So I found three Master System games in the wild...

[Edmond Dantes]

So I was at a flea market lately. One of the stalls was owned by an elderly woman whose son had asked her to get rid of some of his old collection.

I was looking at her shelves and noticed she had some Sega Master System games--in cases, with manuals, and one of them had a poster/advertisement for other SMS games. And she was selling them for a flat price of $3 apiece.

I bought three of them. The games I bought were:

Golvellius - Valley of Doom
Phantasy Star
Ys - The Vanished Omens (this is the one that had the poster/ad thing)

So, should I immediately start looking for an SMS, or would it be better to get that converter that lets you play them on the Genesis?

[Emperor Megas]

Most will tell you that the Power Base Convertor is the way to go, and I can't really argue with them there. You'll need the original Genesis unit though unless you're planing on modifying the PBC case, or getting a different, rarer model PBC.

I have to say, you got an EXCELLENT deal on those games, man. You basically got 3 of the most desirable (U.S.) Master System titles, complete, for less than 10 bucks. Awesome score.

[megasdkirby]

Awesome finds! All three games are excellent!

I would go with an SMS, since the converters are a crapshoot if the console itself is not in good condition. Plus the SMS unit is cheaper many times.

[kupomogli]

Master System version of Ys sucks in my opinion but the original Phantasy Star is a great game. Golvellius looks cool, never played it though.

[megasdkirby]

Master System version of Ys sucks in my opinion but the original Phantasy Star is a great game. Golvellius looks cool, never played it though.

Blasphemy! LOL

The best games, for me, are indeed Golvellius and Phantasy Star. Y's is too short, though it's still a great game on it's own. Golvellius is an excellent Zelda clone, with 2D elements. SUPERB music and gameplay. Wish it was a tad longer though. And the ending...well...you will see for yourself.

Phantasy Star is excellent as well, but damn it was hard. Beatable though. An awesome experience.

Just make sure the batteries on both Y's and Phantasy Star are still in great working order!

[maxlords]

Definitely an awesome find man! Those are 3 of the only SMS games that I never got rid of....although there ARE better versions of Ys....I still like that cover art! And Govellius and PS are awesome on the SMS.....I still have one hooked up....and I might still have a spare one.... :P

[Emperor Megas]

Master System version of Ys sucks in my opinion...I think the Master System version of Ys is excellent. What's your issue with it, exactly? Besides the fact that it's not the Turbo Grafx CD version I mean. I can't see anything wrong with it if it's judged on it's own merit.

[sheath]

Golvellius is great on its own. It is a side scrolling and overhead adventure game with seriously great art, music and gameplay. I would only compare it to Zelda if we were talking about great console adventure games.

Phantasy Star is a no brainer, it is awesome and the first console RPG in the US. Expecting the game to help you through the 3D dungeons with few landmarks would be the biggest "funfactor" downfall.

Ys is excellent as well. There aren't many RPGs like it, but expect to do your fair share of grinding for levels and money for upgrades.

My only gripe is that Ys doesn't support the YM upgrade, Phantasy Star basically requires a flash cart, while Golvellius just works in FM or PSG.

[segagamer]

Yes, you did get a great deal on those 3 great RPG's for the SMS. If you already have a Genesis, I would suggest getting the Power Base Converter. But you may have to pay a bit more for it. I have it and really like using it to play SMS games.

[mobiusclimber]

You should get a Master System, really. There are a few weird compatibility issues, for one thing. And the Genesis doesn't need more crap stacked on top of it. LOL. But if you have a good working Game Gear, you can get a Master Converter for it! Now that is some crazy crap right there. I actually did that for awhile, but I had a battery pack hanging off of it too. Seriously awkward.

I love Phantasy Star, think Golvellius is pretty fun, and I'm not a fan of the SMS version of Ys. It's just way too difficult, imo. Probably the best version of the game is the Famicom one, but as far as English-language/non-emulated, and graphically & musically superior, the TG CD version is the best one. I will say that they kind of went the opposite way w/ that one and made it a little too easy, but when you add Ys II it feels like you're playing one game and the difficulty ramps accordingly.

