From: bcantin@aol.com (BCantin) Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega Subject: Sega CD FAQ 1.0 (1/3) Date: 13 Jun 1996 13:39:16 -0400 Sega CD FAQ 1.0 June 1996 Barry W. Cantin (BCantin@aol.com) Note: This document may be FREELY distributed in its original form. Nochanges or modifications are to be made without the author's permission. Contents O. Introduction I. Description II. History III. System Specs IV. The Sega CD line of machines V. Software VI. Conversion - US/Japanese/Europe VII. Leftovers O. Introduction Why? This project began some months ago when I simply wanted to compile a list of Sega CDs. I got my Sega CD unit (the original one) as part of a trade in May 1995 and very quickly began collecting the games. They have been heavily discounted nearly everywhere as places are rushing to unload their Sega CD stock. I've seen various titles sell for as low as $2 apiece, new. The collector bug bit me and I started to amass these things. %^) So I decided to make a list to track my collection. That list then grew to include a few imports I acquired in a trade, then some info from magazines looked good, then I dug up some old Japanese magazines for info, and so on... before I knew it, I had enough information for a bona-fide FAQ! The information here is not exactly presented in FAQ form - true, there ARE a few FAQs inside this document - but it's more like a GUIDE. My object here is to answer the questions before they're asked. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions not answered here, or ANY comments in general related to the Sega CD. I will be updating this FAQ/guide periodically, and I'm only too happy to give credit where credit is due. There are still several gaps here and there, and I don't plan on version 1.0 of this FAQ being the last. Speaking of credit, this FAQ would be a lot smaller without the valuable contributions from the following individuals: Clint Dyer (clint_dyer@prodigy.com) Clint's help has been unspeakably important in getting this done, and for verifying a lot of the FAQ content. Thien Tran (darkflt@cyberg8t.com) "Sonic" has supplied me with nearly 20k of text that has really added to the depth of the information in this FAQ. He's put a LOT of time into compiling it all for the FAQ and it shows... Steve Wargo (swargo@phoenixat.com) Steve has been maintaining a great Sega CD cheats list, get it from http://www.phoenixat.com/~swargo/ Nathan Stehle (stehle@aries.scs.uiuc.edu) Nathan has given Usenet readers great advance info on RPGs, particularly Working Designs titles (how do I get on that WD preview list anyway?) Larry Brackney (zeiram@mail.hsonline.net) Larry's responsible, ultimately, for all this -- he traded his Sega CD to me and got me started! [and a monster was created...] %^) Andy Wei Wu (no E-mail address... yet!) Wei is my video game "broker" (well more like a buyer's agent!) and source for much of this information Vic Ireland and the rest of the Working Designs staff For bringing over those wonderful RPGs that made me want a SEGA CD in the first place And to Bt Garner, Juan Gonzalez, Jon Folkers, and also the folks who frequent rgv.sega who still discuss the Sega CD... thanks! Please address any comments, changes, additions, updates, yadda yadda yadda, to me at BCantin@aol.com and I'll put your name in lights. %^) I. Description The Sega CD is an add-on peripheral for the Sega Genesis that allows the use of CD-ROM games specially written for the Sega CD system. It can also be used as a regular CD player (the sound comes through the television) and has CD+G capability. The Genesis is connected to the Sega CD unit via the interface slot, and a/v hookups are made through the Sega CD unit instead of the Genesis. The advantage of this is that games can take advantage of the sound provided directly by the compact disc in addition to sound effects from the Genesis unit itself. There are currently (as of 5/96) 147 Sega CD titles in the U.S. The Sega CD was released first in Japan as the "Mega CD", and was also released in Europe as the Mega CD. Most Japanese and European games can be played on the U.S. Sega CD unit via a converter cartridge (See section VI) but without the cart, the Japanese and American systems are not compatible. Q: What does the Sega CD do to improve the system? A: Here's what it adds to the Genesis: - 10 extra sound channels to complement the sound from the Genny's Z80 sound processor - sprite enhancement features such as scaling and rotation, similar to that of the SNES Mode 7 What it did NOT improve was color. The games still used 64 out of the total 512 colors possible (maybe more if you really knew how to tweak the system). Why no color improvement? Supposedly, cost. Sega's engineers reportedly wanted to include a new chip that would add to this, but it would have been an extra $5 part... which would more than likely translate to an extra $50 added to the cost of the machine. Full sprite scaling and rotation were helpful, bringing new levels of excitement which weren't fully utilized (except perhaps in a few games from Core Development, Ltd.). The Sega CD also allowed the Genesis to play FMV ("full-motion video"). The FMV was originally about 1/4 screen (Sewer Shark) but later expanded to that of Tomcat Alley (FULL screen). Advantages of CD games: better sound, much more information can be stored on a CD than a cart (CD=650 