
                     S E G A  M A S T E R  S Y S T E M        
                        Frequently Asked Questions                            
                              Version 2.05
                                05/04/96
                 
Created and maintained by:   Jeff Bogumil   (aj809@yfn.ysu.edu)            
   
###########################################################################   
####         SMS GAMES PROVEN TO CONTAIN DUAL LANGUAGE ROMS!!!!!       ####   
####                  SEE QUESTION 5.5 FOR INFO.                       ####   
###########################################################################   
     
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***            "SUBSCRIBE SMS" TO clint.dyer@segaoa.com                 ***
***                   MAIL-OP:  CLINT DYER                              ***
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+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|              GG to SMS Adapter in the works!  See 2.3, 4.1              |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
 
========================================    
=== ATTENTION SMS COLLECTORS/DEALERS ===    
========================================    
If you'd like to have a short bio of your business listed in the Sources    
section (3.1), please send all information to aj809@yfn.ysu.edu.
If you have a web page, FTP site, etc., you can have it
listed/linked at 8-bit Unlimited --
http://www.dragonfire.net/~JBogumil/8bithome.htm       

MY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS:        
----------------------------------------        
Barry Cantin (BCantin@aol.com)
Brett K. Carver (brett@sr.hp.com)     
Cap Scott (CapScott@aol.com)     
Clint Dyer (APDF35D@prodigy.com)     
Craig (s9407341@yallara.cs.rmit.edu.au)
Galen Komatsu (gkomatsu@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu)     
Jack Laughlin (laughlin@soeil.acomp.usf.edu)     
James P. Grenert (grenert@harvey.mayo.edu)
Jesse Telephone Booth (boothj@rpi.edu)     
John Daniels (ah499@cleveland.freenet.edu)     
Ken Arromdee (arromdee@jyusenkyou.cs.jhu.edu)   
Master of Slow Progress (dzubera@CS.ColoState.EDU)
Matt Kasdorf (kasdorf@eta.uleth.ca)     
Michael C. Cukan (mcc2@cornell.edu)
Patrick J. Errico (s0024211@hawkmail.monmouth.edu)
Rampage (rampage@ccnet.com)
Richard L. Holbert (rholbert@rcinet.com)
Russ Perry Jr. (perryda@sol.acs.uwosh.edu, "Russ" in subject)     
Ryan H. Osborn (rosborn@ecn.purdue.edu)     
Steve Wills (gt2378b@prism.gatech.edu)     
Meet Mr. Malaria (kyoshiro@netcom.com)     
Ulrich Hilmer (HILMER_ULRICH@DIODE.donut.ruhr.com)    
Charles McDonald (cgfm2@hooked.net)
John Winget (john-a-winget@uiowa.edu)
        
Dominick Roman         
Calle Haiti, BL-7        
Santa Juanita        
Bayamon, PR 00956                       
        
Jeremy Statz         
N6148 170th St.        
Elmwood, WI 54740

Jess Ragan
8584 Peoples Road
Edmore, MI 48829                       
          
A special thanks to Dominick Roman, a major contributor of odds and ends,     
and one of the few who kept on me to finish this FAQ.  :-)  Also, a great     
deal of thanks to Brett Carver (who provided nearly all the codes found in     
the SMS Cheats Compilation), Clint Dyer (who has helped tremendously with     
this latest revision) and Matt Kasdorf (who was kind enough to examine and    
map the guts of his SMS and Game Gear).

A very special thanks to Andy Church and the folks at dragonfire.net;
without them, there may never have been the new "8-bit Unlimited" web page.
Thanks guys!
       
I hope I haven't forgotten anyone...  :-)         
         
COPYRIGHT NOTICE:          
-----------------        
This document is Copyright (C) 1996 Jeff Bogumil.  Feel free to distribute     
this FAQ in whole - NOT in part - to the ends of the Earth.  If you wish to    
include this FAQ in any form of publication or compilation (newsletter or     
book; electronic or paper product, CD-ROM or disk), please contact me       
first at aj809@yfn.ysu.edu, or via snail mail:    

Jeff Bogumil         
187 N. State RR 2         
Apt. B-201         
New Martinsville, WV 26155-1631         
         
DISCLAIMER:          
-----------        
I cannot be held responsible for false or mistaken information.  This FAQ is   
in no way endorsed by Sega of America or affiliates.  All copyrights and      
trademarks are recognized.         
         
WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS FAQ:        
----------------------------               
FTP: ftp.netcom.com, /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs, file smsfaq.txt       
USENET: Posted regularly to rec.games.video.sega & r.g.v.classic       
WWW: http://www.dragonfire.net/~JBogumil/8bithome.htm
MAILING LIST: SMS Mailing List       
          
UPDATED SINCE VERSION 2.04.5
----------------------------
GG to SMS adapter project is in the works (4.1)
Additions to "bilingual" list (5.1)
RC Gran Prix released under Seismic label (6.1)
Blue cartridge labels (6.1)
New SMS page: http://www.wvi.com/~jond/paf.htm (3.4)
New SMS page: http://www.telegames.com/sms.htm (3.4)
New SMS page: http://www-gcsu.cai.cam.ac.uk (3.4)
Info regarding UK versions of Wonderboy III (6.1)
          
INFO WANTED         
-----------              
Can someone PLEASE provide some additional information/procedures for a        
Game Gear to SMS adapter?  Is there any possible way to work around the
BIOS problem?  (2.3, 4.1)       
       
What other software pack-ins were included with European and Japanese SMS     
packages?  Can anyone verify the pack-ins I have listed?  (1.5)         
       
Anyone have any new or updated sources for SMS hardware and       
software?  (3.1)  Howabout Internet resources?  (3.4)         
       
Are there any more 3-D to 2-D codes?  Maybe for European software...  (2.6)    
Are there any Light Phaser to Control Pad codes?  (2.8) Sports Pad (Roller    
Ball) to Control Pad?  (2.7)      
       
