Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection: Official Thread

There's another Genesis/MD compilation coming, this time for PS3 and 360 (I assume this will hit North America and not just Europe). It seems pretty similar to the PS2/PSP one in content. I really hope there's an option to change the filter as that eagle mode or whatever it's usually called looks awful.

http://www.sega.co.uk/games/?g=592

It's a compilation of mostly great games I already have so I'm more interested in what arcade games they put in the unlockables.

List of Genesis games included:

Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
Alien Storm
Altered Beast
Beyond Oasis
Bonanza Bros.
Columns
Comix Zone
Decap Attack starring Chuck D. Head
Dr. Robotnik's MBM
Dynamite Headdy
Ecco the Dolphin
Ecco II: The Tides of Time
E-SWAT
Fatal Labyrinth
Flicky
Gain Ground
Golden Axe I
Golden Axe II
Golden Axe III
Kid Chameleon
Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
Ristar
Shining in the Darkness
Shining Force
Shining Force 2
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
Sonic 3D Blast
Sonic and Knuckles
Sonic Spinball
Sonic The Hedgehog
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage 2
Streets of Rage 3
Super Thunder Blade
Vectorman
Vectorman 2

I would rather Sega make domestic compilations of their Japanese Sega Ages stuff like Fantasy Zone CC but re-releasing stuff like these can't hurt as long as they're emulated properly.

zzzzz

For $30 I'm interested. $50-$60 and I can wait until I find it cheap & used or it takes a price drop.

Exactly, though I own the "real" versions of most of these games, if the emulation is spot on, I'd rather have the space and $$$ gained from selling them off.

The real selling point in this collection is the unannounced bonus content and unlockable games, in my opinion. I think it's safe to assume the first Phantasy Star will be an unlockable since the other 3 are already on the disc. The game is $30 so that isn't too bad either. They better not do some stupid shit with the achivements like Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade. Only the games already on XBLA had achivements while the others had nothing. :(

Was the first Phantasy Star on the Genesis and PSP versions? 'Cause that had 2-4 as well.

I'm not sure, but they specifically stated in the press release that the game will "feature bonus content from its 8-bit Master System and 1980’s arcade era games library." I don't see a reason why they wouldn't add PS1.

'cause they're Sega?

:(

This is a very awesome collection. For 30 bucks I'll def buy it to have all that funness on one disk, and to show Sega that while their new stuff sucks ass, I will buy their amazing old titles.

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Originally Posted by Mikhal

The game is $30 so that isn't too bad either. They better not do some stupid shit with the achievements like Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade. Only the games already on XBLA had achievements while the others had nothing. :(

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Happy to hear about the $30 price tag, but that news about Achievements in Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade is disappointing. Hate to derail this further, but do you happen to know if Namco Museum at least has individual leaderboards for each of the games?

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Originally Posted by Some Stupid Japanese Name

Was the first Phantasy Star on the Genesis and PSP versions? 'Cause that had 2-4 as well.

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Nope, Phantasy Star 1 was not on either one. Here's hoping for this edition.

It's like they have one master list of 35 games. They throw darts at a board, batch them together with a front end and make a name for it. 6 months later you get 5-10 more games, with 10 from the last one and so on. How many times do we need Sonic, PS and SoR? This gets a pass since it'll be in 720.

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Originally Posted by Geen

Happy to hear about the $30 price tag, but that news about Achievements in Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade is disappointing. Hate to derail this further, but do you happen to know if Namco Museum at least has individual leaderboards for each of the games?

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No clue. I didn't buy the game, only read about it online. The XBLA stuff on the disc should have them if they were supported. No clue on the rest of the stuff compiled in the Museum Mode.

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Nope, Phantasy Star 1 was not on either one. Here's hoping for this edition.

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I think it's safe to say it'll be in there now. One of the lines from the press release NZE linked to had this in it that I missed originally.

• THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF CLASSIC SEGA TITLES. All the favorites are here including Sonic The Hedgehog, four titles from the Phantasy Star™ series, as well as three titles from the Streets of Rage™ series, to name a few.

Phantasy Star 2,3,4 and PSO Episode 3 card battle.

Wasn't there a Game Gear PS game? Yeah, that.

PSO Episode 3 would make it an insta-purchase.

Way too much overlap compared to the existing Genesis/Sonic collections out there, but it's easily the best old school collection on the 360, and the price is pretty reasonable. I'll probably wait until the price is cut in half to buy this, unless the Master System/Arcade stuff included is too tempting to resist. Just for the sake of FINALLY putting these games on a collection, I wouldn't mind seeing Knuckles: Chaotix or the Sonic Arcade game included.

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Originally Posted by Mikhal

PSO Episode 3 would make it an insta-purchase.

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If the loading/computer thinking about making its move time was made faster, I might have to agree with you. Presented as it was on the cube, hell no.

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Originally Posted by YellerDog

Wasn't there a Game Gear PS game? Yeah, that.

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There's no way they're going to take the effort to translate either of the GG games.

So Alien Storm, Streets of Rage series, Sonic 3, and some more RPGs are added to the PS2 rev (minus Sword of Vermillion).

ugh. why isn't this on the ps2? i'd get it for shining force and beyond oasis.

I see 2 reasons.

1) PS2 already has most of the games listed already.
2) To make a quick buck after Microsoft started turning down straight ports of games. If that didn't happen, the games on this and the Namco Collection would have been released one at a time on XBLA for 400 points instead I think.

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Originally Posted by RoleTroll

So Alien Storm, Streets of Rage series, Sonic 3, and some more RPGs are added to the PS2 rev (minus Sword of Vermillion).

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Why is this missing Sword of Vermillion, anyway? Weird.

I have the PS2 version already, but if they fix the sound emulation and add some decent extras, I'd pick this up again in a heartbeat. THIS is how classic games should be shovelwared.

EDIT: omg the last comment

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Originally Posted by Some Stupid Japanese Name

Was the first Phantasy Star on the Genesis and PSP versions? 'Cause that had 2-4 as well.

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The original Phantasy Star got a limited anniversary release on the Mega Drive in Japan. It was just a straight port though, but technically, all four games are available on the Genesis.

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Originally Posted by Mikhal

• THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF CLASSIC SEGA TITLES. All the favorites are here including Sonic The Hedgehog, four titles from the Phantasy Star™ series,

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I want the Japanese ROM with the cool FM sound. Too bad we'll get the American one. Still, if the achievements are done right, this could be my dream come true! Genesis games with achievements... let the whoring begin!

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Originally Posted by Melf

I want the Japanese ROM with the cool FM sound. Too bad we'll get the American one.

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The Japanese ROM is available on the PS2 Phantasy Star Collection, but there's no option to play it in English. After spending some time with both, I kind of prefer the American version's music, it has such a great, driven 80's clangy-ness to it. The FM version sounds a little subdued in comparison.

Fuck me sideways. That was supposed to say, "on the Playstation 2 and PSP versions?"
I got Genesis on my mind.

I knew PS1 came out on Mega Drive, I used to own it.

edit:yeah, that last comment was quite interesting.

So I guess the reason why we're getting this is because Microsoft said "take your ports elsewhere" after the first couple of games they put on Xbox Live?

Pretty sharp list of games, even though I've played/owned most of them.

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Originally Posted by wEEman33

So I guess the reason why we're getting this is because Microsoft said "take your ports elsewhere" after the first couple of games they put on Xbox Live?

Pretty sharp list of games, even though I've played/owned most of them.

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How many were released? SoR, Sonic and Golden Axe?

I'm glad I didn't pick up the PS2 Genesis collection yet, I'll be aiming for this one instead whenever I eventually do get a 360, lol.

