Dennis Warren
Andy Wei Wu
tim101(at)primenet.com
And to all the folks who frequent rgv.sega, as well as the Sega Lists
who still discuss and play their Sega CD systems... thanks!
Please address any comments, corrections, requests, etc. to me at
BCantin@aol.com.
I. Description
The Sega CD is an add-on peripheral for the Sega Genesis which allows the
use of CD-ROM games specially written for the Sega CD system. It can
also be used as a regular CD player - the sound comes through the
television - and has CD+G capability.
The Genesis is connected to the Sega CD unit via the interface slot, and
a/v hookups are made through the Sega CD unit instead of the Genesis.
The advantage of this is that games can take advantage of the sound
provided directly by the compact disc in addition to sound effects from
the Genesis unit itself.
A total of 149 Sega CD titles have been released in the U.S.
The Sega CD was released first in Japan as the "Mega CD", and was also
released in Europe as the Mega CD. Most Japanese and European games can
be played on the U.S. Sega CD unit via a converter cartridge (See
section VI) but without the cart, the Japanese and American systems are
not compatible. The converse is also true - Sega CD titles developed
for the North American Sega CD system can also be played on the European
and Japanese Mega CD systems with a converter cartridge.
Q: What does the Sega CD do to improve the system?
A: Here's what it adds to the Genesis:
- 10 extra sound channels to complement the sound from the Genesis
Z80 sound processor
- sprite enhancement features such as scaling and rotation, similar
to that of the SNES Mode 7
What it did NOT improve was color. The games still used 64 out of
the total 512 colors possible (maybe more if you really knew how to
tweak the system). Why no color improvement? Supposedly, cost.
Sega's engineers reportedly wanted to include a new chip that would
add to this, but it would have been an extra $5 part... which would
more than likely translate to an extra $50 added to the cost of the
machine. Full sprite scaling and rotation were helpful, bringing new
levels of excitement which weren't fully utilized, except perhaps in
a few games from Core Development, Ltd.. The Sega CD also allowed
the Genesis to play FMV ("full-motion video"). The FMV was
originally about 1/4 screen (Sewer Shark) but later expanded to that
of Tomcat Alley (FULL screen).
Advantages of CD games: better sound, much more information can be
stored on a CD than a cart (CD=650 MB, cart typically around 1 to 4 MB,
currently as high as 32 MB). CDs also theoretically have an infinite
lifespan.
Disadvantages of CD games: loading time can be a pain, CDs scratch
easily.
Q: Are the Sega CD and Saturn consoles compatible?
A: Not at all. They are two COMPLETELY different machines.
There were some rumors circulating back in '94/'95 that Sega would
make an adapter that would allow you to play Sega CDs on a Saturn,
but due to cost constraints of developing and manufacturing
such a "Power Base"-type converter, it was determined to be not
feasible for sale in the retail market.
Q: Is the Sega 32X compatible with the Sega CD?
A: Yes. When the 32X is mounted on top of the Genesis (attached to the
Sega CD) there is absolutely NO interference to regular Sega CD
games. There were also five CD titles designed for use with the 32X
(see Titles section) but all are just Sega CD FMV titles ported over to
take advantage of the 32X hardware. The difference is a noticeably
clearer, crisper FMV and generally a larger screen. These titles
were also sold in yellow-stripe boxes (Digital Pictures titles),
consistent with 32X cartridge packaging. "Fahrenheit" (Sega) was
sold as a combo pack, you got both the Sega CD version and the
32X CD version in one package.
Q: Can the Sega CD read Digital Video CDs?
A: No - these CDs require the use of an MPEG cartridge, and no such
device was ever developed for the Sega CD system.
Q: Is the Sega CD compatible with the TurboGrafx-CD/PC Engine
CD/TurboDuo CD?
A: No, these are two entirely different game machines. However,
original Mega CD players COULD recognize a PC Engine CD (CD-ROM2),
but could not play them. A message appeared, informing you that a PC
Engine CD was inserted in the unit.
Q: Which machine is responsible for the sound and music - the Genesis,
or the Sega CD?
A: Both. The Genesis audio output is fed into the Sega CD via the
mixing cable (stereo mini-male to mini-male). The audio is then
mixed by the Sega CD unit and blended with sound from the CD. The
L/R audio jacks from the Sega CD contain this "blended" Sega
CD/Genesis sound/music. Usually, a game's sound effects are produced
by the Genesis, while the music is provided by the CD. If the setup
uses a Model I Genesis (i.e., with a volume control), then you can
control the audio from the Genesis separately from the Sega CD.
II. History
Development of the Sega CD was top secret. Programmers did not know
what was being designed until the system was unveiled at the Tokyo Toy
Show in Japan. Upon release, companies were told to start with "high
memory"-based cartridge games and work from there (add cinemas, CD-
music, FMV, etc., later). The Sega CD was designed to take on the PC
Engine (TurboGrafx-16) CD unit, and NOT the SNES. The key factor to the
Sega CD's design was that engineers based it somewhat on the PCE-CD, but
with MORE memory and a slightly faster drive (6 Mbits and 150k transfer
rate at 0.8 access time).
The original Mega-CD was released in Japan in 1991 and was developed to
compete with NEC's PC Engine CD-ROM drive (equivalent to the TurboGrafx-
CD in the U.S.). The machine was released with the following titles in
Japan: Earnest Evans, Woodstock Funky Horror Rock Band, Detonator
Organ, etc. The system was initially a hit in Japan, due to the CD
based RPGs (!) and the inherent advantages of CD-based titles (lots of
text, pics, animation, CD-based music, etc.). Lunar: Silver Star was
one of these and helped sell the system during slow sales periods.
The Mega Drive (Genesis) is mounted to the Mega CD (Sega CD) unit
through the interface slot on the right side, and rested on top of it.
This is the front-loading model. The drawer is opened by hitting the
<RESET> button, and closed by either hitting the pause button on
controller #1 or via the CD system software CLOSE command.
The Sega CD was released in November 1992 in the U.S. and looked very
much like the Japanese Mega CD counterpart. Several pack-in titles were
included: the Sega Classics 4-in-1 CD (Shinobi, Columns, Streets of
Rage, and Golden Axe), Sherlock Holmes I, Sol Feace, and two CD+G/music
CD samplers. The original selling price was $299. (The second U.S.
production run after the initial 50,000 units had the Sega Classics
5-game CD instead of the four-game CD above - see CDX)
There were seven Sega CD titles available at the time of launch:
Cobra Command
Night Trap
Black Hole Assault
Sewer Shark
Chuck Rock
INXS Make Your Own Music Video
Marky Mark Make Your Own Music Video
Initial hype resulted in incredible sales. There were 50,000 units
originally allotted in early November for the US launch. ALL the units
were sold by the third week (prior to Thanksgiving). The second run
began arriving in stores December 1992, approximately three days before
Christmas.
