Difference between revisions of "Sega Mega-CD 32X"

From Sega Retro

(Adding pictures of the almighty behemoths)
 
(24 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:Md1 mcd1 32x.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Mega Drive 1 with Sega Mega CD 1 and 32X addons]]
+
[[File:Md1 mcd1 32x.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Mega Drive 1 with Sega Mega-CD 1 and 32X addons (all PAL region)]]
[[Image:Md2 mcd2 32x.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Mega Drive 2 with Sega Mega CD 2 and 32X addons]]
+
[[File:Md2 mcd2 32x.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Mega Drive 2 with Sega Mega-CD 2 and 32X addons (all PAL region)]]
The [[Sega Mega Drive]] console received two add-on hardware upgrades during its life time: the [[Sega Mega CD]] and [[Sega 32X]]. It was possible to install both of these on the same base console, creating a system called the '''Sega Mega CD 32X''' (Japan and [[PAL]] regions) or '''Sega CD 32X''' (USA). This opened the possibility of software that could utilise both the Mega CD's enhanced storage capacity and ability to play [[wikipedia:Red Book (CD audio standard)|Red Book CD audio]], and the [[Sega 32X#Enhancements|32X's enhancements]] in graphics and sound capabilities.
+
[[File:Sega-Genesis-Model-1-Monster-Bare.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Mega Drive 1 with Sega Mega-CD 1 and 32X addons (all [[NTSC]] region)]]
 +
[[File:Sega-Genesis-Model-2-Monster-Bare.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Genesis 2 with Sega CD 2 and 32X addons (all NTSC region)]]
  
Five games were released that require both add-on units in order to be played. All of these titles are [[wikipedia:full motion video based game|full motion video based game]]s, that were previously available as standalone Mega CD games, which later had their FMV assets upgraded to take advantage of the 32X's improved graphics. As such, all Sega Mega CD 32X titles are on CDs, the cart slot of the 32X being unused.
+
The [[Sega Mega Drive]] console received two add-on hardware upgrades during its life time: the [[Sega Mega-CD]] and [[Sega 32X]]. It is possible to install both of these on the same base console, creating a system called the '''Super 32X CD''' (Japan and Korea) or '''Sega Mega-CD 32X''' ([[PAL]] region) or '''Sega CD 32X''' (USA). This opens the possibility of software that can utilise both the Mega-CD's enhanced storage capacity and ability to play [[wikipedia:Red Book (CD audio standard)|Red Book CD audio]], and the [[Sega 32X#Enhancements|32X's enhancements]] in graphics and sound capabilities.
 +
 
 +
Six games were released that require both add-on units in order to be played. All of these titles are [[full motion video]] based games, which were previously available as standalone Mega-CD games, and later had their FMV assets upgraded to take advantage of the 32X's improved graphics. As such, all six were released on CDs, with the cart slot of the 32X being unused during gameplay.
 +
 
 +
Japan did not receive any Mega-CD 32X games, however North America received five while Europe recieved four of those five. ''[[Surgical Strike]]'', once bound for a North American release, ended up being an exclusive title in Brazil (and curiously wound up being the only Mega-CD 32X game to reach this region). A further half-dozen titles were in development for the Mega-CD 32X at one stage, but were all cancelled, some merely appearing in Mega-CD form and some being moved to the [[Sega Saturn]].
  
 
==Games==
 
==Games==
 +
*''[[Corpse Killer]]''
 +
*''[[Fahrenheit]]''
 
*''[[Night Trap]]''
 
*''[[Night Trap]]''
*''[[Fahrenheit]]''
+
*''[[Slam City with Scottie Pippen]]''
*''[[Corpse Killer]]''
 
 
*''[[Supreme Warrior]]''
 
*''[[Supreme Warrior]]''
*''[[Slam City with Scottie Pippen]]''
+
*''[[Surgical Strike]]'' (Brazil only)
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
===Legacy===
 +
Owing to a number of reasons, the system eventually developed a curious reputation among the Western gaming community under the colloquial term '''Tower of Power'''. Deriving its name from the increased height added by the extra systems, it generally consists of a Model 1 [[Mega Drive]] and [[Mega-CD]] with an attached [[32X]]. While originally intended to provide a synergy between the three platforms, supporting the 16-bit hardware's entry into the 32-bit era, the visible failure of the 32X combined with the quirks of assembling the combined hardware eventually resulted in the Mega-CD 32X attaining a cult status among the larger gaming community.
 +
 
 +
While the term is sometimes used to deride the system for its seemingly-ridiculous expansions, it is more frequently used as an ironic symbol of [[Sega]]'s clout during the 1990s. The combined abilities of the three systems (regardless of their lacking Western libraries) are often framed to represent a level of "power" unable to be achieved by other platforms. This representation is not limited to the larger gaming community, as Sega themselves have made reference to the name, most famously in the miniature recreation of the system, the [[Mega Drive Tower Mini]].
 +
 
 +
==Artwork==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Sega-CD-32X-logo-USA.png|North American logo
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===Localised names===
 +
{{aka
 +
|us_name=Sega CD 32X
 +
|jp_name=スーパー32XCD
 +
|jp_trans=Super 32X CD
 +
|uk_name=Mega CD 32X
 +
|kr_name=슈퍼 32X CD
 +
|kr_trans=Super 32X CD
 +
|br_name=Mega 32X CD
 +
|br_trans=Mega 32X CD
 +
}}
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
[http://www.allgame.com/platform.php?id=43 Platform information page on allgame]
+
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20141210111102/http://www.allgame.com/platform.php?id=43 Platform information page on allgame (archived)]
 +
 