MB, cart typically around 1 to 4 MB, currently as high as 32 MB). CDs also theoretically have an infinite lifespan. Disadvantages of CD games: loading time can be a pain, CDs scratch easily. Q: Are the Sega CD and Saturn compatible? A: Not at all. They are two COMPLETELY different machines. There were some rumors circulating back in '94/'95 that Sega would make an adapter that would allow you to play Sega CDs on a Saturn... but evidently due to cost constraints of developing and manufacturing such a "Power Base"-type converter, it was determined to be not feasible for sale in the retail market. Q: Is the Sega 32X compatible with the Sega CD? A: Yes. When the 32X is mounted on top of the Genesis (attached to the Sega CD) there is absolutely NO interference to regular Sega CD games. There were also six CD titles designed for use with the 32X (see Titles section) but all are just Sega CD titles ported over to take advantage of the 32X hardware. The difference is a noticeably clearer, crisper FMV and generally a larger screen. These titles were also sold in yellow-stripe boxes (Digital Pictures titles), consistent with 32X cartridge packaging. "Fahrenheit" (Sega) was sold as a combo pack, you got both the Sega CD version and the 32X CD version in one package. NOTE: All Sega 32X CD titles are FMV-based games. Q: Is the Sega CD compatible with the TurboGrafx-CD/PC Engine CD/TurboDuo CD? A: No, these are two entirely different game machines. However, original Mega CD players COULD recognize a PC Engine CD (CD-ROM2), but could not play them. A message appeared, informing you that a PC Engine CD was inserted in the unit. II. History Development of the Sega CD was top secret. Programmers did not know what was being designed until the system was unveiled at the Tokyo Toy Show in Japan. Upon release, companies were told to start with "high memory"-based cartridge games and work from there (add cinemas, CD- music, FMV, etc., later). The Sega CD was designed to take on the PC Engine (TurboGrafx-16) CD unit, and NOT the SNES. The key factor to the Sega CD's design was that engineers based it somewhat on the PCE-CD, but with MORE memory and a slightly faster drive (6 Mbits and 150k transfer rate at 0.8 access time). The original Mega-CD was released in Japan in (June 1991?), and was developed to compete with NEC's PC Engine CD-ROM drive (equivalent to the TurboGrafx-CD in the U.S.). The machine was released with the following titles in Japan: Earnest Evans, Woodstock Funky Horror Rock Band, ... etc. The system was initially a hit in Japan, due to the CD based RPGs (!) and the inherent advantages of CD-based titles (lots of text, pics, animation, CD-based music, etc.). Lunar: Silver Star was one of these and helped sell the system during slow sales periods. The Mega Drive (Genesis) is mounted to the Mega CD (Sega CD) unit through the interface slot on the right side, and rested on top of it. This is the front-loading model. The drawer is opened by hitting the button, and closed by either hitting the pause button on controller #1 or via the CD system software CLOSE command. The Sega CD was released in November 1992 in the U.S. and looked very much like the Japanese Mega CD counterpart. Several pack-in titles were included: the Sega Classics 4-in-1 CD (Shinobi, Columns, Streets of Rage, and Golden Axe), Sherlock Holmes I, Sol Feace, and two CD+G/music CD samplers. The original selling price was $299. (The second U.S. production run after the initial 50,000 units had the Sega Classics 5-game CD instead of the four-game CD above - see CDX) These were the Sega CD titles available at the time of launch: Cobra Command Night Trap Black Hole Assault Sewer Shark Chuck Rock INXS Make Your Own Music Video Marky Mark Make Your Own Music Video Initial hype resulted in incredible sales. There were 50,000 units originally allotted in early November for the US launch. ALL the units were sold by the third week (prior to Thanksgiving). The second run began arriving in stores December 1992, approximately three days before Christmas. In (1994) Sega released a new, smaller Genesis and had a Sega CD II to go with it. This model connected to the Genny and sat (somewhat) side by side with it. Discs are loaded into the top of the unit, through a manually-opened door. Several third-party developers had signed on to do Sega, including Sony Imagesoft, Vic Tokai, Konami, Data East, EA Sports, Psygnosis, Working Designs, and many others. All in all, 148 titles were produced for the U.S. market. The early Sega CD titles were packaged inside a cardboard box with the instructions, and CD in a regular jewel case inside. (Examples include WonderDog, Jaguar, all the "Make My Video" titles except C+C Music Factory) In 1993, Sega of America began packaging them in large plastic jewel cases, about 8-1/4" by 5-3/4" and about 3/4" thick. These are the same jewel cases used by Saturn games and some Playstation titles today. Note that Sega of Japan continued to use regular-sized jewel cases for all Mega CD games, with small instructions to fit inside, just like a music CD. * Production runs for the Sega CD (original model) ended in 1993 * Production runs for the Sega CD2 ended in December 1995, in order to increase the production of the Saturn * Total number produced: officially - ??? - Unofficial estimate: 2.5 million, U.S., 2 - 3 million, Japan, 1 million, Europe