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    From: BCantin@aol.com
    Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 13:28:17 EDT


    SEGA GENESIS/MEGA DRIVE F.A.Q.

    Version 1.5
    September 1998

    Maintained by: Barry Cantin (BCantin@aol.com)

    Contributors: John Hokanson Jr. (gameman@alphainfo.com)
    Ken Arromdee (arromdee@jyusenkyou.cs.jhu.edu)

    TABLE OF CONTENTS
    -----------------
    Introduction - About this FAQ

    Section 1 - General Info
    Section 2 - Technical Info
    Section 3 - The Games
    Section 4 - Peripherals
    Section 5 - Emulators
    Section 6 - Miscellaneous



    **************************
    * Introduction *
    **************************

    Shortly after releasing an update of the Sega CD FAQ, I was contacted by John
    Hokanson about helping him put together a similar document for the Sega
    Genesis (Mega Drive). I hadn't given it much thought before, due to the scope
    of the project, but decided to work on this with John since he had already
    done a good deal of work on it and I could fill in some of the details.

    John eventually became overwhelmed with other commitments and could no longer
    devote the time necessary to completing such a project, and sometime last year
    he mailed me much of what is contained in this document. I've since taken
    responsibility for the maintenance of the FAQ.

    This is really a first draft of the Genesis/Mega Drive FAQ. There are many,
    many gaps to fill in and I am doing them as I can. John has put a tremendous
    amount of work into this and received a great deal of assistance from Ken
    Arromdee. I was initially responsible for the title list (which is - in fact
    how I started the Sega CD FAQ) and then wrote up a section on the Sega 32X
    (which is now part of SlyDC's 32X FAQ). Now I have the task of updating and
    maintaining this FAQ, which is purely enjoyable since I love the Sega Genesis
    (and the portable Nomad).

    John Hokanson has written a large portion of this document, particularly the
    hardware technical areas. Much of what is included here was also culled from
    Usenet posts, and the authors are given credit at the beginning of the pertinent section.

    So here is the first cut, hope it is useful. Keep in mind that I am still
    working on it and still have a great deal of material to go through, so please
    bear with me on this. I still have odds & ends to add, but it will be some
    time before I can get to all the materials I have on hand to include them. I
    thought it might be good to get this version "out on the street" now, and feel
    that its content is sufficiently correct to release. Also please note that
    this is Version 1.5; Version 1.0 was (considered to be) the initial copy sent
    to me in 1996 by John Hokanson, to which I have added a very substantial
    amount of material. Thanks. %^)

    BWC 8/98

    DISCLAIMER

    This document contains information on modifying hardware, caring for your
    hardware and software, and so forth. Procedures are described within that may
    damage your equipment (although not likely). If you perform any of the
    mods/cleaning procedures, etc. listed in this FAQ, you do so at your own risk.
    I - and the other authors of this FAQ - do not take responsibility for any
    broken hardware/software as a result of attempting anything described here.
    The information is presented as a convenience for Sega Genesis/Megadrive fans,
    and should be treated as such.


    **************************
    *Section 1 - General Info*
    **************************

    -------------------------------------------
    1.1 The Sega Genesis and Mega Drive Systems
    -------------------------------------------

    The Genesis is a 16-bit home Video Game Console released in the US
    by Sega Enterprises in August of 1989. The system was designed in
    Japan as the "Mega Drive" and released in 1988. It was primarily marketed
    as a higher power alternative to the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and
    competed initially with that and NEC's new PC Engine.

    The Genesis had far more to offer then the NES, including better
    graphics, better sound (in stereo, as opposed to the NES mono),
    and greater speed.

    Genesis and MegaDrive cartridges are about four inches long, three inches
    high, and about 3/4" deep. Exceptions to this are those released by
    Electronic Arts ("EA"), which are approximately 3x3" square. Accolade
    cartridges are also approximately this size. Although narrower than standard
    Genesis cartridge size, they fit comfortably inside all versions of Genesis
    hardware.

    The Mega Drive is the original name for the system. It is known as
    the Mega Drive in all countries outside of North America. However, since
    this FAQ was compiled and written in the US the term "Genesis" will be used in
    respect to the aforementioned system. Unless otherwise noted, assume that any
    info pertaining to the Genesis, is correct for the Mega Drive.

    In the US, the Genesis was released in three different models. The first
    model was about 20" wide with a circular plate on the right half; the
    cartridge slot is in the center of this. There is also a volume control and
    headphone jack on this model.

    The Genesis 2 was released in 1994, and is much smaller. It's square, about
    11" on each side, and thinner. This model does not have a headphone jack or a
    volume output. A third model Genesis ("Genesis 3") was released in 1998 by a
    company called Majesco, Inc. (Majesco Sales is also responsible for many
    early Genesis game title re-releases, and use cardboard boxes instead of the
    nicer plastic cases). It's even smaller than the model 2 Genesis (approx. 8"
    by 8") and is packaged without a game cartridge. The box is bright blue with
    "Sega!" scrawled across the top.

    A *portable* version of the Genesis, the Sega Nomad, was released in 1995. It
    is about the same size as a Game Gear but with squared corners is a little
    thicker. It features a high-quality 3" passive-matrix LCD screen and a full
    compliment of six buttons. The Nomad also can also be hooked to a television
    (there is a DIN-type output - Genesis II-style) and played simultaneously on
    the Nomad screen and the television. There is also a port for a second joypad
    to allow two-player play (although Player 1 must always use the Nomad joypad
    and buttons). The Nomad was released in North America and Japan.
    Unfortunately for Europe, Sega decided *not* to release the Nomad there.
    For more information about the Sega Nomad, seek out a copy of Chris Pickett's
    Sega Nomad FAQ (don't have a website address for it at this time).

    Another "portable" version of the Japanese Mega Drive was the "Air Mega Drive"
    (not certain about the name), which wasn't portable in that it had to be
    connected to a TV/monitor to play. This unit was designed to be used on
    airplanes for passengers to use in-flight.

    There were some compatibility problems with some of the earlier third-party
    cartridges (Electronic Arts titles: Budokan, Ishido, Zany Golf, a couple
    others) with later Genesis units. These can only be played on an *early*
    Model I Genesis, or on later models if you plug them into a Game Genie before
    putting them into your Genesis.

    Q: How can I tell if I have one of these early model Genesis units?
    A: (something to do with the wording on the top of the unit... don't know
    exactly)

    Q: If I do not have an early Genesis, is there ANY way I can play these early
    games on my newer Genesis system?
    A: If you have a Game Genie, it is possible - just plug the cart into the
    Genie and that into the Genesis. The lockout code of the newer model
    Genesis unit is then disabled and the game will play properly.

    Q: Will my Genesis cartridges fit inside a Master System game case?
    A: Although the cases are virtually identical from the outside, the cart
    sizes are different enough so that a Genesis cart will not quite fit
    inside a Master System case. But it's better than nothing. One item
    of note: often, Electronic Arts Genesis game manuals are much smaller
    than the slots allotted for them inside the case, and tend to just flop
    around loosely inside. (Pet peeve of the author's, obviously. %^)



    ------------------------------------------------------------
    1.2 Differences Between the Sega Genesis and Sega Mega Drive
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    From the Sega Programming FAQ:
    ------------------------------

    Physically, on the outside, the only difference is the plastic case, the
    cartridge shape is slightly different on the American version, smaller in
    size. On the inside there are four jumpers labeled J1 though J4. J1 and J2
    is the language switch, between English and Japanese, J3 and J4 select the
    output between PAL and NTSC. You can build a switch that can allow you to
    select between these options. The diagram is included in this further down.
    The reason for the language switch is to keep people from getting the game
    before it is officially released elsewhere in the world. The newer Sega
    Machines do not have the jumpers, and hence you can not build a switch (as of
    yet).

    From the rec.games.video FAQ:
    -----------------------------

    MEGA DRIVE: Same as Genesis. Compatibility is a bit tricky.

    The European and Australian machine called the Mega Drive is identical to the
    Genesis except that it emits a 50 hertz PAL signal. The Japanese one is
    identical to the Genesis except for (sometimes) the cartridge slot, and the
    language setting.

    First, to play games in the "wrong" machine you must plug them in. You can
    buy an adapter, or just cut away the plastic that keeps them from fitting. On
    a US/European machine, this is some plastic around the slot; on an older
    Japanese machine, this is the cartridge lock (the tab that pushes into the
    slot from the left when you turn on the machine). I never even needed to
    remove the cartridge lock, but some people have told me they did.

    Now that you've plugged the game in, it _might_ run; cartridges can read the
    language and 50/60 hertz setting, and some newer games are programmed to check
    these settings and decide not to run at all. The following games are locked
    out this way:

    Do not run in English mode: Japanese versions of After Burner II, Bare
    Knuckle 3, Chameleon Kid, Doraemon, Gunstar Heroes, Monster World 4,
    Ragnacenti, Rolling Thunder II, Super Monaco GP 2, Super SF2, Thunder
    Force IV, Virtua Racing, Yuu Yuu Hakusho.
    Do not run in Japanese mode: US versions of Aladdin, Bio-Hazard Battle,
    Castlevania Bloodlines, Cyborg Justice, Dragon's Fury, Eternal
    Champions,
    Flashback, Gauntlet IV, Gunstar Heroes, Landstalker, Lightening Force,
    Mazin Saga, Outrun 2019, Phantasy Star IV, Ren and Stimpy, Rocket Knight
    Adventures, SF2CE, Shadowrun, Shining Force, Shinobi 3, Streets of Rage
    II, Streets of Rage III, Subterrania, Sunset Riders, Thunderstrike (CD),
    World of Illusion, X-Men.
    Do not run in 50 hertz mode: US versions of Flashback, Sonic Spinball,
    Streets of Rage II, World of Illusion, World Series Baseball (And
    probably most of the ones that don't run in Japanese mode, too.)
    Does not run in 60 hertz mode: European version of Xenon2.

    This list is nowhere near complete; these are just a few examples.

    To play English/Japanese carts, you need a language switch, or a special
    adapter which acts like one. To play European/non-European carts, you may
    need a 50/60 hertz switch (see below). Some European Mega Drive games will
    play perfectly on US systems. (The language switch is useful in its own
    right. Some games have dual ROMs, and play US versions in US/European
    machines and Japanese versions in Japanese machines; you can see both versions
    by installing the switch.)

    Q: Can my Game Genie work with foreign cartridges?
    A: It appears to work with many, but I cannot vouch that it will work with
    all of them. This is a great place to start trying, though.


