Should I get a Sega Master System?

[+atari2600land]

Help me decide whether I should get a Sega Master System or not. Last time I went to the store, there was one sitting there. Even if it doesn't come with any games, I still know where to get some: another store sells them. Are there any "must-have" games for the system? Is there any homebrew activity on it? I used to have one and a couple of games for it, but I didn't play it much so I sold it like 5 years ago. I've been wondering if I should give it a second chance.

[AtariBrian]

I just recently purchased Ghost House , Bank Panic , and Alien syndrome . Bank Panic is a must have in my opinion and I was surprised how fun it was . Alien Syndrome is good and did seem somewhat hard . Unfortunately my console quit working so I never played Ghost House . I also own Wonderboy and it is good game .

[Noah98]

It's a great system, and certainly worthy. Since it's region free, there are many amazing imports to collect that never came to the US.

[Video_Invader]

Yes, definitely get one. I liked the Zillion games and Alex Kidd.

[+save2600]

The SMS rocks! Lots of great games and not terribly expensive to collect for. I'd say go for it if you're into 8-bitz nirvana.

[Nutsy Doodleheimer]

Yes definetley!! It's region free and not horribly expensive. I prefer the model 1 as it has A/V out. Model 2 doesn't have that ability as it's RF and no sega card games are able to be played. Only 10-12 were released and they were mediocre titles. Some of the best games is. Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, Shinobi, Fantasy Zone, Phantasy Star, The Ninja, Wonderboy series, Choplifter, R-Type, Rambo First Blood Part 2, and even Ninja Gaiden was made for it, but different than the NES version. All in all it is a must have gaming system to add in your collection. I like the color palette and the music in many of the games.

[+atari2600land]

How is the homebrew scene? Is there one?

[Nutsy Doodleheimer]

The SMS homebrew scene is pretty quiet and not too much going on as I am aware .I googled and got this right there. About a couple dozen homebrew titles.

 

http://www.smspower.org/Homebrew/Index

[zylon]

I've had mine since '87 and can't see a reason not to own it, so "Go for it."

[darthkur]

Yes, absolutely you should get a SMS. Some really great ports of popular games (Rampart, Alien Syndrome, Rampage, Paperboy, Rainbow Islands, Action Fighter, Montezuma's Revenge) plus originals like Astro Warrior, Gangster Town and Global Defense along side some really good Sonic games.

[bubufubu]

I'd recommend it.

 

Wonder Boy 3: The Dragon's Trap is one of the best games for the system. Wonder Boy In Monster Land is another. I'll also toss in Shinobi as it's the best Arcade port that I've seen, in terms of fun and control. Action Fighter seems pretty decent, too.

 

Someday, I'd like to get RGB video quality for mine.

[CatPix]

Make a cable?

Doesn't all SMS are fitted with RGB out? At least model 1? (and French model 2 )

[BydoEmpire]

I love my SMS, got it around '88 or '89.

 

There are a bunch of awesome light gun games (Rescue Mission, Rambo III, Wanted, etc).

[karokoenig]

Good stuff on the SMS indeed. For imports, I highly recommend Asterix. Very beautiful platformer with decent controls.

 

If you have a Genesis/Mega Drive model 1 already, you could also opt for a Power Base Converter. Works like a charm, and even takes card games. I got one to save space on my console rack. And let's face it: the original SMS pads are not exactly comfy compared to a Genesis pad. Especially for the huge hands of us old farts.

Edited September 5, 2015 by karokoenig

[7800fan]

Phantasy Star got its start on SMS. Play it in original glory! Also if you liked original Legend of Zelda, Golden Axe Warrior is a pretty good Zelda clone.

 

If you get SMS, consider getting Everdrive for it as many good SMS games are frickin expensive now.

[chuckwalla]

Good stuff on the SMS indeed. For imports, I highly recommend Asterix. Very beautiful platformer with decent controls.

 

If you have a Genesis/Mega Drive model 1 already, you could also opt for a Power Base Converter. Works like a charm, and even takes card games. I got one to save space on my console rack. And let's face it: the original SMS pads are not exactly comfy compared to a Genesis pad. Especially for the huge hands of us old farts.

 

Not a bad idea....

 

Or, you can also opt for an Everdrive and play Genesis and SMS games on one cart...

[lushgirl_80]

^{Yes get one lol, Sega Master System seriously kicks ass.}

 

 

^{I've got Alien Syndrome and some other games. I need to get the 3D glasses and Zaxxon 3D next.}

 

 

^{Also thinking about getting a Sega SG-1000.}

[CatPix]

I think SG1000 games works on the Master System?

[BillyHW]

Doesn't SMS play SG-1000 games?

 

Must play SMS games: Phantasy Star, Wonder Boy III (and also the other Wonder Boys).

[108 Stars]

SG-1000 games work in theory, but the cartridges won't fit. You can play them via Everdrive though.

 

 

on-topic:

It's always a difficult question if there are any must-haves. It all depends on your genre preferences. The SMS has a great selection of jump'n runs, and a couple of nice action-adventures and RPGs. Many good games are 8-bit versions of 16-bit games though, so less attractive.

 

Also, there is a yearly homebrew competition, though there are barely cart releases.

 

I love my SMS... but I don't know that if you had one and did not get into it this will change.

[mbd30]

SMS has the only contemporary console port of the classic arcade game "Rastan". This looks pretty sweet, actually.

 

[+atari2600land]

Well, I did it. I got the Master System. The five games I have are:

Hang on/Safari Hunt (well, duh.)

Columns

Casino Games

Wonder Boy

and Bomber Raid by Activision.

[BillyHW]

Well, I did it. I got the Master System. The five games I have are:

Hang on/Safari Hunt (well, duh.)

Columns

Casino Games

Wonder Boy

and Bomber Raid by Activision.

 

Wonder Boy is a superb port of the arcade version. Don't forget to get the other Wonder Boys, which are actually completely different games, but also amazing.

[CatPix]

Well, I did it. I got the Master System. The five games I have are:

Hang on/Safari Hunt (well, duh.)

Columns

Casino Games

Wonder Boy

and Bomber Raid by Activision.

 

Congrats!

 

I like your "duh" note. It's not so obvious. Late Master System I have Alex Kidd included.

Early models (but maybe those didn't make it to the USA) didn't even had a game included, but the consoles were bundled with a game on Sega Card

Any way, I hope you like your new console. It's a neat little system that is too often overlooked.

[Nutsy Doodleheimer]

1986-1987 manufactured model Master Systems have the Snail Maze game included. You have to hold up and push buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously without a game cart or sega card game plugged in. 1988-1989 manufactured systems have Hang-On and Safari Hunt built in. And the model 2 has Alex Kidd in Miracle World built in.