III. System Specs The Sega CD adds graphics and sound capabilities to the standard Genesis console. Graphically, it provides superior scaling and rotation. Most of the sound for Sega CDs comes right off the disk, in addition to game sound effects which can be provided by the Genesis. System specs: Main CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 12.5 MHz * Same as the Genesis... runs in parallel with it... except the Genny CPU runs at the slower clock speed 7.9 MHz Graphics Processor: Custom ASIC RAM: * 6 Mbit Main RAM - Program - Picture * 512 Kbit PCM Waveform Memory - Wavefile memory * 128 Kbit CD-ROM data cache memory * 64 Kbit Internal Backup RAM Colors: * Originally 64, same as Genesis * Using programming tricks, can get 128 colors via HAM ("Hold and Modify") - Originally developed on the Commodore Amiga to boost color capabilities - Basically a graphic over a graphic = a double-color * Using Cinepak and TruVideo: - 128 to 256 colors - Increase screen size from 1/4 to full - Advanced compression scheme, used in Win 95 - Software-based upgrade * Eternal Champions CD uses 256 colors simultaneously (only game to do so) Storage capability of a Sega CD * Approximately 500 MB of data (62 min of audio data equivalent) * 1/4 screen B/W footage video: 1.5 to 4 hours * 1/4 screen color footage: 45 minutes * Above specs are prior to compression Transfer rate of Sega CD: 150 kbytes/sec (Single Speed) Boot ROM: * 1 Mbit, contains: - CD Game Bios - CD Player Software - CD+G Software Bios versions: * When you start the Sega CD, the title screen displays the Bios version in the upper-right corner of the screen. This helps identify what machine version you are using and in a way the security capabilities. (Startup music and startup screen of the Sega CD is different for each Bios) Bios Version Machine 1.00 Original Mega CD 1.10 Original Sega CD, Motorized Drive 2.00 Mega CD2 2.05 Sega CD2 2.10 Sega CD2 CD Access time: 800 ms Sound Circuitry: * PCM Sound Source - Stereo, 8 channels * 32 KHz Maximum sampling wavelength * 16 Bit D/A converter * 8X internal over-sampling digital filter Audio characteristics: * Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20 KHz * Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >900dB@1K * Channel Separation: >900dB Output: RCA Pin Jack x2 (L/R) Dimensions: 301mm (w) x 212.5 (d) x 112.5 (h) Weight (Sega CD1): 3.1 lbs / 1.4 kg IV. The Sega CD line of machines The Sega CD exists in many forms. Sega CD I (Mega CD I in Japan) Sega CD II (Mega CD II in Japan) JVC X'Eye (Wondermega in Japan) Sega CDX (Sega CDX in Japan) LaserActive (by Pioneer) Sega CD module [Sega CD I] The Sega CD I was the original unit. It features a front-loading CD tray and lights to indicate power to CD unit (green) and CD access (red). The Genesis attaches to it via the slot located on the right side of the Genesis console.. This was the production run for Japan (Mega CD) and the initial 50,000 units for the U.S market. SCD 1.5 was the second US production run, beginning after brisk sales of the first run. Since the original Genesis has a built-in audio output (with volume control), the Sega CD requires this output as part of the connection. Besides the interface connection on the side of the Genesis (which sits on TOP of the Sega CD unit), an audio cable is used from the headphone output of the Genesis to the "Mixing" input of the Sega CD. This allows you to change the volume of the Genesis while the Sega CD volume is kept constant. [Sega CD II] The Sega CD II was released to match the newer-style Genesis II. The machine is 100% compatible with the first unit - i.e., all Sega CDs play on both machines. There are several differences between the newer model and the first one: the never model has a top-loading tray, the power and access lights are small red LEDs on the top of the unit, and the construction seems to be less sturdy than the first model. The Sega CD II unit had several pack-in configurations, the most popular being Sewer Shark. Other pack-in configurations include: SCD2b: Sonic CD SCD2c: Sonic CD, Power Rangers, and Sewer Shark SCD2d: Joe Montana Football (Sports Pack) SCD2e: Tomcat Alley (Current and FINAL run) Some older games like Lunar: The Silver Star and Dark Wizard occasionally lock up on the Sega CD2. It does have, however, slightly shorter access times with games such as Lunar: Eternal Blue. Q: Can I use my Sega CD II unit with my older-model Genesis? A: Yes. It attaches like the original model Genesis (I) to the CD Unit. A special plastic extender plate adds on to the left side of SCD2 to hold the original Genesis. Q: How about using a Sega CD I (older) unit with the newer model Genesis? A: "Officially", no. However, a special cable CAN be made to attach it as such. It will not be as sturdy, and it's unsure how reliable this would be. The hookups don't match for sound and you'll have to use the RF box unless you patch everything. Also, you cannot use the connector plate. [JVC X'Eye] The JVC X'Eye is an all-in-one unit, as it contains a Genesis-compatible and a Sega CD-compatible in one housing. (3) The X'Eye includes the pack-in titles "Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia" and "Prize Fighter", both in cardboard sleeves. In Japan, the X'Eye is known as the "Wondermega". There were two versions: * Original - Larger than the current model (Approx. size of SCD2 and SG2 in