3DO is it worth picking up.

[DiEsmitty]

I have been thinking about snatching one up. Super Potato has the FZ-1 and the fz-10 for about 40 dollars, and Hard Off has had them for around 30. Is it a good investment. Are there any great titles for it? When I t was a new system I thought it was cool, but couldn't afford so I didn't pay any attention to it. It will probably sit for awhile as I have a back log of retro and modern games that need attention.

From what I read on here and some other sites is that the FZ-10 is the less maintenance intensive model. If I get one I am going to get the FZ-1 though I like its design. Is there any hardware difference that makes the FZ-10 a better model or are they pretty much the same. Im aware that the 10 was a more cost effective model. Im not worried about maintenance, I make a monthly pilgrimage to Akihabara, so I can get parts to fix it when it breaks.

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

I have been thinking about snatching one up. Super Potato has the FZ-1 and the fz-10 for about 40 dollars, and Hard Off has had them for around 30. Is it a good investment. Are there any great titles for it? When I t was a new system I thought it was cool, but couldn't afford so I didn't pay any attention to it. It will probably sit for awhile as I have a back log of retro and modern games that need attention.

From what I read on here and some other sites is that the FZ-10 is the less maintenance intensive model. If I get one I am going to get the FZ-1 though I like its design. Is there any hardware difference that makes the FZ-10 a better model or are they pretty much the same. Im aware that the 10 was a more cost effective model. Im not worried about maintenance, I make a monthly pilgrimage to Akihabara, so I can get parts to fix it when it breaks.

I will always talk up the 3DO when asked simply because aside from the NES, 2600, and maybe SNES, it's the one system that has taken me and won't let me go with it's amazing library of games. Seriously, when you get it grab games like Captain Quasar, Gex, Shockwave, Slayer, Deathkeep, Killing Time, Monster Manor, Off World Interceptor, Crash n' Burn, Road Rash, Star Wars, and others. The amount of titles available for this console as well as the fun and excitement each one will bring is well worth the price you'll pay, which actually won't be too expensive.

Enjoy!

[sparf]

If it's a decent price, definitely pick it up. There's some solid software on it despite its flop in the market.

I'd honestly probably take the FZ-10 over the FZ-1 due to the lack of a motorized tray that could eventually cause you trouble (I'm looking at YOU, Sega CD Model 1!).

[wiggyx]

I will always talk up the 3DO when asked simply because aside from the NES, 2600, and maybe SNES, it's the one system that has taken me and won't let me go with it's amazing library of games. Seriously, when you get it grab games like Captain Quasar, Gex, Shockwave, Slayer, Deathkeep, Killing Time, Monster Manor, Off World Interceptor, Crash n' Burn, Road Rash, Star Wars, and others. The amount of titles available for this console as well as the fun and excitement each one will bring is well worth the price you'll pay, which actually won't be too expensive.

Enjoy!

So many of those titles are available on other consoles, and the exclusives hardly make it worthwhile in my book.

OP, I give it a resounding NO. Not at all worth it.

[sloan]

I will chime in on the positive side for 3DO, and lots of good games in the library. Was Captain Quasar done elsewhere? Not so sure, and the 3DO versions are all excellent ports. $30-$40 is an amazing deal on a 3DO console. I payed $99 for mine a year ago at a local used game shop. Get the 3DO and don't look back! Lots of fun and enjoyment ahead for sure.

[PizzaKat]

Definitely. Thats a great price and there are a slew of games. I remember playing Road Rash at a kiosk when it was released and some other games. Was blown away. Then saw the price and Im like WTF?! Are they serious?

[JakeM]

Youre in Japan, so get Luciennes Quest, its one of the major reasons to buy a 3DO. Besides a few arcade game ports like Samurai Shodown and Super Turbo, its main appeal is the western computer game ports on the system and other games which were eventually ported to the PS1. Twisted The Game Show is a exclusive that people rave about.

[DiEsmitty]

Yeah Im decided to get one. I really want the FZ-1 i think its a cleaner looking than the 10. How hard are they to work on when things break, is it difficult to repair? Im not scared to make repairs or anything, the price is right there both priced the same usually.

[goldenband]

A lot of the games that were 3DO exclusives, and later got ported to the PlayStation or Saturn, are allegedly still better on the 3DO. Off the top of my head, Return Fire, Psychic Detective, Star Fighter, PO'ed, and (according to some) Need for Speed are all better in their original 3DO release.

Going in the other direction, there are some games that were also on the Sega CD and other platforms, but are definitely superior on the 3DO. This is especially true of FMV games, and the big one is Star Wars: Rebel Assault, which has more levels and much better graphic quality on the 3DO. Unlike the Sega CD port -- where you basically need to memorize certain levels, since distant enemies are invisible against all the graphical grit until it's too late -- you can actually play the 3DO version on Hard, and play it as if it were an actual, y'know, game.

