I am playing the newest translation patch and they allow you to enable somethings that make it more accessible. More money and exp from every battle means way less grinding.
Definitely the first and second game had you grinding a while in the beginning. In the second game you could somehow quickly recruit Rudo and make early game grind minimal but in PS1 forget it almost obligatory 30 minute grind and not an easy one too you cannot kill every encounter you see immediately at level 1 like you would in Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy.
Finishing Lord of the Sword was one of my proudest gaming moments. I agree! It's so tough! And thanks very much! Maybe one day I'll check out a guide for Wonder Boy in Monster Land but learning it from scratch is not on my list any time soon.
One of the things that really sticks out for me in your review of each of these titles is how diverse they sound, look, and feel as you compare them. I didn’t realize the Master System had such a diverse range of experiences within the RPG and Adventure genres! Thank you again and I’m looking forward to your next video.
So many good experiences to have! And that photo I showed at the end has even more of these kinds of experiences to embark upon... the console's just packed with awesomeness. I hope you'll get to experience some more Sega soon
We had a Commodore 64 in our home, even when I was very little. I was born in 1984 in The Netherlands. I think we bought a Master System around 1990. I think it was about 50/50 here between Master System and NES, but the micro computers were most popular. I had 12 games with it when we upgraded to a Mega Drive a few years later.
@@hungrygoriya Desert Strike, Road Rash, Dragon Crystal, Phantasy Star, Miracle Warriors, Golden Axe Warrior, Sonic, The Ninja, Blackbelt, Choplifter, Populous, Rampart (with two players), Rastan, Fantasy Zone 1&2, Bubble Bobble (with two players), Ninja Gaiden, Wonder Boy the Dragon's Trap, Micro Machines. These might be some of the best I can see right now.
I had Spellcaster. It was also a game that my dad played often. Your thorough review of the game was also how I discovered your channel, and it's nice to know that other people remember the game.
@@hungrygoriya There was a sequel to Spellcaster on the Genesis/Mega Drive called Mystic Defender. But, that game is different because it doesn't have RPG elements. The protagonist's name also changes from Kane to Joe (???).
I grew up playing the master system from the age of 6 my very first console playing Alex the kid, unfortunately it ended up get stolen with all my games too but it was nice to look back, I enjoy the video
13:12 "Who doesn't like using up to jump?!" In Altered Beast for Sega Master System you need to push both Button 1 and Button 2 simultaneously to jump!
I only wish Ultima IV were more balanced. And that the early moral questions of good vs. good were deeper explored. It feels like a tease, and a direction that the videogame industry gave up on too soon. Like it was just easier to write good vs evil or gray vs. gray. But thank you for this review. It's a welcome change to see someone appreciate what it brought to the table.
I feel it did as much as it could with what was available at the time but I hear you... seeing those themes explored more deeply beyond altruism would've been pretty cool. It's a shame more games don't do this kind of thing. I know of a few that exist that I'm looking forward to down the line but I'm really grateful this was a cornerstone for that kind of gameplay.
I couldn't agree more with this statement. In modern open world games, if you do bad deeds in Skyrim for example, like go on a killing spree or stealing from shops, it doesn't have any impact on your actual ability to win the game. Whereas with some of the Ultima titles, such as Ultima IV, if you did these things, then you would lose karma, making it much more difficult to even beat the game. As a result, a game such as Ultima IV has the ability to teach us good morals, whereas modern games are essentially teaching us that we can do whatever the f* we want, as long as the big bad boss at the end is killed. Video games should be setting examples, moral examples for society, and instead modern games are doing the exact opposite. What's even more funny, since I grew up playing moral based games like the Ultima series, I am always super paranoid at either killing NPCs or stealing in any modern open world game.
I added this video to my favorites list on You Tube. I've been stocking up on RPG games for the Genesis and Master System to play in-between Construction Jobs. I've got the Power Base Adapter (Master System attachment for playing Master System games on the Genesis), Genesis, CD and 32X. I've been adding RPG's from those systems to my collection. Your videos are very useful and helpful for that.
Wow thanks so much! I'm glad you're finding them useful. There's a photo at the end that shows some other games I also played or haven't gotten to yet that weren't part of the initial purchase of 11 I focused on. The one with no label is Quartet.
That Space Harrier music at the end is some of the best music i've ever heard in a video game. It always playes through my head like the Sonic music, and unfortunately Super Mario bros and Super Mario World lol. I played all of the games you listed here except for Ultima and Dragon Crystals. Thanks for the nostalgia!
That's one of the catchiest Sega Master System tunes out there! Ultima IV's a great port, and Dragon Crystal's pretty good too, if not a little frustrating. It's got that addictive gameplay though!
When I was a kid in the 80s my friend down the street had The Master System, or The Sega as we used to call it. I had the NES so we both got to experience both systems. I didn't realize until I was in high school how rare that was. I remember my friend's dad got Phantasy Star. It was a little much for us and as I recall that particular game was expensive compared to other games at the time so we'd just watch him play but I remember vividly my friend and I playing a ton of the Master System version of Double Dragon, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and Shinobi. He moved away in the early 90s and I never saw one until I got mine I believe also in 2016. Saw it in a local retro gaming store in my area and bought it immediately. Only have a handful of games like you do but I have to admit to being surprised at how much I enjoyed at least half of them and how well they've held up. I've got: YS The Vanished Omen (I agree with not stating with this one. I'd suggest YS Chronicles 1 and 2 on Steam. This one is for fans who want to see where it started), Rastan, Master of Darkness, Ghouls N Ghosts, The Flash (this one is atrocious but I'm a huge 90s tv The Flash fan), Hang On/Safari Hunt, and Ghost House. The two I really want to add to my collection are Phantasy Star and the Master System version of Ninja Gaiden. But the Master System is and always has been extremely underrated and has a lot of great exclusives still on it that haven't been ported to anything else.
I've spoken with lots of folks here over the years about their childhood experiences with the Master System, and a lot of them seem to involve Phantasy Star in some capcity... that's awesome! I'm glad that it ignited a love within you that hasn't burned out yet. There's so much to experience on the system, and your collection has some awesome games!
If you lived in Brazil in the 90s, you'd see a SEGA Master System in virtually every household. I got to see an actual NES only after growing up, I became interested in it by messing around with emulation and it's also got a place in my heart (not huge a chunk as SEGA Master System does 😆). The SMS was everywhere and sold millions of units here.
absolutely LOVE your choice of music at the start there with the music to Psychic world, round 5. Psychic world is one of my absolute favorites so it was a pleasant surprise to hear it
I love those! I've bought a lot of SMS games used over the years, and clearly people really liked those posters as much as you! They were kept and preserved nicely inside the cases.
I remember my neighbour in the trailer park I lived in, in Gregoire in Fort McMurray, Alberta had one. Reese was his name. Wasn't really friends with him, he was a bit of an asshole, but at 8 years old and seeing the Master System only ever having played the Genesis I was mind blown. And he had a Card... that played like super choppy video, but it just blew my mind that a game console could do that. I didn't realize we had things like the 3DO and what not out by that time, but still, it was just nutso.
I can name a few jerk neighbours I knew growing up who had cool video game systems I played with them, haha... glad you got to experience it back then!
For those of us who grew up with the Mighty Master System, there is a special place in our hearts for that sound chip, it is a happy & easily recognisable sound. PS, I picked up a cartridge from China six months ago called "Master System" it is a Chinese everdrive type clone with just about every game available from Europe /Japan /USA & Brazil all on one cartridge (think I paid £30) finished off my collection nicely. Nice video 👍
The sound of the Master System is really distinct, I agree! And congratulations on finishing your collection. I'm sure there's some great stuff on that cart!
If I recall correctly the giga chads over at Brazil were still producing a mega system 3(some kind of emulation system that plays most MS games) up until 2012, more then 20 years after the master system was dead everywhere else. But yeah I think the early system up until gamecube will always be remembered fondly. As for PS3 and up era I do not think people will have much nostalgia for them.
What a fantastic video! Just thinking about all the new Master System converts stumbling across this video and having it set them well off on their way is so exciting
Super nice video HG, I like the emphasis on boxes, manuals, catalogues, this is what collecting is about. And I truly love some SMS rpg appreciation, keep it up!
So glad I discovered your channel! I grew up with a Master System and still learning lots about games I missed out on that need to be played. Dragons Trap and Kensiden are my favorites while Phantasy Star and Golden Axe Warrior are at the top of my to play list.
Nice to have you here! I've definitely enjoyed quite a lot of great Master System games over the years. RPGs and Adventure games are my favourites but I'm sure I still have lots more left to enjoy. Psychic World's a great platformer if you're into that!
@@hungrygoriya Actually platformers are my guilty pleasure, I just watched your Psychic World's video and it looks like its right up my alley. You seem pretty knowledgeable but I would suggest checking out Equinox if you haven't yet. It's a isometric adventure puzzle game the sequel to Solstice and rocks an amazing atmospheric soundtrack.
@@Am_Brew Ohhhh yes, Equinox is on my list of things to play soon! I just finished up Landstalker recently so I was taking a little break from isometric stuff, but when I have a hankering again, that's up next!
I had no idea the Master System was a thing until about 5 or 6 years ago when I found the book Sega Master System Encyclopedia. Its been fun learning about a whole console worth of games I never played.
