Difference between revisions of "Arcade Classics"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
−
| bobscreen2=ArcadeClassics MD Title.png
+
| bobscreen=ArcadeClassics MD Title.png
−
| bobscreen=ArcadeClassics GG Title.png
+
| bobscreen2=ArcadeClassics GG Title.png
−
| tab1=Game Gear
+
| tab1=Mega Drive
−
| tab2=Mega Drive
+
| tab2=Game Gear
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| developer=[[Al Baker & Associates]]{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Arcade_Classics_(Game_Gear/Genesis)}}
 
| developer=[[Al Baker & Associates]]{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Arcade_Classics_(Game_Gear/Genesis)}}
 
| licensor=[[Atari Corporation]]
 
| licensor=[[Atari Corporation]]
 +
| distributor={{company|[[Majesco Sales]]|region=US re-release|system=MD}}
 +
{{company|[[Ecofilmes]]|region=PT|system=MD}}
 +
{{company|[[Zegetron]]|region=GR|system=MD}}
 
| system=[[Sega Game Gear]], [[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Game Gear]], [[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| sounddriver=[[GEMS]]
 
| sounddriver=[[GEMS]]
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| gamecount=3
 
| gamecount=3
 
| releases={{releasesGG
 
| releases={{releasesGG
−
| gg_date_us=1996
+
| gg_date_us=1996-03{{fileref|SegaFY1997BrandReview US.pdf|page=10}}
 
| gg_code_us=2330
 
| gg_code_us=2330
−
| gg_rrp_us=29.99{{magref|gamepro|92|72}}
+
| gg_rrp_us=29.99{{magref|gamepro|92|72}}<!--19.99{{fileref|SegaFY1997BrandReview US.pdf|page=6}}-->
 
| gg_rating_us=ka
 
| gg_rating_us=ka
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesMD
 
{{releasesMD
−
| md_date_us=1996
+
| md_date_us=1996-07{{ref|https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/vgD-xRq05bk/m/wVIcHCZdf14J}}
 
| md_code_us=1715
 
| md_code_us=1715
−
| md_rrp_us=50.00
+
| md_rrp_us=39.99{{fileref|SegaFY1997BrandReview US.pdf|page=3}}
 
| md_rating_us=ka
 
| md_rating_us=ka
 
| md_date_eu=1996
 
| md_date_eu=1996
 
| md_code_eu=1715-50
 
| md_code_eu=1715-50
 
| md_rating_eu=3
 
| md_rating_eu=3
 +
| md_date_uk=1996-07-19{{magref|ctw|596|17}}
 +
| md_code_uk=1715-50
 +
| md_rating_uk=3
 +
| md_date_gr=1996
 +
| md_code_gr=
 
| md_date_pt=1996
 
| md_date_pt=1996
 
| md_code_pt=MDJSE0415
 
| md_code_pt=MDJSE0415
Line 35: Line 43:
 
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a [[Sega Game Gear]] game compilation consisting of the [[Atari, Inc. (1972–1984)|Atari]]-developed ''[[wikipedia:Centipede (game)|Centipede]]'', ''[[wikipedia:Pong|Ultra Pong]]'', and ''[[wikipedia:Missile Command|Missile Command]]'', developed by [[Al Baker & Associates]] and published by [[Sega]]. Released exclusively in the United States in 1996, it was also ported to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] by the same developer and published in the United States, Europe, and Portugal later that year. While the games are recreated mostly faithfully, gameplay suffers from slowdown issues and minor inaccuracies.
 
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a [[Sega Game Gear]] game compilation consisting of the [[Atari, Inc. (1972–1984)|Atari]]-developed ''[[wikipedia:Centipede (game)|Centipede]]'', ''[[wikipedia:Pong|Ultra Pong]]'', and ''[[wikipedia:Missile Command|Missile Command]]'', developed by [[Al Baker & Associates]] and published by [[Sega]]. Released exclusively in the United States in 1996, it was also ported to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] by the same developer and published in the United States, Europe, and Portugal later that year. While the games are recreated mostly faithfully, gameplay suffers from slowdown issues and minor inaccuracies.
  
