RPG Questions Sega Genesis/CD/32X

[tritium]

1: Is Might and Magic : A new world, like MM2 for PC?
2: What is a recommended RPG for these systems? First time Genesis/Segacd/32x owner
3: Is Lunar: SIlver Star worth the price of admission?


I'll think of more later

-Tritium

[VACRMH]

2. Shining Force 1-2, Phantasy Star 2-4, Vay (At least IMO)

3. Yes, well... 20-$30 sounds about right.

[wisekrak]

Add Shining Force CD, Crusader of Centy, The Genisis version of Shadowrun was really good and oh yeah.... the King of Kings IMO LANDSTALKER!

[Lemmy Kilmister]

2. The above posters pretty much tock the words out of my mouth.
3. No not really. You just be better off getting the playstation or saturn version of the game. Eternal blue on the other hand..

[VACRMH]

3. No not really. You just be better off getting the playstation or saturn version of the game. Eternal blue on the other hand..

True, the PSX Remake ment alot more to me because I had played through the Sega CD version first. There were tons of extras and changes that made it worth playing again. But if you've played the PSX version already it could be a step down for you.

[BigGeorgeJohnson]

As far as Lunar goes, I agree that the PS versions are much more polished while staying true to the original games.

Sega CD- Popful Mail is the only other one I can think of that hasn't been mentioned already. Dark Wizard is a good stategy/rpg.

Genesis- Kings Bounty is basically a scaled down version of Heroes of Might and Magic, not really a true RPG but I thought I would mention it.
I can't think of too many others that haven't been said already, Maybe Herzog Zwei, more strategy than rpg I think. Genesis had a great version of starflight as well, it is a really great game with rpg elements. WarSong is like Shining Force. And Shining in the Darkness is a first person rpg, and there is a version of Y's 3 I think. Thats all I can think of...

[pookninja]

dont forget sword of vermillion.great rpg,in my opinion.light crusader is a good act/rpg.

[Ed Oscuro]

I just can't get past Sword of Vermilion's (thanks BenT!) off colors and totally lackluster presentation, plus I don't like the fight scenes. I've got NOTHING against an above-ground Fraggle Rock world, though.

Light Crusader I can't really recommend, though I like it a good deal personally. Some of the short time period areas are OK, and that's about it. The game just picks up an idea and drops it just as quickly again, never to return, and then it later appears that Cullen is actually of more importance to David than he is in the game, where he just appears two or three times and says random (but obviously quest-related) things. Bad inventory system; once you pick up a one-use special item you can't drop it, which means inventory space is constantly shrinking. Inventory's always cluttered with useless items like curse-removing cheese and wine. Cat merchant's music...UGH. Some puzzles make no sense (STOP! in particular). The music is alright, but I have to agree with Victor's review (from Working Designs)...it doesn't fit. The polygons and ultra-realistic graphics are great, yet David's animations are all pretty bad. You can push almost everything around, including guards...off ledges...and the fortune teller's table, which moves around with the fortune teller as a unit. Rather funny effect. If there's a crazy idea (hey, a switch that changes gravity! Mortars that drop fish! The best armor in the game is a random drop from magic missile-casting water lilies!), it's in here, but that's not necessarily a good thing.

[Lord007]

I'm definitely not much of an RPG player and can count the number of RPG's I've played on one hand. But one of those games was The Faery Tale Adventure for Genesis and I had a lot of fun playing thru it. I'm pretty sure it's not the best for the system but you might still have fun with it.

[-hellvin-]

Personally I think Lunar is terrible and unless you can get it for 20$ or under do NOT waste your time. IMHO it's a very bland rpg with no real interesting gameplay. At all. I got Eternal Blue a while back but haven't even bothered to test it yet.

[Graham Mitchell]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Shining in the Darkness. It's the seed of the whole "Shining" series, and it's DAMN cool. Only problem is that the entire game is in the first person perspective (like Ultima) and every corridor looks the same. The only time you get a map is if you cast a spell and you get a little portion of one, so either find maps online or get out yer graph paper.

It's worth it though; the presentation (espectially of the town, etc.) is unlike anything else I've played.

Shining Force anything is great, too.

[Cauterize]

Beyond Oasis is a good Genesis RPG

[FantasiaWHT]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Shining in the Darkness. It's the seed of the whole "Shining" series, and it's DAMN cool. Only problem is that the entire game is in the first person perspective (like Ultima) and every corridor looks the same. The only time you get a map is if you cast a spell and you get a little portion of one, so either find maps online or get out yer graph paper.

