Console Wars SNES vs. Sega Genesis

[Casati]

I've watched the Console Wars episodes to help decide between the two for multi-platform games such as Earthworm Jim:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Rkx4RVff8

I remember some DigitPress threads that covered the same territory. Can anyone point me to some of the best of these threads? And, of course, provide your own opinions.

[Oldskool]

If you like arcade style games get the Genesis. If you like RPG games, Mario, Zelda, etc get SNES. But really why not get both? The war has long been over and they are cheap enough. Thhe Genesis games are considerably cheaper and often come complete where as with SNES games you will need deeper pockets. There are some SNES gems though that are affordable still however.

[Casati]

I already have many games for both consoles. I'm just looking for opinions on multi-platform games which I tend to hold off on buying since I don't want to buy them for both consoles. I'm not into complete collections or duplicates.

[Tanooki]

Well with multiplatform you have to look at it from the team who did it and if they were lazy and ported over a weaker Genesis game to the SNES without making any accomodation for the differing audio visual capabilities. Take a game look Boogerman, looks great on Genesis, but the port was quick to the SNES and it's just rough and terrible but gameplay wise is just as tight. Then you get the censorship middle ground of sweaty Immortal Kombat SNES vs MK1 on Genesis where the SNES looks/sounds better, but is hacked to bits, so the Sega wins on that. If censorshop is dropped and teams work from the ground up, again using MK but MK2 this time you see a huge differing situation where the SNES trumps it. And finally some games used a license but got entirely different titles so personal taste wins out...Aladdin is the best example there as they're nothing alike but both fantastic.

[MidnightRider]

I've watched the Console Wars episodes to help decide between the two for multi-platform games such as Earthworm Jim:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Rkx4RVff8.

Keep an open mind for other reviewers. There's some things these guys still miss(like extra frames of animation in Genesis EWJ, even when they show animations side by side, or extra graphics/animations in Genesis Street Fighter II', again noticeable when they show the games running side by side). For example I've seen reviews point out how badly Falcom messed up the SNES version of Ys III, we're talking the worst sound and graphics of any 16-bit version, and they still awarded it to the SNES because they're hung up on "SNES just looks and sounds better."

[Casati]

Keep an open mind for other reviewers. There's some things these guys still miss

Um, yeah, I started this thread to get other opinions though I like their reviews of the limited games covered because they have multiple things they look at, graphics, presentation, sound and gameplay.

[Casati]

And finally some games used a license but got entirely different titles so personal taste wins out...Aladdin is the best example there as they're nothing alike but both fantastic.

Aladdin is one of the few titles that I'd probably get for both consoles. I don't have a desire to expand my video game catalog greatly by getting the same titles for both consoles. I already have a lot of video games, and just want to pick up some quality games here and there before they get too expensive as prices are starting to escalate.

[Tanooki]

I have YS3, but damn does it leave a bad taste with those shitty new scenes drawn in gutting out the original japanese 'anime' style art. There really was no excuse. Use of audio and color I think it's nicer, but the style changes just sucked hard.

[Alianger]

Here:
http://forum.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?149343-Games-better-on-Genesis-SNES

These are also good:
http://retro-sanctuary.com/Comparisons%20Main.html

These are often biased, but usually very thorough as well:
http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?19078-Genesis-vs-SNES-Game-by-game-comparisons-repost-of-lost-thread

[Gentlegamer]

Well with multiplatform you have to look at it from the team who did it and if they were lazy and ported over a weaker Genesis game to the SNES without making any accomodation for the differing audio visual capabilities. Take a game look Boogerman, looks great on Genesis, but the port was quick to the SNES and it's just rough and terrible but gameplay wise is just as tight. Then you get the censorship middle ground of sweaty Immortal Kombat SNES vs MK1 on Genesis where the SNES looks/sounds better, but is hacked to bits, so the Sega wins on that. If censorshop is dropped and teams work from the ground up, again using MK but MK2 this time you see a huge differing situation where the SNES trumps it. And finally some games used a license but got entirely different titles so personal taste wins out...Aladdin is the best example there as they're nothing alike but both fantastic.

This was what I was going to post. Well said.

That was definitely an area when multiplatform considerations were not cut and dried. There's no hard and fast rule, like "action games are always better on Genesis," they were just as good on SNES, but sometimes a game was a bad port to one or the other system.

[Casati]

Which console has the best Boogerman?

[HardcoreOtaku]

.....

[Koa Zo]

if you like sports games pick the Genesis/Mega Drive but for all other genre of games the SNES/Super Famicom wins.
That's a dumb comment.
That sentiment may have held some ground back in 1994. But now through the broader awareness provided by the World Wide Web, only an ignoramus would draw such a conclusion.

[HardcoreOtaku]

.....

[Casati]

For those that haven't watched any of the YouTube Console Wars videos, it's not to discuss which console is better, but which has the better version for particular multi-platform games. I started this thread to discuss that. There's another thread for debating which of the two is the best console.

[Gentlegamer]

The truth hurts.

