Worthwhile Master System Titles?

[Parodius Duh!]

I just picked up a master system and do not have a single game to play! What are some good titles? I know about US releases for the most part but I hear the master system has no region lockout and European and Brazilian games will work? Is this true? I have heard that more titles were released in Europe, and especially Brazil where the system flourished up until the late 90s! So, what are some good titles from each region? how rare are some titles? Thanks!

[Edmond Dantes]

Phantasy Star is oft-recommended.

I like the SMS port of Rastan, and its not exactly the same as the arcade version so if you're familiar with one it won't entirely spoil the other for you.

Golvellius: Valley of Doom is also quite good.

[TheClash603]

Golden Axe Warrior and Shinobi are my favorite games on the system.

I also am a huge fan of the 3D goggles and games, but that can get a little pricey.

[Edmond Dantes]

How much do the 3D goggles normally run for? I saw a store selling a system with all the accessories (including the goggles) for like I think $40-$70. Should I run out and get it or is it not worth owning two SMSes over?

[Drixxel]

The SMS library's fairly neat, especially if you're open to trying some interestingly downsized and/or rearranged arcade & Genesis ports. Some worthy SMS games, in my opinion, include the likes of:

Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Bubble Bobble (no NA release, regrettably)
Cloud Master
Gain Ground
Gauntlet
Ninja Gaiden (Euro exclusive)
The Ninja
Ghouls 'n Ghosts
Master of Darkness (Euro exclusive)
Quartet
Rampage
Zillion

[Parodius Duh!]

Cool, Ill def check some of these out!

Any more recommendations for any European and Brazilian exclusives? thats what Im mainly interested in.

The Krustys funhouse port looks awesome, Ive heard its the best version as well, although the final levels cant be reached in game, only via password.

[Sunnyvale]

I just picked up a master system and do not have a single game to play! What are some good titles? I know about US releases for the most part but I hear the master system has no region lockout and European and Brazilian games will work? Is this true? I have heard that more titles were released in Europe, and especially Brazil where the system flourished up until the late 90s! So, what are some good titles from each region? how rare are some titles? Thanks!

I own no non-US releases, but I like:
Space Harrier
Space Harrier 3D
Golvellius
All of the Wonder Boy's, particularly 1 and 3, for entirely different reasons.
Zaxxon 3D
And it's a no-brainer (and I don't own the US release), but Sonic is seriously a must-have for anyone who wants to showcase his collection to fellow geeks. It shows the SMS's capabilities like no other game I know of.



How much do the 3D goggles normally run for? I saw a store selling a system with all the accessories (including the goggles) for like I think $40-$70. Should I run out and get it or is it not worth owning two SMSes over?

From other threads, I think you're a touch like me with the Pokemon/collector 'gotta have it all' bug. If I'm right there, grab it, up till $50 anyway. If it's boxed, $70's cool. Master Systems had different built-in games on lots of consoles, 4 or more variants I believe. So like a true geek, I want all from snail maze to the 2 game consoles. Also, I paid $40 shipped for my first set of guaranteed to work 3D glasses, and they were cracked, right down the middle. Still happy with the purchase. And I buy-n-sell for a living, so I'm a cheap-ass. Got em on DP :)

[omp!]

I'll put in the vote for
Castle of Illusion
Land of Illusion
Power Strike
Dragon Crystal
Ghouls n Ghosts (for some reason this is my favourite version)
Lucky Dime Caper is ok

[c2000]

Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Asterix (Euro exclusive)
Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse
Fantasy Zone II
Golden Axe Warrior
Kenseiden
Sonic the Hedgehog
Wonderboy III

to name a few.

[cyberfluxor]

I found Phantasy Star the other week and have been playing it each morning before work while sipping on coffee. There is level grinding involved starting out to progress anywhere, but once you gain some experience footing and upgrade items (armor, sword, and shield) it's time to move on. The creatures and backgrounds are vivid and colorful beyond what I've played on the Nintendo or Atari systems of the era. Oddly enough I am enjoying it more than I did playing Phantasy Star II or III.

Wonder Boy in Monster Land was one of the few games I had growing up with the system and it's an enjoyable action platform. There are timing sequences, variety of monsters, item upgrades, and an ending castle maze (take the bell if you don't know the way) with a tough, finale dragon fight.