Anyway, you'll also want to get Wonder Boy in Monster Land and Wonder Boy III Dragon's Trap. I would also personally recommend Spell Caster. Someone who's not obsessed w/ RPGs can jump in w/ more recs.

[InsaneDavid]

I love Phantasy Star, think Golvellius is pretty fun, and I'm not a fan of the SMS version of Ys. It's just way too difficult, imo. Probably the best version of the game is the Famicom one, but as far as English-language/non-emulated, and graphically & musically superior, the TG CD version is the best one. I will say that they kind of went the opposite way w/ that one and made it a little too easy, but when you add Ys II it feels like you're playing one game and the difficulty ramps accordingly.

No way, Ys I & II Complete / Eternal with the translation patch.

[mobiusclimber]

No way, Ys I & II Complete / Eternal with the translation patch.

Well you got me in that I haven't played that version yet. What I like about the Famicom version is that the first town is about twice as large as it is in the other games, and the whole game just feels more sprawling and adventurous. I never felt confined playing it. The other versions just feel small in some way.

[Edmond Dantes]

I was always under the impression that SMS and TG-CD were the best versions of Ys.

A few years ago I owned a PC Engine and actually had Ys IV. Then I sold it. Man, if I win the lottery or something, I know what I'm getting!

(Unfortunately I've nearly used up my paycheck for this month, so its gonna be at least that long until I can play these babies...)

[trench-a-licious]

Awesome score! Phantasy Star is worth that price and more! Golvellius is another favorite of mine but I could never finish it. I would always get lost at the end of the game. Then again I played it last years ago before GameFaqs and the like were very popular.

[NE146]

Yeah that's a good price considering I spent $100 for Phantasy Star and this was in 1988 when it was a huge amount of money LOL

And yeah I love Ys on the SMS. Sure it's not as good as the TurboCD version but people forget there was no TurboCD version for us in the states until a couple years later. :)

[Gamingking]

Not bad, I picked up Phantasy star for like $5. I have been meaning to get Golvellius.

[Edmond Dantes]

So, in short, I should start looking up prices on some SMSes.

I already knew PS and Ys were good, but Golvellius will be a new experience for me.

[grolt]

Always liked the SMS version of Ys (Y's!) myself. I disagree about the game feeling small - I remember being blown away at the detail in the towns, and how every person had so much to say. Some people spoke in paragraphs, which is huge for a relatively early 8-bit game. I always liked the Master System's handing of the music, too. The TurboCD music always sounded over-produced to me. I liked the no frills melodies of the SMS version, I still listen to a lot of those themes today. Case in point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlM7GF6ivtM&feature=related

Great haul you got there, though. You got three of the four best RPGs on the system, the other being Golden Axe Warrior.

The other reason you want an SMS instead of the PBC is because there are a dozen or so games that will not work with the Genesis controller (Fantasy Zone II, Wonder Boy in Monster Land, etc.).

[segagamer]

So, in short, I should start looking up prices on some SMSes.

I already knew PS and Ys were good, but Golvellius will be a new experience for me.

Before you do anything, do you already have a Genesis model 1? If so, getting the PBC is probably the better way to go, as those 3 games do not have any compatibility issue. Otherwise, you may be better off getting a SMS instead.

[Gameguy]

The other reason you want an SMS instead of the PBC is because there are a dozen or so games that will not work with the Genesis controller (Fantasy Zone II, Wonder Boy in Monster Land, etc.).
You can use SMS controllers with the Genesis, they have the same connector.

I would use whatever I could find locally, I have an actual system and a PBC for the Genesis.

[kupomogli]

I think the Master System version of Ys is excellent. What's your issue with it, exactly? Besides the fact that it's not the Turbo Grafx CD version I mean. I can't see anything wrong with it if it's judged on it's own merit.

That's the reason. It's not the TG16CD version. If it was the only version available then it'd be pretty good, but the fact that it's a port and it's not the only version available makes it suck. Because it's not just bad port. It's a very bad port.