Concerning siliconera's screenshots:
Why the fuck do people who want to compare and contrast things never use the same shot from a game? You've got three different versions of the game with three different parts of the game captured. I see this shit all the time on the net. It really annoys me.
This is me. Annoyed.

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Originally Posted by Dyne

How many were released? SoR, Sonic and Golden Axe?

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Sonic 2 and Ecco were also released on Xbox Live Arcade.

I loved the Xbox Live Arcade releases, mainly because I loved playing these games with achievements and, in the case of SoR2, online. I know online play has already been confirmed as being axed for this collection, but I still hope an Orange Box-type list of achievements makes the cut and, if it does, is something deeper than "Beat Sonic 1. Beat Golden Axe." ... I'm not too hopeful.

Yep, achievements and online play are what made those games worth getting.

Now that those things are gone, I might as well just dust off the old Genesis cartridges.

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Originally Posted by Some Stupid Japanese Name

Concerning siliconera's screenshots:
Why the fuck do people who want to compare and contrast things never use the same shot from a game? You've got three different versions of the game with three different parts of the game captured. I see this shit all the time on the net. It really annoys me.
This is me. Annoyed.

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People generally don't know the difference between "photo of a tv plugged into an RF connection" vs "screen capture with filters on" either...

I checked Gamestop today. This comes out in February for $30.

Don't ever believe anything they tell you.

The date sounds off, since Sega itself says spring, but it wouldn't surprise me if the price was correct.

The price is correct. I've mentioned it earlier because it was stated as such on their page here. Who knows about the date cause Sega's press release says Spring, but the game info page says Winter... Anyways... emulation filter can be turned off!

I can has scan lines?

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/w/image...ecapsignal.jpg

Don't do it.

Wasn't there... some... dude... who was all about scan lines on everything? While back? What was his name...

I put out his signal already, but I think he was banned.

I don't think he was.

Remember, everyone can always post.

If they want to.

He knew a lot of great stuff, though. Kinda like Neozeed's evil twin.

With this collection coming out, I wonder If I'll be able to sell the actual games that are on it. Seems like Sega and other game companies from beyond the 8 bit era wants to sell collection to ensure that the actual games can't be resold.

Nah, I'm pretty sure that their motivation is pulling in easy money on a low budget.

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Originally Posted by RoleTroll

He knew a lot of great stuff, though. Kinda like Neozeed's evil twin.

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If only he had used his powers for good instead of being retarded.

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Originally Posted by ChaoofNee

Nah, I'm pretty sure that their motivation is pulling in easy money on a low budget.

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Yeah I think that's a bigger part.

On another note, it would be cool if Sega would make the game 2 player over Live. Too bad it won't be...

Sounds good...I still break out the Genesis PSP rev every once in a while. I do wish Sonic CD was on there though.

I apologize if this is common knowledge, but I found it cool new news:

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Originally Posted by Magic Box

Sega announced its upcoming classic collection Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection for PS3 and Xbox 360 will include 7 bonus games, in additional to the 40 games. They are Space Harrier, Zaxxon, Alien Syndrome, Altered Beast Arcade, Tip Top, Fantasy Zone, and Shinobi Arcade, the game will be released on February 20, 2009.

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Genesis versions of those games suck.

That's why ARCADE is good news...

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Genesis versions of those games suck.

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Genesis didn't even have versions of most of those games. These are arcade versions we're talking

It says "Mega Drive" ultimate collection, then some have the ARCADE while others don't (like Space Harrier). Kinda weird mix and match.

It's got a few bonus SMS games too.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Genesis didn't even have versions of most of those games. These are arcade versions we're talking

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I thought there was a Fantasy Zone for Genesis... Guess I am wrong. Well the one that I really care about is Space Harrier, I hope they put the arcade version on there because the Genie version sucks.

Has there ever been a proper home version of Space Harrier? Closest thing seemes like the 32X version.