In 1994 Sega released a new, smaller Genesis and had a Sega CD II to
go with it. This model connected to the Genesis in a side-by-side
configuration. Discs are loaded into the top of the unit, through a
manually-opened door.
Summer 1994 also saw the release of the CDX, the compact all-in-one
Genesis/Sega CD combo unit. SRP of the CDX was $399.
Several third-party developers had signed on to do Sega CDs, including Sony
Imagesoft, Vic Tokai, Konami, Data East, EA Sports, Psygnosis, Working
Designs, and many others.
The early Sega CD titles were packaged inside a cardboard box with the
instructions, and CD in a regular jewel case inside. (Examples include
WonderDog, Jaguar, all the "Make My Video" titles except C+C Music
Factory) In 1993, Sega of America began packaging them in large plastic
jewel cases, about 8-1/4" by 5-3/4" and about 3/4" thick. These are the
same jewel cases used by Saturn games and some early Playstation titles
today. One title, "Rise of the Dragon", was released both ways.
Note that Sega of Japan continued to use regular-sized jewel cases for
all Mega CD games, with small instructions to fit inside, just like a
music CD.
* Production runs for the Sega CD (original model) ended in 1993
* Production runs for the Sega CD2 ended in December 1995, in order
to increase the production of the Saturn
* Total number produced: officially - ???
- Unofficial estimate: 2.5 million, U.S., 2 - 3 million, Japan, 1
million, Europe
III. System Specs
The Sega CD adds graphics and sound capabilities to the standard Genesis
console. Graphically, it provides superior scaling and rotation. Most
of the sound for Sega CDs comes right off the disk, in addition to game
sound effects which can be provided by the Genesis.
System specs:
Main CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 12.5 MHz
* Same as the Genesis... runs in parallel with it... except the Genesis
CPU runs at the slower clock speed 7.9 MHz
Graphics Processor: Custom ASIC
RAM:
* 6 Mbit Main RAM
- Program
- Picture
* 512 Kbit PCM Waveform Memory
- Wavefile memory
* 128 Kbit CD-ROM data cache memory
* 64 Kbit Internal Backup RAM
Colors:
* Originally 64, same as Genesis
* Using programming tricks, can get 128 colors via HAM ("Hold and
Modify")
- Originally developed on the Commodore Amiga to boost color
capabilities
- Basically a graphic over a graphic = a double-color
* Using Cinepak and TruVideo:
- 128 to 256 colors
- Increase screen size from 1/4 to full
- Advanced compression scheme, used in Win 95
- Software-based upgrade
* Eternal Champions CD uses 256 colors simultaneously (only game to
do so)
Storage capability of a Sega CD
* Approximately 500 MB of data (62 min of audio data equivalent)
* 1/4 screen B/W footage video: 1.5 to 4 hours
* 1/4 screen color footage: 45 minutes
* Above specs are prior to compression
Transfer rate of Sega CD: 150 kbytes/sec (Single Speed)
Boot ROM:
* 1 Mbit, contains:
- CD Game Bios
- CD Player Software
- CD+G Software
Bios versions:
* When you start the Sega CD, the title screen displays the Bios
version in the upper-right corner of the screen. This helps
identify what machine version you are using and in a way the
security capabilities. (Startup music and startup screen of the
Sega CD is different for each Bios)
Bios Version Machine
1.00 Original Mega CD
1.10 Original Sega CD, Motorized Drive
2.00 Sega CD2/Mega CD2
2.05 Sega CD2
2.10 Sega CD2
2.21 Sega CDX
CD Access time: 800 ms
Sound Circuitry:
* PCM Sound Source
- Stereo, 8 channels
* 32 KHz Maximum sampling wavelength
* 16 Bit D/A converter
* 8X internal over-sampling digital filter
Audio characteristics:
* Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20 KHz
* Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >900dB@1K
* Channel Separation: >900dB
Output: RCA Pin Jack x2 (L/R)
Dimensions: 301mm (w) x 212.5 (d) x 112.5 (h)
Weight (Sega CD1): 3.1 lbs / 1.4 kg
IV. The Sega CD Line of Machines
The Sega CD exists in many forms:
Sega CD I (Mega CD I in Japan)
Sega CD II (Mega CD II in Japan)
JVC X'Eye (Wondermega in Japan)
Sega CDX (Sega CDX in Japan)
LaserActive (by Pioneer) Sega CD module
[Sega CD I]
The Sega CD I is the original unit. It features a front-loading CD
tray and lights to indicate power to CD unit (green) and CD access
(red). The Genesis attaches to it via the slot located on the right
side of the Genesis console. This was the production run for Japan
(Mega CD) and the initial 50,000 units for the U.S market. SCD 1.5 was
the second US production run, beginning after brisk sales of the first
run. Sony manufactured the CD drive components for this model.
Since the original Genesis has a built-in audio output (with volume
control), the Sega CD requires this output as part of the connection.
Besides the interface connection on the side of the Genesis (which sits
on TOP of the Sega CD unit), an audio cable is used from the headphone
output of the Genesis to the "Mixing" input of the Sega CD. This allows
you to change the volume of the Genesis while the Sega CD volume is kept
constant.
Q: I've lost the mixing cable. How can I get a replacement?
A: Go to Radio Shack and purchase the shortest stereo mini (male) to
mini (male) that you can find. This will work. Just be sure
to keep it away from the power supply cord (interference).
[Sega CD II]
The Sega CD II was released to match the newer-style Genesis II. The
machine is 100% compatible with the first unit - i.e., all Sega CDs play
on both machines. There are several differences between the newer model
and the first one: the never model has a top-loading tray, the power and
access lights are small red LEDs on the top of the unit, and the
construction seems to be less sturdy than the first model. Also, JVC
(instead of Sony) manufactured the drive components for this model. The
Sega CD II unit had several pack-in configurations, the most popular
being Sewer Shark (SCD2a). Other pack-in configurations include:
SCD2b: Sonic CD
SCD2c: Sonic CD, Power Rangers, and Sewer Shark
SCD2d: Joe Montana Football (Sports Pack)
SCD2e: Tomcat Alley (Current and FINAL run)
Some older games like Lunar: The Silver Star and Dark Wizard
occasionally lock up on the Sega CD2. It does have, however, slightly
shorter access times with games such as Lunar: Eternal Blue. There
have also been reports that "Who Shot Johnny Rock?" will lock up a
Sega CD II unit.
