Sega CD FAQ 2.0.1 April 2001 Barry W. Cantin (bcantin@aol.com) Notes: (1) This document may be FREELY distributed in its original form. No changes or modifications are to be made without the author's permission. (2) Please do not write to me asking for game codes; it's not that I hate getting E-mail (other than JUNK E-mail, which I *despise*) - it's just that if they aren't found at Sega Sages: (http://www.segasages.com) then I can't get them. NEWSFLASH!! Good Deal Games (http://www.gooddealgames.com) has just released two Sega CD titles originally developed several years back: "The Exterminators" and "Star Strike". Both titles were developed by Stargate Films and originally slated for release in the mid-90's. Check out the GDG website for more information on these two new releases! Contents O Introduction I Description II History III System Specs IV The Sega CD Line of Machines V Software VI Conversion - US/Japanese/Europe VII Sega Backup RAM Cartridge VIII Emulation IX Leftovers O. Introduction Why? This project began several years ago when I simply wanted to compile a list of Sega CDs. I got my Sega CD unit (the original one) as part of a trade in May 1995 and very quickly began collecting the games. They had been heavily discounted nearly everywhere as places were rushing to unload their Sega CD stock. Various titles were selling for as low as $2 apiece, new. The collector bug bit me and I started to amass these things. %^) So I decided to make a list to track my collection. That list then grew to include a few imports I acquired in a trade, then some info from magazines looked good, then I dug up some old Japanese magazines for info, and so on... before I knew it, I had enough information for a bona-fide FAQ! The information here is not exactly presented in FAQ form - true, there ARE a few FAQs inside this document - but it's more like a GUIDE. My goal here is to answer the questions before they're asked. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions not answered here, or ANY comments in general related to the Sega CD. I will be updating this FAQ/guide periodically, and I'm always looking for more info. There is no list of version updates because, after all, this isn't a piece of software. %^) Besides, I can't remember what I added each time. This FAQ was written primarily for the North American Sega CD unit, although much of the information included is applicable to the Japanese and European Mega CD machines as well. I've tried to accommodate everyone in this FAQ, but please bear in mind that since I live in the U.S. my information on foreign systems is very limited. I received TONS of information from several friends on the Internet for the version 1.0 release back in June 1996. Without this help, the FAQ would have merely been a list of titles. After the FAQ was released, I received a great deal of input for an updated version, which you see here. %^) Thanks so much to all who have helped. I have removed their E-mail addresses to protect them from spam-bots: Helios Aniketos Marlin Bates Larry Brackney Patrick Brennan Marc Cellucci Kendrick Kerwin Chua Charles Coffin Clint Dyer Jon Folkers B.T. Garner Hector Gonzalez Juan Gonzalez Rich Harper Vic Ireland and the rest of the Working Designs staff Se-Duk Lim Joe Miller John Olson John Sherwood Matthew Stanton Nathan Stehle Michael Thomasson David Tipton Thien Tran Brian Trester Glen Varley Steve Wargo Dennis Warren Andy Wei Wu tim101(at)primenet.com And to all the folks who frequent rgv.sega, as well as the Sega Lists who still discuss and play their Sega CD systems... thanks! Please address any comments, corrections, requests, etc. to me at BCantin@aol.com. I. Description The Sega CD is an add-on peripheral for the Sega Genesis which allows the use of CD-ROM games specially written for the Sega CD system. It can also be used as a regular CD player - the sound comes through the television - and has CD+G capability. The Genesis is connected to the Sega CD unit via the interface slot, and a/v hookups are made through the Sega CD unit instead of the Genesis. The advantage of this is that games can take advantage of the sound provided directly by the compact disc in addition to sound effects from the Genesis unit itself. A total of 149 Sega CD titles have been released in the U.S. The Sega CD was released first in Japan as the "Mega CD", and was also released in Europe as the Mega CD. Most Japanese and European games can be played on the U.S. Sega CD unit via a converter cartridge (See section VI) but without the cart, the Japanese and American systems are not compatible. The converse is also true - Sega CD titles developed for the North American Sega CD system can also be played on the European and Japanese Mega CD systems with a converter cartridge. Q: What does the Sega CD do to improve the system? A: Here's what it adds to the Genesis: - 10 extra sound channels to complement the sound from the Genesis Z80 sound processor - sprite enhancement features such as scaling and rotation, similar to that of the SNES Mode 7 What it did NOT improve was color. The games still used 64 out of the total 512 colors possible (maybe more if you really knew how to tweak the system). Why no color improvement? Supposedly, cost. Sega's engineers reportedly wanted to include a new chip that would add to this, but it would have been an extra $5 part... which would more than likely translate to an extra $50 added to the cost of the machine. Full sprite scaling and rotation were helpful, bringing new levels of excitement which weren't fully utilized, except perhaps in a few games from Core Development, Ltd.. The Sega CD also allowed the Genesis to play FMV ("full-motion video"). The FMV was originally about 1/4 screen (Sewer Shark) but later expanded to that of Tomcat Alley (FULL screen). Advantages of CD games: better sound, much more information can be stored on a CD than a cart (CD=650 MB, cart typically around 1 to 4 MB, currently as high as 32 MB). CDs also theoretically have an infinite lifespan. Disadvantages of CD games: loading time can be a pain, CDs scratch easily. Q: Are the Sega CD and Saturn consoles compatible? A: Not at all. They are two COMPLETELY different machines. There were some rumors circulating back in '94/'95 that Sega would make an adapter that would allow you to play Sega CDs on a Saturn, but due to cost constraints of developing and manufacturing such a "Power Base"-type converter, it was determined to be not feasible for sale in the retail market. Q: Is the Sega 32X compatible with the Sega CD? A: Yes. When the 32X is mounted on top of the Genesis (attached to the Sega CD) there is absolutely NO interference to regular Sega CD games. There were also five CD titles designed for use with the 32X (see Titles section) but all are just Sega CD FMV titles ported over to take advantage of the 32X hardware. The