The switch sega ages version of wonder boy 2 adds a setting where you still restart when you die, but you get to keep your gear. It made it a lot more fun for me.
This was the first console my family owned when i was a child. We got it just before the Genesis launched. I used to have a friend named Billy Caldwell, and he introduced me to so much on that system. Phantasy Star was my first RPG.. god.. i miss those times..
Imagine being an Italian 7 years old boy and trying to play Miracle Warriors, my first JRPG ever… never finished it, but it stills holds a special place in my heart. And its soundtrack… ❤ Too bad nowadays finding a copy in good state with the map included is 180€ at least…
The cost of collecting is ridiculous these days. I haven't bought new games in a long time. I'm glad you got to spend some time with Miracle Warriors as a kid!
Thank you! I tried a bunch of new things with the transitions and I have a newfound appreciation for people who do camera stuff in every video. It was a ton of work to set up!
Fun fact: You can get all the Ultima games for pretty cheap in a compatible format on GOG (Good Old Games) fairly affordably. They are complete with all the side materials you could need in PDF format to boot. Play it using a multi monitor format or even printing out all the materials and you'll have quite the experience. Also if you are curious there are NES versions of a handful of this series to boot.
I think Ultima IV's actually free! And I have Ultima 3 and 4 on NES, but haven't tracked down the 5th yet. I did enjoy Ultima 5 from GOG. It worked great but I patched some music in.
@@hungrygoriya last I checked it isn't free but it's cheap enough that it might as well be. Point is it's not hard to get ahold of all those old games. And I say that having a copy of the PC collection from the late 90s back before Origin Systems got bought up by EA. Particularly the Collection of the first 8 games that was released when they came out with Ultima 9 which was the end of the original series before Ultima Online came out. I also would be doing no one any favors I'd I didn't mention the more recently released MMO by Richard "Lord British" Garriot that's the spiritual successor to his original series call Shroud of the Avatar. It's not the greatest experience out there but it does give you plenty of free to play options that cater to that gameplay mindset. Like letting you talk to NPCs in a similar way to how you would on the old series.
Great presentation in this video, especially the transitions. It felt like an exploration of the library complete with cartridge swapping. Thank you for the effort to make this feel more intimate and genuine to the experience of sharing games with a friend.
@@hungrygoriya You did really well, some great techniques in there. I haven't really binged your channel, I take it more slowly with one here or there, but there is a nice progression and you bring a creativity that is lost with all the quick cuts most videos have. There seems to be a tendency to either cram as much in as quickly as possible, or to overly exposit on each and every segment. You took a middle road, discussing the right amount for each game, and then giving us a transition so we can digest before moving on to the next game. It's really good work.
I think I've said something to this effect before, but Master System is a whole world of games I totally missed, and I have enjoyed your reviews of each of these, I've discovered a lot of games I'd never even heard of. Thankfully, Sega included Golden Axe Warrior and Phantasy Star 1 in several of the Genesis collections as unlockable bonus games, but I hope more of these get rereleases in the future. Also, Golden Axe Warrior being buried under a bunch of Zelda boxes gave me a good laugh
I appreciate that! I was excited to tell this little origin story now that these 11 games have come and gone in my life so while it felt like a rehash of things I've already said and done before, I also hope to reach people with all these games in one convenient place and maybe light some fires in others too :) And I'm very grateful for the re-releases of some of these in different ways over the years. I think if I replay Phantasy Star, I might try the Sega Ages version instead with the automapping. The Zelda pile was my spouse's idea so I'll let him know you had a laugh at that! I like how that shot turned out too :)
@@hungrygoriya I actually have the Sega Ages version of Phantasy Star, and it is far and away my favorite way to play the game. The automap makes a big difference xD
I've only known of people that finished the Game Gear version... I have yet to meet someone that finished the Master System version of Dragon Crystal. I wonder if we know the same person, haha
Great video. My intro to the Master System was by way of Phantasy Star and Sagaia I believe. Er ... any possibility of seeing a video on Rastan anytime soon? :D
I played Ys, ultima, phantasy star, lord of the sword, golvelllius, both wonder boys and miracle warriors. And I’m glad I owned the sms when it came out instead of the nes. Canadian as well btw 👍. Loving all the retro vids👍
Oh nice! It would've been awesome to have played all those as a younger person, but I'm glad you got to have that experience! Thanks about the videos! I'm working on something new as we speak so hopefully I'll have another video coming in the next week or so.
Master System was my first console, but when I had it, the console was already quite old by that point and I was very young. English isn't also my native language, so playing games like these were out of question as a little kid haha. I do feel like going back and trying some of these titles though. While I didn't play any of the games you mentioned, it still feels very nostalgic seeing them. Brings back a bit of my childhood, I guess.
I think I'd feel the same way too if I were you... there's something nostalgic in the sights and sounds of games from a console you've played, even if you've never played the games themselves. If you have a better handle on English these days, I think you'd enjoy any of the games mentioned here. Have fun if you decide to play any!
I know one person personally that had one growing up because she was describing what I thought was Duck Hunt one day, but she actually meant Safari Hunt! So wild!
I grew up on Sega Master System RPGs. My parents always bought us the second-tier consoles secondhand when I was a kid cuz they were cheaper than the mainstream consoles, and one day my dad found an SMS for sale in the classifieds that included a collection of over twenty games. Turned out that the owner was a bit of an RPG buff, and it came with Phantasy Star, Ys, Golvellius, Miracle Warriors, Spellcaster, and Wonder Boy: the Dragons' Trap. My previous console was the horribly outdated 2600, so needless to say it blew my mind to discover the RPG genre and to realize that video games could have that much complexity, narrative, and immersion.
@@hungrygoriya Thanks! No, unfortunately I haven't had any of this stuff in years. Over the years we progressed from a 2600 to an SMS to a TurboGrafx 16 to a Genesis, and we'd always sell our console with all its games as a bundle in the classifieds in order to finance the purchase of the next console. Yeah though, I remember being so excited for the SMS that it literally felt too good to be true. It was staggering to go from the single-screen score-based games of the Atari 2600 to the Master System's games that had actual endings and narratives. I'd been so hungry for those sorts of games when I was still gaming on my outdated 2600, I went out of my way to seek out all the games for that console that had more modern game structures - including the crappy 2600 conversion of Double Dragon, just cuz it blew my mind to play through a game with actual varied levels and an ending.
@@steve9094 Awwww yeah, I can understand parting ways with the older stuff to get your hands on newer stuff. I know a lot of people that did that too. It's really cool that you had the chance to start with the 2600 and expand into games on later consoles with those stories and characters. I think I'd appreciate games a lot differently if I'd had a similar experience, but I started out with NES and also a little bit of VIC20 for more of an "arcade" experience. I'm jealous!
Miracle Warriors definitely has my heart still, even after all these years. It was my first Master System game and I still think about it a lot! Golvellius probably has one of the best soundtracks on the system. It's so good!
Thanks for the master system love HG. A lot of gems here that did not get the attention they deserved in North America. I’m glad you played and enjoyed them.
@@hungrygoriya Me too. So bright, and it's before the 16 bit era where things can get muddied with too many colors. It's the goldilocks zone for me, just right!
i never owned a SMS growing up, but a had a chance to play wonder boy 3 the dragon's trap from a friend who had a SMS. for some reason everyone i knew in the early 90s had a SMS, while i was being raised by an NES.
I like the transitions with the covers and cartridges and such. Just started to watch your channel, and I think you have a nice way to cram in vital details into your short reviews. Donald Duck and Asterix on the Master System were two very thought out reviews as I have completed both multiple times and know that you hit on the important notes. Good to be able to see eye to eye with a reviewer, so I maybe can find new games. I hope you can come back to both the Donald and Asterix sequels on the SMS in future episodes.
Thanks so much for checking out the channel here! I do my best to try to really give every game a chance and then come at my reviews from the perspective of a first-timer in many cases. I'm glad you're enjoying that review style!
Watching your channel has totally sold me on the master system. In Pennsylvania in the states I never saw one in person growing up but one video rental place had games for it. And I always loved the game gear's graphics but the rate at which it ate batteries made it impractical. Of course it would be way better if it plugged into the wall!
I know I had an adaptor for my Game Boy that let me skip the batteries, so that was nice! And glad to hear you're coming aboard the Master System train. I hope you enjoy the ride!
Love your channel! I played all these games back then except lord of the sword and Phantasy star (cause the last was always rented out in the late 80's). Govellius is still a fun replay game even now! Map drawing was a must though! YS has ear suffering intro music. Wonderboy III was one my favorites, but Golden axe is cool zelda clone, Miracle warriors was very different but fun.
I finally started spellcaster so I had to watch this. I haven't started Ultima IV yet but one day. Nice quick rundown of some of the must play titles for the Master Sytem. Something for everyone to enjoy in this list. Nicely done.
Hooray. I had to clean up my kitchen before the ceiling repair people come. This is a great thing to watch while I do it! Also I had a Toronto friend who had a master system as a kid. I always thought that was so weird.
Hope your ceiling's in better shape now... thanks for taking the time. I currently know one person that had one growing up and it's my friend's wife. She was also from around that area too... maybe they had better ads there or something.
@@hungrygoriya You know it! :) I always enjoy what you do! Things are starting to calm down on my end so I'll be visiting streams in the not-so-distant future
Dragon Crystal, looks like a title on the Sega Genesis. Right down to the rouge like dungeons and the monsters you fight. I think it was called Fatal Labyrinth.