−
The compilation is most notable for being the product of a 1993 lawsuit between [[Atari Corporation]] and [[Sega]].{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Legal_Brief:_Atari_vs._Sega}} Atari Corp. had filed a 1980 patent for video games featuring horizontal scrolling, and while nebulous enough to generally discourage the company from the numerous lawsuits it could have launched, it was experiencing significant financial difficulties at the time, and initiated the lawsuit as a means to generate additional cash flow for the ailing company.{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Legal_Brief:_Atari_vs._Sega}} When [[Sega of America]] received notice of the lawsuit, they instead chose to settle with Atari Corp., and the two companies entered into an agreement to license each others' game libraries. The resulting agreement only produced a single Sega game, ''Arcade Classics'', while Atari Corp. would not produce any games with the licenses it acquired.{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Legal_Brief:_Atari_vs._Sega}}
+
==Gameplay==
 +
Before starting a game, the player can choose between playing the "Classic version" or an enhanced "Sega version."
  
−
==Gameplay==
+
In the Mega Drive version, the player can exit any game and return to the game select screen by pressing {{A}}, {{B}}, {{C}}, and {{Start}} simultaneously.
−
===Centipede===
+
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
−
This is a recreation of the original ''[[wikipedia:Centipede (video game)|Centipede]]''. The player controls a spaceship who must destroy a centipede made up of several ball-shaped pieces crawling down from the top of the screen. The player can move freely with the directional pad, however is restricted to the bottom of the screen. {{B}} and {{C}} shoot and can be held down for rapidfire. Every time one piece of the centipede is destroyed, the centipede is broken at the destroyed piece, with each new piece moving independently. If hit by either a centipede or a spider which also comes up occasionally, a life is lost and the centipede reforms. The spider can be destroyed for bonus points. Mushroom barricades are scattered around the field; if they are shot, they become weaker and weaker until they are destroyed. If the centipedes reach the bottom of the screen, they will start climbing back up.
+
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=''Centipede''
 +
| screenshot=Arcade Classics MD, Games, Centipede.png
 +
| desc=The player controls a spaceship that must destroy a centipede made up of several ball-shaped pieces crawling down from the top of the screen. The spaceship can move anywhere horizontally but only within a limited area vertically. The player shoots with {{B}} and {{C}} (or {{1}} and {{2}}), which can be held down for rapid-fire, but only one bullet can be on-screen at a time. Every time a piece of the centipede is destroyed, the centipede is broken at the destroyed piece, with each new piece moving independently. Mushrooms are scattered around the field as obstacles that impede the movement of the centipede as well as the player's fire. If they are shot, they become weaker and weaker until destroyed. The centipede changes direction if it runs into a mushroom or the border of the playfield. If the centipedes reach the bottom of the screen, they start climbing back up.
  
−
The Sega version features new graphics.
+
Spiders occasionally appear. The player loses a life and the centipede reforms if the spaceship is hit by either a centipede or a spider. The spider can be destroyed for bonus points.
  
−
===Ultrapong===
+
The Sega version features new graphics. The game can be played with one player, two players taking turns, two players competitively (the players can paralyze each other with their shots), or two players cooperatively ("team game," the players cannot paralyze each other). There are four selectable difficulty levels (Novice, Standard, Advanced, and Expert).
−
This has either ''[[wikipedia:Pong|Pong]]'' or Hockey to be chosen from. The goal of both is simple: the player, capable of moving vertically from edge to edge, must hit the ball through the other player's goal and stop the ball from going through theirs; first to 15 wins. In Pong, the goal is the edge of the screen. In Hockey, the goal is the inside of a smaller shape resembling a hockey goal (the ball will bounce around a goal if it is shot toward the top or bottom edge of the screen). Game "Styles" merely control the number of paddles in use. Barriers can also be placed for added difficulty.
+
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=''Ultrapong''
 +
| screenshot=Arcade Classics MD, Games, Ultrapong, Pong.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arcade Classics MD, Games, Ultrapong, Hockey.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=There are two modes to choose from: ''[[wikipedia:Pong|Pong]]'' and Hockey. The goal of both is simple: the player, controlling a paddle capable of moving vertically with {{up}} and {{down}}, must hit the ball through the other player's goal and stop the ball from going through theirs. The first player to reach 15 points wins. In Pong, the goal is the edge of the screen. In Hockey, the goal is the inside of a smaller shape resembling a hockey goal. The ball bounces around a goal if it is shot toward the top or bottom edge of the screen.
  