    ****************************
    *Section 2 - Technical Info*
    ****************************

    ----------------------------------------------------------
    2.1 Genesis Technical Specs
    ----------------------------------------------------------

    Taken from official (yet apparently released) Sega Documentation:

    68000 @ 8 MHz
    main CPU
    1 MByte (8 Mbit) ROM Area
    64 Kbytes RAM Area

    VDP (Video Display Processor)
    dedicated video display processor
    - controls playfield & sprites
    - capable of DMA
    - Horizontal & Vertical interrupts
    64 Kbytes of dedicated VRAM (Video Ram)
    64 x 9-bits of CRAM (Color RAM)

    Z80 @ 4 MHz
    controls PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) & FM Chips
    8 KBytes of dedicated Sound Ram

    VIDEO:

    NOTE: Playfield and Sprites are character-based

    Display Area (visual)

    - 40 chars wide x 28 chars high
    each char is 8 x 8 pixels
    pixel resolution = 320 x 224

    - 3 Planes
    2 scrolling playfields
    1 sprite plane
    definable priorities between planes

    - Playfields:
    6 different sizes
    1 playfield can have a "fixed" window
    playfield map
    - each char position takes 2 Bytes, that includes:
    char name (10 bits); points to char definition
    horizontal flip
    vertical flip
    color palette (2 bits); index into CRAM
    priority
    scrolling:
    - 1 pixel scrolling resolution
    - horizontal:
    whole playfield as unit
    each character line
    each scan line
    - vertical:
    whole playfield as unit
    2 char wide columns

    - Sprites:
    1 x 1 char up to 4 x 4 chars
    up to 80 sprites can be defined
    up to 20 sprites displayed on a scan line
    sprite priorities

    - Character Definitions
    4 bits/pixel; points to color register
    4 bytes/scanline of char
    32 bytes for complete char definition
    playfield & sprite chars are the same!


    COLOR:

    - Uses CRAM (part of the VDP)
    64 9-bit wide color registers
    - 64 colors out of 512 possible colors
    3 bits of Red
    3 bits of Green
    3 bits of Blue
    4 palettes of 16 colors
    - 0th color (of each palette) is always transparent


    OTHER:

    - DMA
    removes the 68000 from the BUS
    can move 205 Bytes/scanline during VBLANK
    - there are 36 scanlines during VBLANK
    - DMA can move 7380 Bytes during VBLANK

    - Horizontal & Vertical interrupts

    SOUND:

    - Z80 controls:
    PSG (TI 76489 chip)
    FM chip (Yamaha YM 2612)
    - 6-channel stereo
    Z80 can access ROM data
    8 KBytes RAM


    HARDWARE:

    - 2 controllers
    joypad
    3 buttons
    Start button

    (A Three Button Variation of the above was later made available)

    - 1 external port
    - 2 video-outs (RF & RGB)
    - audio jack (stereo)
    - volume control (for audio jack)

    -----------------------------------------------

    A Brief Explanation of the Genesis Hardware

    Taken directly from the Sega Programming FAQ:

    The genesis graphics hardware consists of 2 scrollable planes.
    Each plane is made up of tiles. Each tile is an 8x8 pixel square
    with 4 bits per pixel. Each pixel can thus have 16 colors. Each
    tile can use 1 of 4 color tables, so on screen you can get 64
    colors at once, but only 16 in any specific tile. Tiles require
    32 bytes. There is 64K of graphics memory. This would allow
    for 2048 unique tiles if memory were used for nothing else.

    Each plane can be scrolled independently in various ways.
    Planes consist of tables of words, where each word describes a
    tile. The word contains 11 bits for describing which tile, 2 bits
    for flip x and flip y, 2 bits for the selection of the color
    table, and 1 bit for a depth selector. Sprites are composed of
    tiles also. A sprite can be up to 4 tiles wide by four tiles
    high. Since each tile is 8x8, this means sprites can be anywhere
    from 8x8 pixels to 32x32 pixels. There can be 80 sprites on
    screen at one time. On a scan line you can have 10 32 pixel
    wide sprites or 20 16 pixel wide sprites. Each sprite can
    only have 16 colors but they are out of the 4 different color
    tables. Color 0=transparent.

    Colors are 3 bits for each gun, so 512 colors are possible.

    There is a memory copier that is in hardware. This does fast
    copies from the 68000 ram into the graphics ram.

    The 68000 runs at about 8 MHz. It has 64K of memory devoted to it.
    The ROM cartridge appears at 0.

    The Z80 has 8K of ram. The 68000 can download programs to the
    z80 and let them go. The z80 can access the graphics chips or
    the sound synth chips but usually those things are controlled
    by the 68000.

    The sound chips consist of a Yamaha synthesis chip and a
    TI programmable sound generator. The PSG has 3 square wave tones
    and 1 white noise tone. Each tone/noise channel can have its own
    frequency and volume.

    The Yamaha chips are based on FM synthesis. There are 6 voices
    with 4 operators each. The chips are similar to those used in
    the Yamaha DX27 and DX100 synthesizers. By setting up registers
    a rich variety of sounds can be created.

    ---------------------------------

    Also of note (by John Hokanson):

    The Yamaha YM 2612 FM Synthesis Chip is based on the Yamaha 2151
    (which was used in earlier Sega Arcade Games). Ironically it's
    of a higher quality then the OPL2/3 FM Synthesis chips produced
    by Yamaha and used in Creative Labs PC sound cards such as the
    popular "Sound Blaster" line.

    The Z80 chip used to issue instructions to the YM 2612, served
    a duel purpose in that it provided backwards compatibility with
    the older Sega Master System (predecessor to the Genesis). When
    used with the "Power Base Converter" SMS carts could be inserted
    into the Genesis and use the Z80 as the main CPU (At which point
    the 68000 was basically inactive).

    Though the Genesis could only display a maximum of 64 colors at
    any given time, special software techniques such as HAM (Hold and
    Modify) could be used to boost color output. Such a technique was
    used in the game "Eternal Champions", which had an output of 256 colors.
    Sega CD Based games (such as "Snatcher") also used this method.

    -------------------------------
    2.2 Cartridge Pin Configuration
    -------------------------------

    To be added in a later release.

    ------------------------------
    2.3 Joystick Pin Configuration
    ------------------------------

    To be added in a later release.

    ---------------------------
    2.4 Video Pin Configuration
    ---------------------------

    From: QUINNGRANFOR@delphi.com
    Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega

    The pin configuration is as follows....


    Match pin----------O
    Red-------------O O----Negative sync
    O---Blue
    Audio(mono)-O O---Composite Video
    Vcc +5 volts---O O---Green
    Ground--O

    The O's are the pins...hope this helps.

    Quinn Granfor

    ---------------------------
    2.5 NTSC and PAL formats
    ---------------------------

    NTSC and PAL are television broadcast frequencies. NTSC is about 60 (actually
    59.94) fields per second, 525 lines per frame (each frame is 2 fields). PAL
    is 50 fields per second and 625 lines per frame.

    Parts of Europe and Hong Kong use PAL, while North America and Japan use
    NTSC. There were NTSC and PAL versions of the Genesis/Megadrive released in
    the appropriate regions. To the best of my knowledge, there was never a SECAM
    (other parts of Europe) model.

    Q: What happens when I play a PAL game on an NTSC console,
    or vice versa without the switch?
    A: If you play a NTSC game on a PAL console and the game is not programmed to
    notice what kind of console you're on, there are two effects: first, the
    game's screen is squashed because the 525 lines fit on a narrower portion
    of the screen, and second, the game runs about 17 percent slower _if_ the
    game's timing depends on events that happen at a specified rate compared
    to the frame. (Or if its timing depends on the current, but it probably
    won't, because part of Japan is 50 hertz but 60 fields per second.)

    The opposite happens in reverse: the screen is stretched out (and probably
    rolls badly) and the game is too fast. You can correct this problem by
    building a 50/60Hz Switch.

    BUILDING A 50/60Hz (NTSC/PAL) SWITCH

    You can build a 50/60 hertz switch on a Genesis/Mega Drive like a language
    switch, but using jumpers JP3 and JP4. The standard setting is 50 in PAL
    areas such as Europe, and 60 in NTSC areas like the US and Japan. In the 60
    hertz mode, the game is faster and the screen taller; however, not all TVs and
    monitors in Europe can display this mode.

    Some American/Japanese games are protected to keep Europeans from playing
    them; this protection checks the 50/60 hertz setting. You can often get
    around it by installing the switch and switching when starting the game, then
    switching back afterwards.

    Some European games are simple ports of American or Japanese games and are not
    redesigned for 50 hertz, so work faster and with "better" screen proportions
    if played at 60 hertz.

    ----------------------------------------
    2.6 The Japanese/English language switch
    ----------------------------------------

    In order to make your Genesis/Megadrive into a Japanese machine (internally),
    you can build a switch that will convert the electronics internally and fool
    your machine into thinking it's Japanese. Many cartridges have both versions
    (English and Japanese) built in, and the language switch will bring forth the
    appropriate version.

    Here's how to build your own. Note: I do not take responsibility for what
    any reader(s) decide to do to their hardware or software; we are not liable
    nor responsible.. this info is presented as such.

    On a Genesis/MD, there are jumpers labeled JP1, JP2, JP4, and JP3. The
    Genesis has a capacitor on JP1 and a trace on JP2; the Mega Drive has a
    capacitor on JP2 and a trace on JP1. The bottom ends of JP1 and JP2 are
    connected together. So if you cut the trace and the top end of the capacitor,
    and install a DPDT switch between them which reconnects them either unchanged
    or swapped left to right, you have a language switch. You'll need some wire,
    a soldering iron, solder, and a DPDT switch.

    Some machines have an open circuit instead of the capacitor. Also, I've been
    told that even if there is a capacitor, you can throw it out and leave an open
    circuit. Either way, the switch is a lot simpler, requiring a SPDT switch and
    less wire and solder.

    Several people have told me (JH) that you could just cut both JP1 and JP2 and
    put a SPST switch on JP1. This is even simpler, but I'm not sure it really
    works, as opposed to putting your machine in an intermediate state that only
    sort-of works.

    The redesigned Genesis 2 machines don't appear to have either the capacitor or
    circuit. Nobody yet knows how to make the language switch for one, though
    language switch adapter/cartridges should still work.

    IF YOUR MACHINE HAS NO CAPACITOR (or if you want to cross your fingers and
    throw away your capacitor) and is not a Genesis 2:

    Cut JP2. The trace might be covered with paint and hard to see. (If you
    started with a Mega Drive, JP2 is open and you have to cut JP1 instead.) If
    you aren't sure which end I mean by "bottom", just check the back of the board
    to see which end is connected together.