It's worth it though; the presentation (espectially of the town, etc.) is unlike anything else I've played.

Shining Force anything is great, too.

Damn, beat me to it :)

Not 100% an RPG, but the remake of Wonder Boy in Monster World for the Genesis is fantastic.

[slip81]

Beyond Oasis is a good Genesis RPG

Really good act/RPG.

Phantasy Star II is also worrth checking out. As far as Lunar goes, I loved the series and would pay the 50 price tag on ebay, but if you're not sure see if you can get it from a collector so you don't pay inflated prices. To me they're good RPG's, but I have a fondness for 16 bit RPG's anyway. They're good, but don't pay a lot if you're not a fan.

Also I've never played it, but I hear Herog Zwei is a good stragey/RPG for genesis. Oh and stay away from Sword of Sodan IMO, it's terrible.

[Ed Oscuro]

Beyond Oasis is a good Genesis RPG
Damnit! More competition. *sigh*

LOL

[Trellisaze]

1: Is Might and Magic : A new world, like MM2 for PC?


As far as I know, yeah, it's a port of Might & Magic 2 for the PC. Never having played it, I don't know how close and good of a port it is. But it's the only version of M&M2 appearing on a console in North America (since the SNES one got inexplicably cancelled.)

[tritium]

I loved the PC version of Might&Magic 2, so I hope the genesis one is the same.

Time to look for a cheap copy of Lunar, I wonder how it holds up against stuff like Chrono Trigger and FF2... hmm...

-Tritium

[BigGeorgeJohnson]

I just remembered another one, I'm surprised no one has mentioned it. It's one of the best rpg's I've ever played.

" Buck Roger's Countdown to Doomsday "

[Ed Oscuro]

1: Is Might and Magic : A new world, like MM2 for PC?

As far as I know, yeah, it's a port of Might & Magic 2 for the PC.
I've seen Might and Magic 2 and 3 on the Genesis.

[Lord007]

I'm definitely not much of an RPG player and can count the number of RPG's I've played on one hand. But one of those games was The Faery Tale Adventure for Genesis and I had a lot of fun playing thru it. I'm pretty sure it's not the best for the system but you might still have fun with it.

So has anybody else even played this game? I'd actually like to know myself if anybody felt this RPG was actually any good or not...I haven't played many RPG's to compare it...

[Graham Mitchell]

I'm definitely not much of an RPG player and can count the number of RPG's I've played on one hand. But one of those games was The Faery Tale Adventure for Genesis and I had a lot of fun playing thru it. I'm pretty sure it's not the best for the system but you might still have fun with it.

So has anybody else even played this game? I'd actually like to know myself if anybody felt this RPG was actually any good or not...I haven't played many RPG's to compare it...

Faery Tale Adventure is decent. Not great, but decent. It has some unique features, and the fighting is kind of real-time. It reminds me a bit of Y's or Hydlide. To keep manufacturing costs down, EA decided to NOT give this game a battery, so it uses passwords. This leads to a neat trick, however. There is a temporary save/load feature so you can save a game and reload it until you turn the power off. The game also has locked doors to open (like Gauntlet) and you've got a limited number of keys that you have to find spread around. Well, if you save a game, then go open a whole bunch of doors, then RELOAD your game from before you opened them, the doors STAY OPEN, and you get all your keys back. Because I cheated like this through the whole thing, it wasn't too difficult, but it was kind of fun. I seem to remember there being Day/Night cycling like Drakkhen as well, but my memory of this game is kind of fuzzy.

Something else nobody mentioned which you MUST try is Starflight. It's a port of the old PC game, and it's incredible. It's an RPG set in space, and the gameplay mechanics are unlike any conventional RPG. Unless you've played Elite, you've probably never played anything remotely like Starflight, and you'll never see another game like it again. Star Control often comes to mind when Starflight comes up, but other than an overhead view of the ship, the two games really have absolutely nothing in common. Starflight is full of mystery and secrets, and really cool plot that plays out as you talk to other races flying around.