Are there any more SMS games that do NOT work with Genesis controllers        
(besides the obvious Light Phaser and Roller Ball games)?  Is there some     
sort of hack that can fix this incompatibility?        
(2.10)            
       
Does a full-color box actually exist for Power Strike?  (5.4, 6.1)       
Ghostbusters has been seen in black packaging -- anyone have more       
information?  (6.1) Does the black packaging represent direct       
distribution by Activision? (2.1, 6.1)        
       
SMS games have been shown to be language switchable.  Can anyone find   
a way to create a language switch with the SMS base unit?  What are the   
differences between the English and Japanese ROMs in SMS games (title   
changes, difficulty settings, etc.)? (5.5)

Measurements of SMS II? (1.1)         
       
CONTENTS         
--------         
I. General Information       
    1.1  What is the SMS?       
    1.2  Why didn't it gain popularity?       
    1.3  What are the technical specifications of the SMS?       
    1.4  What accessories are available for the SMS?       
    1.5  What pack-in packages exist?       
       
II. Compatibility       
    2.1  Is European software compatible with U.S. units?       
    2.2  Is Japanese software compatible with U.S. units?       
    2.3  Can I play Game Gear games on my SMS?       
    2.4  Can I play SMS games on my Genesis?       
    2.5  Can I play SMS games on my Game Gear?       
    2.6  Can I play 3-D games without the 3-D glasses?       
    2.7  Can I play Sports Pad games without the Sports Pad?       
    2.8  Can I play Light Phaser games without the Light Phaser?       
    2.9  Do Genesis controllers work with SMS games?       
    2.10 Is there any possible way to play SMS cards on the SMS II and Game   
         Gear?       
       
III.  Sources       
    3.1  Where can I find SMS hardware and software?       
    3.2  Are there any magazines with SMS coverage?       
    3.3  Where can I find SMS cheats, tips and strategy guides?       
    3.4  What other Internet resources available?       
       
IV.  Modifications       
    4.1  What would I find if I compared the SMS and Game Gear?       
    4.2  Is there a way to move the SMS pause button to a controller?       
       
V.  Trivia       
    5.1  I've heard about a built in, hidden game.  What gives?       
    5.2  What is the SMS/Zillion relationship?       
    5.3  Did SMS software really start the "meg" thing?       
    5.4  I've heard about a limited edition SMS game.  Info?         
    5.5  Do SMS carts contain dual language ROMs like Genesis carts?       
    5.6  The instruction manual says <such and such>, but the game does/says   
         <such and such>  Info?       
    5.7  What SMS games are recommended?     
    5.8  What SMS games are not recommended?       
    5.9  What exactly is Y's based on?
       
VI.  Game List       
    6.1  What games were released for the SMS?       
    6.2  What SMS software was announced, but not released?     
       
-----------------------       
I.  GENERAL INFORMATION       
-----------------------           
       
[1.1]  WHAT _IS_ THE SMS?       
         
The SMS (Sega Master System) was Sega's answer to Nintendo's 8-bit NES        
(Nintendo Entertainment System).  Technically superior, the system never      
gained much in the way of a large user base due to numerous factors (see      
1.2).  The SMS sported quite a few gems during its short life, however,       
such as the renowned RPG Phantasy Star and the highly rated 3-D Glasses.      

The Sega Master System appeared on store shelves shortly after the release     
of the NES.  It is large, tech-looking system measuring 14 3/8 W         
- 6 5/8 D - 2 3/4 H, with sharp corners (unlike the Genesis or SMS II) and     
black plastic casing.  In comparison, the NES looks like a Cessna         
single-engine compared to the SMS' SR-71 design.  After a one inch base,       
the machine is formed upward and inward to form the cartridge slot plateau.    

Rather snazzy...         
         
     AC                                          ORIGINAL MODEL SMS I         
     |  RF OUT     A/V OUT                          Overhead view         
     |   |            |                                    
     |   | CHANL 3/4  |   Extension port (never used)         
     |   |    |       |              |         
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------      
 | \                                                                   / |     
 |   \     ############## VENT ##################################    /   |    
 |     \                                                           /     |     
 |      |---------------------------------------------------------|      |    
 |      |                             | -----CART SLOT ----------||      |     
 |      |                             | -------------------------||      |    
 |      |---------------------------------------------------------|      |    
 |     /                              |                         |  \     |     
 |    /                               |  RESET          PAUSE   |   \    |    
 |   /                                |                         |    \   |     
 |  /                                 ---------------------------     \  |    
 | /                                              ------------         \ |     
 |                                                |          |           |    
 -----[-----]----------------(---)-(---)----------|----------|------------     

         |                     |     |                  |         
       POWER                 JOYPAD PORTS          CARD SLOT         
         
                                            ASCII art by Jeff Bogumil       
   ________________         
  /________________\      ORIGINAL MODEL (SMS I)                   
 |__________________|   Nondescriptive front view         
         
       
The SMS has an introduction screen which appears each time you turn       
on your SMS (with or without a game inserted).  The Sega logo slowly       
"slides" into view mid-screen (with accompanying sound effect), and       
the text "Master System" appears underneath.  A two-tone intro tune is       
played during this sequence, which is best compared to the opening tune       
in the 16-bit Genesis version of Sonic the Hedgehog (though, in the       
SMS' case, the singing choir is replaced by the simple tones).       
         
Unlike the NES, the SMS has an instructional screen that appears if         
you turn on your system without having a cart or card inserted (the      
instructional screen appears after the introduction screen).  Later         
on (specific time-period, anyone?), Sega switched to built-in software,       
which automatically loads if you turn on your machine without a game       
present.       
       
