It’s been weeks, but we’ve finally reached the end of the SEGA road—for now. Completing Series One of the Console Heroes SEGA Genesis dioramas means taking a look at the console itself. Last week was Part One of the Supervillain Bundle coverage. This week, we open up the rest of that big box: a SEGA Genesis to plug all these cartridges we’ve been looking at into.
No, seriously—you can actually insert them into the console.
The Genesis/Mega Drive here doubles as a display case for the various figurines included with the games, and honestly… this whole line is neat, isn’t it? A faithful (if slightly larger) reproduction of the legendary system looks impressive on its own, and frankly stirs up a little emotion. I do love this console. As silly as that may sound.
When opened, the inside reveals a large display space for your figures, complete with shelves set against that classic SEGA grid background. It gives the games a place to “play” together, which is a really charming touch. Adding to the magic is the Supervillain angle. Included are figures of several iconic Genesis-era villains: Mr. X from Streets of Rage, Death Bringer from Golden Axe, Mecha Sonic MK II, and the Death Egg Robot from Sonic the Hedgehog. That lineup alone gives me hope for future releases—especially more Golden Axe
But that’s not all. Remember all those cartridges we’ve been talking about? Not only do they insert into the console, but there’s even a little storage tray included for the extras. That’s one of those details that might not mean much to everyone, but for some of us, it creates an instant smile. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your games lined up on the shelf like a tiny trophy rack.
Overall, this makes for a fantastic centerpiece to the collection, and I genuinely hope more releases are on the way. It’s a little strange coming to the end of this line after writing about it for so long, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The Genesis/Mega Drive is one of those systems I probably cherish a little too much, and seeing all of these sets under the Christmas tree was a moment of pure elation. The Mrs. definitely knew it was something I’d love—and she was absolutely right.
Our look at the Console Heroes SEGA Genesis line is winding down… but it’s going out with a bang. The final set in the initial series is a BIG box absolutely packed with Genesis goodies. The SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive console itself is here-because of course you need a console to play all these great games-and just like consoles back in the day, it comes with a game!
Since this set is pretty big, I’m splitting it into two parts: this week and next week. We’re starting with the game most people remember coming with their Genesis. I know, I know-some of you got Altered Beast or Streets of Rage… but work with me here-Sonic the Hedgehog. There’s a reason I went a little out of order with the Sonic games.
As you’d expect by now, Sonic in cartridge form is a well-done (and slightly larger) replica of the original cart, complete with reproduced artwork. When opened, it reveals a nicely sculpted recreation of one of the game’s subterranean sections. You’ll have to pardon my brain fart on exactly which specific zone it’s meant to represent. There are some great vines and little spikes included that decorate the background and complete the look. No matter how many Sonic games I play, those damn spikes still get me.
Figure-wise, we get a repeat of the Sonic figure from the Sonic 2 cartridge, which at this point feels fair-and frankly, justified. There’s also one of those clear rod doohickeys… do those even have an official name? The clear rod doohickey is used to suspend the also-included Dr. Robotnik/Eggman in midair as he flies around in his signature Eggmobile. I completely geeked out over this figure, because I’ve always loved the image of Robotnik swooping in at the end of a level in his little pod.
All told, this is a great little diorama that pairs perfectly with the big tamale playset diorama we’ll be getting to next week. It’s been a blast covering this series, and our final item-at least until they hopefully make more-is going to end things with style. The Genesis “Supervillain Bundle” is truly something to behold. Make sure to come back next week for part two of Blast Processing!
I’m honestly a little surprised Sonic 3 got a Console Heroes diorama, given how slightly buried the game has become over the years. Thanks to its soundtrack featuring Michael Jackson’s music, it’s existed in a bit of a legal gray area due to licensing issues.
Thankfully, it’s starting to see the light of day again with a new soundtrack, because it really is a great game. Fortunately, these dioramas don’t have soundtracks, so it’s not really an issue here. Though I suppose you could just play some Michael Jackson on your Bluetooth speaker if you really wanted to complete the experience.