Q: Can I use my Sega CD II unit with my older-model Genesis?
A: Yes. It attaches like the original model Genesis (I) to the CD
Unit. A special plastic extender plate adds on to the left
side of SCD2 to hold the original Genesis.
Q: How about using a Sega CD I (older) unit with the newer model
Genesis?
A: "Officially", no. However, a special cable CAN be made to
attach it as such. It will not be as sturdy, and it's unsure
how reliable this would be. The hookups don't match for sound
and you'll have to use the RF box unless you patch everything.
Also, you cannot use the connector plate.
[JVC X'Eye]
The JVC X'Eye is an all-in-one unit, as it contains a Genesis-compatible
and a Sega CD-compatible in one housing. The X'Eye includes the
pack-in titles "Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia" and "Prize Fighter",
both in cardboard sleeves. A Karaoke CD was also included; the X'Eye
is capable of playing Karaoke-CDs as well.
In Japan, the X'Eye is known as the "Wondermega". There were two
versions:
* Original
- Larger than the current model (Approx. size of SCD2 and SG2 in
width)
- Capable of handling oversized CDs (> 5"), which was the original
concept behind CD movies in Japan... the format was NOT adopted
- MIDI connection (music keyboard compatible)
- Specialized MIDI/Keyboard development kit/program available in
Japan ONLY.
* Current version
- Same as US X'Eye
- Slimmer than Wondermega I
- Lack extra features of the original
All Wondermegas were built by JVC Musical Industries of Japan.
[Sega CDX]
The Sega CDX is similar to the X'Eye in that it plays standard Genesis
carts as well as most Sega CDs. Its advantage is the size -- about the
size of a portable CD player. This unit is portable (Sega even made a
carrying case for it) but still requires a television or monitor to
play. There were three CDs included as pack-ins: Sega Classics V
(Streets of Rage, Shinobi, Golden Axe, Columns, and Super Monaco GP),
Sonic CD, and Ecco the Dolphin CD.
The CDX can also be a standalone battery-operated CD player. Front-
mounted audio control buttons can fully operate the CD player, so that
a TV hookup is not necessary.
There were a couple design problems that make the CDX incompatible with
some Genesis/Sega CD hardware. The controller ports are not positioned
the same way as they are on a Sega Genesis, so items requiring the use
of both ports simultaneously (e.g. Four-Way Play) will not work on the
CDX without the use of two controller extension cords. One other common
complaint is that the various I/O cords (controllers, headphones, a/v)
input to three different sides of the device, thereby increasing its
footprint. It's not uncommon for the cables to get tangled this way.
There are a few Sega-CD titles that are not compatible with the CDX:
Jurassic Park (works, but takes a VERY LONG TIME to load)
Radical Rex
Terminator
Who Shot Johnny Rock?
Q: Was the Sega CDX compatible with the Sega Channel?
A: Yes - they were compatible. Of course, only for cart-based
games.
Q: Can I use a 32X add-on with my CDX?
A: Yes. Although it's not officially endorsed by Sega, it *is*
possible. There may be a problem with spacing the 32X device
over the unit, though... the lid cannot open fully and lock
into place. It still works fine, though (although not as
sturdy).
[LaserActive]
The LaserActive system by Pioneer was a noble attempt at an all-in-one
unit. It is essentially a Laser Disc player with available add-on
"modules" for Sega CD/Genesis and TurboGrafx-16/CD/PC Engine games. The
machine also has its own library of LaserActive game titles. The
LaserActive was expensive ($800?) and each add-on module cost nearly
as much as the machine it was emulating (~$200 to $300), so cost was a
prohibitive factor in large volume sales of the unit.
V. Software
This list of Sega CD titles was the very first part of the FAQ. Once I
completed it I had amassed enough information for an entire FAQ, and it
just kept growing, and growing, and growing...
Numbers in parentheses () refer to notes at the bottom.
Guide to nomenclature:
1st person shooter (1st-P) - a non-overhead, non-side-scrolling
shooting game which takes place from the point of view of the
player's ship/character/etc. These games usually take advantage
of the Sega CD's additional hardware and have much better effects
than a comparable Genesis shooter.
Action - arcade action, includes flying, and games with multiple
elements (driving, shooting, platform, etc.)
FMV - "Full Motion Video". This is a type of game which uses
digitized video or digitized animation for its graphics and
gameplay is usually limited to pressing buttons at certain times.
"Dragon's Lair" in the arcade is probably the earliest example
of this, in which you had to time the main character's actions
precisely - or else he was toast.
Platform - Run and jump type of game, side-scrolling, in which the
character can explore a landscape while running, jumping, and
attacking with various types of weapons. The word platform comes
from early platform titles (e.g. Super Mario Brothers) in which
the character actually jumped on various platforms.
RPG - "Role Playing Game". The first person RPGs refer to those
games in which your view is a 3-D character's view of the dungeon,
and you "see what your characters see". General RPGs don't give
the first-person perspective, but instead a general overhead or
"3/4 overhead" perspective on your character(s). The purpose is
generally some large quest, and your characters gain strength,
better weapons, and improved attributes along the way.
Shooter - implies a side-scrolling or horizontal shoot-em-up.
There are 149 titles available in North America.
Name Type Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Adventures of Batman and Robin Driving Sega
(different from cart)
Afterburner 3 Action Sega
AH-3 Thunderstrike Flying sim JVC
Amazing Spiderman vs. Kingpin Action/Platform Sega
Android Assault Shooter Big Fun
The Animals! (San Diego Zoo) Educational/Ref. Software
Toolworks
AX-101 FMV Shooter (1st-P) Absolute
B.C. Racers Driving Core Design
Batman Returns Action (driving) Sega
Battlecorps Shooter (1st-P) Core Design
Bill Walsh College Football Sports EA Sports
Black Hole Assault Fighting Bignet USA
Bouncers Action Sega
Brutal - Paws of Fury Fighting Gametek
Bug Blasters: The Exterminators FMV shooter Good Deal
Games
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs Driving/shooting Rocket Sci.
Championship Soccer '94 Sports Sony
Chuck Rock Platform Sony
Chuck Rock II - Son of Chuck Platform Virgin Int.
Cliffhanger Action/platform Sony
Cobra Command FMV shooter Sega
Colors of Modern Rock (8) Music Video Sega
Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia (4) Educational/Ref. Compton's
Corpse Killer FMV shooter (6) Digital
Pictures
Crime Patrol FMV shooter (6) ALG
Dark Wizard RPG/strategy Sega
Demolition Man Platform Acclaim
Double Switch FMV action Sega
Dracula Action Sony
Dracula Unleashed (2CDs) FMV action Sega
Dragon's Lair FMV action Readysoft
Dune Interactive/FMV Virgin Int.