In what seems to be a tradition with game systems, Sega of America       
released the Sega Master System II in 1990 in order to increase it's       
current user base via inexpensive (though downscaled) hardware.  This       
"2nd generation" SMS (comparable to the Atari 2600 Jr. and remodeled NES)     
measures _ x _ x _.  Very much the opposite of the original model, the SMS   
II looks similar to the remodeled 16-bit Genesis system.  Smooth curves,      
rounded corners, variable degrees of black and gray colored plastic,      
plus an enlarged, white Pause button for those "dive for the system"      
type of action games.  As an incentive, Sega included Alex Kidd      
in Miracle World as a built-in freebie.       
         
Unlike the SMS I, however, the SMS II lacks the following features       
(they were dropped in order to reduce the price of manufacture):       
       
*   Card port (resulting in the inability to play card based         
    games and 3-D carts (since the 3-D glasses use the card slot)).         
*   Swinging, hinged cartridge slot doors (the SMS II cart port operates      
    via a sliding cover).         
*   Opening logo music tune and text "Master System", when powered up.        
*   Reset button.         
*   Power-on light.        
*   A/V output.        
*   Extension port.           
         
                    2ND GENERATION MODEL (SMS II)         
                           Overhead view                    
                     ASCII art by Ryan H. Osborn         
         
               RF-OUT         
          POWER  | CH4/CH3         
            |   _|   |         
           { } {  } { }         
         ____________________________________________________         
        /                                                    \         
       / ____________                                 _______ \          
      /_/            \                               /       \_\         
     |                \                             /          |         
     |                |_____________________________|          |         
     |     _____      |\                           /|          |         
     |    /     \     | \_________________________/ |          |         
     |   |       |    | |                         | |          |         
     |   | PAUSE |    | |                         | |          |         
     |   |       |    | |_________________________| |          |         
     |    \_____/     |/___________________________\|          |         
     |                                                         |         
     |                      ^ CARTRIDGE INPUT                  |         
     |   ||POWER||                                             |         
     |   (****---)                               S E G A       |         
     \    OFF  ON                            MASTER SYSTEM II /          
      \                                         POWER BASE   /          
       \____________________________________________________/         
             
                             {____}  {____}         
                               |        |         
                         CONTROL 1   CONTROL 2         
         
For those interested in playing SMS games, but who don't own the system, you   
should check out the "puesdo-SMS" systems:  the Power Base Converter (SMS to   
Genesis adapter) and Master Gear (SMS to Game Gear adapter).  See 2.4 and 2.5 
for more information.         
         
In Europe (particularly, the U.K.), players were given the "Sega Master       
System." and "SMS II" (I assume in all ways similar to the U.S. units, except  
for NTSC/PAL definitions).  Europe was also blessed with the "Sega Master      
System Plus" (unfortunately, I have no idea what the "Plus" entails; possibly  
extra pack-in software or free accessories -- maybe FM chips)?           
         
In Japan (the birth place of the Sega Master System), the "SG-1000" (early     
Japanese SMS) came and went pretty quickly.  Later, the "Sega Mark III"        
appeared, which is similar to the U.S. SMS unit except for some added FM      
chips (in fact, Sega of America based our SMS on the Mark III).  Also       
available in Japan was the "Sega Master System" (which featured built-in      
3-D hardware) and from Samsung came the "Gamboy" (a licensed Master System     
with FM sound).  UPDATE:  New info supports the following:  that the Sega     
Mark III is similar to the U.S. SMS INTERNALLY (external differences are     
so dominate, they result in cart incompability between SMS and Mark III).     
Also, the Japanese version of the Sega Master System may NOT include      
built-in 3-D hardware.  Can anyone clarify this?       
       
SMS games were sold in much the same way as early 16-bit Genesis carts: a     
box resembling a VCR tape case, with the instructions, game, and any       
pamphlets/advertisements held on the inside walls.  The major difference      
between the 8-bit and 16-bit packaging is the color; SMS boxes are white      
with a checkered pattern - in effect, the negative of early Genesis       
packaging.  Card boxes are thinner than those of carts.  The boxes were      
shrink wrapped until the Genesis appeared; then Sega opted to simply seal     
the case with a small "Sega" sticker along the seam.  Final releases (such    
as Spider-Man) were sold in their original European packaging, with nothing   
changed but the UPC code (a sticker is placed over the European code).        

Third party licensees were scarce on the SMS.  Activision and Parker Brothers 
are the only actual game releasing 3rd parties I'm aware of, though Sega did  
gain permission to "reprogram" numerous games developed by other companies.   
Absolute Entertainment did sign on as a 3rd party, but during the SMS' death, 
handed over their R.C. Grand Prix to Sesmic, who (I suppose) turned it over   
to  Activision.  AE canceled James Bond 007 for a U.S. SMS release.  These    
are  the only two games I'm aware of (concerning AE's involvement with the    
SMS).         
       
[2]  WHY DIDN'T IT GAIN POPULARITY?       
       
There are many factors contributing to the SMS' failure in gaining a       
significant amount of the market (statistics show the NES having 90% of the    
8-bit market, with the SMS and Atari 7800 sharing the remaining 10%).       
       
#1. Nintendo's third party policy (at the time, if you programmed for the Big  
N, you programmed for the Big N only).  Thus, Sega suffered.  I believe       
Nintendo relaxed their restrictions later on, with a 4 year waiting period     
before a licensee could transfer an NES title to another format.  Even later,  
Nintendo again reduced restrictions upon government pressure.  By this time,   
however, the SMS had failed to make significant sales, resulting in little     
interest from outside developers.       
       
#2. The Nintendo Entertainment System came first and was quickly accepted by   
video game starved consumers.          
         
#3. With the NES' head start came a disturbing trend in consumers:  everyone   
likes to stick together.  Jimmy buys a system just like the one Bobby has, so 
as to fit in with the crowd.           
         
