Developer:
Sega
Sega CD Specifications:
Microprocessor(CPU):
Motorola 68000 @ 12.5MHz
Graphics Processor: Custom ASIC
RAM: 6Mbit(Program, Picture @ Sound Data)
512 Kbit(PCM Waveform memory)
128Kbit(CD Rom Data Cache Memory)
64Kbit(Backup Memory)
Boot Rom: 1 Mbit(CD Game Bios, CD Player Software, CD+G
Compatible)
Access Time: Approximately 1 second
Sound Circuitry: PCM Sound Source: Stereo, 8 Channels
Sampling Wavelength: 32 KHz Max
16 Bit D/A Converter
8X Internal Over-sampling Digital Filter
Audio Characteristics: Frequency Range: 20MHz-20KHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio(S/N): >90DB@1K
Audio Output(stereo): Line Out: RCA Pin Jack X 2(L/R)
Dimensions: 301mm(W) X 215.5(D) X 112.5(H)
Weight: 3.1LB.(1.4KG)
Official Ad: Yes
Got it for: $249.99. Had a little
money saved up, got some for my birthday, headed out to KB Toys and bought
it that night. |
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Sega's
bold entry into the gaming world of the future, the Sega CD was an amazing
feat for its time. Boasting CD audio, hardware scaling and Full Motion Video,
Sega was aiming for the future early....maybe a little too early. The Sega
CD represents the first "failure" in Sega's hardware manufacturing
days. Priced entirely too high for its time, consumers just didn't see the
need for the add on, thus shortening its life to only a mere couple of years.
Like the 32X, ignore the general public's bashing of the system: This is
a more than worthy add on to the Genesis that brings an amazingly good library
of games with it.
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| Graphics
- More than anything else, the Sega CD brings space, lots of space
to its games. With each game being able to take advantage of being on CD,
it makes for fluid animation, larger, longer games, CD audio and even full
motion video cut scenes. It also brings with it, hardware scaling, something
that the Genesis had to do through software up until the Sega CD's release. |
| Sound
- For the most part, every game on the Sega CD gets a nice, full
CD audio soundtrack to go with it. It's fucking great, it really is. Games
like both of the Ecco's and Sonic CD even use high quality QSound to boost
the listening experience |
| Library
- There were 151 Sega CD games released domestically, and there's
a high ratio of quality titles in that. A lot of games are just upgrades
to their Genesis version counterparts, but are considered to be the definitive
versions as they usually offer new levels, moves, characters, etc. over
the already new redbook soundtracks and FMV. Sonic CD, the Terminator, Batman
Returns, Pitfall: TMA and EarthWorm Jim are all excellent examples of this.
As for the original titles, you have amazing games like Snatcher, Rise of
the Dragon, Panic and the entire Working Designs library(including both
Lunar games, Vay and Popful Mail) just to name a few. Hell, even a few of
the FMV games like Road Avenger, Mansion of Hidden Souls and Sewer Shark
rock... |
| Installation
- Pretty easy, no matter which model Genesis you own. You basically
take off a plate, slide the Genesis into the Sega CD then hook up the wires.
That's it. |
| Gaming
Value - Amazingly high. Nowadays, a Sega CD is anywhere from $20
to $50, depending on model and accessories(wires, box, etc), which makes
it a damn good deal! Now, I will say, back in the day, for $250, it might
have been a bit much...but getting a chance to enjoy it while it was alive
was worth the money. |
Tips
for better gaming experiences:
Experiencing
freeze-ups during game play, difficulty reading the CD's or just general
grumpiness on starting the Sega CD up? You may need to look into a good
cleaning. Pop in a CD cleaner to dust off the Sega CD's lens, then take
a swab doused in rubbing alcohol and clean the Genesis' port contacts. 99%
of your problems are generally solved after a good cleaning...
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| My
rating: 95(out of 100) - Adding to the greatest system ever made,
the Sega CD brings redbook audio and 650 megs of much needed space to the
already awesome Genesis library. With a large variety of top notch titles,
surpassing their cartridge counterparts, and original games that will blow
you away, the Sega CD is the system you *should* have given a chance years
ago. Don't pass it up this time! |
| EGM
gave it: (in 1993) 8, 9, 8, 8(out of 10) |
Cat's review: Though I can't say I care much for that cat that
came in the Sega CD box, the system itself isn't too bad at all. Not a whole
lot worth playing on it, but those few titles that are worth the time are
truly unforgettable. |
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|
Upon
pulling the Sega CD box out of the closet, I opened it up to find four
paws and a furry, kitty face... |
After
pulling out the cardboard packing, again I find another furry animal.
I called Sega to ask if this was a standard pack-in, they said it was
special, just for me. |
Games
still coming!?:
Yes indeed. A hip, online store called Good
Deal Games has acquired the rights to a few Sega CD titles that were
finished, but never released. So far, they have published Bug Blasters,
Star Strike, Citizen X, Marko and Battle Frenzy. Be sure to check it out! |
I
just recently acquired a Mega CD 2 unit, along with Baraka's "help",
I've managed to get a few shots of the box.
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