Best baseball games of the gen: Ken Griffey Jr. Presents MLB and Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run (SNES exclusives)
Best version of Madden 94: SNES
Best version of NBA Jam/NBA Jam TE: SNES
Best version of Tecmo Super Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl III: SNES
Best version of NBA Live 96: SNES

[Arkanoid_Katamari]

Best baseball games of the gen: Ken Griffey Jr. Presents MLB and Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run (SNES exclusives)
Best version of Madden 94: SNES
Best version of NBA Jam/NBA Jam TE: SNES
Best version of Tecmo Super Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl III: SNES
Best version of NBA Live 96: SNES

Idk, NHL '93 on Genesis was a ton of fun, I spent a lot of time as a kid playing that. '94 seems to be the year everyone really loves today, but how much different can it really be? It's hockey.

I have both systems, I don't really care that much about getting the version with slightly better graphics on one system, if I see a game I want on SNES that's also available on Genesis, I'm just gonna get it. I don't need to do research on which version of the game is superior.

One thing u could consider, is what system do u prefer to play? I'm like that with 6th gen games, I prefer the PS2, so I'll pick up most multi-platform stuff for the PS2 and try just to get exclusives on Xbox and Gamecube. I still have lotsa multiplatform games for all 3 systems tho, and at the end of the day, I really don't care.

[genesisguy]

Best baseball games of the gen: Ken Griffey Jr. Presents MLB and Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run (SNES exclusives)
Best version of Madden 94: SNES
Best version of NBA Jam/NBA Jam TE: SNES
Best version of Tecmo Super Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl III: SNES
Best version of NBA Live 96: SNES

Madden was better on the Genesis. As was the entire NHL series. The SNES versions of the NHL games were riddled with slowdown. The SNES versions are actually missing frames of animation when compared to the Genesis.

I gotta respectfully disagree on the Ken Griffey games. The World Series Sega games were fantastic! Plus you had real players.

[genesisguy]

I thought the AVGN videos on SNES Vs Genesis were good.
Part 1
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fb73kHBAirU
Part 2
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o_y3waeqxU8


But to compare the consoles really I think you must include the library of games from all regions they were released in, so this includes Super Famicom and Mega Drive.

Anyways at the end the day if you like sports games pick the Genesis/Mega Drive but for all other genre of games the SNES/Super Famicom wins.

It's apparent just watching those AVGN videos regarding SNES vs Genesis that James is pretty blind to the Genesis library and is a Nintendo fanboy at heart.

And I gotta agree with Koa Zo your comment about all other genres on the SNES being better is pretty ignorant.

[8-Bit Archeology]

Thunder Force III beats Thunder Spirits any day.

[Casati]

Madden was better on the Genesis. As was the entire NHL series. The SNES versions of the NHL games were riddled with slowdown. The SNES versions are actually missing frames of animation when compared to the Genesis.

I gotta respectfully disagree on the Ken Griffey games. The World Series Sega games were fantastic! Plus you had real players.

The Genesis controller matches better with the older Maddens' three-window passing. On the other hand, the SNES Madden '94 apparently has a lot more graphical details/presentation, from what I've seen on YouTube. I only own the Genesis version but will try the SNES since it's cheap.

The first Griffey has the best graphics of any 16-bit baseball game, and the player names could easily be changed to their real names with a little research, but the gameplay is flawed because even the best pitchers are lucky to strikeout one or two batters.

[Gentlegamer]

The Genesis controller matches better with the older Maddens' three-window passing. On the other hand, the SNES Madden '94 apparently has a lot more graphical details/presentation, from what I've seen on YouTube. I only own the Genesis version but will try the SNES since it's cheap.

Here's a comparison from sega-16: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?19078-Genesis-vs-SNES-Game-by-game-comparisons-repost-of-lost-thread&p=675723&viewfull=1#post675723

[Tanooki]

That griffey game itself was topped with Winning Run out two years later and that one did have the players names and teams proper, also if you knocked out a full season would unlock the two new expansions then the Rays and Diamondbacks. That one I really feel was the tops of the baseball SNES releases. I can't say much for Sega, Tommy Lasorda was good for when it popped up.

[Casati]

That griffey game itself was topped with Winning Run out two years later and that one did have the players names and teams proper, also if you knocked out a full season would unlock the two new expansions then the Rays and Diamondbacks. That one I really feel was the tops of the baseball SNES releases. I can't say much for Sega, Tommy Lasorda was good for when it popped up.

I've played both of them lately, and I'm fairly sure the Winning Run game has only Griffey named (and the names can't be edited) although the other players are based on real players like the earlier game. Although Winning Run has advanced graphics for the console, I still prefer the overall presentation, graphics details and arcade style of Griffey MLB. Winning Run has more realistic pitching/batting though. I agree the Sega Genesis baseball wasn't too good, Sports Talk being one of the better ones.

[Arkanoid_Katamari]

I'd rather play NHL '94 then a modern hockey game cuz u can't play as Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux in 2014.

[genesisguy]

You guys have mentioned Tony Lasorda and Sports Talk baseball. Have you tried the later games? World Series Baseball, Triple Play '96, RBI '94 was an older one but that's pretty good. It's been awhile since I played the Griffey games but did they have the stadiums right? Sounds so basic now but remember back to playing those games in the 90s and it was always a plus when the game had the correct stadiums.

[Darkwing]

If I wasn't playing Winning Run, it was Hardball '95 on the Genesis. That game rocked.