width) - Capable of handling oversized CDs (> 5"), which was the original concept behind CD movies in Japan... the format was NOT adopted - MIDI connection (music keyboard compatible) - Specialized MIDI/Keyboard development kit/program available in Japan ONLY. * Current version - Same as US X'Eye - Slimmer than Wondermega I - Lack extra features of the original All Wondermegas were built by JVC Musical Industries of Japan. [Sega CDX] The Sega CDX is similar to the X'Eye in that it plays standard Genesis carts as well as most Sega CDs. Its advantage is the size -- about the size of a portable CD player. This unit is portable (there's even a carrying case for it) but still requires a television or monitor to play. There were three CDs included as pack-ins: Sega Classics V (Streets of Rage, Shinobi, Golden Axe, Columns, and Super Monaco GP), Sonic CD, and Ecco the Dolphin CD. There are a few Sega-CD titles that are not compatible with the CDX: Jurassic Park Radical Rex Terminator Who Shot Johnny Rock? Q: Can I use my Sega CDX with the Sega Channel? A: Yes - they are compatible. Of course, only for cart-based games. Q: Can I use a 32X add-on with my CDX? A: Yes. Although it's not officially endorsed by Sega, it *is* possible. There may be a problem with spacing the 32X device over the unit, though. [LaserActive] The LaserActive system by Pioneer was a noble attempt at an all-in-one unit. It is essentially a Laser Disc player with available add-on "modules" for Sega CD/Genesis and TurboGrafx-16/CD/PC Engine games. The machine also has its own library of 7 or 8 (?) LaserActive game titles. The LaserActive was expensive ($800?) and each add-on module cost nearly as much as the machine it was emulating ($200?), so cost was a prohibitive factor in large volume sales of the unit. V. Software This list of Sega CD titles was the very first part of the FAQ. Once I completed it I had amassed enough information for an entire FAQ, and it just kept growing, and growing, and growing... Numbers in parentheses () refer to notes at the bottom. Guide to nomenclature: 1st person shooter - a non-overhead, non-side-scrolling shooting game which takes place from the point of view of the player's ship/character/etc. These games usually take advantage of the Sega CD's additional hardware and have much better effects than a comparable Genesis shooter. Action - arcade action, includes flying, and games with multiple elements (driving, shooting, platform, etc.) FMV - "Full Motion Video". This is a type of game which uses digitized video or digitized animation for its graphics and gameplay is usually limited to pressing buttons at certain times. "Dragon's Lair" in the arcade is a very early (the first?) example of this, in which you had to time the main character's actions precisely, or else he was toast. Platform - Run and jump type of game, side-scrolling, in which the character can explore a landscape while running, jumping, and attacking with various types of weapons. The word platform comes from early platform titles (e.g. Super Mario Brothers) in which the character actually jumped on various platforms. RPG - "Role Playing Game". The first person RPGs refer to those games in which your view is a 3-D character's view of the dungeon, and you "see what your characters see". There are 148 titles available in the U.S. Name Type ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Adventures of Batman and Robin Driving (different from cart) Afterburner 3 Action AH-3 Thunderstrike Flying sim Amazing Spiderman vs. Kingpin Action/Platform Android Assault Shooter The Animals! (San Diego Zoo) Educational/Reference AX-101 FMV Shooter (1st person) B.C. Racers Driving Batman Returns Action (driving) Battlecorps Shooter (1st person) Bill Walsh College Football Sports Black Hole Assault Fighting Bouncers Action/sports-like Brutal - Paws of Fury Fighting Cadillacs and Dinosaurs Driving/shooting Championship Soccer '94 Sports Chuck Rock Platform Chuck Rock II - Son of Chuck Platform Cliffhanger Action/platform Cobra Command FMV shooter Colors of Modern Rock (8) Music Video Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia (4) Educational/Reference Corpse Killer FMV shooter (6) Crime Patrol FMV shooter (uses gun,6) Dark Wizard RPG/strategy Demolition Man Platform Double Switch FMV action Dracula Action (minor FMV parts) Dracula Unleashed (2CDs) FMV action Dragon's Lair FMV action Dune Action/platform Dungeon Explorer RPG/arcade Dungeon Master 2: Skullkeep RPG/1st person Earthworm Jim CD (Special Edition) Platform Ecco the Dolphin CD Action/platform Echo the Dolphin 2: The Tides of Time CD Action/platform ESPN Baseball Tonight Sports ESPN National Hockey Night Sports ESPN NBA Hangtime '95 Sports ESPN Sunday Night NFL Sports Eternal Champions CD Fighting Eye of the Beholder RPG/1st person Fahrenheit (packaged with 32X version) FMV action Fatal Fury Special Fighting FIFA Soccer Sports Final Fight Fighting Flashback CD Platform Flink Platform Formula 1 World Championship Driving Frankenstein/Dracula (combo) FMV action/FMV action Ground Zero Texas (2 CDs) FMV shooter Heart of the Alien Platform Heimdall Puzzle/RPG Hook Platform INXS: Make My Video FMV music Iron Helix action/puzzle/sci-fi Jaguar XJ220 Driving Jeopardy Quiz Joe Montana NFL Football Sports Jurassic Park (5) Action/1st Person/Puzzle Keio's Flying Squadron Shooter (side-scrolling) Kids on Site