Go play the TG16CD version and see how long it takes to grind a few levels. Then go and play the Master System version. When it gets too difficult that you're required to grind, it takes an insane amount of time to get to the next level. It just seems much faster to grind for money and exp on the TG16CD version(plus Adol moves faster.) While I've only played through the first dungeon of the Master System version, it's just not as enjoyable as it was to play through the TG16CD version.

[NE146]

That's the reason. It's not the TG16CD version. If it was the only version available then it'd be pretty good, but the fact that it's a port and it's not the only version available makes it suck.

Hrm? sms Ys WAS the only version available for a good 2 years or so.. at least in the states.

'Course if you didn't play Ys until after the TG16CD version came out then yeah I guess that's a valid view.. but some of us couldn't wait. :p

[Edmond Dantes]

I'll be looking for an SMS then (my Genesis is a model II, the kind where the Sega CD attaches on the side).

Or I could just sell the games, but I think I'd regret that, at least in Phantasy Star's case.

[Retronick]

I'll be looking for an SMS then (my Genesis is a model II, the kind where the Sega CD attaches on the side).

Or I could just sell the games, but I think I'd regret that, at least in Phantasy Star's case.

Great score! Unless you're really hurting for cash I'd try and hold onto these... at least until after you play them anyway. I paid around $30 for Phantasy Star from e-Starland last year to complete my series, so $9 for that and Ys alone is a steal!

If you've got a Genesis 2, then you either need the Master System Converter 2 (and most likely a mega key), or a Genesis 1 to hook up a PBC to, so it's probably a good idea to just buy a standalone SMS... See if she wants to get rid of that too :D.

Side note: Master System Converter 2 is sort of a crapshoot as their is no card slot :-\

[dnehthend]

do it this way, makes you feel important

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/69/l_9dca1d1f14d14b4ea365e9abfdb56a09.jpg

[Gameguy]

I'll be looking for an SMS then (my Genesis is a model II, the kind where the Sega CD attaches on the side).
You could get a Honey Bee import converter to use a PBC on a Model 2. It's basically just an extension to get around the physical incompatibility of the cart slot rather than bypass any region locking, as such it will work with the PBC.

[retroman]

if i were you i would hunt down a MasterSystem 2, i have the converter and master1 and 2 and gamegear converter...i think MasterSystem 2 is the best..though you cant play the sega card games, but who cares..most of them sucked anyway.

[Edmond Dantes]

"Sega card"...?

[Emperor Megas]

The other reason you want an SMS instead of the PBC is because there are a dozen or so games that will not work with the Genesis controller (Fantasy Zone II, Wonder Boy in Monster Land, etc.).Are you sure you can't use a Genesis controller for Fantasy Zone II? It's one of my all time favorite games; I haven't played that game for a while, but I'm almost positive I used a Genesis controller to play it.


if i were you i would hunt down a MasterSystem 2, i have the converter and master1 and 2 and gamegear converter...i think MasterSystem 2 is the best..though you cant play the sega card games, but who cares..most of them sucked anyway.The Master System II is RF only, which kinda sucks...a lot. I'll agree that it's not a huge deal that it can't play SEGA cards, since there's less than 10 of them in all, but I don't think that they all sucked. I love Ghost House.

Again, it's hard for me to chose an 'RF only' option, like the Master System II, when I can use composite video with the others.

[Gameguy]

I'll agree that it's not a huge deal that it can't play SEGA cards, since there's less than 10 of them in all, but I don't think that they all sucked. I love Ghost House.
You won't be able to use the 3D glasses either, I'm not sure if that makes it a big deal or not as I've never used them.

[megasdkirby]

The Master System II is RF only, which kinda sucks...a lot. I'll agree that it's not a huge deal that it can't play SEGA cards, since there's less than 10 of them in all, but I don't think that they all sucked. I love Ghost House.



You can always get the cart equivalent from EU.

[sheath]

Not having a card slot means no Sega Scope 3D games, that really does suck.

Plus, the SMS 2 looks like an old fax machine while the SMS 1 screams "Look at me, I'm awesome." I own both, I'm just saying.

