The Megadrive List: Vol 7 (JULY 1992)
ltho...@polari.online.com
July 1992
Translated and Compiled by Lee Thompson
Megadrive and Game Gear titles being released in Japan and maybe the U.S.
* indicates an approximate (or at least definitively inaccurate)
translation (or even possibly a wild guess)
** Definately a wild guess
*** Romanized Katakana
Coming soon: The DEFINITIVE Megadrive List, all the releases through early
1992 complete with US titles, size, game type.
Most WANTED Releases:
BEEP! MEGADRIVE is the king of top-ten lists (well actually most
Japanese magazines have thousands of top ten lists). They regularly
have a top 20 listing of "Most Wanted Games", titles not announced
for the Megadrive (but may be available in the arcades or on
another system) but are most wanted by the readers.
This Last
Month Month Title Votes
(Jul) (Jun)
1 1 Street Fighter 2 Series 159
2 2 Record of the Lodoss War 50
3 3 Princess Mega 41
4 4 Cotton 30
5 8 Silent Moebius 29
6 5 Captain Commando 26
7 7 Final Fantasy Series 24
8 19 Arabian Fight 23
9 12 Nature Takes a Hit* 18
10 9 Legend of the Galactic Heroes 17
Other Titles of note: F1 Exhaust Note (arcade game),
Ys Series, Dragon Quest Series
Up Close:
Both Megadrive Fan and Beep! Megadrive had MORE extensive coverage of
Technosoft's new THUNDERFORCE IV title. This looks like an amazing
side-view shooter, it also scrolls vertically THREE SCREENS up and
down. The graphics are incredible.
LUNAR: THE SILVER STAR has apparently finally shipped (6/26) and
is basically a CD-ROM Phantasy Star type of game. If it weren't
for the extensive Japanese soundtrack (complete with singing) this
would probably come over as Phantasy Star IV. After the bomb
that Phantasy Star III was, there really doesn't seem to be ANY
excitment for an ACTUAL PS4.
The CD-ROM adventure/RPG game BURAI looks lame compared to the other
RPGs.
KING COLOSSUS looks pretty good (formerly listed as King Crossers,
I still don't see where they get colossus out of "ko ro <tsu> sa su"
"ko ro sa su" maybe. Anyway it looks like the FIRST book of Ys
and looks like a fun action RPG (8 Megabit, with Battery)
WONDERDOG (CD-ROM) looks well-rendered, but doesn't appeal to me
at all. Still the bosses are huge and the graphics are well
shaded and detailed. The moon is even made of cheese.
G-LOC [8 Megabit, NOV] This can't be a cartridge game, not with
these graphics. Maybe it's an arcade shot. If it IS the game
we're in for a treat.
DARK WIZARD [CDROM, NOW] This will, unfortunately, probably not
come out here, at least not intact. MANY animated sequences and
excellent graphics. Basically an expanded and enhanced
Master of Monsters. (If you just SIGHT-memorized what a kanji
meant you could probably play the game with a bit of effort.)
Games like this really have me thinking on getting the Japanese
CDROM.
3x3 EYES [CDROM, DEC] If this comes out in December, I'll be
amazed. Been delayed as much as STRIKE COMMANDER [IBM].
CRYING (Tentative Title) [ROM, OCT] Looks like a shooter, probably
for the gun.
PRINCE OF PERSIA [CDROM, NOW] Blows all other versions away with
full motion anime-style intermissions and super-detailed graphics.
Micronet is done with the title screens for BLACK HOLE ASSAULT
and THE THIRD WORLD WAR (both CDROM, the former is already slated
for US release on CD). Okay, maybe more than the title screens
but that's all they show in the magazines.
THUNDER STORM [CD-ROM, JULY 10TH] The first laser-disc style
game for the MEGA CD? Yup. Looks alot like the old COBRA
COMMAND laserdisc game.
LEMMINGS [8 Megabit, AUG] Looks almost identical to the
Amiga version. Didn't see any mention of 2-player mode though.
VIXSEN 357 [8 Megabit + Battery, SEP] The "sequel" to Warsong
(Langrisser). This time it's "battle-suit" type mecha (reminds
me of Macross (Robotech) type stuff). Looks like one on one
battles this time. POSSIBLY player controlled. The mechs are
big on the screen and have a lot of animation effects. The rest
of the game looks very similar to Warsong except for the science
fiction elements. I'll probably get this game in Japanese.
(Masayia [NCS])
MERRY GOROUND [CDROM, ?] Using a system called DAPS brings
full motion adventure games to the Megadrive (anime style of course).
Based on an FM Towns game.
NIGHT STRIKER [CDROM, ?] Based on the arcade game.
SUPER MONACO GP II [8 Megabit + Battery, NOW] I hate to say this
because I enjoyed the first one and enjoy most racing games. The
biggest difference seems to be Mr. Senna's digitized pictures all
over the place. The game itself looks IDENTICAL to the original
Super Monaco GP.
GREY LANCER [8 Megabit, NOW] This shooter from NCS/Masayia looks
great, side view like TF3 and Gaiares. Cinemas. Action. Hot
blazing death, what more could you want?
