S E G A M A S T E R S Y S T E M Frequently Asked Questions v1.02 Maintained by: Jeff Bogumil (aj809@yfn.ysu.edu) Contributors: John Daniels (ah499@cleveland.freenet.edu) Brett K. Carver (brett@sr.hp.com) Jesse Telephone Booth (boothj@rpi.edu) Dominick Roman Jeremy Statz Russ Perry Jr. With the 8-bit machines joining the ranks of the "classics", I figured it was about time that the SMS received its own FAQ list. : Special thanks to Dominick, : Dominick Roman a primary contributor : Calle Haiti, BL-7 to this document. : Santa Juanita : Bayamon, PR 00956 : COPYRIGHT NOTICE: This document is copyright (c) 1994 Jeff Bogumil. Feel free to distribute this FAQ in whole - NOT in part - to the ends of the Earth. If you wish to include this FAQ in any form of publication (newsletter or book; electronic or paper product), please contact me first at aj809@yfn.ysu.edu, or via snail mail: Jeff Bogumil 187 N. State RR 2 Apt. B-201 New Martinsville, WV 26155-1631 DISCLAIMER: I cannot be held responsible for false or mistaken information. This FAQ is in no way endorsed by Sega of America or affiliates. This document is available via anonymous FTP: BUSOP.CIT.WAYNE.EDU directory: /sys/pub/sms or upon request from aj809@yfn.ysu.edu This FAQ is also available by FTP, courtesy of GamePro magazine's Andy Eddy. Just FTP to ftp.netcom.com and cd /pub/vidgames/faqs. ************************************************************************** * JOIN THE SMS LISTSERV!!! * * * * To subscribe, send e-mail with the first line of the body containing * * "SUBSCRIBE SMSLIST" (without quotes) to: LISTSERV@BUSOP.CIT.WAYNE.EDU * ************************************************************************** UPDATED SINCE v1.01 ------------------- - SoA help sheet notation more easily readable (#5) - Major correction to Rapid Fire information (#7) - Addition to Control Stick information (#7) - Note concerning F-16 Fighting Falcon card compatibility on PBC (#5,10) - Correction/addition to joypad variations (#7) - Correction concerning Absolute Entertainment's involvement (#5) - Note concerning card-to-cart format in the U.K. (#5) - Minor clarifications (#13) - Note concerning Power Strike packaging (#5,18) - Revisions to U.S.A. software list (#5) - ASCII art Rapid Fire Unit by Brett K. Carver (#7) - SMS listserv info added (header) - Zaxxon 3-D clarification (#14) - SMS II snail maze info cleared up (#8) - U.K. pack-in verification; Sonic built-in (#3) - Notes added to clarify SMS II description (#3) - Captain Silver and Alex: Miracle World variations added (#13) - Note concerning 4-meg SMS carts when played on GG (#11) INFO WANTED ----------- - Is my Japan SMS info correct? (#3) - SMS II measurements (#3) - SMS II outlets for ASCII diagram (#3) - GG to SMS adapter/hack? (#9) - U.K. pack-in verification (#3) - Japan pack-in verification (#3) - More SMS software and hardware sources (#4) - SMS RAM? (#2) - SMS magazine addresses and phone numbers (#6) - More 3-D to 2-D codes (#14) - SMS games that do not work with Genesis controllers (#4) - Hack to make all SMS games work with Genesis controllers (this possible?) - Answers to questions in U.S.A. software list (#5) - Cheats, codes, and strategies for compilation (#15) CONTENTS -------- 1) What _is_ the SMS, and if it was such a great system, why didn't it gain popularity? 2) What are the technical specs of the SMS? 3) What variations of the SMS are available? 4) Where can I find SMS software and hardware? 5) What games are available? 6) Are there any magazines available with SMS coverage? 7) What accessories are available for the SMS? 8) I've heard about a built in, hidden game? What gives? 9) Can I play Game Gear games on my SMS? 10) Can I play SMS games on the 16-bit Genesis? 11) Can I play SMS games on the Game Gear? 12) Is U.K. SMS software compatible with the U.S. unit? 13) Is Japanese SMS software compatible with the U.S. unit? 14) Can I play SMS 3-D games without the 3-D glasses? 15) Where can I find SMS cheats, tips, and strategy guides? 16) Is there a way to move the SMS pause button from the system to a controller? 17) Did SMS software really start the "meg" thing? 