The Saturn version is pretty good, not sure if it is pixel perfect like the arcade (I know Outrun isn't). I do think the 32X was about as close as we got.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

I thought there was a Fantasy Zone for Genesis... Guess I am wrong.

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Just Super Fantasy Zone, which is a sequel, not a port.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Well the one that I really care about is Space Harrier, I hope they put the arcade version on there because the Genie version sucks.

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There's no Genesis Space Harrier, either, just Space Harrier II.

32X and Saturn versions of Space Harrier are both perfectly solid. DC version slightly better still.

Never played Tip Top but the rest sounds good to me.

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Originally Posted by raystorm

Never played Tip Top but the rest sounds good to me.

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It's Congo Bongo. Japanese name.

I love Congo Bongo.

Space Harrier on the Saturn is awesome with the Mission Stick. I still keep mine around for it, Afterburner 2, and Soviet Strike.

I love Congo Bongo too. I used to play that game for hours on my Colecovsion.

I can't believe I'm thinking about rebuying a collection I already own of games I already own.

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Originally Posted by Bacon McShig

It's got a few bonus SMS games too.

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Yeah, Phantasy Star doesn't surprise me but I didn't expect Golden Axe Warrior to get a re-release. It's a total Zelda 1 rip-off but it's quite well made.

I just hope it's easy to unlock games in the compilation as I mostly want it for arcade Shinobi and Congo Bongo.

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Originally Posted by YellerDog

Has there ever been a proper home version of Space Harrier? Closest thing seemes like the 32X version.

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Like everyone else has said, the 32X version is about as close as you're going to get. The Sega Classics Collection on the PS2 has a nice enhanced version of the game though.

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Originally Posted by ChaoofNee

I can't believe I'm thinking about rebuying a collection I already own of games I already own.

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Well said. Day one.

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Originally Posted by gamevet

Like everyone else has said, the 32X version is about as close as you're going to get. The Sega Classics Collection on the PS2 has a nice enhanced version of the game though.

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You're forgetting the PS2 Sega Ages Vol.20 Space Harrier Complete Collection.
It is still terribly repetitive and ultimately boring, just like all iterations of Space Harrier.

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Originally Posted by Shooting Love

You're forgetting the PS2 Sega Ages Vol.20 Space Harrier Complete Collection.
It is still terribly repetitive and ultimately boring, just like all iterations of Space Harrier.

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You don't deserve your name.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

You don't deserve your name.

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Well, to be fair, I spent nearly every dollar my parents gave me on Space Harrier back in '85-86 whenever we would go to the Jersey Shore.
I'd be in those wonderful arcades playing Space Harrier until every quarter was gone. ...and then I'd check every machine in the place for unclaimed quarters in the coin return slots, and usually get another game or two.

Maybe I need to play some Planet Harriers to rekindle the respect.

Repetition is no crime in an 18 minute long, blazing fast shooter. Great art, great music, crazy sense of motion. You can't ask for more. Space Harrier is perfect for what it is.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

You don't deserve your name.

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It's funny, I didn't think his name had anything to do with shooters, something like "dropping loads."

Not sure if this is completely legit, but it seems pretty believable: Achievements are in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection and they're not boring, "Beat every game" type ordeals either (Although a lot of them seem really easy). Here's the list.

Achievements confirmed.

Stolen from the Sega of America Twitter.

I really only posted this to beat Geen to it.

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Originally Posted by ChaoofNee

Achievements confirmed.

Stolen from the Sega of America Twitter.

I really only posted this to beat Geen to it.

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Ahem and ahem. Also, ahem. :chu::chu::chu:

Hey, hey now. You weren't sure if the list was legit. His tweet confirmed them.

Now they are confirmed.

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Originally Posted by ChaoofNee

Hey, hey now. You weren't sure if the list was legit. His tweet confirmed them.

Now they are confirmed.

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Technicalities... :lol:

I am very happy about this news, though.

