My Life with Sega: Retro Game Reviews

[mylifewithsega]

Hello, boils and ghouls....

I started up a retro Sega video review web series, and I'd really like to get some hardcore Sega fan feedback. What games should I look into reviewing, some constructive criticism, etc. Here's the link to my channel....

http://www.youtube.com/user/rcfilms108?feature=mhee

So far, I've reviewed several games for the Genesis, 32X and the Saturn. Some reviews are positive, while some are negative. Here's a list of the games I've done....

Technocop (GEN)
Outlander (GEN)
Shadow Squadron (32X)
Zaxxon's Motherbase 2000 (32X)
Alien 3 (GEN)
Alien Trilogy (SAT)
Quake (SAT)
Time Killers (GEN)
Cosmic Carnage (32X)
Motocross Championship (32X)
Mazin Saga: Mutant Fighter (GEN)
Die Hard Arcade (SAT)
Batman: The Video Game (GEN)

I'd really like to hear everyone's thoughts and feelings. Please feel free to hit me up. Anyway, stay cool.

Hugs and sloppy kisses,
A.J.

[CrazyT]

I just watched a few of your video, and tbh they're great. It's good to see little reviews like this about SEGA games I've never been able to play. Would be glad to see more *subs

Also, welcome to the forum mate

[mylifewithsega]

Thank you, kind sir. Yeah, that's kinda' why I started making the videos. SEGA was a big part of my childhood. My brother bought all the systems and he favored SEGA from the beginning. I still remember him buying the Master System, the Genesis, SEGA CD, and so on.... Once he moved out, I carried on the tradition and bought the 32X, Saturn and Dreamcast when I could.

In short, I love me some SEGA. As much as I enjoy Nintendo, I got tired of seeing all the Nintendo reviews and retrospectives. It's like, "Hey, the plumber gets enough press; give it up for the Hedgehog!"

More reviews are on te way. I have Die Hard Trilogy (SAT) and Bio Hazard (SAT) in the works, and a few obscure ones.

Thank you very much for the welcome, and for subscribing. If you ever want to know more about a title I've already reviewed, or if you'd like to request a game, just hit me up.

[CrazyT]

No problem mate, make yourself at home lol. It's a great place out here.

I hope your video's get more recognition . You have any goals?

[mylifewithsega]

Hey, I always feel at home with Sega fans.

If they get more recognition, that's great. If not, I still enjoy making them. As far as goals, I want to make movies. I'd be happy editing trailers for a shitty straight-to-video distributor and making little indie flicks in my spare time. I love doing the work; working with cameras, editing, etc. I even dig acting. That's the goal.... How about you?

[CrazyT]

Well, i'd love to have goals when it comes to SEGA like the guys who are running SEGAbits, or you with your passion for recording, but gotta be honest that i'm just your typical SEGAfan who simply loves what SEGA has delivered since the beginning. I've owned all the consoles as well, except for the mega drive extentsions, for obvious reasons. SEGA for some reason made alot of mistakes during that time towards the 32 bit era. A shame because I would say 32 bit era could have been a great time for SEGA

I like conversing about SEGA alot though so i'm found regularly over some of the well known boards. Mainly the sega forums (lol).

[mylifewithsega]

I agree, SEGA made some poor marketing decisions back then, but I love the Saturn. For me, it was the best 32-bit console released. I still play my Saturn on a daily basis, while most of my PSX games collect dust. Even SEGA's mistakes - the 32X for example - still have some redeeming qualities. Still, flooding the market with so much hardware was a terrible move, in my opinion. Trying to support the Genesis, as well as the SEGA CD and Game Gear, only to release the 32X and Saturn.... No wonder retailers and consumers were both confused and pissed off....

Still, I love their shit. :D

Oh, I posted a couple of reviews - Bio Hazard and The Crow: City of Angels for SEGA Saturn.

Bio Hazard - Saturn (JAP)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCi2oCsElcg

The Crow: City of Angels - Saturn (NA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcjj8xUsnvo&feature=channel

[JetSetRadioForever]

Really like the vids. Too bad you don't get more views. There's total crap out there that get tens of thousands.

[mylifewithsega]

Hehe. Thanks bro. I appreciate it. Everyone has their own taste, and I know some viewers don't like all the cursing and "bashing".... Seriously, I said that Star Fox's framerate gives me a fucking headache. I said that I dug the game in spite of it, but that's bashing?! What kind of sense does that make?!

