Nomad LCD Mod in Action!

Back in December I wrote about an awesome Nomad mod which upgraded both the screen and battery to modern day quality. Now it looks as though that same genius had posted a YouTube video of his mods in action. Watch and weep:



To double the awesome, he offers to do the mod for others (at a price of course). While $70 is a bit much for an upgraded screen, I'm sure there are Nomad fans out there would would love crystal clear gameplay.

Again, great job jonjandran!

Sega Genesis Ultimate Collection Canned

And Sega is reevaluating their iPhone strategy. Pocketgamer.co.uk has the full story:

Announced as a free app from which you could download classic games like Sonic The Hedgehog, Ecco the Dolphin, and Golden Axe, Sega Genesis Ultimate Collection has been slated for release before the end of February. Well, February came and went without the game appearing on the store, let alone any word from Sega. Despite enthusiasm for the concept, Sega has decided to pull the plug on the in-app purchase anthology. The decision had less to do with the actual game and more with general struggles the company wants to remedy in its general iPhone and iPod touch gaming strategy. In short, Sega is completely re-evaluating its approach to iPhone games, and this just wasn't a part of that picture. Before the tears start to roll, this is actually great news. Kudos to Sega for making quality a priority and working to deliver better games to the iPhone community. I know I speak for a lot of us in saying that I'd love to see well-made Sega games hit the device.

In my opinion this is good news. Sega has, for the most part, done very well with their iPhone releases such as the solid Super Monkey Ball 2 and the feature-packed Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games. However, the Genesis ports were dodgy and did need a reworking. Perhaps the rumored Sonic 4 iPhone release led Sega to rethink placing a killer app beside dodgy ports of Sonic 1-3.

Of course, Genesis gaming on-the-go is not dead due to this announcement, remember we'll always have the Nomad!

Get it? 'Cuz the Nomad is like the God of mobile gaming?

Super 32X 15th Anniversary Album

As no other Junkyard blog covers the 32X, I thought I'd take it under my wing and occasionaly post about it here. When you think about it, the Nomad Junkyard is the perfect fit for the 32X; both the Nomad and the 32X were made primarily for the North American market and both sold poorly.

It looks as though Sega has not completely forgotten about the little mushroom (or Genesis tumor as some see it as), as Sega and Wave Master will be releasing an album to celebrate the 32X's 15th birthday. The 3 disc set will include tunes from Space Harrier, Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing Deluxe, code Pallas and Metal Head. You can view the full track listing and more details here. Like the 32X, the album will cost a pretty penny: $40 retail in Japan and probably much much more as an import.

Now where is the Nomad's birthday album?

Goodbye to Virtual iPod Touch Pads?

While not really Sega related, the proposed GameBone from 22Moo could help in ridding Sega fans of those pesky touch screen controls.

While I'm all for the iPod touch screen, I have to admit that I really dislike how classic games are hurt thanks to so-so touch d-pads and buttons. While games like Golden Axe play well, faster more sensitive games like Sonic the Hedgehog suffer from virtualpaditus.

22Moo is currently working with Apple to get their device approved, and if all goes well we may very well see developers like Sega implementing an option to play games the old fashioned way.

Check out the GameBone's specs:
• Styling to compliment iPod/iPhone with optimized design for ergonomics and comfort
• 2000mAh Lithium-ion Battery for additional power for your iPod touch / iPhone*
• LED showing charging state and capacity
• 8-way D-Pad with 6 buttons
• Built-in Stereo speakers
• Highly sensitive omni directional Mic
• 3.5mm audio headphone jack
• Apple authentication IC + "Made for iPod" and "Works for iPhone" certification**

I could definitely see Sonic 4 playing very well with the help of GameBone.

Sonic Classic Collection Gets a Trailer

You'd think with the VAST library of Sonic tunes they could have picked a song that wasn't stock game trailer rock music.

Classic Sonic Hits the DS, iPhone Genesis Emulator is MIA

It has been a big two weeks for Sonic fans! Not only has the excellent Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing hit nearly every platform, but Sonic Classic Collection has hit the Ninetendo DS in America. The collection arrives in Europe and Australia on the 12th of this month. Check out some footage below, it looks quite solid!



