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More of us than ever get our kicks from a personal computer, but the dedicated game machine lives on--and it's still a good choice for arcade antics. Today, the two most powerful dedicated game machines around are the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Master System.
The Nintendo, which was reviewed here in June, got the jump on Sega with earlier distribution in the States, but the Sega Master System is finally available here in Chicagoland.
Unlike the Nintendo, the Sega accepts two kinds of cartridges: light, wafer-thin Sega Cards that retail for $20 apiece and hold 256K worth of data; and Mega Cartridges, familiar-looking plastic units that list for $30 apiece and hold a whopping 1024K--that's one megabyte--of data. You don't need to know a byte from a nibble to realize that one megabyte is a huge amount of data for a game, an amount that even a sophisticated system like an IBM PC does not currently match. Practically speaking, that means arcade games on the Sega will be more complex and more colorful than nearly anything else you've ever seen on your TV screen.
Yup folks its really 8 bit HDTV!!!!
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More of us than ever get our kicks from a personal computer, but the dedicated game machine lives on--and it's still a good choice for arcade antics. Today, the two most powerful dedicated game machines around are the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Master System.
The Nintendo, which was reviewed here in June, got the jump on Sega with earlier distribution in the States, but the Sega Master System is finally available here in Chicagoland.
The Sega has much in common with the Nintendo. It consists of a small (approximately 12 inches by 9 inches) systems unit, a power pack that plugs into an electrical outlet, two hand-held controller/joysticks and an optional laser gun. Game screens can be displayed on either a TV or an analog RGB monitor. The whole system lists for $150 but can be had for under $100 if you're willing to shop around.
Like the Nintendo, the Sega is extremely easy to set up. A clearly written instruction booklet covers just about any hookup you have to make. Even though we faced a Gordian knot of wires linking TV, cable TV converter, VCR and stereo system, we were playing our first game within 15 minutes of opening the box.
Unlike the Nintendo, the Sega accepts two kinds of cartridges: light, wafer-thin Sega Cards that retail for $20 apiece and hold 256K worth of data; and Mega Cartridges, familiar-looking plastic units that list for $30 apiece and hold a whopping 1024K--that's one megabyte--of data. You don't need to know a byte from a nibble to realize that one megabyte is a huge amount of data for a game, an amount that even a sophisticated system like an IBM PC does not currently match. Practically speaking, that means arcade games on the Sega will be more complex and more colorful than nearly anything else you've ever seen on your TV screen.
256K----Woooowwwwwww!!!!
When you buy a Sega system with the laser gun, you get a Mega Cartridge containing two games: Hang On, a 3-D motorcycle race, currently a big hit in video arcades; and Safari Hunt, a shoot-em-up with wit. Safari Hunt takes better advantage of the laser gun than any other game we've seen on either the Nintendo or Sega.
About a dozen other cards and cartridges are available, with more due for release soon. Overall, we found the one-megabyte cartridge games to be more enjoyable than the cards; the extra storage space allows for more complex and challenging games. Younger players may prefer the simplicity of the cards.
Here's a run-down of some of the more notable Sega games:
All-Star Wrestling: Comic mayhem prevails in this cartoon world of muscle-bound theatrics. Master enough of the 20 different holds at your disposal and you may even get to fight for the championship.
Choplifter: If you can stomach the premise of this game, you might be able to appreciate why it has become a top arcade hit. You pilot a U.S. helicopter force attempting to rescue 64 hostages in a distinctly Mideast setting. The scoreboard shows the number of hostages rescued and killed. Choplifter is one of computerland's guilty pleasures, a game you'll be afraid to admit you love to play.
My Hero: A gang of punk rockers has captured your girl. You need your Kung Fu skills to rescue her from the Mohawk-haired bullies and their ferocious bulldogs. This game is guaranteed to offend feminists, pacifists, new wavers and animal lovers everywhere.
The Sega Master System lists for $150 but is available at local retail outlets such as Toys "R" Us at a significant discount. For the distributor nearest you, call Sega at 408-435-0201.
Call the obsolete number---I dare you ;)
halogamer out...