Sources:
MEGADRIVE FAN 7/92
BEEP! MEGADRIVE 7/92
"Coming to the U.S." screen shot matching:
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY
(Who usually translates WORSE than I do)
Backup/Continue Key:
BB - Battery Backup
Bx - Battery Backup with x number of save positions
BM - Battery Memory
BU - Backup (Battery? What? Doesn't say)
- (Continues)
PW - Password Save
CD-ROM drives all have "Battery Memory". It is assumed that most
CD-ROM adventure games and RPGs will take advantage of this. There are
also 'memory cards' for more permanent storage soon to be available.
A percentage in the Notes column indicates percent completed on the
title as of May/June 1992 (from 7/92 Megadrive Fan, and 7/92 Beep!
Megadrive; if there is a difference, the higher is used.)
Key (for this section):
2P - Two Player Game (Simultaneous or alternate)
If another title is given in quotes that is the US title.
** - Tentative Title
+ - ALREADY SLATED TO COME TO THE US
++ - US VERSION RELEASED 1ST
* - New Listing
Genre Key (Same as BEEP! MEGADRIVE):
RPG - Role Playing Game ACT - Action Game
RAC - Racing Game SHT - Shooter
TAB - Table Game PUZ - Puzzle Game
SLG - Strategy Game ADV - Adventure Game
SPT - Sports PIN - Pinball
ARPG- Action RPG VCS - Visual Communication System
(Full Motion Video ADV)
The order of the listing is the same as BEEP! MEGADRIVE.
MEGADRIVE:
Rel Title Size Genre Notes
===============================================================================
1992
06/12 Grand Slam 512k SPT
06/19 Top Pro Golf 2P 1024k SPT 100%
06/19 Speedball 2 2P 512k SPT ++ 100% Arena
06/19 Magic of Silky Lip CD-ROM RPG Lot of anime cinemas
06/25* Royal Blood 2P BB 1024k SLG 100% Like King's Bounty
06/26 King Colossus BB 1024k ARPG 100% Vol6: KING CROSSERS
06/26 Paperboy 512k ACT ++ 100% Tengen
06/26 Lunar: The Silver Star BM CD-ROM RPG
06/EE Wonder Dog CD-ROM ACT 100% Sonic-Like
07/10* Thunder Storm FX CD-ROM SHT 60% "Cobra Command" LD
07/10 <Some Soccer-RPG> BB 512k SPT Bizarre
07/14 D Robinson's Basketball 512k SPT ++
07/17 King Salmon 512k SPT + Sage's Creation
07/17 Super Monaco GP 2 BB 1024k RAC + Ayrton Senna's
07/17 Grey Lancer 1024k SHT 100% Looks *GREAT*
07/24 Suddenly Gourd 512k TAB See NOTE 1
07/24* Dino Blazers 1024k SLG 100%
07/24 Twinkle Tale 1024k SHT 100% Fantasy Shooter
07/24 Thunderforce 4 1024k SHT HOT!
07/24 Olympic Gold 512k SPT
07/EE* Patlabor BB 512k ADV Based on Anime
07/EE Dodgeball Soccer 512k SPT
07/EE Churnup 1024k ACT + "Atomic Runner"
07/EE Prince of Persia CD-ROM ACT ++ 80% Coming to USA?
07/92 Detonator Orgun BM CD-ROM ADV 100% Based on Anime
07/92 Dark Wizard BM CD-ROM SLG 60% Looks GREAT!
08/04 Splatterhouse 2 1024k ACT 100% Already in US
08/05* Xenon II ? SHT ++ BitMap Brothers
08/14 Soccer RPG 1024k SLG Kanji too Bizarre
08/BB* Side Pocket 1024k SPT Pool
08/92 Rise of the Dragon CD-ROM ADV ++ 100% Dynamix Game
08/92 Afterburner III CD-ROM SHT 70% CSK (Lookin' Good)
08/92 Lemmings 1024k PUZ ? Coming to USA?
08/92* Junker's High BB 1024k RAC Looks cool
08/92 Capcom's Quiz 2P CD-ROM QIZ 60%
08/EE Rampart 2P 512k SLG + Tengen, See NOTE 2
FALL Aslan Wars CD-ROM RPG ? % Based on Anime
FALL * Merry Go Round CD-ROM VCS 90% Anime-style, Cool
09/10 Burai CD-ROM RPG 60% Looks dumb
09/18* Silent Fleet BB 1024k SLG Naval Wargame?