18) I've heard about a limited edition SMS game. Info? *** 1) What _is_ the SMS, and if it was such a great system, why didn't it gain popularity? *** The SMS (Sega Master System) was Sega's answer to Nintendo's 8-bit NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). As for its lack of popularity: many reasons, I suppose, but here are those that are considered the most significant: - The Nintendo Entertainment System came first. With it, Nintendo's third party policy (at the time, if you programmed for the Big N, you programmed for the Big N only). Thus, Sega suffered. - Poor management by Tonka, who handled the SMS here in the states. Sega took over after the release of the Genesis, at which time, there was a noticeable commitment to quality software, even though it contained mostly downscaled 16-bit titles. - Poor software. I admit, the SMS sported some retched stuff with its introduction, with most of it leaning toward the sports/action spectrum (i.e. didn't appeal to the entire crowd). While the system failed in the U.S., it is currently the strongest 8-bit machine in the U.K. (just now feeling the pinch of the 16-bit systems). Software support is still strong overseas. *** 2) What are the technical specs of the SMS? *** The following has been reprinted from the rec.games.video FAQ (statistics by Corey Kirk): Bits (CPU): 8 Bits (Gx): 8 CPU: Z80 MHz: 3.6 Graphics: 240 x 226 Colors: 52/256 Sprites: 16 Sprite size: 8 x 8 Audio: mono RAM: ? *** 3) What variations of the SMS are available? *** THE ORIGINAL MODEL (SMS I): a large, tech-looking system measuring 14 3/8 W - 6 5/8 D - 2 3/4 H, with sharp corners (unlike the Genesis or SMS II) and black plastic casing. In comparison, the NES looks like a Cessna single-engine compared to the SMS' SR-71 design. After a one inch base, the machine is formed upward and inward to form the cartridge slot plateau. Rather snazzy... AC | RF OUT A/V OUT ORIGINAL MODEL (SMS I) | | | Overhead view | | CHANL 3/4 | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | \ / | | \ ############## VENT ################################## / | | \ / | | |---------------------------------------------------------| | | | | -----CART SLOT ----------|| | | | | -------------------------|| | | |---------------------------------------------------------| | | / | | \ | | / | RESET PAUSE | \ | | / | | \ | | / --------------------------- \ | | / ------------ \ | | | | | -----[-----]----------------(---)-(---)----------|----------|------------ | | | | POWER JOYPAD PORTS CARD SLOT ________________ /________________\ ORIGINAL MODEL (SMS I) |__________________| Nondescriptive front view When released, SMS I pack-ins included (product # shown): 3000 Hang On/Safari Hunt ("Master" package; including base unit, 2 controllers, combo cart, light phaser, and hook-ups; original retail price of approx. $200 (I paid $230 for mine )) 3005 Hang On/Astro Warrior ("Base" package; including base unit, 2 controllers (maybe only 1?), combo cart, and hook-ups; original retail of approx. $120) 3001 Missile Defense 3-D ("SegaScope" package; including base unit, 2 controllers, cart, 3-D Glasses, and hook-ups; original retail price of approx. $???) Unlike the NES, the SMS had an instructional screen that would appear if you turned on your system without having a cart or card inserted. Later on, Sega switched to built-in software, which would automatically load if you turned on your machine without a game present. This resulted in 2 (possibly 3) different built-in variations (probably with reduced retail prices). They are: #1. Hang On/Safari Hunt #3. Missile Defense 3-D #4. Hang On/Astro Warrior (exist? I have yet to encounter one) THE SMS II: the "2nd generation" SMS (comparable to the Atari 2600 Jr. and newly remodeled NES), measuring _ x _ x _. Very much the opposite of the original model, the SMS II looks similar to the newly remodeled 16-bit Genesis system. Smooth curves, rounded corners (making my ASCII representation ill-informing), variable degrees of black and gray colored plastic, plus an enlarged, white Pause button for those "dive for the system" type of action games. As an incentitive, Sega included Alex Kidd in Miracle World as a built-in freebie, and offered the package with one controller and hook-ups. Unlike the SMS I, however, the SMS II has no card port, resulting in the inability to play card based games and 3-D carts (since the 3-D glasses use the card slot). Also note that the SMS II lacks the opening logo music tune, and the text "Master System", when powered up. Original retail price: approx. $50. 