difference is a noticeably clearer, crisper FMV and generally a larger screen. These titles were also sold in yellow-stripe boxes (Digital Pictures titles), consistent with 32X cartridge packaging. "Fahrenheit" (Sega) was sold as a combo pack, you got both the Sega CD version and the 32X CD version in one package. Q: Can the Sega CD read Digital Video CDs? A: No - these CDs require the use of an MPEG cartridge, and no such device was ever developed for the Sega CD system. Q: Is the Sega CD compatible with the TurboGrafx-CD/PC Engine CD/TurboDuo CD? A: No, these are two entirely different game machines. However, original Mega CD players COULD recognize a PC Engine CD (CD-ROM2), but could not play them. A message appeared, informing you that a PC Engine CD was inserted in the unit. Q: Which machine is responsible for the sound and music - the Genesis, or the Sega CD? A: Both. The Genesis audio output is fed into the Sega CD via the mixing cable (stereo mini-male to mini-male). The audio is then mixed by the Sega CD unit and blended with sound from the CD. The L/R audio jacks from the Sega CD contain this "blended" Sega CD/Genesis sound/music. Usually, a game's sound effects are produced by the Genesis, while the music is provided by the CD. If the setup uses a Model I Genesis (i.e., with a volume control), then you can control the audio from the Genesis separately from the Sega CD. II. History Development of the Sega CD was top secret. Programmers did not know what was being designed until the system was unveiled at the Tokyo Toy Show in Japan. Upon release, companies were told to start with "high memory"-based cartridge games and work from there (add cinemas, CD- music, FMV, etc., later). The Sega CD was designed to take on the PC Engine (TurboGrafx-16) CD unit, and NOT the SNES. The key factor to the Sega CD's design was that engineers based it somewhat on the PCE-CD, but with MORE memory and a slightly faster drive (6 Mbits and 150k transfer rate at 0.8 access time). The original Mega-CD was released in Japan in 1991 and was developed to compete with NEC's PC Engine CD-ROM drive (equivalent to the TurboGrafx- CD in the U.S.). The machine was released with the following titles in Japan: Earnest Evans, Woodstock Funky Horror Rock Band, Detonator Organ, etc. The system was initially a hit in Japan, due to the CD based RPGs (!) and the inherent advantages of CD-based titles (lots of text, pics, animation, CD-based music, etc.). Lunar: Silver Star was one of these and helped sell the system during slow sales periods. The Mega Drive (Genesis) is mounted to the Mega CD (Sega CD) unit through the interface slot on the right side, and rested on top of it. This is the front-loading model. The drawer is opened by hitting the button, and closed by either hitting the pause button on controller #1 or via the CD system software CLOSE command. The Sega CD was released in November 1992 in the U.S. and looked very much like the Japanese Mega CD counterpart. Several pack-in titles were included: the Sega Classics 4-in-1 CD (Shinobi, Columns, Streets of Rage, and Golden Axe), Sherlock Holmes I, Sol Feace, and two CD+G/music CD samplers. The original selling price was $299. (The second U.S. production run after the initial 50,000 units had the Sega Classics 5-game CD instead of the four-game CD above - see CDX) There were seven Sega CD titles available at the time of launch: Cobra Command Night Trap Black Hole Assault Sewer Shark Chuck Rock INXS Make Your Own Music Video Marky Mark Make Your Own Music Video Initial hype resulted in incredible sales. There were 50,000 units originally allotted in early November for the US launch. ALL the units were sold by the third week (prior to Thanksgiving). The second run began arriving in stores December 1992, approximately three days before Christmas. In 1994 Sega released a new, smaller Genesis and had a Sega CD II to go with it. This model connected to the Genesis in a side-by-side configuration. Discs are loaded into the top of the unit, through a manually-opened door. Summer 1994 also saw the release of the CDX, the compact all-in-one Genesis/Sega CD combo unit. SRP of the CDX was $399. Several third-party developers had signed on to do Sega CDs, including Sony Imagesoft, Vic Tokai, Konami, Data East, EA Sports, Psygnosis, Working Designs, and many others. The early Sega CD titles were packaged inside a cardboard box with the instructions, and CD in a regular jewel case inside. (Examples include WonderDog, Jaguar, all the "Make My Video" titles except C+C Music Factory) In 1993, Sega of America began packaging them in large plastic jewel cases, about 8-1/4" by 5-3/4" and about 3/4" thick. These are the same jewel cases used by Saturn games and some early Playstation titles today. One title, "Rise of the Dragon", was released both ways. Note that Sega of Japan continued to use regular-sized jewel cases for all Mega CD games, with small instructions to fit inside, just like a music CD. * Production runs for the Sega CD (original model) ended in 1993 * Production runs for the Sega CD2 ended in December 1995, in order to increase the production of the Saturn * Total number produced: officially - ??? - Unofficial estimate: 2.5 million, U.S., 2 - 3 million, Japan, 1 million, Europe III. System Specs The Sega CD adds graphics and sound capabilities to the standard Genesis console. Graphically, it provides superior scaling and rotation. Most of the sound for Sega CDs comes right off the disk, in addition to game sound effects which can be provided by the Genesis. System specs: Main CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 12.5 MHz * Same as the Genesis... runs in parallel with it... except the Genesis CPU runs at the slower clock speed 7.9 MHz Graphics Processor: Custom ASIC RAM: * 6 Mbit Main RAM - Program - Picture * 512 Kbit PCM Waveform Memory - Wavefile memory * 128 Kbit CD-ROM data cache memory * 64 Kbit Internal Backup RAM Colors: * Originally 64, same as Genesis * Using programming tricks, can get 128 colors via HAM ("Hold and Modify") - Originally developed on the Commodore Amiga to boost color capabilities - Basically a graphic over a graphic = a double-color * Using Cinepak and TruVideo: - 128 to 256 colors - Increase screen size from 1/4 to full - Advanced compression scheme, used in Win 95 - Software-based upgrade * Eternal Champions CD uses 256 colors simultaneously (only game to do so) Storage capability of a Sega CD * Approximately 500 MB of data (62 min of audio data equivalent) * 1/4 screen B/W footage video: 1.5 to 4 hours * 1/4 screen color footage: 45 minutes * Above specs are prior to compression Transfer rate of Sega CD: 150 kbytes/sec (Single Speed) Boot ROM: * 1 Mbit, contains: - CD Game Bios - CD Player Software - CD+G Software Bios versions: * When you start the Sega CD, the title screen displays the Bios version