−
The Sega version features different sound effects for when the ball hits a paddle.
+
The Sega version features different sound effects for when the ball hits a paddle. The game can be played with one or two players. There are four "styles" that affect the paddle configuration: Regular (one paddle), Super (two paddles that move in lockstep), Hyper (two paddles where the second paddle follows the other with a delay), and Ultra (three paddles where two move in lockstep and the third follows with a delay). Barriers can also be placed for added difficulty.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=''Missile Command''
 +
| screenshot=Arcade Classics MD, Games, Missile Command.png
 +
| desc=The player controls a targeting crosshair that aims missiles from a turret fixed to the bottom center of the screen. Enemy missiles slowly fall from the sky, and the player must target them using the cursor and shoot them down with {{B}} or {{C}} (or {{1}} or {{2}}). Targets must be lead somewhat to compensate for the travel time of the missiles. In addition to the enemy missiles, there are also enemy aliens that fly horizontally across the screen and can be destroyed normally or missed with no consequence to the player.
  
−
===Missile Command===
+
The player has six cities that must be defended from the falling missiles. A level ends when all of the enemy's missiles are destroyed or hit their targets. The player is awarded points based on how many cities were successfully defended and how many enemy targets were shot down.
−
This is a recreation of the original ''[[wikipedia:Missile Command|Missile Command]]''. The player controls a missile turret fixed to the bottom center of the screen. Use the D-pad to move the target crosshairs and {{B}} or {{C}} to shoot. There are two types of enemies: aliens which fly horizontally through the screen and can be destroyed normally or missed with no consequence to the player, or slowly falling ropes that must be destroyed at their tips before they hit the ground; should one hit the ground, a life will be deducted.
+
 
 +
The Sega version features new graphics and a different title screen theme (the other games simply keep playing the main menu music). The game can be played with one or two players and on Easy or Hard difficulty.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
The Sega version features new graphics and a different title screen theme (the other games simply keep playing the main menu music).
+
==History==
 +
The compilation is most notable for being the product of a 1993 lawsuit between [[Atari Corporation]] and [[Sega]], ''[[Atari v. Sega]]''.{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Legal_Brief:_Atari_vs._Sega}} Atari Corp. had filed a 1980 patent for video games featuring horizontal scrolling, and while nebulous enough to generally discourage the company from the numerous lawsuits it could have launched, it was experiencing significant financial difficulties at the time, and initiated the lawsuit as a means to generate additional cash flow for the ailing company.{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Legal_Brief:_Atari_vs._Sega}} When [[Sega of America]] received notice of the lawsuit, they instead chose to settle with Atari Corp., and the two companies entered into an agreement to license each others' game libraries. The resulting agreement only produced a single Sega game, ''Arcade Classics'', while Atari Corp. would not produce any games with the licenses it acquired.{{ref|http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Legal_Brief:_Atari_vs._Sega}}
  
−
==Development==
+
===Development===
 
Sega wanted three Atari classics converted to the Mega Drive with as much integrity as possible. Therefore, the games used in the compilation were based directly off Atari code. The Atari 7800 version of ''Centipede'' and Atari 2600 version of ''Missile Command'' were converted from the original 6502 assembly language code to the Z80 for the Game Gear version and then from Z80 to the 68000 for the Mega Drive.
 
Sega wanted three Atari classics converted to the Mega Drive with as much integrity as possible. Therefore, the games used in the compilation were based directly off Atari code. The Atari 7800 version of ''Centipede'' and Atari 2600 version of ''Missile Command'' were converted from the original 6502 assembly language code to the Z80 for the Game Gear version and then from Z80 to the 68000 for the Mega Drive.
  