Dungeon Explorer RPG/arcade Sega
Dungeon Master 2: Skullkeep RPG/1st person JVC
Earthworm Jim CD (Special Edition) Platform Shiny Ent.
Ecco the Dolphin CD Action/platform Sega
Echo the Dolphin 2: The Tides of
Time CD Action/platform Sega
ESPN Baseball Tonight Sports Sony
ESPN National Hockey Night Sports Sony
ESPN NBA Hangtime '95 Sports Sony
ESPN Sunday Night NFL Sports Sony
Eternal Champions CD Fighting Sega
Eye of the Beholder RPG/1st person Sega
Fahrenheit (packaged w/ 32X version) FMV action Sega
Fatal Fury Special Fighting JVC
FIFA Soccer Sports EA Sports
Final Fight Fighting Sega
Flashback CD Platform Sega
Flink Platform Vic Tokai
Formula 1 World Championship Driving Sega
Frankenstein/Dracula (combo) FMV action Sony
Ground Zero Texas (2 CDs) FMV shooter Sony
Heart of the Alien Platform Virgin Int.
Heimdall Puzzle/RPG JVC
Hook Platform Sony
INXS: Make My Video FMV music Sega
Iron Helix Action/puzzle/sci-fi Spectrum
Holobyte
Jaguar XJ220 Driving JVC
Jeopardy Quiz Sony
Joe Montana NFL Football Sports Sega
Jurassic Park (5) Action/1st-P/Puzzle Sega
Keio's Flying Squadron Shooter JVC
Kids on Site FMV educational Sony
Kris Kross FMV music Sony
Lawnmower Man 1st-P action/puzzle SCI
Lethal Enforcers (with gun) Shooter (6) Konami
Lethal Enforcers 2: Gunfighters Shooter (6) Konami
Links: The Challenge of Golf Sports Virgin Int.
Loadstar FMV action Rocket Sci.
Lords of Thunder Shooter Sega
Lunar: The Silver Star RPG Working
Designs
Lunar: Eternal Blue RPG Working
Designs
Mad Dog McCree Shooter (6) ALG
Mad Dog McCree 2: The Lost Gold Shooter (6) ALG
Mansion of Hidden Souls Action/puzzle Vic Tokai
Marky Mark FMV music Sega
Masked Rider (Kamen Rider ZO) FMV action Sega
Mega Race 1st-P action Software
Toolworks
Mickey Mania Platform Sony
Microcosm 1st person action Psygnosis
Midnight Raiders FMV action/shooter Sega
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FMV action Sega
Mortal Kombat CD Fighting Acclaim
My Paint Educational Sega
NBA Jam CD Sports Acclaim
NFL Trivia Quiz/sports CapDisc
NFL's Greatest Teams Sports Trivia Sega
NHL '94 Sports EA Sports
Night Trap (2CDs) (1) FMV action Digital
Pictures
Nova Storm 1st-person shooter Psygnosis
Panic! Puzzle/humor Data East
Pitfall CD Platform Activision
Popful Mail Platform/RPG Working
Designs
Power Factory FMV music Sony
Power Monger Strategy/sim EA
Prince of Persia Platform Sega
Prize Fighter (2 CDs) (4) FMV action Sega
Puggsy Platform Psygnosis
Racing Aces Flying sim/action Sega
Radical Rex (5) Platform Activision
RDF Global Conflict 1st person shooter Absolute
Revenge of the Ninja Fighting Renovation
Revengers of Vengeance Fighting Extreme
Rise of the Dragon (2) [1st rel.] Mystery Sega
Rise of the Dragon (2) [2nd rel.] Mystery Dynamix
Road Avenger FMV action Renovation
Road Rash Driving EA
Robo Aleste Shooter Tengen
Samurai Shodown CD Fighting JVC
Secret of Monkey Island Mystery/puzzle JVC
Sega Classics Arcade
Collection (4-in-1) (1) Misc. arcade/puzzle Sega
Sega Classics Arcade
Collection (5-in-1) (3) Misc. arcade/
puzzle/driving Sega
Sewer Shark (2) FMV action Sony/DP
Shadow of the Beast II Platform Psygnosis
Sherlock Holmes (1) Mystery/puzzle Sega
Sherlock Holmes II Mystery/puzzle Sega
Shining Force CD RPG/strategy Sega
Silpheed 1st person shooter Sega
Slam City with Scottie Pippen (4 CDs) FMV action Digital
Pictures
Snatcher Mystery/gun (6) Konami
Sol Feace (1) Shooter Sega
Sonic CD Platform Sega
Soulstar 1st person shooter Core Design
Space Ace FMV action Readysoft
Space Adventure (Cobra) Mystery/Digital
Comic Book Hudson Soft
Starblade 1st person shooter Namco
Star Strike FMV shooter Good Deal
Games
Star Wars Chess Strategy Software
Toolworks
Star Wars Rebel Assault FMV action JVC
Stellar Fire 1st person shooter Dynamix
Supreme Warrior (2 CDs) FMV fighting Digital
Pictures
Surgical Strike (9) FMV shooter Sega
3 Ninjas/ Hook (2 CDs) Platform Sony
Terminator (5) Platform Virgin Int.
Third World War Strategy/sim Extreme
Time Gal FMV action Renovation
Tomcat Alley FMV action Sega
Trivial Pursuit Quiz Parker Bros
Ultraverse Prime/Microcosm Platform/
1st-P shooter Sony
Vay RPG Working
Designs
Wheel of Fortune Quiz Sony
Who Shot Johnny Rock (5) Shooter (6) ALG
Wild Woody Platform Sega
Willy Beamish Action/adventure Dynamix
Wing Commander Action EA
Wirehead FMV action Sega
Wolfchild Platform JVC
Wonderdog Platform JVC
World Cup USA 94 Sports US Gold
WWF Rage in the Cage Sports Arena Ent.
32X versions of the following CDs were also released:
Corpse Killer (Digital Pictures)
Fahrenheit (Sega) (Sega CD and 32X versions packaged together)
Night Trap (Digital Pictures) (this is the edited version)
Slam City (Digital Pictures)
Supreme Warrior (Digital Pictures)
Notes:
(1) Sega CD 1 pack-in item. Complete Pack-ins for Sega CD 1 (5 items):
Sega Classics 4-in-1 CD (Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Columns,
Golden Axe)
Sherlock Holmes
Sol Feace CD
CD+G Sampler
R&R Music sampler
(2) Sega CD 2 Pack-in item. (no box included, as well as smaller
manual)
(3) Sega CDX Pack-in item. Contains Same four games as 4-in-1 plus
Super Monaco GP.