in the upper-right corner of the screen. This helps identify what machine version you are using and in a way the security capabilities. (Startup music and startup screen of the Sega CD is different for each Bios) Bios Version Machine 1.00 Original Mega CD 1.10 Original Sega CD, Motorized Drive 2.00 Sega CD2/Mega CD2 2.05 Sega CD2 2.10 Sega CD2 2.21 Sega CDX CD Access time: 800 ms Sound Circuitry: * PCM Sound Source - Stereo, 8 channels * 32 KHz Maximum sampling wavelength * 16 Bit D/A converter * 8X internal over-sampling digital filter Audio characteristics: * Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20 KHz * Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >900dB@1K * Channel Separation: >900dB Output: RCA Pin Jack x2 (L/R) Dimensions: 301mm (w) x 212.5 (d) x 112.5 (h) Weight (Sega CD1): 3.1 lbs / 1.4 kg IV. The Sega CD Line of Machines The Sega CD exists in many forms: Sega CD I (Mega CD I in Japan) Sega CD II (Mega CD II in Japan) JVC X'Eye (Wondermega in Japan) Sega CDX (Sega CDX in Japan) LaserActive (by Pioneer) Sega CD module [Sega CD I] The Sega CD I is the original unit. It features a front-loading CD tray and lights to indicate power to CD unit (green) and CD access (red). The Genesis attaches to it via the slot located on the right side of the Genesis console. This was the production run for Japan (Mega CD) and the initial 50,000 units for the U.S market. SCD 1.5 was the second US production run, beginning after brisk sales of the first run. Sony manufactured the CD drive components for this model. Since the original Genesis has a built-in audio output (with volume control), the Sega CD requires this output as part of the connection. Besides the interface connection on the side of the Genesis (which sits on TOP of the Sega CD unit), an audio cable is used from the headphone output of the Genesis to the "Mixing" input of the Sega CD. This allows you to change the volume of the Genesis while the Sega CD volume is kept constant. Q: I've lost the mixing cable. How can I get a replacement? A: Go to Radio Shack and purchase the shortest stereo mini (male) to mini (male) that you can find. This will work. Just be sure to keep it away from the power supply cord (interference). [Sega CD II] The Sega CD II was released to match the newer-style Genesis II. The machine is 100% compatible with the first unit - i.e., all Sega CDs play on both machines. There are several differences between the newer model and the first one: the never model has a top-loading tray, the power and access lights are small red LEDs on the top of the unit, and the construction seems to be less sturdy than the first model. Also, JVC (instead of Sony) manufactured the drive components for this model. The Sega CD II unit had several pack-in configurations, the most popular being Sewer Shark (SCD2a). Other pack-in configurations include: SCD2b: Sonic CD SCD2c: Sonic CD, Power Rangers, and Sewer Shark SCD2d: Joe Montana Football (Sports Pack) SCD2e: Tomcat Alley (Current and FINAL run) Some older games like Lunar: The Silver Star and Dark Wizard occasionally lock up on the Sega CD2. It does have, however, slightly shorter access times with games such as Lunar: Eternal Blue. There have also been reports that "Who Shot Johnny Rock?" will lock up a Sega CD II unit. Q: Can I use my Sega CD II unit with my older-model Genesis? A: Yes. It attaches like the original model Genesis (I) to the CD Unit. A special plastic extender plate adds on to the left side of SCD2 to hold the original Genesis. Q: How about using a Sega CD I (older) unit with the newer model Genesis? A: "Officially", no. However, a special cable CAN be made to attach it as such. It will not be as sturdy, and it's unsure how reliable this would be. The hookups don't match for sound and you'll have to use the RF box unless you patch everything. Also, you cannot use the connector plate. [JVC X'Eye] The JVC X'Eye is an all-in-one unit, as it contains a Genesis-compatible and a Sega CD-compatible in one housing. The X'Eye includes the pack-in titles "Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia" and "Prize Fighter", both in cardboard sleeves. A Karaoke CD was also included; the X'Eye is capable of playing Karaoke-CDs as well. In Japan, the X'Eye is known as the "Wondermega". There were two versions: * Original - Larger than the current model (Approx. size of SCD2 and SG2 in width) - Capable of handling oversized CDs (> 5"), which was the original concept behind CD movies in Japan... the format was NOT adopted - MIDI connection (music keyboard compatible) - Specialized MIDI/Keyboard development kit/program available in Japan ONLY. * Current version - Same as US X'Eye - Slimmer than Wondermega I - Lack extra features of the original All Wondermegas were built by JVC Musical Industries of Japan. [Sega CDX] The Sega CDX is similar to the X'Eye in that it plays standard Genesis carts as well as most Sega CDs. Its advantage is the size -- about the size of a portable CD player. This unit is portable (Sega even made a carrying case for it) but still requires a television or monitor to play. There were three CDs included as pack-ins: Sega Classics V (Streets of Rage, Shinobi, Golden Axe, Columns, and Super Monaco GP), Sonic CD, and Ecco the Dolphin CD. The CDX can also be a standalone battery-operated CD player. Front- mounted audio control buttons can fully operate the CD player, so that a TV hookup is not necessary. There were a couple design problems that make the CDX incompatible with some Genesis/Sega CD hardware. The controller ports are not positioned the same way as they are on a Sega Genesis, so items requiring the use of both ports simultaneously (e.g. Four-Way Play) will not work on the CDX without the use of two controller extension cords. One other common complaint is that the various I/O cords (controllers, headphones, a/v) input to three different sides of the device, thereby increasing its footprint. It's not uncommon for the cables to get tangled this way. There are a few Sega-CD titles that are not compatible with the CDX: Jurassic Park (works, but takes a VERY LONG TIME to load) Radical Rex Terminator Who Shot Johnny Rock? Q: Was the Sega CDX compatible with the Sega Channel? A: Yes - they were compatible. Of course, only for cart-based games. Q: Can I use a 32X add-on with my CDX? A: Yes. Although it's not officially endorsed by Sega, it *is* possible. There may be a problem with spacing the 32X device over the unit, though... the lid cannot open fully and lock into place. It still works fine, though (although not as sturdy). [LaserActive] The LaserActive system by Pioneer was a noble attempt at an all-in-one unit. It is essentially a Laser Disc player with available add-on "modules" for Sega CD/Genesis and TurboGrafx-16/CD/PC Engine games. The machine also has its own library of LaserActive game titles. The