FMV educational Kris Kross FMV music Lawnmower Man 1st person action/puzzle Lethal Enforcers (with gun) Shooting (uses gun) (6) Lethal Enforcers 2: Gunfighters Shooting (uses gun) (6) Links: The Challenge of Golf Sports Loadstar FMV action Lords of Thunder Shooter (side scrolling) Lunar: The Silver Star RPG Lunar: Eternal Blue RPG Mad Dog McCree Shooting (uses gun) (6) Mad Dog McCree 2: Lost Gold Shooting (uses gun) (6) Mansion of Hidden Souls Action/puzzle Marky Mark FMV music Masked Rider (Kamen Rider ZO) FMV action Mega Race 1st person action Mickey Mania Platform Microcosm 1st person action Midnight Raiders FMV action/shooter Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FMV action Mortal Kombat CD Fighting My Paint Educational NBA Jam CD Sports NFL Trivia Quiz/sports NFL Greatest Teams Sports Trivia NHL '94 Sports Night Trap (2CDs) (see note (1) below) FMV action Nova Storm 1st person shooter Panic! puzzle/humor Pitfall CD Platform Popful Mail Platform/RPG Power Factory FMV music Power Monger Strategy/sim Prince of Persia Platform Prize Fighter (Video Boxing) (2 CDs) (4) FMV action Puggsy Platform Racing Aces Flying sim/action Radical Rex (5) Platform RDF Global Conflict 1st person shooter Revenge of the Ninja Fighting Revengers of Vengeance Fighting Rise of the Dragon (See note 2 below) Mystery Road Avenger FMV action Road Rash Driving Robo Aleste Shooter (side scrolling) Samurai Shodown CD Fighting Secret of Monkey Island Mystery/puzzle Sega Classics 4-in-1 CD (1) Misc. arcade/puzzle Sega CDX Classics 5-in-1 CD (3) Misc. arcade/puzzle/driving Sewer Shark (2) FMV action Shadow of the Beast II Platform Sherlock Holmes (1) Mystery/puzzle Sherlock Holmes II Mystery/puzzle Shining Force CD RPG/strategy Silpheed 1st person shooter Slam City with Scottie Pippen (4 CDs) FMV action Snatcher Mystery/gun (6) Sol Feace (1) Shooter (side-scrolling) Sonic CD Platform Soulstar 1st person shooter Space Ace FMV action Space Adventure Mystery/Digital Comic Book Starblade 1st person shooter Star Wars Chess strategy Star Wars Rebel Assault FMV action Stellar Fire 1st person shooter Supreme Warrior (2 CDs) FMV action (fighting) Surgical Strike (9) FMV action (shooter) 3 Ninjas/ Hook (2 CDs) Platform/platform Terminator (5) Platform Third World War Strategy/sim Time Gal FMV action Tomcat Alley FMV action Trivial Pursuit Quiz Ultraverse Prime/Microcosm Platform/1st person shooter Vay RPG Wheel of Fortune Quiz Who Shot Johnny Rock (5) Shooting (uses gun) (6) Wild Woody Platform Willy Beamish Action/adventure Wing Commander Action Wirehead FMV action Wolfchild Platform Wonderdog Platform World Cup USA 94 Sports WWF Rage in the Cage Sports 32X versions of the following CDs were also released: Corpse Killer (Digital Pictures) Fahrenheit (packaged with Sega CD version) (Sega) Night Trap (Digital Pictures) Slam City (Digital Pictures) Supreme Warrior (Digital Pictures) Notes: (1) Sega CD 1 pack-in item. Complete Pack-ins for Sega CD 1 (5 items): Sega Classics 4-in-1 CD (Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Columns, Golden Axe) Sherlock Holmes Sol Feace CD CD+G Sampler R&R Music sampler (2) Sega CD 2 Pack-in item. (no box included, as well as smaller manual) (3) Sega CDX Pack-in item. Contains Same four games as 4-in-1 plus Super Monaco GP. (4) JVC X'eye Pack-in item. Compton's and Prize Fighter are in cardboard boxes/sleeves. (5) Does not work with Sega CDX system. (6) There were two types of light guns produced for Sega CD games. The first is the "Justifier", by Konami, which is included with Lethal Enforcers. It can be used to play these titles: "Lethal Enforcers", "Lethal Enforcers 2", and "Snatcher". The other light gun is by American Laser Games. It isn't included with any of their Sega CD titles, but can be purchased separately. A second gun (for player 2) was also made but is currently hard-to-find. (Note: The Sega "Menacer" can also be used for these games, but unlike the American Laser Games guns, the Menacer requires batteries.) These guns can be used with the following games: "Crime Patrol", "Mad Dog McCree", "Mad Dog McCree II: The Lost Gold", and "Who Shot Johnny Rock". Also, "Corpse Killer" (Digital Pictures) can be used with the Menacer. (7) All American Laser Games are FMV shooters All Digital Pictures games are FMV-based (8) "Colors of Modern Rock" is a promo-only CD by Sega and Digital Pictures. It's a CD with six music videos produced in conjunction with Warner Custom Music. You can play the videos as in a normal VCR tape. The screen is approximately 1/3, combination of color and black-and-white. It allows for play, stop, search, skip, freeze, and storage of 9 frames (based on available backup RAM space). @1993 Sega, product code: WCM-9302-00 (in case anyone's interested). Featured bands (and song titles): Too Much Joy Donna Everywhere T-Ride Back Door Romeo The Belltower Outshine the Sun Xtra Large Hooker Mr. Big To Be With You Dramarama Haven't Got a Clue (9) Surgical Strike was never released for the 32X, despite the offer for an upgrade. The original offer (noted on the cover of the instruction booklet as well) was to send Sega the card from the instruction booklet along with $3.75 for P&H, and Sega would send you an upgraded Surgical Strike CD for the 32X. In early 1996, the 32X version was cancelled. As of this writing (5/96) Sega has not decided what to do for the buyers of Surgical