SEGA Mega Drive Mini - Out Now

masofdas wrote:

I don't think I've ever seen that many Wii U games in a store.

Thought you'd might have posted about the Mega Drive Mini coming with M2 doing the emulation and 40 games that aren't just SEGA titles as Castlevania Bloodlines has been confirmed.

The Cappuccino Kid wrote:

A thread can get made for the Mega Drive Mini by someone, sometime.

THAT DAY IS TODAY.

Here's your news:

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-03-31-sega-joins-nintendo-and-sony-with-its-own-mini-console-the-sega-mega-drive-mini

Here's your box:



Here's the first ten games:



Here's hoping that they mix it up a bit, and don't just repeat 39 of the games from the current-gen Mega Drive Classics collections and add Castlevania (which, admittedly, is brilliant to see - it's a superb game!).

I'd love to see this be a true reflection of the Mega Drive's best. Bollocks to Sword of Vermilion, Golden Axe 2 & 3, Fatal Labyrinth and all that usual, redundant and irrelevant filler that absolutely no cunt wants. Get stuff like Road Rash II, Rocket Knight Adventures, Desert Strike and Strider fired on there. Even stick Mortal Kombat on there if you like. Just give me something different from the norm!

Also, I'd like to see them limit it to one game per franchise (except Sonic, you need those). Just one Phantasy Star, Golden Axe, Ecco The Dolphin, Vectorman and Streets of Rage, please. If you put them all on, that's fourteen games there - and that's shite!

I've not played that Castlevania - I'd assume if I've played a Castlevania from that era, I'd know what to expect though, right?

Bloodlines is a banger and I'm sure I read somewhere you can switch been regions especially as the European version censored.

I'm super excited about this and I have Ecco what Cappa said, hope it isn't just the same games on the SEGA Collection on PS4 minus a few games then Bloodlines added, hope they mix it up best they can as I'm being realistic that we won't get NHL.

Definitely interested in this as I've always wanted to give Comix Zone a proper go (interested in trying that Castlevania as well) but I hope they don't leave it too late to announce what all the other games are.

JayMoyles wrote:

I've not played that Castlevania - I'd assume if I've played a Castlevania from that era, I'd know what to expect though, right?

Aye, it's close to the linear style of the NES original. It's quite difficult, but I've managed it before.

With Konami obviously on board, I'm thinking that we'll see a few of their old games, and maybe some of the old Hudson Soft library they acquired too. Rocket Knight Adventures and Mega Bomberman would be grand. I'm thinking Contra Hard Corps will be on it too; something's got to sell this, and it's one of the few desirable Mega Drive-only games that's not been rereleased yet. Contra is utter wank next to Gunstar Heroes, but a lot of folk really like the series.

masofdas wrote:

hope they mix it up best they can as I'm being realistic that we won't get NHL.

It's a strange one, because NHL '94 has this legendary status over in America, and is often lauded as being one of the best sports games of all time. If I recall correctly, they included it with an NHL game on the 360, and it was even on one of those plug 'n play things. It's been rereleased before, even with the license. I don't know, but I don't think it's the most unrealistic shout for the Mega Drive Mini. A lot of folk interested in this sort of casual nostalgia might be hoping for it to be on there. I'd want an NHL game on there - they're brilliant on the Mega Drive.

I thought I'd let go of my Mega Drive nostalgia after the compilation that came out this gen, which had admittedly dodgy emulation but scratched an itch nonetheless. I was wrong - if SEGA get this right then it could be special and sit nicely alongside the SNES Mini. It may even nudge them to do a Saturn Mini at some point.

Now, if I was SEGA I'd be pulling stats on what games people tend to play on the last few Mega Drive compilations that have been released. Even if it's just the trophies/achievements - they must know there's 30 of the 50 that people play, and a bunch that 95% of people just don't care about. Saying that, I have returned to the PS4 version of SEGA Mega Drive Collection and discovered Shadow Dancer and Shinobi III are actually really fun games that I'd completely overlooked. Golden Axe III though can burn in a ditch.

