• Tag Archives Game Gear

  • Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear)

    While the Sonic series, at least the first couple of games, were best known on the Sega Genesis, there were also some excellent 8-bit ports. The Sega Game Gear version of Sonic 2, released in 1992, is really only a slight downgrade from its 16-bit brother. While the Game Gear version is probably the better known 8-bit port, there was also a Sega Master System port but it was only available in Europe. While the Game Gear has some slight graphical enhancements over the mostly compatible Master System, it had slightly lower resolution. This actually made the Game Gear version of the game a little harder since you couldn’t see quite as far ahead.

    Fortunately, there are many ways to try this game other than tracking down a Game Gear and playing on a small screen. The Game Gear version of Sonic 2 was included as an unlockable bonus in Sonic Adventure DX released for the GameCube and Windows in 2003. It was also included in the Sonic Gems Collection released for the PS2 and GameCube in 2005. Finally, it was released for the 3DS Virtual Console in 2013. In addition, the Master System version was released for the Wii Virtual Console in 2008. While I’m usually a fan of playing on original hardware, the Game Gear screen has not aged well.

    The image at the top is box art for the Game Gear version of Sonic 2. Screen shots are also from the Game Gear version of the game.



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  • Sega Visions (Winter 1991/1992)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Originally a quarterly released and later bi-monthly, Sega Visions was Nintendo’s answer to Nintendo Power though I don’t think it ever reached monthly status. The Winter 1991/1992 issue covers the Sega Master System, Genesis and Game gear and includes:

    • Game Doctor – Questions answered about a potential history of Sega article, 32-bit arcade hardware, and the graphics hardware capabilities of the Genesis.
    • Party Line – Previews of upcoming games for Sega systems including Chuck Rock, Speedball 2, Back to the Future Part III, Heavy Nova, Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday, Starflight, John Madden Football ’92, Fatal Rewind, Shadow of the Beast, Caliber .50, Vapor Trail, Arcus Odyssey, Master of Monsters, Beast Warriors, Ys 3, ThunderFox, Growl, Saint Sword, Pit Fighter, Rolling Thunder 2, F-22 Interceptor, Rampart, Warsong, Breach II, Corporation, The Terminator, and Chuck Rock all for the Genesis. Plus Pac-Man, Batter Up, Junction, Berlin Wall, Devilish, and Rastan Saga II for the Game Gear.
    • Game Reviews: Sega Genesis
      • Art Alive – Digital art software for the Genesis featuring tons of graphics including various video game characters.
      • Galaxy Force II – Conversion of the arcade 3D shooter.
      • Golden Axe II – The classic fantasy themed beat-em-up.
      • Dave Robinson’s Supreme Court – An early basketball game for the Genesis.
      • Streets of Rage – Strategies for this beat-em-up.
      • Quackshot – Strategies for this action game featuring Donald Duck.
      • Shining in the Darkness – Strategies for this RPG.
      • Mario Lemiux Hockey – An early hockey game for the Genesis.
      • Pit Fighter – A fighting game but not one of the best.

    • Game Reviews: Game Gear
      • Sonic The Hedgehog – The classic platform game for Sega’s portable.
      • Clutch Hitter – An ok baseball game.
      • The Lucky Dime Caper – An action game featuring Donald Duck.
      • Halley Wars – A sci-fi themed vertical shooter.
      • Chessmaster – Chess on the go.
      • Putt & Putter – Miniature golf is the best kind of golf.
      • Space Harrier – Classic Sega 3D shooter.
      • Ninja Gaiden – Conversion of this arcade classic for the Game Gear.
    • Game Reviews: Sega Master System
      • Sonic The Hedgehog – Probably the last major release for Sega’s 8-bit system. It was much like the Game Gear version as they were pretty much the same hardware.
    • Niles Nemo – A continuing video game themed comic.
    • Visions & Views in the News – Results of a reader art contest; results of Sega’s tour through malls in 25 cities; and info about a new book featuring interviews with famous teens who play video games.

    …and more!


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