Sega Megadrive

The Sega Megadrive was released in Japan in November 1988 and was the first 16-bit video games console. The Sega Master System (the predecessor to the Sega Megadrive) had declined in popularity due to the increase in 16-bit computers such as the Atari ST and the Commodore Amiga, and Sega had lost the battle with the Nintendo Corporation and its Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Having already enjoyed considerable success with 16-bit arcade games such as Space Harrier and Outrun, Sega decided to rush out the new Megadrive console ahead of their rivals Nintendo, and the Super Famicom (Super Nintendo) which they had been secretly developing.

Released almost one year later, in October 1989, the Sega Megadrive was known as the Sega Genesis in the USA and Canada. A further year later, just in time for Christmas the Sega Megadrive landed in Europe and the whole world had now been introduced to 16-bit console gaming. However, despite being first off the mark with its next generation console, and having reasonable sales in early 1991 Sega was still losing out to the still popular NES. That was until a Spiky haired blue hedgehog made an appearance and changed everything!

The demand for the Sega Megadrive hit the roof as everyone wanted to play the latest game - Sonic the Hedgehog. For the first time, Sega had knocked Nintendo off the number one spot in the video game markets of Europe and North America. Nintendo responded by rushing forward the release of its Super Nintendo (SNES) but it was too late and the Sega Megadrive had established itself as the number one choice of video games console. Nintendo still remained more popular in Japan - which had always been considered its stronghold, but the shake-up in the western markets was a considerable embarrassment for the video games giant.

The Sega Megadrive underwent a transformation a few years later and the Sega Megadrive 2 was released. The console was smaller, and had the headphone jack and volume control removed. In addition to this the TMSS (Trade Mark Security System) was introduced which prevented the playing of imported cartridges through a series of hardware and software checks.

The Sega Mega CD went on sale in Japan in December 1991. It had an additional processor, more RAM, a new Sound Chip and an (obvious) bonus was the ability to play normal music CD's as CD players were still relatively new at this time. As usual, one year later, the unit went on sale in the US, with a slightly better game line up which included the excellent Sewer Shark. Unfortunately for Sega, it was the price of the consoles that prevented them from gaining popularity, despite the fact that many excellent RPG's went onto Mega-CD only, compared to the Sega Megadrive the unit had very limited worldwide success.

In 1993 Sega started to fall behind Nintendo in the 3D development field. Nintendo had wowed the world with Starwing (Starfox in the US) and the SuperFX Chip. Initially Sega had developed the SVP Adapter (Super Virtua Play) with Hitachi, and this had been incorporated into many new arcade releases including the massive hit, Virtua Fighter. Virtua Racer, released in 1994, was the only 3D polygon game that made it to the Sega Megadrive and had the SVP Adapter incorporated into the game cartridge - similar to the SuperFX chip on the Nintendo.

Sega released the Sega 32X add-on in 1995 which incorporated the SVP capabilities into the new base unit via twin Hitachi processors and an overhaul of the internal architecture. The unit plugged into the existing cartridge slot, and had it own power supply and video feed. Existing games could be played in the new slot, as well as beefed up 32X games which now featured 3D processing, better graphics, better sound and faster game play. The best of the bunch were Star Wars Arcade, Knuckles Chaotix and Virtua Fighter.

Despite this last ditch attempt by Sega to save the Megadrive, its popularity dwindled - largely due to the overwhelming success of the Sony Playstation. The machine was officially discontinued in 1998, and was replaced by Sega's true 32bit machine, the Sega Saturn. Although the Sega Megadrive never matched the Super Nintendo's worldwide success, it certainly gave it a run for its money, especially in the United States and Great Britain. Boasting a ten year history and a back catalogue of more than a thousand games including the Sonic series, Ecco the Dolphin and Streets of Rage games, the Sega Megadrive is certainly a console which will not be forgotten for many years.