2ND GENERATION MODEL (SMS II) Overhead view ???? OUTPUT LOCATIONS ???? /-----------------------------------------------------------\ / /-------------\----------------------------------/---\ \ | / |\ /| \ | | / | \______________________________/ | \ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | /----------\ | | CART SLOT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | PAUSE | | /------------------------------\ | | | | | | | |/ \| | | | | \----------/ /----------------------------------\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | POWER | | | | | | \ \___________________________________________________________/ / \-----------------------------------------------------------/ For those interested in playing SMS games, but who don't want to shell out the cash for the system, you should check out the "puesdo-SMS" systems: Power Base Converter (SMS to Genesis adapter) and Master Gear (SMS to Game Gear adapter). In the U.K., players were given the same pack-ins as those in the states -- concerning the original "Sega Master System." The U.K. was also blessed with the "Sega Master System Plus" (unfortunatly, I have no idea what the "Plus" entails). Later, with the "Sega Master System II", Sonic the Hedgehog soon replaced Alex Kidd as the built-in game. In Japan (the birth place of the Sega Master System), the "SG-1000" (early Japanese SMS) came and went pretty quickly. Later, the "Sega Mark III" appeared, which is similar to the U.S. SMS unit, except for some added FM chips. Also available in Japan was the "Sega Master System" (which featured built-in 3-D hardware) and from Samsung came the "Gamboy" (a licensed Master System with FM sound). I have no idea what pack-ins or built-in games may have came with these systems. *** 4) Where can I find SMS software and hardware? *** Best bet: yard and garage sales, flea markets, and pawn shops. 'Course, rec.games.video.marketplace wouldn't be a bad place to start. :) If you'd like to avoid used items, Sega still offers SMS games, accessories, and base units. 1-800-USA-SEGA (voice). Telegames USA offers accessories and U.K.-imported software, but they have a reputation for being both expensive and slow in filling orders. You can request a catalog and other information: (214) 227-7694 (voice). Tenex Computer Express has some compatible controllers available in their Commodore/Amiga catalog; the Beeshu Ultimate Superstick (joystick with turbofire), Kraft Systems TripleTrack (rollerball), and Beeshu Zoomer Control Yoke (flight simulator controller with turbofire). They can be contacted at: 1-800-PROMPT-1 (voice). If you're in serious need of SMS controllers, you should look to see what games in your collection are compatible with the standard Genesis 3-button and 6-button joypads. You'll find that many games do function properly. Following is a list of games that _are not_ compatible with Genesis pads (this is very much incomplete - please let me know of possible additions): Shanghai Wonderboy in Monsterland The following is a list of U.K. based electronic games dealers. Thanks to Jeremy Statz for these locations. Select Consoles (mail order only) (052) 587-3573 KC's Computers and Console Magic 3 High Street Loughbrough Leics LE11 !py (050) 921-1799 Whizz-kid 22 Station Square Petts Wood Kent BR5 1NA (068) 989-1000 Raven Games London 74 Bromley Road Beckingham Kent BR3 2NP (081) 663-6810 Surfcliff LTD 34 Norton Road Southbrough Tumbridge Wells Kent TN4 0HE SoftScan P.O. Box 84 Station Approach Hereford HR4 9YU *** 5) What games are available? *** A U.K. released software list is available via FTP: BUSOP.CIT.WAYNE.EDU directory: /sys/pub/sms or upon request from aj809@yfn.ysu.edu. Updated monthly. Following is a list of U.S.A. released software. Originally created by Greg Alt (galt@asylum.cs.utah.edu), I've modified it a bit by adding my own comments and alphabetizing the entries. This is a finite listing, as Sega has dropped software support for the SMS in the states. KEY --- 4xxx = Sega card (? kbytes) 5xxx = Mega cartridge (i.e. 128 kbytes) 6xxx = ? 