    Original state of machine: After cutting:

    JP2 top JP1 top JP2 top JP1 top
    | | | |
    | | | |
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | | | |
    \ / \ /
    \_______/ \_______/
    bottom of both bottom of both

    Add a SPDT switch which can be in one of two positions:
    ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    . .
    . . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    . . . .
    JP2 top JP1 top . .
    | | . .
    | | _________
    | o o |
    | \ |
    | \ |
    \___o___/
    | | .
    \ / .
    \_______/ - - - - - - - - - - - -
    bottom of both

    ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    . .
    . . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    . . . .
    JP2 top JP1 top . .
    | | . .
    | | _________
    | o o |
    | / |
    | / |
    \___o___/
    | | .
    \ / .
    \_______/ - - - - - - - - - - - -
    bottom of both
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    IF YOUR MACHINE DOES HAVE THE CAPACITOR:

    Cut both sides. (Note: if you started with a Japanese Mega Drive the
    capacitor will be on the side labeled X instead)

    Original state of machine: After cutting:

    JP2 top JP1 top JP2 top JP1 top
    | | | |
    | | | |
    | |
    | |
    | | |
    X | ### X | ###
    | ### | ###
    | ### | ###
    \ / \ /
    \_______/ \_______/
    bottom of both

    add switch which can be in one of two positions:

    JP2 top JP1 top (Connect 2 to 2
    | | and 1 to 1)
    | |
    2 1 2 1 1 2
    ______________
    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ | o o o o |
    | ` | \ \ |
    X | ###` ` | \ \ |
    | ### ` ` \____o__o____/
    | ### ` ` ' '
    \ / ` `- - - - -' '
    \_______/ ` _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ '
    bottom of both

    JP2 top JP1 top (Connect 2 to 2
    | | and 1 to 1)
    | |
    2 1 2 1 1 2
    ______________
    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ | o o o o |
    | ` | / / |
    X | ###` ` | / / |
    | ### ` ` \____o__o____/
    | ### ` ` ' '
    \ / ` `- - - - -' '
    \_______/ ` _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ '
    bottom of both

    ----------------------------------------------
    2.7 Playing your Genesis on a computer monitor
    ----------------------------------------------

    The Genesis can connect to an analog RGB monitor with a similar scan rate;
    this means an analog RGB monitor for use with an Amiga, Atari ST, or Apple
    //gs. An analog RGB multisync monitor would also work; a digital monitor
    (CGA or EGA only for PC's) will not.

    -----------------------------------------------
    2.8 How to I build an RGB Cable for the Genesis
    -----------------------------------------------

    From: dgb@owlnet.rice.edu (Dennis Gale Brown)
    Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega

    This is an article I wrote last year to post here. I'm posting it again.
    This is probably not the best way to hook up the Genesis to a monitor
    but it works. I have no clue what the "new" Genesis is like, so this
    may or may not work with it.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Here's how I hooked up my Genesis to my NEC Multisync II:

    First, I went to Radio Shack and bought the following parts:

    274-026 8-pin DIN plug (Genesis end)
    276-1427 9 Position D-shell MALE connector
    276-1513 Hood for above
    278-775 9-conductor wire (sold by the foot; I got 3')

    Then I checked out the Genesis Monitor pinout from the FAQ:
    (looking at port itself)

    1 . 8 . 7
    2 . . . 6
    3 . . 5
    4 '

    (these numbers probably aren't correct but they match my list below!):
    1 - Negative Combined Sync
    2 - Composite Video
    3 - Green
    4 - Ground
    5 - +5 Volts
    6 - Audio
    7 - Red
    8 - Green

    Then I checked out the pinout for the Multisync:

    1 2 3 4 5
    . . . . .
    . . . .
    6 7 8 9

    2 - Sync
    3 - Blue (analog)
    4 - Green (analog)
    5 - Red (analog)
    6 - Ground

    (again, numbers are probably wrong, and this isn't the full pin-out, but
    it's enough)

    After this, it's just a matter of putting things together. Using the
    8-pin DIN connector requires some soldering, but the 9-pin connector
    I chose can simply have the pins clamped onto the wires.

    One note: You may have to bend the pins in the 8-pin connector slightly
    to make it fit in the Genesis. I had to bend the middle pin down a bit
    and the two top pins outward. After that, no problem.

    Final word: Do this at your own risk. This probably isn't the best way to
    go about this, but it does work. If your equipment blows up, don't blame me!

    Have fun...

    BTW, If you have a different monitor, I can't help you. All I can say is that
    if it works with an Amiga 500/1000/2000, it probably works with the Genesis
    (similar if not identical scan rates),
    provided you have the correct pinouts and connectors...

    ------------------------------------------
    2.9 How to build a Genesis Joystick/Joypad
    ------------------------------------------

    If you have trouble finding joypads in your area, or want a specially-
    configured joypad, the following post is for you. Otherwise, nowadays it is
    easy to find brand new Genesis joypads being dumped on the market as the
    16-bit gaming market dies out.

    Date: Tue, 2 Mar 93 08:10:28 CST
    From: nhowland@centurion.ksu.ksu.edu (Neal Patrick Howland)
    To: sysrick@starbase.spd.louisville.edu
    Subject: Genesis joystick pinouts

    Yes folks! It is the much requested Genesis joystick pinout information!!!


    First some background info: The chip inside the controller is a 74HC157.
    This is a high-speed cmos quad 2-line to 1-line multiplexer. Basically how
    this works is there are two inputs ( A and B ) for every output ( Y ). There
    are four groups like this. There is one select signal for the whole chip.
    When the select signal is low, the output ( Y ) is the same as input A. When
    the select signal is high, the output Y is the same as input B. The pinout
    for the chip is as follows:

    Pin 1 - Select Pin 16 - Vcc (+5V)
    Pin 2 - 1A Pin 15 - G (? must be low)
    Pin 3 - 1B Pin 14 - 4A
    Pin 4 - 1Y Pin 13 - 4B
    Pin 5 - 2A Pin 12 - 4Y
    Pin 6 - 2B Pin 11 - 3A
    Pin 7 - 2Y Pin 10 - 3B
    Pin 8 - Gnd Pin 9 - 3Y


    All the controls are done with switches. Up is a switch, Down is a switch,
    etc. Now, I will be referring to the output of these switches later on. What
    I mean is that the output is usually high, that is when the switch isn't
    pressed.

    When the button is pushed, the output goes low. This is accomplished by
    connecting the output to +5V through a 10k resistor. The button is then
    attached between the output and ground. It looks like this:

    +5V -----/\/\/------+--------- Output
    10k |
    |
    / |
    Ground -----/ -------+
    button
    (normally open)

    For all of those who could actually decipher the above schematic,
    congratulations!


    I will now run down what lines from the plug are connected to what.
    The line numbers are determined as follows, looking straight at the plug on
    the front of the Genesis the numbers are:

    1 2 3 4 5
    6 7 8 9

    (For those of you who buy a joystick cable from radio shack the pin #'s to
    wire colors are as follows: 1-black 2-brown 3-red 4-orange 5-get cup from
    bag
    sorry about that, lets start again 1-white 2-blue 3-green 4-brown 5-yellow
    6-orange 7-red 8-black 9-gray, )

    anyway, line connections:

    Line 1 - Up output
    Line 2 - Down output These are the only two direct connections
    Line 3 - Pin 4 of the chip output 1Y
    Line 4 - Pin 7 of the chip output 2Y
    Line 5 - This line carries in +5V. It is connected to the +5V bus line.
    Line 6 - Pin 9 of the chip output 3Y
    line 7 - Pin 1 of the chip this carries in a select signal from the Genesis.
    This is a signal which varies rapidly and
    controls which input goes through the output
    Line 8 - Ground This is connected to the Ground bus line.
    Line 9 - Pin 12 of the chip output 4Y


    Now for the chips pin connections:

    Pin 1 - Line 7 (select)
    Pin 2 - Ground (1A) don't ask me why they do this. Maybe future expansion
    Pin 3 - Left (1B)
    Pin 4 - Line 3 (1Y)
    Pin 5 - Ground (2A) again, possibly future expansion
    Pin 6 - Right (2B)
    Pin 7 - Line 4 (2Y)
    Pin 8 - Ground (GND)
    Pin 9 - Line 6 (3Y)
    Pin 10 - Button B (3B)
    Pin 11 - Button A (3A)
    Pin 12 - Line 9 (4Y)
    Pin 13 - Button C (4B)
    Pin 14 - Start (4A)
    Pin 15 - Ground (G) This must be connected to ground
    Pin 16 - +5V (Vcc) Power source for the chip

    Anyway that's all the info needed to build your own joystick.

    Now as an added bonus, additional information!

    A simple source for a joystick cable is the Radio Shack joystick extension
    cable. It is around $5 and is 10 ft. long. Just snip off the connector that
    won't plug into the Genesis, strip the wires back, and use the color pinout
    list I gave above.

    I went to my local arcade game repair company today and purchased the supplies
    I needed. They were much cheaper than I expected. Things you would need to
    buy from them would be:

    an 8-way joystick this ran me $15
    3 buttons $2.50 apiece



    3.0 Game List

    There were approximately 700 game cartridges released for the Sega Genesis. I
    cannot vouch for each and every one of these listed here, but for the most
    part the list is accurate release-wise. I still have a few blanks in there,
    and do have most of the info at my disposal. It takes time to get each and
    every piece of information, so in order to release this now I just left the
    ones I don't have yet blank.

    Some titles have been re-released with different publishers; I try to consider
    both when listing this. More information on this can be found after the game
    list.

    Note: Some games do not comfortably fit into one single category. In
    these cases, two categories were assigned to the game type to
    describe them better.

    Game types (these are my definitions, and I do not claim them to be absolute):

    Adventure - game contains elements of exploration and requires fulfilling
    some sort of quest or other obligation(s) before moving to a
    higher level. "Isoadventure" indicates that the game uses
    an "isometric" perspective, which means that the character and
    surrounding area are viewed from a 45-degree angle between
    head-on and sideways. (Move squares may appear as diamonds)
    Arcade - action/reflex-based game based on arcade title.
    Board game - based on/conversion of popular board game.
    Educational - game teaches (mainly youngsters) various things during
    play.
    Fighting - if the description just says "fighting" then it's a 1-on-1
    fighting game where the objective is to win 2 out of 3 matches
    then move on to the next opponent. If the description is
    "platform/fighting" then the game is a fight-based platform
    game, in which you must fight your way through various scenes
    and environments and beat the boss at the end of each level.
    Flt sim - flight simulator. Game provides 1st-person perspective view
    during flight sequences.
    Multi - game has multiple formats.
    Platform - game uses platforms (originally defined by "Super Mario Bros.",
    in which Mario jumps from platform to platform) in its setting.
    Can be a shooter or a fighting game.
    Puzzle - game requires solving various levels/types of puzzles.
    Quiz - game as numerous question/answer quizzes for player.
    Racing - typically a car racing game, can be 1st-person perspective or
    over-the-driver view.
    RPG - "Role Playing Game". You take on the persona of the main
    character of the game, and build various attributes (strength,
    attack and defense abilities, etc.) while fulfilling a quest.
    Shooter - game's primary objective it to shoot the bad guys. Can be
    vertical, horizontal, with or without platforms. A "1st Person
    Shooter" is one in which the perspective is from the player,
    PC examples include "Doom", "Wolf 3D", and "Quake".
    Sim - When attached to "Strategy", refers to a battle simulation.
    Could also refer to hardware/vehicle simulations.
    Sports - pretty obvious, huh? %^)

    Strategy - game has elements of planning and decision-making, may be
    turn-based or real-time.