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FIFA Soccer 98 - The Road to the World Cup - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Features all one hundred and seventy two national teams competing for a place in World Cup 98, plus eleven domestic leagues. Faster game play including 'one touch control' over passes, headers and volleys for lightening fast play, a new penalty shootout mode and improved strategies and formations. Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	Fighting Masters - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Fire Shark - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Communication lines are cut. Military bases lay in ruin. Then out of the smoky haze emerges a phantom biplane. You are Fire Shark, Earth's final defence against this colossal onslaught! This game is missing its instruction book Box: yes Manual: no Sold Out!	Fire Shark - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Flashback - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Uncle 2142 AD. Stranded on a bizarre alien planet with your memory artificially erased., you must battle your way back to earth and stop the invading mutant forces. Flashback. the ultimate test in survival. With rotoscoped graphics, a gripping science-fiction movie atmosphere, astonishingly life-like character animations giving highly... Box: yes Manual: yes Price: £14	Flicky - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Tiger cats prowl on every shelf; slimy Iggy lizards crawl slowly but surely closer. Flicky, the little blue bird that has a soft spot for Chicks, wants to help them get to the exit. But the cats and lizards stand in their way! Box: yes Manual: yes Price: £32
Flink - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Disaster strikes Imagica Island! Wicked Wainwright has taken over! Only apprentice wizard Flink can save the day! Challenge fearsome bad guys and mix awesome spells in Flink's crazy cauldron as you race to free the island! With some of the grooviest graphics and gameplay ever seen on the Megadrive, Flink is pure magic! Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	Flintstones - Sega Megadrive (PAL) When things go wrong in Bedrock, its up to Fred Flintstone to set them right. Fly the skies on a Pterodactyl, do some tough driving in your trusty Flintmobile and hop aboard the Dino Express! Use your clubs to fend off any zany monsters in this excellent cartoon adventure. Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Flintstones - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	Foreman For Real Boxing - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Pay attention, pug: you're facing twenty of the toughest boxers in the world! If you get past them, you got "Big" George Foreman and the world title waiting! This ain't no club fight: Acclaim's motion capture technology make this the most authentic action you've ever experienced! This game is missing its instruction book Box: yes Manual: no Sold Out!
Forgotten Worlds - Sega Megadrive (PAL) The planet used to be beautiful, with gorgeous cities and gleaming countryside's. Until the Aliens attacked. With fire, bombs and napalm they devastated the world! The made the planet so abominable that it became and outcast in the universe - the Forgotten World. Until you, the Nameless One, appear. You're a Super Warrior of incredible... Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	Forgotten Worlds - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Frank Thomas Big Hurt Baseball - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Acclaims next generation technology means the most realistic hardball action ever! 700+ MLBPA superstars: Maddux, Nomo, Justice, Vaughn, Baergo, Pucket, Alomar, Bonds and more! Exclusive simulated stats from Bill JamesStats Inc! Real Baseball Action: adjust lineups and fielders, rundowns, stolen bases, squeeze plays, double play pivots, high... Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	Fun N Games - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Come and enter the clubhouse and explore the games, activities art and music packages. There's lots to do, and the only limits your imagination. Fun N Games - it's too cool for school! Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
G-Loc - Sega Megadrive (PAL) The enemy has started its attack. They've mobilized their air force and land forces for a major assault. You're stationed on an aircraft carrier on the front line and its up to you to show them what an ace pilot can really do! Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	G-Loc - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Gaiares - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	Gain Ground - Sega Megadrive (PAL) The "Gain Ground" system, a five stage combat-simulation game, became a sensation overnight as a way to release tension. However, one day during a competition the central computer went crazy! Combatants and spectators alike were trapped inside the arena with no means of escape. We need you to guide the three fighters that have... This game is missing its instruction book Box: yes Manual: no Sold Out!
Gain Ground - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Price: £26	Galaxy Force 2 - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Junos, a solar system located at the end of the Milky Way, has come under attack. The unprovoked assault is lead by Halcyon, sovereign of the Fourth Empire. His ultimate goal is control of the whole galaxy. He must be stopped! Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Galaxy Force 2 - Sega Megadrive (NTSC-J) This is a Japanese Sega Megadrive game that will only work on a Japanese console or Modified Sega Megadrive Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	Garfield - Caught in the Act - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Garfield has broken Jon's TV, and in an attempt to fix it, falls asleep, waking to find himself in the clutches of an evil monster - Glitch. Glitch zaps both of them into the TV, where Garfield must battle through many different levels composed of well known movies in order to escape. Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Gauntlet 4 - Sega Megadrive (PAL) One of the first games available for the four-player adapters, Gauntlet IV lets you join forces with up to three other players on the quest of a lifetime. With absorbing gameplay, superb graphics and powerful music, this mystery stimulates the grey matter and sends the adrenalin pumping through your veins. Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	General Chaos - Sega Megadrive (PAL) Four crack squads to choose from. five different soldier and weapon types to control, special close combat sequences, boot camp tutorials for new recruits and terrain variety and special missions. Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!
Generations Lost - Sega Megadrive (PAL) In Generations Lost you embark upon the ultimate quest. As the daring monobe, you must seek to solve a fascinating enigma. Exploring six exciting and challenging levels of a mysterious troubled world, you will gather clues and grow to understand your own strange powers. All the while moving closer to that which you prize above all else. The... Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!	George Foremans KO Boxing - Sega Megadrive (PAL) You're 'Big George' Foreman and you've got an appetite for BIG action that only KO BOXING can satisfy! Battle the computer or go to-to-toe against a friend! Take on the roster of 15 heavyweight contenders as you go for the world championship. Rook your opponents with stinging left-right combos! Pound your way to the title with a spectacular 'Big... Box: yes Manual: yes Sold Out!