
Sega Genesis/ Sega 32X

SEGA GENESIS:
- Graphics: 8/10
- Durability: 6/10
- Design: 7/10
- Library: 9/10
- Overall: 8/10
The Sega Genesis is a classic system; it was the first system to ever pose a legitimate threat to the Nintendo dynasty (there was it's predecessor, the Sega Master System, but that faltered relatively quickly). Anyway, as a whole, the Genesis was a solid platform, ushering in the 16-bit era with it's 1989 release. At the time, the graphics were revolutionary, and remained unparalleled until the release on Super Nintendo a year later. The system eventually developed a good library, including the introduction of Sega's response to Mario, Sonic The Hedgehog, as well as titles such as Mortal Kombat, Vectorman, and Streets of Rage, among others.
Three different versions of the Genesis were eventually released, version 2 arriving in 1995 and version 3 in 1998, with each one getting progressively smaller (version 3 was roughly the size of two Genesis controllers put together). Another application for the system is the ability to use the Sega "leech systems", the SegaCD and the Sega 32X; these were separate systems, however they could only be used when coupled with the Genesis (though it is worth noting that these two systems are not compatible with version 3 of the Genesis).
Overall, I would recommend the Genesis as a must-have for just about any casual or hardcore classic gaming enthusiast, and fun for just about anyone.
SEGA 32X:
- Graphics: 8/10
- Durability: 6/10
- Design: 2/10
- Library: 4/10
- Overall: 5/10
The Sega 32X, along with the SegaCD, was one of Sega's two "leech systems", meaning that it could only be played when it was attached to the Genesis. The 32X's setup is needlessly complicated; the system is a small mushroom-shaped attachment that is plugged into the cartridge slot on top of the Genesis, and then two power adapters must be used (one for the Genesis, and one for the 32X), then the RF cable is plugged in from the 32X's output into the TV, and a secondary connector cable is run from the Genesis' output into the 32X's input port.
Once the setup is finally complete, you can play. The system's library is rather small (only 36 games were released for the system, in addition to four games that require both the 32X and the SegaCD). Most of the games are rather bland, with a few interesting things hidden among the rough, such as Doom, Primal Rage, Mortal Kombat II, and Knuckles Chaotix, but the quality of all of these titles are still questionable, many people claiming that other versions of the games were superior (For example, Doom for the 32X has slightly better graphics than the Super NES version, but has a poor soundtrack and is noticeably shorter). THere are two games for the system however that could be considered revolutionary - Virtua Fighter and Virtua Racing. Although the character designs in Virtua Fighter were rather 'blocky' (play the game and you'll know what I mean), these were some of the earliest games to utilize 3D, and were among the only games that really showcased what the 32X was capable of.
But all things considered, the 32X is fun for a few select titles, and worth picking up if one can be had cheap, as is the SegaCD, but I wouldn't pay more than $20 or $25 myself.
Review ID: 10000000008055450

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