I had most of these games as a kid (apart from Dragon Crystal and Ultima) and it's only really Phantasy Star and Wonderboy in Monsterland I regularly return to today, with the latter probably being my most favourite game on the system. Thank again for another lovely video.
You're very welcome! I'm curious about how you would recommend playing Wonder Boy in Monster Land because I find it so frustrating. I keep getting stuck at the Sphinx fight and dying, but I know you can buy a hint to learn the answer to his question... I want to like that game.
@@hungrygoriya I know the sphinx is somewhat of difficulty spike but he's a lot easier to beat in a fight with the mobility-enhancing Ceramic or Legendary boots - both of which can be attainable by that point. Alternatively, you can also have built up a nice stock of fireballs with which you can use to damage him effectively at a distance. As far as a general strategy.. finding hidden cash (and other ways to maximise it is important. There are a couple of bosses you can fight (and win cash from) twice, and similar tricks which are legit (i.e. not glitches). Killing enemies as they re-materialise won't get you more money but it will score you a lot more points to build up your extra life hearts a lot sooner - so don't run from easy kills. Some of the more 'magical' enemies (such as bubble blowing crabs) can drop magic, revival potions and even armour you've yet to buy so killing them more than once is recommended. Personally, the first items I get are the cloth boots and then ceramic boots. Then, next, I ensure I'll have 150G for the armour in the secret shop in the castle (near the conveyor belt). Once those goals are met I know I'm nicely set for the remainder of the game.
@@Fattydeposit I literally just made notes on your post here... thanks so much for all the tips. I think these will be extremely helpful next time I play!
Truly a console I have not given enough time. If anything I really should pick one up for that spin on Golden Axe! Thanks for sharing a piece of your world with us!
Totally! I think you'd enjoy Golden Axe Warrior... it'll be finding it at a reasonable price that'll be the trouble these days. Retro collecting's out of control price-wise with the pandemic.
Sega had a considerably smaller RPG/adventure game library than Nintendo (especially in Japan), but what is there is usually still quite good. For the Genesis, I have to say that my favourite RPGs were mostly Western-style RPGs (Pirates Gold, Starflight, Shadowrun). I liked King Colossus (a JP action RPG) and Phantasy Star IV otherwise, but also - the Shining Force/Langrisser games, if they count. :) For SMS - easy, Phantasy Star 1 and Wonder Boy III, if we count it as well. I think we kinda have to stretch the category for SMS, because there are very, very few turn-based/action RPGs, most are in very different categories. I grew up mostly with PC games/NES, and later some newer consoles, so I didn't know much about Sega's library (except for the Mega Drive), but I find it to be quite solid, if perhaps lacking in numbers.
I agree with you completely! I have yet to play a lot of Sega RPGs (I've really only played Phantasy Star 2/4 and Shining in the Darkness so far) but I've heard so many good things about some of the other games you've mentioned here. I was tempted to just call this video "Master System RPGs" but for the exact reason you mentioned, I threw Adventure Games in there too... lots of them have RPG elements at least.
Thanks very much! I definitely tried to kick up the effort in this one since it was a meaningful video too. I'm glad it worked out :) Any favourites from the bunch?
Great video, Hungry! Your script, as always, is impeccable. And I specifically liked the transition segments between the games, especially the Golden Axe Warrior one, lol. Of the games you presented, RPG's aren't my favorite, but I recently completed the modern Dragon's Trap remake and I greatly look forward to playing through Golden Axe Warrior. Thanks for the great content and take care!
Awww thanks :) I had a great time working out some camera stuff since I had never tried anything like that before. It was a lot more work to set up shots, but I have a greater appreciation for people who do that kind of thing regularly in their videos. I think I'll try to incorporate more going forward too! And Golden Axe Warrior's great! The only thing that's hard to get used to is not being on a grid like in Zelda 1, so it makes it a bit tricky to line up your hits. It's just muscle memory though. I hope you have fun when you get around to it!
Golvellius is my favorite game on the MS, I like it more then even the big classic hitters like Wonderboy 3, Phantasy Star and Alex Kidd. Fantastic game, pro tip for people playing it the first time : Do not get the shield upgrade until later in the game, buy the first sword then stay with no shield until next upgrade becomes available then go back to buy the first shield and immediately buy the next shield. This may sounds complicated and stupid but hear me out : The map theme changes everytime you upgrade and the second map theme (1 upgrade only) is one of the very best theme on the system. I spent most of my time in world 3 and 4 ( Marsh and Ocean) and most likely it will be your case too soo you will hear a lot of the shitty third theme if you actually buy the shield early. Second theme and last theme is where it is at!
That picture 2016 eBay purchase, 7 of those I had or at least played! Some really good games and I wish I could get them again somehow. I mean I can emulate them, but it would be nice to have them again, especially Phantasy Star. Golvellius and the Wonder Boy games! Those are also the ones, + YS, that I finished :) I agree about the overworld theme in YS too, still a favorite!
Glad to know someone who has also played some of these awesome titles! The collecting scene's pretty hairy right now, but hopefully one of these days you'll be able to find these games again. Did you know that Phantasy Star got a Sega Ages release on the Switch? It has automapping and some other cool changes. If you can't find the original thing at the moment, that's a neat way to play it.
Wonder Boy in MonsterLand (Wonder Boy 2) is my favorite 8-bit game out there while Golden Axe Warrior is the best Zelda-like RPG I've played. I'm a fan of both the NES and SMS but some Master System games were near 16-bit quality like Wonder Boy 3.
I wish I would've clicked more with Wonder Boy in Monster Land. I'd like to try to finish it someday! I definitely have a soft spot for Wonder Boy 3 and Golden Axe Warrior. They're definitely my favourites on the system.
@@hungrygoriya I noticed WB2 didn't get high praise in the video but to each his/her own😄 But it's a great series. I thought Sega should of made WB the face of Sega before Sonic but they went with Alex Kidd instead
I discovered your channel last week or so while looking up videos on Zelda 1's second quest (were you watching one of my Twitch streams of me playing that or was that a different hungry goriya?), and have been binging you ever since. Just wanted to say that I greatly appreciate your content, and I especially salute you for your coverage of the Master System, which I'd say is one of my most beloved consoles even though I didn't grow up with one. Your Manual Gaming series, too. Instruction manuals are such an overlooked medium in this age of forced tutorials and people who'd rather go into a game blind than to read. Here's hoping for plenty more of both, though it goes without saying that I love the rest of your content, too. Thank you for your passionate and in-depth coverage of the parts of retro gaming that would otherwise go largely unnoticed.
With the well-timed Grumble Grumble entrance? Totally me! Fancy meeting you here too! And thanks so much for the kind words. I've been playing games forever and the Master System was a dream come true for someone like me that is comfortably nestled into that 8-bit rhythm more than other generations of games. I can't wait to keep highlighting the system here as I continue to discover more for myself.
@@hungrygoriya Oh man, so it really was you? Tiny-ass world we live in, that's for sure. I finally beat the second quest a few weeks back after lots of anguish, and I'm never gonna touch it again lmao. And honestly, the Master System and its library really do have a certain magic to them. The square wave music in particular never fails to instill a strong feeling of nostalgia in me. I wasn't kidding when I called it overlooked, though; you're probably the first person I met who shares my passion for it.
@@popfan95b Haha yep, retro's pretty small for sure! And congrats on making it through! You looked like you were well on your way when I dropped in so it's great to see that you pulled it off! I've met quite a few folks over the years that love the Master System as much as or more than me on Twitch (and CZcams as well) and it's fostered quite a few nice friendships. Sirhcman, Owazrim and MightyQDawg are a few folks you might check out here and on Twitch as well. They're all very friendly and love talking Master System. It's always great to meet another fan!
If you want the feel of a classic PC gaming franchise on a console, try Buck Roger's for the Genesis. It plays just like all the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons games by SSI for the PC
It's always great to add more games to my backlog :) Happily there are ways to play some of these on modern consoles with rereleases and remasters. This is a great video -- my favorite thing about it is the way you transitioned between each game. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these!
Absolutely! You might have to look a little harder to find those opportunities but they're there. Have fun with them! And thanks about the transitions... we got to spend some extra time together this weekend fiddling with cameras and learning something new. It was great!
14:49 Ahh teasing me with the blank cartridge label at the bottom there. I always love looking into the Master System library. I only had two games for it growing up and never owned the system itself (played the games on my Genesis with the power base converter), so it's a combination of really nostalgic, and really mysterious. By the way, I loved the transitions for this video.
Which were your two games you had? Sorry if you've mentioned before, but I've forgotten! I KNEW I forgot to do something... that blank label is Quartet! It has some RPG elements in it and I forgot to put some text above that blank label. Now you know! And thanks about the transitions too... we had fun setting up the shots. Hopefully I'll be able to do more of them in future videos. I assumed people wouldn't want to listen to me ramble on for a straight 13 minutes with no breaks about so many different topics!