    Also: The publisher(s) listed apply to the North American releases only.

    Name Type Publisher
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    3 Ninjas Platform/Fight Sony Imagesoft
    52-in-1 (2) Multi Active Ent.
    6-In-1 Menacer Cart Shooting Sega
    6-Pak Multi Sega
    688 Attack Sub Strategy/sim Sega


    AAAHH!!! Real Monsters Platform Viacom
    Abrams Battle Tank Strategy Sega
    Addams Family Platform/Strat Flying Edge
    Addams Family Values Platform Ocean
    Advanced D&D: Warriors of the Eternal Sun RPG Sega
    Adventures of Batman and Robin Platform/Fight Sega
    Adventures of Mighty Max Platform Ocean
    Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle Platform Absolute
    Aero the Acrobat Platform Sunsoft
    Aero the Acrobat 2 Platform Sunsoft
    Aerobiz Strategy Koei
    Aerobiz Supersonic Strategy Koei
    After Burner II Shooter Sega
    Air Buster Shooter Kaneco
    Air Diver Shooter/Sim Seismic
    Aladdin Platform Sega
    Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle Platform Sega
    Alien 3 Arcade Arena
    Alien Storm Action Sega
    Alisia Dragoon Adventure Game Arts
    Altered Beast Platform Sega
    Amazing Tennis Sports
    American Gladiators Sports Gametek
    Andre Agassi Tennis Sports Tecmagik
    Animaniacs Platform Konami
    Aquatic Games - James Pond Sports EA
    Arcade Classics Arcade Sega
    Arcade's Greatest Hits Arcade Williams
    Arch Rivals Sports Flying Edge
    Arcus Odyssey RPG/Adventure Renovation
    Ariel - The Little Mermaid Platform Sega
    Arnold Palmer's Tournament Golf Sports Sega
    Arrow Flash Platform/Shoot Renovation
    Art Alive Educational Sega
    Art of Fighting Fighting
    Asterix and the Great Rescue Platform Sega
    Atomic Robo Kid Shooter Treco
    Atomic Runner Shooter/Platfm Data East
    ATP Tour Tennis Sports EA Sports
    Awesome Possum Platform Tengen

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    B.O.B. Platform EA
    Back to the Future III
    Ballz Fighting Accolade
    Barbie Platform/misc Hi-Tech Expr.
    Barkley: Shut Up and Jam! Sports Accolade
    Barkley: Shut Up and Jam 2 Sports Accolade
    Barney's Hide & Seek Educational Sega
    Bass Masters Classic Sports Black Pearl
    Bass Masters Classic Pro Edition Sports T*HQ
    Batman Platform/Fight Sega
    Batman Forever Platform/Fight Acclaim
    Batman Returns Platform Sega
    Batman: Revenge of the Joker Platform/Fight Sunsoft
    Battle Master
    Battle Squadron Shooter EA
    Battletech Shooter/Sim
    Battletoads Platform/Fight Tradewest
    Battletoads/Double Dragon Fighting Tradewest
    Beast Wrestler Fighting Renovation
    Beauty & the Beast: Belle's Quest Platform Sunsoft
    Beauty & the Beast: Roar of the Beast Platform Sunsoft
    Beavis and Butthead Platform Viacom
    Berenstain Bears: Camping Adventure Platform Sega
    Best of the Best Karate Fighting
    Beyond Oasis Adv/RPG Sega
    Bill Walsh College Football Sports EA Sports
    Bill Walsh College Football '95 Sports EA Sports
    Bimini Run Shooter NuVision
    Bio Hazard Battle Shooter Sega
    Blades of Vengeance Adventure EA
    Blaster Master 2 Shooter/Platfm Sunsoft
    Block Out Puzzle EA
    Bonanza Brothers
    Bonkers Platform Sega
    Boogerman Platform Interplay
    Boxing Legends of the Ring Sports
    Brett Hull Hockey '95 Sports Accolade
    Brutal: Paws of Fury Fighting Gametek
    Bubba 'n Stix
    Bubble & Squeak Platform Sunsoft
    Bubsy Platform Accolade
    Bubsy II Platform Accolade
    Buck Rogers RPG/Adventure EA
    Budokan (1) Fighting EA
    Bugs Bunny in Double Trouble Platform Sega
    Bulls vs. Blazers Sports EA
    Bulls vs. Lakers Sports EA
    Burning Force Shooter Namco
    Buster Douglas Boxing Sports Sega
    Busy Town


    Cadash Platfm/Fighter Taito
    Caesars Palace Strategy Virgin
    Cal Ripken Jr. Baseball Sports Mindscape
    Caliber .50 Shooter Mentrix
    California Games Sports Sega
    Captain America Platform/shoot Data East
    Castlevania Bloodlines Platform Konami
    Centurion: Defender of Rome Strategy EA
    Chakan Platform/Fight Sega
    Champions - World Class Soccer Sports
    Championship Bowling Sports Mentrix
    Championship Pool Sports Mindscape/SWT
    Championship Pro Am Racing Tradewest
    Chase HQ II Racing Taito
    Chavez II Sports
    Chester Cheetah Platform Kaneco
    Chester Cheetah's Wild Wild Quest Platform
    Chi Chi's Pro Challenge Golf Sports Virgin
    Chiki Chiki Boys
    Chuck Rock Platform Virgin
    Chuck Rock II Platform Virgin
    Clayfighter Fighting Interplay
    Cliffhanger Platform/Fight Sony Imagesoft
    Clue Board Game Parker Bros.
    Coach K College Basketball Sports EA Sports
    College Football National Championship Sports Sega Sports
    College Football National Championship II Sports Sega Sports
    College Football USA '96 Sports EA Sports
    College Football USA '97 Sports EA Sports
    College Slam Sports Acclaim
    Columns Puzzle Sega
    Columns III Puzzle Vic Tokai
    Combat Cars Racing Accolade
    Comix Zone Platform Sega
    Contra Hard Corps Shooter/Platfm Konami
    Cool Spot Platform Virgin
    Cosmic Spacehead Platform Codemasters
    Crackdown Action/Strat. Sage's Creation
    Crossfire
    Crue Ball Pinball EA
    Crusader of Centy Action RPG Atlus
    Crystal's Pony Tale Adventure/Pltfm Sega Club
    Cutthroat Island Platform Acclaim
    Cyber Cop Platform Virgin
    Cyberball Sports Sega
    Cyborg Justice Fighting Sega


    Dark Castle Adventure EA
    Dashin' Desperadoes Platform/Racing Data East
    David Robinson's Supreme Court Sports Sega
    Davis Cup Tennis Sports Tengen
    Deadly Moves Fighting Kaneco
    Death and Return of Superman
    Death Duel Shooter Razorsoft
    Decapattack Platform Sega
    Demolition Man
    Desert Demolition - Road Runner Platform Sega
    Desert Strike Shooter/Strat. EA
    Devilish Arcade Sage's Creation
    Dick Tracy Platform/Fight Sega
    Dick Vitale's College Hoops Sports
    Dino Land Pinball Renovation
    Dinosaur's Tale Platform Hi-Tech Ent.
    Dinosaurs for Hire Platform
    DJ Boy Fighting/Platfm Kaneco
    Doom Troopers
    Double Dragon Fighting/Platfm Tradewest
    Double Dragon 3: The Arcade Game Fighting/Platfm Tradewest
    Double Dragon V Fighting Tradewest
    Double Dribble Sports Konami
    Dr. Robotnik's Bean Machine Puzzle Sega
    Dracula (Bram Stoker's) Platform/fight Sony Imagesoft
    Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story Fighting Acclaim
    Dragon's Fury Pinball Tengen
    Dragon's Revenge Pinball Tengen
    Duel: Test Drive II Racing Accolade
    Dune Strategy Virgin
    Dynamite Duke Platform Sega
    Dynamite Headdy Platform Sega


    E-SWAT Shooter Sega
    EA Hockey - European League Sports EA Sports
    Earnest Evans Platform Renovation
    Earth Defense (2) Shooter Realtec
    Earthworm Jim Platform Playmates
    Earthworm Jim 2 Platform Playmates
    Ecco: Tides of Time Adventure Sega
    Ecco Jr. Educational Sega Club
    Ecco the Dolphin Adventure Sega
    El Viento Platform Renovation
    Elemental Master
    ESPN Baseball Tonight Sports Sony Imagesoft
    ESPN National Hockey Night Sports Sony Imagesoft
    ESPN Speed World Racing Sony Imagesoft
    ESPN Sunday Night NFL Sports Sony Imagesoft
    Eternal Champions Fighting Sega
    Evander Holyfield Boxing Sports
    Ex-Mutants Platform/Fight
    Exile Action RPG Renovation
    Exo Squad Shooter Playmates


    F-117 Night Storm Shooter/Flt Sim EA
    F-15 Strike Eagle II Shooter/Flt Sim Microprose
    F-22 Interceptor Shooter/Flt Sim EA
    Faery Tale Adventure Adventure/RPG EA
    Family Feud Quiz Gametek
    Fantasia Platform Sega
    Fantastic Dizzy Platform Codemasters
    Fatal Fury Fighting Takara
    Fatal Fury 2 Fighting Takara
    Fatal Labyrinth Adventure Sega
    Fatal Rewind Shooter/Platfm EA
    Ferrari Grand Prix Challenge Racing Flying Edge
    FIFA Soccer Sports EA Sports
    FIFA Soccer '95 Sports EA Sports
    FIFA Soccer '96 Sports EA Sports
    FIFA Soccer '97 Sports EA Sports
    Fighting Masters Fighting Treco
    Final Zone Shooter Renovation
    Fire Shark Shooter Dreamworks
    Flashback Platform/Adv. US Gold
    Flicky Platform Sega
    Flintstones Platform Taito
    Foreman for Real Sports Flying Edge
    Forgotten Worlds Fighting Capcom
    Formula One Racing Domark
    Frank Thomas - Big Hurt Baseball Sports Acclaim
    Frankenstein Platform Sony Imagesoft
    Fun and Games Educational Tradewest
    Funny World/Balloon Boy (2) Arcade Realtec


    G-Loc Shooter (1st P) Sega
    Gadget Twins Platform Gametek
    Gaiares Shooter Renovation
    Gain Ground Adventure/Shoot Renovation
    Galahad Shooter/strat Sega
    Galaxy Force II Shooter Sega
    Garfield Caught In The Act Platform Sega
    Gargoyles Platform Disney Int.
    Gauntlet IV Adv/Shooter Tengen
    Gemfire Strategy Koei
    General Chaos Shooter/strat EA
    Generations Lost
    Genghis Khan II Strategy Koei
    George Foreman KO Boxing Sports Flying Edge
    Ghostbusters Platform/shoot Sega
    Ghouls 'n' Ghosts Platform Sega
    Global Gladiators
    Gods Platform Mindscape
    Golden Axe Fighting/Platfm Sega
    Golden Axe II Fighting/Platfm Sega
    Goofy's Hysterical Tour Platform Absolute
    Granada Shooter Renovation
    Great Circus Mystery Platform Capcom
    Great Waldo Search Puzzle T*HQ
    Greatest Heavyweights Sports Sega Sports
    Greendog
    Grind Stormer Shooter Tengen
    Growl Fighting/Platfm Taito
    Gunstar Heroes Platform/Shootr Sega


