Summary
Despite its 1992 release, theSega CDorMega-CDwas an iconic accessory to the Sega Genesis as it added CD-ROM capabilities to the Sega platform’s limited hardware. When attached to the Sega Genesis, the Sega CD gives players opportunities to enjoy not just CD games but also graphical enhancements and faster CPU performance.
While games such asDune,Dark Wizard, andRoad Avengeroffer some of the best Sega CD experiences due to the way they maximize the accessory’s graphical and processing offerings, the Sega CD also offers quite a plethora of platform games that make the Sega Genesis attachment a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts.
1993
Original Developer
Delphien Software
Being a cinematic platformer,Flashbackplays more like a movie than a video game, with players taking on the role of intelligence agent Conrad Hart as he tries to warn the world of shape-shifters named Morphs. Its setting of 2142 is presented with a surprising level of detail that can make interactive components blend with the background, much likeAnother World. Conrad himself is rotoscoped, giving his movements a degree of life-likeness akin to the Prince inPrince of Persia.
The mixture of the two presentation styles with its sci-fi premise makesFlashbackquite a film-like experience. The game also presents surprisingly challenging mechanics with gadgets that bring aBond-esque experienceto Conrad’s adventures. Such tools include a rechargeable force field that acts as life, a portable force field to temporarily block attacks, and even a teleporter to work one’s way around obstacles.
The Sega CD port ofPopful Mailhas become one of its most recognizable versions past its initial release for the NEC PC-8801, although its premise remains the same: when bounty hunter Popful Mail embarks on a mission to hunt the wizard-criminal Muttonhead, her new adventure will put her at the crosshairs of the fallen gods known as the Masters of Evil. Despite its setup as an RPG,Popful Mailplays into multiple genres: RPG for Mail and her team’s weapon and item customization, side-scroller for real-time fights, andplatformer for exploration.
However, the game’s genre mix has paved the way for a compelling RPG-lite experience despite its comedic premise. The game’s weapons have straightforward upgrades but still require skill to engage foes across its side-scrolling combat. Exploration via platforming offers its fair share of challenges and hazards, forcing players to stay on their toes inside and outside of combat.
Broderbund
Released originally for the Apple 2, Jordan Mechner’s rotoscoped prince gets a graphical and performance update asPrince of Persiawas ported to the Sega CD. As the port removes the Prince’s all-white wardrobe in favor of the more iconic colored vest and white bottoms, the game also provides much-requested saves as well as voice-acted cutscenes. Visuals and processing power received much of the boosts in the Sega CD port, asPrince of Persiahas already become quite the critically acclaimed titledespite its initial commercial failure.
Mechner’s design choice of rotoscoping the Prince’s movements resulted in a more cinematic platforming experience. Momentum is a priority in the game, especially when jumps, turns, and breaks factor into the Prince’s survival throughout the timed experience. Such was the innovationPrince of Persiaintroduced to the platforming genre that life-like rotoscoped controls and eventual parkour became part of the franchise’s main selling points.
When a super-suit falls on top of regular earthworm Jim, he becomes the protagonist ofEarthworm Jimwhen the suit hyper-evolves him into an intelligent humanoid worm. However, Earthworm Jim is also pursued by the evil Psy-Crow and his boss Queen Pulsating, Bloated, Festering, Sweaty, Pus-filled, Malformed, Slug-for-a-Butt. Thankfully, players can help Earthworm Jim traverse the game’s many stages with a plethora of tools: a Whip, a Plasma Pistol for shooting, and a Pocket Rocket for flight.
On top of its cartoony visuals,Earthworm Jimearned critical acclaim for its self-aware humor and rather comedic story. Not only that, but the title’s intuitive mechanics give thisrun-and-gun/platformerhybrid many gameplay options. On top of being able to control one’s descent after jumping and flight, Jim’s whip can also grab objects and help him swing from platform to platform. The game also features mini-games such as racing levels, a timed underwater maze, a fighting level, and even competitive bungee jumping.
Delphine Software
Compared to moreaction-packed franchises such asCastlevaniaandSonic the Hedgehog, players can describeAnother Worldas more of a cinematic platformer than a traditional member of the genre. Developed solo by Eric Chahi over the course of two years,Another Worldtells the story of how physicist Lester Knight Chaykin tries to escape an alien world after an experiment gone wrong.
Presented without a HUD,Another Worldputs players in the shoes of Lester as they try to figure out how to escape the game’s various stages. Lester eventually obtains a laser gun which he can use to attack enemies and create force fields, but the game prompts a game over once he and his ally Buddy are hit. The lack of the HUD blends well with the game’s intentional level design, giving each stage a unique presence that weaves an overarching narrative that demonstrates rather intricate storytelling for its time.
1994
Developer
Psygnosis
Set in the world of Imagica,Flinktells the story of the eponymous Flink, a wizard’s apprentice, to save the four elders of the world from the evil wizard Wicked Wainwright. While the rather typical nature of the game’s story resulted in middling reviews,Flinkshines in its usage of detailed cartoony graphics, making the platformer more atmospheric compared to itsmore popular competitors such asDonkey Kong CountryandSonic The Hedgehog 3.
Moreover,Flinkeasily becomes a worthwhile experience with the protagonist’s ability to create spells. When the game is paused, Flink can combine ingredients he collects to learn spells that range from combat abilities to platformer aids such as shrinking and plant growth. Flink also needs magic energy to cast spells, which he can gain from enemies and lose by being hit, much like withSonicand his rings.
Initially planned as a Sega CD port of 1991’sSonic the Hedgehog, theSonic CDproject evolved into becoming one of the most celebratedSonicgames of all time. Set some time afterthe firstSonicgame, Sonic has to stop Dr. Robotnik from using the mystic Time Stones to transform the extraterrestrial body known as Little Planet into his personal fortress. Using the Time Stones’ powers, Sonic has to travel across time to ensure Dr. Eggman doesn’t fulfill his goals.
A key part ofSonic CD’s appeal is its time travel component, as its presence in theSonicgame isn’t just for the story. In a bid to improveSonic’s speed-based platforming formula, levels inSonic CDhave four time-based zones (Past, Present, Bad Future, and Good Future), all of which contain different layouts and visuals. Stages have become more cramped and complex, discouraging players from reckless speeding and instead staying alert on nooks and crannies that may lead to special bonuses.