Strike who sent in the cards and money for the upgrade, but likely it will be an offer for another (possibly multiple) titles. Here is a partial list of some Japanese titles (please send info on others to BCantin@aol.com): A-Rank Thunder (RPG) Aisle Lord (RPG) AlShark (RPG/Adventure) Annet Again (Platform Fighting Adventure game - sequel to El Viento) Arcus 1 2 3 Burai (RPG) Burning Fists (Fighting) Cosmic Fantasy Stories (RPG - Cosmic Fantasy parts 1/2) Cyborg 009 Death Bringer (RPG) Detonator Organ (RPG) Devastator (Side scrolling shooter) Dynamic Country Golf (Sports) Earnest Evans F-1 Circus CD (racing) Fhey Area (RPG) (note - also spelled "FAERIA" on other platforms) Funky Horror Band (RPG) Heavy Nova (fighter) Kelo Yugskitai Mega Schwarzchild (sim) Might & Magic 3 (RPG) Ninja Warriors (Action Arcade) Phantom City Power League Baseball (sports) Ranma 1/2 (anime puzzle?/fighting?) Side Story of Armageddon (RPG) Silky Lip (anime adventure/detective) Super League CD (Baseball) Tenkafubu (ancient Japan military strategy?) Tokyo Mah-Jongg (tile game) Wonder Mega Collection (WonderMega pack-in) ***equivalents to U.S. titles*** Bari Arm = Android Assault Heavenly Symphony = Formula One: Beyond the Limit Ninja Haygate = Revenge of the Ninja Switch = Panic! ThunderStorm = Cobra Command Yumeni Mystery Mansion = Mansion of Hidden Souls *** also released in U.S., same names *** Afterburner 3 Black Hole Assault Final Fight CD Lunar Popful Mail Prince of Persia Shadow of the Beast 2 Shining Force CD Silpheed Sol-Feace Sonic CD (music is different) Starblade Third World War Here is a list of some European games, from a European game mag: Afterburner 3 Another World (AKA "Heart of the Alien") Batman BC Racers Black Hole Assault Cannon Fodder Chuck Rock Cobra Space Adventure Corpse Killer Cosmic Fantasy Stories Demolition Man Dracula Unleashed Dungeon Explorer Dungeon Master 2 Earnest Evans Earthworm Jim Ecco the Dolphin Ecco 2 Eternal Champions Eye of the Beholder Fahrenheit Fatal Fury Special FIFA Soccer Final Fight Heavy Nova Heimdall Jaguar XJ220 Keio's Flying Machine Lethal Enforcers Lethal Enforcers 2 Links Golf Lords of Thunder Marko's Magic Football Mega Race Midnight Raiders Myst Night Trap Nostalgia 1907 Power Monger Power Rangers Prince of Persia Puggsy Road Avenger Samurai Shodown Sensible Soccer Sewer Shark Shining Force Silpheed Slam City Snatcher Sol-Feace Sonic CD Soul Star Starblade Supreme Warrior Surgical Strike Syndicate Theme Park Thunderhawk Thunderstorm-FX Time Gal Tomcat Alley Wolfchild Wonderdog World Cup Golf Yumeni Mystery Mansion (aka "Mansion of the Hidden Souls") There were also some demo CDs that were occasionally included with UK magazines, such as "Sega Pro" and "Mega Power". These typically included partial versions (demos!) of Sega CD games about to be released. Q: I thought (GAME X) was released. I've seen it listed for sale in various magazines. What happened to it? A: This happens all the time. A video game retailer (new or used, they all seem to do it) gets wind of a game under development, and they'll list it for sale - even if it hasn't been released yet. Of course, when you call in to order it, it's not available - but will be as of [...some date, a few months in the future]. They devise their sale lists to reflect changes to accommodate new releases. What happens sometimes is that a title will be canceled before it's complete, yet it's still listed for sale all over the place. This is not the developers' fault, but the fault of the video game retailers that include unreleased titles on their sale lists. Sometimes a game will be reviewed in a magazine, fooling some people into believing that it's been released. In these cases, the reviewers nearly always get demo versions or early copies of games, that are occasionally canceled prior to release. Meanwhile, there's a review of it out there somewhere, getting people ready for it. Sad, but true. (Good example currently is "Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors", which has probably been reviewed by every major gaming rag... yet at this time has not been released, nor does it appear that it will be). Q: What are some of those titles that have never been released, that will probably NEVER see the light of day? A: NOTE: SOme titles change before release also, which may account for this. I'll be sure to let you know if I find any such examples. This list is naturally subject to change... but it doesn't look like it will. I haven't gone through ALL the ads I've seen, these are a few of the more prevalent ones (I've seen ads for most of these, a few reviews too... and no, they're not out yet). If I included all the unreleased titles from the many sale lists I've looked at from 1993-present, there would probably be 30-40 more titles on it... Work has been done (in some cases to near-completion) on each of these titles below. UNRELEASED SEGA CD TITLES THAT WE THOUGHT WOULD BE (and still can!): ------------------------------------------------------------------- Battle Frenzy (Core) (WAS released as "Battlecorps") Braindead 13 (Readysoft) Citizen X (Digital Pictures) Clue Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars (American Laser Games) Dai Bing Dark Seed (Vic Tokai) Dragon's Lair 2 (Readysoft) Exterminators (Sony Imagesoft) Flying Nightmares (Domark) Myst (Broderbund) No Escape (Sony