    Hardball Sports Ballistic/Accolade
    Hardball III Sports Accolade
    Hardball '94 Sports Accolade
    Hardball '95 Sports Accolade
    Hard Drivin' Racing Tengen
    Harrint
    Haunting (Starring Polterguy) Arcd/Adventure EA
    Head-On Soccer Sports
    Heavy Nova Fighting
    Hellfire Shooter Seismic
    Herzog Zwei Strategy Sega
    High Seas Havoc Platform
    Hit the Ice Sports Taito
    Home Alone Platform Sega
    Home Alone 2 Platform Sega
    Hook Platform Sony Imagesoft
    Humans Puzzle


    Immortal Adv/Isoplatfm EA
    Incredible Crash Dummies Platform
    Incredible Hulk Platform US Gold
    Indiana Jones: Last Crusade Platform/Fight
    Insector X Shooter Sage's Creation
    International Tour Tennis Sports EA Sports
    Ishido (2) Puzzle EA
    Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings


    Jack Nicklaus Power Challenge Golf Sports Ballistic/Accolade
    James Bond 007: The Duel Platform Domark
    James Pond Platform EA
    James Pond 2: Codename Robocod Platform EA
    James Pond 3 Platform EA
    Jammit Sports Virgin
    Jennifer Capriati Tennis Sports Renovation
    Jeopardy! Quiz Gametek
    Jeopardy! Deluxe Edition Quiz Gametek
    Jeopardy! Sports Edition Quiz Gametek
    Jewel Master Platform Sega
    Joe & Mac Platform Takara
    Joe Montana Football Sports Sega
    Joe Montana Football 2 Sports Sega
    Joe Montana Football '93 Sports Sega
    Joe Montana Football '94 Sports Sega
    John Madden Football Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football '92 Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football '93 Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football '94 Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football '95 Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football '96 Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football '97 Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football '98 Sports EA Sports
    John Madden Football Championship Sports EA Sports
    Jordan vs. Bird Sports
    Judge Dredd Platform/Fight Acclaim
    Junction Puzzle Bignet USA
    Jungle Book (9) Platform Virgin/Sega
    Jungle Strike Shooter/Strat EA
    Jurassic Park Platform Sega
    Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition Platform/Adv Sega
    Jurassic Park: The Lost World Platform/Adv Sega
    Justice League Task Force Fighting Acclaim


    Ka Ge Ki Fighting Sage's Creation
    Kawasaki Superbike Challenge Racing Time-Warner Int.
    Kid Chameleon Platform Sega
    King of the Monsters Fighting Takara
    King of the Monsters 2 Fighting Takara
    King Salmon Sports Vic Tokai
    King's Bounty Adv/strategy EA
    Klax Puzzle Tengen
    Krusty's Super Fun House Action/Puzzle Acclaim


    Lakers vs. Celtics Sports EA
    Landstalker Adventure/RPG Sega
    Last Action Hero Platform/Fight Sony Img.
    Last Battle Fighting Sega
    Lawnmower Man Action/Shooter
    Leaderboard Golf Sports Sega
    Lemmings Puzzle/Arcade Sunsoft
    Lemmings 2 Tribes Puzzle/Arcade Psygnosis
    Lethal Enforcers (5) Shooter Konami
    Lethal Enforcers II Shooter Konami
    LHX Attack Chopper Shooter/Flt Sim EA
    Liberty or Death Strategy Koei
    Light Crusader Adv.RPG Sega
    Lightening Force Shooter
    Lion King Shooter Virgin
    Lost Vikings Puzzle/Arcade Accolade
    Lotus Turbo Challenge Racing EA
    Lotus II Racing EA


    Madden Football see "John Madden Football"
    Magic School Bus Educational Sega
    Marble Madness Arcade Tengen
    Mario Andretti Racing Racing EA Sports
    Mario Lemieux Hockey Sports Sega
    Marko's Magic Soccer Platform
    Marsupilami Platform Sega
    Marvel Land Platform Renovation
    Master of Monsters RPG/Strategy Renovation
    Math Blaster Educational Davidson
    Maximum Carnage Platform/Fight Acclaim
    Mazin Saga Mutant Fighter Platform/Fight Vic Tokai
    McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure Platform Sega
    Mega Bomberman Arcade/Puzzle Hudson Soft
    Mega Turrican Platform/Shoot
    Mercs Shooter Sega
    Michael Jackson's Moonwalker Platform Sega
    Mickey Mania: Timeless Adventures Platform Sony Imagesoft
    Mickey Mouse: Castle of Illusion Platform Sega
    Mickey Mouse: World of Illusion Platform Sega
    Mickey's Ultimate Challenge Puzzle Hi-Tech Expr.
    Micro Machines Racing Codemasters
    Midnight Resistance Platform/Shootr Sega
    MIG-29 Fighter Pilot Shooter/Flt Sim Domark
    Might and Magic RPG EA
    Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Fighting Sega
    Mighty Morphin P.R.: The Movie Fighting Sega
    Mike Ditka Power Football Sports Ballistic/Accolade
    Minnesota Fats Pool Legend Sports Data East
    MLBPA Baseball Sports EA Sports
    Monopoly Board Game Parker Bros.
    Mortal Kombat Fighting Williams
    Mortal Kombat II Fighting Williams
    Mortal Kombat 3 Fighting Williams
    Ms. Pac Man Arcade/Maze Tengen
    Muhammad Ali Boxing Sports Sega
    MUSHA Shooter Seismic
    Mutant League Football Sports/Arcade EA
    Mutant League Hockey Sports/Arcade EA
    Mystic Defender Platform Sega
    Mystical Fighter


    NBA Action '94 Sports Sega Sports
    NBA Action '95 Sports Sega Sports
    NBA All Star Challenge Sports Flying Edge
    NBA Hang Time Sports Midway
    NBA Jam Sports Arena/Midway
    NBA Jam Tournament Edition Sports Acclaim
    NBA Live '95 Sports EA Sports
    NBA Live '96 Sports EA Sports
    NBA Live '97 Sports EA Sports
    NBA Live '98 Sports EA Sports
    NBA Showdown '94 Sports
    NCAA Final Four Basketball Sports
    NCAA Football Sports Sega Sports
    New Horizons (Uncharted Waters 2) Strategy Koei
    Newman Haas Indy Car Racing Racing
    NFL '95 Sports Sega Sports
    NFL '98 Sports Sega Sports
    NFL Quarterback Club Sports Acclaim
    NFL Quarterback Club '96 Sports Acclaim
    NHL '94 Sports EA Sports
    NHL '95 Sports EA Sports
    NHL '96 Sports EA Sports
    NHL '97 Sports EA Sports
    NHL '98 Sports EA Sports
    NHL All-Star Hockey 95 Sports Sega Sports
    NHL Hockey Sports Sega Sports
    NHLPA Hockey '93 Sports EA
    Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing Gametek
    No Escape Platform/Strat Psygnosis
    Nobunaga's Ambition Strategy Koei
    Normy's Beach Babe-O-Rama


    Olympic Gold Sports
    Olympic Summer Games Sports T*HQ
    Onslaught Platform/Fight Ballistic/Accolade
    Ooze Adv/Shooter Sega
    Operation Europe Strategy Koei
    Out of This World Platform/Adv. Virgin
    Outlander Racing
    Outrun Racing Sega
    Outrun 2019 Racing Sega
    Outrunners Racing Data East


    P.T.O. Strategy Koei
    Pac Attack Puzzle Namco
    Pac Mania Arcade/Maze Tengen
    Pac Man 2: The New Adventures Platform Namco
    Pagemaster Platform
    Paperboy Arcade Tengen
    Paperboy 2 Arcade Tengen
    Pat Riley Basketball Sports Sega
    Pebble Beach Golf Links Sports Sega
    Pele! Sports Accolade
    Pele II Sports Accolade
    Pete Sampras Tennis (6) Sports Codemasters
    PGA European Tour Sports EA Sports
    PGA Tour '96 Sports EA Sports
    PGA Tour Golf Sports EA Sports
    PGA Tour Golf II Sports EA Sports
    PGA Tour Golf III Sports EA Sports
    Phantasy Star II (3) RPG Sega
    Phantasy Star III RPG Sega
    Phantasy Star IV RPG Sega
    Phantom 2040 Act/Platform Viacom
    Phelios Shooter Namco
    Pigskin Footbrawl (Jerry Glanville's) Sports Razor Soft
    Pink Goes to Hollywood Platform
    Pinocchio Platform T*HQ
    Pirates of Dark Water Platform
    Pirates! Gold Strategy/Adv Microprose
    Pit Fighter Fighting Tengen
    Pitfall - Mayan Adventure Platform Activision
    Pocahontas Platform Disney Int.
    Populous (1) Strategy EA
    Power Monger Strategy EA
    Powerball Arcade Namco
    Predator 2 Platform/Fight
    Primal Rage Fighting Time-Warner Int.
    Prime Time NFL Sports Sega Sports
    Prince of Persia Platform Tengen
    Pro Moves Soccer Sports
    Pro Quarterback Sports
    Puggsy Platform
    Punisher Platform/Fight


    Quackshot Platform Sega
    Quad Challenge Racing Namco


    Race Drivin' Racing Tengen
    Radical Rex Platform Activision
    Raiden Trad Shooter Bignet USA
    Rambo III Shooter/Action Sega
    Rampart Arcade/Puzzle Tengen
    Ranger X Platform/Shoot Sega
    Rastan Saga II Platform/Fight Taito
    RBI Baseball '93 Sports Tengen
    RBI Baseball '94 Sports Tengen
    RBI Baseball 3 Sports Tengen
    RBI Baseball 4 Sports Tengen
    Red Zone Shooter (1P)
    Ren & Stimpy: Stimpy's Invention Platform Sega
    Revenge of Shinobi Fighting/Platfm Sega
    Revolution X Shooter Acclaim
    Rings of Power RPG/Adventure EA
    Risk Board Game Parker Bros.
    Risky Woods Adventure EA
    Ristar Platform Sega
    Road Blasters Racing Tengen
    Road Rash Racing EA
    Road Rash 2 Racing EA
    Road Rash 3 Racing EA
    Robocop 3 Platform/fight Flying Edge
    Robocop vs. Terminator Platform Virgin
    Rock 'n' Roll Racing Racing Interplay
    Rocket Knight Adventures Platform/shoot Konami
    Roger Clemens MVP Baseball Sports
    Rolling Thunder 2 Platform/Fight Namco
    Rolling Thunder 3 Platform/Fight Namco
    Rolo to the Rescue
    Romance of 3 Kingdoms II Strategy Koei
    Romance of 3 Kingdoms III Strategy Koei
    Rugby World Cup '95 Sports EA Sports