−
While all the code specifically associated with sound and graphics had to be re-written, the initial conversions were done using the developer's own 6502 to Z80 and Z80 to 68000 assembly language converters. ''Pong'', a hard-wired console game which was reverse engineered for the Game Gear, was initially converted from the Game Gear to the Mega Drive using a Z80 to 68000 assembly language converter. The video and sound modules were then rewritten to complete the process.
+
{{quote|Sega wanted three Atari classics converted to the Genesis with as much integrity as possible. Each game would have two play modes: the orginal game and an updated version.
 +
 
 +
7800 ''Centipede'' and 2600 ''Missile Command'' were converted from the original 6502 assembly language code to the Z80 for the Game Gear version and then from the Z80 to the 68000 for the Genesis. While all the code specifically associated with sound and graphics had to be re-written, the initial conversions were done using our own 6502 to Z80 and Z80 to 68000 assembly language converters.
  
−
==Quotes==
+
''Pong'', a hard-wired console game which was reverse engineered for the Game Gear, was initially converted from the Game Gear to the Genesis using our Z80 to 68000 assembly language converter. The video and sound modules were then rewritten to complete the process. All its play modes were faithfully reproduced.
−
{{quote|Sega wanted three Atari classics converted to the Genesis with as much integrity as possible. Each game would have two play modes: the orginal game and an updated version.
 
  
−
7800 Centipede and 2600 Missile Command were converted from the original 6502 assembly language code to the Z80 for the Game Gear version and then from the Z80 to the 68000 for the Genesis. While all the code specifically associated with sound and graphics had to be re-written, the initial conversions were done using our own 6502 to Z80 and Z80 to 68000 assembly language converters.
+
Design update, programming and music/sound effects by Al Baker & Associates.|''[[Al Baker & Associates]] Founder and head programmer [[Al Baker]]|ref={{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20101115232724/http://www.abaker.com/genclass.htm}}''}}
  
−
Pong, a hard-wired console game which was reverse engineered for the Game Gear, was initially converted from the Game Gear to the Genesis using our Z80 to 68000 assembly language converter. The video and sound modules were then rewritten to complete the process.  All its play modes were faithfully reproduced.
+
While all the code specifically associated with sound and graphics had to be re-written, the initial conversions were done using the developer's own 6502 to Z80 and Z80 to 68000 assembly language converters. ''Pong'', a hard-wired console game which was reverse engineered for the Game Gear, was initially converted from the Game Gear to the Mega Drive using a Z80 to 68000 assembly language converter. The video and sound modules were then rewritten to complete the process.
  
−
Design update, programming and music/sound effects by Al Baker & Associates.|''[[Al Baker & Associates]] Founder and head programmer [[Al Baker]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20101115232724/http://www.abaker.com/genclass.htm}}''}}
+
During development, the [[Game Gear]] version was known under the working title of '''''Atari Classics'''''.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210613032535/https://www.smspower.org/forums/6851-RumouredGameGearReleases}}
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
 
===Mega Drive version===
 
===Mega Drive version===
 +
{{multicol|
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
−
{{multicol|
 
 
*'''Game Design:''' Atari, [[Jerry Markota]], [[Marianne Arotzarena]], [[Al Baker]]
 
*'''Game Design:''' Atari, [[Jerry Markota]], [[Marianne Arotzarena]], [[Al Baker]]
 
*'''Producer:''' [[Marianne Arotzarena]]
 
*'''Producer:''' [[Marianne Arotzarena]]
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*'''Game Lead:''' [[Jeff Hedges]]
 
*'''Game Lead:''' [[Jeff Hedges]]
 
*'''Asst. Leads:''' Zac Fuller, Demian Kato, Patrick Walsh
 
*'''Asst. Leads:''' Zac Fuller, Demian Kato, Patrick Walsh
−
*'''Testers:''' [[Todd Slepian]], Charles Yang, [[David Paniagua]], David Dolge, [[Amy Albertson]], Darren Nagtalone, Jeff Silveira, Jason Bartholomeu, Matt Cogler, Lou DiSimone, [[Aaron Hommes]], [[Don Carmichael]], Kathleen Silkworth, Tim McKnew, Raul Orozco, Jeremy Wheat, Christina Hurley, Daniel P. Dunn, Brian Thoroman, Scott Matt, Anthony LaPierre, Pedro Ponce, Alfred Dutton
+
*'''Testers:''' [[Todd Slepian]], Charles Yang, [[David Paniagua]], David Dolge, [[Amy Albertson]], [[Darren Nagtalon]]e, Jeff Silveira, Jason Bartholomeu, Matt Cogler, Lou DiSimone, [[Aaron Hommes]], [[Don Carmichael]], Kathleen Silkworth, Tim McKnew, Raul Orozco, Jeremy Wheat, Christina Hurley, Daniel P. Dunn, Brian Thoroman, Scott Matt, Anthony LaPierre, Pedro Ponce, Alfred Dutton
 