Oh, I didn't think Quartet had RPG elements. I played the arcade version once, but I would like to try out the MS version someday. This gives me a little more incentive to do so. I had R-Type, classic shooter. The TG16 version is probably better, but the MS version is still really good and often crops up in MS top ten lists. Also had Time Soldiers. A hidden gem that I never see anyone talk about, which baffles me as it's really good. It's like Ikari Warriors on NES, except not broken and glitchy as hell, and it has Roman legions and Medusa and a freaking fire breathing T-rex. I've never been able to beat either of them, but I love them. There's also a sneaky third game that I didn't own but I got to play briefly as a kid: the illustrious Phantasy Star! That game made me instantly fall in love with RPGs. Only got halfway through before we had to return it, and it took me a good decade to track it down again and beat it, but it's no exaggeration to say that game changed my life.
@@japanimationman4442 Yeah I think that you need a certain number of points to level up your character to different ranks, which improves your shot range etc.? I could be wrong but that's what I remember from the manual. I have a copy of R-Type but no Time Soldier yet... I'll keep an eye out for that one! Thanks for the recommendation. And glad to hear that Phantasy Star was life-changing for you. I had a similar experience with Ultima IV so I can imagine how special that game feels to you.
Zillion (1) was a great metroidvania style game, and definitely one of my all-time favorite SMS games. Zillion 2 Triformation, on the other hand was a biggest let down, and a completely different genre of shallow run and gun style game.
Thanks for this! I’ve been itching for some old school rpg action, and I never thought to look towards the master system. Now I’m super interested in it.
@@TrendCrush666 Oh? Do you not know about all the remakes? There are so many! There's one on TurboGrafx-CD, one on the PSP, there might even be one on steam with updated graphics/music at this point... tons and tons of remakes!
Thank you, Wally... you've been there since the humble beginnings of Miracle Warriors and I haven't forgotten your gentle prodding to keep going when I was totally overwhelmed.
Wonderful list Hun ^^ Also interesting to see Dragon Crystal, it looks like a predecessor to Fatal Labyrinth on the Genesis, same menu and all, you might like it but it's very unforgiving so be warned :)
Thanks :) My husband's passion is old electronics so we have a couple lying around here that we take out for special occasions such as this. And there are tons of interesting games for the console that I'm so grateful to know about now. Anything you're looking forward to or that has really impressed you so far?
@@hungrygoriya So far Wonderboy III, Sagaia, The Ninja and Dragon Crystal have been my favorites so far! I was shocked at how well they play today, even compared to modern games of similar genres. Sagaia in particular blows my mind. It's a later release, and was a PAL exclusive, but the fact that they ported Darius II onto the Master System, and that it just works is mind blowing. There are so many cool effects in that game. I love looking at 8-bit games from a design perspective and trying to figure out how they got it all to work within the limitations of the Master System. I could watch the parallax scrolling in Master System games for hours haha
@@Bofner Oooo I haven't played too much of Sagaia or The Ninja yet, but good to know they're on your list. I'm never sure where to start sometimes, so this is really helpful! I can't say I'm too great at shooters, but if it's a technical marvel, I'm excited to experience it.
@@hungrygoriya I highly recommend going into the options and changing your ship to Tiat when you first start Sagaia. It's one of the games where a single death gets rid of all of your powerups, and Tiat's ship is stronger by default. The Ninja is a bit more balanced I think, and it actually has a really cool history. It was originally called Ninja Princess in the arcade, and you got to play as the Ninja Princess. The SG 1000 home console port kept the name, but for whatever reason, they changed the main character to a man in the SMS port. I think as far as gameplay goes, the SMS port is the best (the JP version actually has more levels though) but Ninja Princess is a way cooler idea than a regular ninja haha.
@@Bofner Thanks for the tips! I'm hoping to play some more Master System soon and am still trying to decide what to try out, so maybe I'll play that and R-Type or something. And Ninja Princess eh? I didn't know the history there at all... I'd like to see what the original was like. That's pretty cool :)
I loved Miracle Warriors, Y's and SpellCaster growing up! The SpellCaster soundtrack has some catchy songs, and some are even a bit haunting. Totally agree on its sense of atmosphere - something about the game's ambience just kind of pulls you in. Your playthroughs and reviews of these classics really take me back, GG! The revisiting of the SMS has been a great season on your channel.
Thanks very much for your kindness. I am sad to leave these games behind but am also looking forward to experiencing more, you know? There's so many more to play! And SpellCaster is such a cool game. I found a few parts absolutely unforgiving but overall, I have fond memories of playing through it. I was hooked on the story the entire time! I haven't experienced anything quite like it since. Miracle Warriors is also a really good time. I would love to sit down with it again since it's been so long and just grind and grind and grind...
9:11 are you trying to induce some nightmares on your viwers? 👀 Nice video !
You bet. That box lives in my house. How do you think I feel?
I tried the first Phantasy Star and have a certain appreciation for its mechanics, though you are made of glass at level 1.
Oh totally... I spent about 30 minutes getting a few levels right outside of the first city and healing up with Suelo.
@@hungrygoriya In the end, I bit the bullet and went with the PS2 remake instead.
I am playing the newest translation patch and they allow you to enable somethings that make it more accessible. More money and exp from every battle means way less grinding.
Definitely the first and second game had you grinding a while in the beginning. In the second game you could somehow quickly recruit Rudo and make early game grind minimal but in PS1 forget it almost obligatory 30 minute grind and not an easy one too you cannot kill every encounter you see immediately at level 1 like you would in Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy.
I grew up playing all of these extensively. Lord of the Sword is so damn hard. I still remember all of the hidden money in Monster Land. Great video.
Finishing Lord of the Sword was one of my proudest gaming moments. I agree! It's so tough! And thanks very much! Maybe one day I'll check out a guide for Wonder Boy in Monster Land but learning it from scratch is not on my list any time soon.
@@hungrygoriya I found my first hidden gold and then I started jumping at every building seam. Haha ;)
Wonder boy 2 timer was annoying as heck, cause you needed points to get hearts and killing the same enemy 2 or 3 time gave items that had most points.
One of the things that really sticks out for me in your review of each of these titles is how diverse they sound, look, and feel as you compare them. I didn’t realize the Master System had such a diverse range of experiences within the RPG and Adventure genres! Thank you again and I’m looking forward to your next video.
So many good experiences to have! And that photo I showed at the end has even more of these kinds of experiences to embark upon... the console's just packed with awesomeness. I hope you'll get to experience some more Sega soon
What was fun about growing up with the Master System in Canada was we got a whole bunch of titles in 1988-1990 that never got released in the US!
Oh is that so? I had no idea that Canada had special releases. That's very cool!
Zillion was one of my favorites on the Master System. If you're into puzzle games, Penguinland is a great one off type of fun puzzle adventure.
I would love to try more Penguin Land one of these days. I'm terrible at it!
My friend beat Miracle Warriors back in the day! It was really hard to look at though as this was in the center of the SNES Era lol
So nostalgic!
I really liked how colourful it was, but yeah... the SNES is really pretty!
Miracle Warriors, oh the time my brother and I spent playing that game in the 80/90s. Still have my copy somewhere.
Our tastes (and patience levels) in games are very different, but I enjoy watching you talk about these games you're passionate about.
I played Wonder Boy 3 via the remaster, and I enjoyed it a lot, though I prefer the reimagining, Monster Boy sand the cursed kingdom.
Hey thanks! I do enjoy a good challenge!
We had a Commodore 64 in our home, even when I was very little. I was born in 1984 in The Netherlands. I think we bought a Master System around 1990. I think it was about 50/50 here between Master System and NES, but the micro computers were most popular. I had 12 games with it when we upgraded to a Mega Drive a few years later.
Oh yeah? Do you have any favourites from your Master System days?
@@hungrygoriya I'll have a look through my collection.
@@hungrygoriya Desert Strike, Road Rash, Dragon Crystal, Phantasy Star, Miracle Warriors, Golden Axe Warrior, Sonic, The Ninja, Blackbelt, Choplifter, Populous, Rampart (with two players), Rastan, Fantasy Zone 1&2, Bubble Bobble (with two players), Ninja Gaiden, Wonder Boy the Dragon's Trap, Micro Machines. These might be some of the best I can see right now.
Please make a playlist for your reviews! I'll binge those constantly!
It already exists: czcams.com/video/YpuotpuwmeU/video.html
I had Spellcaster. It was also a game that my dad played often. Your thorough review of the game was also how I discovered your channel, and it's nice to know that other people remember the game.
SpellCaster was awesome... I should really play through it again soon. It's been so long!
@@hungrygoriya There was a sequel to Spellcaster on the Genesis/Mega Drive called Mystic Defender. But, that game is different because it doesn't have RPG elements. The protagonist's name also changes from Kane to Joe (???).
@@ZEKESPILLEDINKMUSIC Joe? Really!? Wow... I have Mystic Defender but I still haven't played it. One of these days.
Both games are base on an anime/manga called Kujaku-Oh.
@@SPac316 I always forget about the anime for SpellCaster! Thanks for the reminder.
I grew up playing the master system from the age of 6 my very first console playing Alex the kid, unfortunately it ended up get stolen with all my games too but it was nice to look back, I enjoy the video
Awww I'm sorry to hear about your console and games :(
13:12 "Who doesn't like using up to jump?!"
In Altered Beast for Sega Master System you need to push both Button 1 and Button 2 simultaneously to jump!
This also sounds terrible. Yikes!
I only wish Ultima IV were more balanced. And that the early moral questions of good vs. good were deeper explored.
It feels like a tease, and a direction that the videogame industry gave up on too soon. Like it was just easier to write good vs evil or gray vs. gray.
But thank you for this review. It's a welcome change to see someone appreciate what it brought to the table.