In other portable Genesis release news, February and passed and the promised Sega's Ultimate Genesis emulator for the iPhone is nowhere to be seen. Sega promised that the app would be free to download and would include Space Harrier II. Additional games would be available to purchase within the app, allowing for a one stop app for all Genesis games. Hopefully March will be kinder to iPhone owners.

Sega of America Says "Great job!" to the Nomad Junkyard

Is it possible to get YouTube comments framed?

And if that wasn't enough, they even made an official blog posting about it! The video also hit SoA's Twitter and Facebook and several other gaming blogs. Whee! :D

A Game Boy Advance SP Enters the 'Yard

While out shopping today, I stopped into the local game store to see what dented up, sticker covered used games I could find. While I usually stick to the PS2 and Xbox sections, I was drawn to the Game Boy Advance shelf. I've always considered buying a Game Boy Advance, especially when Sega went third party and released a slew of Sonic games for the system. But due to college and my already rather large Sega console collection, the Game Boy Advance took a back seat.

Well lucky me! Today Segata was looking kindly upon me, for behind the glass of the Game Boy Advance case was a copy of Jet Grind Radio for the low low price of $2.99. Just above JGR was Chu Chu Rocket for $3.99 and just above that was a sign advertising used GBA SP systems for $20. Well, I'd have to be a cold hearted Sega fan to not rescue the GG's and the Chu Chu's! So $30 later I left with a Nintendo system in hand and two Dreamcast classics in portable form.

Now that I have a GBA, this opens up a whole new world of portable Sega goodness! I already have Sonic Advance, Sonic Advance 2, Sonic Advance 3, Sonic Pinball Party, Pinball of the Dead, Sonic Battle and Space Channel 5: Ulala's Cosmic Attack on my "to get" list. Of course, I guess I have to get at least one Mario game. I hear he's alright.


Any GBA recommendations? Let me know in the comments!

SASAR Mobile Phone Preview Is Silent, But Deadly

I have to say, Gameloft's mobile phone version of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing has completely flown under the radar. Hardly anything has been said or seen of the game until now. Despite lacking audio, the preview footage looks to be rather fun, albeit simple. If the Nintendo DS version can be likened to an early N64 or Playstation game, Gameloft's effort looks to be the Sega Genesis version.

Ten racers are offered up including, thankfully, Ryo Hazuki.

Here's the bullet point break down:

• 10 famous SEGA characters including Sonic, Knuckles, Dr. Eggman, Tails, Alex Kidd and more, each with their own unique vehicle & abilities
• 8 memorable tracks set in SEGA’s various game worlds like Sonic the Hedgehog™, Super Monkey Ball™, House of the Dead™, Jet Set Radio Future™, and many more!
• Collect rings to trigger the Mini-Boost for extra speed.
• Master drifts, slipstreams and stunts to be the fastest racer.
• Grab 6 varied weapons and power ups: K.O. Glove, Rocket, Ghost, Confusing Star, and Dash.
• 4 games modes: Race, Tournament, Time Trial, and Mission

Not too shabby! Too bad the iPhone won't be getting any SASAR love, but hopefully Sonic 4 will fill that void. Check out some gameplay footage, unfortunately without audio:

First Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing DS Footage!

While I generally don't cover DS releases (as I don't own one), I thought this warranted a post. I was on board for the XBOX 360 version of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, and wrote off the DS version as a cheap alternative. But the footage above shows that Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing will look awfully pretty on the DS. As a bonus, all the Sega tunes will be given a synthesized midi makeover! I cannot wait to hear "Can You Feel The Sunshine" in a retro blippy-bloopy format.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 on the iPhone!!!

If today's reveal of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 for the 360, PS3 and Wii wasn't enough, assets from Sega's FTP (that have since disappeared) point to Sonic 4 hitting the iPhone. This would make the iPhone the ONLY way to play Sonic 4 on a handheld device.
Obviously when there is more information, I'll post it here. :)

Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games Released for the iPod!