[Casati]

You guys have mentioned Tony Lasorda and Sports Talk baseball. Have you tried the later games? World Series Baseball, Triple Play '96, RBI '94 was an older one but that's pretty good. It's been awhile since I played the Griffey games but did they have the stadiums right? Sounds so basic now but remember back to playing those games in the 90s and it was always a plus when the game had the correct stadiums.

I actually have not gotten around to trying either World Series or Triple Play although I've intended to. RBI 94 had a good soundtrack, but I prefer RBI 4 for its better gameplay and Super RBI on the SNES. Griffey MLB did have the actual stadium designs such as the building behind right field in Baltimore, and I think overall very good graphic presentation for the time. Winning Run I believe has the stadiums, but from what I'm recalling, they're somewhat generic, at least the homerun cut-scene anyways. Winning Run graphics are almost like a Playstation game though.

[Edmond Dantes]

All right, here is a totally fair, objective, totally not silly in any way comparison.

Game that freaked me out as a child

Sega had Ecco the Dolphin.
Super Nintendo... never really scared me.

WINNER: Sega.

Respect for gaming history

In Scooby Doo Mystery for the Sega Genesis, there's a point where you're asked for a magic word, and you can choose "Xyzzy" from the list. Yes, a freaking Sega Genesis game aimed at kids who probably were too young to get the reference, had a Colossal Cave Adventure reference. It's the correct answer, to boot.

The only gaming references the SNES has are in sequels, and only to their immediate predecessors.

WINNER: Sega

Representation of Literature

The SNES had a Lord of the Rings game. It's top-view and plays like Legend of Zelda, except... it blows. You can't even leave the Shire (or at least, can't get Sam to come with you at any rate) until you go through a cave full of similar-looking chambers looking for the Gaffer's glasses to give to him. This alone raises so many questions. What's worse is there was a perfectly good PC game by the same company, why not just make a console adaptation of that instead of an all new (and shitty) game?

By contrast, the Sega Genesis had Dune: the Battle for Arrakis and the Sega CD had the original Dune, both actually playable console ports of good computer games.

WINNER: Sega

The "I always wanted that" award

Sega had a cool CD add-on which I wanted even though it was a flop. Sega also came out with an official portable Genesis whereas the SNES had to wait for some company in Hong Kong to make unlicensed ones.

WINNER: Sega

.... I just felt there needed to be some originality and outside-the-box thinking in these kinds of arguments, is all.

[Casati]

I just played the Sega Genesis Top Gear 2 today, and watched the SNES version on YouTube. I actually think I like the Genesis music soundtrack better, and don't really care that you can't hear the engine or brakes. The SNES music sounds more disco-ee and doesn't have as good keyboard riffs.

[Polygon]

In my opinion both.

I think if you relegate yourself to one or the other you're doing yourself a huge disservice. I think they're both great consoles that provide very different experiences in a lot of cases. When it comes to cross platform games, some were better on the Genesis and some were better on the SNES.

[Casati]

In my opinion both.

I think if you relegate yourself to one or the other you're doing yourself a huge disservice. I think they're both great consoles that provide very different experiences in a lot of cases.

Of course. They're cheap consoles so why not?


When it comes to cross platform games, some were better on the Genesis and some were better on the SNES.

Bingo.

[7th lutz]

Anyways at the end the day if you like sports games pick the Genesis/Mega Drive but for all other genre of games the SNES/Super Famicom wins.
SNES is one of the greatest systems of all time to me, but your statement is false. I am saying this as a person who owns all 3 16 bit systems aka Snes, Genesis, and the TG-16.

Your statement is false because the Genesis actually is a stronger Shoot'em up system.

SNES is a great rpg, and great platform system, but not Shoot'em ups on the SNES isn't as good as the genesis to me as a whole although there is some shoot'em ups for the SNES that I enjoy like Space Megaforce.

My rule of thumb for the 16 bit era is you need all 3 systems to get the experience of the era because each system does have its flaws in its game libraries.

[Tanooki]

The SNES shooter issue is a highly questionable debate among people and their personal tastes, it's not so much factual like how sports games were handled better or RPGs were handled better on one or the other. The Genesis seems to get the appreciation because it has had a louder fan base of what is accepted as the best of the shooters on the system. The SNES really is no slouch, but it comes down to what you like in the end as it isn't in any short supply of them that are anywhere from decent to fantastic. If you throw the SFC into the equation it slides even much higher in the plus category factoring in what we got screwed out of here.

[genesisguy]

SNES is one of the greatest systems of all time to me, but your statement is false. I am saying this as a person who owns all 3 16 bit systems aka Snes, Genesis, and the TG-16.

Your statement is false because the Genesis actually is a stronger Shoot'em up system.

SNES is a great rpg, and great platform system, but not Shoot'em ups on the SNES isn't as good as the genesis to me as a whole although there is some shoot'em ups for the SNES that I enjoy like Space Megaforce.

My rule of thumb for the 16 bit era is you need all 3 systems to get the experience of the era because each system does have its flaws in its game libraries.

I agree with you on the Genesis having the stronger library of shoot'em up games.
The SNES shoot'em up library is not only weaker but the actual slow down issues of the SNES plague a vast majority of the shoot'em ups.