    Sagaia Shooter Taito
    Saint Sword Platform/Adv. Taito
    Samurai Shodown Fighting
    Saturday Night Slam Masters Sports
    Scooby-Doo Mysteries Adventure/Str. Acclaim
    Seaquest DSV Shooter/Strat.
    Sesame Street Counting Cafe Educational EA Kids
    Shadow Blasters Platform/Adv Sage's Creation
    Shadow Dancer Platform/Fight Sega
    Shadow of the Beast Platform EA
    Shadow of the Beast II Platform EA
    Shadowrun Adventure Sega
    Shanghai II Puzzle Activision
    Shaq-Fu Fight/Adventure EA
    Shining Force Strategy RPG Sega
    Shining Force II Strategy RPG Sega
    Shining in the Darkness RPG Sega
    Shinobi III Fight/Platform Sega
    Shove It Puzzle Dreamworks
    Side Pocket Sports Data East
    Simpsons: Bart vs. Space Mutants Platform Flying Edge
    Simpsons: Bart's Nightmare Platform Acclaim
    Skeleton Krew Adventure Sega
    Skitchin' Racing EA
    Slaughter Sport Fighting Razorsoft
    Socket Platform Vic Tokai
    Sol Deace Shooter Renovation
    Soldier of Fortune Shooter/Platfm Spectrum Holobyte
    Sonic 3D Blast Platform Sega
    Sonic and Knuckles (10) Platform Sega
    Sonic Classics Platform Sega
    Sonic Spinball Pinball Sega
    Sonic the Hedgehog Platform Sega
    Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Platform Sega
    Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Platform Sega
    Sorcerers Kingdom RPG/Strategy Treco
    Space Harrier II Shooter Sega
    Space Invaders '91 Arcade shooter Taito
    Sparkster Platform
    Speedball 2 Sports/arcade Arena Ent.
    Spiderman (1993 - Sega) Platform/Fight Sega
    Spiderman (1995 - Acclaim) Platform/Fight Acclaim
    Spiderman/X-Men Platform/Fight Flying Edge
    Spiderman/Venom - Separation Anxiety Platform/Fight Acclaim
    Splatterhouse 2 Platform/Fight Namco
    Splatterhouse 3 Platform/Fight Namco
    Sports Talk Baseball Sports Sega
    Spot Goes to Hollywood Platform Acclaim
    Star Control Strategy Ballistic/Accolade
    Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Misc/plat/shoot Playmates
    Star Trek: The Next Generation Strategy/Adv. Sega
    Starflight Shooter/Strat. EA
    Stargate Acclaim
    Steel Empire Shooter Hot-B
    Steel Talons Shooter/Flt Sim Tengen
    Stormlord Platform Razorsoft
    Street Fighter II Championship Edition Fighting Capcom
    Street Smart Fighting Treco
    Streets of Rage Fight/Platform Sega
    Streets of Rage 2 Fight/Platform Sega
    Streets of Rage 3 Fight/Platform Sega
    Strider Platform/Fight US Gold
    Strider Returns Platform/Fight US Gold
    Sub Terrania Shooter/Platfm Sega
    Summer Challenge Sports Ballistic/Accolade
    Sunsetriders Platform/Shoot Konami
    Super Baseball 2020 Sports
    Super Battleship Strategy
    Super Battletank Strategy/Shoot Absolute
    Super Hang On Racing Sega
    Super High Impact Sports
    Super Hydlide RPG Seismic
    Super Monaco GP Racing Sega
    Super Monaco GP II Racing Sega
    Super Off Road Racing Accolade
    Super Smash T.V. Arcade/Shooter Flying Edge
    Super Street Fighter II Fighting Capcom
    Super Thunder Blade 1st P Shooter Sega
    Super Volleyball Sports Sega
    Super Wrestlemania Sports
    Superman Platform/Fight
    Sword of Sodan Platform EA
    Sword of Vermillion (3) RPG Sega
    Syd of Valis Platform Renovation
    Sylvester and Tweety Platform Time-Warner Int.
    Syndicate Strategy/Adv EA


    T2 - The Arcade Game
    T2 - Judgement Day
    Talespin Platform Sega
    Target Earth Shooter Dreamworks
    Task Force Harrier Shooter/Flt Treco
    Taz Mania Platform Sega
    Taz: Escape from Mars Platform Sega
    Team USA Basketball Sports EA
    Techno Cop Platform/Fight Virgin
    Technoclash Platform EA
    Tecmo Super Baseball Sports Tecmo
    Tecmo Super Bowl Sports Tecmo
    Tecmo Super Bowl II Sports Tecmo
    Tecmo Super Bowl III Sports Tecmo
    Tecmo Super Hockey Sports Tecmo
    Tecmo Super NBA Basketball Sports Tecmo
    Tecmo World Cup Sports Tecmo
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - SEE "TMNT" below
    Terminator Platform Virgin
    Test Drive II: The Duel Racing Accolade
    Theme Park Strategy EA
    Thomas the Tank Engine Educational Sega
    Thunder Force II Shooter Technosoft
    Thunder Force III Shooter Technosoft
    Thunder Fox Platform/Fight Taito
    Tick Platform/Fight
    Time Killers Fighting T*HQ
    Tinhead Platform Accolade
    Tiny Toons: Acme All-Stars Sports Konami
    Tiny Toons: Busters Treasure Platform Konami
    TMNT - The Hyperstone Heist Fighting/Platfm Konami
    TMNT - Tournament Fighters Fighting Konami
    TNN Bass Tournament Champ Sports
    TNN Outdoors Bass Tour '96 Sports American Softworks
    Todd's Adventures In Slime World Platform Renovation
    Toe Jam & Earl Platform Sega
    Toe Jam & Earl 2 - Panic on Funkotron Platform Sega
    Toki Platform Sega
    Tom & Jerry: Frantic Antics! Platform Hi-Tech Expr.
    Tommy Lasorda Baseball Sports Sega
    Tony La Russa Baseball Sports EA Sports
    Tony La Russa Baseball '95 Sports EA Sports
    Top Gear 2 Racing Vic Tokai
    Toughman Contest Fighting EA Sports
    Toxic Crusaders Platform Sega
    Toy Story Platform Disney Int.
    Toys Platform
    Trampoline Terror Puzzle Dreamworks
    Traysia RPG Renovation
    Triple Play '96 Sports EA Sports
    Triple Play Gold Edition Sports EA Sports
    Triple Score Multi Sega
    Trouble Shooter Shooter Vic Tokai
    Troy Aikman Football Sports Tradewest
    True Lies Platform/Fight
    Truxton Shooter Sega
    Turrican (1) Shooter/Platfm Accolade
    Twin Cobra Shooter Treco
    Two Crude Dudes Platform/Fight Data East
    Tyrants Strategy


    Ultimate Mortal Kombat Fighting Williams
    Ultimate Qix Puzzle/Arcade Taito
    Uncharted Waters Strategy Koei
    Universal Soldier Platform/Fight Accolade
    Unnecessary Roughness '95 Sports Accolade
    Urban Strike Shooter/Str. EA


    Valis Platform/Shoot Renovation
    Valis III Platform/Shoot Renovation
    Vapor Trail Shooter Renovation
    Vectorman Platform Sega
    Vectorman 2 Platform Sega
    View Point Shooter American Sammy
    Virtua Fighter 2 Fighting Sega
    Virtua Racing (4) Racing Sega Sports
    Virtual Pinball Pinball EA
    VR Troopers Fighting Sega


    Wacky Worlds (11) Education Sega
    Wardner Platform Mentrix
    Warlock Fighting Namco
    Warpspeed Shooter/strat Accolade
    Warrior of Rome Strategy Bignet USA
    Warrior of Rome 2 Strategy Bignet USA
    Warsong Strategy Treco
    Wayne Gretzky/NHLPA Sports
    Wayne's World Platform T*HQ
    Weaponlord Fighting/Platfm Namco
    Whac-a-Critter (2) Arcade Realtec
    Wheel of Fortune Quiz Gametek
    Where in the World is Carmen San Diego (7) Education
    Where in Time is Carmen San Diego? (8) Education
    Whip Rush Shooter Renovation
    Wimbledon Tennis Sports Sega Sports
    Wings of Wor Shooter Dreamworks
    Winter Challenge Sports Ballistic/Accolade
    Winter Olympic Games Sports US Gold
    Wiz 'n' Liz
    Wolfchild Platform JVC
    Wolverine: Adamantium Rage Platform Acclaim
    Wonder Boy in Monster World Platform/Adv Sega
    World Championship Soccer Sports Sega
    World Championship Soccer II Sports Sega
    World Cup USA '94 Sports
    World Heroes Fighting Sega
    World Series Baseball Sports Sega Sports
    World Series Baseball '95 Sports Sega Sports
    World Series Baseball '96 Sports Sega Sports
    World Series Baseball '98 Sports Sega Sports
    World Trophy Soccer Sports Virgin
    Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game Sports Acclaim
    WWF Raw Sports
    WWF Royal Rumble Sports Flying Edge


    X-Men Platform/Fight Sega
    X-Men 2: Clone Wars Platform/Fight Sega
    X-Perts Platform Sega


    Ys III Action/RPG Renovation
    Young Indiana Jones/Instruments of Chaos Action/Platfm Sega


    Zany Golf (1) Sports EA
    Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel Platform Sunsoft
    Zero Tolerance 1st Psn shooter Accolade
    Zombies Ate My Neighbors Action Konami
    Zool Platform Gametek
    Zoom Puzzle Sega
    Zoop Puzzle Viacom


    Notes:
    (1) Works only on original Genesis (very first release of Genesis 1 that
    contained "Altered Beast" as a pack-in) or on other Genesis units
    with a Game Genie.

    (2) Unlicensed release.

    (3) Packaged with a separate hint/solution guide from Sega.

    (4) Does not work with the Sega 32X attached.

    (5) Packaged with Konami's "Justifier" light pistol.

    (6) Cartridge contains two joypad ports to allow up to four players.

    (7) Packaged with 1992 World Almanac.

    (8) Packaged with New American Desk Encyclopedia.

    (9) Game had different publisher upon re-release. Earliest publisher
    is listed first.

    (10) Cartridge has port on top to allow "lock-on" of another cartridge (works
    with Sonic 2 and Sonic 3).

    (11) This kids' program was packaged with a mouse in a slightly thicker
    (cardboard) box.

    Miscellaneous:

    Q: What games are not compatible with any version of the Genesis?
    A: The only games that are not compatible with ANY model Genesis are some of
    the early releases from Electronic Arts: Budokan, Ishido, Zany Golf. These
    are *only* compatible* with the earliest model Genesis; since they were not
    "licensed" titles, Sega modified the internal circuitry to make these
    titles (but no others) incompatible with later releases of the machine.