I feel it did as much as it could with what was available at the time but I hear you... seeing those themes explored more deeply beyond altruism would've been pretty cool. It's a shame more games don't do this kind of thing. I know of a few that exist that I'm looking forward to down the line but I'm really grateful this was a cornerstone for that kind of gameplay.
I couldn't agree more with this statement. In modern open world games, if you do bad deeds in Skyrim for example, like go on a killing spree or stealing from shops, it doesn't have any impact on your actual ability to win the game. Whereas with some of the Ultima titles, such as Ultima IV, if you did these things, then you would lose karma, making it much more difficult to even beat the game. As a result, a game such as Ultima IV has the ability to teach us good morals, whereas modern games are essentially teaching us that we can do whatever the f* we want, as long as the big bad boss at the end is killed. Video games should be setting examples, moral examples for society, and instead modern games are doing the exact opposite. What's even more funny, since I grew up playing moral based games like the Ultima series, I am always super paranoid at either killing NPCs or stealing in any modern open world game.
I added this video to my favorites list on You Tube. I've been stocking up on RPG games for the Genesis and Master System to play in-between Construction Jobs. I've got the Power Base Adapter (Master System attachment for playing Master System games on the Genesis), Genesis, CD and 32X. I've been adding RPG's from those systems to my collection. Your videos are very useful and helpful for that.
Wow thanks so much! I'm glad you're finding them useful. There's a photo at the end that shows some other games I also played or haven't gotten to yet that weren't part of the initial purchase of 11 I focused on. The one with no label is Quartet.
@@hungrygoriya Thank you. I appreciate your videos and the work you put into them. Please keep them coming.
Cool video! My older brother and neighbor has a Master System growing up, it was a fun system.
There's a lot to discover there. I'm glad you had a chance to enjoy it when you were younger!
My first experience with Ys was on the Master System. I loved every minute. I also had a master system before a NES. I loved my time with it.
That's awesome! I wish I'd had the chance to play the Master System as a kid. I feel like I missed out, but better late than never!
That Space Harrier music at the end is some of the best music i've ever heard in a video game. It always playes through my head like the Sonic music, and unfortunately Super Mario bros and Super Mario World lol. I played all of the games you listed here except for Ultima and Dragon Crystals. Thanks for the nostalgia!
That's one of the catchiest Sega Master System tunes out there! Ultima IV's a great port, and Dragon Crystal's pretty good too, if not a little frustrating. It's got that addictive gameplay though!
Dismissed the Master System for far too long. Great video and eye opening!
I was also very late in discovering the system but I haven't looked back!
When I was a kid in the 80s my friend down the street had The Master System, or The Sega as we used to call it. I had the NES so we both got to experience both systems. I didn't realize until I was in high school how rare that was.
I remember my friend's dad got Phantasy Star. It was a little much for us and as I recall that particular game was expensive compared to other games at the time so we'd just watch him play but I remember vividly my friend and I playing a ton of the Master System version of Double Dragon, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and Shinobi.
He moved away in the early 90s and I never saw one until I got mine I believe also in 2016. Saw it in a local retro gaming store in my area and bought it immediately.
Only have a handful of games like you do but I have to admit to being surprised at how much I enjoyed at least half of them and how well they've held up. I've got: YS The Vanished Omen (I agree with not stating with this one. I'd suggest YS Chronicles 1 and 2 on Steam. This one is for fans who want to see where it started), Rastan, Master of Darkness, Ghouls N Ghosts, The Flash (this one is atrocious but I'm a huge 90s tv The Flash fan), Hang On/Safari Hunt, and Ghost House. The two I really want to add to my collection are Phantasy Star and the Master System version of Ninja Gaiden. But the Master System is and always has been extremely underrated and has a lot of great exclusives still on it that haven't been ported to anything else.
I've spoken with lots of folks here over the years about their childhood experiences with the Master System, and a lot of them seem to involve Phantasy Star in some capcity... that's awesome! I'm glad that it ignited a love within you that hasn't burned out yet. There's so much to experience on the system, and your collection has some awesome games!
If you lived in Brazil in the 90s, you'd see a SEGA Master System in virtually every household. I got to see an actual NES only after growing up, I became interested in it by messing around with emulation and it's also got a place in my heart (not huge a chunk as SEGA Master System does 😆). The SMS was everywhere and sold millions of units here.
absolutely LOVE your choice of music at the start there with the music to Psychic world, round 5. Psychic world is one of my absolute favorites so it was a pleasant surprise to hear it
It was such a great little game! I got to experience the Game Gear version and really liked it too.
I had a SMS as a kid and that poster at the end was a blast from the past.
I love those! I've bought a lot of SMS games used over the years, and clearly people really liked those posters as much as you! They were kept and preserved nicely inside the cases.
loved the transitions, and funny timing too since I was about to go for phantasy star on the switch
Oh nice! I hope you have fun with it! The automapping feature is a welcome one in my opinion.
This was the system that started it all for me. I wanted a nintendo but got a sega. Wasnt thriled but learned to love it.
It's a great console! I wish I had one growing up.
I remember my neighbour in the trailer park I lived in, in Gregoire in Fort McMurray, Alberta had one. Reese was his name. Wasn't really friends with him, he was a bit of an asshole, but at 8 years old and seeing the Master System only ever having played the Genesis I was mind blown. And he had a Card... that played like super choppy video, but it just blew my mind that a game console could do that. I didn't realize we had things like the 3DO and what not out by that time, but still, it was just nutso.
I can name a few jerk neighbours I knew growing up who had cool video game systems I played with them, haha... glad you got to experience it back then!
For those of us who grew up with the Mighty Master System, there is a special place in our hearts for that sound chip, it is a happy & easily recognisable sound.
PS, I picked up a cartridge from China six months ago called "Master System" it is a Chinese everdrive type clone with just about every game available from Europe /Japan /USA & Brazil all on one cartridge (think I paid £30) finished off my collection nicely.
Nice video 👍
The sound of the Master System is really distinct, I agree! And congratulations on finishing your collection. I'm sure there's some great stuff on that cart!
If I recall correctly the giga chads over at Brazil were still producing a mega system 3(some kind of emulation system that plays most MS games) up until 2012, more then 20 years after the master system was dead everywhere else.
But yeah I think the early system up until gamecube will always be remembered fondly.
As for PS3 and up era I do not think people will have much nostalgia for them.
What a fantastic video! Just thinking about all the new Master System converts stumbling across this video and having it set them well off on their way is so exciting
I hope it'll fan some flames! Thanks very much :)
Super nice video HG, I like the emphasis on boxes, manuals, catalogues, this is what collecting is about. And I truly love some SMS rpg appreciation, keep it up!
Thanks very much! I usually try to feature the physical stuff because at heart, I'm a collector first. I'm glad you appreciate it!
So glad I discovered your channel! I grew up with a Master System and still learning lots about games I missed out on that need to be played. Dragons Trap and Kensiden are my favorites while Phantasy Star and Golden Axe Warrior are at the top of my to play list.
Nice to have you here! I've definitely enjoyed quite a lot of great Master System games over the years. RPGs and Adventure games are my favourites but I'm sure I still have lots more left to enjoy. Psychic World's a great platformer if you're into that!
@@hungrygoriya Actually platformers are my guilty pleasure, I just watched your Psychic World's video and it looks like its right up my alley. You seem pretty knowledgeable but I would suggest checking out Equinox if you haven't yet. It's a isometric adventure puzzle game the sequel to Solstice and rocks an amazing atmospheric soundtrack.
@@Am_Brew Ohhhh yes, Equinox is on my list of things to play soon! I just finished up Landstalker recently so I was taking a little break from isometric stuff, but when I have a hankering again, that's up next!
Golvellius is my all time favorite game on this console. Yes, even with the Useless Information Fairy. This game was my Zelda growing up.
Golvellius is a great one! I'm glad you got to play it when you were little.
I had no idea the Master System was a thing until about 5 or 6 years ago when I found the book Sega Master System Encyclopedia. Its been fun learning about a whole console worth of games I never played.
I'd love to look through that book sometime! Glad you're on the Master System train with me!
The switch sega ages version of wonder boy 2 adds a setting where you still restart when you die, but you get to keep your gear. It made it a lot more fun for me.
Oh nice! That's a nice quality of life change.
This was the first console my family owned when i was a child.
We got it just before the Genesis launched.
I used to have a friend named Billy Caldwell, and he introduced me to so much on that system.
Phantasy Star was my first RPG.. god.. i miss those times..
I miss those days as well, though I wish I'd also had a master system back then. Phantasy Star's a great game to start down that path with.
Imagine being an Italian 7 years old boy and trying to play Miracle Warriors, my first JRPG ever… never finished it, but it stills holds a special place in my heart. And its soundtrack… ❤
Too bad nowadays finding a copy in good state with the map included is 180€ at least…
The cost of collecting is ridiculous these days. I haven't bought new games in a long time. I'm glad you got to spend some time with Miracle Warriors as a kid!
Nice transitions and well put together. Thanks for such a good vid.
Thank you! I tried a bunch of new things with the transitions and I have a newfound appreciation for people who do camera stuff in every video. It was a ton of work to set up!
I'm hungry for MORE GORIYA!