*'''Manual Design:''' [[Richard Verdoni]]
 
*'''Manual Design:''' [[Richard Verdoni]]
 +
| source=US manual
 +
| pdf=Arcade Classics MD US Manual.pdf
 +
| pdfpage=19
 +
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
−
| source=In-game credits
 
−
| console=MD
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Game Gear version===
 
===Game Gear version===
 +
{{multicol|
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
−
{{multicol|
 
 
*'''Game Design:''' [[Jerry Markota]], [[Marianne Arotzarena]], [[Al Baker]], Atari Corp.
 
*'''Game Design:''' [[Jerry Markota]], [[Marianne Arotzarena]], [[Al Baker]], Atari Corp.
 
*'''Producer:''' [[Marianne Arotzarena]]
 
*'''Producer:''' [[Marianne Arotzarena]]
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*'''Testers:''' Joe Rousseau, [[Don Carmichael]], Kemrexx George, Jeremy Campbell, [[David Paniagua|Dave Paniagua]], Mike Douglas, Desirae Blevins, Rolef Conlan, [[Fernando Valderrama]], Bine Arceo
 
*'''Testers:''' Joe Rousseau, [[Don Carmichael]], Kemrexx George, Jeremy Campbell, [[David Paniagua|Dave Paniagua]], Mike Douglas, Desirae Blevins, Rolef Conlan, [[Fernando Valderrama]], Bine Arceo
 
*'''Manual Design:''' [[Richard Verdoni]]
 
*'''Manual Design:''' [[Richard Verdoni]]
 +
| source=US manual
 +
| pdf=Arcadeclassics gg us manual.pdf
 +
| pdfpage=41
 +
| console=GG
 
}}
 
}}
−
| source=In-game credits
 
−
| console=GG
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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| cover=ArcadeClassics MD US Box.jpg
 
| cover=ArcadeClassics MD US Box.jpg
 
| cart=Arcade classics us cart genesis.JPG
 
| cart=Arcade classics us cart genesis.JPG
−
| manual=Arcade Classics MD US Manual.pdf
+
| manual=Arcade Classics MD US Manual.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=US (cardboard)
+
| region=US (cardboard) ([[Majesco Sales]])
 
| front=ArcadeClassics MD US cb front.jpg
 
| front=ArcadeClassics MD US cb front.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 
| back=ArcadeClassics MD US cb back.jpg
 
| back=ArcadeClassics MD US cb back.jpg
−
| spinemissing=yes
+
| cart=Arcade Classics MD US AssembedInMexico Cart.JPG
 +
| manual=Arcade Classics MD US Majesco Sales Manual.pdf
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=EU
+
| region=EU (No CE Logo)
 
| cover=Arcade Classics-Megadrive-EUR.jpg
 
| cover=Arcade Classics-Megadrive-EUR.jpg
 +
| cart=ArcadeClassics MD EU AssembledInUK Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Arcade Classics MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=EU (CE Logo)
 +
| cover=Arcade Classics MD EU CE Logo cover.jpg
 
| cart=ArcadeClassics MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=ArcadeClassics MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| manual=Arcade Classics MD EU Manual.jpg
 
| manual=Arcade Classics MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
| item1=ArcadeClassics MD EU PCB.jpg
 +
| item1name=PCB
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=GR
 +
| cover=Arcade Classics MD GR Cover.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=PT
 
| region=PT
−
| cover=
+
| front=Arcade Classics MD PT Box.jpg
 +
| back=Arcade Classics MD PT Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| cart=ArcadeClassics MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Arcade Classics MD PT Manual.jpg
 +
| item1=Arcade Classics MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
| item1name=EU Manual
 +
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=ec29aec7848dbcea6678adb4b31deba0a6ecf1e2|md5=1c0b65d3cc82f56f7ad05ce63dc4d097|crc32=8aed2090|size=512kB|date=1996-03|source=Cartridge (US/EU)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|GG|sha1=FDE19F418F4F13BBE43E6610F411065DB9A6F550|md5=647847FE498841762625AE9D604B9018|crc32=3DECA813|size=256kB|date= |source=Cartridge (US)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
* Sega of America webpage: [https://web.archive.org/web/19990208233317/http://www.sega.com:80/products/games/00015.html Game Gear]
 