7xxx = Two-Mega cartridge (i.e. 256 kbytes) 8xxx = 3-D carts (requires 3-D glasses unless otherwise noted) 9xxx = 4 Mega cart (i.e. 512 kbytes) x5xx = battery back-up RAM r? = released in the states? questionable... tso = thru Sega only; haven't seen these games on store shelves, but Sega offered them through Sega Visions magazine a year or so ago lp = light phaser required sp = sports pad required pc = paddle controller required A = by Activision (3rd party) PB = by Parker Brothers (3rd party) shooter = space ship (usually) based shoot 'em up. Examples: R- type [SMS, Turbografx-16, arcade, Gameboy], Astro Warrior [SMS], Lifeforce [NES] action shooter = "non-rail" (but usually vertical scrolling) shooter; usually as a human character. Often two player capable. Examples: Time Soldiers [SMS, arcade?], Ikari Warriors [NES] action = side scrolling, sideview action platform. Examples: Shinobi [SMS, NES, arcade], Mega Man [NES, SNES, Gameboy] sports = fitting into a sports category. Will be defined in listing. Action/adventure = action game with adventure-like overtones. Unless stated, action-adventure games are sideview. Examples: Legend of Zelda [NES], Wonderboy in Monsterland [SMS] Full RPG (FRPG) = complete role playing game set-up, with experience point system. Examples: Phantasy Star [SMS], Final Fantasy [NES] overhead = birds eye view of the gameplay area. Usually provides scrolling in all four compass directions, or vertical only. Example: Legend of Zelda [NES], Golden Axe Warrior, Astro Warrior [SMS] sideview = view of the gameplay area while oriented on the same plane. Usually provides horizontal scrolling only. Example: Altered Beast [SMS, Genesis, arcade] 1st person = game in which the viewpoint is from directly behind the player controlled object. Examples: Space Harrier [SMS, Turbografx-16, arcade, Game Gear], Afterburner [SMS, NES, arcade] Full 1st person = game in which the viewpoint is from the "inside" of the player controlled object. Examples: F-16 Fighting Falcon (SMS), Air Diver (Genesis), Doom (IBM PC) An asterisk (*) after the title name indicates that a help sheet is available through Sega of America. And now, the actual list... TITLE #### NOTES ----- ---- ----- Action Fighter * 5055 overhead racing Aerial Assault ? sideview shooter Afterburner * 9001 1st person shooter Alex Kidd in High Tech World * 5116 action-adventure;3rd in series Alex Kidd in Miracle World * 5067 action-adventure;1st in series Alex Kidd in Shinobi World * ? action-adventure;4th in series Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars * 7005 action;2nd in series Alf * 5111 action-adventure? Alien Syndrome 7006 action shooter Altered Beast * 7018 action Astro Warrior * 5069 overhead vertical shooter Aztec Adventure * 5100 action-adventure Bank Panic ? ? Basketball Nightmare ? r?;fantasy basketball Black Belt * 5054 action Blade Eagle 3-D * 8005 ? Bomber Raid * 5003 A;overhead shooter California Games 7014 various sports Captain Silver * ? action Casino Games * 7021 gambling Choplifter * 5051 sideview shooter; nonlinear Cloud Master * ? sideview shooter Columns 5120 action-puzzle;tetris clone Combat & Rescue ? r?;? Cyber-Shinobi ? tso;action? Cyborg Hunter * ? A;action-adventure Dead Angle * 7030 1st person Gangster shooter Dick Tracy ? action Donald Duck: The Lucky Dime Caper ? action-adventure Double Dragon * 7012 action;2 player sim. Dynamite Dux * ? action E-Swat * ? action Enduro Racer * 5077 overhead angled m.cycle racing F-16 Fighting Falcon * 4005 full 1st per. flight simulator Fantasy Zone * 5052 sideview shooter Fantasy Zone II * 7004 sideview shooter Fantasy Zone: The Maze 5108 shooter-maze? Gain Ground ? r?;action-shooter Galaxy Force * ? A;1st person shooter Gangster Town 5074 lp;shooting Gauntlet ? r?;action-shooter Ghost House * 4002 action Ghostbusters * 5065 action & driving Ghouls & Ghosts * ? action Global Defense 5102 sideview shooter Golden Axe * ? action Golden Axe Warrior * 7505 overhead action-adventure Golvellius: Valley of Doom * 7017 overhead action-adventure Great Baseball * 5071 baseball Great Basketball * 5061 basketball Great Football 5058 sp?;football Great Golf * 5057 golf Great Ice