If you're a fan of the Fantasy Zone series there are three on the Master System, two scrolling shooters and an action maze. These further demonstrate the bright colors offered by the system and chirpy sound. Fantasy Zone: The Maze is an oddball game to grab so watch some gameplay videos, read a few reviews and decide from there. Other shooters to try are Cloud Master, R-Type, and Bomber Raid.

The recent issue of Retro Gamer Magazine has an extensive write-up on the history of Bubble Bobble and praise is given to the Sega 8-bit port, might be worth a read if you're a fan of the series or of the genre. Not being released in the U.S. would place it on your import list.

[mikesides]

This was the first system my parents bought me as a kid. I would highly recommend Alex Kidd in Miracle World, WonderBoy 1, and Zillion 1.

[MachineGex]

I dont think many other people enjoy this game as much as I do, but I enjoy Shanghai. It is a fun little puzzle game and the color and graphics on the Master System is top notch. It has a fun two player mode where you can set a timer for each player and you need to make your picks fast. It is a cool game, and usually goes for pennies.

[djshok]

Yep for the most part there is no region lock out on the SMS, IIRC there are only 2 obscure Brazilian games that won't work on the North American SMS system, I don't remember which ones right now.

Anyway, some decent games to get:

Kenseiden - it's like Shinobi, if you like Shinobi you'll like this one
Shinobi - duh lol
The Cyber Shinobi - I always liked this one a lot, but it seems to really divide people
Sonic The Hedgehog - difficult as a mofo but still fun (it's the same as the Game Gear version)
Sonic 2 - see above
Sonic Chaos - by far the best of the SMS Sonic games and one of my favourite games of all time, it's really well made and not as insanely difficult as the first 2 Sonic games
Jurassic Park - unexpectedly fun game with surprisingly good graphics, it's basically the same as the Game Gear version except your character sprite is different
Phantasy Star - it's a classic, though if you don't like RPGs much maybe avoid it, it's a grind fest, but if like old school stuff like that, you'll love it
Transbot - cool little shmup, and probably the only good Sega Card game
Penguin Land - you can make your own levels, 'nuff said!

[Drixxel]

Any more recommendations for any European and Brazilian exclusives? thats what Im mainly interested in.

The Krustys funhouse port looks awesome, Ive heard its the best version as well, although the final levels cant be reached in game, only via password.

For Brazilian exclusives, take a look at this list on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sega_Master_System_games) for anything published or developed by Tec Toy. As far as worthwhile curiousities are concerned, they've published a number of SMS Game Gear ports that weren't released outside of Brazil, in addition to developing some weird "original" creations (basically just spritehacks of other SMS games translated into Portugese). They also released Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, a game which had its European release cancelled, making the SMS version a Brazilian exclusive.

Here are some of the more interesting "Brazil exclusive" GG ports:

- Dynamite Headdy
- Earthworm Jim
- Legend of Illusion
- Sonic Blast
- X-Men 3: Mojo World

[fahlim003]

I'll drop my two cents in for Wonder Boy 3: The Dragons Trap. It's not system exclusive and it uses passwords but man, it's a pretty easy game to get into. I liken most to Metroid style although it's far more playable in this day and age. Lots of areas to explore, good controls, and great visuals all lend themselves to the experience being enjoyable. I began playing it this past year and I was pleasantly surprised.

Power Strike (Aleste) is also quite good if you can track a copy down. Thankfully, the European release is much cheaper (and easier to find) if you source a cartridge only copy. Power Strike 2 however is very expensive/elusive although it's an excellent game, so I'd try before you buy on this if you're unsure.

I also quite enjoy Shinobi and Choplifter, which are both cheap and easy to find.

[Nikademus1969]

If you like RPG's, the game Miracle Warriors is not too shabby.

http://www.mobygames.com/game/sega-master-system/miracle-warriors-seal-of-the-dark-lord

[SparTonberry]

Yep for the most part there is no region lock out on the SMS, IIRC there are only 2 obscure Brazilian games that won't work on the North American SMS system, I don't remember which ones right now.

