Tag Archives: Sega

Sega Neptune Project – a Sega Genesis and 32X onto a single board

The Neptune Project: ► Project Github: https://github.com/Board-Folk/Neptune ► Follow COSAM: https://x.com/cosam_the_great?lang=en

The Sega Neptune, the Bigfoot of gaming consoles—some say it existed in prototype form, others claim it was just a fever dream brought on by Sega’s caffeine-fueled brainstorming sessions in the ‘90s. Either way, this mythical beast was supposed to be a Sega Genesis and 32X hybrid, combining two things that Sega fans already had separately into one convenient package…

Why Was It Special?

  • It would have saved gamers the hassle of duct-taping their Genesis and 32X together like a Frankenstein creation.

  • No need for extra cables! (A big deal in the era where Sega consoles needed more wires than a ‘90s home office.)

  • It had a cool name! Seriously, “Neptune” made it sound like it could survive in deep space… unlike the Saturn, which actually launched and promptly sank like a gas giant in quicksand.

Why Did It Never Come Out?

By the time Sega was maybe, possibly, sort of ready to release it, the Sega Saturn was already on the horizon. Sega realized that selling a console that was technically two years outdated was probably not the best strategy—although, let’s be honest, that never stopped them before.

Thus, the Neptune was unceremoniously abandoned, joining the ranks of lost Sega hardware like the Sega Pluto and the Dreamcast’s dignity post-2001. Today, it remains a legend, whispered about in retro gaming circles—the console that could have been, but probably would have been a bad idea anyway.

My Sega Genesis Game Collection (173 Games: Hidden Gems, $$$, Prototypes & More!)

Here is my entire Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) game collection. So many great games here including rare, uncommon and expensive games plus hidden gems and more!

Use code 50METALJESUS to get 50% OFF plus free shipping on your first Factor box at https://bit.ly/41IEs1b

Ah, the Sega Genesis—arguably the most rebellious, leather-jacket-wearing, blast-processing-fueled console of the early ‘90s. This was the system that swaggered into the gaming scene, pointed at Nintendo’s Super NES, and said, “You call that speed? Hold my Chaos Emeralds.”

The Console Itself

Looking like a sleek, black, slightly melted VCR, the Genesis had a no-nonsense design that screamed “serious business” (if your business was making an anthropomorphic blue hedgehog run at unsafe speeds). It had a volume slider for headphones—because Sega wanted you to feel like a DJ while mashing buttons—and a giant POWER switch that made you feel important when you flipped it.

Blast Processing™ (Whatever That Was)

Sega’s marketing team conjured up the term Blast Processing™, a mysterious and scientifically dubious feature that essentially meant “our games are fast, and we have an attitude about it.” It was never quite clear what it actually did, but it was enough to make kids feel like they were piloting a fighter jet instead of playing Sonic the Hedgehog in their pajamas.

The Controller

The Genesis controller was a hulking, boomerang-shaped piece of plastic with three whole buttons (which felt futuristic at the time). Later, when fighting games became popular, Sega realized that, oh no, three buttons weren’t enough! So they released the six-button controller, which made the original feel like a rotary phone by comparison.

The Games

  • Sonic the Hedgehog – A game so fast it felt like it was trying to break the laws of physics.
  • Altered Beast – A side-scrolling “Greek mythology but weird” game where a guy yells “RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE!” at you like an undead gym coach.
  • Streets of Rage – Where you settle all disputes with fists, steel pipes, and the occasional turkey dinner found in a trash can.
  • Mortal Kombat – The game that made parents gasp in horror while kids cheered at pixelated fatalities.

The Console Wars

If you had a Genesis, you were on Team Sega in the legendary Console War against the SNES. It was a brutal playground battlefield where kids debated whether Mario or Sonic would win in a fight (the answer: Sonic, if there were no walls). Sega’s advertising even threw shade at Nintendo with the iconic slogan:
👉 “Genesis Does What Nintendon’t.”
(Which is hilarious, because in the end, Nintendid survive longer.)

The Legacy

The Genesis may have eventually lost the war, but it left an undeniable mark on gaming history. It was the cool older sibling of consoles—edgy, stylish, and maybe a little too obsessed with speed. Today, it lives on in retro collections, mini consoles, and the hearts of those who still hear the words “SEGA!” in their dreams.