Sonic 3 is more than just a licensed-music curiosity, though — it’s where the world was introduced to Knuckles! Knuckles is forever linked to the series and an integral part of Sonic’s team. I’ve always liked his ability to glide and climb. Not to mention… he’s just cool looking.
This Console Heroes set faithfully replicates the cartridge at a slightly larger scale, including the red label colors that graced later Genesis/Mega Drive games. Do not ask me why I care so much about that, but it’s an appreciated detail. I just wish the box did the same, for no sane reason whatsoever. Once opened, the cartridge reveals a really well-done diorama based on the Carnival Night Zone from the game. Included to complete the scene are a balloon, a ring, a platform, and some spikes. Of course, we also get figures of Sonic and Knuckles. Knuckles stands stoically, like he often does, while Sonic is wagging his finger with that unmistakable ’90s attitude.
This is a fun little diorama and it’s neatly distinct from the other Sonic sets in the line. Really, Wilder Toys has made something special with the Console Heroes series, and I genuinely hope they dig their heels in even deeper with future releases.
This week’s Console Heroes post comes just in time for two different occasions. First off, Setsubun is in a few days, and while Aggar may not technically be an oni… he is a giant red horned ogre. Second, I’ve been wanting to talk about something a little ooky spooky. We’ve got almost a year until the Halloween shenanigans kick off here on the site, but monsters are in the site’s description. It’s always a little spooky when every day is Halloween.
Altered Beast is a classic SEGA game originally released in arcades, and it completely blew my little mind the first time I saw it at the local Circle K. I was a kid who couldn’t get enough of monsters, and the ability to play as a werewolf absolutely floored me. The Ancient Greek setting, packed with other monsters, was just icing on the cake. While multiple home console versions were released, the most popular was the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version, which also happened to be the system’s original pack-in game.
This Console Heroes Altered Beast diorama, aptly named the Graveyard Diorama, represents the first level of the game — which is what most people immediately think of when they think of Altered Beast. This opening stage is where Zeus resurrects you, the Centurion, and sends you to rescue his daughter from Neff, the demonic ruler of the underworld. Here, you fight zombies and other freaky monsters while defeating giant wolves to POWER UP! Each time, you transform into a stronger version of yourself until finally becoming a werewolf. Shortly after, Neff confronts you and a battle with Aggar ensues. After defeating Aggar, Neff reverts you back to your base form. Each subsequent level introduces a new monster form to POWER UP into, along with even more freaky bosses.
The diorama features the familiar cartridge replica opening up to display the graveyard level as it appeared in the game. Included is a werewolf figure in a fighting pose, a fireball accessory with one of those clear rod doohickeys to make it float dramatically in the air, and a large Aggar figure for the werewolf to hurl that fireball at. There are also life and status bars that clip onto the clamshell, further selling the game recreation.
Overall, this is a really solid set. Aggar doesn’t actually plug into the pegs on the diorama base, but that’s not really necessary. Both the werewolf and Aggar look great, and I really appreciate the dynamic fighting pose… even if it does result in a werewolf showing off his butt in toy form. Seriously, man — put some jorts on or something.
While Altered Beast does get merchandise from time to time, it’s nowhere near as common as other SEGA properties, which makes this set feel like a special treat. There are also a lot of Easter eggs in Altered Beast that reference other SEGA games. In my mind, it exists in the same continuity as Golden Axe and Streets of Rage. Maybe even Shinobi. I like to imagine a shared SEGA universe — which is funny, considering SEGA also gave us the excellent Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker arcade game (and an okay console version). Michael Jackson famously contributed to the Sonic 3 soundtrack (we’ll get to that one soon), and possibly even more SEGA projects, as that bit of history is a little murky. Thriller was also an inspiration for Altered Beast, which is pretty sweet — and fittingly, Thriller is also the name of an album by Matthew Sweet, who later named an album after Altered Beast.
You know… I think it’s time to be welcomed to my doom and go play this game again. It’s been a while.