[Gentlegamer]

The SNES shoot'em up library is not only weaker but the actual slow down issues of the SNES plague a vast majority of the shoot'em ups.

Gradius III isn't the vast majority of SNES shooters.

Try playing Space Megaforce (Super Aleste), Biometal, R-Type 3, Aero Fighters, and Rendering Ranger.

[Tanooki]

See that's the tired argument Sega fans use for Genesis shooters, gross SNES slowdown -- ie: Gradius, because Gradius III is the only shooter on the system other than Space Megaforce(Super Aleste) which can't be ignored. No need to discuss many others like Axelay, Aerofighters, Blazeon, Darius Twin, Choplifter 3, Bio Metal, Phalanx, R-Type III, Raiden, (technically both) Smash TV and Total Carnage, Strike Gunner, Super EDF, Super R-TYpe, Firepower 2000, or UN Squadron among many of the US shooters. Thunder Spirits often gets singled out since the Genesis has that series. There's also a nice selection of Japanese stuff to import too with 3 Parodius and 2 Twinbee games, Spriggan, SDF Macross, Sonic Wings 2(sequel to aerofighters), Marchen Adventure Cotton 100%, Dezaemon, Caravan Shooting Collection, and there are others from both sides of the ocean.

[7th lutz]

See that's the tired argument Sega fans use for Genesis shooters, gross SNES slowdown -- ie: Gradius, because Gradius III is the only shooter on the system other than Space Megaforce(Super Aleste) which can't be ignored.

I hope you don't try to lump into the group that claims Gradius III is the only shooter the system otheran Space Megaforce which can't be ignored. I only mentioned one shooter I for a reason for the SNES. I don't like listing the amount games I like unless I am asked and I don't like brag about the total of games I own for each system.

If you ask me what are my favorite SNES shooters, I would say Axley, Space Megaforce, Gokujou Parodius, R-Type III and Thunder Spirits.

[Tanooki]

It was a general statement due to the amount of chest thump Sega tools for two decades now talking how the SNES doesn't have shooters, or that they're slow with graphical drop out like Gradius was the only game. It really isn't true as there are a lot on the SNES, even more with SFC factored in, but really there are many and many that are good to great.

[HardcoreOtaku]

.....

[genesisguy]

It was a general statement due to the amount of chest thump Sega tools for two decades now talking how the SNES doesn't have shooters, or that they're slow with graphical drop out like Gradius was the only game. It really isn't true as there are a lot on the SNES, even more with SFC factored in, but really there are many and many that are good to great.

LOL Chest thump Sega tools? That's a good one.

I'll agree those games you listed for the SNES are good to great. Probably more so leaning to the good side, but that's a personal opinion. That said there's twice as many great Genesis shoot em ups. Is there where I list them all and thump my chest? But seriously I guess it comes down to personal opinion really. The way I came to this decision was in loading flash carts for both the Genesis and SNES with their shoot em up libraries. At the end of the day the Genesis has more "great" shoot em ups. And I do remember the slow down was present on more than just Gradius III.

[Tanooki]

Well it sounded nicer than the cliched fanboy rap. I've just seen it online back into the mid90s how the SNES has no shooters and/or no quality shooters and how the Sega system has vastly more and better stuff. Physical total perhaps there is more, I never counted or cared to, but sometimes you find that quantity and quality don't match up. Sometimes more isn't better, but sometimes more better is ideal.

Google that shumps website, it may not be updated really anymore but it does have a generally solid list of shooters for each platform and various games end up having reviews, some by the stage with images.

I remember Super R-Type having the slowdown problem, as does Parodius 2 when you get the screen fully loaded (minor but you notice it, at least the visuals don't tear, and Parodius 3 is special chipped so it's fine.)



I don't understand the comment of between the SNES, Genesis and TG16 that there's deficiencies in each library you have to own them all. Cleary the TG16 does lack some genres entirely or damn near it (kind of like N64 lacked a few things.) I don't remember the SNES or really the Genesis lacking in anything really. Sure both got their own obscure PC releases (SNES-Wing Commander, Gen-Star Control) and arcade conversions and all that plus the unique games, but neither really 'lack' other than exclusives.

[Leo_A]

SuperNes has nice shooters. The problem is that the Genesis has many more.

Same thing with the Saturn and the Playstation. Playstation was no slouch in the 2D department or the shooter genre, the Saturn just was even better at it.

[7th lutz]

I don't understand the comment of between the SNES, Genesis and TG16 that there's deficiencies in each library you have to own them all. Cleary the TG16 does lack some genres entirely or damn near it (kind of like N64 lacked a few things.) I don't remember the SNES or really the Genesis lacking in anything really.
There is more to the TG-16 overseas as a the pc engine than what is released in the states if you combine HU-Card with the CD part of the system. You are missing something with the TG-16 if you don't have it if you are fan some genres. The TG-16 is a must have system if you love shooters. Too bad The Pc Engine DUO R is so expansive and the Turbo Duo has a history of durability problems.

The other thing is if you are of action rpgs, the Pc Engine has the ys series. No offense the SNES, the series is designed to be disc based not cartridge.