Anyway, I'm glad I have my 3DO. I don't play it all the time, but when I do, I quite enjoy it. It gets a lot more use than any other post-16-bit console in my house, except the PlayStation 1.

[DK1105]

I am really looking into getting a 3DO because locally there is an insane deal and I just love my awkward consoles. This guy has been trying to sell it for a while but no one wants it locally. Similar story when I bought my TG-16. The only reason I'm hesitant right now is I have some big non gaming things coming up.

[rikk7111]

I've had my FZ-1 since the day it came out and I've had no trouble with it what so ever. There are a lot of great games, and you can get them for a good price.... Crash~N~Burn is one of my faves..... I don't think you can go wrong with it.

Crash-N-Burn
Monster Manor
Gex
The Horde
Killing Time
Night Trap
Sewer Shark
Shock Wave
Twisted: The Game Show
Way of the Warrior
Just to name a few................................

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

Like I mentioned earlier, the 3DO has plenty of great games, many of which were exclusives and the others being wonderful ports with some amazing gameplay. Hope you hop on it and join the 3DO family dude, you'll thank us all in the end. :)

[DiEsmitty]

I went hunting for Famicoms today and ended bringing home a 3DO FZ-1 bundled with 4 games today for about 30 dollars. The D-pad seems to hang a little bit, but hopefully it just needs a cleaning. Sadly no famicoms today.

[sparf]

I went hunting for Famicoms today and ended bringing home a 3DO FZ-1 bundled with 4 games today for about 30 dollars. The D-pad seems to hang a little bit, but hopefully it just needs a cleaning. Sadly no famicoms today.

The best thing to do with that is to take it apart and clean it with a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol. Then when you reassemble it, don't tighten down the screws ALL the way, just leave them a couple of turns loose. One of the big complaints early in that system's life was the stiff controls because of that design flaw.

I actually improved mine to the point of "normal" game-controller functionality just by disassembling and reassembling after a cleaning. Some gunk had gotten into the controller so I cleaned it. When I reassembled it, boom, no more stiff controls, even when I DID tighten down the screws. :)

[PizzaKat]

The best thing to do with that is to take it apart and clean it with a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol. Then when you reassemble it, don't tighten down the screws ALL the way, just leave them a couple of turns loose. One of the big complaints early in that system's life was the stiff controls because of that design flaw.

I actually improved mine to the point of "normal" game-controller functionality just by disassembling and reassembling after a cleaning. Some gunk had gotten into the controller so I cleaned it. When I reassembled it, boom, no more stiff controls, even when I DID tighten down the screws. :)

Definitely this. I had some Sega Genesis 6 button pads that were initially working but then started acting all over the place. Checked online and it suggested to clean the inside by taking it apart. Look on Youtube there are some vids on the step by step. Good choice on getting the FZ-1, it just looks much better looking than the FZ-10. Like the Sega CD Model 1 over the 2nd.

[GhostDog]

Woah, you're in Japan and you can buy any system and you're worried about the 3DO? I say why bother when you can have a PS1 and Saturn and you being in Japan makes it even better. You can get all the best PS1 and Saturn games for dirt cheap. I now see that you already bought one for the equivalent of $30 and bundled with four games so I can't complain too badly. Do these shops have many 3DO games for sale? Which four games were bundled with your 3DO?

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

Maybe he has a PS1 or Saturn already and is interested in trying out a console that he's never tried before? Either way I commend him for wanting to give the amazing 3DO a shot, it's got a wonderful library of games and the console itself is a great piece of equipment and has held up nicely for me for over 16 years now. It's definitely a system worth owning.

What were the 4 games you got with it, diesmitty?

[GhostDog]

Maybe he has a PS1 or Saturn already and is interested in trying out a console that he's never tried before? Either way I commend him for wanting to give the amazing 3DO a shot, it's got a wonderful library of games and the console itself is a great piece of equipment and has held up nicely for me for over 16 years now. It's definitely a system worth owning.

What were the 4 games you got with it, diesmitty?

I know it may have been out of line but the fact that he is in Japan made me initially question why he'd want a 3DO but for $30 and four games you really can't complain and I see no problem buying it for that price. I just know that the guy will be in gaming heaven because you can get some amazing games for dirt cheap in Japan in these shops.

[Neb6]

I know it may have been out of line but the fact that he is in Japan made me initially question why he'd want a 3DO but for $30 and four games you really can't complain and I see no problem buying it for that price. I just know that the guy will be in gaming heaven because you can get some amazing games for dirt cheap in Japan in these shops.

The 3DO did the best versions of Space Hulk (Warhammer 40K) and Starblade that I've seen on a home system thus far.

[GhostDog]

The 3DO did the best versions of Space Hulk (Warhammer 40K) and Starblade that I've seen on a home system thus far.

I suppose if you're into those games...