Cappa is spot on (as usual) - SEGA should definitely take the Nintendo approach and curate the games. Given M2 are giving the games the proper treatment, it makes sense to put the GOOD games on here. The ones that define the system (except Altered Beast because that game is TERRIBLE)

1. Super Hang-On (yay, no need for the password saves)
2. The Revenge of Shinobi (know a lot of people played this at the time)
3. Golden Axe (the best one)
4. Sonic the Hedgehog (natch)
5. Alien Storm (have a lot of good memories of this, as it was on one of them Mega Games carts)
6. Streets of Rage (the 3DS one with the extras)
7. Speedball II (surprised this hasn't been on previous Mega Drive collections)
8. Road Rash (THIS WOULD SELL SO MANY SYSTEMS)
9. Super Off Road (feel like this game doesn't get its shine)
10. Two Crude Dudes (really good brawler that may be possible as it had a port on Wii)
11. Lemmings (this was published by SEGA in Europe but not sure if it's a good version)
12. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (inevitable)
13. Micro Machines (fond memories of this but not sure if possible)
14. Streets of Rage 2 (best game on the system innit)
15. Columns III (there will likely be some form of Columns on here)
16. Ecco the Dolphin (a lot of people remember this even if it is incredibly annoying to play)
17. Thunder Force IV (may as well)
18. Shinobi III (inevitable)
19. Gunstar Heroes (classic that shouldn't be left out)
20. Mortal Kombat (this should be a must as it sold the console for many)
21. Sonic Spinball (likely)
22. Eternal Champions (another popular game at the time)
23. Castlevania: Bloodlines (as it's confirmed)
24. The Lion King (because there's a film out soon)
25. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (it's about time)
26. Super Street Fighter II (there should be some form of SF on here)
27. Probotector (because I've not played it)
28. Sonic & Knuckles (come on SEGA)
29. Comix Zone (hasn't aged)
30. Phantasy Star IV (the best one no?)
31. Vectorman
32. Street Racer (know this was popular at the time also, though on SNES and PS1 too)
33. Cannon Fodder (not played it)
34. Herzog Zwei (meant to be a classic)
35. Worms (might be an option)
36. Sensible Soccer (never going to happen)
37. an unlockable version of Shenmue that was found in Yu Suzuki's shed last night
38. Can't
39. Quite
40. Get to forty, Oh I made it!

I reckon I'll end up with a SNES Mini and a Mega Drive Mini, Netflix, Spotify and the WWE Network, and die a happy man.

gjones wrote:

I thought I'd let go of my Mega Drive nostalgia after the compilation that came out this gen, which had admittedly dodgy emulation but scratched an itch nonetheless. I was wrong - if SEGA get this right then it could be special and sit nicely alongside the SNES Mini. It may even nudge them to do a Saturn Mini at some point.

Now, if I was SEGA I'd be pulling stats on what games people tend to play on the last few Mega Drive compilations that have been released. Even if it's just the trophies/achievements - they must know there's 30 of the 50 that people play, and a bunch that 95% of people just don't care about. Saying that, I have returned to the PS4 version of SEGA Mega Drive Collection and discovered Shadow Dancer and Shinobi III are actually really fun games that I'd completely overlooked. Golden Axe III though can burn in a ditch.

Cappa is spot on (as usual) - SEGA should definitely take the Nintendo approach and curate the games. Given M2 are giving the games the proper treatment, it makes sense to put the GOOD games on here. The ones that define the system (except Altered Beast because that game is TERRIBLE)

I think this has got great promise too, if SEGA get this right. I trust M2 with it though, as they've done a brilliant job everything they've touched on 3DS and Switch. I've definitely got high hopes. This can't just be every other compilation there's been; this can't just be every Blaze/ATgames mini Mega Drive there's been.

Blind as they can be at times, SEGA must surely be recognising what's popular and what's not. There's always some odd choices on these compilations, and I don't think they always consider that the casual audience for these would likely enjoy 'pick up and play' stuff that they can relive for a half-hour and get their satisfaction from it. That current gen Mega Drive Classics collection has an obscene number of RPGs on it; I know it's not my personal favourite genre, but who's actually buying these and launching into mammoth sessions of Story of Thor, then Landstalker, then Phantasy Star III? Listen to what folk are talking about, and - as you've said - curate the games.

Still, we're allowed our preferences! I've put together a list of forty games I'd like to see too!

1. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 - Can’t have one...
2. Sonic & Knuckles - ...without the other.
3. Streets of Rage II - the best side-scrolling beat-’em-up ever and a bonafide Mega Drive classic
4. Gunstar Heroes - the best run ‘n gun game ever and a bonafide Mega Drive classic
5. Ristar - ILOVEU
6. Rocket Knight Adventures - Konami at their Mega Drive peak
7. Strider - Another super showcase of the hardware, and still genuinely enjoyable
8. Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf - A Mega Drive standout
9. Road Rash II - A product of it’s era, but still very playable
10. Mortal Kombat II - Excellent conversion of a ‘90s arcade behemoth
11. Mega Bomberman - Beefy single player, iconic multiplayer
12. NHL ‘94- Slick, fast, and a classic multiplayer game.
13. Dynamite Headdy - the best boss rush ever and a bonafide Mega Drive classic
14. Micro Machines Turbo Tournament ‘96 - remains unmatched throughout the series
15. Earthworm Jim - Cow Launched
16. Super Fantasy Zone - the best Fantasy Zone
17. Castlevania: The New Generation - Linear Castlevania, exclusive to Mega Drive
18. After Burner II - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654_3G8zGEc
19. Gynoug - An imaginative mythological side-scrolling shooter
20. Columns III - Mega Drive’s answer to Tetris. A wrong answer, but, eh, it’s OK
21. Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master - The best of the great Mega Drive trilogy
22. Virtua Racing - Enjoyable and accurate arcade port, easy to play
23. Disney’s Aladdin - Third best-selling Mega Drive game ever, and a new film out soon
24. Saturday Night Slam Masters - Men in tights. Better on SNES, but I still like it
25. Animaniacs - Shite on SNES, class on Mega Drive
26. M.U.S.H.A. - Rare vertically scrolling shoot 'em up, not available anywhere else.
27. James Pond 2: Codename: Robocod - Penguin bars
28. Ghouls n’ Ghosts- Better than Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts
29. Mickey Mouse in Castle of Illusion - Full of charm and character
30. Splatterhouse III - Mega Drive exclusive, unreleased since…(?)
31. Pulseman - Game Freak platformer, no longer available on Wii Virtual Console
32. Thunder Force III - An excellent pure shooter
33. Rock n’ Roll Racing - Or Super Off Road, I’m not minding
34. Wiz 'n' Liz: The Frantic Wabbit Wescue - Come back, Bizarre Creations!
35. Truxton - I miss Classic Game Room
36. Mega Man: The Wily Wars - Wallet-smasher, genuine system shifter here
37. Probotector - A 16-bit Konami game I’ve never played
38. Golden Axe - Old as balls, but a lot of nostalgia for it
39. Comix Zone - Unusual beat-’em-up/platformer/puzzler, well worthwhile today
40. Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine - Puyo Puyo with recognisable characters, can’t fail with this

Shiteloads of platformers, shooters and sports games, and no RPGs! YAAAAAAAASSSSSSS

Is this different to the old megadrive all-in-one thing that has terrible emulation? I recall the sound being particularly bad

OrangeRakoon wrote:

Is this different to the old megadrive all-in-one thing that has terrible emulation? I recall the sound being particularly bad

Yeah, this is being developed in-house software developers, rather than the folk who made the old all-in-one consoles that you can currently buy in Semi Chem. The developers of it - M2 - have a proven track record of emulating old SEGA games flawlessly, and even improving upon them.

Cappa is right on why to be excited about this but the 40 games should be

The Current 10
Sonic the Hedgehog
Ecco the Dolphin
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Space Harrier 2
Shining Force
Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
ToeJam and Earl
Comix Zone
Altered Beast
Gunstar Heroes

My Extra 30
A Shinobi game, I don't know which one is the best
Sonic the Hedgehog 2, has to be
Sonic Spinball, a fun spin-off
Pulseman, cool inclusion
Alien Soldier, from Treasure
Streets of Rage 2, duh
Street Fighter 2, Not sure which one
Mortal Kombat II, Amazing on MD
Phantasy Star II, I feel you need to have both II and IV as it's hard to pick which is the better one and both can give FFVI a run for its money
Phantasy Star IV
Beyond Oasis/The Story of Thor, Zelda-like
NBA Jam, Yay sports
NHL 94, Yay sports
Mega Bomberman, fun enough
Monster World IV, Why not
Soleil/Crusader of Centy, THE best Zelda-like on MD
Mega Man: The Wily Wars, It's Mega Man
Light Crusader, from Treasure
Dynamite Headdy, from Treasure
Rocket Knight Adventures, Good Konami
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, Disney games were epic on MD
Golden Axe 2, duh
Wonder Boy in Monster World, why not but will they put Alex Kidd instead of this or MWIV
Vectorman, I don't get it but SEGA love him
Road Rash 2, come on EA
Strider, decent hack n slash
Ristar, needs more love
Aladdin, Better on MD
Contra: Hard Corps/Probotector, Don't care for the series but should get in
Shining Force II, I wasn't going to say this but as the first is in and this is better than really should be included

I've gone RPG heavy which three are Zelda-likes but Light Crusader is from Treasure. I feel you need all their games in this console.