    Q: Which games are NOT compatible with the Nomad?
    A: The following is a Usenet post from Sega employee Lisa Wilson in an attempt
    To address the subject:

    From: Lisa Best Wilson
    Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega
    Subject: Nomad Incompatibility List (from SEGA)
    Date: 19 Oct 1995 17:02:48 GMT
    Organization: Sega of America

    I've learned that it's difficult to get through on our Consumer
    Services 800 number, so I'm posting the current list of Genesis games
    that we have found to have problems on Nomad. This is the "official"
    list as of now. The test process is ongoing and we will update the
    list if we discover other problems.

    Please bear in mind that there are over 500 Genesis games and in
    order to test them properly, they need to be played numerous times
    and played through more than just the first level. This process takes
    a very long time. If anyone has problems with a game that isn't on
    this list, please contact me and I will have your problem verified
    through the test cycle.

    The following games have been found to NOT work on Nomad due to
    serious freezing glitches or unusual button configurations (making it
    too difficult to play):

    DecapAttack
    Forgotten Worlds
    Bonkers
    Golden Axe 2

    The following games have been found to freeze periodically or need
    multiple attempts to power up, but continue to work after resetting:

    Chakan
    Pit Fighter
    Shadow Run
    Sonic 1
    Streets of Rage 1

    In addition, Outback Joey -- a game designed for an exercise bike
    hookup -- does not work on Nomad.

    Thanks for your continued support.

    Lisa Best Wilson
    Product Manager
    Sega of America

    Q: Which games come in both cardboard box and plastic case?
    A: Those which were released early (i.e. before Sega's decision sometime in
    1995 to use ALL cardboard boxes instead of those WONDERFUL plastic cases
    we've been spoiled with) and re-released later. No idea if these are rarer
    than the plastic case releases, but in most/all cases the docs and cart
    appear identical to the original releases. Titles include:

    Sega:
    Ariel - The Little Mermaid
    Jurassic Park
    Mickey Mouse: World of Illusion
    Sonic the Hedgehog 3
    Super Monaco GP
    Taz: Escape from Mars
    X-Men 2: Clone Wars
    (many more)

    Parker Bros (re-released by Ballistic/Accolade):
    Clue
    Monopoly
    Risk

    Tengen
    Ms. Pacman
    Paperboy
    Paperboy 2
    Steel Talons

    Electronic Arts
    Desert Strike
    Jungle Strike
    Mario Andretti Racing
    Urban Strike

    Misc:
    Caesar's Palace
    Jeopardy!
    Wheel of Fortune

    Q: What are the "blue label games"? "Kids Club" games?
    A: All these were releases intended for children. "Blue label" refers to the
    BLUE *Genesis* name stripe on the left (which is normally red). Blue
    stripe titles include:
    Berenstain Bears
    Barney's Hide & Seek
    Thomas the Tank Engine

    Kids' Club titles include:
    Crystal's Pony Tale
    Ecco Jr.
    Magic School Bus
    Sesame Street Counting Cafe
    Wacky Worlds

    Q: Which games are compatible with the Sega Mouse?
    A: Partial list here:
    Art Alive
    Wacky Worlds (packaged with Mouse)

    Q: Which games are compatible with the Konami justifier light gun?
    A: Lethal Enforcers (packaged with Justifier in large box)
    Lethal Enforcers II

    Q: Which games behave differently when the language switch (Section 2.5) is
    installed, and switched to Japanese?
    A: Here is a partial list:

    * After Burner (32X): has "Super 32X" logo after the Sega logo.
    * Battle Mania II: works normally, but without joysticks it gives you a
    screen telling your language mode, NTSC/PAL, and system version.
    * Bonanza Brothers: Game plays in Japanese. (Maybe. There seems to be
    more than one version floating around.)
    * Chase HQ II: speedometer changes to KM/H.
    * Columns: Game plays in Japanese.
    * Cosmic Carnage (32X): Turns into "Cyber Brawl", with different
    characters. Also shows the Super 32X logo. (Pressing and holding X, B,
    and Z when you turn the machine on lets you get Cyber Brawl on a regular
    Genesis.)
    * Cyberball: Japanese version has a modem option.
    * Dragon's Fury: Works only with language set to English. The original,
    Devil's Crush MD, works either way.
    * Dynamite Duke: Harder on the Mega Drive.
    * Elemental Master: Harder on the Mega Drive.
    * Fatal Labyrinth: Game plays in Japanese.
    * Fire Shark: Different title screen with Kanji.
    * Flicky: Characters have Japanese names and instructions are in Japanese.
    * Forgotten Worlds: Game plays in Japanese.
    * Gaiares: only mentions the Japanese licensee on the title screen, and
    has Japanese text; you can also select Japanese text from the option
    screen.
    * Gain Ground: "Press start" is "Push start" in the Japanese version, and
    the mention of Renovation is removed.
    * Gauntlet IV: The game has lockout, but you can flick the switch and then
    reset. The Japanese version has Japanese text (sound stays English),
    says "Megadrive", and has a Gauntlet (not Gauntlet IV) logo on the game
    screen. If you reset too late, you have to select the text language
    manually.
    * Ghostbusters: Game plays in Japanese.
    * Ghouls and Ghosts: Different title screen with Kanji. To see it on a
    Genesis, select the last music and sound (26 and 56) from the options
    screen, then press lower left; A, B, or C; and Start all at the same
    time. (I never tried this, but Gamepro magazine claimed it works.) The
    game shows some other Japanese text, and when you die during a boss you
    start out earlier.
    * Herzog Zwei: company's name is spelled "Tecnosoft".
    * Insector X: Title screen refers to company as Hot-B, not Sage's
    Creation. The MD version shoots more slowly. The ending text is still
    English.
    * Marvel Land: The Japanese version says "for Mega Drive" or "for Genesis"
    but the language stays Japanese. Also, the Japanese version says "Push
    Start" and the English "Press Start".
    * Metal Head (32X): has a different, colored, Sega logo and a different
    Sega sound, Japanese text (also available in US mode from the options
    screen), and an "anime" option as well as "photo" and "picture".
    * Monaco GP: Game plays in Japanese (also an option on the option screen).
    * Mystic Defender: This game is actually the anime-based Kujaku-Ou
    (Peacock King) 2 game. In Japanese mode, the opening text is replaced
    by a graphics screen (never seen in the US version) with Japanese. The
    levels have names, the main character wears a white robe, the lightning
    magic effect is different, and the character is named Kujaku in the
    ending text (which is still English).
    * Outrun: The attract mode lacks sound, the startup screen says "push"
    (not "press") start button, and "(C) Sega 1986, 1991" is printed in
    reverse order. The default options are KM/H and a different button
    selection (but can still be changed on the option screen).
    * Quackshot: Game plays in Japanese.
    * Raiden Trad: The "licensed to Sega" line is absent on both title
    screens, and the second title screen includes only the Japanese part
    instead of the non-Japanese part of the first one.
    * Rambo III: Game plays in Japanese.
    * Revenge of Shinobi: Title changes to Super Shinobi; credits show at the
    end.
    * Rolling Thunder II: The Japanese version only works on a Japanese
    setting. The US version works either way (and isn't bilingual).
    * Sonic the Hedgehog II: Tails is renamed to "Miles".
    * Space Harrier (32X): has "Super 32X" logo after the Sega logo.
    * Streets of Rage: Title screen changes to Bare Knuckle, and all text is
    in Japanese, including the introduction. The clock resets when you
    encounter the bosses.
    * Streets of Rage II: Turns to Bare Knuckle II, and renames Skate to
    Sammy -- _if_ you change the setting sometime after turning the machine
    on (to skip the lockout).
    * Super Fantasy Zone: opening cinema changes from English/Japanese.
    * Super Hang-On: Plays in Japanese, which is also accessible with A+B+C on
    the logo screen.
    * Thunder Force II: Title screen has "MD" on it, and company name is
    "Tecnosoft".
    * Thunder Force III: company's name is spelled "Tecnosoft".
    * Thunder Force IV: claims to be licensed for Genesis, if you change the
    switch after the lockout check.
    * Thunder Storm FX (CD): Turns to Cobra Command in US mode.
    * Truxton: Japanese title is Tatsujin.
    * Twin Hawk: Different title screen with Kanji.
    * Wrestle War: The wrestler is blond on a Genesis and black-haired on a
    MegaDrive.



    **************************
    *Section 4 - Peripherals *
    **************************

    The Genesis had quite a long lifespan; from its release in the US in 1989
    until now, many peripherals were developed and sold for use with the Sega
    Genesis.

    Two system add-on "upgrades" were developed by Sega to enhance the gameplaying
    experience for Genesis owners:

    * Sega CD - allows Genesis owners to use the Sega CD library (see Sega CD
    FAQ for more info).
    * Sega 32X - 32-bit "upgrade" for Genesis owners, plugs into cart slot and
    requires some rerouting of A/V cables. See Sega 32X FAQ.

    Various other devices were developed by Sega and other companies. Note:
    JOYPADS are not listed here since there were so many varieties from many
    companies.

    Activator - Karate/fighting game aid. Large ring of motion sensors that
    determine one's moves and translate them to actions in games.

    Batter Up! - Batting simulator. Actual baseball bat with sensors to
    determine swing vector and simulates it in certain baseball games.

    Game Genie - Cheat device. This is an elongated cartridge that plugs into
    the Genesis cart slot and accepts carts on its upper end. When
    activated, the user can supply codes (there is a book supplied with the
    Genie that lists thousands of codes for many different games) that allow
    various cheats during the game. Examples - infinite lives,
    invincibility, infinite ammo, level skips, etc. From GALOOB.

    Master Deck - Backward compatibility device. This black unit plugs
    directly onto the top of a Model I Genesis; it fits snugly over the
    circular portion. It lets you play Sega Master System (Sega's 8-bit
    game machine that was released in 1986) titles on your Genesis. Does
    not fit on top any Genesis other than a Model I Genesis. From SEGA.

    Menacer - Light Gun. More like a "light bazooka", the user puts it on
    his/her shoulder and uses the sight to aim. Came packaged with either a
    6-in-1 multicart of simple shooter games or Terminator 2. Uses an
    infrared receiver which is best positioned above the TV/monitor, and
    plugs into the controller port. (Similar to the Superscope for the
    SNES) From SEGA.

    Pro Action Replay - Cheat device. The Pro Action Replay is different from
    the Game Genie because it allows you to save a game "state". This lets
    you go back and play a certain part of a game as many times as you need
    to in order to beat that particular section. It also accepts codes like
    the Genie does (although the PAR codes are not compatible with Genie
    codes). From DATEL (UK).

    Sega Channel - Cable-TV pay service. This was a service offered by some
    cable companies and allowed subscribers to download games and demos to
    their Genesis. The service was discontinued in early 1998 as the
    Genesis' popularity waned. (I do not have any info on the peripheral
    device used to connect the Genesis to the cable system)

    Tee Vee Golf - Golf swing simulator. Contains golf club and sensors to
    determine swing vector and simulates it in certain golf games.