It goes without saying that Sonic the Hedgehog was a huge hit. It should come as no surprise, then, that it got a sequel that was also a big hit. Naturally, the Console Heroes SEGA Genesis line took notice and has made diorama sets based on these games (we’ll be getting to part one a little later).
Sonic 2 in Console Heroes form is pretty great. The cartridge looks exactly as you’d expect — a slightly larger replica of the original game cart. Despite being a bit bigger, these replica carts feel really nice in hand. It’s oddly satisfying. When you open the clamshell, you’re greeted with a sculpted incarnation of Emerald Hill Zone. It’s the first level of the game, and very similar to Green Hill Zone from Sonic 1. The look of these levels is pretty much what many of us automatically picture when thinking of Sonic the Hedgehog, so it’s a perfect setting.
There are rings to place on the various pegs, along with great little figures of Sonic and Tails. Sonic is running (it’s what he does), and Tails is in flight with both tails whipping around like helicopter blades. There’s an included clear rod doohickey you can use with Tails to position him in the air. This is a fun little set, and I really like the small bridge in the diorama. You can have the two racing across it to gather rings, or Tails trying to catch up after Sonic’s left him behind again.
This is a great addition to the Console Heroes line — but I have to wonder… can it Julian fries?
A little while back, I was very pleasantly surprised to discover the Console Heroes line at my local Target. Not only because the line itself is amazingly cool, but also because it was nice to discover something out in the wild. Console Heroes (so far) is a neat line of little retro gaming dioramas, with the current SEGA Genesis series obviously based on my beloved SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive.
The Mrs. saw my excitement, and I was very happy to find almost the entire series under the tree on Christmas morning. The remaining one was bought shortly after, and we’re about to spend the next few weeks looking at Series One here on our random Wednesdays.
The first set we’re looking at is the Super Street Fighter II Ken Stage Diorama, which is currently the only third-party game represented in the series. This is the standard diorama set, which comes as a replica cartridge that opens clamshell-style to reveal sculpted scenery and pegs for the included figures and accessories.
Since it’s Ken’s stage, it’s obviously a diorama depicting… KEN’S STAGE! Usually, Ken was the first World Warrior you’d face in a one-player game, and his theme is one of the songs most associated with Street Fighter. So this is a pretty obvious choice.
The set’s accessories include a barrel and four of those concrete dock things that sit in the corners. I think they’re called pilings, but I’m totally not sure. Also included is a clear stand-up doohickey and a HADOKEN fireball, which can be used together to position the HADOKEN dramatically in mid-air.
Why would there dramatically be a HADOKEN in the air?
Because the two figures included to round out the set are Ken Masters vs. Ryu! These nicely sculpted figures plug firmly into the base, with Ken blocking the HADOKEN that Ryu is firing at his longtime rival/bestie. The figures and accessories can be plugged into multiple ports across the base, letting you arrange the fight however you like.
Last—but not least—is one more accessory: a life bar that attaches to the top of the diorama.
This is one neat little toy, and I’m really happy to have it. The cartridge looks very much like a classic Genesis cart, albeit a little larger. Even the box resembles classic Genesis packaging. The whole series is great and feels like a giant high five to those of us who still love our Genesis/Mega Drives.
I was a big Street Fighter II fan back in the day and still love it now. Like many of you, I’m looking forward to the new movie and have been enjoying the awesome Japanese McDonald’s commercials tied into the crossover promotion.
The holiday break is sadly over and it's time to start another work week, HOWEVER, it's also time to get back to the robots, monsters, and misadventure! I've got a fun week of content coming for your eyeballs this week, but first, let me tell you about this holiday break I had. It started Wednesday with a relaxing evening at home with the Mrs. We watched the new episodes of Stranger Things while making some dishes for Thanksgiving dinner. We'd watch an episode and make a dish. Watch an episode and make a dish. Things like pies and cranberry sauce that can be made ahead to save on the crunch time. The new episodes were great and I'm really marveling at how much the show has changed since it began. Rewatching it this past summer was a great idea.
