(Consider this my VGM entry on the subjects.)

It was January 8th 1994 when Sega CEO Hayao Nakayama directed his company to produce a 32-bit cartridge-based console to be in stores by Christmas 1994. The project was dubbed Jupiter. The project was given to ‘Sega of America’ while their Japan sector worked on a CD-Based console. Not happy with the idea of developing a simple console that had a 32-bit processor and more colors, Joe Miller of Sega of America chose to make the project an add on for the Genesis / Megadrive. Sega of America began development on the add on called project Mars without any knowledge of the 32-bit CD console being developed by their Japanese counterparts.

Sega began their marketing campaign for project Mars, and called the device Sega 32X to emphasis it’s 32-bit capabilities. The device, which connected through the Genesis / Megadrive cartridge port, combined it’s 32-bit processor with the consoles existing processor. Gamers could play 32-bit cartridge games, use the 32X slot as a pass through to play Genesis / Megadrive games, and even play enhanced 32-bit CD games if the Sega CD was attached. The 32X was released in mid-November 1994 in America for US. Japan got the console in December (Super 32X) and Europe and Australia received it in January 1995 (Mega 32X). With the added power, Sega was able to port their 3D arcade titles for console users, and other 3rd Party developers began jumping aboard.

All was not good with planet Mars. The 32X was off to a bad start from the beginning. The 32X was launched with no games initially available. Although it was marketed at a decent price it was not packaged with a pack in game, but came with 10 coupons toward the purchase of 32X software (Coupons…meh!). Retailers submitted a demand for over 1 million units, but only half of the amount was made available. In there efforts to meet demand, Sega produced 32X units with various defects. Customers reported incompatibilities with their Genesis / Megadrive models or TVs. Once again Sega began to scramble to create adapters to alleviate the compatibility problems. They also began to develop an all in one unit combining both the Genesis / Megadrive, and the 32X and dubbed it project ‘Neptune’.

By 1995 news of a 32-bit CD-based Sega Saturn began stirring from Japan. Developers lost interest in 32X and abandoned development for 32X carts for a more favorable 32-bit CD format. Gamers also caught wind of the news and quickly began losing interest in the Sega 32X.

By 1996 the 32X saw a total of 31 cart based games, and five 32X enhanced Sega CD games. Most of the games were developed by Sega themselves or were color enhanced versions of existing Genesis titles. Sega ceased all support for 32X that year in order to focus on the Sega Saturn. It would seem that the 32X was merely meant to fill the time gap for it’s CD based counterpart. 32X would also be Sega’s final attempt at add on enhancing devices.

FACT: The 32X appeared to be the downturn of Sega. The lack of developer support, device incompatibilities and defects, and the sheer abandonment of support for 32X owners was enough to damage Sega’s reputation. This mistake could possibly have contributed to problems in Sega’s later years.

Games of note:

32X -
- Blackthorne: It plays and looks great.
- Kolibri: Awesome off-the-wall shmup with some great visuals.
- Tempo: Quirky little platformer.
- Shadow Squadron: Cool shmup.
- Star Wars Arcade: Great version of the arcade game.
- Knuckles Chaotix: It's no Sonic, but is quite fun.
- Virtua Racing: Awesome conversion of the arcade game.

CD -
- Sonic CD
- Shining Force CD
- Lunar
- Silpheed
- Flashback
- Soul Star

- And, most importantly: Snatcher

One of the essential cult classic games of the mid 1990s, Snatcher is a thoroughly entertaining “digital comic” that has strong influences from movies such as Blade Runner and Terminator.

Snatcher was developed by Metal Gear Solid creator, Hideo Kojima and his team and you can definitely see his story-telling ability shine though in this game. The games is not overly-challenging in terms of gameplay, but the characters, dialogue, and storyline will keep you engaged.

Snatcher was also released on a number of computers and consoles, but the Sega CD version is still the only one that has English dialogue. This has kept the Sega CD version in high demand and fans have been drooling over the idea of a new English port to a never device like the DS.

The Genesis only holds a couple of fond memories for me:

Phantasy Star
Shining Force
Rampart
Road Rash 1-3
Sonic 1-3
Toejam & Earl

That's about it.

Syd Lexia wrote:

Knyte wrote: The Genesis only holds a couple of fond memories for me: Phantasy Star Shining Force Rampart Road Rash 1-3 Sonic 1-3 Toejam & Earl That's about it. Come on, man! The Genesis had tons of awesome games. Streets of Rage? Golden Axe? Comix Zone? Vectorman? Contra: Hard Corps? Castlevania: Bloodlines? Cyborg Justice? Quackshot? Mickey Mouse's Castle of Illusion? Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle? Shinobi III?

What I mean by fond memories, was that those were the only games I owned that I really liked. I never had any of the one you listed. Although, I did forget to add to my list:

PTO 2
Romance Of The Three Kingdoms IV