Imagesoft) Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors (Accolade) Power Drift Prince VVCR (Sega) ("Prince", as in "SymbolMan") Side Pocket (Data East) Space Pirates (American Laser Games) Young Indiana Jones (Sega) VI. Conversion Q: Is it possible to play foreign CDs on my Sega CD/Mega CD? A: Yes, but... If you insert a foreign CD into your Sega CD (remember, there are three nationalities of Sega CDs here: European, Japanese, and U.S.), you will not be able to load it. The reason for this is that a "nationality" lockout code is on each Sega CD and Mega CD unit. This assures (without outside help) that a particular CD will only be playable on its particular system. There is a way around this lock-out code. There are cartridges available that plug directly into the Genesis slot that allow foreign CDs to be used by any system. [The Lockout Chip] The Sega CD unit had a specially designed BIOS chip/security program that prevented the unit from reading CD games intended for other markets (US, Japanese, European), such as Japanese or European CDs on a U.S. machine, and vice-versa. This Lockout chip or BIOS information instructed the CD unit to read the CD and look for a certain file/security identifier that indicated that the CD was authorized for use on the system. To work around this, the folks at Datel designed the Pro CD-X and Pro CD-X Plus. Pro CD-X (and Pro CD-X Plus) This is a special cartridge that plugs into the Genesis in the cart slot and overrides the security commands of the Sega CD. This allows you to play any Sega CD or Mega CD title on any Sega CD or Mega CD system of a different origin. However, it wasn't 100% effective - not all games were compatible with this unit, making its appeal very limited. During Sega's redesign of the Genesis and CD system, they improved the Bios to prevent this cartridge from working. CD+Plus This cartridge looks like a regular Genesis cartridge and has better success with compatibility than its predecessors. When the Sega CD is powered up with this cart in place, it's possible to run the Sega CD via the options screen (select "CD-ROM"). The reset button does NOT open the Sega CD tray (first model), you have to do that via the options screen as well. CD+PLUS does not work with the 32X installed. Japanese CDs known to work successfully with CD+PLUS: AlShark Burai F-1 Circus CD Final Fight CD Heavenly Symphony Lunar Prince of Persia Sega Classics Arcade Collection (4-in-1) Silky Lip Silpheed Sol Feace Super League CD Tenkafubu Thunder Storm Known NOT to work with CD+PLUS: Black Hole Assault Heavy Nova Known NOT to work with Pro CD-X: Ranma 1/2 Secondary security lockout Bypass - This is the option to using one of the above carts. It is possible to build your own switch onto the back of the Sega CD. It requires rewiring two transistors, indicating US or Japan (no idea how European Sega CDs would work with this). No details are available in this FAQ. VII. Sega CD Backup RAM Cart This is an ordinary-looking Genesis cart which allows you to copy individual files to and from the Sega CD internal RAM. It allows 16 times the storage of the Sega CD's internal RAM. One nice advantage is that many games (particularly the memory-hogging RPGs) will allow you to play directly from the backup RAM cart. The cart allows you to copy individual files or the entire directory to it from the RAM, and allows individual files to be copied over (space permitting) to the Sega CD Internal RAM. It behaves very much like a floppy disk, in that it must be formatted before use, then files can be copied to/from it. Individual files can also be deleted. Known shelf life is probably on the order of several years, maybe longer. The RAM cart has capacity for 1 Mbit of data storage (which translates to 2000 blocks), or sixteen times the storage capacity of the internal Sega CD RAM (125 blocks). It is also required to perform certain things, such as access the third "hidden" battle stages in Shining Force CD. Since each Shining Force CD saved game takes up almost all the internal Sega CD RAM and you have to have saved games from both parts 1 and 2, you must have at least one of them stored on the RAM cart. Also, some games such as "Shining Force CD", "Third World War", and "Eye of the Beholder" take up all 125 blocks with a save game, so if you want to save anything else (or have multiple saves) the backup RAM cart is essential. One note: the External RAM cart instructions do not mention how long the cart will keep the files but more than likely will keep them approximately 3-5 years, assuming that the player occasionally plugs it into the Sega Genesis WITH the Sega CD attached to recharge it and keep power at optimum levels. Later versions of the FAQ will have an index of the savegame filenames. This way, you will know what those "mystery files" are that have been there for a long time... The RAM cart retails for $59.99, although they have been on sale at Toys R Us for $29.99. Highly recommended for RPGs. (No, I don't work for Toys R Us...) VIII. Miscellaneous Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do any Sega CD titles use the "Mega Mouse"? A: Yes, they are: Eye of the Beholder Mansion of the Hidden Souls My Paint These titles are MUCH easier to use with the Mega Mouse instead of a standard joypad. Q: Is there an emulator that will let me play Sega CDs on my Mac/PC? A: No. There has been extensive discussion on the