Thursday was Thanksgiving and we started the day watching the big parade as we always do. I've been watching it my entire life and still love doing so. Though, in the future, I may start watching the alternative presentations. I really just want to watch the floats and balloons. While some of the musical productions are neat, I really don't care. I've discovered an alternate camera angle edition of the show on Peacock where I watch it and know of some other showings. Regardless, it was great seeing Spider-Man, Mario, Pac-Man, Pokémon, and Labubu making appearances.
We spent a few hours at My Mother's house afterwards. My brother and his family came over and we all enjoyed dinner together. Of course with Christmas coming, there was a lot of opportunities to get ideas for gifts. The Mrs is an excellent gift giver, but you always need inspiration for the right ones! My brother is an outdoorsman and does a lot of livestreaming in relation. It's kind of funny seeing how his hobbies and mine are so vastly different... but use the same internet to interact with others. It also helps me figure out what to get him because I know nothing of the great outdoors.
Afterwards, the Mrs and I had our own Thanksgiving dinner Thursday evening. It was so good as she is an excellent cook. This may have been her best turkey yet! We spent the evening watching Most Extreme Elimination Challenge while I built Blokees and she played a game. It was time to rest as Black Friday neared. We initially planned to get up super early and stand in line at Target... but slept in instead. That turned out to have been a good idea as the gift bags Target gave out to the first 100 customers turned out to be a bust. They promised the moon and stars only to deliver a pile of turds. Oh well!
Friday was spent doing an amazing amount of Christmas shopping. Like, an amazing amount. According to my Galaxy Watch, I got nearly 10,000 steps in and I believe it! We started shopping in November, but took advantage of the sales to really get a lot of stuff. Today is the first of December and we're mostly done... though I've got the feeling we're going to still go nuts. We always spoil each other at Christmas and love getting our loved ones just the right things. While I focused on others, I did grab a few things for myself. Specifically some Mr Beast Labs Swarms.
I know alot of folks on social media take issue with him, I hardly have an idea who he is. However, his line of toys is really great. He partnered with Moose Toys whom have made a lot of fun stuff. Some I've even talked about here. Swarms are something I specifically like. Years prior, Moose Toys made Trash Pack and Grossery Gang. A series of awesome keshi with gross out designs I really enjoyed. Swarms are something of a spiritual successor to those with similar designs and some really cool monsters! I got a few packs happily as well as a neat 3D printed lizard figit toy from Five Below. Speaking of Five Below, they had a great series of troll dolls as classic movie monsters! I got Michael Myers! I was a big fan of trolls as a kid and feel a little of that love seeing these! So cool! Not to be left out, a Stranger Things blind pack. I got a Demogorgan in slime!
Saturday we went grocery shopping in person as holidays are a terrible time for grocery orders. Afterwards, we found ourselves checking out a different Target before enjoying a nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I got some more Swarms, actually there's a neat Target exclusive Christmas series. I think I've got the distribution figured out and just need two more packs to complete it. We actually discovered another newer brand of tiny toys while there that the Mrs fell in love with. Wigglitz is a delightful series of tiny 3D printed segmented animals that come on a variety of sculpts and colors. They're part figit toy and part collectible. She got several packs and Ginger the pink wolf accompanied us to dinner.
Saturday night we decorated the inside of our house for Christmas which included putting up our new tree! It's a big 7 and a half feet tall featuring pre-installed lights that can be controlled with a remote for a variety of functions. Man, living in the future sure is neat! Sunday I had planned to decorate the yard and house, but a rainy day changed those plans. Hopefully the weather will be better next week. Instead I did chores and built Blokees while watching more Most Extreme Elimination Challenge. You know, I watch old episodes of that regularly... but I think I got the entire series in over the break. Mom came over for Sunday dinner, we had Christmas tacos! We also showed Mom the first episode of the new Stranger Things season. We'll probably get an episode in each week up until the new batch of episodes at the end of the month. I'm not looking forward to it ending, but happy that it seems to be on a high note.
