The Sega Master System was Sega's first widespread console. It had an 8-bit Z80 processor, 3 channel PCM audio, 256x192 resolution, and a palette of 32 colors out of 64. The Sega Master System accepted two program formats - one was the ever-popular cartridge (which could hold 4Mbit), and one was the card format (cards could hold 1Mbit). Also available were 3D glasses, which were actually two LCD screens that closed and opened rapidly to keep up with two flickering images on the screen. This simulated a real 3D environment. Most of the Sonic games that were created for the Sega Master System were actually hacks of the Sega Master System versions by the Brazilian distributor for Sega, TecToy. Thus, they're basically similar to the Sega Master System versions, except with a larger screen and smaller color palette. The Japanese version of the Sega Master System had an FM chip - it's a shame that it wasn't put in the U.S. and European versions.
 Sonic the Hedgehog |
Released at around the same time as the Mega Drive version, the Sega Master System version was completely different. For one thing, the Chaos Emeralds were scattered throughout the levels instead of in special stages. Also, even though there were a few similar levels, such as Green Hill and Scrap Brain (which has different music), there were levels in the Sega Master System version not found in the Mega Drive version, such as Bridge and Jungle. |
 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Alternate Version) |
Sonic 2 for Sega Master System was actually released before the Mega Drive version. This game features Tails, but in a different way: Eggman has captured Tails, and Sonic has to get all of the Chaos Emeralds to rescue Tails. The Chaos Emeralds are just like they were in Sonic 1 for Sega Master System: they're scattered throughout the levels instead of in special stages. Techy Note: There are many more sprites for Tails than are used in the game, including looking up and down. Maybe Tails was supposed to be playable? Also, two versions have been dumped. They are basically the same, with a few minor differences. |
 Sonic Chaos |
Basically Sonic 3 for the Sega Master System, Sonic Chaos allows you to play as either Sonic or Tails. The Chaos Emeralds are in the special stages this time, instead of being spread throughout the level. Otherwise, the gameplay is basically the same as Sonic 1 and 2 for Sega Master System, except with new levels. |
 Sonic Spinball |
Sonic Spinball for the Sega Master System is pretty much exactly like the Mega Drive version, except it has a lower resolution, lower graphics quality, and lower music quality. I suggest you play the Mega Drive version instead. |
 Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine |
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine for the Sega Master System is just like the Mega Drive version, except it has a puzzle mode, where you have to solve bean puzzles. |
 Sonic Blast |
Sonic Blast was released at the same time that Sonic 3D Blast was released for the Mega Drive, Saturn, and PC; however, Sonic Blast is not in 3D. In fact, most people consider it Sonic & Knuckles for the Sega Master System without lock-on technology. I call it a piece of crap. For one thing, the music and level designs are repetitive. The graphics were bad on the Game Gear version, but they're AWFUL on the Sega Master System version; the Sega Master System can only show 32 of 64 colors, while the Game Gear could show 32 of 4,096 colors. |