Genesis and Shining Force 101
 

I just bought Shining Force on Ebay, but one problem.....I don't have a Genesis YET.

I have a few simple questions:

I assume this 32X thing they speak of is an attachment. does it enhance somehow the 16 bit games?

What is Sega CD? Is it an attachment to Sega Genesis or a separate system?

Do Sega CD games play on Sega Saturn?

Do you have any tips or things I should keep in mind while picking out which Genesis auction to bid on?


Now, regarding Shining Force. I realize that for Sega Genesis there is Shining in the Darkness, Shining Force, and Shining Force II. More questions:

I saw that there is a Shining Force for Sega CD. Is this a totally different game? If so, is it any good?

How about Shining Force III for Sega Saturn? How does it compare with the other games in the series - you like?

What is Shining the Holy Ark?

Thanks!

Check out this auction for me? Does it appear complete?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=3653

No.
Attachment.
No.
Any Genesis should be fine.

Beyond that, I'm not sure.

Re: Genesis and Shining Force 101
 

[quote]Originally posted by Squeeealer
What is Sega CD? Is it an attachment to Sega Genesis or a separate system?

an attachment to play CD games.

Do Sega CD games play on Sega Saturn?

nope.

I saw that there is a Shining Force for Sega CD. Is this a totally different game? If so, is it any good?

it's a different game than Shining Force 1 or 2. IMO, it really bites because it's basically 100% combat (no towns or exploration), but it does have its fans.

How about Shining Force III for Sega Saturn? How does it compare with the other games in the series - you like?

it was pretty good, but it's only the first part of a three game series.. unfortunately, the other two games never made it out here. if you can live with only seeing 30% of the total project, i recommend it.

What is Shining the Holy Ark?

offshoot P.O.S. avoid it, IMO.

and while we're on the topic of Shining games, i DO recommend Shining in the Darkness, the game that started it all. it's a first-person dungeon-crawler, but it was way ahead of its time. great stuff, IMO.

GC Brad

Thanks, Brad!

If you get a sec, do you think there are any "must haves" as far as Genesis and Sega CD RPG's?

Hmm... if you only want RPGs i'd say to ask (GC) Mike B. for some recommendations, or perhaps some of the other boardmembers have some ideas.

i was never a *huge* genesis/SCD fan, and the games i did have for it were usually actioners. the only RPg-ish games i can really stand behind are Shining in the Darkness and Shining Force 1 and 2, but you're already hip to those. i didn't get into some of the other "big RPG names" of the day, and i don't believe that many of them would still be enjoyable if you were to play them now. that's just me, though.

if you want other recommendations outside of RPGs, i'd say to try:

E-Swat (i love robots. heheh)
Spider-Man (one of the better comic book adaptations, IMO.)
Thunder Force III (awesome shooter)
Forgotten Worlds (another shooter)
Contra: Hard Corps (contra.. and a fine one at that)
DeCapAttack (super-kooky platformer)

Good luck!

GC Brad

The 32X attachment only plays 32X games. I think there were like four or five of them :eek:

Off the top of my head:
that Star Wars game
Virtua Racing
Doom
Kolibri (the best hummingbird based shooter ever!)
Virtua Fighter

I can't think of anymore right now. Definitely more than 5 though.

Hey Squeeealer, I have a Genesis, 32X, and Sega CD that I will gladly part with. If you haven't found one yet and are interested (it will be pretty cheap, I can guarantee it) just PM me and let me know.

As for some of your other questions, I must say that Shining Force on Sega CD is a great game. It is basically what we would call a 'hardcore' game nowadays, in that the game basically revolves around how well you can manage your inventory and fight.

And as for Shining the Holy Ark, I've gotta disagree with Brad on that one. That game is really good, although it doesn't play like the rest of the Shining series.

I'm glad that you show such an interest in the Shinging Series. They are great games, all but forgotten by now. Shining Force I and II are two of the best strategy RPG's ever made.

Space Harrier. The only game you need and a justification for paying full price for a 32x.

Re: Genesis and Shining Force 101
 

Originally posted by Squeeealer
How about Shining Force III for Sega Saturn? How does it compare with the other games in the series - you like?

It's good, but tough. (Well, I thought so.) It's gameplay is similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, but harder.

As for some RPGs for Saturn, I own:

Albert Odyssey - cute, VERY traditional RPG, Working Deisgns release, good if you like 2D RPGs (and I do)

Dragon Force - a strategic kind of game

Panzer Dragoon Saga - yeah, but it's worth it.

Although not an RPG, you might consider Panzer Dragoon Zweii, which shouldn't be too expensive.

I didn't like Shining the Holy Ark -- partly becase I didn't like the 1st person perspective. Quite frankly, it got tiresome quickly, and I quit playing. But not everyone will agree.

Oh, and if you get a Saturn, you have to get NiGHTS. With a 3D controller. Period. (You should be able to get one new for $12 on ebay.)

--Jason
still a Saturn fan

Some other Genesis recommendations:

Phantasy Star II. The best game on the Genesis, an absolute classic. Anyone with the slightest interest in Japanese RPGs needs to play this. Its dark, brilliant story and insanely intricate dungeons are its high points

Phantasy Star IV. Not as good as II, as it's not as challenging and the story is more conventional, but it's still a great 2D RPG. Superb graphics and sound.

As for action games...

Gaiares. Horizontally-scrolling shooter with some innovative play mechanics, lets you basically suck weapon upgrades out of enemies.

Gunstar Heroes. Side-scrolling action game from Treasure. Short, but crazy fun.

Chakan. Addictive, extremely challenging platform/action/adventure game, with great horror-inspired art design.

Landstalker (Genesis) was created by a big part of the team(Climax) that made the Shining games , its my all time favorite game, and the game that launched me into the rpg world in 93.... Ive played all the Shining games (including Saturn) and loved them all, and yeah Contra Hardcorps, Castlevania Bloodlines, Kid Chameleon, and Chakan will get you started. I have some nice Genesis classics that are pricey even now, and several very valuable Saturn titles...

Phantasy Star 4, Gunstar Heroes, and Sonic 2.