 +
{{clear}}
 +
{{MegaDrive}}
  
[[Category:Sega Mega CD]]
+
[[Category:Sega Mega-CD]]
 
[[Category:Sega 32X]]
 
[[Category:Sega 32X]]

Latest revision as of 05:43, 16 November 2023

Sega Mega Drive 1 with Sega Mega-CD 1 and 32X addons (all PAL region)
Sega Mega Drive 2 with Sega Mega-CD 2 and 32X addons (all PAL region)
Sega Mega Drive 1 with Sega Mega-CD 1 and 32X addons (all NTSC region)
Sega Genesis 2 with Sega CD 2 and 32X addons (all NTSC region)

The Sega Mega Drive console received two add-on hardware upgrades during its life time: the Sega Mega-CD and Sega 32X. It is possible to install both of these on the same base console, creating a system called the Super 32X CD (Japan and Korea) or Sega Mega-CD 32X (PAL region) or Sega CD 32X (USA). This opens the possibility of software that can utilise both the Mega-CD's enhanced storage capacity and ability to play Red Book CD audio, and the 32X's enhancements in graphics and sound capabilities.

Six games were released that require both add-on units in order to be played. All of these titles are full motion video based games, which were previously available as standalone Mega-CD games, and later had their FMV assets upgraded to take advantage of the 32X's improved graphics. As such, all six were released on CDs, with the cart slot of the 32X being unused during gameplay.

Japan did not receive any Mega-CD 32X games, however North America received five while Europe recieved four of those five. Surgical Strike, once bound for a North American release, ended up being an exclusive title in Brazil (and curiously wound up being the only Mega-CD 32X game to reach this region). A further half-dozen titles were in development for the Mega-CD 32X at one stage, but were all cancelled, some merely appearing in Mega-CD form and some being moved to the Sega Saturn.

Games

History

Legacy

Owing to a number of reasons, the system eventually developed a curious reputation among the Western gaming community under the colloquial term Tower of Power. Deriving its name from the increased height added by the extra systems, it generally consists of a Model 1 Mega Drive and Mega-CD with an attached 32X. While originally intended to provide a synergy between the three platforms, supporting the 16-bit hardware's entry into the 32-bit era, the visible failure of the 32X combined with the quirks of assembling the combined hardware eventually resulted in the Mega-CD 32X attaining a cult status among the larger gaming community.

While the term is sometimes used to deride the system for its seemingly-ridiculous expansions, it is more frequently used as an ironic symbol of Sega's clout during the 1990s. The combined abilities of the three systems (regardless of their lacking Western libraries) are often framed to represent a level of "power" unable to be achieved by other platforms. This representation is not limited to the larger gaming community, as Sega themselves have made reference to the name, most famously in the miniature recreation of the system, the Mega Drive Tower Mini.

Artwork

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English (UK) Mega CD 32X Mega CD 32X
English (US) Sega CD 32X Sega CD 32X
Japanese スーパー32XCD Super 32X CD
Portuguese (Brazil) Mega 32X CD Mega 32X CD
Korean 슈퍼 32X CD Super 32X CD

External links


Sega Mega Drive
Topics Technical specifications (Hardware comparison) | History | List of games | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Merchandise | Cartridges | TradeMark Security System
Hardware Japan | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Asia | South Korea | Australasia | Africa
EZ Games | Genesis 3 | LaserActive | Mega Jet | Mega PC | Mega Play | Mega-Tech System | Mega 6 | Nomad | Teradrive | Mega Drive Mini | Mega Drive Mini 2
New Mega Drive | Tianli VCD/DVD Players | "Consoles on a chip" | Licensed clones (Magic 2 | Mega Game II | Power Pegasus | Super Bitman)
Unlicensed clones
Add-ons Game Box | Power Base Converter | Mega-CD | 32X (Mega-CD 32X) | Mega Modem | Demo System DS-16
Cases Sega Genesis Nomad Carrying Case | System Carry Case
Controllers Control Pad | Six Button Control Pad | 6 Button Arcade Pad | Arcade Power Stick 6B | Konami Justifier | MK-1470
Action Chair | Activator | Arcade Power Stick | Keyboard | MegaFire | Mouse | Mega Stick | Menacer | Remote Arcade System | Ten Key Pad | Third Party Controllers
Accessories 4 Way Play | AC adaptor | Cleaning System | Control Pad Extension Cord | Game Factory | Genesis Speakers | Headset | HeartBeat Catalyst | Microphone | Region converter cartridges | Mega Terminal | Nomad PowerBack | RF Unit | SCART Cable | Stereo Audio Video Cable | Team Player | Video Monitor Cable | Third-party AC adaptors | Third Party Accessories
Network services Sega Channel | Sega Game Toshokan | Mega Anser | Mega Net | TeleBradesco Residência | XB∀ND
Development tools ERX 308P | ERX 318P | Sprobe | SNASM68K | SNASM2 (Mega Drive) | SNASM2 (32X) | PSY-Q Development System (Mega Drive) | PSY-Q Development System (32X) | 32X CartDev | Sega Mars Development Aid System | Sega 32X Development Target
Unreleased Edge 16 | Floppy Disk Drive | Mega Play 1010 | Sega VR | Teleplay System | Video Jukebox