Well, I've got some stuff to do. I actually wrote this while running errands and doing chores. Ironically I talked about Wigglitz while refilling the bird seed on our porch. We always keep some out there, but now that it's winter, we're keeping extra. There's not alot for them to eat while it's cold, so we try to help. Actually, let me get on a soap box for a second. You've probably seen a lot of self righteous assholes on social media telling you what to think and who to give money to (it's always something that benefits them magically). Just try to be a good person and help out when and how you can. If it feels right, it usually is and those dipshits are just out for clout anyway. Don't listen to redundant mother fuckers and if that includes me, then I understand. I don't make a dime off this site, so whatever. Zone Base is just a way for me to enjoy my hobbies with whomever wants to enjoy them with me. Thank you all for reading and supporting actual independent thought. We're getting back to normal this week after the break, but we're going to have one fun Christmas here on Planet Zone! Please don't forget to share with your friends, look after your loved ones, and take care of each other. Mutual High Fives everyone!
It's Monday gang, and that means a new week here on Planet Zone! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty good. Did some shopping, watched some TV, played some video games. Good times. As far as new toys go, I didn't buy much. Found new Tacticons! Hashtag and Arcee! Target also had a bunch of Bumblebees, so I'm assuming he was their casemate. I really like these silly little bots, so I was happy with the find. I also finally picked up Warrior class Skywarp from Earthspark. She's been on the backburner since I've already got the mold a few times. Really like her colors though, so she was eventually getting purchased. I also picked up a book of older Japanese ghost stories and some cute monster book marks. Not to mention some great Star Wars back to school items. I may not be a student, but prefer cool stationary for my needs. I also bought a plush SEGA Genesis. They made it, and I own it.
We did some Code Orange work. Many places that usually start early haven't really gotten into grove yet in our area. That's to be expected. It's dependent on summer stuff selling out first and some places are faster than others. At Home did have some stuff. We got a skeleton door mat and an adorable spider. They haven't stocked skeletons yet and my tradition of buying a $1 plastic skeleton hasn't been fulfilled yet. This year they have colored ones. That's important. I also buy a few skeleton animals. From what I've seen, there's a raptor one that I'll definitely be getting. At Home also has some cute monster characters this year. There's a vampire with candy corn fangs and a witch riding a lollipop that I'll be getting when stocked. So far the more vintage Halloween decor of the past few years looks to have been replaced with a rustic style. Oh well, trends end and I liked the vintage stuff. The rustic style is very traditional and fitting, so I'm not complaining.
Thanks to all of you for reading Zone Base. Clearly Beast Summer has been a success and it's due to all you awesome people. I plan to record a new episode of Transform Squadron today. Hopefully it will be out this week for your listening pleasure. Please, if you could, please share posts with your friends. We're a grass roots site here at Zone Base and I live enjoying my hobbies with others. Now let's get this new week started!
I'm just now getting around to talking about this even though it was announced a few days ago. Partially because I was holding out for more info before I started talking about it. SEGA announced the Mega Drive Mini 2, following up the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini in 2019. It's not just in name either. A whole new line up of games including SEGA CD titles and the console is based on the Mega Drive/Genesis 2 version. This is super cool, I had assumed the Mini was a one and done type of deal. There's even a Mega Drive 2 CD add on kit as well! Right now they've only announced a Japanese release date, the more info I was hoping for would be a US release. Which thankfully was announced a few days ago as well, but I had initially missed.
The weekend is over and it's time for a new week here on Planet Zone! This one flew by a little faster than I expected but still had a good time. Most of the weekend was spent helping the Mrs find Squishmallows. Between hitting up a Kroger Saturday that had recently gotten a bunch to going to a few Five Below's for their most recent event. Over the course of the weekend I got some neat stuff too. The Kroger did turn up some interesting Transformers bootlegs for $2 each. They had upscaled Legend class Hot Shots and what I initially thought was Cyberjets. I grabbed an orange Cyberjet and realized shortly after it was an odd Robotech bootleg. Pretty random for a grocery store bootleg robot.