[Lord007]

Faery Tale Adventure is decent. Not great, but decent. It has some unique features, and the fighting is kind of real-time. It reminds me a bit of Y's or Hydlide. To keep manufacturing costs down, EA decided to NOT give this game a battery, so it uses passwords. This leads to a neat trick, however. There is a temporary save/load feature so you can save a game and reload it until you turn the power off. The game also has locked doors to open (like Gauntlet) and you've got a limited number of keys that you have to find spread around. Well, if you save a game, then go open a whole bunch of doors, then RELOAD your game from before you opened them, the doors STAY OPEN, and you get all your keys back. Because I cheated like this through the whole thing, it wasn't too difficult, but it was kind of fun. I seem to remember there being Day/Night cycling like Drakkhen as well, but my memory of this game is kind of fuzzy.

Yea there is a night/day change-over...and I also remember cheating with the save/load thing too. I'd save it before opening a chest and if I got something I didn't like I'd reload the game and try my luck again. Those long passwords did suck tho...

[tritium]

Hmm would it be better to get the psone versions of Lunar (both?)

-Tritium

[Graham Mitchell]

Hmm would it be better to get the psone versions of Lunar (both?)

-Tritium

To be honest, I never played the psOne versions; but I do know that they come with a lot of extras. Your money might go a bit farther if you invest in those. Also, I heard that in the Lunar 1 remake, the enemies are visible on the map; there's no "random attacks" anymore, and I think there might be a finite number of enemies. Can anyone else verify that?

[Mark III]

If you're into strategy RPG's at all, make sure to pick up Warsong and Master of Monsters.

[tritium]

Hmm how do Genesis/SegaCD RPGs hold up against the likes of SNES rpg's? I've already chosen the Genesis as my platform of choice, but many of my friends had snes's with Chrono Trigger and FF games...



-Tritium

[gwaine]

Graham...Star Control II is a lot like Starflight...better in my opinion, though it wasn't released on the Genesis...one of my fav games ever. Herzog Zwei isn't a RPG at all...a great game, but it's a pure real time strategy game (one of the first if not the first). I absolutely adore the Lunar games on the Sega CD...both are amazing. Warsong is probably my fav game on the genesis...more strategy than RPG, though your generals can level up, getting higher stats and spells, and also cool character graphic changes to reflect the higher levels. I've been playing the second one (Langrisser 2...never released in the US) as a translated ROM lately...it's even better than the original. My avatar is from Warsong.

[Bighab]

Hmm how do Genesis/SegaCD RPGs hold up against the likes of SNES rpg's? I've already chosen the Genesis as my platform of choice, but many of my friends had snes's with Chrono Trigger and FF games...



-Tritium

I like and prefer the genesis rpg's than whats available for the snes. The genesis has alot of old-school PC rpg's like:
Might and Magic 2
King's Bounty
Buck Rogers
StarFlight
Pirates Gold!
The genesis also has alot more strategy/rpg's:
Shining Force 1&2
Warsong
Master of Monsters
I also enjoy the Phantasy Star series more than the Final Fantasy series but thats an opinion thats shared by few people.

[tritium]

Starflight is an RPG? Like starcontrol 2? I loved SC2, but I didnt know there was anything ever done like it.

-Tritium

[Bighab]

Starflight is an RPG? Like starcontrol 2? I loved SC2, but I didnt know there was anything ever done like it.

-Tritium
Starflight is a very cool game. You select a crew and pilot a starship to different solar systems. It each system you can land on different planets and mine resources or capture different animals to sell to the zoo. With the money you make you can upgrade your ship's weapons,engines and such. You have to discover why all the suns in the galaxy are going supernova. If you get a copy try and make sure it has the starmap. It helps when trying to figure out jump points.

[Daria]

Hmm how do Genesis/SegaCD RPGs hold up against the likes of SNES rpg's? I've already chosen the Genesis as my platform of choice, but many of my friends had snes's with Chrono Trigger and FF games...

-Tritium

The Genesis has no where near as many RPGs as the SNES but the few that it does have are mosty fantastic. They're also a lot cheaper because the snes is so much more popular. Also anything on the Sega CD can easily compete with the likes of Chrono Trigger.

I messed the begining of the thread but here's my input anyway:

Shining Force: Simply a must have, SF2 may feature the brighter snes like graphics and steeper price tag but don't be fooled the original is the real gem. If I had to pick my all time favorite RPG ever, this would be it. I think it's already been mention that it's a tactical RPG, but unlike the likes of Final Fantasy Tactics and it's ilk you can explore towns like any other normal RPG. The game also packs a lot of subtle humour, keep a watch for Jogurt sightings through out the game, and command an all hamster army with the help of the Jogurt ring.