From what I've heard, the only games that don't work on (some?) NA systems are the 8-megabit games, of which there's only a few.
Street Fighter II, Sonic Blast, Virtua Fighter Animation, Woody Woodpecker (Férias Frustradas do Pica-Pau) and I think a couple other games based on Brazil-only licenses.

[fahlim003]

From what I've heard, the only games that don't work on (some?) NA systems are the 8-megabit games, of which there's only a few.
Street Fighter II, Sonic Blast, Virtua Fighter Animation, Woody Woodpecker (Férias Frustradas do Pica-Pau) and I think a couple other games based on Brazil-only licenses.
I've also heard Codemasters European games have had issues running on NTSC/US-Canada systems too. I don't have much interest in those yet so I don't definitively know off hand. I am including a text file (zip'ed) I believe I got off Gamefaqs a while ago which does cover all overseas issues/compatibilities though.

[kedawa]

Are you sure it didn't come with any games?
Most SMS systems have a game or two built-in.

Anyway, I still fire up R-Type, Rastan, and Wonder Boy in Monster Land from time to time.

[retroman]

Well for one..Sonic is good on it, and Golden Axe is close the the Genesis version..It had a ok port of Outrun, Afterburner, and Altered Beast..The list could keep going on and on..These are just some you will know.

[Melf]

Transbot - cool little shmup, and probably the only good Sega Card game


I really like Ghost House and My Hero, and I'm really eager to try out Spy vs. Spy. Interestingly enough, I just found out that these games had cartridge releases as well. Anyone know what the differences are between the two versions?

[TurboGenesis]

ah… I love Sega Master System! I'll post some of my favorites that are worth looking into… of note, I'll keep it to USA games as I only have a few imports and played very few…

Quartet
Global Defense
The Ninja
Enduro Racer
Wonder Boy series
Zillion and Tri-Formation
Alex Kidd series (except High Tech World)
Alien Syndrome
Golvellius
Power Strike
Rastan
R-Type (has a special stage exclusive to SMS)
Time Soldiers

and SMS has great gun games… very unique!
Rescue Mission
Gangster Town
Wanted
Missile Defense 3-D (requires 3D glasses AND light phaser!)

[Ryudo]

http://i.imgur.com/j4oIH.jpg

[Emuaust]

As im lazy ill point you to this thread instead of reposting, but yeah euro sms has some great titles, although California Games is the best sms game!

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1484

[cyberfluxor]

Are you sure it didn't come with any games?
Most SMS systems have a game or two built-in.

The unit we purchased in the early 90's is model 3010-A, which comes with Hang-On and Safari Hunt. You can read the variations page on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variations_of_the_Sega_Master_System) to get a broader picture. The common built-in games from different regions were:
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Hang-On
Safari Hunt
Sonic the Hedgehog
Snail Maze

[ubersaurus]

You can't go wrong with Power Strike or Power Strike 2 (if you're willing to shell out for it), any of the Sonic games, the Fantasy Zone trilogy, Zillion, and R-Type. Phantasy Zone is also really good if you're into those 80s console RPGs, and I've heard many good things about Ys as well. Montezuma's Revenge is a great port, too.

I also personally enjoyed Double Dragon for the system, as well as Zillion 2: Triformation. I also own two Brazillian games, Virtua Fighter Animation and Street Fighter II. VF is pretty neat, though SFII is definitely more of a conversation piece than a good game to actually play. Ghost House is also a pretty fun little SMS card game, and there aren't a whole lot of those.

[ShinobiMan]

Something else to consider is that the Sega Master System saw many classic Sega arcade games released for the first time on a home console. Games like After Burner, Out Run, Space Harrier, Fantasy Zone, Alien Syndrome, Thunder Blade, Hang On etc. These were hits in the arcade at the time, and before they were ported anywhere, they saw life on Sega's first (US proper) system.

So while the graphics may not be as up to speed as some of the later Genesis or Arcade perfect ports, remember that the SMS was the little system that could! With such a unique library of Sega arcade hits and SMS exclusives like Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Phantasy Star, it's hard to not want to own and collect for this charming black box.

[Lady Jaye]

My personal favorites on the SMS are Mickey Mouse Castle of Illusion, Wonder Boy 3: Dragon's Trap, Cloud Master, and Montezuma's Revenge. But there's still quite a few more great games on that system.