The Genesis is lacking in a few areas. I own the system since December of 1992. The Sega Genesis downfall is more than graphics and sound compare to the SNES. The Sega Genesis doesn't have the depth in a couple genres. The Sega Genesis isn't that strong in the RPG Genre. Phantasy Star Series and Shining Forces series is it for RPG that you can see that are great for the Genesis in the RPG genre. The SNES really beaten the Sega Genesis in the RPG Genre in pure amount and Quality.

When it comes to Zelda type games, the Sega Genesis also isn't the strongest at although Land Stalker and Crusader of Centy are great.

The SNES that Shooter issue although it does has a nice lineup based on the amount the Genesis has like LEO mentioned. I also agree with LEO on the Saturn. The Playstation had good shooters, but the Saturn is stronger with it. I am saying that since I do have some import Saturn games.

[Melf]

The Sega Genesis isn't that strong in the RPG Genre. Phantasy Star Series and Shining Forces series is it for RPG that you can see that are great for the Genesis in the RPG genre. The SNES really beaten the Sega Genesis in the RPG Genre in pure amount and Quality.

When it comes to Zelda type games, the Sega Genesis also isn't the strongest at although Land Stalker and Crusader of Centy are great.

This is untrue. If you factor in imports, the Genesis and Sega CD combine for over 70 RPGs. In fact, the system has almost as many RPGs as it does shooters.

[kai123]

Well I cried when my brother got a Genesis for Christmas and I got a Super Nintendo. So Sega has that going for them. For those wondering why we got two consoles, my brother lived with his mom and she is the one that got him that. The only reason I remember crying was because Sonic was faster than Mario. I played Mario World and saw Yoshi and I was content again. I love both systems so much.

[JSoup]

As others have said, there really isn't any point in limiting yourself to just one of the two these days, both systems have some really great titles and some really stinkers too. I generally enjoy both systems, about the only "this is better than that" arguments I can really field are for the cross-platform games like Disney's Aladdin and The Adventures of Batman & Robin.


Which console has the best Boogerman?

Genesis version seems to be the most often lauded.


That's a dumb comment.
That sentiment may have held some ground back in 1994. But now through the broader awareness provided by the World Wide Web, only an ignoramus would draw such a conclusion.

It would strengthen your point a bit if you'd provide a few examples instead of just being condescending.

[7th lutz]

This is untrue. If you factor in imports, the Genesis and Sega CD combine for over 70 RPGs. In fact, the system has almost as many RPGs as it does shooters.
I didn't count import RPG or Sega CD rpgs for a reason. While Sega CD is an add-on, it really shouldn't count for a lot of Sega Genesis owners.

I know about Sega CD since 1992, but it only sold around 3 million units. I never owned Sega CD matter of fact. That add-on does have some good games, but I don't like the durability of the system based on what I read.

I am aware of Popful Mail, the 2 lunar games, vay and the Shining Force game for Sega CD. I remembered the reviews back in the 1990's.

I don't count rpgs that aren't translated due to the fact I don't read Japanese. When I buy imports for systems like the Sega Saturn, I make sure they are not text heavy such as shoot'em ups.

Sega Genesis also didn't get a lot of RPG's that are fully translated after it was discontinued in 1998 unlike the Snes. The Snes even has RPG hacks.

The only fully translated Genesis Rpg games done after 1998 are blue almanac, Beggar Prince, King Colossus and Legend of Wukong.

[Tanooki]

There is more to the TG-16 overseas as a the pc engine than what is released in the states if you combine HU-Card with the CD part of the system. You are missing something with the TG-16 if you don't have it if you are fan some genres. The TG-16 is a must have system if you love shooters. Too bad The Pc Engine DUO R is so expansive and the Turbo Duo has a history of durability problems...

I agree but given this was straight up about SNES, Genesis (and TG16 got thrown in and not so much about SFC, MD, and PCE I limited it to US titles and split that in my other post to say ...and more.) I had a Duo back in the 90s and earlier 00s so trust me I know how lacking the US HuCard and CD market was compared to Japan, a good many of my discs were imports. I also agree with you about Ys, yet I do have Ys3 (assholes totally neutered the great original cut scene visuals into trash) as it did work best on a disc, even the modern revisits on Windows while digital in Japan are on disc too.

I was trying to not start a fanboy fight so I left the lacking Genesis bit off. I'm aware it's short on a few things, but it wasn't as bad at all as TG16 (US only) was. The following is based on the US system alone and no-addon units (SCD.) It clearly is older hardware considering design times and release (89) to the SNES (90/91) and they both have strengths. Genesis has the raw faster main CPU clock speed, but the SNES gets it in the end with the DMA, 32K color palette (256~ on screen), and the audio (though some prefer Yamaha over sound samples SPC700 -- I don't.) Genesis was weak in RPG, but not like N64 weak in them and it did have some interesting other ARPG/RPG games that weren't of those 2 series. SNES had leagues more RPG, a wider spread than even the perceived vs reality of shooters Genesis had over SNES, but ulimately yes the quality aspect (audio/visual) among other things the SNES did edge it out.