[Edmond Dantes]

All righty! I'm resurrecting this thread becaaaauuuusseee....

I bought a Model 1 Sega Genesis. The one that says "high definition graphics" on the circular thing around the cartridge slot.

AND

I got a Power Base Converter along with it!

Both together, with a game, costed me $50. The game I picked up was Zillion.

So far I've actually been enjoying Golvellius: Valley of Doom more than I thought. The controls in the top-view Zelda-ish parts seem a little strange (he doesn't actually turn instantly like Link does) but I got used to it.

I've got another question: Can the Power Base Converter play imports? I was thinking of looking for the Master System sonic games...

[Emperor Megas]

I've got another question: Can the Power Base Converter play imports? I was thinking of looking for the Master System sonic games...Absolutely. The Master System can as well.

[Edmond Dantes]

And there's nothing special needed to do it? No converters or action replay codes or anything? Just get the cart, stick it in and turn it on?

[Emuaust]

There isnt any region locking on sms games, PAL games play fine on a US console, there are a few exceptions like the codemasters games, but thats due to the games being programmed for 50hz.

[Edmond Dantes]

Okay, so I guess this is the point where I say "So what games should I obsessively seek and acquire now?"

Keep in mind that Phantasy Star, Ys, Golvellius and Zillion were the first games I owned for this system. Is there anything left to find or have I pretty much already hit the high points?

[Gameguy]

And there's nothing special needed to do it? No converters or action replay codes or anything? Just get the cart, stick it in and turn it on?
That's it. Even the actual US version of Sonic is literally the same as the Euro version, there's no problem with most titles. Canada got several Euro games released here(imported Euro versions) and they work fine. Even early Genesis titles are like that, I've played several Euro titles in my system with no converter necessary. Imports were easier to run back then.

[Gameguy]

Okay, so I guess this is the point where I say "So what games should I obsessively seek and acquire now?"

Keep in mind that Phantasy Star, Ys, Golvellius and Zillion were the first games I owned for this system. Is there anything left to find or have I pretty much already hit the high points?
Well the better games are pretty much the rarer ones. For must haves there's Golden Axe Warrior, that's really all I can think of. That and Phantasy Star are basically the two games I'm still hoping to get for the system, I can't think of any other must have games at the moment.

[Edmond Dantes]

Actually I just spent the last hour looking through all the SMS games up on eBay, and, umm... its shocking to say the least.

Mortal Kombat 1 and 2? Sonic Blast? Freaking Virtua Fighter? Dear God this must've been the longest-lived 8-Bit console in the world!

I wouldn't mind having the Sonic games, at least. I know they're all available on the Game Gear but I remembered from the days when I used to be into emulation that the SMS versions were usually better.

[Emperor Megas]

Actually I just spent the last hour looking through all the SMS games up on eBay, and, umm... its shocking to say the least.

Mortal Kombat 1 and 2? Sonic Blast? Freaking Virtua Fighter? Dear God this must've been the longest-lived 8-Bit console in the world!The Master System was marketed forever in Brazil.

[Bloodreign]

Bubble Bobble on the Master System is a must have, it's done quite well on the SMS and in the time against it's NES counterpart, it wipes the floor with it.

[Rickstilwell1]

Phantasy Star is a no brainer, it is awesome and the first console RPG in the US. Expecting the game to help you through the 3D dungeons with few landmarks would be the biggest "funfactor" downfall.

Somebody forgot about Dragonstomper for the Atari 2600 with the Starpath Supercharger. USA 1982. Very primitive though in comparison to this game.

[BydoEmpire]

Great find, congrats!

I'd get a Master System, just because it's such a cool console. Definitely one of my favorites. The PBC works fine for the most part if you're tight on space or something, but I just really like the SMS and they're not that expensive.


I guess this is the point where I say "So what games should I obsessively seek and acquire now?"The SMS has one of the best libraries of light gun games ever - Rescue Mission, Rambo III, Gangster Town, Wanted. Some of the arcade ports are great - Shinobi and Rastan in particular. There are tons of cool, quirky original titles, too - Penguin Land, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, etc. The console definitely has its share of duds, but for the most part it has a great library.