Shining in the Darkness: Again already mentioned but this is one of the few Dungeon Crawling games I can actually play. I guess it's because the storyline and graphics remind me so much of Shining Force. All the charm I loved from the first game is here, it's just a different battle system. One thing I loved about the first two Shining games is the character art, after that SF2 switches to a "cuter" style. The game again, also has a lot of humor, and your favorite characters will probably end up being some of the townsfolk, unlike other games each one is unique. Look out for the Golden Axe cameo. ;)

Shining Force CD: If you loved the battle system in Shining Force, this game is more the same with a direct continuation of the storyline, No town roaming though. Make sure you also but the Sega CD memory cartridge though.

Shining Force 2: Again definately worth getting if you like the Shining Force battle system, you probably should get this one before SFCD as it may actually be cheaper, cause you'd have to figure in the cost of the memory cartridge. I found the cuteness factor of the game a bit of a turn off, but many gamers prefer it. One thing that I liked batter about this title is now you can openly explore the world map, SF1 pushes you from place to place in a regimented fashion, blocking you from going back to past towns. SF2 gives you the run of the map and you can even set off "random battles" in a few locations. The humor's not the same as found in past titles and for that I blame the lack of Climax's involement in the series. SF2 is pure Camelot.

LandStalker: An isometic Zelda clone. I should warn you now, jumping in isometic is a bitch and LS uses a lot of jumping puzzles. Anyway... onginally intended to be a sequal to "Shining in the Darkness" called "Shining Rougue" the character designs and humor may be familar to those that have already played SitD or SF as it was developed by Climax. If you've played Alundra for the PSX this game will also seem very familar, and if you haven't well god dammit you should. :P What can I say? If you like action RPGs it's a great game, and the interactions betwen Nigel (the hero) and Friday (his fairy companion) are entertaining.

Beyond Oasis: Another Action RPG, although I believe BO (>.>') focuses more heavily on combat than puzzle solving. Graphically the game's gorgous and detailed and could easily compete with the likes of any SNES title. I haven't played it much, so there's not a whole lot I can say about the game other than I know many people love it.

Crusader of Centy: One look at this game will have you screaming Link to the Past ripoff, but luckily when you get past the graphical interface you'll realizes the two games have nearly nothing in common. Obviously another Action RPG. I remember the puzzles being a little challenging in this one, but what makes this game unique is that a lot of puzzels revolve around the unqiue abilities of your animal companions, You see you're a little boy whoes just been cursed/blessed by a mysterious gypsey. Consequently you can no longer speak or understand human speech, instead you've become the next Dr. Doolittle (*coughs* you can speak to animals). The storyline's also quite good.

Popful Mail: Side scrolling Sega CD Action RPG. Great graphics. Great script. Funny ass dialouge (Working Designs). And hard as hell. Maybe I just suck but as much as I want to love this game I just keep dying all the damn time. One thing that's nice about the Sega CD is if there are any games you want to try about before buying you can just pop a burned cd into the system. >.>

Lunar: Should you buy this over the PSX version? It's a great game no matter what system you play it on (erm. except the GBA) and I find the Sega CD version to be cheaper so why not? If you find you love the game you can upgrade later. Lunar's strength is the compelling stroy telling, sure compared with today's RPGs Lunar's plot is nothing ground breaking, but we're not comparing it to modern RPGs we're comparing it to SNES and Genesis games. Lunar's as good if not better then any of SNES's top games. Personally I lean towards better based on the fact it's one of the only old school rpgs that creates a cast of beliveable human characters. These people are driven by real emotions, and react to their situations they way you or I probably would. Oh... by the way it's also really funny and perverted. >.>

Lunar Eternal Blue: (see Lunar)

Phantasy Star 4: I'll admit now I haven't played much of the sereis, but if you're looking for a tradional RPG with a deep stryline PS4 wil be your next stop.

Phantasy Star 2: Like 4, but not as good.

Phantasy Star 3: I really think the average gamer's really too hard on this title. I can see how after playing Ps4 or Ps2 that PS3 would come as a bit of a let down but the game tries to be innovative and its worth playing for the "genartions" alone. Just don't go into the game expecting a masterpiece.