Fun fact: You can get all the Ultima games for pretty cheap in a compatible format on GOG (Good Old Games) fairly affordably. They are complete with all the side materials you could need in PDF format to boot. Play it using a multi monitor format or even printing out all the materials and you'll have quite the experience. Also if you are curious there are NES versions of a handful of this series to boot.
I think Ultima IV's actually free! And I have Ultima 3 and 4 on NES, but haven't tracked down the 5th yet. I did enjoy Ultima 5 from GOG. It worked great but I patched some music in.
@@hungrygoriya last I checked it isn't free but it's cheap enough that it might as well be. Point is it's not hard to get ahold of all those old games. And I say that having a copy of the PC collection from the late 90s back before Origin Systems got bought up by EA. Particularly the Collection of the first 8 games that was released when they came out with Ultima 9 which was the end of the original series before Ultima Online came out.
I also would be doing no one any favors I'd I didn't mention the more recently released MMO by Richard "Lord British" Garriot that's the spiritual successor to his original series call Shroud of the Avatar. It's not the greatest experience out there but it does give you plenty of free to play options that cater to that gameplay mindset. Like letting you talk to NPCs in a similar way to how you would on the old series.
ULTIMA IV (on the PC) was my gateway RPG, and I'm forever grateful for it! :-)
Lucky! What an experience!
Great presentation in this video, especially the transitions. It felt like an exploration of the library complete with cartridge swapping. Thank you for the effort to make this feel more intimate and genuine to the experience of sharing games with a friend.
Awww thanks! I think this was one of the first videos I took a leap in and started doing some filming, so this really means a lot.
@@hungrygoriya You did really well, some great techniques in there. I haven't really binged your channel, I take it more slowly with one here or there, but there is a nice progression and you bring a creativity that is lost with all the quick cuts most videos have. There seems to be a tendency to either cram as much in as quickly as possible, or to overly exposit on each and every segment. You took a middle road, discussing the right amount for each game, and then giving us a transition so we can digest before moving on to the next game.
It's really good work.
Master System players really had it good in the RPG department. Crazy how much good stuff we got. I mean, Ys? Just great.
No kidding! There was a lot to choose from!
I think I've said something to this effect before, but Master System is a whole world of games I totally missed, and I have enjoyed your reviews of each of these, I've discovered a lot of games I'd never even heard of.
Thankfully, Sega included Golden Axe Warrior and Phantasy Star 1 in several of the Genesis collections as unlockable bonus games, but I hope more of these get rereleases in the future.
Also, Golden Axe Warrior being buried under a bunch of Zelda boxes gave me a good laugh
I appreciate that! I was excited to tell this little origin story now that these 11 games have come and gone in my life so while it felt like a rehash of things I've already said and done before, I also hope to reach people with all these games in one convenient place and maybe light some fires in others too :)
And I'm very grateful for the re-releases of some of these in different ways over the years. I think if I replay Phantasy Star, I might try the Sega Ages version instead with the automapping.
The Zelda pile was my spouse's idea so I'll let him know you had a laugh at that! I like how that shot turned out too :)
@@hungrygoriya I actually have the Sega Ages version of Phantasy Star, and it is far and away my favorite way to play the game. The automap makes a big difference xD
Also grew up in Canada, I knew 1 person who had this. Love Dragon Crysral, even the Game Gear version is fun.
I've only known of people that finished the Game Gear version... I have yet to meet someone that finished the Master System version of Dragon Crystal.
I wonder if we know the same person, haha
Great video. My intro to the Master System was by way of Phantasy Star and Sagaia I believe. Er ... any possibility of seeing a video on Rastan anytime soon? :D
I'll have to play it first but I'd like to talk about it someday. Definitely!
I played Ys, ultima, phantasy star, lord of the sword, golvelllius, both wonder boys and miracle warriors. And I’m glad I owned the sms when it came out instead of the nes. Canadian as well btw 👍. Loving all the retro vids👍
Oh nice! It would've been awesome to have played all those as a younger person, but I'm glad you got to have that experience!
Thanks about the videos! I'm working on something new as we speak so hopefully I'll have another video coming in the next week or so.
Nice to hear this type of voice in this type of video. Good job
Master System was my first console, but when I had it, the console was already quite old by that point and I was very young. English isn't also my native language, so playing games like these were out of question as a little kid haha. I do feel like going back and trying some of these titles though. While I didn't play any of the games you mentioned, it still feels very nostalgic seeing them. Brings back a bit of my childhood, I guess.
I think I'd feel the same way too if I were you... there's something nostalgic in the sights and sounds of games from a console you've played, even if you've never played the games themselves. If you have a better handle on English these days, I think you'd enjoy any of the games mentioned here. Have fun if you decide to play any!
@@hungrygoriya For sure! I can speak and read english quite well now, so this isn't an issue anymore. Thanks for the suggestions in your video btw!
@@1618dude I was going to say that your English is perfect to me! And you're welcome. I hope you find something there you like if you jump in.
I owned an Sega Master System when I was a kid. I was the oddball kid when my friends had NES.
I know one person personally that had one growing up because she was describing what I thought was Duck Hunt one day, but she actually meant Safari Hunt! So wild!
I had Nintendo growing up, Super NES and 64. But i had a rich friend who had every system ever so i was over at his house a lot.
That's definitely one way to experience some games! Most of my friends had an SNES and N64.
I'm 30 seconds in and I'm already loving the video, this is going to be a cool class session lol
Hope you enjoyed the video by the end! Thanks for watching!
I grew up on Sega Master System RPGs. My parents always bought us the second-tier consoles secondhand when I was a kid cuz they were cheaper than the mainstream consoles, and one day my dad found an SMS for sale in the classifieds that included a collection of over twenty games. Turned out that the owner was a bit of an RPG buff, and it came with Phantasy Star, Ys, Golvellius, Miracle Warriors, Spellcaster, and Wonder Boy: the Dragons' Trap. My previous console was the horribly outdated 2600, so needless to say it blew my mind to discover the RPG genre and to realize that video games could have that much complexity, narrative, and immersion.
What a great story! Do you still have your collection these days? I imagine those adventures brought you lots of fun for a long time.
@@hungrygoriya Thanks! No, unfortunately I haven't had any of this stuff in years. Over the years we progressed from a 2600 to an SMS to a TurboGrafx 16 to a Genesis, and we'd always sell our console with all its games as a bundle in the classifieds in order to finance the purchase of the next console.
Yeah though, I remember being so excited for the SMS that it literally felt too good to be true. It was staggering to go from the single-screen score-based games of the Atari 2600 to the Master System's games that had actual endings and narratives. I'd been so hungry for those sorts of games when I was still gaming on my outdated 2600, I went out of my way to seek out all the games for that console that had more modern game structures - including the crappy 2600 conversion of Double Dragon, just cuz it blew my mind to play through a game with actual varied levels and an ending.
@@steve9094 Awwww yeah, I can understand parting ways with the older stuff to get your hands on newer stuff. I know a lot of people that did that too.
It's really cool that you had the chance to start with the 2600 and expand into games on later consoles with those stories and characters. I think I'd appreciate games a lot differently if I'd had a similar experience, but I started out with NES and also a little bit of VIC20 for more of an "arcade" experience. I'm jealous!
You probably get this a lot, but you have a really nice voice.
Thank you! I hear it quite a bit these days.
I thought this voice was from text typed in the google Translate!
@@marcelopereira2343 I promise that I am an actual human being, haha
@@hungrygoriya ☺️😸🏆
The BEST voice! 😍
If you get past the graphics of Miracle Warriors, it's so solid.
As for Golvellius...grew up playing that with my brother. A very special game for me.
Miracle Warriors definitely has my heart still, even after all these years. It was my first Master System game and I still think about it a lot! Golvellius probably has one of the best soundtracks on the system. It's so good!
Thanks for the master system love HG. A lot of gems here that did not get the attention they deserved in North America. I’m glad you played and enjoyed them.
Yeah most of them were pretty good! And thanks for checking this one out!
I remember as a kid seeing The Master System and thinking, welp, graphics don't need to get any better than that.
I wasn't wrong. 🙂
They're lovely even now! I love how the system looks.
@@hungrygoriya Me too. So bright, and it's before the 16 bit era where things can get muddied with too many colors. It's the goldilocks zone for me, just right!
Loved Miracle Warriors as an early teen. I had precious few games on SMS, and Miracle Warriors was my absolute favourite of theones I had.
It's pretty awesome, even with a few questionable translation points!
i never owned a SMS growing up, but a had a chance to play wonder boy 3 the dragon's trap from a friend who had a SMS. for some reason everyone i knew in the early 90s had a SMS, while i was being raised by an NES.
That's so interesting! Your experience is pretty rare from most people I've spoken to who barely knew or didn't know anyone with an SMS.
@@hungrygoriya oh, yeah! sega was very common where i live.
I had Phantasy Star for SMS and Phantasy Star II for Genesis. Both excellent games.
I liked the first one a lot more than the second.
I like the transitions with the covers and cartridges and such.
Just started to watch your channel, and I think you have a nice way to cram in vital details into your short reviews. Donald Duck and Asterix on the Master System were two very thought out reviews as I have completed both multiple times and know that you hit on the important notes.
Good to be able to see eye to eye with a reviewer, so I maybe can find new games.
I hope you can come back to both the Donald and Asterix sequels on the SMS in future episodes.
Thanks so much for checking out the channel here! I do my best to try to really give every game a chance and then come at my reviews from the perspective of a first-timer in many cases. I'm glad you're enjoying that review style!