09/EE Aleste: Nobunga's Ninjas CD-ROM SHT 50% Sequel ALESTE series
09/92* Commodore's Resolve 2P+BB 1024k SLG Naval Wargame
09/92 Vixsen 357 BB 1024k SLG See NOTE 3
09/EE* Pro Baseball 92 CD-ROM SPT
10/BB <demon something or other> 512k ??? No idea
10/EE Sky Demon's Origin BB 1024k RPG Looks lame
10/92* Chase HQ 2 512k RAC Sequel
10/92* Pop'n Land CD-ROM ACT Kid's game
10/92 SimEarth CD-ROM SIM ++ Probably Coming Here
10/92 Smiling Salesman: Vol 1 CD-ROM ADV
10/92 Wing Commander CD-ROM SIM ++ Also Coming to US
10/92* R.B.I. 4 Baseball 1024k SPT Probably Coming Here
10~12 Steel Talons ??? SIM + Tengen, NOTE 2
10~12 Road Riot 4WD ??? RAC + Tengen, NOTE 2
FALL Terraforming CD-ROM SHT 18%
11/92* Power Athelete 1024k ACT
11/92* Gauntlet ?? ??? ARPG + Tengen, NOTE 2
11/92* Majin Saga 1024k ACT
11/92* Golden Axe III ?? ??? ACT Another one?
11/92* G-LOC 1024k SHT Looks great!
11/92* Acts Triology (?) CD-ROM RPG Wolf Team
12/04 GODS BB 1024k ACT Based on Amiga Game
12/MM* Devastator CD-ROM ACT Wolf Team
12/EE* Knight Legend BB 1024k SLG Tanks, ala Desert Strike
12/92 3x3 Eyes BM CD-ROM RPG
12/92* Vay CD-ROM RPG 20%
12/92 Switch CD-ROM ADV
12/92* Sega CD Special CD-ROM SLG
12/92* Nostalgia 2: PRESENCE CD-ROM ADV Sequel to 1907
12/92* Galaxy Express 999 CD-ROM RPG 15% Based on Anime
FUTURE RELEASES (NO DATE SPECIFIED)
Caliber 50 1024k SHT ++ 90% Lame-O
* Black Hole Assault 2P CD-ROM ACT 30%
* Third World War CD-ROM SLG 30%
* Cyborg 009 CD-ROM ACT Based on Anime
Yumimimikkusu CD-ROM ADV 70% Still no idea.
* Gyuwanburaa II CD-ROM TAB
* Super Silpheed CD-ROM SHT
Battle Smash 512k SPT 20%
<kanji too bizarre> CD-ROM RPG 30%
Ninja Gaiden 512k ACT
The Super Shinobi 2 ???? ACT 12%
Slap Fight MD 1024k SPT ? % (70% from 85% to ?))
Power Drift CD-ROM RAC 10% (n/c)
F-1 Constructors ?? ???? RAC 94%
Ninja Warriors 2P CD-ROM ACT 20% (Cart was 63% done)
Seal of the Dark Lord 2 CD-ROM RPG ? ??% Miracle Warriors Sq
Silver Russhiruto** CD-ROM SLG No idea on name.
World Rally CD-ROM RAC ? %
* Night Stalker CD-ROM SHT 20%
Absent From Listing:
Super Gal's Picnic CD-ROM PUZ 2% [- 3%] R-Rated Quix.
<title too long> 512k ??? 0%
Mutant Hunter 512k ACT 32%
Altein 1024k SHT 51%
NOTE 1
It definately is not "Suddenly Gourd", the actual phrase used
means something like "Things happen unexpectedly"
NOTE 2
This means that the US release will be between May and June, if
not sooner.
NOTE 3
This looks great, from the developer of Warsong (Langrisser).
Similar in design to Warsong but with Robotech (Macross) style
battlemechs. See earlier notation for more info. If TRECO
has any BRAINS they will bring this over quick.
GAME GEAR:
Note: I don't track US Game Gear releases and do not know if any of these
are out in the states or are coming over.
Rel Title Sv Size Genre Notes
===============================================================================
1992
06/12 Gyuwanburaa 256k TAB
07/24* Olympic Gold 256k SPT
08/07 Phantasy Star Gaiden BB 256k RPG
08/EE Super Monaco GP II 256k RAC
08/92* Batman Returns ??? ACT
08/EE* Dodgeball Soccer 256k SPT
09/92 Saddam Crusader BB 256k RPG Formerly "Sadam Wars"
11/92* Heanakkuru 256k ACT
12/92* The GG Shinobi 2 ??? ACT
12/92* Sonic the Hedgehog II ??? ACT
FUTURE RELEASES (NO DATE SPECIFIED)
* Fastball 2000 256k SHT
* GP Rider ??? RAC
Frogger 128k ACT
Tennis ??? SPT
Alien Storm 2P? ??? ACT
Bonanza Brothers 2P? ??? ACT
Alex Kidd ??? ADV
Puzzle X ??? PUZ
Mystery** ??? ADV
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Megadrive Specs
CPU 68000 10MHz/7.6Mhz RAM 80k (68000: 64k, Z80: 16k)
Z80A 4MHz
V-RAM 64k COLORS 64 out of 512
MODES 320x224 SOUND FM 4 6 VOICES STEREO
256x224 PCM 1 VOICE STEREO
320x448 (Interlaced) PSG 3 VOICES 1 NOISE MONO
256x448 (Interlaced)
"THUNDERFORCE STANDBY!"
--
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
|Lee Thompson | "Marvin?" |
|ltho...@polari.online.com | "I'm all right... still very bad though." |
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