Another thing that kinda' drives me nuts is that my negative reviews get so much more attention than the positive ones. A lot of folks have told me I should just review bad games. I don't wanna' be an AVGN clone. There's plenty of those guys around. Don't get me wrong; I love his shit, but that's not me. I like talking about games that I like, like Bio Hazard, Soul Star, Shadow Squadron, Zaxxon's Motherbase 2000, Wolfchild, Rise of the Dragon, Shenmue, Panzer Dragoon Saga, etc. Those reviews are the most fun for me, because I enjoy sharing shit I actually like with others. LOL!

Sega's always been a part of my life. When brother first bought the Master System, the Genesis, and Sega CD. Sega was there when I was fuckin' homeless for six months when I was 12. My mom and I were leaving AZ for CA via Greyhound, and my mom would give me quarters whenever she could. The big game at that time was Virtua Fighter, and I LOVED it! I thought it was amazing. Even when I was homeless, Sega was there. Hehe. I know it sounds stupid and silly, but it's the truth. That's why my show's called My Life with SEGA, ya' know?

Since I'm here, may as well throw out some news. I just got a Master System. It's the Model 1, so I can review the 'card' games. That's a must. I also snagged CIB North American copies of Panzer Dragoon's 1, 2 and Saga. I hope to review them eventually, but Saga's a BIG game. I've captured 8 hours of footage so far, and I'm just on the first disc. Whoof! It's gonna' take some time. I will say this, I'm loving the game.

Anyway, thank you for the kind words, JetSet. It's really encouraging. I'll be reviewing Judge Dredd (GEN) and Demolition Man (GEN/CD) next, followed by Universal Soldier (GEN) and True Lies (GEN). That will complete my Expendables tribute. After that, I'm tackling the Master System. I've missed that thing so much.

[Barry the Nomad]

I've been largely quiet in this topic (actually I've been totally quiet), but I have watched your videos and I like them. So much so that mylifewithsega is now a member of the SEGAbits family!

Really looking forward to seeing your new videos, dude. Especially now that they'll be getting our backing.   

Btw, regarding Cliffhanger, I picked it up for $5 last week and it's not awful. I mean, I'll admit it's not a good game. But unlike most of the licensed SEGA CD movie games, it's actually playable. No FMV nonsense. Feels like a stripped down fan made beat em up. I guess if I had to say a few positives about it: the videos fill the screen, at least from side to side, and retain the widescreen look. So at least they're not in a tiny box like most SEGA CD videos.

Also, the music is great, and the snowboarding segments show off what the SEGA CD is capable of. SO it's really a better tech demo than an actual game. Which is why I think so many have it on their "best games" lists, even though it's pretty bad.

[nuckles87]

I've begun watching your videos the moment I heard you were joining the SEGAbits family, and I have to say they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

You are an awesome SEGA fan XD. I LOVED your Starfox skit in the Soul Star review. That, I'm sure, is how a lot of Genesis fans felt back in the day. I am curious, though, why you never brought up Virtua Racer back in the day. Genesis can run polygons to, Nintybitches. 

Another thing that kinda' drives me nuts is that my negative reviews get so much more attention than the positive ones. A lot of folks have told me I should just review bad games. I don't wanna' be an AVGN clone. There's plenty of those guys around. Don't get me wrong; I love his shit, but that's not me. I like talking about games that I like, like Bio Hazard, Soul Star, Shadow Squadron, Zaxxon's Motherbase 2000, Wolfchild, Rise of the Dragon, Shenmue, Panzer Dragoon Saga, etc. Those reviews are the most fun for me, because I enjoy sharing shit I actually like with others. LOL!

Yeah, too many people have reviews only focused on negative stuff these days. I mean, I love Nostalgia Critic, but some of my favorite reviews are things he clearly has a passion for.

You clearly have a passion for these games, and that's what makes your reviews so refreshing and fun. I can only listen to so many people bitch about games.

And because you do both ends of the spectrum, I've learned that not everyone hates Soul Star XD. Only review of the game I've read was a negative one, so I assumed that was how most people felt, so I haven't given it much of a chance.

I REALLY need to play Rise of the Dragon. I bought it six months ago, and I still haven't done anything with it....

btw, if you need donations of rare games, ask me. I might have them or be able to obtain them. I'd be more then willing to loan you Snatcher for a few months .

[mylifewithsega]

I've been largely quiet in this topic (actually I've been totally quiet), but I have watched your videos and I like them. So much so that mylifewithsega is now a member of the SEGAbits family!