LaserActive was expensive ($800?) and each add-on module cost nearly as much as the machine it was emulating (~$200 to $300), so cost was a prohibitive factor in large volume sales of the unit. V. Software This list of Sega CD titles was the very first part of the FAQ. Once I completed it I had amassed enough information for an entire FAQ, and it just kept growing, and growing, and growing... Numbers in parentheses () refer to notes at the bottom. Guide to nomenclature: 1st person shooter (1st-P) - a non-overhead, non-side-scrolling shooting game which takes place from the point of view of the player's ship/character/etc. These games usually take advantage of the Sega CD's additional hardware and have much better effects than a comparable Genesis shooter. Action - arcade action, includes flying, and games with multiple elements (driving, shooting, platform, etc.) FMV - "Full Motion Video". This is a type of game which uses digitized video or digitized animation for its graphics and gameplay is usually limited to pressing buttons at certain times. "Dragon's Lair" in the arcade is probably the earliest example of this, in which you had to time the main character's actions precisely - or else he was toast. Platform - Run and jump type of game, side-scrolling, in which the character can explore a landscape while running, jumping, and attacking with various types of weapons. The word platform comes from early platform titles (e.g. Super Mario Brothers) in which the character actually jumped on various platforms. RPG - "Role Playing Game". The first person RPGs refer to those games in which your view is a 3-D character's view of the dungeon, and you "see what your characters see". General RPGs don't give the first-person perspective, but instead a general overhead or "3/4 overhead" perspective on your character(s). The purpose is generally some large quest, and your characters gain strength, better weapons, and improved attributes along the way. Shooter - implies a side-scrolling or horizontal shoot-em-up. There are 149 titles available in North America. Name Type Company ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Adventures of Batman and Robin Driving Sega (different from cart) Afterburner 3 Action Sega AH-3 Thunderstrike Flying sim JVC Amazing Spiderman vs. Kingpin Action/Platform Sega Android Assault Shooter Big Fun The Animals! (San Diego Zoo) Educational/Ref. Software Toolworks AX-101 FMV Shooter (1st-P) Absolute B.C. Racers Driving Core Design Batman Returns Action (driving) Sega Battlecorps Shooter (1st-P) Core Design Bill Walsh College Football Sports EA Sports Black Hole Assault Fighting Bignet USA Bouncers Action Sega Brutal - Paws of Fury Fighting Gametek Bug Blasters: The Exterminators FMV shooter Good Deal Games Cadillacs and Dinosaurs Driving/shooting Rocket Sci. Championship Soccer '94 Sports Sony Chuck Rock Platform Sony Chuck Rock II - Son of Chuck Platform Virgin Int. Cliffhanger Action/platform Sony Cobra Command FMV shooter Sega Colors of Modern Rock (8) Music Video Sega Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia (4) Educational/Ref. Compton's Corpse Killer FMV shooter (6) Digital Pictures Crime Patrol FMV shooter (6) ALG Dark Wizard RPG/strategy Sega Demolition Man Platform Acclaim Double Switch FMV action Sega Dracula Action Sony Dracula Unleashed (2CDs) FMV action Sega Dragon's Lair FMV action Readysoft Dune Interactive/FMV Virgin Int. Dungeon Explorer RPG/arcade Sega Dungeon Master 2: Skullkeep RPG/1st person JVC Earthworm Jim CD (Special Edition) Platform Shiny Ent. Ecco the Dolphin CD Action/platform Sega Echo the Dolphin 2: The Tides of Time CD Action/platform Sega ESPN Baseball Tonight Sports Sony ESPN National Hockey Night Sports Sony ESPN NBA Hangtime '95 Sports Sony ESPN Sunday Night NFL Sports Sony Eternal Champions CD Fighting Sega Eye of the Beholder RPG/1st person Sega Fahrenheit (packaged w/ 32X version) FMV action Sega Fatal Fury Special Fighting JVC FIFA Soccer Sports EA Sports Final Fight Fighting Sega Flashback CD Platform Sega Flink Platform Vic Tokai Formula 1 World Championship Driving Sega Frankenstein/Dracula (combo) FMV action Sony Ground Zero Texas (2 CDs) FMV shooter Sony Heart of the Alien Platform Virgin Int. Heimdall Puzzle/RPG JVC Hook Platform Sony INXS: Make My Video FMV music Sega Iron Helix Action/puzzle/sci-fi Spectrum Holobyte Jaguar XJ220 Driving JVC Jeopardy Quiz Sony Joe Montana NFL Football Sports Sega Jurassic Park (5) Action/1st-P/Puzzle Sega Keio's Flying Squadron Shooter JVC Kids on Site FMV educational Sony Kris Kross FMV music Sony Lawnmower Man 1st-P action/puzzle SCI Lethal Enforcers (with gun) Shooter (6) Konami Lethal Enforcers 2: Gunfighters Shooter (6) Konami Links: The Challenge of Golf Sports Virgin Int. Loadstar FMV action Rocket Sci. Lords of Thunder Shooter Sega Lunar: The Silver Star RPG Working Designs Lunar: Eternal Blue RPG Working Designs Mad Dog McCree Shooter (6) ALG Mad Dog McCree 2: The Lost Gold Shooter (6) ALG Mansion of Hidden Souls Action/puzzle Vic Tokai Marky Mark FMV music Sega Masked Rider (Kamen Rider ZO) FMV action Sega Mega Race 1st-P action Software Toolworks Mickey Mania Platform Sony Microcosm 1st person action Psygnosis Midnight Raiders FMV action/shooter Sega Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FMV action Sega Mortal Kombat CD Fighting Acclaim My Paint Educational Sega NBA Jam CD Sports Acclaim NFL Trivia Quiz/sports CapDisc NFL's Greatest Teams Sports Trivia Sega NHL '94 Sports EA Sports Night Trap (2CDs) (1) FMV action Digital Pictures Nova Storm 1st-person shooter Psygnosis Panic! Puzzle/humor Data East Pitfall CD Platform Activision Popful Mail Platform/RPG Working Designs Power Factory FMV music Sony Power Monger Strategy/sim EA Prince of Persia Platform Sega Prize Fighter (2 CDs) (4) FMV action Sega Puggsy Platform Psygnosis Racing Aces Flying sim/action Sega Radical Rex (5) Platform Activision RDF Global Conflict 1st person shooter Absolute Revenge of the Ninja Fighting Renovation Revengers of Vengeance Fighting Extreme Rise of the Dragon (2) [1st rel.] Mystery Sega Rise of the Dragon (2) [2nd rel.] Mystery Dynamix Road Avenger FMV action Renovation Road Rash Driving EA Robo Aleste Shooter Tengen Samurai Shodown CD Fighting JVC Secret of Monkey Island Mystery/puzzle JVC Sega Classics Arcade Collection (4-in-1) (1) Misc. arcade/puzzle Sega Sega Classics Arcade Collection (5-in-1) (3) Misc. arcade/ puzzle/driving Sega Sewer Shark (2) FMV action Sony/DP Shadow of the Beast II Platform Psygnosis Sherlock Holmes (1) Mystery/puzzle Sega Sherlock Holmes II Mystery/puzzle Sega Shining Force CD RPG/strategy Sega Silpheed 1st person shooter Sega Slam City with Scottie Pippen (4 CDs) FMV action Digital Pictures Snatcher Mystery/gun (6) Konami Sol Feace (1) Shooter Sega Sonic CD Platform Sega Soulstar 1st person shooter Core Design Space Ace