Retro Gaming: Virtua Fighter – Sega 32x

With the popularity of Sega’s model-1 arcade machines, it’s no surprise that a few years later the proposed home conversion of Virtua Figher was announced and scheduled  for release to coincide with launch of Sega’s newest console the Sega Saturn.

By the time of the release, myself and friends were already hooked on the next generation Sega Model-2 arcade Virtua Fighter 2, so we were really looking forward to a home console port.
It’s a shame then, that when a friend of mine had brought the new Saturn and a copy of Virtua Fighter, we were utterly disappointment  because it turned out to be a bit of a turkey! It was badly drawn, stuttered and the collision detection was awful. Supposedly, it was a rushed port so that it would be available for the consoles release date and to hit the stores before Sony’s PlayStation arrived (especially with Battle Arena Toshinden & Tekken on the way!)

Thankfully, Sega re-released  Virtua Fighter in the form of Virtua Fighter Remix. This was a much improved version which not only fixed all of the the original problems, but provided a much needed graphical make over and was shipped to all registered Saturn owners free of charge – although sadly, my friend never received his
Until this release, the only other home port for those wanting to get there VF fix outside of the arcades was for the Sega Megadrive utilising the often underrated addon adapter,  the 32x.

Even with the limited hardware of Sega’s aging 16-bit console, Virtua Fighter on the 32x is simply stunning and so much playable compared to the original Saturn version.  You would expect, due the technical limitations of the Megadrive, that the number of characters, stages, moves or indeed frame rate would be limited somewhat but nope, they’re all here and presented beautifully.

It’s a shame that the 32x adapter came a little too late in the game for the Sega as as it surely proved with titles like Virtua Fighter, it was capable of some brilliant arcade conversions (Space Harrier and Afterburner). As it stands, it’s a great addon and increased the longevity of the Megadrive during it’s twilight years…. but never out for the count for all that still love it.

Sega Dreamcast VGA Box.

Without a doubt the best bit of 3rd party kit I’ve recently brought for my Sega Dreamcast console is a VGA conversion box. With this I can now connect my DC to a VGA PC monitor, projector or HDTV and have razor sharp 60mhz graphics instead of the a fuzzy RF connection.

To the right, we have composite and s-video output and on the left is a standard VGA D-sub connection as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting to PC speakers/headphones etc. Finally on the front, there’s a selector switch to switch between the two connection types.

Once connected, the VGA box simply plugs into the AV socket on the rear of the Dreamcast.

Games look absolutely stunning, especially the likes of Soul Caliber and a host of shooters like Ikuragu and Zero Gunner.

Retro Gaming: WonderBoy – Sega Master System

I just love those early Sega Master System game box covers!

Another retro gaming gem this time with Sega’s brilliant little platformer, Wonder Boy on the Sega Master System.

‘As Tom-Tom the Wonder Boy, it’s up to you to rescue your girlfriend Tanya from the vile clutches of the monster that has kidnapped her. To do so, you must navigate a series of worlds in a race against time to reach your goal.

Along the way, you’ll battle foes and collect fruit that will add to the amount of time you have to complete your mission. You can also receive helpful power-ups from various eggs, but make sure to avoid the bad eggs and poisonous mushrooms that sap your precious vitality.

Find the magic doll in each level to open up hidden areas, and make it to the very end of your journey to rescue your one true love.’

Back in the 80′s we used to holiday on the east coast and one such amusement arcade (Smiths Arcade) always stocked some of the best and popular arcade machines of the time. Wonderboy was always a firm favorite of mine and became quite good on it that a single credit would last me a good hour (which was also great when you had to manage your hard-earned holiday money as a child).

Next to the original arcade version, the Sega Master System port is by far my favorite with colorful graphics and almost perfect renditions of those catchy game tunes. It still plays as well today and is a cherished cartridge in my collection.  Original copies can be found for next to nothing so if you still have a Master System, I highly recommend you seek one out. Alternatively, the Master System port can be found on VC for the Nintendo Wii.

Right, time to find a hammer.

Level 2, cloud hopping

Level 3, underground

Here’s the first boss, a few hammers thrown into his head should do the trick. Just watch out for the odd fireball he throws.