The Legacy Arcee I got last weekend was missing some stuff, so it got returned. Target had gotten some new Core Class figures, but only has Iguanus left. Fortunately that's the one I wanted most. They had a good bit of stuff, but it was stuff I already had. Hopefully I can get another Arcee soon... as well as more Legacy stuff. We checked Walmart afterwards and same story. Well stocked, but stuff I already have. I skipped getting a retro Megazord this week, but still plan on getting them all. I did get the 'Power of Grayskull' He-Man from the Netflix show. Been wanting that one, I love translucent figures. They had Man-E-Faces as well, but I'll grab him later. Out of Million Warriors, but I figure those are selling fast. Perfect thing for an Easter Basket.
Sunday was that Five Below event and we hit up a few to find ones she was after. There's new stackable Squishmallows and they're well sought after. I got some cool Bakugan (individual names are escaping me at the moment) and may make a point to complete the Mystic Pack set I see at Five Below. It's a good looking set, and I have a few already. They're just the right price there, but I do have some more expensive ones that have a lot of cool extras. Really glad I fell down this rabit hole. It's been a lot of fun.
While between Five Belows, we stopped at a Dollar Tree. Easter is next weekend and we grabbed some inexpensive stuff to make Easter Baskets for our nieces. While there I got the new versions of the Transformers bag clip figures. Initially I thought they were the same as before, but they're noticeably smaller and the sculpts look a little different. That could just be me, but they're cheap enough to not worry about an extra set. The ongoing hunt for new Final Faction figures finally came up with some figures. There's still plenty of new stuff to find, but I at least got Riptide and Amari. It's a discount line at a time where there's various issues keeping stores stocked. Just gotta be patient. Who'd have thought a discount line would be this cool? Oh yeah, me. I've been praising it since it first hit. Real ones know.
It's fun getting new figures each week and with so much new stuff hitting, it's exciting to find it as it hits. I still haven't found the new Studio Series Soundwave yet. I'd joke that I'll see Elvis first... but I already did in 2004. I've got a fun week planned for you all. Thanks for reading Zone Base and your continued support. I know it's spring time and most of you want to get out there and have some fun. So it means alot that you're still taking the time to read my nonsense. There's a new episode of Transform Squadron coming soon (I promise) that I hope you all enjoy. As always, don't forget to share with your friends!
Vice: Project Doom (known in Japan as Gun-Dec) is an interesting game that's often looked over these days. You play Detective Hart who finds himself investigating the B.E.D.A Corporation, a company that develops electronic and military equipment. Turns out, B.E.D.A is actually ran by a secret alien race and the company also produces a product called 'Gel'. 'Gel' is essentially food for the aliens, but sold as illegal drugs underground. For humans it's super addictive, but has some terrible side effects. Along the way, Detective Hart works with associates and his girlfriend during the adventure.
The story is told through multiple cinema segments between levels. They're quite extensive and make me wish for a CD version with animation. Apparently a Genesis version was in the works named Deep Scanner. I want to believe the developers would have taken advantage of the more powerful system and perhaps those cinemas would have been more impressive. However, as a NES game, they're pretty good. The game is an action platformer, with driving and shooting stages. It's pretty fun, though can get frustrating. Fortunately there's unlimited continues.
The funny thing about old video games is that there's a ton of them that you've never played. Saint Sword is a recent discovery of mine that I really regret missing out on back in the Genesis's glory days. The game takes place in ancient Greece mythology with you playing as the Titan Macress. The demoness Gorgon is trying to take over the world and you must stop her. She's either a demon named Gorgon or a Gorgon being described as a demon. That parts never really clear, but part of the charm of these older fictional settings. It's a hack n' slash action platformer with simple controls. Action platform games somehow always play good on the Genesis/Mega Drive and Saint Sword is no exception. While Macress feels a little slow, it's fun guiding him through his adventure.
As you could expect in a setting like this, you'll be fighting several monsters. The designs are pretty creative and some of the bosses are really far out. It's a Taito game, so you can expect creativity in the character designs. Macress gains abilities as he kills enemies. This includes wings and becoming a centaur or merman. It's a shame Saint Sword isn't more well known. I'd have loved to own a cartridge of it back in 1991 when it was first released and a shame it took 30 years for me to discover it. A neat game that's still fun to play with good graphics and music. I'd recommend giving it a go if you haven't already.