FMV action Readysoft Space Adventure (Cobra) Mystery/Digital Comic Book Hudson Soft Starblade 1st person shooter Namco Star Strike FMV shooter Good Deal Games Star Wars Chess Strategy Software Toolworks Star Wars Rebel Assault FMV action JVC Stellar Fire 1st person shooter Dynamix Supreme Warrior (2 CDs) FMV fighting Digital Pictures Surgical Strike (9) FMV shooter Sega 3 Ninjas/ Hook (2 CDs) Platform Sony Terminator (5) Platform Virgin Int. Third World War Strategy/sim Extreme Time Gal FMV action Renovation Tomcat Alley FMV action Sega Trivial Pursuit Quiz Parker Bros Ultraverse Prime/Microcosm Platform/ 1st-P shooter Sony Vay RPG Working Designs Wheel of Fortune Quiz Sony Who Shot Johnny Rock (5) Shooter (6) ALG Wild Woody Platform Sega Willy Beamish Action/adventure Dynamix Wing Commander Action EA Wirehead FMV action Sega Wolfchild Platform JVC Wonderdog Platform JVC World Cup USA 94 Sports US Gold WWF Rage in the Cage Sports Arena Ent. 32X versions of the following CDs were also released: Corpse Killer (Digital Pictures) Fahrenheit (Sega) (Sega CD and 32X versions packaged together) Night Trap (Digital Pictures) (this is the edited version) Slam City (Digital Pictures) Supreme Warrior (Digital Pictures) Notes: (1) Sega CD 1 pack-in item. Complete Pack-ins for Sega CD 1 (5 items): Sega Classics 4-in-1 CD (Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Columns, Golden Axe) Sherlock Holmes Sol Feace CD CD+G Sampler R&R Music sampler (2) Sega CD 2 Pack-in item. (no box included, as well as smaller manual) (3) Sega CDX Pack-in item. Contains Same four games as 4-in-1 plus Super Monaco GP. (4) JVC X'eye Pack-in item. Compton's and Prize Fighter are in cardboard boxes/sleeves. (5) Does not work with Sega CDX system and may give trouble on a Sega CD Model II unit. (6) You can use a light gun for this game. There were two types of light guns produced for Sega CD games. The first is the "Justifier", by Konami, which is included with Lethal Enforcers. It can be used to play these titles: "Lethal Enforcers", "Lethal Enforcers 2", and "Snatcher". The other light gun is by American Laser Games. It wasn't included with any of their Sega CD titles, but had to be purchased separately. A second gun (for player 2) was also made but is currently hard-to-find. (Note: The Sega "Menacer" can also be used for these games, but unlike the American Laser Games guns, the Menacer requires batteries.) These guns can be used with the following games: "Crime Patrol", "Mad Dog McCree", "Mad Dog McCree II: The Lost Gold", and "Who Shot Johnny Rock". Also, "Corpse Killer" (Digital Pictures) can be used with the Menacer. (7) All American Laser Games are FMV shooters. All Digital Pictures games are FMV-based. (8) "Colors of Modern Rock" is a promo-only CD by Sega and Digital Pictures. It's a CD with six music videos produced in conjunction with Warner Custom Music. You can play the videos as in a normal VCR tape. The screen is approximately 1/3, combination of color and black-and-white. It allows for play, stop, search, skip, freeze, and storage of 9 frames (based on available backup RAM space). (c) 1993 Sega, product code: WCM-9302-00 (in case anyone's interested). Featured bands (and song titles): Too Much Joy Donna Everywhere T-Ride Back Door Romeo The Belltower Outshine the Sun Xtra Large Hooker Mr. Big To Be With You Dramarama Haven't Got a Clue (9) Surgical Strike was never released for the 32X, despite the offer on the manual cover for an upgrade. The original offer - noted on the cover of the instruction booklet as well - was to send Sega the card from the instruction booklet along with $3.75 for P&H, and Sega would send you an upgraded Surgical Strike CD for the 32X. In early 1996, the 32X version was cancelled. Not long afterward, Sega sent a letter to people who mailed in for the upgrade, explaining the cancellation. They also offered to refund the $3.75 or send two Sega CDs of your choice. The CDs offered could be chosen from a list of 30 or so titles. Here is a partial list of some additional Japanese titles (please send info on others to BCantin@aol.com): 3x3 Eyes (RPG) A-Rank Thunder (RPG) Aisle Lord (RPG) AlShark (RPG/Adventure) Annet Again (Platform Fighting Adventure game - sequel to El Viento) (a.k.a. "Anet Futatabi") Arcus 1 2 3 Birth of Goddess (RPG) (released?) Burai (RPG) Burning Fists (Fighting) Captain Tsubasa (Sports/soccer) Cosmic Fantasy Stories (RPG - Cosmic Fantasy parts 1/2) Cyborg 009 (Platform) Death Bringer (RPG) Detonator Organ (RPG) Devastator (Side scrolling shooter) Dynamic Country Golf (Sports) Earnest Evans (Platform) F-1 Circus (Racing) Fhey Area (RPG) (note - also spelled "FAERIA" on other platforms) Funky Horror Band (RPG) Gods (Action) Heavy Nova (Fighter) Heroic Legend of Arslan (Strategy) Hyper Attax (Action) Illusion City (RPG) Kelo Yugskitai Lordos Tou Senki (RPG) Magic Girl (Anime adventure/detective) Mega Schwarzchild (Sim) Might & Magic 3 (RPG) Night Striker (1st person Shooter) Ninja Warriors (Action Arcade) Nobunaga (military sim?) Phantom City Pop' N Land (Platform) Power Drift (Driving) (released?) Power League Baseball (Sports) Ranma 1/2 (Anime puzzle?/fighting?) Record of Lodoss Wars (strategy) Semboku (released?) Side Story of After Armageddon (RPG) Silky Lip (Anime adventure/detective) Super League CD (Baseball) Tenkafubu (Ancient Japan military strategy?) Tokyo Mah-Jongg (Tile game) Urusei Yatsura - Dear My Friends (Interactive Anime) Wonder Mega Collection (WonderMega pack-in) (Detective Game with Japanese characters, # G-6006) ***equivalents to N.A. (North American) titles*** Bari Arm = Android Assault Battle Fantasy = Revengers of Vengeance Heavenly Symphony = Formula One: Beyond the Limit Kamen Rider ZO = Masked Rider Ninja Haygate = Revenge of the Ninja Switch = Panic! ThunderStorm = Cobra Command Yumeni Mystery Mansion = Mansion of Hidden Souls *** also released in N.A., same names *** Afterburner 3 AX-101 Black Hole Assault Final Fight CD Lunar: The Silver Star Lunar II: Eternal Blue Popful Mail Prince of Persia Shadow of the Beast 2 Shining Force CD Silpheed Sol-Feace Sonic CD (music is different) Starblade Third World War Wonder Dog Here is a partial list of some European Mega CD titles: Afterburner 3 Amazing Spiderman vs Kingpin The Animals! Another World BC Racers Batman Returns Black Hole Assault Bloodshot Cannon Fodder Chuck Rock Chuck Rock 2 - Son of Chuck Cobra Command Cobra Space Adventure (?) Corpse Killer Demolition Man (?) Dracula Unleashed Dragon Lore: The Legend Begins (?) Dune Dungeon Explorer (?) Dungeon Master 2 Earnest Evans (?) Earthworm Jim Ecco the Dolphin Ecco 2 Eternal Champions Eye of the Beholder Fahrenheit Fatal Fury Special FIFA Soccer Final Fight Flux (?) Hammer (?) Heavy Nova Heimdall (?) Heimdall 2 (completed?) Jaguar XJ220 Jurassic Park Keio's Flying Squadron Kids on Site Kriss Kross Lethal Enforcers