Traysia: Another lack luster title with a lot of charm. The battle system reminds me of that from Ultima Exodus (nes). You move your party along a "grid" with your stats lined up along the right side of the screen and select your attacks like any normal menu based rpg. Maybe I just have a softspot for Renovation games but I truely liked Traysia, it's cheap too which is a plus.

Wanders from Ys: Side scrolling action RPG: Ys3 deviates from the rest of the series by switching to a side scrolling perspective, and ends up resembling games like Faxanadu (nes) or Zelda 2 (nes). The series generally has a pretty good storyline that continues from game to game, but you can certainly get into Wanders as a stand alone title.

Exile: Another side scrolling Action RPG by Renovation. Another game I inherantly suck at, but if you can actually get the hang of playing it it can be pretty rewarding. It should be a cheap game but you may want to try the rom first.

Warsong: an excellent tactical RPG. It can be challenging as once dead your comanders can not be ressurected and picking some character classes can effectively rendered your units worthless. But the story is entertaining and whips you from unique battlefield to battlefield. A thinking game, you'll have to use a bit of strategy to beat the levels without losing any of your leaders. Definately worth getting if you enjoy these types of games.

Ugh... Bighab's post reminded me of my two favorite pirate RPGs available for the genesis:

Pirates! Gold: It's a pirate simulation, sail the open seas pludering ships and harbors, search out buried treasure, woo buxsom ladies, engage in duels. What's not to love? The game also gets prgressively harder as your character "ages" and it becomes harder and harder for him to win duels against younger men. It's one of those games I find myself just playing over and over again and it never gets old.

Uncharted Waters 2: New Horizons: Prehaps not as detailed a simulation as Pirates! Gold the game instead focuses on your character and his story. You can choose from like 6 or 8 different characters (and senarios) to play each one I believe represnts a different nation and/or period in history.

[XxMe2NiKxX]

Might and Magic 2 is not a port of MM2, it's a port of MMI:Portals.

Herzog Zwei is pure strategy.

Dungeons and dragons: Warrios of Eternal Sun was nice, kinda like SitD. Beyond Oasis, Story of Thor, LAndstalker, Soleil Fatal Labrynth, Master of Monsters, Traysia, Warsong, Wonderboy in Monster World, Shining Force, Shining Force II, Shining in the Darkness, Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star III, Phantasy Star IV, Rings of power, Shadowrun. Those should take you quite awhile.

[Melf]

Not 100% an RPG, but the remake of Wonder Boy in Monster World for the Genesis is fantastic.

The Genesis Wonderboy in Monster World isn't a remake. It's a direct sequel.


Also I've never played it, but I hear Herog Zwei is a good stragey/RPG for genesis. Oh and stay away from Sword of Sodan IMO, it's terrible.


Herzog Zwei is one of the best strategy games ever made. A true Technosoft masterpiece. Sword of Sodan isn't an RPG; it's a miserable excuse for a hack-'n-slash that plays like crap. Terrible, terrible game.


Hmm would it be better to get the psone versions of Lunar (both?)

-Tritium

The PS1 versions of both Lunar games are essentially the way the were meant to be. Both titles were heavily edited when released on the Sega CD due to time and budget issues. You would do well to get them for the PS1 if you can find them.

However, the Sega CD versions have merit as well. The music is different in Silver Star and there are a few changes to the story. Eternal Blue has dungeons and bosses that aren't in the PS1 remakes.

[Bighab]

Might and Magic 2 is not a port of MM2, it's a port of MMI:Portals..

Are you sure? Might and Magic 2 Gates to another world for the Genesis is the same as the PC version

Does anyone know if D&D Warriors of the eternal Sun ever get a Japanese Megadrive release?

[Azazel]

Other than the graphics and FMV the original versions of Lunar 1 and 2 are better in almost every way.

[Daria]

Beyond Oasis, Story of Thor.

Those are the same game... Story of Thor is the European title.

And since I don't know where the topic creator lives it should also be mentioned that Soliel/Ragnacenty/Crusader of Centy are all the same game as well.

[FantasiaWHT]

Not 100% an RPG, but the remake of Wonder Boy in Monster World for the Genesis is fantastic.

The Genesis Wonderboy in Monster World isn't a remake. It's a direct sequel.



Not at all, while the Genesis version does have quite a bit of added content, the locations match up, the story (what little there is) is still intact.

Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap for SMS is the DIRECT sequel to Wonder Boy in Monster World.