Watching your channel has totally sold me on the master system. In Pennsylvania in the states I never saw one in person growing up but one video rental place had games for it. And I always loved the game gear's graphics but the rate at which it ate batteries made it impractical. Of course it would be way better if it plugged into the wall!
I know I had an adaptor for my Game Boy that let me skip the batteries, so that was nice! And glad to hear you're coming aboard the Master System train. I hope you enjoy the ride!
Just grabbed Dragon Crystal, happy times! I still have my og SMS 2 with Sonic 1 built-in. ☺
Oh nice! That's great to hear! I still haven't gotten past Floor 23 of that game... I hope to one day hear of your victory!
Love your channel! I played all these games back then except lord of the sword and Phantasy star (cause the last was always rented out in the late 80's).
Govellius is still a fun replay game even now! Map drawing was a must though! YS has ear suffering intro music.
Wonderboy III was one my favorites, but Golden axe is cool zelda clone, Miracle warriors was very different but fun.
I loved every game on this list for different reasons. Do you think you'll ever try Lord of the Sword or Phantasy Star? Or have you played them since?
These look great, been looking for some new roms for my sega emulators
Good luck with these if you give them a try!
Hi, thank you for my childhood back!
I finally started spellcaster so I had to watch this. I haven't started Ultima IV yet but one day.
Nice quick rundown of some of the must play titles for the Master Sytem.
Something for everyone to enjoy in this list.
Nicely done.
Thanks so much, Owaz! I hope you enjoy your time with Spellcaster!
Hooray. I had to clean up my kitchen before the ceiling repair people come. This is a great thing to watch while I do it!
Also I had a Toronto friend who had a master system as a kid. I always thought that was so weird.
Hope your ceiling's in better shape now... thanks for taking the time. I currently know one person that had one growing up and it's my friend's wife. She was also from around that area too... maybe they had better ads there or something.
I might be biased but I loved this one, thanks HG!
I thought you might feel that way!
@@hungrygoriya You know it! :) I always enjoy what you do! Things are starting to calm down on my end so I'll be visiting streams in the not-so-distant future
Dragon Crystal, looks like a title on the Sega Genesis. Right down to the rouge like dungeons and the monsters you fight. I think it was called Fatal Labyrinth.
Yes, I've heard of Fatal Labyrinth but haven't tried it myself. I've heard it's a little more forgiving than this game.
I had most of these games as a kid (apart from Dragon Crystal and Ultima) and it's only really Phantasy Star and Wonderboy in Monsterland I regularly return to today, with the latter probably being my most favourite game on the system. Thank again for another lovely video.
You're very welcome! I'm curious about how you would recommend playing Wonder Boy in Monster Land because I find it so frustrating. I keep getting stuck at the Sphinx fight and dying, but I know you can buy a hint to learn the answer to his question... I want to like that game.
@@hungrygoriya I know the sphinx is somewhat of difficulty spike but he's a lot easier to beat in a fight with the mobility-enhancing Ceramic or Legendary boots - both of which can be attainable by that point. Alternatively, you can also have built up a nice stock of fireballs with which you can use to damage him effectively at a distance. As far as a general strategy.. finding hidden cash (and other ways to maximise it is important. There are a couple of bosses you can fight (and win cash from) twice, and similar tricks which are legit (i.e. not glitches). Killing enemies as they re-materialise won't get you more money but it will score you a lot more points to build up your extra life hearts a lot sooner - so don't run from easy kills. Some of the more 'magical' enemies (such as bubble blowing crabs) can drop magic, revival potions and even armour you've yet to buy so killing them more than once is recommended. Personally, the first items I get are the cloth boots and then ceramic boots. Then, next, I ensure I'll have 150G for the armour in the secret shop in the castle (near the conveyor belt). Once those goals are met I know I'm nicely set for the remainder of the game.
@@Fattydeposit I literally just made notes on your post here... thanks so much for all the tips. I think these will be extremely helpful next time I play!
Truly a console I have not given enough time. If anything I really should pick one up for that spin on Golden Axe! Thanks for sharing a piece of your world with us!
Totally! I think you'd enjoy Golden Axe Warrior... it'll be finding it at a reasonable price that'll be the trouble these days. Retro collecting's out of control price-wise with the pandemic.
@@hungrygoriya Oh I'm well aware! it's definitely slowed down my collecting!
Sega had a considerably smaller RPG/adventure game library than Nintendo (especially in Japan), but what is there is usually still quite good. For the Genesis, I have to say that my favourite RPGs were mostly Western-style RPGs (Pirates Gold, Starflight, Shadowrun). I liked King Colossus (a JP action RPG) and Phantasy Star IV otherwise, but also - the Shining Force/Langrisser games, if they count. :) For SMS - easy, Phantasy Star 1 and Wonder Boy III, if we count it as well. I think we kinda have to stretch the category for SMS, because there are very, very few turn-based/action RPGs, most are in very different categories. I grew up mostly with PC games/NES, and later some newer consoles, so I didn't know much about Sega's library (except for the Mega Drive), but I find it to be quite solid, if perhaps lacking in numbers.
I agree with you completely! I have yet to play a lot of Sega RPGs (I've really only played Phantasy Star 2/4 and Shining in the Darkness so far) but I've heard so many good things about some of the other games you've mentioned here. I was tempted to just call this video "Master System RPGs" but for the exact reason you mentioned, I threw Adventure Games in there too... lots of them have RPG elements at least.
Really good video! I like the production quality. I have most of the games you listed in this video. I enjoy them for the most part.
Thanks very much! I definitely tried to kick up the effort in this one since it was a meaningful video too. I'm glad it worked out :) Any favourites from the bunch?
Spellcaster is my favorite SMS game, I've always loved it
It's a really cool game! I'm glad I got to experience it.
Great video, Hungry! Your script, as always, is impeccable. And I specifically liked the transition segments between the games, especially the Golden Axe Warrior one, lol.
Of the games you presented, RPG's aren't my favorite, but I recently completed the modern Dragon's Trap remake and I greatly look forward to playing through Golden Axe Warrior. Thanks for the great content and take care!
Awww thanks :) I had a great time working out some camera stuff since I had never tried anything like that before. It was a lot more work to set up shots, but I have a greater appreciation for people who do that kind of thing regularly in their videos. I think I'll try to incorporate more going forward too!
And Golden Axe Warrior's great! The only thing that's hard to get used to is not being on a grid like in Zelda 1, so it makes it a bit tricky to line up your hits. It's just muscle memory though. I hope you have fun when you get around to it!
I adore the Master System and especially its RPGs! Lord of the Sword is so underrated! Oh and also I adore your channel!
2016? That feels recent. Still, glad you found something you enjoyed so much
Time just flies by! And thank you... I've made some great memories with these games.
Woah ! Never knew Ultima 4 had a port on the Sega Master . 😮
Tadaaaa! It's quite good in my opinion!
dang!
Those are some cool looking rpg for a 8-bit system!
I was so excited when I discovered all of these too!
Golvellius is my favorite game on the MS, I like it more then even the big classic hitters like Wonderboy 3, Phantasy Star and Alex Kidd.
Fantastic game, pro tip for people playing it the first time : Do not get the shield upgrade until later in the game, buy the first sword then stay with no shield until next upgrade becomes available then go back to buy the first shield and immediately buy the next shield.
This may sounds complicated and stupid but hear me out : The map theme changes everytime you upgrade and the second map theme (1 upgrade only) is one of the very best theme on the system. I spent most of my time in world 3 and 4 ( Marsh and Ocean) and most likely it will be your case too soo you will hear a lot of the shitty third theme if you actually buy the shield early. Second theme and last theme is where it is at!
I love the advice solely based on music preference, haha
That picture 2016 eBay purchase, 7 of those I had or at least played! Some really good games and I wish I could get them again somehow. I mean I can emulate them, but it would be nice to have them again, especially Phantasy Star. Golvellius and the Wonder Boy games! Those are also the ones, + YS, that I finished :) I agree about the overworld theme in YS too, still a favorite!
Glad to know someone who has also played some of these awesome titles! The collecting scene's pretty hairy right now, but hopefully one of these days you'll be able to find these games again. Did you know that Phantasy Star got a Sega Ages release on the Switch? It has automapping and some other cool changes. If you can't find the original thing at the moment, that's a neat way to play it.
Giving the Master System some love. Great system with a lot of great games.
Totally! I can't wait to play more of what's here.
dat space harrier music is so good
The SMS version of Space Harrier's music is like, "Condense everything good about childhood, now shoot it into my ears."
I've heard the song plenty of times but still haven't gotten around to playing Space Harrier. Maybe I'll give it a go soon.
Wonder Boy in MonsterLand (Wonder Boy 2) is my favorite 8-bit game out there while Golden Axe Warrior is the best Zelda-like RPG I've played. I'm a fan of both the NES and SMS but some Master System games were near 16-bit quality like Wonder Boy 3.
I wish I would've clicked more with Wonder Boy in Monster Land. I'd like to try to finish it someday! I definitely have a soft spot for Wonder Boy 3 and Golden Axe Warrior. They're definitely my favourites on the system.
@@hungrygoriya I noticed WB2 didn't get high praise in the video but to each his/her own😄 But it's a great series. I thought Sega should of made WB the face of Sega before Sonic but they went with Alex Kidd instead
Phantasy Star for the win (especially with the FM sound)
I've heard some of that soundtrack with the FM sound and it's pretty good!