Lethal Enforcers 2 Links Golf Lords of Thunder Marko's Magic Football (Domark) (released?) Marky Mark: Make My Video Mega Race Microcosm Midnight Raiders Mortal Kombat Myst (?) Night Trap Night Striker (?) Nostalgia 1907 (?) Power Monger Power Rangers Prince of Persia Puggsy Revenge of the Ninja (?) Road Avenger Robo Aleste Samurai Shodown Sensible Soccer (Psygnosis) Sewer Shark Shadow of the Beast 2 Shining Force CD Silpheed Slam City Snatcher Sol-Feace Sonic CD Soul Star Starblade Supreme Warrior Surgical Strike Syndicate Theme Park Thunderhawk Time Gal Timecop (?) Tomcat Alley Wiz N Liz (?) Wolfchild Wonderdog World Cup Golf (?) WWF: Rage in the Cage Yumeni Mystery Mansion (aka "Mansion of the Hidden Souls") European Mega CDs *not* released in North America: Bloodshot Cannon Fodder Sensible Soccer Syndicate Theme Park There were also some demo CDs that were occasionally included with UK magazines, such as "Sega Pro" and "Mega Power". These typically included partial versions (demos!) of Sega CD games about to be released. Q: Is anyone still releasing Sega CD titles? Or is this a completely DEAD platform? A: Nope - not dead at all. Good Deal Games has recently released two Sega CD titles that were previously in the "Unreleased" category! "Exterminators" and "Star Strike" - two games developed by Stargate Films, were unearthed and released by GDG. There is the possibility that more releases will follow, depending on sales of these two titles. For more information on these two games, check out the GDG website at http://www.gooddealgames.com Q: I thought (GAME X) was released. I've seen it listed for sale in various magazines. What happened to it? A: This happens all the time. A video game retailer (new or used, they all seem to do it) gets wind of a game under development, and then lists it for sale - even if it hasn't been released yet. Of course, when you call in to order it, it's not available - but will be as of [...some date, a few months in the future]. They design their sale lists to reflect changes to accommodate new releases. What happens is that sometimes a title will be canceled before it's complete, yet it's still listed for sale all over the place. This is not the developers' fault, but the fault of the video game retailers that include unreleased titles on their sale lists. Sometimes a game will be reviewed in a magazine, fooling some people into believing that it's been released. In these cases, the reviewers nearly always get demo versions or early copies of games, that are occasionally canceled prior to release. Meanwhile, there's a review of it out there somewhere, getting people ready for it. Sad, but true. (Good example currently is "Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors", which has probably been reviewed by every major gaming mag, and even made the cover of "Sega Visions"... yet the title was dropped before it could be released). Q: What are some of those titles that have never been released, that will probably NEVER see the light of day? A: NOTE: Some titles change before release also, which may account for this. I'll be sure to let you know if I find any such examples. This list is naturally subject to change... but it doesn't look like it will. I haven't gone through ALL the ads I've seen, these are a few of the more prevalent ones (I've seen ads for most of these, a few reviews too... and no, they're not out). If I included all the unreleased titles from the many sale lists I've looked at from 1993-present, there would probably be 30-40 more titles on it... Work has been done (in some cases to completion) on each of these titles below. UNRELEASED SEGA CD TITLES THAT SAW SOME SORT OF DEVELOPMENT, or at least were announced by their respective companies: ------------------------------------------------------------ ***** NOTE: This list is by NO means complete! ***** 36 Great Holes/Fred Couples (Sega Sports) Aero Racers (Revell) Akira (T*HQ) Baby Boom (Sega?) Battle Fantasy (Extreme) Battle Frenzy (Core) (NOT the same as "Battle Corps", this one may have been released on cartridge instead) Battletech: Grey Death Legion (Extreme/Absolute) Braindead 13 (Readysoft) Bubba & Stix (Core Design) Captain Commando (Capcom) Citizen X (Sega/Digital Pictures) Clue (Parker Brothers) Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars (American Laser Games) Dai Bing Dark Ride (Rocket Science Games) [reportedly runs at 60 FPS!] Darkseed (Vic Tokai) Dragon's Lair 2 (Readysoft) European Racers (Revell) Flying Nightmares (Domark) Forgotten Worlds (Capcom) Hammer vs. Evil D. in Soulfire (Sega/GTE Interactive) Harrier (Domark) Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis Kingdom: The Far Reaches (CapDisc) Myst (Broderbund) NHL All-Star Hockey (Sega Sports) No Escape (Sony Imagesoft) Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors (Accolade) Power Drift Prince VVCR (Sega) ("Prince", as in "SymbolMan") Rise of the Robots (JVC) Rocketboy (Rocket Science Games) Shadow of Atlantis (Sega) Side Pocket: Special Edition (Data East) (completed?) Space Pirates (American Laser Games) Strider Deluxe (Capcom) Time Slip (ASG Technologies) Total Carnage (T*HQ) Wing Nuts (Stargate Films - completed?) Young Indiana Jones (Sega) VI. Conversion Q: Is it possible to play foreign CDs on my Sega CD/Mega CD? A: Yes, but... If you insert a foreign CD into your Sega CD (remember, there are three nationalities of Sega CDs here: European, Japanese, and U.S.), you will not be able to load it. The reason for this is that a "nationality" lockout code is on each Sega CD and Mega CD unit. This assures (without outside help) that a particular CD will only be playable on its particular system. There is a way around this lock-out code. There are cartridges available that plug directly into the Genesis slot that allow foreign CDs to be used by any system by "undoing" this lockout code. [The Lockout Chip] The Sega CD unit had a specially designed BIOS chip/security program that prevented the unit from reading CD games intended for other markets (US, Japanese, European), such as Japanese or European CDs on a U.S. machine, and vice-versa. This Lockout chip or BIOS information instructed the CD unit to read the CD and look for a certain file/security identifier that indicated that the CD was authorized for use on the system. To work around this, Datel designed the Pro CD-X and Pro CD-X Plus. Pro CD-X (and Pro CD-X Plus) This is a special cartridge that plugs into the Genesis in the cart slot and overrides the security commands of the Sega CD. This allows you to play any Sega CD or Mega CD title on any Sega CD or Mega CD system of a different origin. However, it wasn't 100% effective - not all games were compatible with this unit, making its appeal very limited. During Sega's redesign of the Genesis and CD system, they updated the Bios to prevent this cartridge from