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The Sega CD is an add-on device for the Sega Genesis video game console, designed and produced by Sega and released in North America in 1992. It was released as the Mega-CD (メガCD, Mega Shī Dī) in Japan in 1991, and in Europe and other regions in 1993. The device adds a CD-ROM drive to the console, allowing the user to play CD-based games and providing additional hardware functionality. It can also play audio CDs and CD+G discs.
In early 1991, Sega announced the Mega-CD for release in Japan in late 1991, North America in 1992,[4] and in Europe in 1993. While the Mega-CD add-on did contain a faster central processing unit and some enhanced graphics capabilities than the Mega Drive, the main focus of the device was to expand the size of games: cartridges of the day typically contained 8 to 16 megabits of data, while a CD-ROM disk would hold 640 megabytes (5120 megabits).[4] Sega of Japan, partnering with Sony, refused to consult with Sega's American division until the project was completed—Sega of America had to assemble parts from various "dummy" units to obtain a working prototype.[4] While it became known for several games, such as Sonic CD, the expansion only sold 6 million units worldwide and was often criticized for its severe hardware limitations [5]
The first version of the Mega-CD sits underneath the Mega Drive console and loads CDs via a motorized tray. A second version places a top-loading CD-ROM drive to the right of the console and is intended primarily for use with the redesigned Mega Drive II. Both versions of the Mega-CD are compatible with the initial two versions of the Mega Drive console, but not with the Mega Drive 3 or Genesis 3.
Technical aspects and specifications
Model 2 Mega-CD motherboard
The Sega CD can only be used in conjunction with a Genesis system, attaching through an expansion slot on the side of the main console. Though the Sega CD is an add-on, it does require its own separate power supply. In addition to playing its own library of games in CD-ROM format, the Sega CD can also play compact discs, karaokeCD+G discs, and can also be used in conjunction with the Sega 32X to play 32-bit games that utilize both add-ons. The second model of the Sega CD also includes a steel joining plate to be screwed into the bottom of the Genesis, as well as an extension spacer to work with the original model of the Genesis.[6]
The main CPU of the Sega CD is a 12.5MHz16-bitMotorola 68000 processor. It contains 1 Mbit of bootROM, allocated for the CD game BIOS, CD player software, and compatibility with CD+G discs. 6 Mbit of RAM are allocated to data for programs, pictures, and sounds; 512 Kbit to PCM waveform memory; 128 Kbit to CD-ROM data cache memory; and an additional 64 Kbit are allocated as backup memory. Audio is supplied through a PCM sound source, and two RCA pin jacks allow the Sega CD to output stereophonic sound separate from the Genesis. Combining stereo sound from a Model 1 Genesis to either version of the Sega CD required a cable between the Genesis's headphone jack and an input jack on the back of the CD unit. This was not required for the Model 2 Genesis.[6]
Sega wanted to showcase the power of the Mega-CD; however, with the actual capacity of Mega Drive cartridges being small (hundreds of Mega Drive cartridges could fit on one CD), there were not many companies ready to adapt to the larger capacity of the storage medium, especially when they were hindered by the game systems' limitations.
Seeing the technology already in use for laserdisc classic arcade, and even a few titles on the PC Engine, video seemed to be the best choice at the time. So they focused on "FMV" games. Sega started off licensing and producing primarily "full motion video" games similar to earlier Laserdisc games, that were initially praised by reviewers (for example: Gamepro's "SWAT PRO" magazine initially gave Sewer Shark a perfect score, then later re-reviewed it with a much lower score as their feelings toward the system changed)[citation needed]
Eventually, most FMV games became universally panned by game reviewers, no matter which console the game was designed for.[citation needed] The Mega-CD's limited 512-color palette (of which a maximum of 64 colors were displayable simultaneously), combined with the processor not being well-suited for video, resulted in grainy, dithered images running at a lower framerate and resolution in most games.[citation needed]
Another criticism of the software library was that most titles consisted of "shovelware", in which a developer takes an existing title and adds minor new content (usually a CD audio soundtrack, or video sequences) while not expanding the original game itself.[citation needed] Few titles received major changes, but two exceptions were Earthworm Jim which featured additional levels and game changes, and The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin, which featured many changes, which drastically restructured the game, making it less linear, and adding animated cut scenes.[citation needed]
The console introduced at least one notable franchise.[citation needed] The Lunar series, despite the relatively narrow circulation the two titles on the Mega-CD received, was critically acclaimed and became a cult classic, with both games receiving remakes for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn in the late '90s; and a prequel to the series for the Nintendo DS in 2005. Another notable title was the cult-classic Snatcher, a cyberpunkdigital comic released by Konami and designed by Hideo Kojima. Though Snatcher was already available on several platforms, the Mega-CD version was the only one released in English.
One exclusive game that was published for the Mega-CD is the now-famous Sonic the Hedgehog CD, or Sonic CD. Sonic CD has been praised for its visual style, superior CD sound, and an innovative time-travel mechanic, allowing players to explore four versions of each stage. [citation needed]
The Mega-CD was awarded Best New Peripheral of 1992 by Electronic Gaming Monthly.[7] In a special Game Machine Cross Review in May 1995, Famicom Tsūshin would score the Mega-CD 2 console a 17 out of 40.[8]
Models
Sega Multi-Mega (1994)
The following models were released:
Mega-CD I (Sega CD I in North America)
Mega-CD II (Sega CD II in North America). Designed for the Mega Drive 2/2nd model Genesis (also compatible with the Mega Drive/1st model Genesis and included a special add-on for this purpose[9]) and to reduce manufacturing costs.
Victor Wondermega RG M2JVC Wondermega RG M1 (JAPAN-ONLY (released on April 1, 1992): combination Mega Drive/Mega-CD player with enhanced sound, video and karaoke capabilities and a mechanized CD tray lid. Also included MIDI functionality. Sega themselves released on April 24, 1992 a variation of this unit with slight cosmetic changes, but functionality remains identical – Branded as Sega Wondermega)
JVC Wondermega Model RG M2 (JAPAN-ONLY: a second model with a different case design and wireless controller functionality built in. The mechanized CD tray was omitted in favor of a more conventional spring-loaded tray design. Otherwise, functionally identical to the Wondermega I. This model was stripped down released in the US as the X'Eye.)
Sega Multi-Mega (called Sega CDX in North America). A portable CD player that plays both Mega Drive and Mega-CD games, as well as audio CDs, and CD-G discs. Resembling a slightly longer version of the typical portable CD player of the day.
Pioneer LaserActive Sega Mega-CD module, an add-on device available for the LaserActive system
^ abcKent, Steven L. (2001). The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World. Roseville, California: Prima Publishing. pp. 450–451. ISBN0-7615-3643-4.
