Master System questions

[Satoshi Matrix]

I'm thinking of buying a North American Sega Master System that's been modified with the FM syth board and S-video. I'd like to learn as much about it as possible:

 

 

1. Is there a list of all Master System games that support FM synthesis?

 

2. Is the North American Master System compatible with PAL games? There seem to be a great number more PAL titles than NTSC ones.

 

3. What about Japanese Sega Mark III? Are the game's region locked through software, or like the Famicom are they physically shaped differently?

 

4. I've heard you can use a Genesis/MegaDrive controller on the Master System. Is this true? How is it mapped?

 

5. What are some must buy titles to go along with the system?

 

6. What are the exact power requirements of the NTSC Master System?

 

7. Is the system mono only?

 

8. Anything else I should know?

[number six]

First off might I recommend the Sega Master System FAQ that I contributed to (in minor ways):

http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=ConsoleMuseum.Detail&id=29

 

Off the top of my head

 

2 - Yes, PAL games should play fine. I've heard of some that may have issues but I've never had a problem with European games on my US SMS.

 

3 - Apparently No

 

4 - Yes you can. It works with probably 98% of the games. Google for a list of games that don't work. Obviously one of the Genesis buttons doesn't work.

 

5 - There's a bunch. The most iconic SMS game is Probably Phantasy Star (which is great). Tons of good 8-bit ports.. Shinobi, R-type, Alien Syndrome, Outrun, etc. One of the better updates of David Crane's Ghostbusters. Some of the Alex Kidd Games are good.

 

6 - I think it'll work with a Genesis Power Supply if memory serves.

 

7 - I believe so. People have probably modded it to psuedo-stereo by now but by default its mono

 

8 - Its got the best 3-D on a classic console (save maybe the vectrex which I've never seen the 3-D on). So if you can track down the glasses and a CRT that's pretty cool.

[Austin]

6 - I think it'll work with a Genesis Power Supply if memory serves.

 

Yep, a Genesis Model 1 power supply. I don't believe a Genesis 2 power supply will work.

[+FujiSkunk]

Most everything's been covered already, but I'll chip in for a couple of questions.

 

2. Is the North American Master System compatible with PAL games? There seem to be a great number more PAL titles than NTSC ones.

 

Yes, and in fact for the most part there seems to be very little difference between the PAL and NTSC images. I've read complaints from PAL players how games don't seem to be paced correctly on their system, or look squashed, because no effort was made to optimize the game for PAL consoles and TV's. Of course this won't be true for every game, but at least in my experience, if it's for the Master System, it will play on American consoles and look just fine.

 

 

5. What are some must buy titles to go along with the system?

 

Fantasy Zone and the Zillion series are must-haves in my opinion. Fantasy Zone actually got a very good NES port, but the SMS version benefits greatly from the Master System's brighter colors and better ability at juggling lots of moving objects. Double Dragon is also better on the SMS if you're a fan of that game.

 

7. Is the system mono only?

 

Yes.

 

8. Anything else I should know?

 

Relatively speaking, it is very easy to rack up a large collection of Master System games, complete in box. Whether it's because the SMS had a smaller and therefore more dedicated fan base, or because the plastic clam-shell boxes didn't scream "throw me away!" as much as the NES cardboard boxes did, SMS owners apparently took better care of their collections.

 

On the flip side, if you really want to collect the better and/or more novel releases for the console, be prepared to do some serious searching and buying. As you've noticed, many good games were exclusive to Europe, but also, quite a few latter-day titles saw release only in Brazil, such as Mortal Kombat series (MK, MK2 and MK3 all got SMS releases!).