working. Also, the Pro-CDX is NOT compatible with the 32X. CD+Plus This cartridge looks like a regular Genesis cartridge and has better success with compatibility than its predecessors. When the Sega CD is powered up with this cart in place, it's possible to run the Sega CD via the options screen (select "CD-ROM"). The reset button does NOT open the Sega CD tray (first model), you have to do that via the options screen as well. Version 3.0B of the CD+PLUS works with the 32X unit, but earlier versions (2.8 for example) are incompatible. The version number is visible when the Genesis/Sega CD is powered up with the CD+PLUS cart, look in the right-hand corner of the screen. Foreign CDs known to work successfully with CD+PLUS (version 2.8d): Japanese: Aisle Lord AlShark Annet Again (Annet Fukatabi) Burai Earnest Evans F-1 Circus CD Fhey Area Final Fight CD Funky Horror Band Heavenly Symphony Lunar Night Striker Prince of Persia Ranma 1/2 (Byakuranaika) Salesman Sega Classics Arcade Collection (4-in-1) Side Story of After Armageddon Silky Lip Silpheed Sol Feace Super League CD Tenkafubu Thunder Storm European: Demo CDs included with magazines such as Mega Power and Sega Pro Known NOT to work with CD+PLUS (Version 2.8d): Japanese: Black Hole Assault Cosmic Fantasy Stories Heavy Nova Known to work successfully with Pro CD-X Version 1.04: Japanese: Aisle Lord AlShark Annet Again (Annet Fukatabi) Burai Earnest Evans Fhey Area F-1 Circus CD Final Fight CD Lunar Night Striker Prince of Persia Salesman Sega Classics Arcade Collection (4-in-1) Side Story of After Armageddon Silky Lip Sol-Feace Super League CD Tenkafubu European: Demo CDs included with magazines such as Mega Power and Sega Pro Known NOT to work with Pro CD-X (version 1.04): Japanese: Black Hole Assault Funky Horror Band (F.H.B.) Heavenly Symphony Heavy Nova Ranma 1/2 (Byakuranaika) A foreign CD is known not to work with a particular cart when the system freezes completely during its loading. Note: The above compatibility lists were compiled from my personal collection of Mega CDs. Anyone with more info on which Mega CD titles work with which cart, please E-mail me (BCantin@aol.com)... thanks in advance. Secondary security lockout bypass This is the option to using one of the above carts. It is possible to build your own switch onto the back of the Sega CD. It requires rewiring two transistors, indicating US or Japan (no idea how European Sega CDs would work with this). No details are available in this FAQ. VII. Sega CD Backup RAM Cart This is an ordinary-looking Genesis cart which allows you to copy individual files to and from the Sega CD internal RAM. It allows 16 times the storage of the Sega CD's internal RAM. One nice advantage is that many games (particularly the memory-hogging RPGs) will allow you to play directly from the backup RAM cart. The cart allows you to copy individual files or the entire directory to it from the RAM, and allows individual files to be copied over (space permitting) to the Sega CD Internal RAM. It behaves very much like a floppy disk, in that it must be formatted before use, then files can be copied to/from it. Individual files can also be deleted. Known shelf life is probably on the order of several years, maybe longer. The RAM cart has capacity for 1 Mbit of data storage (which translates to 2000 blocks), or sixteen times the storage capacity of the internal Sega CD RAM (125 blocks). It is also required to perform certain things, such as access the third "hidden" battle stages in Shining Force CD. Since each Shining Force CD saved game takes up almost all the internal Sega CD RAM and you have to have saved games from both parts 1 and 2, you must have at least one of them stored on the RAM cart. Also, some games such as "Shining Force CD", "Third World War", and "Eye of the Beholder" take up all 125 blocks with a save game, so if you want to save anything else (or have multiple saves) the backup RAM cart is essential. One note: the External RAM cart instructions do not mention how long the cart will keep the files but more than likely will keep them approximately 3-5 years, assuming that the player occasionally plugs it into the Sega Genesis WITH the Sega CD attached to recharge it and keep power at optimum levels. Later versions of the FAQ will have an index of the savegame filenames. This way, you will know what those "mystery files" are that have been there for a long time, that you were afraid to delete... The RAM cart retailed for $59.99. VERY highly recommended for RPGs. Q: Can I play Sega CD games while the RAM cart is inside the machine? A: Yes, it's actually more convenient this way because you have the option of saving directly TO the cart if you wish. Q: Can I use the RAM cart with foreign CDs? A: No. Since you need a translator cart such as Datel's Pro-CDX or CD+PLUS, the cart slot will already be occupied. However, you can still save to the Sega CD's internal RAM and later move the file(s) over to a RAM cart. VIII. Emulation There is a program that will allow you to play Sega CDs on your PC. It's called WinAGES and was written by Jeffrey Quinn. At the moment there is no version for the Macintosh, and I don't know of any plans to port it over. This emulator is still in development - as of this writing, he is on version 0.23a which will run many Sega CD titles at nearly full speed. The best starting point for this emulator and all associated files is the Eidolon's Inn website: http://www.eidolons-inn.de/sega/segacd_emu.html PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - DO NOT ASK ME TO SEND YOU THE GAMES!!! I'm not going to get nailed for copyright infringement, sorry. I work for the government and it wouldn't look good on my record. %^/ I also don't know where to find them. They're cheap enough used (well, most of them anyway), might was well buy the originals. This is the only Sega CD emulator that I am currently aware of; as most emulated consoles go, though, we may see others appear sooner or later. IX. Miscellaneous Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do you have (insert highly-sought-after title here) for sale? I do not have any of these for sale, unless I've got 'em up on eBay! I can only recommend that people check eBay, Yahoo! auctions, or someone like Good Deal Games for older Sega CD titles. But in general I do not sell them. I'm just a collector. %^) You can always still check the following newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega rec.games.video.marketplace (recommended) alt.sega.genesis Start the message with something like "WTB: Third World War for Sega CD" or something like that. (WTB = "want to buy") Yes, there ARE people who still read the newsgroups and avoid eBay... As far as where to buy one of the carts that allow you to play the import games, whoa boy -- GOOD LUCK THERE. I haven't seen any for sale in so