    X-Band Modem - Game modem. This modem plugs into the cartridge slot and
    has a phone out jack. The X-Band modem is controlled by the Genesis and
    the user (via the joypad) and allows the user to compete against other
    users connected to the "X-Band Network". The X-Band Network is/was a
    subscription-based service. The user had to own the game cartridge
    before being able to compete with another X-Band user (who also had to
    have the same game cartridge).


    **************************
    * Section 5 - Emulators *
    **************************

    This section covers emulators developed for the Macintosh and IBM-PC
    computers.

    If you're a novice to emulation, read this section. (If not, skip down the
    the list below)

    It is possible to play Genesis games on your PC or Mac! You can, if you have
    a few things: (1) a FAST enough machine, (2) the emulation software, and (3)
    the game ROM images. A Sega Genesis emulator is essentially a program that
    runs on top of your operating system and plays - as an application - Sega
    Genesis cartridge-based games. No, you do not actually *connect* your
    cartridge to your computer and play it like that; you must first find the game
    ROM image files and select the game you want to play from *within* the
    emulator program.

    A typical game system emulator works like this. You open the application by,
    perhaps, double-clicking it. Then a browse screen will appear, prompting you
    for a game file. You can then navigate to the game file, select it - thus
    loading it into the emulator. The emulator window is then a 100% perfect
    replica of your game, with controls passed onto the keyboard (key translation
    depends entirely on the emulator, there is no standard). You can then play
    the game until you are tired of it (or beat it!) and then select a new one in
    the same window.

    Emulators are generally written by (very talented) hobbyists rather than big
    companies. The authors put a lot of hard work into them, and when you are
    running a game of "Gunstar Heroes" in one window while waiting for a VAX job
    to finish in another one, you really appreciate their effort.

    In order to emulate a different hardware system, the program has to start from
    the ground floor. Typically, the main chipset is emulated first. This
    ensures that the basic instructions at the most *basic* level of the hardware
    are performed correctly. Gradually, pieces of the hardware's operating system
    and other system chips (graphics, sound, etc.) are added in the code to
    provide a more complete emulation. Eventually, the entire machine has been
    emulated - from the CPU to the operating system. Now all you need are the
    game ROM files.

    Q: What are game ROM files?
    A: These are the actual cartridge programs. The code from a game cartridge
    can be downloaded to a computer file if you have the equipment (see next
    question). Once you have the game code transferred to a computer file, it
    is ready to run with the emulator software (unless the file needs to be
    formatted in any particular way to run with a certain emulator).

    Q: How can I transfer my cartridge library to computer files?
    A: One way to do this is to use a cartridge copier (this isn't exactly a
    legal item here, so I can't exactly *endorse* it. This is a device -
    typically - that has a cartridge slot and a disk drive. The machine reads
    the data from the cartridge and stores it in a file on the disk. These
    are *supposed* to be used to backup one's games, but obviously were also
    used for software piracy. Cartridge copiers are not legal in the U.S. and
    are produced in Asia (Hong Kong and Taiwan, primarily).

    Q: Where can I get game ROM files?
    A: Not from me! PLEASE don't ask me for them, I do not keep ROM files and
    this is a touchy legal subject. If you want game ROM images, search the
    Web for them with "ROMs" or "game ROMs" or "ROM images" (along these
    lines, probably anything with "ROM" in it will turn up some sites). I do
    not want to list websites in the FAQ since (a) they tend to change very
    frequently, and (b) I do not want to choose favorites. There are many,
    many sites out on the Net and a little searching will turn up quite a few
    results.

    Q: Where can I get the emulator programs?
    A: They are found all over the web. Try a search on "Genesis emulator" and
    several sites will pop up. There are numerous available.

    For the Macintosh, essentially ALL emulators can be found at

    http://www.emulation.net

    Q: How fast does my computer have to be in order to run an emulator?
    A: That depends on two things: (1) the emulator software (some emulators are
    optimized better than others and do not require as much muscle from the
    CPU), and (2) how your computer is configured. Emulators have to do a LOT
    of work - a tremendous amount of number-crunching and graphics output. In
    order for your computer to run it best, I would recommend eliminating an
    background processes that may slow it down. In other words, let the
    emulator hog up all the processing power of your computer. If you have a
    PC, running the emulator from DOS is better than running it from Windows
    due to the overhead that Windows demands (graphic processing can eat it
    up). If you have a Mac, try turning off as many extensions as possible
    (perhaps create a new stripped-down set with Extensions Manager to run
    specifically for your emulator). There are many ways to improve the
    performance.

    As to how much speed you'll need, that is difficult to determine - but at
    this point, a Power Macintosh or Pentium-based PC would almost certainly
    be required.

    Note also that many emulators are still in various stages of development. If
    you download a version

    Emulator List

    There are several Sega Genesis emulators for the Mac and IBM-PC computers. I
    have not personally tested them all and cannot vouch for each one, your best
    bet is to try them all (for your system) and choose the one that works best on
    your system.

    For the Apple Macintosh

    Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    There are a few emulators out there for the Mac. More in the next version of
    the FAQ, but here's one:

    GenEm - still in early stage. No sound support but runs clean video.
    Author: Brian Verre (http://www.execpc.com/~wverre)



    For the IBM-PC

    There are a few emulators for the PC, more in the next version. Here's one:

    GenEm - Not sure about status
    (http://myst.slcc.edu/~markus)

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


    ****************************
    *Section 6 - Miscellaneous *
    ****************************

    *** Cleaning your Genesis/Megadrive cartridges

    It is important that you keep your cartridge contacts as clean as possible.
    Signs that you are playing a game with dirty contacts include a failure to
    start up, saved games being erased, and a cartridge "crash" in the middle
    of a game.

    Very simple - a Q-Tip and some isopropyl alcohol ("rubbing alcohol"). Dip
    a Q-tip into the alcohol. It is not necessary to saturate the swab, but
    get at least enough to wet it. Then, rub one side of the cartridge contact
    strip with the wet swab. You will notice black appear on the swab; these
    are the oxidation compounds that occur naturally between any sort of
    electrical contacts, and eventually build up and reduce the conductivity
    (sometimes eliminating it altogether).

    It is a good idea to use one end of a swab for each side of the contact
    strip. This way, you don't re-contaminate a potentially clean part of the
    strip with oxidation from the other side. Most of the oxidation appears at
    the very *tip* of the contact strip, so be sure to clean the edge very
    thoroughly.

    Allow the cartridge to dry before plugging it back into the deck.

    Note: I have occasionally read in one of the Usenet newsgroups that some
    users disagree completely with this method. The objection seems to be from
    using 100% isopropyl alcohol. (Claim is that it does not react well with
    circuit board resin and would only worsen your cartridge condition) I have
    cleaned several hundred cartridges for many systems with rubbing alcohol,
    including Genesis cartridges, and not once have I had a problem with it.


    *** Cleaning your Sega Genesis/Megadrive deck

    To clean the contact card connector inside your Genesis/Megadrive unit, you
    will have to have a cartridge cleaning kit. These kits typically contain a
    card that fits inside the Genesis cart slot, to clean the inner surfaces of
    the contact pins. There are two basic varieties of these cleaning kits -
    wet and dry. The wet kit uses such a card - usually with some sort of
    mildly abrasive end - and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol/water solution.
    Put a few drops of the solution on the card edge and put into the cart
    slot. Repeat several times to clean the entire row of connector pins. The
    dry version of this uses a similar cleaning card, but usually in the dry
    version the cleaning card end is made of a mildly abrasive material that is
    able to clean the pins by scraping the oxidation off.


    *** Opening up a Genesis cartridge

    This is not something I would recommend you do if possible. There aren't
    too may reasons to open up a Genesis cartridge, but they include:

    - replacing an old battery for gamesave feature
    - to remove a piece of debris inside the cart to stop it from
    "rattling"
    - to inspect the circuit board of a cartridge to look for loose
    connections and repair if necessary
    - general curiosity

    If you have tried to open a Genesis/MD cartridge with normal tools, you
    have probably discovered that they will not do it for you. That's because
    Sega used a different type of screw head in the cart manufacture. You will
    have to obtain a special "security bit" for Sega games; this bit can fit on
    a driver (like a screwdriver but with a connector-type end to attach bits
    such as this one) and changed as much as you want. The bit can be bought
    from MCM Electronics for about $8, the driver is about $5.


    *** Sources for more Sega Genesis/Megadrive information

    The best place for ANY information these days is the Internet. There are
    many sites on the Internet that contain Sega Genesis-related information,
    but are too numerous to list here. Also, due to the transient nature of
    many personal websites (here today, gone tomorrow) I prefer NOT to list
    them since it is not uncommon for a site to disappear forever.

    Simply do a web search to find them. Try one of the following search
    Engines:

    http://www.altavista.digital.com
    http://www.yahoo.com
    http://www.hotbot.com

    Put "Sega Genesis" as the keyword(s) and many sites will appear. Not all
    Contain useful information, but if you do a little work it should pay off.

    If you are looking for cheats, walkthroughs, or game/system FAQs,
    there are three wonderful sources for this information:

    http://www.segasages.com (incredible cheats library)
    http://www.gamefaqs.com (system/game faqs and walkthroughs)
    http://www.miningco.com (even more info on many game systems)

    There are also two Usenet newsgroups where you can look for
    Genesis/Megadrive information:

    alt.sega.genesis
    rec.games.video.sega (recommended)

    Many, many books were released on the Sega Genesis and games for the
    system. I cannot list them in this version of the FAQ but will as soon as
    I cull more information on them.

    Q: Where can I buy games for my Genesis/Megadrive system?
    A: There are still a few places that - as of this writing - still sell games
    for the Sega Genesis. (I cannot speak for Europe and Japan, but would
    always recommend Toys R Us anywhere as a starting point) Most of the
    games available are recent releases or re-issues, and most software stores
    still sell them, although a typical selection might only be about 20
    titles. Some Wal-Mart stores still carry a selection of Genesis games -
    although it's probably reduced and only the re-issues (Jeopardy!, Little
    Mermaid, Clue, Lion King, etc.). Toys R Us stores tend to have the best
    selection, drawing from a huge inventory with some stores still offering
    titles from 1994-5. Your best bet, if you are looking for an older
    Genesis title, is to check out rec.games.video.marketplace and see if
    anyone is selling or auctioning it there. There are also many store
    websites that sell used Genesis games, your best bet to find these is to
    do a websearch (Yahoo, Altavista, Hotbot, etc.) on the words "Genesis
    games for sale" or some variant. The search engine always turns something
    useful up.

    Q: Can I still rent Sega Genesis video games?
    A: Probably. As of this writing, many Blockbuster stores still rent them,
    but your best bet is often with the "mom & pop" video stores that are
    slow to convert to the latest system(s). Rental places are also a great
    place to buy the games, used, when they are finished renting them.


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