#4. Poor software.  I admit, the SMS sported some retched stuff with its      
introduction, with most of it leaning toward the sports/action spectrum       
(i.e. didn't appeal to the entire crowd).       
       
#5. Poor management by Tonka Toys.  In 1987, Sega of America sold its SMS     
rights to Tonka, believing that Tonka's toy distribution would better allow   
the SMS to be circulated.  Unfortunately, the distribution didn't make much of 
a difference, what with the dismal marketing and support given by Tonka.      
Popular titles (such as Gauntlet and Psycho Fox) appearing in Europe were     
passed over by Tonka for such flops as Cloud Master and Dynamite Dux.  Soon   
after the release of the Genesis, however, Sega of America reacquired the SMS  
rights, which were quickly followed by some new software releases (including   
previously ignored European softs such as Psycho Fox, and downscaled 16-bit   
translations like Ghouls 'n Ghosts).  This was too little, too late,       
however...       
       
#6.  My own personal peeve -- the pause button is located on the SMS base     
unit instead of a controller.  Given, this may not have affected sales       
much, but I'm sure it did nothing to help the system's popularity.  :-)       
       
#7.  A lack of 3rd party exposure.  Tonka did nothing to really advertise     
SMS 3rd parties.  Activision and Parker Brothers games are only recognized     
by their small logos on the box packaging; there were hardly any other      
distinguishing features that hinted at any licensee involvement (except for    
Activision possibly having a hand with the infamous black packaging of their   
carts).  Nintendo, on the other hand, did give exposure to their 3rd party    
developers.  Marketing-wise, the promotion of companies developing games for  
_your_ system adds security and lasting value to your product.  Sega did not   
make this mistake with the 16-bit Genesis and tried to correct the mishap     
when they reacquired SMS rights.       
              
While the system failed in the U.S., it succeeded in Europe to a great degree  
(with the belief being the SMS and NES traded places overseas).  At present,   
the system has been discontinued in the United States (has been for a few      
years now), and is currently on its last legs in the U.K. (with support       
coming only from Sega itself).  The prayer -- Sega will reintroduce the SMS    
as a system capable of playing Game Gear carts on TV.  :-)         
                  
[3]  WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SMS?         
         
The following has been reprinted from the rec.games.video FAQ (statistics      
by Corey Kirk):         
         
Bits (CPU):  8         
Bits (Gx):  8         
CPU:  Z80         
MHz:  3.6         
Graphics:  240 x 226         
Colors:  52/256         
Sprites:  16         
Sprite size:  8 x 8         
Audio:  mono         
RAM:  ?         
       
The following has been contributed by Matt Kasdorf:         
       
From SMS I packaging:         
ROM:           1024K Bits         
RAM:           64K Bits         
Video RAM:     128K Bits         
Colors:        64         
Resolution:    256x192 Dots         
Screen Scroll: Horizontally, Diagonally, Vertically, Partial         
Audio:         3 Sound Generators, Each Four Octaves, 1 White Noise         
Characters:    8x8 Pixels, Max 488         
Sprites:       8x8 Pixels, Max 256         
         
Some Text from the Box:         
"4 way scrolling", "up to 4194K Bit memory", "256K Bit Memory Sega Cards",     
"up to 4194K Bit Memory Sega game Cartridges", "with lithium Back Up RAMs"     

Guts:         
RF Converter: MGB3-VU3401, 8E388         
PCB Component Side Markings: (c) SEGA 1988         
                             SEGA (R) M4  POWERBASE / NTSC  171-5533-01       
                             837-6629  19 AUG 1988         
CON2: 35 Pin Card Slot  209-5020 K16R         
CON3: 50 Pin Cartridge Slot  PSB4D255-4R1 M18R         
CON4: 50 Pin Card Edge         
IC1:  Zilog Z0840004PSC Z80CPU 8828 SL0965         
IC2:  0821EX SEGA MPR-11460 W46         
IC3:  NEC JAPAN D4168C-20 8829P5007         
IC4:  SEGA (R) 315-5216 120U 8820 Z79         
IC5:  SEGA 315-5124 2602B 84 18 89 B         
IC6:  NEC JAPAN D4168C-15-SG 8828XX215         
IC7:  NEC JAPAN D4168C-15-SG 8828XX215         
IC9:  SONY 8M09 CXA1145         
         
SMS Control Pad Information:         
-female plug on end view: 5 4 3 2 1         
                           9 8 7 6         
-pin 1: Up         
-pin 2: Down         
-pin 3: Left         
-pin 4: Right         
-pin 5: No Connection         
-pin 6: Button 1 (Start)         
-pin 7: No Connection         
-pin 8: Common (Ground?)         
-pin 9: Button 2         
         
[4]  WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE SMS?       
         
VictorMaxx's StuntMaster helmet (a puesdo-VR goggle display) is
compatible with the SMS 1 via the A/V port.

Here are those offered by Sega.  Other companies also developed various       
peripherals, including joypads, joysticks and light guns.  In Europe,         
Sega released a "Handle Controller" (info, anyone?), and in Japan, a BASIC     
program language attachment, keyboard and light pen (is this the same as the   
Graphics Board?), and "audioadapter" (what is this?).  Sega of America     
announced a "Graphics Board" (a drawing pad, with images appearing on your    
television screen) and a 3.5" disk drive with the SMS' introduction, but     
neither accessory was released.     
     
Tonka announced a few peripherals in their '88 "Let the Games Begin" catalog.  
They include an "Arcade Command Stick" ((#43052) questionable existance), a    
"Mega Phaser" ((#43051) evidently released), Light Tablet ((#?????) rumored    
ONE prototype to exist -- I would guess this tablet is the Graphics board     
announced by Sega), and a 3.5" disk drive (#?????) not released -- again,     
most likely the same item as Sega's disk drive).  Product numbers listed     
(43xxx) are by Tonka, not Sega.