I recently came close to getting quite a SMS set (my best friend's original console and games that we played back in the late 80s), but since she's quite a heavy smoker, I'm not sure it would have been such a good idea. Besides, I already have quite a backlog... Still, it would have been quite the sentimental purchase.

[Polygon]

I'm thinking about getting an SMS. Still not sure if I want to get the actual console or the power base converter. Anyhow, this thread has been pretty helpful but I'm finding a few games that I'm interested in are tough to find here in the U.S. I've managed to find them in the U.K. I've heard that PAL games work just fine without modification in NTSC systems.

Is this true?

[Lady Jaye]

Yes. Very few PAL SMS games are known to be buggy with a NTSC North American SMS console. You can always do a quick search for those titles that interest you, but the most known games do work fine.

[Polygon]

Awesome, thanks! Do you know if there is any difference between using the actual SMS or the power base converter?

Also, I found this thread in looking for that list of PAL games with issues, and thought it would useful to post it here.

http://petesgameroomforum.com/topic/2398787/1/

[Lady Jaye]

I really couldn't say, as I've never used the Power Base Converter. But I'm sure someone in the forums will be able to answer your question. :)

[mobiusclimber]

A couple other good games for the system: Ultima IV is the best console version of this game, much better than the NES version, imo. Spell Caster is an interesting mix of point-and-click adventure segments (short ones) with side-scrolling beat-em-up levels.

[Gentlegamer]

I can't believe this thread went this far without anyone suggesting

CHOPLIFTER

[substantial_snake]

I have to second (of third or whatever) Ghoul's and Ghosts.

This was the first console I played it on and for whatever reason its still my favorite, used to scare me so bad watching my brother play it late into the night. :P I also enjoyed Aerial Assault...but probably only because it was one of the few Master System games we ever owned. lol

[fahlim003]

I can't believe this thread went this far without anyone suggesting

CHOPLIFTER
You miss my post, Chief?

I'll drop my two cents in for Wonder Boy 3: The Dragons Trap...

I also quite enjoy Shinobi and Choplifter, which are both cheap and easy to find.
Although I don't mention it as enthusiastically as you do so perhaps that's why it flew under your radar. All the same, Choplifter on SMS is a great version of a classic game. It's not the same as the Sega arcade game but the developers still did a terrific job.

[PresidentLeever]

There's a solid number of quality titles, as with most systems. My favourites in rough order of appreciation:

Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap
Land of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse
Power Strike II - EU (this is like the Aleste games, also check out the GG version which is a different game)
Bubble Bobble
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa Opa
R-Type
Kenseiden
Phantasy Star
Sonic the Hedgehog
Shinobi
Ninja Gaiden (completely different to the NES game) - EU
Golvellius: Valley of Doom
Zillion
Solomon’s Key - JP
Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse
Jurassic Park
Wonder Boy
Micro Machines - EU
Road Rash
Fantasy Zone
Wimbledon II
Power Strike
Lucky Dime Caper starring Donald Duck
Outrun 3D
Golden Axe Warrior
Asterix
Space Harrier 3D
The Ninja
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
Master of Darkness (Castlevania clone)
Montezuma's Revenge
Chuck Rock II
Renegade (different from the NES game) - EU
Gangster Town (light gun)

[Polygon]

So, I spent a good part of the day watching videos on Youtube and I've worked up a list of SMS games I want. However, there are a couple that I'm surprised aren't listed here. I grew up with a Game Gear, and as most of us know it's just a somewhat portable Master System. It seems that Bram Stoker's Dracula and T2: Judgment Day look to be the exact same as the Game Gear versions. I really liked those two on my Game Gear. Then again, maybe they are just bad games and I only think they're good because I'm a sucker for nostalgia.

[Gentlegamer]

You miss my post, Chief?Heh


Although I don't mention it as enthusiastically as you do so perhaps that's why it flew under your radar. All the same, Choplifter on SMS is a great version of a classic game. It's not the same as the Sega arcade game but the developers still did a terrific job.

Coulda sworn I read each post fully, though my eyes must have been zeroed in on lists of games.

Anyway, Choplifter should always been in the first response to these threads. :)