* Sega of America webpage: [https://web.archive.org/web/19990208233317/http://www.sega.com:80/products/games/00015.html Game Gear]
 +
* Sega of America webpage: [https://web.archive.org/web/19990209010341/http://www.sega.com:80/products/games/00016.html Mega Drive]
 
*''[https://web.archive.org/web/20101115232724/http://www.abaker.com/genclass.htm Arcade Classics]'' post-mortem by developer [[Al Baker]] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20101115232724/http://www.abaker.com/ Al Baker & Associates official website] (Wayback Machine)
 
*''[https://web.archive.org/web/20101115232724/http://www.abaker.com/genclass.htm Arcade Classics]'' post-mortem by developer [[Al Baker]] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20101115232724/http://www.abaker.com/ Al Baker & Associates official website] (Wayback Machine)
 
*''[http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Arcade_Classics_(Game_Gear/Genesis) Blog: Arcade Classics]'' post at [http://gdri.smspower.org/ Game Developer Research Institute]
 
*''[http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Arcade_Classics_(Game_Gear/Genesis) Blog: Arcade Classics]'' post at [http://gdri.smspower.org/ Game Developer Research Institute]

Latest revision as of 02:27, 30 September 2024

n/a

  • Mega Drive
  • Game Gear

ArcadeClassics MD Title.png

ArcadeClassics GG Title.png

Arcade Classics
System(s): Sega Game Gear, Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Mega Drive
Majesco Sales (US re-release)
Sega Mega Drive
Ecofilmes (PT)
Sega Mega Drive
Zegetron (GR)
Licensor: Atari Corporation
Original system(s): Arcade boards, Atari Ultra Pong
Developer(s) of original games: Atari, Inc.
Game total: 3
Sound driver: GEMS
Peripherals supported:
Sega Game Gear
Gear-to-Gear Cable
Genre: Compilation

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Game Gear
US 		$29.9929.99[3] 2330
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$39.9939.99[5] 1715
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1715-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		MDJSE0415
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		1715-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Mega Drive
GR

Arcade Classics is a Sega Game Gear game compilation consisting of the Atari-developed Centipede, Ultra Pong, and Missile Command, developed by Al Baker & Associates and published by Sega. Released exclusively in the United States in 1996, it was also ported to the Sega Mega Drive by the same developer and published in the United States, Europe, and Portugal later that year. While the games are recreated mostly faithfully, gameplay suffers from slowdown issues and minor inaccuracies.

Gameplay

Before starting a game, the player can choose between playing the "Classic version" or an enhanced "Sega version."

In the Mega Drive version, the player can exit any game and return to the game select screen by pressing A, B, C, and  START  simultaneously.

Arcade Classics MD, Games, Centipede.png

Centipede
The player controls a spaceship that must destroy a centipede made up of several ball-shaped pieces crawling down from the top of the screen. The spaceship can move anywhere horizontally but only within a limited area vertically. The player shoots with B and C (or 1 and 2), which can be held down for rapid-fire, but only one bullet can be on-screen at a time. Every time a piece of the centipede is destroyed, the centipede is broken at the destroyed piece, with each new piece moving independently. Mushrooms are scattered around the field as obstacles that impede the movement of the centipede as well as the player's fire. If they are shot, they become weaker and weaker until destroyed. The centipede changes direction if it runs into a mushroom or the border of the playfield. If the centipedes reach the bottom of the screen, they start climbing back up.

Spiders occasionally appear. The player loses a life and the centipede reforms if the spaceship is hit by either a centipede or a spider. The spider can be destroyed for bonus points.

The Sega version features new graphics. The game can be played with one player, two players taking turns, two players competitively (the players can paralyze each other with their shots), or two players cooperatively ("team game," the players cannot paralyze each other). There are four selectable difficulty levels (Novice, Standard, Advanced, and Expert).