(4) JVC X'eye Pack-in item. Compton's and Prize Fighter are in
cardboard boxes/sleeves.
(5) Does not work with Sega CDX system and may give trouble on a
Sega CD Model II unit.
(6) You can use a light gun for this game.
There were two types of light guns produced for Sega CD games.
The first is the "Justifier", by Konami, which is included with
Lethal Enforcers. It can be used to play these titles: "Lethal
Enforcers", "Lethal Enforcers 2", and "Snatcher". The other
light gun is by American Laser Games. It wasn't included with any
of their Sega CD titles, but had to be purchased separately. A
second gun (for player 2) was also made but is currently
hard-to-find. (Note: The Sega "Menacer" can also be used for
these games, but unlike the American Laser Games guns, the
Menacer requires batteries.) These guns can be used with the
following games: "Crime Patrol", "Mad Dog McCree", "Mad Dog
McCree II: The Lost Gold", and "Who Shot Johnny Rock". Also,
"Corpse Killer" (Digital Pictures) can be used with the Menacer.
(7) All American Laser Games are FMV shooters.
All Digital Pictures games are FMV-based.
(8) "Colors of Modern Rock" is a promo-only CD by Sega and Digital
Pictures. It's a CD with six music videos produced in
conjunction with Warner Custom Music. You can play the videos as
in a normal VCR tape. The screen is approximately 1/3,
combination of color and black-and-white. It allows for play,
stop, search, skip, freeze, and storage of 9 frames (based on
available backup RAM space). (c) 1993 Sega, product code:
WCM-9302-00 (in case anyone's interested).
Featured bands (and song titles):
Too Much Joy Donna Everywhere
T-Ride Back Door Romeo
The Belltower Outshine the Sun
Xtra Large Hooker
Mr. Big To Be With You
Dramarama Haven't Got a Clue
(9) Surgical Strike was never released for the 32X, despite the offer
on the manual cover for an upgrade. The original offer - noted
on the cover of the instruction booklet as well - was to send
Sega the card from the instruction booklet along with $3.75 for
P&H, and Sega would send you an upgraded Surgical Strike CD for
the 32X. In early 1996, the 32X version was cancelled. Not long
afterward, Sega sent a letter to people who mailed in for the
upgrade, explaining the cancellation. They also offered to
refund the $3.75 or send two Sega CDs of your choice. The CDs
offered could be chosen from a list of 30 or so titles.
Here is a partial list of some additional Japanese titles (please send
info on others to BCantin@aol.com):
3x3 Eyes (RPG)
A-Rank Thunder (RPG)
Aisle Lord (RPG)
AlShark (RPG/Adventure)
Annet Again (Platform Fighting Adventure game - sequel to El Viento)
(a.k.a. "Anet Futatabi")
Arcus 1 2 3
Birth of Goddess (RPG) (released?)
Burai (RPG)
Burning Fists (Fighting)
Captain Tsubasa (Sports/soccer)
Cosmic Fantasy Stories (RPG - Cosmic Fantasy parts 1/2)
Cyborg 009 (Platform)
Death Bringer (RPG)
Detonator Organ (RPG)
Devastator (Side scrolling shooter)
Dynamic Country Golf (Sports)
Earnest Evans (Platform)
F-1 Circus (Racing)
Fhey Area (RPG) (note - also spelled "FAERIA" on other platforms)
Funky Horror Band (RPG)
Gods (Action)
Heavy Nova (Fighter)
Heroic Legend of Arslan (Strategy)
Hyper Attax (Action)
Illusion City (RPG)
Kelo Yugskitai
Lordos Tou Senki (RPG)
Magic Girl (Anime adventure/detective)
Mega Schwarzchild (Sim)
Might & Magic 3 (RPG)
Night Striker (1st person Shooter)
Ninja Warriors (Action Arcade)
Nobunaga (military sim?)
Phantom City
Pop' N Land (Platform)
Power Drift (Driving) (released?)
Power League Baseball (Sports)
Ranma 1/2 (Anime puzzle?/fighting?)
Record of Lodoss Wars (strategy)
Semboku (released?)
Side Story of After Armageddon (RPG)
Silky Lip (Anime adventure/detective)
Super League CD (Baseball)
Tenkafubu (Ancient Japan military strategy?)
Tokyo Mah-Jongg (Tile game)
Urusei Yatsura - Dear My Friends (Interactive Anime)
Wonder Mega Collection (WonderMega pack-in)
(Detective Game with Japanese characters, # G-6006)
***equivalents to N.A. (North American) titles***
Bari Arm = Android Assault
Battle Fantasy = Revengers of Vengeance
Heavenly Symphony = Formula One: Beyond the Limit
Kamen Rider ZO = Masked Rider
Ninja Haygate = Revenge of the Ninja
Switch = Panic!
ThunderStorm = Cobra Command
Yumeni Mystery Mansion = Mansion of Hidden Souls
*** also released in N.A., same names ***
Afterburner 3
AX-101
Black Hole Assault
Final Fight CD
Lunar: The Silver Star
Lunar II: Eternal Blue
Popful Mail
Prince of Persia
Shadow of the Beast 2
Shining Force CD
Silpheed
Sol-Feace
Sonic CD (music is different)
Starblade
Third World War
Wonder Dog
Here is a partial list of some European Mega CD titles:
Afterburner 3
Amazing Spiderman vs Kingpin
The Animals!
Another World
BC Racers
Batman Returns
Black Hole Assault
Bloodshot
Cannon Fodder
Chuck Rock
Chuck Rock 2 - Son of Chuck
Cobra Command
Cobra Space Adventure (?)
Corpse Killer
Demolition Man (?)
Dracula Unleashed
Dragon Lore: The Legend Begins (?)
Dune
Dungeon Explorer (?)
Dungeon Master 2
Earnest Evans (?)
Earthworm Jim
Ecco the Dolphin
Ecco 2
Eternal Champions
Eye of the Beholder
Fahrenheit
Fatal Fury Special
FIFA Soccer
Final Fight
Flux (?)
Hammer (?)
Heavy Nova
Heimdall (?)
Heimdall 2 (completed?)
Jaguar XJ220
Jurassic Park
Keio's Flying Squadron
Kids on Site
Kriss Kross
Lethal Enforcers
Lethal Enforcers 2
Links Golf
Lords of Thunder
Marko's Magic Football (Domark) (released?)