Internet over such an emulator but no evidence of one has been brought forward. It has been rumored that such an emulator did exist for the Macintosh since the Genesis and Mac are both 68000-based machines, and that the "emulator" was based on the development kit used by programmers to make Sega CD-based games. With the appearance of NES, ColecoVision, and other game system emulators within the last couple years, chances are that a Sega CD emulator for Mac/PC/Unix might appear someday. Q: Is there a Game Genie for the Sega CD system? A: No. There never was a "game enhancing" device for the Sega CD. Neither Galoob nor Datel ever brought one on the market. At one point in time, approximately mid-1993 when the Sega CD was in its heyday, Galoob announced that they were working on a Game Genie for the Sega CD. Based on comments from Galoob officials, the device would fit between the Genesis and the Sega CD. However, due to market conditions (i.e. the system wasn't a booming success) and the inherent change invoked by Sega from the original Sega CD style to the newer Sega CD2 style made it not feasible for Galoob to develop such a device and thus it was shelved. Reasons for this being, the change in system design by Sega made it harder for Galoob to make a "universal" style adapter that would work with both units (Sega CD 1 and CD2) along with relatively few games and wavering public support. (Side note: on review of the design of the original and newer Genesis and Sega CD systems, it is theoretically possible to have made it work. It might have looked a little weird, but it was possible.) Q: What is the advantage of a CD title over the equivalent cart title (Example: Pitfall)? A: The CD version usually has better music (and more of it) since it comes directly from the CD. Ecco the Dolphin is a good example of this. In some titles, as in the case with Pitfall CD and Earthworm Jim CD, extra levels, sports teams, etc. are included. Some titles also have FMV cinemas between levels. Also, in some cases (such as Jurassic Park) it's an entirely different game. Q: Where can I find a list of cheats for Sega CD games? A: There are two places on the net you can look. First, try the Sega Sages' page: http://www.nebula.net/sega This site is a veritable encyclopedia of gaming info, from the NES to the Saturn. There's a great section in there on the Sega CD, too. Also, Steve Wargo has a cheats list that is as complete as any I've seen (also includes some strategies). Check here: http://www.phoenixat.com/~swargo/ - OR - http://athos.phoenixat.com:80/~swargo Steve's database has been very well kept-up and includes hints as well as codes. Off the net, you can look for a book called "Sega CD Official Game Secrets", by Rusel DeMaria and Tom Stratton Jr. (Prima Publishing, 1994). It's got EXCELLENT tips and walkthroughs on 27 Sega CD titles, including a few cheats here and there. Very highly recommended for the library if you collect Sega CDs. The magazine "Tips and Tricks" also keeps a list of Sega CD cheats and Easter eggs. Q: Are there any other sources on the Internet for Sega CD information? A: The Usenet newsgroup rec.games.video.sega is a good place to look. Another newsgroup to check, although it's less busy, is alt.sega.genesis. Generally, if you have a Sega CD-related question, post it there and someone will probably post an answer. Unfortunately, the Sega of America webpage: http://www.segaoa.com no longer carries information about the Sega CD system or its games. Q: What is "QSound"? A: From the Sonic CD manual: "QSound Virtual Audio is a revolutionary, multi-dimensional sound placement technology. If your Sega CD is connected to stereo sound, you can submerge yourself in the magic of state-of-the-art QSound. This amazing sound technology gives you 180 degrees of audio in a greatly expanded sound field. You'll be surrounded in waved of 3-D sound!" Sega CD titles which utilize QSound include: Spiderman vs. Kingpin Sonic CD Q: What are the RPGs available for the Sega CD? A: First, there's the Working Designs games: Dark Wizard (hex-grid battle-sim RPG) Lunar: The Silver Star (most popular) Lunar: Eternal Blue Popful Mail (more of a platformer but lots of RPG-type elements to it) Shining Force CD (completely different stories from the cart- based games, and the stories here are VERY linear (ie no town exploration, just battle after battle) Vay (very good) There are a few others, which are ports from computer games: Eye of the Beholder Dungeon Master II Heimdall (more like a puzzle game) And then the misc. RPG-like category Dungeon Explorer II (a Gauntlet clone, it's based on the Dungeon Explorer games for the TurboGrafx-16/Duo/PC Engine, although it's different from those two titles) NOTE: There are more available for the Mega-CD (Japanese) and generally require the player to read Japanese in order to play them. See the List (Section V) above for specific titles. Miscellaneous tidbits... * Majority of Sega CD/CD2 design based on JVC CD technology * All original Sega CD game CD-ROMs were pressed by JVC for Sega * Many games can be reset with the joypad by simultaneously pressing A,B,C, then * Mega CD (Japanese) version of Sonic CD has different music than the US version and features a rap-based intro (!) * The most popular renter of Sega CD units and games was Blockbuster Video. They were discontinued from most stores 1995-1996.