As announced at the official Sega of America blog, Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games has released for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the new iPad! What makes this release exciting is that it's the first new Sonic game to be released on the iPod platform. The game is also the first mobile release for Sonic of the decade. Sonic's previous handheld release was Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games for the DS in 2009. Sega of America's blog posting had this to say:

Sega is excited to announce the official release of Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games for iPhone and iPod Touch. Featuring Sonic and friends (including Tails, Vector, Metal Sonic, Eggman, Knuckles and Shadow) this addictive game takes players on a journey to the slopes as they compete in some of the most challenging winter sports including curling, figure skating, snowboard cross, and skeleton.

There are 10 characters that are available: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Eggman, Vector, Blaze, Metal Sonic and Silver. There are 4 events in the game: snowboard cross, curling, skeleton and figure skating.

The single player allows you to compete for Olympic gold in a single event or across all events in circuit mode. In addition to fun single-player mode, the game also has 3 multiplayer modes — Pass & Play, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.

Once you’ve earned some rings by playing events, you can use them at the Village Store to unlock additional content to customize your experience.

Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is available NOW for iPhone and iPod Touch, and is on sale in the iTunes store for $4.99.

Expect a review next week and have a great weekend!

The Nomad Junkyard is on YouTube!

Check it out!

While I've had the account for a while, I never called attention to it here outside of linking videos that I've uploaded. So far, the upload library is slim, but I have plans for video reviews as well as content created for Sega Memories and the Saturn Junkyard. Dreamcast Junkyard videos, once I get around to them, will be featured on The Dreamcast Junkyard's own YouTube Channel. So subscribe now and keep your eyes peeled for future content!

Sonic's Handheld Adventures - Part 1

It's safe to assume that any Sega fan and just about any gamer knows of Sonic's 16-bit adventures. Sonic 1, Sonic CD, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles followed Sonic from his early South Island scuffles with Eggman through to his final assault on the Death Egg. All in all it was a solid series featuring speedy gameplay, memorable side characters and a surprisingly deep overarching plot (well, deep compared to Mario's exploits).

As famous as the Genesis/Mega Drive series was, not too many fans know of Sonic's 8-bit adventures. One would assume that they were adaptations of the 16-bit series, especially when one considers that the first two Game Gear Sonic titles were Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Well that "one" couldn't be more wrong! Despite sharing titles, the Game Gear Sonic series was as far from the Genesis series as they could get. Join me, Barry the Nomad, as we walk down a less trodden path of memory lane and take a look back on Sonic's Handheld Adventures!

Sonic the Hedgehog was Sonic's first Game Gear appearance. Developed by Ancient, who also created the Mega Drive classic Beyond Oasis, the 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog was a faithful albeit downgraded adaptation of the original 16-bit classic. I say adaptation rather than port as while many zones from the original are absent, there also exist zones unique to the Game Gear. After running through the requisite Green Hill Zone, Sonic continues through Bridge Zone (???) , makes a diversion through Jungle Zone (?!?) revisits Labyrinth Zone, blasts directly to Scrap Brain Zone and then completes his adventure at Sky Base Zone (what is this? Sonic 2?). If you can't tell, those levels completely disregard the 16-bit order. Despite the differences, 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog is a very enjoyable handheld game with peppy music and great visuals for a Game Gear. Were I to rate it, I'd give it a 4/5 on the Game Gear scale.

Remember Sonic the Hedgehog 2? The game in which Tails is kidnapped by Eggman and Sonic must pay a ransom in Emeralds? Oh, thats not the game you remember? You must be thinking about the GOOD Sonic 2 , y'know, the 16-but one. The 8-bit Sonic 2 is a completely different beast. Might as well called it Tails is Missing. Developed by Japansese developer Aspect (not to be confused with Sonic 1's Ancient), 8-bit Sonic 2 does everything wrong that 16-bit Sonic 2 did right. Despite appearing on the cover and in the zone title screens, Tails is MIA as Sonic goes solo to rescue his pal.

Do not believe the act intro screens, Tails is MIA.