Arcade Classics MD, Games, Ultrapong, Pong.png

Arcade Classics MD, Games, Ultrapong, Hockey.png

  • Arcade Classics MD, Games, Ultrapong, Pong.png

  • Arcade Classics MD, Games, Ultrapong, Hockey.png

Ultrapong
There are two modes to choose from: Pong and Hockey. The goal of both is simple: the player, controlling a paddle capable of moving vertically with Up and Down, must hit the ball through the other player's goal and stop the ball from going through theirs. The first player to reach 15 points wins. In Pong, the goal is the edge of the screen. In Hockey, the goal is the inside of a smaller shape resembling a hockey goal. The ball bounces around a goal if it is shot toward the top or bottom edge of the screen.

The Sega version features different sound effects for when the ball hits a paddle. The game can be played with one or two players. There are four "styles" that affect the paddle configuration: Regular (one paddle), Super (two paddles that move in lockstep), Hyper (two paddles where the second paddle follows the other with a delay), and Ultra (three paddles where two move in lockstep and the third follows with a delay). Barriers can also be placed for added difficulty.

Arcade Classics MD, Games, Missile Command.png

Missile Command
The player controls a targeting crosshair that aims missiles from a turret fixed to the bottom center of the screen. Enemy missiles slowly fall from the sky, and the player must target them using the cursor and shoot them down with B or C (or 1 or 2). Targets must be lead somewhat to compensate for the travel time of the missiles. In addition to the enemy missiles, there are also enemy aliens that fly horizontally across the screen and can be destroyed normally or missed with no consequence to the player.

The player has six cities that must be defended from the falling missiles. A level ends when all of the enemy's missiles are destroyed or hit their targets. The player is awarded points based on how many cities were successfully defended and how many enemy targets were shot down.

The Sega version features new graphics and a different title screen theme (the other games simply keep playing the main menu music). The game can be played with one or two players and on Easy or Hard difficulty.

History

The compilation is most notable for being the product of a 1993 lawsuit between Atari Corporation and Sega, Atari v. Sega.[7] Atari Corp. had filed a 1980 patent for video games featuring horizontal scrolling, and while nebulous enough to generally discourage the company from the numerous lawsuits it could have launched, it was experiencing significant financial difficulties at the time, and initiated the lawsuit as a means to generate additional cash flow for the ailing company.[7] When Sega of America received notice of the lawsuit, they instead chose to settle with Atari Corp., and the two companies entered into an agreement to license each others' game libraries. The resulting agreement only produced a single Sega game, Arcade Classics, while Atari Corp. would not produce any games with the licenses it acquired.[7]

Development

Sega wanted three Atari classics converted to the Mega Drive with as much integrity as possible. Therefore, the games used in the compilation were based directly off Atari code. The Atari 7800 version of Centipede and Atari 2600 version of Missile Command were converted from the original 6502 assembly language code to the Z80 for the Game Gear version and then from Z80 to the 68000 for the Mega Drive.


“ Sega wanted three Atari classics converted to the Genesis with as much integrity as possible. Each game would have two play modes: the orginal game and an updated version.

7800 Centipede and 2600 Missile Command were converted from the original 6502 assembly language code to the Z80 for the Game Gear version and then from the Z80 to the 68000 for the Genesis. While all the code specifically associated with sound and graphics had to be re-written, the initial conversions were done using our own 6502 to Z80 and Z80 to 68000 assembly language converters.

Pong, a hard-wired console game which was reverse engineered for the Game Gear, was initially converted from the Game Gear to the Genesis using our Z80 to 68000 assembly language converter. The video and sound modules were then rewritten to complete the process. All its play modes were faithfully reproduced.

Design update, programming and music/sound effects by Al Baker & Associates.

„

— Al Baker & Associates Founder and head programmer Al Baker[8]


While all the code specifically associated with sound and graphics had to be re-written, the initial conversions were done using the developer's own 6502 to Z80 and Z80 to 68000 assembly language converters. Pong, a hard-wired console game which was reverse engineered for the Game Gear, was initially converted from the Game Gear to the Mega Drive using a Z80 to 68000 assembly language converter. The video and sound modules were then rewritten to complete the process.