Somebody forgot about Dragonstomper for the Atari 2600 with the Starpath Supercharger. USA 1982. Very primitive though in comparison to this game.Or Treasure of Tarmin on the Inty. It came out in 1983, but was way ahead of its time.

[Emuaust]

A lot of the best sms games where released after the demise of the console in America, I could recommend you some great games but it might be easier for you to mention the type of games you like!

[Rickstilwell1]

I was able to come up with a list of 39 Sega Master System games I know I would like in addition to the 7 I already have in my collection and like. I haven't even tried all the ones on that list either.

[Edmond Dantes]

it might be easier for you to mention the type of games you like!

RPGs (though I think I got 'em all except Miracle Warriors and Golden Axe Warrior), platformers, shmups (already have R-Type on the PS1), nursing an interest in fighting games, sometimes puzzle and strategy, and games like Spy vs Spy which have quirky gameplay.

Really pretty much the only genre I'll avoid are casino/parlor games and sports (except racing).

[Ryudo]

Master System version of Ys sucks in my opinion but the original Phantasy Star is a great game. Golvellius looks cool, never played it though.

I disagree I think it's very good.
I have also the Famicom version and that is not as good a port.
TBH I never really played a bad port of Ys. Even III on SNES with all it's bugs is still a playable and a game one can enjoy.

[T2KFreeker]

The Wonder Boy and Alex Kid games are always great. Also, Cyber Shinobi was awesome. I liked Teddy Boy and also, Spell Caster is awesome. Not many people remember that one. It's the prequel to Mystic Defender for the Genesis. Really Good stuff. I also personally, many disagree, loved Strider on the SMS. Big reason being it still amazes me what they actually crammed into that cart. BTW, that's an amazing score you snagged there. Seriously though, Spell Caster is a damn good action RPG game, especially if you liked Mystic Defender.

[Baloo]

It was on Game Gear too, but I've gotta say I love Joe Montana Football on Sega Master System. Tecmo Bowl style game that's better than Tecmo Bowl IMO.

But I like those old kind of sports games a la Blades of Steel, NBA Jam, Sports Talk Baseball, Joe Montana Football, etc. Simple and fun!

[BlastProcessing402]

The SMS version of Ghouls 'n Ghosts has a lot of extra stuff in it that no other version has.

[Sunnyvale]

You can use SMS controllers with the Genesis, they have the same connector.

I would use whatever I could find locally, I have an actual system and a PBC for the Genesis.

What Gameguy said. Check CL first, and do your usual pawn/thrift/wherever searches. Just get a little more aggressive in what you're willing to pay. Who knows? Maybe one of the unlisted games on Craigs will be a gem too? Better than paying top dollar from a good seller, or paying shipping on a crap shoot.

[mobiusclimber]

I really liked the Ultima game on the SMS, and I tend to not like the console Ultima ports. I'll also second Spellcaster, tho it's really a side-scrolling action game with point-and-click adventure segments in between stages. Also, there's Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap, definitely a must-buy.

[exit]

I second Spell Caster, the game has it's share of problems (the platforming can be terrible), it was still a very interesting game and had a very fitting soundtrack. I remember getting to the very end and for whatever reason never got around to finish it. Other great games are Ghost House, Teddy Boy, Quartet and Alien Syndrome.

[Edmond Dantes]

I really liked the Ultima game on the SMS, and I tend to not like the console Ultima ports.

You might like the original PC versions in that case. I played SMS Ultima IV on an emulator once and my impression was, "this is just the computer version, on a cartridge." Seemed like it even had the same graphics.

That was a turn-off though. On the PC, you do everything via hotkeys (A for attack, z to check stats, R to equip weapons and W for armor) which makes it all very fast and convenient. On console, this becomes endless menu-wading, which isn't itself bad but can get tedious.

I think I'm gonna try to nab Spellcaster, Shinobi and Rastan the next chance I get. I'm in the mood for eight-bit platformers.