For details concerning Sega Mark III accessories, see 3.4.     
     
Two SMS card -> SMS II/Master Gear converter (card -> cart port) prototypes   
are known to exist.        
       
Available in Europe is the Pro Action Replay (a cheat code device similar to   
the Game Genie).         
         
Paddle Controller (product #????)               
Evidently, this device was not released in the U.S. as previously believed.    

Sports Pad (Power Ball) (product #3040)         
A rollerball controller developed for a couple early sports games (Sports Pad  
Football and Great Ice Hockey; possibly others).         
         
Light Phaser (product #3050)                   
Similar to the NES Zapper, but of higher quality.  A sleek, jet black       
pistol, with "hair trigger" (no clunky "recoil" found, unlike the Nintendo     
counterpart).  Light Phaser compatible games required  (see 6.1).  For an     
interesting trivia note, see 5.2         
         
3-D Glasses (product #3073)                     
Quite innovative at the time of release, Sega's SMS 3-D glasses still draw     
rave reviews from video game players.  3-D compatible games required       
(see 6.1).  A SMS I is required for this device, as the 3-D glasses hook      
up to the system via the card slot.         
         
Control Stick (product #3060)                 
       
                    /----\         
                    \----/     ASCII art         
                      ||         by         
              _   _   ||        Jesse Telephone Booth          
            /-----------------\         
            \-----------------/         
         
The Control Stick was a joystick designed for right handed control, instead    
of the typical left handed set-up.  It was sold separately for $20-25,      
was packaged with the SMS cart Outrun (sold together for $45-65), and was     
also sold with the Rapid Fire Unit ("Rapid Fire Control Stick, $??.??)       
Black, gray and red design.         
         
Rapid Fire Unit (product #3045)                
From Brett Carver:  A small device that is inserted between a two-button      
controller and the game system.  It provides an auto-repeat capability for     
the control buttons which saves a lot of wear-and-tear on fingers for games    
like Astro-Warrior.  The auto-repeat could be turned on for each button       
independently.         
             
                                   Switches to turn on/         
                                          |     off auto-repeat         
                       Plug for           V                               
                        system     -----------------         
                          |        |               |         
                          V        |      2 [X ]   |         
                         ---       |               |        
                         | |=======|  RAPID FIRE   [<- Plug for         
                         ---       |               |  controller         
                                   |      1 [ X]   |         
                                   |               |         
                                   -----------------         
             
                                ASCII art by Brett Carver         
         
This unit was seen offered through Sega in their early "SEGA           
Challenge" newsletters.  Buying 3 games would get you the item.  It     
was also available via retail ($8.50), and packaged with      
the Control Stick as the "Rapid Fire Control Stick" ($??.??).     
A 3rd party rapid fire unit may exist (more info in a future update).         
         
Control Pad (product #3020)                    
The joypad which comes packaged with SMS systems.  Resembling the 1st       
generation NES pads, three versions exist:       
      
1.  Three button/mini-joystick.  Once the thumbpad button cap was removed,     
a small "thumbstick" could be inserted.       
                                               
2.  Three button. The third button sits recessed in the center of the      
thumbpad.  The button has no function during gameplay.       
      
3.  Two button.  The thumbpad button as been entirely removed.  This       
version is most commonly associated with the SMS II, when it was       
introduced.       
       
[5]  WHAT PACK-IN PACKAGES EXIST?       
       
When released, SMS I pack-ins included (product # shown):          
         
3000      Hang On/Safari Hunt ("Master" package; including base unit, 2       
          controllers, combo cart, light phaser and hook-ups; original        
          retail price of approx. $200 (I paid $230 for mine <Grin>))         
         
3005      Hang On/Astro Warrior ("Base" package; including base unit, 2        
          controllers, combo cart and hook-ups; original retail price 
          of approx. $120)           
         
3001      Missile Defense 3-D ("SegaScope" package; including base unit, 2     
          controllers, cart, 3-D Glasses, light phaser and hook-ups;         
          original retail price of approx. $???)           
         
There are also 3 (possibly 4) different built-in software variations of the    
SMS I.  I assume these systems replaced the base units and carts listed in     
the above packages.  They are:         
         
#1.  Hang On/Safari Hunt         
#2.  Missile Defense 3-D         
#3.  Hang On/Astro Warrior (exist?  I have yet to encounter one)         
#4.  Hang On       
       
The SMS II was released with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built in, one       
controller and necessary hook-ups.         
       
Sega of America had a short-lived special offer with the Power Base        
Converter, offering Golden Axe Warrior as a free pack-in.                  
       
In Europe, players were given the same pack-ins as those in the states --      
concerning the original "Sega Master System."  Later, with the "Sega Master   
System II", Sonic the Hedgehog (cart) soon accompanied Alex Kidd in Miracle    
World (built in) as a pack-in, but then later replaced Alex as the built in   
feature.         
         
I have no idea what pack-ins or built-in games may have come with the        
Japanese SMS systems.  Info?

In Australia, at least 3 pack-ins exist:  

1.  The SMS I with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in, controller(s?), 
and hook-ups.
2.  The SMS II with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in, two
controllers, hook-ups, and a Double Dragon pack-in cart.
3.  The SMS II with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in, hook-ups,
controller(s?), and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 pack-in cart.       
       
-----------------       
II.  COMPABILITY       
-----------------       
         
[1] IS EUROPEAN SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE WITH U.S. SMS UNITS?         
         
Yes.  Although folks may be wondering about PAL and NTSC electrical         
definitions, there appears to be no problems playing European games.         
         
[2] IS JAPANESE SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE WITH U.S. SMS UNITS?        
         
Japanese SMS software is compatible with foreign SMS units, but the Sega     
Mark III carts are not compatible with any SMS unit.  Adapters exist,      
however -- a Sega Mark III -> SMS converter, and Sega Mark III -> MegaDrive.   
The SG-1000 is most likely incompatible with the SMS and Mark III.         
         