I discovered your channel last week or so while looking up videos on Zelda 1's second quest (were you watching one of my Twitch streams of me playing that or was that a different hungry goriya?), and have been binging you ever since. Just wanted to say that I greatly appreciate your content, and I especially salute you for your coverage of the Master System, which I'd say is one of my most beloved consoles even though I didn't grow up with one. Your Manual Gaming series, too. Instruction manuals are such an overlooked medium in this age of forced tutorials and people who'd rather go into a game blind than to read.
Here's hoping for plenty more of both, though it goes without saying that I love the rest of your content, too. Thank you for your passionate and in-depth coverage of the parts of retro gaming that would otherwise go largely unnoticed.
With the well-timed Grumble Grumble entrance? Totally me! Fancy meeting you here too!
And thanks so much for the kind words. I've been playing games forever and the Master System was a dream come true for someone like me that is comfortably nestled into that 8-bit rhythm more than other generations of games. I can't wait to keep highlighting the system here as I continue to discover more for myself.
@@hungrygoriya Oh man, so it really was you? Tiny-ass world we live in, that's for sure. I finally beat the second quest a few weeks back after lots of anguish, and I'm never gonna touch it again lmao.
And honestly, the Master System and its library really do have a certain magic to them. The square wave music in particular never fails to instill a strong feeling of nostalgia in me. I wasn't kidding when I called it overlooked, though; you're probably the first person I met who shares my passion for it.
@@popfan95b Haha yep, retro's pretty small for sure! And congrats on making it through! You looked like you were well on your way when I dropped in so it's great to see that you pulled it off!
I've met quite a few folks over the years that love the Master System as much as or more than me on Twitch (and CZcams as well) and it's fostered quite a few nice friendships. Sirhcman, Owazrim and MightyQDawg are a few folks you might check out here and on Twitch as well. They're all very friendly and love talking Master System. It's always great to meet another fan!
If you want the feel of a classic PC gaming franchise on a console, try Buck Roger's for the Genesis. It plays just like all the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons games by SSI for the PC
Interesting! I've heard of it before but haven't looked into it too much. I really should!
It's always great to add more games to my backlog :) Happily there are ways to play some of these on modern consoles with rereleases and remasters. This is a great video -- my favorite thing about it is the way you transitioned between each game. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these!
Absolutely! You might have to look a little harder to find those opportunities but they're there. Have fun with them!
And thanks about the transitions... we got to spend some extra time together this weekend fiddling with cameras and learning something new. It was great!
Nice transition edits!
Thank you very much!
14:49 Ahh teasing me with the blank cartridge label at the bottom there. I always love looking into the Master System library. I only had two games for it growing up and never owned the system itself (played the games on my Genesis with the power base converter), so it's a combination of really nostalgic, and really mysterious.
By the way, I loved the transitions for this video.
Which were your two games you had? Sorry if you've mentioned before, but I've forgotten!
I KNEW I forgot to do something... that blank label is Quartet! It has some RPG elements in it and I forgot to put some text above that blank label. Now you know!
And thanks about the transitions too... we had fun setting up the shots. Hopefully I'll be able to do more of them in future videos. I assumed people wouldn't want to listen to me ramble on for a straight 13 minutes with no breaks about so many different topics!
Oh, I didn't think Quartet had RPG elements. I played the arcade version once, but I would like to try out the MS version someday. This gives me a little more incentive to do so.
I had R-Type, classic shooter. The TG16 version is probably better, but the MS version is still really good and often crops up in MS top ten lists.
Also had Time Soldiers. A hidden gem that I never see anyone talk about, which baffles me as it's really good. It's like Ikari Warriors on NES, except not broken and glitchy as hell, and it has Roman legions and Medusa and a freaking fire breathing T-rex.
I've never been able to beat either of them, but I love them.
There's also a sneaky third game that I didn't own but I got to play briefly as a kid: the illustrious Phantasy Star! That game made me instantly fall in love with RPGs. Only got halfway through before we had to return it, and it took me a good decade to track it down again and beat it, but it's no exaggeration to say that game changed my life.
@@japanimationman4442 Yeah I think that you need a certain number of points to level up your character to different ranks, which improves your shot range etc.? I could be wrong but that's what I remember from the manual.
I have a copy of R-Type but no Time Soldier yet... I'll keep an eye out for that one! Thanks for the recommendation. And glad to hear that Phantasy Star was life-changing for you. I had a similar experience with Ultima IV so I can imagine how special that game feels to you.
Zillion (1) was a great metroidvania style game, and definitely one of my all-time favorite SMS games. Zillion 2 Triformation, on the other hand was a biggest let down, and a completely different genre of shallow run and gun style game.
I still need to try Zillion 2 one of these days!
Thanks for this! I’ve been itching for some old school rpg action, and I never thought to look towards the master system. Now I’m super interested in it.
Happy to help! I got sucked in with Golden Axe Warrior first and then my discovery grew out from there. There's a lot to enjoy here!
Excellent list and Wonder Boy III has the best soundtrack on the entire system and Phantasy Star isn't far behind 😎🔥
Wonder Boy III's soundtrack is amazing. Agreed!
Love that Ys music, was so nostalgic hearing it again
That overworld tune is phenomenal. I bopped along to it the whole time I was playing.
@@hungrygoriya I wonder how it would sound if they made a remake or a touched up version of the game😊
@@TrendCrush666 Oh? Do you not know about all the remakes? There are so many! There's one on TurboGrafx-CD, one on the PSP, there might even be one on steam with updated graphics/music at this point... tons and tons of remakes!
@@hungrygoriya I'll have to take a look, i never used steam, psp or turbografx😅
HUNGRY! I've enjoyed watching you plow through these games. You're my SMS hookup! Another great video, friend!
Thank you, Wally... you've been there since the humble beginnings of Miracle Warriors and I haven't forgotten your gentle prodding to keep going when I was totally overwhelmed.
Wonderful list Hun ^^
Also interesting to see Dragon Crystal, it looks like a predecessor to Fatal Labyrinth on the Genesis, same menu and all, you might like it but it's very unforgiving so be warned :)
I'll have to check it out! I don't own it yet but I'll keep an eye out.
Cute PVM! I've been getting into the SMS lately too. It's really interesting how many ambitious games that system had
Thanks :) My husband's passion is old electronics so we have a couple lying around here that we take out for special occasions such as this.
And there are tons of interesting games for the console that I'm so grateful to know about now. Anything you're looking forward to or that has really impressed you so far?
@@hungrygoriya So far Wonderboy III, Sagaia, The Ninja and Dragon Crystal have been my favorites so far! I was shocked at how well they play today, even compared to modern games of similar genres.
Sagaia in particular blows my mind. It's a later release, and was a PAL exclusive, but the fact that they ported Darius II onto the Master System, and that it just works is mind blowing. There are so many cool effects in that game. I love looking at 8-bit games from a design perspective and trying to figure out how they got it all to work within the limitations of the Master System. I could watch the parallax scrolling in Master System games for hours haha
@@Bofner Oooo I haven't played too much of Sagaia or The Ninja yet, but good to know they're on your list. I'm never sure where to start sometimes, so this is really helpful!
I can't say I'm too great at shooters, but if it's a technical marvel, I'm excited to experience it.
@@hungrygoriya I highly recommend going into the options and changing your ship to Tiat when you first start Sagaia. It's one of the games where a single death gets rid of all of your powerups, and Tiat's ship is stronger by default.
The Ninja is a bit more balanced I think, and it actually has a really cool history. It was originally called Ninja Princess in the arcade, and you got to play as the Ninja Princess. The SG 1000 home console port kept the name, but for whatever reason, they changed the main character to a man in the SMS port. I think as far as gameplay goes, the SMS port is the best (the JP version actually has more levels though) but Ninja Princess is a way cooler idea than a regular ninja haha.
@@Bofner Thanks for the tips! I'm hoping to play some more Master System soon and am still trying to decide what to try out, so maybe I'll play that and R-Type or something.
And Ninja Princess eh? I didn't know the history there at all... I'd like to see what the original was like. That's pretty cool :)
“Princess Rena went in search of the herb, but failed to return”
The wacky weed claims another 😂
Hopefully she finds her way back home someday!
You're Canadian? So am I. Right on!
Yep, born and raised. I thought so based on your profile photo but didn't want to assume.
@@hungrygoriya Excellent!
I loved Miracle Warriors, Y's and SpellCaster growing up! The SpellCaster soundtrack has some catchy songs, and some are even a bit haunting. Totally agree on its sense of atmosphere - something about the game's ambience just kind of pulls you in. Your playthroughs and reviews of these classics really take me back, GG! The revisiting of the SMS has been a great season on your channel.
Thanks very much for your kindness. I am sad to leave these games behind but am also looking forward to experiencing more, you know? There's so many more to play!
And SpellCaster is such a cool game. I found a few parts absolutely unforgiving but overall, I have fond memories of playing through it. I was hooked on the story the entire time! I haven't experienced anything quite like it since. Miracle Warriors is also a really good time. I would love to sit down with it again since it's been so long and just grind and grind and grind...
I was crazy for monsterland when i was a kid
Right on! Did you ever finish it? I couldn't get past the Sphinx when I played, and if I did, it was pure luck and I game over'd soon after.