long... Again, the above sources are a good starting point. A general web search can also help. I honestly don't know, and that's what I'll say if anyone writes to me asking about them. Q: I need help with (insert current fave title here)! How do I get past (level, boss, obstruction)?? HELP!! A: Sorry. I dunno. I've played most of the games, but I'm not a good source of hints for any games in particular. Best plan for you is to check out http://www.gamefaqs.com and see if they have any info on the game you're stuck in. Also, try the newsgroups above (but not the marketplace newsgroup), someone else may be playing the same game at the same time... you never know! Q: Do any Sega CD titles use the "Mega Mouse"? A: Yes, they are: Dungeon Master II Eye of the Beholder Mansion of the Hidden Souls My Paint Panic! (and possibly some of the American Laser Games such as "Who Shot Johnny Rock?", "Mad Dog McCree", etc.) These titles are MUCH easier to use with the Mega Mouse instead of a standard joypad. Q: Is there a Game Genie for the Sega CD system? A: No. There never was a "game enhancing" device for the Sega CD. Neither Galoob nor Datel ever brought one on the market. At one point in time, approximately mid-1993 when the Sega CD was in its heyday, Galoob announced that they were working on a Game Genie for the Sega CD. Based on comments from Galoob officials, the device would fit between the Genesis and the Sega CD. However, due to market conditions (i.e. the system wasn't a booming success) and the inherent change invoked by Sega from the original Sega CD style to the newer Sega CD2 style made it not feasible for Galoob to develop such a device and thus it was shelved. Reasons for this being, the change in system design by Sega made it harder for Galoob to make a "universal" style adapter that would work with both units (Sega CD 1 and CD2) along with relatively few games and wavering public support. (Side note: on review of the design of the original and newer Genesis and Sega CD systems, it is theoretically possible to have made it work. It might have looked a little weird, but it was possible.) Q: What is the advantage of a CD title over the equivalent cart title (Example: Pitfall)? A: The CD version usually has better music (and more of it) since it comes directly from the CD. Ecco the Dolphin is a good example of this. In some titles, as in the case with Pitfall CD and Earthworm Jim CD, extra levels are included. Some titles also have FMV cinemas between levels. Also, in some cases (such as Jurassic Park) it's an entirely different game. Q: Where can I find a list of cheats for Sega CD games? A: First, try the Sega Sages' page: http://www.segasages.com This site is a veritable encyclopedia of gaming info, spanning the entire range of videogaming history. There's a great section in there on the Sega CD, too. Some individual game FAQs for the Sega CD can be found at http://www.gamefaqs.com Off the net, you can look for a book called "Sega CD Official Game Secrets", by Rusel DeMaria and Tom Stratton Jr. (Prima Publishing, 1994). It's got EXCELLENT tips and walkthroughs on 27 Sega CD titles, including a few cheats here and there. Very highly recommended for the library if you collect Sega CDs. There have also been some top-notch, wonderfully detailed books from Sandwich Islands Publishing on specific game titles. Solution books were released for the following Sega CD titles: Dungeon Master II: Skullkeep (INCREDIBLE maps!!) Heimdall Lunar: The Silver Star Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Popful Mail Vay Also, some of the "Awesome Sega Genesis Secrets" series contain hints on various Sega CD titles. (Sandwich Islands Publishing, P.O. Box 10669, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761; FAX (808) 661-2715) One last interesting note about the above books - they contain interviews with the game's creators or publishers. Incredibly thorough and must-haves for any fan of any of those titles. VERY highly recommended (no, I don't work for those guys; I just love their books!). The magazine "Tips and Tricks" at one time kept a list of Sega CD cheats and Easter eggs, but it is rarely published any more. Q: Which magazines cover the Sega CD? A: Nowadays, nobody covers it. But back in its heyday (1994-6) just about everyone did. EGM, Gamepro, DHGF, etc. all had reviews, news, etc. for the Sega CD during that time. Q: Are there any other sources on the Internet for Sega CD information? A: The Usenet newsgroup rec.games.video.sega is a good place to look. Another newsgroup to check, although it's less busy, is alt.sega.genesis. Generally, if you have a Sega CD-related question, post it there and someone will probably post an answer. Unfortunately, the Sega of America webpage: http://www.sega.com no longer carries information about the Sega CD system or its games. Q: What is "QSound"? A: From the Sonic CD manual: "QSound Virtual Audio is a revolutionary, multi-dimensional sound placement technology. If your Sega CD is connected to stereo sound, you can submerge yourself in the magic of state-of-the-art QSound. This amazing sound technology gives you 180 degrees of audio in a greatly expanded sound field. You'll be surrounded in waves of 3-D sound!" Sega CD titles which utilize QSound include: Ecco the Dolphin Ecco: The Tides of Time Jurassic Park CD Sonic CD Spiderman vs. Kingpin Q: What are the RPGs available for the Sega CD? A: First, there's the Working Designs games: Lunar: The Silver Star (also released for Sony PSX) Lunar: Eternal Blue (also released for Sony PSX) Popful Mail (more of a platformer but lots of RPG-type elements to it) Vay There are a couple good ones from Sega: Dark Wizard (hex-grid battle-sim RPG) Shining Force CD (completely different stories from the cart- based games, and the stories here are VERY linear (ie no town exploration, just battle after battle) There are a few others, which are ports from computer games: Eye of the Beholder Dungeon Master II Heimdall (more like a puzzle game) And then the misc. RPG-like category Dungeon Explorer II (a Gauntlet clone, it's based on the Dungeon Explorer games for the TurboGrafx-16/Duo/PC Engine, although it's different from those two titles) NOTE: There are more available for the Mega-CD (Japanese) and generally require the player to read Japanese in order to play them. See the List (Section V) above for specific titles. Miscellaneous tidbits... * Majority of Sega CD/CD2 design based on JVC CD technology * All original Sega CD game CD-ROMs were pressed by JVC for Sega * Many games can be reset with the joypad by simultaneously pressing A,B,C, then * Mega CD (Japanese) version of Sonic CD has different music than the US version and features a rap-based intro (!) * The most popular rental outlet of Sega CD units and games was Blockbuster Video. They were discontinued from most stores during 1995-1996.