Hockey * ? sp;ice hockey Great Soccer 5059 soccer Great Volleyball 5070 volleyball Hang On/Astro Warrior /* ? p;motorcycle racing/o. shooter Hang On/Safari Hunt /* ? p;m. racing/lp;shooting Impossible Mission ? action-adventure? James "Buster" Douglas Boxing * ? boxing Joe Montana Football * ? football Kenseiden * 7013 action King's Quest * ? PB;action-adventure Kung Fu Kid * 5078 action Lord of the Sword * 7016 action Marksman/Trap Shooting 6003 lp;shooting/lp;shooting Maze Hunter 3-D * 8003 overhead action-shooter Maze Hunter 3-D II 8008 overhead action-shooter? Mickey Mouse: Castle of Illusion ? action Miracle Warriors * 7500 full RPG Missile Defense 3-D 8001 lp;shooting Monopoly * 5500 boardgame Montezuma's Revenge ? PB;? Moonwalker * ? action-adventure My Hero * 4001 action Ninja, The * 5066 overhead action-adventure Outrun * 7003 1st person racing Outrun 3-D ? tso?;1st person racing Paperboy 5121 deliver papers;avoid obstacles Parlour Games 5103 various parlour games Party Games ? r?;various party games? Pat Riley Basketball ? basketball Penguin Land * 5501 action Phantasy Star * 9500 full RPG Poseiden Wars 3-D * 8006 lp;shooting;2-D code Power Strike * 5109 overhead shooter;"limited" ed. Pro Wrestling * 5056 wrestling Psycho Fox * ? action-adventure Quartet * 5073 sideview action-shooter R-Type * 9002 sideview shooter R.C. Grand Prix ? A;overhead racing Rambo III * 7015 lp;side scrolling shooting Rambo: First Blood Part II * 5064 overhead action-shooter Rampage * ? A;as monster,destroy buildings Rastan * 7022 action Reggie Jackson Baseball * 7019 baseball Rescue Mission * 5106 lp;overhead shooting Rocky * 7002 boxing Scramble Spirits ? overhead shooter SDI ? r?;? Shanghai * 5110 boardgame-puzzle-matching Shinobi * 7009 action Shooting Gallery 5072 lp;shooting Slap Shot Hockey * ? ice hockey Sonic the Hedgehog ? action-adventure Space Harrier * 7001 1st person shooter Space Harrier 3-D * 8004 1st person shooter;2-D code Spellcaster * ? action-adventure Spider-Man * ? action Sports Pad Football 5061 sp;football Spy vs. Spy * 4010 action-adventure Super Basketball 5117 basketball Super Monaco GP ? 1st person racing Super Tennis * 4007 tennis Strider * ? action-adventure Teddy Boy * 4003 action Tennis Ace ? tennis Thunder Blade 7011 1st person shooter Time Soldiers * 7024 overhead action-shooter Transbot * 4004 sideview shooter Ultima IV ? tso;full RPG Vigilante * ? action Walter Payton Football * ? football Wanted! ? lp;shooting Warrior Quest 9003 r?;? Where in the World is C. S.diego * ? PB;education-search Wonderboy * 5068 action Wonderboy in Monsterland * 7007 action-adventure;2nd in series Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap * ? action-adventure Woody Pop ? pc;breakout clone World Grand Prix 5053 1st person racing Y's: The Vanished Omens * 7501 action-RPG Zillion * 5075 action-adventure Zillion II: Tri Formation * 5105 sideview action-shooter Zaxxon 3-D * 8002 1st person shooter;2-D code Note that Bomber Raid is packaged with a black box instead of the usual white. Note that the Canadian version of Captain Silver contains extra material, as implied by a Sega of America help sheet (extra levels and boss characters). Why these were deleted from the U.S. version is not known. I also have no idea if the U.K. version contains the extra material, or if other Canadian games have major dissimilarities. Note that Alex Kidd in Miracle World is available in two slightly varied versions: one with rice balls, and one with root beer. (The ball/beer is the item Alex is eating/drinking on the intermission map screen.) It appears that the root beer version is limited to cart only, although cart versions with the rice ball exist. I have no idea how rare the root beer version of AKIMW is. Note that Power Strike appears to have been packaged in two ways: black & white box, and color box. See question #18 for more information. And for those who are unaware, SMS games were sold in much the same way as 16-bit Genesis carts: a box resembling a VCR tape case, with the instructions, game, and any pamphlets/advertisements held on the inside walls. The major factor between the 8-bit and 16-bit packaging is the color; SMS boxes are white with a checkered pattern - in effect, the