[3] CAN I PLAY GAME GEAR GAMES ON MY SMS?         
         
The official word: No.  The unofficial word from curious hackers: I don't     
see why not.  The NEW unofficial word:  No, due to color conflicts.  Here's   
some information I received (from Meet Mr. Malaria (kyoshiro@netcom.com)):    

"As for the possibilility of running Game Gear games on an SMS,       
I'd say no, or at least a firm possibility that it can't.      
         
The Game Gear can run SMS carts, of course, but that may very       
well be due to intentional downward compatibility of the GG to the SMS,       
and such may not work in reverse.  The only hardware [difference] I know of    
between the two on a chip level is that the GG has a 4096 color palette,      
while the SMS has a 256 color palette, but that may be enough.  If the GG     
has a larger palette, than it must have a different method of setting       
each of the color registers than the SMS did:  The SMS color can be       
determined by one byte, so probably only needed one register, whereas a       
number from 0 to 4095 needs two bytes, and therefore the GG chips       
probably have two color registers, or one register with a special system      
which allows both bytes to be written one half at a time.        
         
The Game Gear was probably designed to allow the color registers       
to be set by either the 256 color method (for downward compatibility), or     
the 4096 color method, whereas the SMS was created before the GG, so it       
would not support a GG-specific game's method of setting colors.      
         
The possible problems resulting from this incongruety -alone-       
might be:      
         
#1.  A complete crash (if the GG game tried to set registers that did       
not exist or had nothing to do with color)      
         
#2.  Completely scrambled colors (if the GG uses the same registers       
to write the colors, but in a different way)     
      
#3.  No picture at all (if the GG writes colors using registers that       
had no function in the [SMS], so no SMS color reg would ever be written      
to, and all would default to black, so no picture)     
          
It may still be possible that the two are still compatible, but       
only [if Sega] intentionally created the GG to set colors in a matter that     
would cause the [SMS] to use it's nearest approximation, or if each cart      
were programmed to be SMS compatible.        
         
Summary:  It looks to me like the GG was designed to be downwardly       
compatible with the SMS, but the SMS would not have been designed to be       
compatible with the GG."

-- BUT --

From Richard Holbert (rholbert@rcinet.com):
"I don't own either, but I read your FAQ and have an idea that might work.
Aside from the obvious hardware interface problems, the software
incompatibilities could be addressed as follows:  I think it should be
possible to rewrite the SMS BIOS ROM (or whatever Sega calls it) to map the
extra color codes to their nearest SMS equivalent.
    
Source code for both SMS and GG BIOS would be very helpful, but someone
could probably disassemble them."
      
Someone once mentioned that a pre-Christmas '92 issue of VG&CE contained a     
mailorder ad offering a GG to SMS adapter, but my VG&CE collection is         
incomplete, and I haven't been able to confirm its existence.  Any         
information is welcome.       
       
For more information, check out the Modifications section of this FAQ.

Charles McDonald is currently working on a GG to SMS adapter.  See 4.1
for more info.        

[4]  CAN I PLAY SMS GAMES ON MY GENESIS?       
         
With the aid of a device called the Power Base Converter, it's possible to     
play all (*) SMS games (including 3-D, light phaser, and cards) on the        
original model Genesis.  The converter retails for $40-50, but can be found    
discounted for as low as $15.  Note that a Power Base Converter for the        
Genesis II is available in Europe only.              

From John Winget (john-a-winget@uiowa.edu):
"I have sucessfully attached the adapter to my Gen II system by cutting off
the tab on the back where the screw went through to secure it to the Gen I.
there is a considerable gap left under the adapter when plugged into the
Gen II but if you add a heavy foam aroung the edge cut to fill the gap it
is more than secure enough to use."

From Clint Dyer (APDF35D@PRODIGY.COM):     
"Only F-16 doesn't work on the PBC -- in short, it uses all the      
pins across the board, and is the only card to do that.  Thus, the PBC      
wasn't made to read all the pins."      
         
[5]  CAN I PLAY SMS GAMES ON MY GAME GEAR?         
         
Yes.  A few adapters exist, with Sega's own being the "Master Gear."        
Restrictions apply:       
       
*   Only cartridges can be used.       
*   Small text and objects are difficult to make out on the Game Gear.       
*   4-meg SMS carts have minor difficulties (i.e. the occasional scrambled     
    graphic) due to Game Gear limitations.       
*   Carts requiring special accessories or a second controller won't function  
    properly.         
         
[6]  CAN I PLAY 3-D GAMES WITHOUT THE 3-D GLASSES?         
         
A few games do have special codes or options to disable the 3-D feature,       
and they're listed below.  If anyone knows of any other 3-D games with a       
2-D option, please let me know.         
         
Zaxxon 3-D:  Press pause at the title screen to bring up an option menu.       
Simple enough.  :)         
         
Poseiden Wars 3-D:  Plug a control pad into the 2nd port.  With this         
controller, press button #1.         
         
Space Harrier 3-D:  Play the game in 3-D until you reach the first boss.       
Let him kill you.  If you obtained a high enough score, you'll get an         
initials input screen after the Game Over message.  With the 2nd         
controller, and holding button #1, enter T-H-R-E-E.  Note that the word       
will not be displayed on the screen.       
       
[7]  CAN I PLAY SPORTS PAD (ROLLER BALL) GAMES WITHOUT THE SPORTS PAD?       
       
You can move in a diagonal direction only, though very quickly.

Sega did re-release Sports Pad Football as Great Football, which is 
compatible with the standard controller (possible dual compatibility 
with the Sports Pad).     

[8]  CAN I PLAY LIGHT PHASER GAMES WITHOUT THE LIGHT PHASER?       
       