Really looking forward to seeing your new videos, dude. Especially now that they'll be getting our backing.   

Btw, regarding Cliffhanger, I picked it up for $5 last week and it's not awful. I mean, I'll admit it's not a good game. But unlike most of the licensed SEGA CD movie games, it's actually playable. No FMV nonsense. Feels like a stripped down fan made beat em up. I guess if I had to say a few positives about it: the videos fill the screen, at least from side to side, and retain the widescreen look. So at least they're not in a tiny box like most SEGA CD videos.

Also, the music is great, and the snowboarding segments show off what the SEGA CD is capable of. SO it's really a better tech demo than an actual game. Which is why I think so many have it on their "best games" lists, even though it's pretty bad.

Thanks, bro. I feel truly honored to be apart of the team.

Oh, I totally agree with you on Cliffhanger, but that snowboarding stage really pisses me off. For me, it tainted the whole experience. Like you said, the game both looks and sounds fantastic, but the wonky controls and difficulty ruined it. Seriously, I wanted to throw my controller through the fucking television after the 11th try. However, I will say this; it's way better than The Crow: City of Angels.... I'm dead serious, I hate that fucking game.

[mylifewithsega]

I've begun watching your videos the moment I heard you were joining the SEGAbits family, and I have to say they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

You are an awesome SEGA fan XD. I LOVED your Starfox skit in the Soul Star review. That, I'm sure, is how a lot of Genesis fans felt back in the day. I am curious, though, why you never brought up Virtua Racer back in the day. Genesis can run polygons to, Nintybitches. 

Yeah, too many people have reviews only focused on negative stuff these days. I mean, I love Nostalgia Critic, but some of my favorite reviews are things he clearly has a passion for.

You clearly have a passion for these games, and that's what makes your reviews so refreshing and fun. I can only listen to so many people bitch about games.

And because you do both ends of the spectrum, I've learned that not everyone hates Soul Star XD. Only review of the game I've read was a negative one, so I assumed that was how most people felt, so I haven't given it much of a chance.

I REALLY need to play Rise of the Dragon. I bought it six months ago, and I still haven't done anything with it....

btw, if you need donations of rare games, ask me. I might have them or be able to obtain them. I'd be more then willing to loan you Snatcher for a few months .

Hahaha! Thanks, bro. I really appreciate it. I'm looking forward to working with you guys.

LOL! First, I didn't mention Virtua Racing for Genesis because I hadn't played Virtua Racing until I bought a 32X years later. Second, at the time of the Soul Star review, I didn't have it. Which reminds me, I now own the Genesis, 32X and Saturn versions of Virtua Racing, so a review is on the way. I don't know when because I now have a Master System, so I'm anxious to review it. *jumps up and down*

I hear ya', man. Bitching gets old fast, and I'm like, "Why waste all that time ripping into it? Tell me about a good game then?"

God, I love Soul Star. Like I said, I totally missed it when it was first released. When I popped it in the CDX, I was just stunned. I've yet to beat it, but it's so much fun, and it's most certainly challenging. Give it another chance, bro.

I can't recommend Rise of the Dragon enough. From what I've been told, if you enjoy Snatcher, you'll dig Rise of the Dragon.

That is a most generous offer, kind sir. I may take you up that, but I need to finish Panzer Dragoon Saga and Shenmue. I need to do a Dreamcast review. I'm starting to feel like a slacker.

[Barry the Nomad]

Just watched your Rise of the Dragon video, later parts of the game look awesome!

I actually bought the game over a year ago, for a low price thankfully, because when I played it it would freeze up whenever I checked my answering machine. After cleaning the disc and SEGA CD and seeing no change, I stopped playing. But I wonder if it's possible to play the game without checking my machine... I think my boss and my wife left messages or something?

Eh, game is cheap enough, I might just hit up a "disc only" buy it now auction and replace my wonky disc.

Speaking of discs, Rise of the Dragon had two versions of disc art in the us:



Phun phact.

[mylifewithsega]

Thanks, bro! It's a great game and I'm sorry your copy won't work. I'm pretty sure you need to check your answering machine. However, you may be able to fake it by looking through an FAQ. I'm not sure.

I once owned both versions of Rise of the Dragon. My brother owned the original in the cardboard box while I later purchased the jewel case release when I started building up my own collection. Unfortunately, the fire consumed my Sega collection a few years back, so I repurchased it via Amazon. I now have the original release. From what I can tell, there's no difference other than the packaging and the CD art.

It's the same deal with Night Trap, I believe.