Marky Mark: Make My Video
Mega Race
Microcosm
Midnight Raiders
Mortal Kombat
Myst (?)
Night Trap
Night Striker (?)
Nostalgia 1907 (?)
Power Monger
Power Rangers
Prince of Persia
Puggsy
Revenge of the Ninja (?)
Road Avenger
Robo Aleste
Samurai Shodown
Sensible Soccer (Psygnosis)
Sewer Shark
Shadow of the Beast 2
Shining Force CD
Silpheed
Slam City
Snatcher
Sol-Feace
Sonic CD
Soul Star
Starblade
Supreme Warrior
Surgical Strike
Syndicate
Theme Park
Thunderhawk
Time Gal
Timecop (?)
Tomcat Alley
Wiz N Liz (?)
Wolfchild
Wonderdog
World Cup Golf (?)
WWF: Rage in the Cage
Yumeni Mystery Mansion (aka "Mansion of the Hidden Souls")
European Mega CDs *not* released in North America:
Bloodshot
Cannon Fodder
Sensible Soccer
Syndicate
Theme Park
There were also some demo CDs that were occasionally included with UK
magazines, such as "Sega Pro" and "Mega Power". These typically
included partial versions (demos!) of Sega CD games about to be
released.
Q: Is anyone still releasing Sega CD titles? Or is this a completely
DEAD platform?
A: Nope - not dead at all. Good Deal Games has recently released two
Sega CD titles that were previously in the "Unreleased" category!
"Exterminators" and "Star Strike" - two games developed by Stargate
Films, were unearthed and released by GDG. There is the possibility
that more releases will follow, depending on sales of these two
titles. For more information on these two games, check out the GDG
website at http://www.gooddealgames.com
Q: I thought (GAME X) was released. I've seen it listed for sale in
various magazines. What happened to it?
A: This happens all the time. A video game retailer (new or used, they
all seem to do it) gets wind of a game under development, and
then lists it for sale - even if it hasn't been released yet. Of
course, when you call in to order it, it's not available - but will
be as of [...some date, a few months in the future]. They design
their sale lists to reflect changes to accommodate new releases.
What happens is that sometimes a title will be canceled before it's
complete, yet it's still listed for sale all over the place. This
is not the developers' fault, but the fault of the video game
retailers that include unreleased titles on their sale lists.
Sometimes a game will be reviewed in a magazine, fooling some people
into believing that it's been released. In these cases, the
reviewers nearly always get demo versions or early copies of games,
that are occasionally canceled prior to release. Meanwhile, there's
a review of it out there somewhere, getting people ready for it.
Sad, but true. (Good example currently is "Penn & Teller's Smoke
and Mirrors", which has probably been reviewed by every major gaming
mag, and even made the cover of "Sega Visions"... yet the title was
dropped before it could be released).
Q: What are some of those titles that have never been released, that
will probably NEVER see the light of day?
A: NOTE: Some titles change before release also, which may account for
this. I'll be sure to let you know if I find any such examples.
This list is naturally subject to change... but it doesn't look like
it will. I haven't gone through ALL the ads I've seen, these are a
few of the more prevalent ones (I've seen ads for most of these, a
few reviews too... and no, they're not out). If I included all
the unreleased titles from the many sale lists I've looked at from
1993-present, there would probably be 30-40 more titles on it...
Work has been done (in some cases to completion) on each of these
titles below.
UNRELEASED SEGA CD TITLES THAT SAW SOME SORT OF DEVELOPMENT, or at
least were announced by their respective companies:
------------------------------------------------------------
***** NOTE: This list is by NO means complete! *****
36 Great Holes/Fred Couples (Sega Sports)
Aero Racers (Revell)
Akira (T*HQ)
Baby Boom (Sega?)
Battle Fantasy (Extreme)
Battle Frenzy (Core)
(NOT the same as "Battle Corps", this one may have been
released on cartridge instead)
Battletech: Grey Death Legion (Extreme/Absolute)
Braindead 13 (Readysoft)
Bubba & Stix (Core Design)
Captain Commando (Capcom)
Citizen X (Sega/Digital Pictures)
Clue (Parker Brothers)
Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars (American Laser Games)
Dai Bing
Dark Ride (Rocket Science Games) [reportedly runs at 60 FPS!]
Darkseed (Vic Tokai)
Dragon's Lair 2 (Readysoft)
European Racers (Revell)
Flying Nightmares (Domark)
Forgotten Worlds (Capcom)
Hammer vs. Evil D. in Soulfire (Sega/GTE Interactive)
Harrier (Domark)
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
Kingdom: The Far Reaches (CapDisc)
Myst (Broderbund)
NHL All-Star Hockey (Sega Sports)
No Escape (Sony Imagesoft)
Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors (Accolade)
Power Drift
Prince VVCR (Sega) ("Prince", as in "SymbolMan")
Rise of the Robots (JVC)
Rocketboy (Rocket Science Games)
Shadow of Atlantis (Sega)
Side Pocket: Special Edition (Data East) (completed?)
Space Pirates (American Laser Games)
Strider Deluxe (Capcom)
Time Slip (ASG Technologies)
Total Carnage (T*HQ)
Wing Nuts (Stargate Films - completed?)
Young Indiana Jones (Sega)
VI. Conversion
Q: Is it possible to play foreign CDs on my Sega CD/Mega CD?
A: Yes, but...
If you insert a foreign CD into your Sega CD (remember, there are three
nationalities of Sega CDs here: European, Japanese, and U.S.), you will
not be able to load it. The reason for this is that a "nationality"
lockout code is on each Sega CD and Mega CD unit. This assures (without
outside help) that a particular CD will only be playable on its
particular system.
There is a way around this lock-out code. There are cartridges
available that plug directly into the Genesis slot that allow foreign
CDs to be used by any system by "undoing" this lockout code.
[The Lockout Chip]
The Sega CD unit had a specially designed BIOS chip/security program
that prevented the unit from reading CD games intended for other markets
(US, Japanese, European), such as Japanese or European CDs on a U.S.
machine, and vice-versa. This Lockout chip or BIOS information
instructed the CD unit to read the CD and look for a certain
file/security identifier that indicated that the CD was authorized for
use on the system.
To work around this, Datel designed the Pro CD-X and Pro CD-X Plus.
Pro CD-X (and Pro CD-X Plus)
This is a special cartridge that plugs into the Genesis in the cart slot
and overrides the security commands of the Sega CD. This allows you to
play any Sega CD or Mega CD title on any Sega CD or Mega CD system of a
different origin. However, it wasn't 100% effective - not all games
were compatible with this unit, making its appeal very limited.
