Tech Throwback: The Sega Genesis CD

I like to take a look at where I’ve been to evaluate where Im going. Technology is cyclical after all… wait no its not. That said I still like all the feels that come rushing back like a flood of nostalgia every time I get my hand on the tech I grew up with. Im going to go back periodically and take a looking at the stuff that used to blow our hair back and get our minds rolling. Some of these device blew up and changed the world, some where ahead of their time and some just fell flat and became colossal failures. Today we are going to talk about the Sega Genesis CD

When this CD-ROM accessory was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis video game console, video gamers everywhere rejoiced. Let’s take a look at one of tech’s most beloved creations of the ’90s. While this was highly anticipated it was rarely adapted. The way this worked was you would purchase the Sega Genesis CD and plug it in to your existing 16 bit console allowing you to play PC like CD ROM games. The main benefit of CD technology was greater storage, which allowed for games to be nearly 320 times larger than Genesis cartridges. This benefit manifested as full motion video.

The Games

The Sega CD supports a library of over 200 games created both by Sega and an array of third-party publishers. Included in this library are six games which, while receiving individual Sega CD releases, also received separate versions that utilized both the Sega CD and 32X add-ons. Among the games released for the add-on were a number of FMV games, including Sewer Shark and Fahrenheit. Well-regarded games include Sonic CD, Lunar: Eternal Blue and Lunar: The Silver Star, Popful Mail, and Snatcher. And we wont even talk about the controversial Night Trap.

Lets Play the Sega Genesis CD

So for the small price of almost $300 I was able to get an original in box Sega Genesis with The Sega Genesis CD and one game.. Ecco The Dolphin. Ecco the Dolphin is an action-adventure game originally developed by Ed Annunziata and Novotrade International for the Sega Genesis CD.

Since this is the only game I have and the only game I really remember from my brief time with my neighbors Sega Genesis CD. This is the game we are playing today. Basically you are a Dolphin, swimming around doing Dolphin stuff. Attacking enemies is accomplished by making Ecco ram into them at high speeds. Swimming can be made progressively faster by tapping a certain button. The speed can be maintained by holding it down. You can also perform a purely aesthetic spin in the air when jumping out of the water. Its ok and my nephews are loving it

The Final Thought

While this flopped, it was groundbreaking. Shortly after it would pave the way for the PlayStation and Sega DreamCast and for that we are grateful.