The best and worst of Sega Master System so far | Segaiden 1988
984We are halfway through the Master System library. Well, more or less. About halfway. It's close? Look, Segaiden is an art, not a science.
The point is, this presents us with a golden opportunity to pause, look back at the journey so far, and remember the best times. Also, the worst times. Because light means nothing without dark, good cannot exist without evil, and best games have no weight if not balanced against worst games.
So please join me for this momentary breather of video game history and celebrate the finest creations for Master System so far. And the bad ones, too. And be sure to look forward to the back half of SMS Works, because the best (and worst!!) is yet to come.
Production notes:
Why watch when you can read? All 420 full-color pages of SG-1000 Works: Segaiden Vol. I are now in print at Limited Run Games (https://limitedrungames.com/collectio.... You can also grab the massive hardcover print editions of NES Works, Super NES Works, and Virtual Boy works as well. Look for NES Works Gaiden Vol. I and Master System Works Vol. I in 2024-25.
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Master System footage captured from U.S. carts running through a cart adapter on Japanese Master System hardware and MiSTer (thanks to MiSTerAddOns). Video upscaled to 4K with RetroTink 4K. RGB cables courtesy of StoneAgeGamer.com and Allie Bellrose.