I don't believe so.  I haven't heard of any Light Phaser games that offer     
an option to play the game with a standard control pad.         
       
[9]  DO GENESIS CONTROLLERS WORK WITH SMS GAMES?       
       
Yes -- kind of.  The standard Genesis 3-button and 6-button joypads work      
fine with most SMS games, though there are some carts which are      
incompatible. (Is this a pin conflict, and if so, can it be fixed?)  Here     
is a list of games which do NOT function with Genesis controllers.       
     
Alien Syndrome     
Bomber Raid     
Great Volleyball     
Montezuma's Revenge     
Shanghai         
Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?     
Wonderboy in Monsterland         
         
[10]  IS THERE ANY POSSIBLE WAY TO PLAY SMS CARDS ON THE SMS II AND GAME      
GEAR?         
       
SMS card games were re-released in Europe as carts -- that's your best       
option.  There ARE card -> cart port converters, but only two are known to    
exist.       
       
-------------         
III.  SOURCES       
-------------       
       
[1]  WHERE CAN I FIND SMS HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE?

NOTE:  Many of these sources are becoming seriously dated; if you
have any additions or corrections, PLEASE drop me a note.
Thanks.       
         
Best bet:  yard and garage sales, flea markets, and pawn shops.  'Course,      
rec.games.video.marketplace wouldn't be a bad place to start.  :-)         
         
If you're in serious need of SMS control pads, you should see which games     
in your collection will function with a standard Genesis pad.  The following   
games have proven to be incompatible:     
     
Great Volleyball      
Shanghai      
Alien Syndrome      
Wonder Boy in MonsterLand      
Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?      
Montezuma's Revenge      
Bomber Raid     
     
Place classifed ads in video game fanzines, such as Digital Press,       
MASTERminds and SMS Unlimited.               
         
Telegames USA offers accessories and U.K.-imported software.  You can         
request a catalog and other information:  (214) 227-7694 (voice).         
         
Tenex Computer Express has some compatible controllers available in their      
Commodore/Amiga catalog; the Beeshu Ultimate Superstick (joystick with        
turbofire), Kraft Systems TripleTrack (rollerball), and Beeshu Zoomer         
Control Yoke (flight simulator controller with turbofire).  They can be       
contacted at:  1-800-PROMPT-1 (voice).       
       
Video Magic offers some SMS hardware and software.  You can request a       
catalog by writing to:       
       
Video Magic       
P.O. Box 9542       
Pittsburgh, PA  15223          
       
The following is a list of U.K. based electronic games dealers.  Thanks to     
Jeremy Statz for these locations.         
         
Select Consoles (mail order only)         
(052) 587-3573         
         
KC's Computers and Console Magic         
3 High Street         
Loughbrough         
Leics LE11 !py         
(050) 921-1799         
         
Whizz-kid         
22 Station Square         
Petts Wood         
Kent BR5 1NA         
(068) 989-1000         
         
Raven Games London         
74 Bromley Road         
Beckingham         
Kent BR3 2NP         
(081) 663-6810         
         
Surfcliff LTD         
34 Norton Road         
Southbrough         
Tumbridge Wells         
Kent TN4 0HE         
         
SoftScan         
P.O.  Box 84         
Station Approach         
Hereford HR4 9YU         
         
[2]  ARE THERE ANY MAGAZINES WITH SMS COVERAGE?         
         
Yes, but only in the U.K.  They are:         
         
Sega Power         
Future Publishing Ltd.         
Freepost         
Somerton, Somerset TA11 7BR         
Phone: 0458 74011 (subscription only)         
Price per issue: 2.25 UK         
Subscription price outside UK: 51.95 UK         
         
Sega Magazine         
Tower Publishing         
Tower House         
Soverign House         
Lathkill Street, Market Harborough         
Leics, LE16 9EF         
Phone: 0858 468888 (subscription only)         
Price per issue: 2.25 UK         
co-published by Emap Images and Sega Europe       
       
I assume that with the lack of SMS support in Europe, these magazines offer    
less SMS coverage than they did previously.         
         
Another is "MASTERminds"(Genesis & SMS coverage), edited by Todd Lintner.      
Available for $1.50 via snail mail:         
         
Todd Lintner         
6406 Jacobs Way         
Madison, WI 53711-3209

NOTE:  I haven't heard from Todd in some time; MASTERminds may
now be defunct.         
       
[3]  WHERE CAN I FIND SMS CHEATS, TIPS AND STRATEGY GUIDES?         
         
The SMS Cheat Tips Compilation is available via FTP,
ftp.netcom.com, pub/vi/vidgames/faqs, filenames sm_read.txt and
smcheat*.txt; a total of 7 files.  Also available via 8-bit
Unlimited:  http://www.dragonfire.net/~JBogumil/8bithome.htm

Check the UK Software list (see info below) and USA software list
(6.1) for games included in the Cheats Compilation.         
                       
[4]  WHAT OTHER INTERNET RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?       
       
Jeff Bogumil's 8-bit Unlimited
------------------------------
A new web page for fans of the SMS and NES.
http://www.dragonfire.net/~JBogumil/8bithome.htm

The Phantasy Star web page
--------------------------
http://www.cnu.edu/~jmaxlow/pspage.html

Picture Archive
---------------
Scanned and provided by Galen Komatsu, the following jpegs are
available via 8-bit Unlimited: 
http://www.dragonfire.net/~JBogumil/8bithome.htm

smsc1.jpg  rather "useless" pic really, it's a page from a flyer
which shows the system with various peripherals, and below
is three applications (which is why I scanned it, *shrug*)

smsc2.jpg  a detail of the above picture, shows the system &
peripherals, in the picture:

                telecom pack
                    (tv)
    joystick      mark III       handle controller
 data recorder    keyboard       4 color plotter printer

smsc3.jpg  various peripherals:  from left to right:
(cut off, the Mark III, if you'd like a better pic of it
I can scan one.)
1- Telecom pack, not quite sure what this is yet.
2- "terebi oekaki
3- info about the keyboard
4- handle controller, joystick, bike handle

zil1.jpg  front page of zillion flyer, shows the gun (looks
excatly like the light gun, but with a different
sticker-plate on the side)

zil2.jpg  inside pages of flyer, I guess things didn't scan
too "straight" since when I tried pasting the two
halves together, I aligned them by word "zillion"
but the guy in the (center of the) picture came out
a bit crooked.

zil3.jpg  back page, just shows the "games" you can play
(shoot the targets, shoot against your friends...)