[FantasiaWHT]

@ Daria

Thanks for the PS3 love :) Sure it isn't a world shaking game, but it's way better than most people give it credit for, with at least 2 innovative systems that worked very well (generations and the technique squares)

And just want to add that Landstalker's jumping puzzles are extremely difficult but very satisfying once you get them. This was also one of the first truly hilarious games I ever played... I still think the whole "dance school" subplot was one of the funniest moments in video game history.

[Melf]

Not at all, while the Genesis version does have quite a bit of added content, the locations match up, the story (what little there is) is still intact.

Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap for SMS is the DIRECT sequel to Wonder Boy in Monster World.

I think you're confusing Monster Land with Monster World. Dragon's Trap is the sequel to Monster Land (it begins with ML's final battle). Monster World was released later.

In fact, if you boot up Monster Land on a Jap. MS, it will say "Monster World II."

[Iron Draggon]

1: Is Might and Magic : A new world, like MM2 for PC?

As far as I know, yeah, it's a port of Might & Magic 2 for the PC.
I've seen Might and Magic 2 and 3 on the Genesis.

Where did you see MM3 on the Genesis? It must've been on an emulator, because as far as I know of, that one was only released on the SNES. The Genesis got MM2 and the SNES got MM3, the only other 16BIT MM was on the Turbo. I'm pretty sure that it got MM4, but I could be mistaken on that. If there's any others, then they must be imports, or the rarest of the rare!

[Graham Mitchell]

If you're into strategy RPG's at all, make sure to pick up Warsong and Master of Monsters.

Or Dark Wizard for Sega CD!

[tritium]

mm another world is the same as mm on the PC. The menus and stuff are a bit different, the graphics have been upgraded, but its the same game.

The characters, the town, the monsters, the combat system all the same. I played the PC version for hours (hey I got it cheap in the early 90's and I was thirsting for RPG action). Its hard as hell, hack/slash, rinse repeat game. I love it.

I instantly recognized EVERYTHING on the Genesis version.

-Tritium

[tritium]

I just received my copy of Lunar: Silver Star last night. The voice over were very very amusing. Does the psone version improve on the cut-scenes? I'm already a big psOne RPG enthusiast.

Phantasy star II : Is the version on the dreamcast (Sega Vol 1) really that different from the direct Genny version?

-Tritium

[kainemaxwell]

How's Vay for the cd? PSIV is a must get though.

[Graham Mitchell]

How's Vay for the cd? PSIV is a must get though

PS IV is tough to find, though. I remember when it came out: $99.99 retail. Gee, I wonder why nobody bought it?

People tend to criticize me on this one, but I really liked Vay. It's simple to get into, and relatively fast-paced (thanks to a "run" button!) The story isn't as memorable as Lunar (I don't even remember the story, in fact) but I still remember having fun with it. We didn't get a lot of RPG's like this (with actual, animated cinemas that aren't just Final-Fantasy-style chit-chat between the little sprites) so if you're into that, Vay is for you.

[tritium]

Actually until now i've been dissappointed with the sega cd. -- Break down below explains my comment.

Sonic CD was ok [They made the spindash animation soooo ugly]

Rise of the Dragon is amusing, but still is a VERY old point/click adventure, I expected more animation

Mansion of Hidden Souls - Boring. I tried I really did, but I just couldnt get into it

Lunar - Its Grandia 2 done like Final Fantasy 2 (us) with voice overs!! WHOO!!!!

-Tritium

[Gabriel]

Does anyone know if D&D Warriors of the eternal Sun ever get a Japanese Megadrive release?

I remember reading somewhere that D&D Warriors of the Eternal Sun was a port and slight reprogramming of an existing Jap Megadrive RPG.

My picks for the best Genesis and Sega CD RPGs:

Shining Force
Phantasy Star IV
Dark Wizard
Shinking Force CD
Lunar 1 (I like the original better than the PS1 remake, and I thought Eternal Blue was vastly overrated)

My list is heavy on the Tactical RPG side, but the genre was practically invented on the Genesis, and it's my favorite type of game.

[kainemaxwell]

I was lucky and got PSIV as a gift myself. :)

[Azazel]

How's Vay for the cd? PSIV is a must get though

PS IV is tough to find, though. I remember when it came out: $99.99 retail. Gee, I wonder why nobody bought it?

