Master System help

[figgler]

Definitely one of the better deals in my thrifting life came today when I scooped a nearly new Master System. It came with 2 reg. controllers, a stick, the gun and Shinobi for $5.49

This is literally the very first SMS I've ever owned or even touched actually so I really don't know what I'm doing with it. It works at least and it looks like it has 2 games built in which is pretty cool. But, do I have to do something special to get a cartridge going though? I'm wondering if Shinobi is faulty (after a cleaning) or maybe the Master System doesn't read cartridges automatically or something? Even when I have the cart in, the console defaults to Hang on and Safari Hunt. I just totally don't get it..

[doubledown]

The system defaults to the onboard console roms when it does not detect a cartridge in the slot. Either the cartridge is dirty, or the slot is, or both. Give it all a good cleaning and try again.

[video game addict]

I've had problems getting SMS games to work too. It will take a few seconds normally, then the Sega logo pops up on screen when it works. But you might try cleaning again, and also inserting the cart in at slight angles. Maybe by lifting one side up slightly to try and make a better contact possibly with the system.

[Atarifever]

Yeah, the problem should go away with a good cleaning, mine always have anyway. Good buy on the system. Personally, it's my favorite system of all time, and I'm pretty jealous of the deal you got considering how hard I had to look for my current one. In particular I think the lightgun games are much better than the NES offerings.

Edited June 10, 2005 by Atarifever

[video game addict]

There's one sitting at a local thrift round here for around $10-15. It's been there a few months now. So unloved. Right next to it is a Saturn & DC, & I believe a few Genesis decks. A full table of Sega! Most of them are priced $20 and sit & sit...

[Classic Pac]

Keep in mind in classic gaming circles your best friend is WD-40

[BydoEmpire]

SMS light gun games ARE awesome. Particularly Resuce Mission. I actually just ebayed Wanted the other day because I've never owned it before.

[+RangerG]

The 3D glasses are fun too!

[guitarmas]

The original Sega Master System model has a built in maze game that

can be accessed through two possible methods, depending on console

type. Hold Up + 1 + 2 at the instruction screen or hold those buttons

down and turn on the game console until the game appears.

[figgler]

I finally got the system to work, so thanks to all for the help.

On the plus side I've managed to find a handful of other carts to play inlcuding Montezuma's Revenge which I understand is quite rare!

So far I'm much more impressed with the SMS than I ever thought I'd be. Back in the day I rejected it in favour of the NES (who didn't), but now I am beginning to see the light. Not that SMS will ever replace my beloved NES, but there is a whole lot of fun to be had here and collecting seems rather easy since there doesn't look to be many games or competition in collecting them.

That find at Goodwill the other week was even better than I'd thought. Anyone have any game recommenations? Also, what is the card slot for?

 

Here's what I've found so far :

 

Lord of the Sword

Zillion

Shinobi

Altered Beast

Double Dragon

Montezuma's Revenge

Golvellius

Miracle Warriors

Great Golf

Great Baseball

[joeybastard]

The SMS is a fun system. It has some really good games but in the long run many of the games seem rushed or even unfinished to me. I think that's why even with it's inferior graphics, I prefer the NES. I wouldn't sell my SMS though.

 

One thing to keep in mind: Any SMS title with "Great" in it probably isn't.

[davepesc]

I don't know, I like Great Golf and Great Volleyball.

As for other games:

R-Type and Fantasy Zone II are terrific shooters. Best games (with Shinobi and PS) on the system

Phantasy Star and Golden Axe Warrior for the RPG side

Gangster Town for the light gun

Alex Kidd series for platforming

Also has good versions of Rampage, California Games, OutRun, HangOn and Thunder Blade and Space Harrier...man, what a great system.

 

BTW: double dragon also is great on SMS, but be sure to kill off all your men right before the last board, you can't continue on the last level!