[7th lutz]

I was trying to not start a fanboy fight so I left the lacking Genesis bit off. I'm aware it's short on a few things, but it wasn't as bad at all as TG16 (US only) was. The following is based on the US system alone and no-addon units (SCD.) It clearly is older hardware considering design times and release (89) to the SNES (90/91) and they both have strengths. Genesis has the raw faster main CPU clock speed, but the SNES gets it in the end with the DMA, 32K color palette (256~ on screen), and the audio (though some prefer Yamaha over sound samples SPC700 -- I don't.) Genesis was weak in RPG, but not like N64 weak in them and it did have some interesting other ARPG/RPG games that weren't of those 2 series. SNES had leagues more RPG, a wider spread than even the perceived vs reality of shooters Genesis had over SNES, but ulimately yes the quality aspect (audio/visual) among other things the SNES did edge it out.
I never had any admitting the Genesis is weaker in Graphics and Sound compare to the Snes although there is some genesis game music that I always liked.

When it comes to the TG-16, I only have the US hu-cards. I did play a small of CD games the Wii that was on the virtual game console. If it wasn't for the internet years ago, I wouldn't have considered a Tg-16 although I saw games for it Christmas Catalogs and at some stores like toys r us. I found it to be a hidden gem of the system based on what I own.

[Melf]

I didn't count import RPG or Sega CD rpgs for a reason. While Sega CD is an add-on, it really shouldn't count for a lot of Sega Genesis owners.

I know about Sega CD since 1992, but it only sold around 3 million units. I never owned Sega CD matter of fact. That add-on does have some good games, but I don't like the durability of the system based on what I read.

I am aware of Popful Mail, the 2 lunar games, vay and the Shining Force game for Sega CD. I remembered the reviews back in the 1990's.

Why not count it? It's not 1992, and CD systems are quite cheap and easy to find. The games are a lot more affordable than most SNES RPGs, for sure.


I don't count rpgs that aren't translated due to the fact I don't read Japanese. When I buy imports for systems like the Sega Saturn, I make sure they are not text heavy such as shoot'em ups.

Are we discussing how many RPGs there are or how many you're willing to play. I was under the impression that we were talking about available games.


Sega Genesis also didn't get a lot of RPG's that are fully translated after it was discontinued in 1998 unlike the Snes. The Snes even has RPG hacks.

The only fully translated Genesis Rpg games done after 1998 are blue almanac, Beggar Prince, King Colossus and Legend of Wukong.

Again, untrue. There is also Nadia: Secret of Blue Water, Monster World IV, King Colossus, Psy-O-Blade, Langrisser 2, all the Phantasy Star text adventures, Barver Battle Saga, among others. Surging Aura and Shadowrun (Sega CD) are currently being translated.

[Gentlegamer]

Why not count it? It's not 1992, and CD systems are quite cheap and easy to find.

I think you need to update your info, my friend. :D

[Melf]

I think you need to update your info, my friend. :D

Unless you're looking for a boxed system, model 2 Sega CDs don't go for that much on eBay, and they're likely cheaper locally.

[Hep038]

Nice to see that even though the site is dead the Nintendo apologist are still strong on this site. Somethings never change...

[7th lutz]

Nice to see that even though the site is dead the Nintendo apologist are still strong on this site. Somethings never change...

I hope are not calling me a Nintendo apologist because I am a realist that hasn't been loyal to video game console maker since 1994. The Fanboy part of the 16 bit is something I don't miss and I learned the lesson of not being loyal to any game console maker.

I was a Sega Fanboy for a short time because a SNES Fanboy actually caused to become a Sega Fanboy because of the personal insults that person did again my parents without knowing them because my parents me gave a Sega Genesis Model 1 as a Christmas gift in 1992. The Fanboy did false claims like them doing drugs other stuff made that Fanboy hated the fact I got a game console different than he has. The fact is I thought at the time there were more SNES Fanboys out that did that crap as that one did and I didn't want to a SNES a result for a time.

The Sega Genesis Model 1 actually was a Christmas gift I didn't have on my Christmas list although I enjoyed playing SNES and Genesis games kiosks at stores.

The Snes Fanboy found out about me getting the Sega Genesis because he overhead another student asking me what I got for Christmas and went way overboard on me as a result.

[Daria]

Eh. Personally I prefer the US side of Sega RPG releases to those on the SNES. It isn't until you start to factor in fan translations that the SNES wins me over.

[7th lutz]

Nice to see that even though the site is dead the Nintendo apologist are still strong on this site. Somethings never change...

If you wanted more proof of me not being a Nintendo apologist besides that bad Experience that the SNES Fanboy did to me years ago I have it.

I am an owner of Sega Genesis model 1, 32x, sega master system model 1 and 2, dreamcast, nomad, Game Gear, and Sega Saturn.

I don't have every Nintendo system ever made and I don't a Game boy,Virtual Boy, Nintendo 64 and I have no plans of a Wii U. Me not having all Nintendo systems and not wanting to buy the 4 I mentioned is a sign of a person who isn't a Nintendo Fanboy. I don't have a gameboy since I have GBC, and GBA in the Game Boy series instead.

I am more than willing to even to list me top 75 games for the Sega Genesis.

[Gentlegamer]

Nice to see that even though the site is dead the Nintendo apologist are still strong on this site. Somethings never change...

Ditto for Genny apologists.

[7th lutz]

Again, untrue. There is also Nadia: Secret of Blue Water, Monster World IV, King Colossus, Psy-O-Blade, Langrisser 2, all the Phantasy Star text adventures, Barver Battle Saga, among others. Surging Aura and Shadowrun (Sega CD) are currently being translated.