During Sega's redesign of the Genesis and CD system, they updated the
Bios to prevent this cartridge from working.
Also, the Pro-CDX is NOT compatible with the 32X.
CD+Plus
This cartridge looks like a regular Genesis cartridge and has better
success with compatibility than its predecessors. When the Sega CD is
powered up with this cart in place, it's possible to run the Sega CD via
the options screen (select "CD-ROM"). The reset button does NOT open
the Sega CD tray (first model), you have to do that via the options
screen as well.
Version 3.0B of the CD+PLUS works with the 32X unit, but earlier
versions (2.8 for example) are incompatible. The version number
is visible when the Genesis/Sega CD is powered up with the CD+PLUS cart,
look in the right-hand corner of the screen.
Foreign CDs known to work successfully with CD+PLUS (version 2.8d):
Japanese:
Aisle Lord
AlShark
Annet Again (Annet Fukatabi)
Burai
Earnest Evans
F-1 Circus CD
Fhey Area
Final Fight CD
Funky Horror Band
Heavenly Symphony
Lunar
Night Striker
Prince of Persia
Ranma 1/2 (Byakuranaika)
Salesman
Sega Classics Arcade Collection (4-in-1)
Side Story of After Armageddon
Silky Lip
Silpheed
Sol Feace
Super League CD
Tenkafubu
Thunder Storm
European:
Demo CDs included with magazines such as Mega Power and Sega Pro
Known NOT to work with CD+PLUS (Version 2.8d):
Japanese:
Black Hole Assault
Cosmic Fantasy Stories
Heavy Nova
Known to work successfully with Pro CD-X Version 1.04:
Japanese:
Aisle Lord
AlShark
Annet Again (Annet Fukatabi)
Burai
Earnest Evans
Fhey Area
F-1 Circus CD
Final Fight CD
Lunar
Night Striker
Prince of Persia
Salesman
Sega Classics Arcade Collection (4-in-1)
Side Story of After Armageddon
Silky Lip
Sol-Feace
Super League CD
Tenkafubu
European:
Demo CDs included with magazines such as Mega Power and Sega Pro
Known NOT to work with Pro CD-X (version 1.04):
Japanese:
Black Hole Assault
Funky Horror Band (F.H.B.)
Heavenly Symphony
Heavy Nova
Ranma 1/2 (Byakuranaika)
A foreign CD is known not to work with a particular cart when the system
freezes completely during its loading.
Note: The above compatibility lists were compiled from my personal
collection of Mega CDs. Anyone with more info on which Mega CD titles
work with which cart, please E-mail me (BCantin@aol.com)... thanks
in advance.
Secondary security lockout bypass
This is the option to using one of the above carts. It is possible
to build your own switch onto the back of the Sega CD. It requires
rewiring two transistors, indicating US or Japan (no idea how
European Sega CDs would work with this). No details are available in
this FAQ.
VII. Sega CD Backup RAM Cart
This is an ordinary-looking Genesis cart which allows you to copy
individual files to and from the Sega CD internal RAM. It allows 16
times the storage of the Sega CD's internal RAM. One nice advantage is
that many games (particularly the memory-hogging RPGs) will allow you to
play directly from the backup RAM cart.
The cart allows you to copy individual files or the entire directory to
it from the RAM, and allows individual files to be copied over (space
permitting) to the Sega CD Internal RAM.
It behaves very much like a floppy disk, in that it must be formatted
before use, then files can be copied to/from it. Individual files can
also be deleted. Known shelf life is probably on the order of several
years, maybe longer.
The RAM cart has capacity for 1 Mbit of data storage (which translates
to 2000 blocks), or sixteen times the storage capacity of the internal
Sega CD RAM (125 blocks).
It is also required to perform certain things, such as access the third
"hidden" battle stages in Shining Force CD. Since each Shining Force CD
saved game takes up almost all the internal Sega CD RAM and you have to
have saved games from both parts 1 and 2, you must have at least one of
them stored on the RAM cart. Also, some games such as "Shining Force
CD", "Third World War", and "Eye of the Beholder" take up all 125 blocks
with a save game, so if you want to save anything else (or have multiple
saves) the backup RAM cart is essential.
One note: the External RAM cart instructions do not mention how long the
cart will keep the files but more than likely will keep them
approximately 3-5 years, assuming that the player occasionally plugs it
into the Sega Genesis WITH the Sega CD attached to recharge it and keep
power at optimum levels. Later versions of the FAQ will have an index
of the savegame filenames. This way, you will know what those "mystery
files" are that have been there for a long time, that you were afraid to
delete...
The RAM cart retailed for $59.99. VERY highly recommended for RPGs.
Q: Can I play Sega CD games while the RAM cart is inside the machine?
A: Yes, it's actually more convenient this way because you have
the option of saving directly TO the cart if you wish.
Q: Can I use the RAM cart with foreign CDs?
A: No. Since you need a translator cart such as Datel's
Pro-CDX or CD+PLUS, the cart slot will already be occupied.
However, you can still save to the Sega CD's internal RAM
and later move the file(s) over to a RAM cart.
VIII. Emulation
There is a program that will allow you to play Sega CDs on your PC.
It's called WinAGES and was written by Jeffrey Quinn. At the moment
there is no version for the Macintosh, and I don't know of any plans
to port it over.
This emulator is still in development - as of this writing, he is on
version 0.23a which will run many Sega CD titles at nearly full speed.
The best starting point for this emulator and all associated files
is the Eidolon's Inn website:
http://www.eidolons-inn.de/sega/segacd_emu.html
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - DO NOT ASK ME TO SEND YOU THE GAMES!!! I'm not
going to get nailed for copyright infringement, sorry. I work for the
government and it wouldn't look good on my record. %^/ I also don't
know where to find them. They're cheap enough used (well, most of them
anyway), might was well buy the originals.
This is the only Sega CD emulator that I am currently aware of; as most
emulated consoles go, though, we may see others appear sooner or later.
IX. Miscellaneous Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you have (insert highly-sought-after title here) for sale?
I do not have any of these for sale, unless I've got 'em up on
eBay! I can only recommend that people check eBay, Yahoo! auctions,
or someone like Good Deal Games for older Sega CD titles. But in
general I do not sell them. I'm just a collector. %^)
You can always still check the following newsgroups:
rec.games.video.sega
rec.games.video.marketplace (recommended)
alt.sega.genesis
Start the message with something like "WTB: Third World War for
Sega CD" or something like that. (WTB = "want to buy") Yes, there
ARE people who still read the newsgroups and avoid eBay...
