Sega CD (Mega CD)
The Sega CD was an ambitious CD-ROM add-on for the Genesis/Mega Drive that promised to revolutionize gaming with its massive storage capacity (700MB vs. cartridges' few MB). While it delivered impressive full-motion video games like 'Sewer Shark' and enhanced ports like 'Final Fight CD,' its high price and mixed software library limited its success. The system became legendary for its FMV (full motion video) games and CD-quality audio, but also notorious for long load times and shovelware. It pioneered concepts like cinematic gaming that would later flourish on PlayStation.
📊 Market Data
⚙️ Technical Specs
🎮 Usage Characteristics
🔤 Local Terms
✨ Unique Practices
- •Waiting through lengthy CD loading screens
- •Showing off FMV sequences to impress friends
- •Using the CD player to play music albums
- •Trying (and failing) to play burned games without mod chips
🏆 Popular Games
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1993
PlatformerSonic CD is a 1993 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Sega CD. Notable for introducing Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, the game features time travel mechanics across Past, Present, and Future versions of each zone. Sonic must collect Time Stones to prevent Dr. Robotnik from conquering Little Planet.
2023
PlatformerThis expansive Sega CD fangame remixes content from Sonic 1-3 & Knuckles with original zones, playable characters (including Mighty and Ray), and CD-quality arranged music. Features new mechanics like elemental shields and a time-attack mode.
1992
Action-AdventureThis Sega CD enhanced version of the aquatic adventure features CD-quality audio, new cutscenes, and additional levels. Play as Ecco, a young dolphin separated from his pod, who must solve puzzles and battle sea creatures to uncover an alien conspiracy threatening Earth's oceans.
1994
Action RPGPopful Mail is a side-scrolling action RPG originally developed by Falcom and ported to Sega CD by Sega in 1994. The game follows the adventures of Mail, a sassy elf bounty hunter, as she teams up with a wizard and a warrior to stop an evil demon lord. The Sega CD version features full voice acting, animated cutscenes, and enhanced CD-quality music.
1992
RPGLunar: The Silver Star is a role-playing video game developed by Game Arts and originally published by Sega for the Sega CD. The game follows the journey of Alex, a young boy who dreams of becoming a Dragonmaster like his hero Dyne, as he embarks on an epic adventure to save the world from an ancient evil.