I did mention games that are fully translated and that is I didn't mention Surging Aura for that reason.

I did mention King Colossus in my first reply to you since I actually own the translated version of the game.

Monster World IV is a game that I own, but it is hard for me to call it an rpg and it is the same with landstalker. The fact is While Monster World does have some Rpg elements, I don't think it the rpg experience points since it has been a while I played it. I actually forgot about Barver Battle Saga since I own a translated version of the game, but I really haven't played it much yet.

I forgot about the Phantasy Star Text Adventures due to the fact I usually don't see any translated versions of that game. I thought the Langrisser series was a strategy game series without any rpg elements before I had to double check.

[Tanooki]

I was thinking that, but didn't want to go there to feed that post. :) I haven't played favorites with a system since the 90s either. I buy what gets games I want and can't get elsewhere. The only holdout I suppose is Microsoft. You couldn't give me a system of theirs to use, I'd sell it. They make not one game unique to their systems I'd ever want or think was even remotely fun other than the original Halo which was ok and on PC, but it stems to their bad relationship they created with the tactics in the computer market causing a total lack of trust and given how shoddy that 360 was too.

[Melf]

I was thinking that, but didn't want to go there to feed that post. :) I haven't played favorites with a system since the 90s either.

I'm not sure what you mean by "feeding." I wasn't playing favorites, merely pointing out something that wasn't true.

[Gentlegamer]

Check it out http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?28893-Genesis-v-s-Super-Nintendo-hardware-comparison&p=693603&viewfull=1#post693603

Gradius III and EGM cited, perfect combo for the Genesis fanboy who needs reassurance over 20 years later.

Melf, you really need to ban all non-Genesis discussion on your forum. Super Nintendo is the topic of seemingly more than half the threads on your Sega Genesis website.

[MidnightRider]

^You mean unlike yourself obsessing over this very subject?

On the flip side, it's funny how an innocent magazine topic on this very forum devolved into SNES fanboy bitching over the same exact EGM page. Then further devolved into bitching over the advertisement wars.

Stupid sexist Sega: http://www.defunctgames.com/pic/commercialbreak33d.jpg
Thankfully flawless Nintendo never resorted to sexism in it's advertisements:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evI5pF5h8Ck





Now, are we done giving verbal fellatio to corporations that manufacture hardware, so we can get back to enjoying the software?

[Casati]

Does anyone realize that I started this thread as a discussion of multi-platform games, not unique games for each console or a discussion of which console is better? Has anyone watched those Console Wars YouTube videos? I think they provide good criterion for judging between multiple versions of the same game and they show screen shots to let viewers make their own decision.

[Tanooki]

It's an old thread and it's a classic gaming board with people who usually owned one or the other so of course it's going to devolve into pointing out people making asses out of themselves in the past or present playing sides and being childish about it. The big one clearly was EGM as they uniquely played the role of the dick against Nintendo, Philips, and a few other companies as they tended to suck up to one big fish every generation and to do so, so well they'd toss everyone else under the bus with lies and insinuations to manipulate readers because there was no internet so you took their word on it with no way to research it. Now though you can look back at how awful they and others were and draw some new conclusions or reinforce old ones.

That Sega-16 thread is pretty bad, but it's no surprise as it's a Sega only board, and the Genesis was about really the only solid system they ever put out and backed properly people could look up to which would make the SNES the equal of the video gaming antichrist to them and that Gen vs SNES hardware comparison is loaded with bs. :) The one thread some some semblance of honesty though I do appreciate they have is that Gen vs SNES side by side for games both systems got, even those that got the same game by name but not content really didn't play sides. Even some games I recall people claiming was better back then on the Genesis like Earthworm Jim 2 is thrown curiously to the SNES in that thread.

[Casati]

I am more than willing to even to list me top 75 games for the Sega Genesis.

Proceed with your Genesis list, thank you. :)

[JSoup]

Now, are we done giving verbal fellatio to corporations that manufacture hardware, so we can get back to enjoying the software?

You must be new to the gaming community.

[Melf]

Melf, you really need to ban all non-Genesis discussion on your forum. Super Nintendo is the topic of seemingly more than half the threads on your Sega Genesis website.

Lol, three threads! However will we stop the flood! And didn't you start one of them?

[7th lutz]

Proceed with your Genesis list, thank you. :)
Thanks, but i'll wait after Christmas. I have a younger brother that gives me video games as Christmas presents. The Games he gives me Christmas are from older game systems.

[Tanooki]

So you can't name 75 until basically after the new year? That seems questionable.

[7th lutz]

So you can't name 75 until basically after the new year? That seems questionable.

I actually name 75 games now, but I don't want to change my list so soon.

All I am will to say about my genesis Collection is I have way more than 75 games. The only game consoles that I have more games than the Genesis is the Nes and the Atari 2600.

[Tanooki]

I don't have 75 on any system, I have in the past and over 100 easy, but never a Sega system as those I think topped out in the 40s on Genesis and Dreamcast. It doesn't mean I couldn't work up a list of 75 though on Genesis as it wouldn't be terribly hard I don't think.