As far as where to buy one of the carts that allow you to play the
import games, whoa boy -- GOOD LUCK THERE. I haven't seen any for
sale in so long... Again, the above sources are a good starting
point. A general web search can also help. I honestly don't know,
and that's what I'll say if anyone writes to me asking about them.
Q: I need help with (insert current fave title here)! How do I get
past (level, boss, obstruction)?? HELP!!
A: Sorry. I dunno. I've played most of the games, but I'm not a good
source of hints for any games in particular. Best plan for you is
to check out http://www.gamefaqs.com and see if they have any info
on the game you're stuck in. Also, try the newsgroups above (but
not the marketplace newsgroup), someone else may be playing the same
game at the same time... you never know!
Q: Do any Sega CD titles use the "Mega Mouse"?
A: Yes, they are:
Dungeon Master II
Eye of the Beholder
Mansion of the Hidden Souls
My Paint
Panic!
(and possibly some of the American Laser Games such as "Who Shot
Johnny Rock?", "Mad Dog McCree", etc.)
These titles are MUCH easier to use with the Mega Mouse instead of
a standard joypad.
Q: Is there a Game Genie for the Sega CD system?
A: No. There never was a "game enhancing" device for the Sega CD.
Neither Galoob nor Datel ever brought one on the market. At one
point in time, approximately mid-1993 when the Sega CD was in its
heyday, Galoob announced that they were working on a Game Genie for
the Sega CD. Based on comments from Galoob officials, the device
would fit between the Genesis and the Sega CD. However, due to
market conditions (i.e. the system wasn't a booming success) and the
inherent change invoked by Sega from the original Sega CD style to
the newer Sega CD2 style made it not feasible for Galoob to develop
such a device and thus it was shelved. Reasons for this being, the
change in system design by Sega made it harder for Galoob to make a
"universal" style adapter that would work with both units (Sega CD 1
and CD2) along with relatively few games and wavering public
support. (Side note: on review of the design of the original and
newer Genesis and Sega CD systems, it is theoretically possible to
have made it work. It might have looked a little weird, but it was
possible.)
Q: What is the advantage of a CD title over the equivalent cart title
(Example: Pitfall)?
A: The CD version usually has better music (and more of it) since it
comes directly from the CD. Ecco the Dolphin is a good example of
this. In some titles, as in the case with Pitfall CD and Earthworm
Jim CD, extra levels are included. Some titles also have FMV
cinemas between levels. Also, in some cases (such as Jurassic Park)
it's an entirely different game.
Q: Where can I find a list of cheats for Sega CD games?
A: First, try the Sega Sages' page:
http://www.segasages.com
This site is a veritable encyclopedia of gaming info, spanning the
entire range of videogaming history. There's a great section in
there on the Sega CD, too.
Some individual game FAQs for the Sega CD can be found at
http://www.gamefaqs.com
Off the net, you can look for a book called "Sega CD Official Game
Secrets", by Rusel DeMaria and Tom Stratton Jr. (Prima Publishing,
1994). It's got EXCELLENT tips and walkthroughs on 27 Sega CD
titles, including a few cheats here and there. Very highly
recommended for the library if you collect Sega CDs.
There have also been some top-notch, wonderfully detailed books from
Sandwich Islands Publishing on specific game titles. Solution books
were released for the following Sega CD titles:
Dungeon Master II: Skullkeep (INCREDIBLE maps!!)
Heimdall
Lunar: The Silver Star
Lunar 2: Eternal Blue
Popful Mail
Vay
Also, some of the "Awesome Sega Genesis Secrets" series contain hints
on various Sega CD titles. (Sandwich Islands Publishing, P.O. Box 10669,
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761; FAX (808) 661-2715) One last interesting note
about the above books - they contain interviews with the game's creators
or publishers. Incredibly thorough and must-haves for any fan of any of
those titles. VERY highly recommended (no, I don't work for those guys;
I just love their books!).
The magazine "Tips and Tricks" at one time kept a list of Sega CD cheats
and Easter eggs, but it is rarely published any more.
Q: Which magazines cover the Sega CD?
A: Nowadays, nobody covers it. But back in its heyday (1994-6) just about
everyone did. EGM, Gamepro, DHGF, etc. all had reviews, news, etc. for
the Sega CD during that time.
Q: Are there any other sources on the Internet for Sega CD information?
A: The Usenet newsgroup rec.games.video.sega is a good place to look.
Another newsgroup to check, although it's less busy, is
alt.sega.genesis. Generally, if you have a Sega CD-related
question, post it there and someone will probably post an answer.
Unfortunately, the Sega of America webpage:
http://www.sega.com
no longer carries information about the Sega CD system or its games.
Q: What is "QSound"?
A: From the Sonic CD manual: "QSound Virtual Audio is a revolutionary,
multi-dimensional sound placement technology. If your Sega CD is
connected to stereo sound, you can submerge yourself in the magic of
state-of-the-art QSound. This amazing sound technology gives you
180 degrees of audio in a greatly expanded sound field. You'll be
surrounded in waves of 3-D sound!" Sega CD titles which utilize
QSound include:
Ecco the Dolphin
Ecco: The Tides of Time
Jurassic Park CD
Sonic CD
Spiderman vs. Kingpin
Q: What are the RPGs available for the Sega CD?
A: First, there's the Working Designs games:
Lunar: The Silver Star (also released for Sony PSX)
Lunar: Eternal Blue (also released for Sony PSX)
Popful Mail (more of a platformer but lots of RPG-type elements
to it)
Vay
There are a couple good ones from Sega:
Dark Wizard (hex-grid battle-sim RPG)
Shining Force CD (completely different stories from the cart-
based games, and the stories here are VERY linear (ie no town
exploration, just battle after battle)
There are a few others, which are ports from computer games:
Eye of the Beholder
Dungeon Master II
Heimdall (more like a puzzle game)
And then the misc. RPG-like category
Dungeon Explorer II (a Gauntlet clone, it's based on the Dungeon
Explorer games for the TurboGrafx-16/Duo/PC Engine, although
it's different from those two titles)
NOTE: There are more available for the Mega-CD (Japanese) and generally
require the player to read Japanese in order to play them. See the
List (Section V) above for specific titles.
Miscellaneous tidbits...
* Majority of Sega CD/CD2 design based on JVC CD technology
* All original Sega CD game CD-ROMs were pressed by JVC for Sega
* Many games can be reset with the joypad by simultaneously pressing
A,B,C, then <start>
* Mega CD (Japanese) version of Sonic CD has different music than the
US version and features a rap-based intro (!)
* The most popular rental outlet of Sega CD units and games was
Blockbuster Video. They were discontinued from most stores
during 1995-1996.