Why the fuck isn't this a bonus in the greatest country in the world? Why the fuck do the dick drippings born flesh of a bunch of goddamn criminals get it?
WHY?
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1233949403

http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Produ...Bonus-LP-Offer

That's quite awesome.

I (am) seriously fighting the urge to order the stupid thing.
srsly.

Fuck! That's amazing!

$85.88 shipped. I'll post pics when it arrives.
I think that's the AUD price, so it should only be around $57.

Damn, Yes-asia?

Oh AUD. Fuck those kangaroos and kaola bears.

Full list of 9 unlocks (hasn't changed) and unlock methods.

Hay this is today! (tomorrow)

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This ‘Sonic 3 + Knuckles’ feature wasn’t included for Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection. I spoke with the producer for Sonic’s UGC, Ethan Einhorn, who definitely understands the nature of hard-core Sonic fandom. We had a good conversation about the game, and I got Ethan’s official explanation for why Sonic 3 + Knuckles wasn’t included: “To shore up the development time necessary to get “Lock-On” to work in Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection, we would have had to drop all of the bonus games from the disc. Faced with an either/or scenario, we chose to retain our title lineup in its entirety.”

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OH FUCK HELL

So, it took ROM dumpers 5 minutes to patch them together, but nobody at SEGA could figure out how to include Sonic 3 & Knuckles? I don't care about the lock-on with other games! Just give me Sonic 3 in its entirety!

Gimme a break. What horseshit.

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Originally Posted by ChaoofNee

OH FUCK HELL

So, it took ROM dumpers 5 minutes to patch them together, but nobody at SEGA could figure out how to include Sonic 3 & Knuckles? I don't care about the lock-on with other games! Just give me Sonic 3 in its entirety!

Gimme a break. What horseshit.

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that explanation doesn't even make sense.

Disappointing, but maybe they'll add it in later as DLC or something. You know, something positive about patching console games without all the charging you for the ending crap (see Prince of Persia)

Yeah, I don't get it. It's not like it would be a large filesize that wouldn't fit on disk. Oh well.

THIS PLAYS GREAT WITH THE SF4 PAD.

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Originally Posted by ChaoofNee

OH FUCK HELL

So, it took ROM dumpers 5 minutes to patch them together, but nobody at SEGA could figure out how to include Sonic 3 & Knuckles? I don't care about the lock-on with other games! Just give me Sonic 3 in its entirety!

Gimme a break. What horseshit.

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5 minutes? Try five seconds. You just have to merge them on the command line, and you're done. This is straight up bullshit.

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Originally Posted by ChaoofNee

OH FUCK HELL

So, it took ROM dumpers 5 minutes to patch them together, but nobody at SEGA could figure out how to include Sonic 3 & Knuckles? I don't care about the lock-on with other games! Just give me Sonic 3 in its entirety!

Gimme a break. What horseshit.

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I don't think it's that big a deal, but that guy is straight up lying about it. "We would have put Shadowrun on there, but then we'd have to fuck a baby and we don't believe in that sort of thing."

The arcade releases definitely make this more interesting to me. Might pick this up.

Me 2. I hope TRU gets it soon so I can use a 20% coupon.

It's $30. Spend the 20% off on something more expensive.

I don't plan to buy anything more expensive. Trying to be frugal man.

I got a Target Gift Card for my birthday also so it kinda comes down SF4, Star Ocean 4, and this, 2 of the 3 will be mine.

It's been forever since I messed with them, but didn't Sonic Jam and Mega Collection give you the option of enabling lock on?

Hyup.

It looks like they skipped it just because of the ball level thing? Huh?

They could've done that by, again, merging the ROMs.

Sega's just stupid and lazy. Again.

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It's been forever since I messed with them, but didn't Sonic Jam and Mega Collection give you the option of enabling lock on?

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Sonic Jam definitely did.

I shot off an email to the producer. Hopefully he can shed some more light on this.