The game commits a cardinal sin in starting with an eerie mine level. What happened to the requisite first lush green zone? Oh, that happens in the second zone, Sky High Zone. Then, after a water level, Sonic revisits the first Sonic 1 level in a retooled Green Hills Zone. I guess they added more hills. All in all, Sonic 2 is alright for what it is but fails at what it promises to be. Outside of the title, it is not the well known Sonic 2 and the fact that Tails is not playable gives this game a 1/5. Okay, I'll give it a 2/5 for the music:



Things turned around for Sonic on the Game Gear with Sonic & Tails aka Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos outside of Japan. While Aspect is still the developer, they seem to have learned some lessons since their last game. Like the Japanese title states, both Sonic and Tails are playable. The plot, while weak, is the classic Eggman attacks South Island, the emeralds scatter and Sonic and Tails must find them before Eggman does. The game is filled with new moves, including a standing peelout known as Sonic's strike dash and Tail's inherent ability to fly. Items, such as a pogo spring (as seen on the game's cover) and rocket shoes give Sonic the temporary ability to bounce and fly about. The items are quite fun to utilize and it's surprising that they didn't see further use outside of the Game Gear series. Levels are nicely designed and take full use of the Game Gear color palette. Overall, Sonic Chaos is a great game that proves "more is better" in the Game Gear world. 4/5

Sonic & Tails 2 aka Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble is a "more of the same" sequel to Sonic Chaos, but that's not a bad thing. The plot is similar to the previous game: an explosion sends the emeralds flying across the globe. This time, however, Eggman isn't the only one Sonic must compete with. Knuckles makes his Game Gear debut as an NPC and fan favorite Fang (aka Nack) the Weasel is also after the emeralds. Interestingly, according to the Japanese manual Knuckles is unknown to Sonic, insinuating that the game's events precede Sonic 3 or occur in an alternate handheld timeline. Skills such as Sonic's peelout and Tail's flight return, as do the fun items. New items include screw shoes (they sound dirty, I know) and Sonic's snowboard. Sonic Triple Trouble really does have it all; a slew of enemies, every sort of zone, a variety of power-ups, great music and even a decent comic book adaptation! 5/5

More like Sonic Quadruple Trouble

Despite having the option of ending on a high note or attempting to outdo Sonic Triple Trouble, Aspect chose to release the "big blue booger" (theghz.com's words, not mine) that is G Sonic aka Sonic Blast. The less said about Sonic Blast the better. Bearing no resemblance to the Genesis and Saturn's Sonic 3D Blast outside of pre-rendered "3D" sprites, the 8-bit Sonic Blast follows Sonic and Knuckles (in his first playable Game Gear appearance) going after Eggman after Eggman blasts an emerald into five smaller emeralds. It is unknown if these five shards are of the Master Emerald or if they are five pieces of one of the seven Chaos Emeralds. Whatever the answer is, it's stupid. Rather than write any more about Sonic Blast, let's put it where it belongs.
The Sonic Game Gear series was, for the most part, good fun. Sure they couldn't rival the 16-bit originals, but after the fun Sonic 1 and the abysmil Sonic 2, Sonic appeared in two excellent and unique handheld offerings. Other Game Gear adventures include the kart racing spin-offs Sonic Drift 1 & 2, the pinball spin-off Sonic Spinball and Tails' spin-offs Tails' Sky Patrol and Tails Adventure.

Join me for part 2 when we venture into Game Boy territory! Ooooh!

Official Genesis Emulator Coming to the iPhone!

On a day when I have nothing to write about, this exciting piece of news drops!
Gizmondo reports that Sega will be releasing a free app titled Sega Genesis Ultimate Collection in the beginning of February that will come with a free game, Space Harrier II. Via the free app, players can then purchase additional games to play within the Genesis app. This is exciting news as it (1) allows iPhone and iPod Touch users to have all their Genesis games under one umbrella, (2) provides Space Harrier II as a free game, (3) opens the door to more obscure console games and (4) is launching with Ecco the Dolphin and Shining Force for $2.99 each.

I'm happy.