It's been 30 years and I'm still not over Batmania. To this day, it's still my favorite era of Batman. One of the best flavors of it's time was the 8 and 16 bit video games. I love a good action platformer and they certainly were. The doom and gloom of the Tim Burton movies matched up with the game play to create something special. I still enjoy going through the motions and playing them. Jump, punch, and throw a dirk at one of Joker's gang.
It's a new week and the start of the Christmas season here on Planet Zone! It's also back to a normal work week after the long holiday break. I've always seen the Thanksgiving break as a mid- year vacation and honestly this one was a pretty good one. Between the holiday shopping, taking in the Christmas sights, and some quality time at home. I enjoyed the holiday a lot. Now that it's Christmas time I'm also under the official 'don't buy anything until after Christmas' order. So for toy posts during the next month, we're going through the back log from the time I was getting sick to just too busy to open. There's quite a bit. My Draculus did come in Sunday, so happy to finally have him! Also now that it's Christmas time, we're going to celebrate the holiday here on Zone Base! It's not the same as Halloween time, but it's going to get pretty weird here on the site over the next few weeks. Between weird, cursed, and charming (I do like the holiday you know) we're going to have a good time with Saint Nick. He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good. So share with your friends for goodness sake!
If I had my way, Zone Base would be made on a Mega Drive PC. Like... if there was an add on kit for the Genesis Mini to make it a functioning Mega Drive PC Mini, we'd be there right now. Instead I'm driving around thinking about what could be with tears in my eyes. There truly is no easy way out, nor a shortcut home.
It's easy to forget how different the home computing world was in the 80's and 90's. Personal computers weren't as standardized yet leading to households having a variety of options by Atari, Commodore, and other companies. It wasn't uncommon for game console makers to offer their machine as a home computer on it's own.
At the time, it wasn't a terrible idea. Most home computing revolved around word processing, spreadsheets, random software for various tasks, and of course games. The internet was a lot more limited than it is now and even what it was by the end of the 90's. The Mega Modem was a reasonable solution for online needs at the time, even if it was a bit slow for some things. A lot of time has passed since then and they way we compute is way different now. But man, there's a certain charm to those old micro computers that just can't be replicated.
Nothing better than getting a new game console for Christmas and spending the rest of the day trying it out. Honestly if I was the kid in this commercial, I'd wonder how the entire neighborhood knew. Was he live streaming or something?
If I were him... I'd probably lose patience pretty quick. First off, it's Christmas. Go home. Eat some ham. Second... I'M TRYING TO PLAY STREETS OF RAGE, STOP KNOCKING ON MY DOOR.
If it wasn't completely obvious by my off schedule posting from yesterday, I had a bit of a schedule interruption. Which lead to me not working Tuesday night. Which lead to me watching a bunch of Sega videos on YouTube. So basically I did the best thing possible on all accounts. Which leads to the video above. I've said 'which leads to' a million times. For awhile, video game companies released these promotional videos for new products. It was pretty cool, I still got a few from Nintendo and Turbo Technologies somewhere. I now it may sound completely ridiculous in today's world of video available all the time, but at the time it was pretty magic to get one of these tapes in the mail.
Obviously I'm a pretty big fan of Sega and their systems. I've always just really dug them, you know? The Genesis/Mega Drive holds a special place in my heart and the fact that I can easily swing by Target and grab a Genesis Mini or an At Games Genesis even today is pretty great. People often marvel that the 2600 was on shelves for as long as it was without noticing that the Genesis/Mega Drive has been for sale since 1989. That's pretty amazing.
Of course that's not ignoring the bumps in the road and for awhile there Sega seemed to hit every single one of them. I can play 'what could have been' as much as I want and things still went the way they did. I could armchair quarterback how things could have worked better 'only if', but it's not like I know better. I can just say, man I wish things would have worked out better for the 32X and the Sega CD. I liked those.