[7th lutz]

I don't have 75 on any system, I have in the past and over 100 easy, but never a Sega system as those I think topped out in the 40s on Genesis and Dreamcast. It doesn't mean I couldn't work up a list of 75 though on Genesis as it wouldn't be terribly hard I don't think.
Creating a top 75 genesis isn't a problem for me. Me waiting for Christmas is the fact I get games that I didn't play before like what happened with Super Fantasy Zone as a birthday gift I got earlier this year.

A lot of the games I buy for older systems actually is games that I never played before.

[celerystalker]

Here's a top 75, not in any order:

1 Musha
2 Sailor Moon
3 Steel Empire
4 Exile
5 Phelios
6 Elemental Master
7 Yu Yu Hakusho (the fighter from Treasure)
8 Gunstar Heroes
9 Pulseman
10 Phantasy Star II
11 Phantasy Star III
12 Phantasy Star IV
13 Gain Ground
14 Alien Storm
15 Shining Force
16 Shining Force II
17 Castlevania Bloodlines
18 Contra Hard Corps
19 Toejam & Earl
20 Rocket Knight Adventures
21 Chiki Chiki Boys
22 Wonder Boy in Monster World
23 Trampoline Terror
24 Streets of Rage
25 Bare Knuckle II
26 Bare Knuckle III
27 Golden Axe
28 Golden Axe II
29 Golden Axe III
30 Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
31 Grind Stormer
32 Truxton
33 Comix Zone
34 Granada
35 NHLPA Hockey '93
36 Sonic the Hedgehog
37 Sonic 2
38 Sonic 3
39 Sonic & Knuckles
40 King Colossus
41 Saint Sword
42 Valis III
43 Crusader of Centy
44 Landstalker
45 McDonald's Treasure Island
46 Dynamite Headdy
47 TMNT: The Hyperstone Heist
48 Rock 'n Roll Racing
49 Thunderforce II
50 Thunderforce III
51 Lightening Force
52 Sagaia
53 Trouble Shooter
54 Ristar
55 Sorcerer's Kingdom
56 Columns
57 Gauntlet IV
58 Alien Soldier
59 Crackdown
60 Ranger X
61 Soldiers of Fortune
62 Shadowrun
63 Marvel Land
64 Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Kingdom
65 Ghouls & Ghosts
66 Light Crusader
67 Space Harrier II
68 Ghostbusters
69 Sorcerian
70 Sword of Vermillion
71 Boogerman
72 Earthworm Jim
73 Earthworm Jim 2
74 Beyond Oasis
75 Tyrants

There you go off the top of my head. I still like both the SNES and Turbografx better. Happy to give better lists for those two.

I don't know if anyone mentioned it yet, but the site retro sanctuary does some nice multi-platform comparisons that seem mostly unbiased and contain a lot of screens.

[MidnightRider]

Not in any particular order of favoritism, outside the first 6 or so.

01) Streets of Rage 2
02) Pirates! Gold
03) Sonic 3 & Knuckles
04) Contra: Hard Corps
05) Gunstar Heroes
06) The Adventures of Batman and Robin
07) Chiki Chiki Boys
08) Beyond Oasis
09) LandStalker
10) Crusader of Centy
11) Shining Force
12) Herzog Zwei
13) Bio-Hazard Battle
14) Golden Axe II
15) Bubble and Squeak
16) Castlevania: Bloodlines
17) Rocket Knight Adventures
18) Skitchin'
19) Mega Turrican
20) Comix Zone
21) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist
22) El Viento
23) Lightening Force
24) Gaiares
25) Trouble Shooter
26) Kings Bounty
27) Starflight
28) Columns III
29) Gauntlet IV
30) Ranger X
31) X-Men 2: The Clone Wars
32) Crack Down
33) Ristar
34) Ghouls & Ghosts
35) Ghostbusters
36) Phantasy Star IV
37) Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
38) Aladdin
39) Desert Demolition Starring Road Runner & Wile E. Coyote
40) Mega Turrican
41) ESWAT: City Under Siege
42) Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition
43) Bubba 'n Stix
44) Championship Pro-Am
45) Outrun
46) Super Hang-On
47) Two Crude Dudes
48) Shinobi III
49) Decap Attack
50) Fatal Labyrinth
51) M.U.S.H.A
52) Phelios
53) Rolling Thunder 3
54) Skeleton Krew
55) Mutant League Football
56) Strider
57) Vectorman
58) Zoom!
59) Wings of Wor
60) Alisia Dragoon
61) Target Earth
62) The Steel Empire
63) Elemental Master
64) Mystic Defender
65) Tinhead
66) Quack Shot Starring Donald Duck
67) Toejam & Earl
68) Blades of Vengeance
69) Midnight Resistance
70) Kid Chameleon
71) Mercs
72) The Pirates of Dark Water
73) Splatterhouse 2
74) Wiz 'n' Liz: The Frantic Wabbit Wescue
75) Flicky

Made with the following restrictions:
*1 game to represent any series, to keep the list from being cluttered by sequelitis. (Skitchin' representing Road Rash)
*Only North American releases (Otherwise Alien Soldier, Monster World IV, and a host of others would have been on there).
*To the best of my knowledge, nothing that appeared on a competing home console(not even so much as Master System or Sega CD), that is the same exact game (no WWF, no Mortal Kombat, no Street Fighter, etc.).