SEGA Genesis Supervillain Bundle (Part 2) [Console Heroes / SEGA Genesis

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.

SEGA GENESIS w/Sonic The Hedgehog (Part 1) [Console Heroes/SEGA Genesis]

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!

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 [Console Heroes/SEGA Genesis]

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.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 [Console Heroes/SEGA Genesis]

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?

Weekly Update 4/1/24

Empire of Old weekend was quite the adventure. I've made my thoughts on the movies known in the past two posts, but my birthday and Easter were pretty great! The Mrs absolutely spoiled me on my birthday as did my Mother and Brother. I got all sorts of toys and cool stuff. Too much to list here. Ate some great food, probably too much... but I'll get back on the wagon Monday. Just had a cheat weekend instead of a weekly cheat day. It was a special occasion! Well, I'll keep this weeks update short and thank all of you for reading Zone Base! There's a fun week of content coming for your eyeballs. Please don't forget to share the site with your friends, and Mutual High Fives all around!

Weekly Update- 12/12/22

The weekend is over, but at least a new week on Planet Zone is here! Yeah, I don't blame you. I'd like more weekend too. I spent mine with the Mrs showing my mother a good time for her birthday. We went looking at Christmas lights and generally enjoyed life. I didn't really get myself anything as usual during the Christmas season, but did grab a Jurrasic World mini and Sonic the Hedgehog figurine. I on and off buy the minis. They're a lot of fun, and buy the occasional inexpensive video game figures Jazwares makes. They're a great little representation of the characters I love without costing very much money. That's important this time of the year.

It's Christmas, so I got to have the occasional clarification of Transformers and other robots. The Mrs and the mother tolerate my hobbies, but it can be confusing for people outside of the robot world. Next weekend will be spent doing one more massive shopping trip before the big day. We're going to be exhausted, but the madness is all part of the fun I suppose. Speaking of fun, I've got a fun week in store for you readers. Hopefully the new episode of Transform Squadron will get posted this week for your listening pleasure as well. If you could, would you mind sharing the site with your friends? This isn't one of those big mega sites bankrolled by the big companies, just a labor of love by a crazy fan. It's all I ask that others help spread the word. Thank you for supporting Zone Base. It's super awesome that you do.

Lame Club

When I was in middle school, a few friends and I had a LCD handheld gaming circle going on. Before I go any further, I'll remind you of just how cool I am. That would be not at all, you've read this site before right? While they were far cheaper than a Gameboy (which we'd all get later), the little things were still just pricey enough to not get a new one often. Swapping them with each other over a weekend worked out pretty well.

I'll let you borrow my TMNT 2 this weekend if I can borrow your Double Dragon. Hey, I got Terminator if you wanna play it and I can play your Sonic. That sort of thing. Nobody wanted to play anybody else's Radio Shack games.

Of course as I noted just above, we all eventually got Gameboys and left LCD games behind. Lately I've been watching old commercials for these games. A little nostalgia kicking in mixed with appreciating the things that made them fun I guess. Ever have those moments when the world works in tandem with exactly what you were thinking? Weird huh? Hasbro announced plans to reissue several Tiger Handhelds soon. That's pretty dang cool. I'll definitely get the Transformers one. I don't think I ever saw it at any stores when it was initially out. I might get some of the others. Admittedly I'll be doing this for the novelty of getting them again more than anything else. I've certainly moved past the game play style they offered, but not past appreciating them.

Sonic Claymation

Monday's are an odd day for me. Working at night usually means I'm free all Monday before going to work (aside from a nap). Usually I spend a lot of time uploading toy pics to Instagram if not running odd errands. Or both. Those Instagram days are usually have YouTube or Tubi running in the background while I arrange toys on my TV tray. One of my favorite things to watch is compilations of old commercials. Probably not a surprise to any of you, but I absolutely love it.

The above commercial is for the original Sonic The Hedgehog game. As you can see, the Japanese commercial featured a cool claymation Sonic dancing around while being cheered on by a crowd. The craftsmanship is pretty dang cool and hard not to like. I've always liked the Noid from Domino's, partially due to the clay animation used to bring him to life. It's not a lost art, but it's certainly not as common in today's world of CGI.