During development, the Game Gear version was known under the working title of Atari Classics.[9]

Production credits

Mega Drive version

Source:
US manual
Arcade Classics MD US Majesco Sales Manual.pdf
[10]

Game Gear version

Source:
US manual
Arcadeclassics gg us manual.pdf
[11]

Magazine articles

Main article: Arcade Classics/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
70
[12]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
39
[13]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
32
[14]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
35
[15]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
47
[16]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
51
[17]
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
0
[18]
Player One (FR)
50
[19]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
30
[20]
Sega Mega Drive
 39
Based on
9 reviews

Arcade Classics

Mega Drive, US
ArcadeClassics MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Arcade classics us cart genesis.JPG
Cart
Arcade Classics MD US Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, US (cardboard) (Majesco Sales)
ArcadeClassics MD US cb back.jpgNospine.pngArcadeClassics MD US cb front.jpg
Cover
Arcade Classics MD US AssembedInMexico Cart.JPG
Cart
Arcade Classics MD US Majesco Sales Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU (No CE Logo)
Arcade Classics-Megadrive-EUR.jpg
Cover
ArcadeClassics MD EU AssembledInUK Cart.jpg
Cart
Arcade Classics MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, EU (CE Logo)
Arcade Classics MD EU CE Logo cover.jpg
Cover
ArcadeClassics MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Arcade Classics MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
ArcadeClassics MD EU PCB.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, GR
Arcade Classics MD GR Cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, PT
Arcade Classics MD PT Box Back.jpgNospine.pngArcade Classics MD PT Box.jpg
Cover
ArcadeClassics MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Arcade Classics MD PT Manual.jpg
Manual
Arcade Classics MD EU Manual.jpg
EU Manual

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
70
[3]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
56
[21]
Mega Force (FR) NTSC-U
40
[22]
Sega Force (SE)
75
[23]
Sega Game Gear
 60
Based on
4 reviews

Arcade Classics

Game Gear, US
ArcadeClassics GG US back.jpgNospine.pngArcadeClassics GG US Box Front.jpg
Cover
ArcadeClassics GG US Cart.jpg
Cart
Arcadeclassics gg us manual.pdf
Manual

Technical information

Main article: Arcade Classics/Technical information.

External links

References

  1. ↑ http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Arcade_Classics_(Game_Gear/Genesis)
  2. ↑ Sega FY 1997 Brand Review, page 10
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 GamePro, "May 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 72
  4. ↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/vgD-xRq05bk/m/wVIcHCZdf14J
  5. ↑ Sega FY 1997 Brand Review, page 3
  6. ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1996-07-15), page 17
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Blog:Legal_Brief:_Atari_vs._Sega
  8. ↑ http://www.abaker.com/genclass.htm (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-15 23:27)
  9. ↑ https://www.smspower.org/forums/6851-RumouredGameGearReleases (Wayback Machine: 2021-06-13 03:25)
  10. ↑ File:Arcade Classics MD US Manual.pdf, page 19
  11. ↑ File:Arcadeclassics gg us manual.pdf, page 41
  12. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 37
  13. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "July 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 22
  14. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 9 No. 7 July 1996" (US; 1996-06-11), page 58
  15. ↑ GamePro, "August 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 70
  16. ↑ Game Informer, "July 1996" (US; 1996-0x-xx), page 59
  17. ↑ Mega Fun, "11/96" (DE; 1996-10-16), page 54
  18. ↑ Next Generation, "September 1996" (US; 1996-08-20), page 162
  19. ↑ Player One, "Septembre 1996" (FR; 1996-08-29), page 122
  20. ↑ VideoGames, "August 1996" (US; 1996-07-xx), page 65
  21. ↑ Game Informer, "March 1996" (US; 1996-0x-xx), page 54
  22. ↑ Mega Force, "Été 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 79
  23. ↑ Sega Force, "2/92" (SE; 1992-11-19), page 24


Arcade Classics

ArcadeClassics MD Title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information


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Midway, Williams and Atari compilations for Sega systems
Sega Master System
 Arcade Smash Hits (1992)
Sega Mega Drive
 Arcade Classics (1996) | Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits (1996)
Sega Game Gear
 Arcade Classics (1996)
Sega Saturn
 Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits (1996) | Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1 (1997)
Sega Dreamcast
 Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 1 (2000) | Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 2 (2000) | Atari Anniversary Edition (2001) | Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 3 (unreleased)
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