Video Game Saga *

I've noticed a reoccurring thing with reviewers and gamers alike. Often there are scapegoats for the downfall of companies that are misplaced. I often see the same consoles appear on the "Top Ten Worst Game System Ever!!!!" lists. Sure the ones they mention have their issues, but that does not mean the system does not have it's attractions. The most commonly bashed on console that I see is the Sega 32X. I also get a lot of Atari Jaguar hatred and Cd-i disdain on online forums, but those are for other rainy days. I would like to focus on a classic videogame console for the first time and really shed some light on some truth.

In 1994, the so-called "16-bit console war" was raging. By then it had become somewhat clear that the Super Nintendo Entertainment System was winning in terms of sales. The opinionated part comes in on who won by library. Sega was already at work with their successor to the Genesis, it was called the Saturn. I will not bother by rambling on about the Saturn since that is not the highlight of this article. 

The Sega 32X was an ambitious project, and frankly it got a lot of flack it did not deserve. I do agree that the 32X is not the most attractive piece of plastic to mount on top of the Genesis, but come on folks.... the model 1 Genesis is really not the most attractive piece of hardware to show off either. The 32X is a peculiar unit that is often likened to a mushroom in appearance. I describe it as an interior designer's off day. Before I move on with a look at the software, I will add that YES it is a mess to hook up, and I blame Sega for not thinking about the day and age the console was designed in.

The software is where the division starts. Some like the games, some don't- well actually most don't. I for one like the software. Do not get me wrong, I don't spend hours a day lying on the couch playing Mortal Kombat II on the 32X. To be truthfully I like to play the games to see what "pluses" they offer over their counterparts. Allow me to shoot down a myth...

"The 32X improves nothing!11!!11!"

Perhaps that is also opinion, and I cannot argue with it since it is not fact. Look at the technical side of things folks. Go play the Genesis version of Mortal Kombat II, then play the 32X version. The animations, and visuals are much more vivid. The soundtracks really did not improve, but the sound affects did. The voices almost sound like they are being whispered into your ears. Even the SNES would rarely do that.

Sega Genesis version                                                         Sega 32X version

Another game I will look at is Kolibri. An original game, most definitely. The pastel colors used were clearly not present on ANY Genesis game, and looked a few leagues ahead of the SNES. The music is a prime example of what the 32X could offer at the time. Just listen to the main theme song... how often do you here a symphonic soundtrack on a Genesis that does not sound like it came from a techno song? 

Finally I'll look at Doom. I am an avid fan of the original Doom, and the 32X version is the worst in my eyes. Wait a minute! I still like this version though... even if the soundtrack is exactly what most reviewers make it out to be. I will not give Sega any slack with this one, they rushed it to prove the 32X was not just the Genesis time two. The graphics are still pretty decent, the gameplay is not too much different from the original formula, although it is missing most of the levels.

Other games that I thought were impressive were; Virtua Racing Deluxe, Virtua Fighter, Shadow Squadron (Stellar Assault in Europe), Metal Head, Star Wars, and even though I never played it on home console, Darxide. These showed off some power in the 32X, and clearly represented the new era of 3D polygon graphics.

Do not blame the 32X, or the Sega CD for the downfall of Sega. Not everybody does, but for those who do, realize that only the ones in charge of the company were to blame for the ill fate of the company as a hardware maker. I surely miss them, and I surely wish the 32X would have had a better chance.