Would you like to add any Blast Processing™ to your day? 😆

Dreamcasts Game Prices: These 25 Dreamcast Games Increased the Most in 9 Months

Since the start of 2024 I tracked every Dreamcast listing from pricecharting.com to see if the prices went up, down or stay the same. I identified 25 games that increased the most, decreased the most and tracked 28 games from my subscribers as well.

The Sega Dreamcast is like that friend who’s a little too ahead of their time—amazing to be around, but destined to fall flat in a world that just wasn’t ready. Released in 1999, it came loaded with wild features: internet connectivity, a visual memory unit (aka a mini Game Boy in your controller), and graphics that made the PlayStation look like it had some catching up to do. It had some of the weirdest and best games, too—like Seaman, where you raise a talking fish with the voice of Leonard Nimoy, and Crazy Taxi, which teaches you that the best way to drive is with complete disregard for traffic laws. The Dreamcast was quirky and full of promise, but it was the kid who wore neon at a black-tie event; everyone stared but didn’t quite get it.

Unfortunately, the Dreamcast had the lifespan of a fruit fly. Sega threw everything into it, but the PlayStation 2 was waiting in the wings, ready to bulldoze anything in its path. The Dreamcast didn’t stand a chance and ended up as the world’s most charming console ghost, haunting gaming memories with wistful “what ifs.” Ask any Dreamcast fan today, and they’ll get misty-eyed talking about the sheer potential of that little white box. It may have gone out with a whimper, but the Dreamcast left an indelible mark on gaming—a brief, shining moment where Sega was just a bit too cool for the mainstream to handle.

More Graphically Impressive SEGA Saturn Games

Even though the Sega Saturn is nearly 3 decades old now, some games that released for the console are still graphically impressive to this day! Join TVGS as I take a look at some gameplay of the best looking, visually and graphically impressive Sega Saturn games the console ever received!

The Sega Saturn, released in 1994, holds a distinct place in gaming history as a console that brought forward several innovative features and noteworthy games. One of its standout attributes was its cutting-edge hardware, boasting dual CPUs and a strong graphics processor. This architecture enabled developers to experiment with 3D graphics and complex gameplay mechanics that were ahead of its time. Titles like “Virtua Fighter” and “Nights into Dreams” showcased the Saturn’s graphical prowess, pushing the boundaries of what was achievable in the mid-1990s. Moreover, the Saturn was a pioneer in local multiplayer experiences, offering support for up to 10 players in some games through its multitap accessory. This paved the way for memorable couch gaming sessions with friends, contributing to its appeal.

In addition to its technical strengths, the Sega Saturn cultivated a library of unique and diverse games that catered to various tastes. While it faced stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation, the Saturn featured an impressive lineup of exclusives such as “Panzer Dragoon Saga,” a critically acclaimed RPG, and “Shining Force III,” a strategic masterpiece. These titles, alongside beloved franchises like “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Street Fighter,” garnered a dedicated fan base. The console’s willingness to experiment was evident in its support for unconventional genres and experimental gameplay mechanics, ensuring that players could find experiences beyond the mainstream. While the Sega Saturn’s commercial success was overshadowed by its competitors, its technical innovations, multiplayer capabilities, and distinctive game library remain defining features that continue to be celebrated by gaming enthusiasts and historians alike.

FOUND: Rare SEGA Dreamcast Dev Kit & Prototype Software!

A Sega Dreamcast Development Kit was dropped off at RE-PC in the Seattle area for recycling. Thankfully they saved it and got it running along with prototype and development software plus design documents. It’s a cool piece of Sega Dreamcast history and is now on display at the Tukwila store! Check it out: http://www.repc.com

I should add that the museum parts of RE-PC are completely FREE, so swing by if you are in the area and check out their cool stuff!

BEST Sega GENESIS RPGS – Happy Console Gamer

The Sega Genesis, also known as the Mega Drive, is a 16-bit home video game console that was first released in 1988. It was developed by Sega and was designed to compete with Nintendo’s popular NES console. The Genesis had a library of popular games including Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Mortal Kombat, and was known for its fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and distinctive sound capabilities. It also featured a cartridge-based system for game storage and had a variety of accessories such as the Sega CD and 32X, which added additional capabilities to the console. The Sega Genesis is considered a classic console and is still enjoyed by retro gamers today.

In this video the HappyConsoleGamer and his friend Andrew share their favorite and best Genesis RPGs.