The Cappuccino Kid wrote:

OrangeRakoon wrote:

Is this different to the old megadrive all-in-one thing that has terrible emulation? I recall the sound being particularly bad

Yeah, this is being developed in-house software developers, rather than the folk who made the old all-in-one consoles that you can currently buy in Semi Chem. The developers of it - M2 - have a proven track record of emulating old SEGA games flawlessly, and even improving upon them.

Awesome

10 more


Disney games woop woop

Out-fucking-standing. Delighted with that!!

Nice! If they keep this up it is shaping up to be a quality mini system.

Wow, I'm surprised they manage to get the Mouse on board. That's a big one.

There's still the fear that SEGA will stuff this full of ancient RPGs - or worse, Super Thunder Blade - but already I think that this better represents the best of the Mega Drive than most of those physical compilations you find on PlayStation and XBox. There's thirteen games there that I'd say are 8/10 or better.

Of all the retro systems, this is the one I'm most interested in. Only ever got to pay the odd game on megadrives, so it's mostly all new to me

I probably won't end up getting it in the end but I'm glad it's being made and would love to try earthworm Jim again.

Very tempted with these latest additions.

Ten more announced

- Mega Man: The Wily Wars
- Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition
- Sonic Spinball
- Phantasy Star IV
- Beyond Oasis
- Ghouls 'N Ghosts
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Golden Axe
- Vectorman
- Wonder Boy in Monster World

That's a mixed bag for me. Ghouls 'n Ghosts is great, really happy to play that again, and I'll give Monster Boy a good shot. Vectorman is quite good, that's fine with me. Sonic Spinball and Golden Axe are just okay, but I can understand why they're on this. Likewise for Phantasy Star IV - it's really highly regarded, but not at all for me. I don't have an opinion on The Story of Thor.

Alex Kidd is probably the worst non-Altered Beast game announced so far. It's not very good, relying more on good fortune than good skill. This better not be on here instead of Ristar, Dynamite Headdy or Rocket Knight Adventures.

Street Fighter II Special Champion Edition is another okayish game. It'll be a decent option to have on a compilation like this though, even if it's not amazing with a three button controller. On a side note, I'm seeing lots of folk going mental that RetroBit are selling a proper six-button pad separate to this. This is the only game that really benefits from six buttons though, and let's be honest: nobody is planting seventy quid on this to plough hundreds upon hundreds of hours into Mega Drive Street Fighter. Baws to that.

Mega Man: The Wily Wars is something different at least, and it'll probably be of a lot of interest to a lot of people. I'll at least give it a try, but I've thought for a long time that Mega Man is the most overrated gaming series of all time. I don't think this'll change my mind, but you never know.

So, aye, not my dream list or anything, but it's still not going to put me off of buying this as soon as it's out.

Story of Thor is a very good Zelda-like and I did put three in my extra, which two have been confirmed so far.

I'm a little surprised they have though as not really associated with the Mega Drive.

Disappointed it's not Golden Axe II.

The Cappuccino Kid wrote:

Mega Man: The Wily Wars is something different at least, and it'll probably be of a lot of interest to a lot of people. I'll at least give it a try, but I've thought for a long time that Mega Man is the most overrated gaming series of all time. I don't think this'll change my mind, but you never know.

Somewhat unrelated, but have you played any of the Mega Man X games, Cappa? I can understand why people might not enjoy the NES style Mega Man games, but MMX is a quality run and gun platformer that I'd say is amongst the SNES's best titles.

I've played sone of two of the SNES ones, but they didn't really stand out as anything amazing to me.

It's a bit off: Konami and Capcom are two of my favourite 16 bit developers, and run and gun platformers is one of my favourite types of game, but I think Konami and Capcom's 16 bit run and run platformers are a bit rubbish.

Oh, that's a shame. Like I said, Mega Man X is a real standout to me - the dash and walljump mechanics make for some good traversal and hiding away new upgrades in each level encouraged exploring.

Back on topic, I've not played The Wily Wars so I've no idea if that'll change your mind on the series!

No one has it's a £200+ game