negative of early Genesis packaging. Card boxes are thinner than those for carts. Also, Absolute Entertainment did sign on as a 3rd party, but during the SMS' death, handed over their R.C. Grand Prix to Sesmic, who (I suppose) turned it over to Activision. AE canceled James Bond 007 for a U.S. SMS release. These are the only two games I'm aware of (concerning AE's involvement with the SMS). Most games that were released in a card format in the U.S. were also released as carts in the U.K. (in conjunction with the SMS II). A few folks have mentioned that the card F-16 Fighting Falcon does not work with the Power Base Converter (SMS -> Genesis adapter). *** 6) Are there any magazines available with SMS coverage? *** Yes, but only in the U.K. They are: Computer and Video Games Sega Power Sega Master Force (defunct?) I'll try to have addresses, phone numbers, and prices for the next update. Here in the states, only a couple video game newsletters/fanzines have any coverage. "SMS Unlimited", by yours truly, will soon be available on the Internet, via FTP: BUSOP.CIT.WAYNE.EDU, directory: /sys/pub/sms. It's also available via snail mail ($1.50, which covers postage and copy costs): Jeff Bogumil 187 N. State RR2, Apt. B-201 New Martinsville, WV 26155-1631 Another is "MASTERminds"(Genesis & SMS coverage), edited by Todd Lintner. Available for $1.50 via snail mail: Todd Lintner 6406 Jacobs Way Madison, WI 53711-3209 *** 7) What accessories are available for the SMS? *** Here are those offered by Sega. Other companies also developed various peripherials, including joypads, joysticks, and light guns. In Europe, Sega released a "Handle Controller", and in Japan, a BASIC program language attachment, keyboard, and light pen. Also available in Europe is the Pro Action Replay (a cheat code device similar to the Game Genie). PRODUCT # ACCESSORY NOTES --------- --------- ----- ? Paddle Controller Only one game supports this device (Woody Pop; a card). 3040 Sports Pad (Power Ball) A rollerball controller developed for a couple early sports games (Sports Pad Football and Great Ice Hockey; possibly others). 3050 Light Phaser Similar to the NES Zapper, but of higher quality. A sleek, jet black pistol, with "hair trigger" (no clunky "recoil" found, unlike the Nintendo counterpart). Light Phaser compatible games required (see game listings). 3073 3-D Glasses Quite innovative at the time of release, Sega's SMS 3-D glasses still draw rave reviews from video game players. 3-D compatible games required (see game listings). A SMS I is required for this device, as the 3-D glasses hook up to the system via the card slot. 3060 Control Stick /----\ \----/ ASCII art || by _ _ || Jesse /-----------------\ \-----------------/ The Control Stick was a joystick designed for right handed control, instead of the typical left handed set-up. It was sold separately for $20-25, and was also packaged with the SMS cart Outrun (sold together for $45-65). Black, gray and red design. 3045 Rapid Fire Unit From Brett Carver: A small device that is inserted between a two-button controller and the game system. It provides an auto-repeat capability for the control buttons which saves a lot of wear-and-tear on fingers for games like Astro-Warrier. The auto-repeat could be turned on for each button independently. Switches to turn on | off auto-repeat Plug for V system ----------------- | | | V | 2 [X ] | --- | | | |=======| RAPID FIRE [<- Plug for --- | | controller | 1 [ X] | | | ----------------- ASCII art by Brett Carver This unit was seen offered through Sega in their early "SEGA Challenge" newsletters. Buying 3 games would get you the item. 3020 Control Pad The joypad which comes packaged with SMS systems. Resembling the 1st generation NES pads, the Control Pad was equipped with 3 buttons in its early years, with the extra sitting in the center of the thumb section. Later pads sported mini-joysticks (thumbsticks) which could be inserted into the center of the thumbpad once the central button cap was removed. Later pads had the entire central button idea removed. CONTROL PAD Top View ____________________________________________________________ | | | | | -------------------- | | | | | /--------------\ | |---------------------------------| | | | | | | ---------- ---------- | | | | | THUMB | | | | | | | | | | | PAD | | |BUTTON 1| |BUTTON 2| | | | | | | | |(START) | | | | | | | | | | |________| |________| | | | | \--------------/ | -----------------------------------| | | -------------------- | |____________________________________________________________| *** 8) I've heard about a built in, hidden game? What gives? *** The original model of the SMS has a built in, code accessible maze game; your goal is to guide a small snail through a series of different levels. Not much play value, but it's a nice extra to have. If you own an original model SMS without a built in game... Turn on your SMS and wait for the instruction screen to appear. With controller 1, press up and hold buttons 1 and 2. If you own an original model SMS with a built in game... First, hold down the sequence given above. While holding, turn the machine on and wait. The SMS II does not have the snail maze game. *** 9) Can I play Game Gear games on my SMS? *** Someone once mentioned that a pre-Christmas '92 issue of VG&CE contained a mailorder ad offering a GG to SMS adapter, but my VG&CE collection is incomplete, and I haven't been able to confirm its existence. Any information is welcome. *** 10) Can I play SMS games on the 16-bit Genesis? *** With the aid of a device called the Power Base Converter, it's possible to play all (*) SMS games (including 3-D, light phaser, and cards) on the original model Genesis. The converter retails for $40-50, but can be found discounted for as low as $15. Note that a Power Base Converter for the Genesis II is available in Europe only. * It has been reported that the card F-16 Fighting Falcon does not work on the Power Base Converter. *** 11) Can I play SMS games on the Game Gear? *** Yes. A few adapters exist, with Sega's own being the "Master Gear." Only cartridges can be used, and those requiring special accessories or a second controller won't function properly. Another problem: small text and objects become difficult to make out on the GG. UPDATE: It seems that 4-meg SMS carts have minor (i.e. graphics problems) difficulties when used in a SMS->GG converter. (This is due to Game Gear limitations, and not the converter itself.) *** 12) Is U.K. SMS software compatible with the U.S. unit? *** Yes. Although folks may be wondering about PAL and NTSC electrical definitions, there appears to be no problems playing U.K. games. *** 13) Is Japanese SMS software compatible with the U.S. unit? *** I haven't had anyone confirm the fact, but from what I've seen, I think it is possible to play Japanese SMS software (from all Japanese system variations) on U.S. hardware. Cart ports appear the same in size and design, and electrical definitions are similar. *** 14) Can I play SMS 3-D games without the 3-D glasses? *** A few games do have special codes or options to disable the 3-D feature, and they're listed below. If anyone knows of any other 3-D games with a 2-D option, please let me know. Zaxxon 3-D: Press pause at the title screen to bring up an option menu. Simple enough. :) Poseiden Wars 3-D: Plug a control pad into the 2nd port. With this controller, press button #1. Space Harrier 3-D: Play the game in 3-D until you reach the first boss. Let him kill you. If you obtained a high enough score, you'll get an initials input screen after the Game Over message. With the 2nd controller, and holding button #1, enter T-H-R-E-E. Note that the word will not be displayed on the screen. *** 15) Where can I find SMS cheats, tips, and strategy guides? *** I'm currently compiling a list (damn near book size) of SMS related codes, strategies, and "walk thrus." I've pretty much gathered all the actual codes and such, and am now looking for strategy guides related to the more difficult action/adventure and RPG games. If anyone would like to help with this project, contact me by writing aj809@yfn.ysu.edu, and I'll forward more information. Until then, check out the Game Gear FAQ for a nice listing of common SMS cheats. Available via FTP: ftp.netcom.com, directory /pub/vidgames/faqs, file gamegear.faq Also check out early issues of Electronic Gaming Monthly, Video Games & Computer Entertainment, and GamePro. Jeff Rovin published a nice listing of cheats and short strategy guides in his "How To Win At Sega & Genesis Games"; the fourth paperback in a series of video game strategy books. Search your local bookstore -- they should have a copy on hand. Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks. Help sheets are available from Sega of America, although you'll be limited to 3 games per request. Check out the U.S.A. software list (question 5) for a listing of games with help sheets available. *** 16) Is there a way to move the SMS pause button from the system to a controller? *** Following is a hack reprinted from "SMS Unlimited #1." It's a bit messy, but it'll work. DISCLAIMER: Neither Jeremy Statz, Jeff Bogumil, nor "SMS Unlimited" are responsible for any damages or losses made, be they to the system, controller, materials, or individual, if this modification procedure is performed. HOW TO GIVE YOUR SMS CONTROLLER A PAUSE BUTTON Procedure by Jeremy Statz Written by Jeff Bogumil [The following hack was submitted by Jeremy Statz, who performed the original procedure on his Power Base Converter. I've rewritten the concept to make it more easily readable, and given notes for SMS I owners. I HAVE NOT given instructions for the SMS II, but I would guess that only some minor changes, if any, would need to be made - ed.] MATERIALS NEEDED: "Wand" soldering iron Solder VERY small clippers Liquid Latex Plastic Cement Insulated wire connectors, set of 4 4 pieces of wire, each approx. 1 foot in length 4 pieces of wire, each approx. 7 feet in length Small pair of needle nose pliers (for SMS owners) Small Phillips screwdriver Electrical tape NOTE: It's recommended that you color code the wires together (i.e. a red 1 footer with a red 7 footer, etc...) STEP 1: Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the top black casing from your PBC (or SMS). The pause button should be easily seen. (SMS owners will have to use the screwdriver and pliers to remove a large metal shield before they can proceed.) STEP 2: Take the clippers and VERY CAREFULLY snip the 4 attachment prongs of the pause button. Remove it. STEP 3: Solder each wire (7 feet long) to each prong of the pause button. STEP 4: Solder each wire (1 foot long) to the appropriate points on the PBC (or SMS). Be sure to match up the color codes with their respective connections (i.e. The upper left pause button prong should be matched with the upper left location on the system). STEP 5: Carefully work the 4 wires (attached to the system) through the pause button port of the cover (and shielding, for SMS owners). Do not replace the covers yet (i.e Do not replace the screws). STEP 6: Take the wire connectors (it really doesn't matter what type they are, as long as they are insulated) and solder them to their appropriate wires. STEP 7: After all the solder has dried, and all the connections have been checked for sturdiness, place liquid latex over any exposed wires to prevent electric shock and/or corrosion. STEP 8: Replace all the wires and shields. STEP 9: Use plastic cement to glue the pause button to a comfortable and reachable spot (during gameplay) on your favorite SMS controller. STEP 10: To clean up the wire pollution, you may want to tape the four wires together with electrical tape. END OF PROCEDURE *** 17) Did SMS software really start the "meg" thing? *** I won't claim that the SMS was the first home video game system to break the 1-megabit barrier, but yes, SMS carts were the first to use the term "mega" as a means of sales promotion. Later, Sega picked up "meg" when promoting their 16-bit Genesis game, Strider. You'll find "mega" plastered on boxes and labels of certain SMS titles. *** 18) I've heard about a "limited edition" SMS game. Info? *** The overhead, vertical shooter called Power Strike was promoted by Sega as a limited edition game, offered through their user-base club. Later, it popped up in decent quantities in various toy store chains. The game's packaging is in black and white; screen shots and all (giving the appearance of a counterfeited item). Power Strike is known as Aleste in Japan. NOTE: It has been reported that Power Strike is also avaiable in a full color packaging. More info, anyone? THANKS FOR READING!!! [End of File]