People tend to criticize me on this one, but I really liked Vay. It's simple to get into, and relatively fast-paced (thanks to a "run" button!) The story isn't as memorable as Lunar (I don't even remember the story, in fact) but I still remember having fun with it. We didn't get a lot of RPG's like this (with actual, animated cinemas that aren't just Final-Fantasy-style chit-chat between the little sprites) so if you're into that, Vay is for you.

If I remember right for Vay you play a prince and the girl your going to marry gets kidnaps and these robot attack the planet. Your other main thing is you have to get the armor of Vay. I don't remember much more than that as the game isn't that rememorable.

[Graham Mitchell]

Actually until now i've been dissappointed with the sega cd. -- Break down below explains my comment.

Sonic CD was ok [They made the spindash animation soooo ugly]

Rise of the Dragon is amusing, but still is a VERY old point/click adventure, I expected more animation

Mansion of Hidden Souls - Boring. I tried I really did, but I just couldnt get into it

Lunar - Its Grandia 2 done like Final Fantasy 2 (us) with voice overs!! WHOO!!!!

-Tritium

You're disappointed because you're spoiled! LOL

A lot of changes have happened since then, and the whole "multimedia" thing has been streamlined. The voiceovers are nothing special nowadays, but back then it was kind of mindblowing, even if you knew it just spooled off the disc. The same goes for the animation. And one of Lunar's strong points is that, like FF2, it was HUGE. It takes advantage of the CD format by putting a big game in there instead of throwing memory away on FMV. Plus, I know the system was kind of pricey, but I remember when I bought Drakkhen for my SNES in 1990, and my mom about crapped herself because the cartridges were $70+ for the SNES, and remained that way throughout it's lifesapn. I never saw a Sega CD or Turbografx CD for over $50. In fact, it was rare if they cost that much.

All these games that seem kind of lackluster to you, however, are very influential. They're seminal. Things were changing rapidly in gaming at that time, and these games exhibit that. If you don't think they're fun, maybe you can appreciate them in that respect, at the very least.

[kainemaxwell]

Isn't Wanderers from Ys practially the same as the SNES game?

[FantasiaWHT]

I just received my copy of Lunar: Silver Star last night. The voice over were very very amusing. Does the psone version improve on the cut-scenes? I'm already a big psOne RPG enthusiast.

Phantasy star II : Is the version on the dreamcast (Sega Vol 1) really that different from the direct Genny version?

-Tritium

The PS version has more and longer cutscenes. Personally I think the art is MUCH better, but that's more of an opinion.

PS2 on the DC has absolutely ATROCIOUS sound... play it on GBA or wait for the PS2 (PS2 on the PS2...) remake.

[Graham Mitchell]

Isn't Wanderers from Ys practially the same as the SNES game?

First off, I don't think Ys III was ever released on Sega CD...I know for a fact that it wasn't in America.

And to answer your question, no, the TG-16 version is not at all like the SNES version. I mean, yes, the overall levels are the same and the graphics are similar, but there are different and better cut scenes (some of the best I've seen in any game. I play the game every couple of years just to watch the ending.)

Also, the SNES version plays really quirky and strange, and you die rediculously easily; it plays like a cheap piece of shit, basically. The CD-ROM version is actually a pretty well-made action RPG, that has a good learning curve and difficulty level. The graphics are a little choppy, but the game is good enough to make that forgiveable. The soundtrack is one of it's better qualities as well; It's incredible. It's fully arranged, performed mostly live, and extrememly well written. It's a mix of metal and 4ad/Cocteau Twins/etheriel-sounding music, and it's all damn good. They really don't make music like this for games anymore, unless it's the bland John-Williams inspired stuff, so if you have the opportunity to play Y's III (or I & II for that matter) on a Turbo, give it a try.

A lot of people probably have mixed opinions about this game (I think it's incredible, but don't listen to me; make up your own mind), but I think most people agree that the SNES version is a steaming turd, and doesn't represent what the game is supposed to be very well.

[Melf]

Ys III Turbo > Genesis > SNES

The only things I prefer about the TG Ys are the music and cut scenes. The graphics and gameplay are better on the Genesis. IMO. I also agree that the SNES version is crap.

[Daria]

Isn't Wanderers from Ys practially the same as the SNES game?

First off, I don't think Ys III was ever released on Sega CD...I know for a fact that it wasn't in America.


Who said it was? It's a Genesis title.

And yes Kain it is, it's a port. Although I think the Genny version is better then the SNES personally, I've never tried the Turbo Grafix port.