[PreZZ]

If you had a 3do in the 90's and want one for nostalgia factor, I can understand. But it's hard today to get into it, just like the jaguar, I personally think not a single game on both these consoles are worth owning. Ok, sorry 3do fans, it's not as bad as jaguar!!

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

If you had a 3do in the 90's and want one for nostalgia factor, I can understand. But it's hard today to get into it, just like the jaguar, I personally think not a single game on both these consoles are worth owning. Ok, sorry 3do fans, it's not as bad as jaguar!!

I love both consoles and find myself playing my 3DO 3-4 times a year and my Jaguar I usually dedicate a week to on a yearly basis. Both consoles have a small, but loyal, fan base that supports it and spreads the good word about both consoles.

[ReaXan]

If you had a 3do in the 90's and want one for nostalgia factor, I can understand. But it's hard today to get into it, just like the jaguar, I personally think not a single game on both these consoles are worth owning. Ok, sorry 3do fans, it's not as bad as jaguar!!


I agree with this statement. I picked up one in 2000 after missing out on one during my childhood only to realize I wasn't missing much. I probably wanted this system more than any I ever coveted for back in the day.

Basically its like a lame version of the Playstation and most of the games pretty much are Win95 type games you probably wouldn't bother downloading for free on your PC. There isn't any epic titles that will keep you engrossed for very long I hate to say.

I did play all the supposed "gems" for it and they basically would be considered average games on any other console. I probably gave it more of a chance than it deserved to be honest.

I hate to be a downer but I feel being realistic over nostalgic is better served here.The only saving grace to it is that you can play backups on it fairly easily.

This system didn't age well at all is what it basically comes down to.

[jammajup]

I did own a 3do briefly back then and would say If the price is right then you should consider picking one up but it would have to be dirt cheap,It is said that the 3DO has the best versions of Return Fire and Super Street Fighter II Turbo (for that time),other memorable games are Road Rash,Quarantine,Need For Speed and Escape From Monster Manor.
For something even more unusual than Quarantine try looking up Cyberdillo on youtube a psychedelic first person shooter.

[DiEsmitty]

Woah, you're in Japan and you can buy any system and you're worried about the 3DO? I say why bother when you can have a PS1 and Saturn and you being in Japan makes it even better. You can get all the best PS1 and Saturn games for dirt cheap. I now see that you already bought one for the equivalent of $30 and bundled with four games so I can't complain too badly. Do these shops have many 3DO games for sale? Which four games were bundled with your 3DO?

I already have a PS1 and a Saturn. The Original Playstation was the first system I purchased on my own without parental help. The 3do and Saturn were systems I never got to own, so they were on my list. You can get a Ps 1 for like 3 bucks. Akihabara is only an hour away if i need games. I also have my brother send me games from the states.

[Niku-Sama]

only an hour away, are you on atsugi naval air force base, camp zama or just out there an hour away in some apartment/house for fun?

I've always wanted a 3do, I don't ever find them here in the states, I was tempted to pick one up when I visited my inlaws at atsugi before they moved back but I thought bringing home a famicom, twin famicom and a bunch of games I couldn't get other wise was better than getting something I could possibly find in the states at a thrift store.
its been a while since I have been. At super potato do they still have the gold Rockman 4 cart in the glass case with the other rares for famicom?
that's one of my "if I win the lottery" purchaces, it was something like several hundred million yen when I was there, its probably more now if they still have it

any way despite how funky a game system was or is, its almost always worth having for when you get that itch of " man I wish I could play game 'x'", you atleast have the system it was on...

[DiEsmitty]

I'm just an hour away, sometimes I wish I had access to a military base to be able to purchase games for the 3ds and Wii U. When I make my monthly pilgrimage I to akihabara I will check on that rockman for ya. Right know the 3do is setting next to the Saturn unused until I finish Luigi's mansion on the Game Cube.

[ProjectCamaro]

I'm suprised at the lack of love for the 3DO, I would pick it up if I was you. Especially for that price, you can't beat it.

[Sothy]

Wing commander 3 is sick on 3DO

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

Proud to say I play mine quite often. Not as often as I did circa 1996-2001 when I was really heavy into the 3DO, I've beaten all my 3DO games probably 3-4 times each but I often fire up the ol' console a few times a year to revisit the games that really meant something to me. I urge anyone who doesn't own one to pick one up, the library is fantastic and there are hundreds of hours worth of fun times that await you if you do.

Long live the 3DO!

[Ed Oscuro]

Star Control 2! I was lucky and got one at the thrift for like $10 or something, along with a whole pile of other games (the Shockwave games, and a bunch of the "so bad it's not good, just bad, but definitely with cheese factor" stuff).

If you're a fan of '90s cheese, by all means get it.

It's also the original system for Policenauts, if memory serves.

But I would keep my eyes open for better things at Hard Off. I just read about somebody scoring a copy of Bangai-O for like 150 yen at a Book Off. That's sick!