The SMS Mailing List         
--------------------       
The SMS Mailing list has been moved to a new site.  To subscribe,
send e-mail to clint.dyer@segaoa.com, with the subject line
"SUBSCRIBE SMS".
       
The U.K. SMS Software List       
--------------------------       
A list of U.K. released software is available via 8-bit
Unlimited, http://www.dragonfire.net/~JBogumil/misc.htm, and 
is also available through the SMS Mailing List, rec.games.video.sega, 
and rec.games.video.classic.

The U.K. Top 10 SMS Games list
------------------------------
Via the WWW: http://www.futurenet.co.uk/misc/GallupCharts/index.html     
     
The Sega Masters' Guild     
-----------------------     
A web page containing a list of SMS collectors and their goods, this     
FAQ in HTML format (an old version, but with images), and a list of     
SMS mailorder firms.  http://comp.uark.edu/~ivaz/sega.html

NOTE: This web page is not maintained by me, so please, send your
e-mail to the proper person.  :-)

Jon Deeter's SMS page
---------------------
www.wvi.com/~jond/paf.htm

Telegames (sells SMS stuff, including UK games, but you'll pay...)
------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.telegames.com/sms.htm

Nathan's Home Page
------------------
http://www-gcsu.cai.cam.ac.uk        
        
------------------       
IV.  MODIFICATIONS       
------------------       
       
[1]  WHAT WOULD I FIND IF I COMPARED THE SMS AND GAME GEAR?         
         
The Game Gear is actually a slightly scaled down SMS, with its own play       
screen (of course) and controller features built into the portable unit.       
The systems are extremely similar:  it's known that the Master Gear (SMS to   
GG adapter) is only a vehicle which connects the SMS cart and GG port pins,    
with little or no electronics used in the process.  This being the case,       
I've printed the following information in the hopes that some technical       
maven out there can use these statistics in order to create a GG to SMS       
adapter (no matter the cost <Grin>).  Thanks to Matthew Kasdorf for         
providing all this stuff.         
         
    Sega Master System Cartridge Information:         
    -two sided printed circuit board         
    -50 pin edge connector: Component Side: pins 1 - 49  (cartridge         
     forward)  Solder Side:    pins 2 - 50         
             
    Sega Game Gear Cartridge Information:         
    -single sided printed circuit board         
    -PCB Component Side Markings: 837-7846-01, MB98536-015, 9119 K12         
    -PCB Solder Side Markings: (c) SEGA, 1990, MADE IN JAPAN, 171-5953-A       

    -surface mounted die, blob protected         
    -2 surface mounted capacitors         
    -45 pin edge connector: 2 4 6 8 ... 42  44         
                            1 3 5 7  ...   43  45         
    -No connection on pins: 1, 26, 27, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, and 45         
    -V+ connection on pins: 2, 35, and 43         
    -V- connection on pins: 16, 17, 18, 41, and 42         
         
             
    SMS to GG Adapter Information:         
    SMS Pin Number:  GG Pin Number:     SMS Pin Number:  GG Pin Number:       

 
       1                  2, 35, 43       26                 11         
       2                  3               27                 10         
       3                 --               28                  9         
       4                 26               29                  8         
       5                 34               30                  7         
       6                 33               31                  6         
       7                 32               32                  5         
       8                 31               33                  4         
       9                 30               34                 --         
      10                 29               35                 2, 35, 43        
      11                 27               36                 28         
      12                 25               37                 36         
      13                 24               38                 --         
      14                 23               39                 38         
      15                 22               40                 --         
      16                 21               41                 --         
      17                 20               42                 --         
      18                 19               43                 --         
      19                 16, 18, 41       44                 --         
      20                 17               45                 --         
      21                 16, 18, 41       46                 39         
      22                 15               47                 40         
      23                 14               48                 --         
      24                 13               49                 --         
      25                 12               50                 --
      
Charles McDonald (cgfm2@hooked.net) is currently working on a GG to SMS 
adapter, and needs info/parts related to the following:

A Game Gear Connector and a Master Gear Converter

What pins are used on a GG cart that has a battery in it?

More info concerning "color registers" of SMS and GG?

Which pins are power and ground in GG and Master System carts?

What is the "rating" on the capacitators in GG and MS carts?

Do GG games use the EXACT same amount of power that SMS carts use?

Repair/programming manual for the GG/Master System?
         
         
[2]  IS THERE A WAY TO MOVE THE SMS PAUSE BUTTON TO A CONTROLLER?         
         
DISCLAIMER:  Neither Jeremy Statz, Jeff Bogumil, nor "8-bit Unlimited" are      
responsible for any damages or losses made, be they to the system,         
controller, materials, or individual, if this modification procedure is       
performed.          
         
              HOW TO GIVE YOUR SMS CONTROLLER A PAUSE BUTTON          
          
                        Procedure by Jeremy Statz           
                         Written by Jeff Bogumil          
          
[The following hack was submitted by Jeremy Statz, who performed the         
original procedure on his Power Base Converter.  I've rewritten the concept    
to make it more easily readable, and given notes for SMS I owners.  I HAVE     
NOT given instructions for the SMS II, but I would guess that only some        
minor changes, if any, would need to be made - ed.]          
          
MATERIALS NEEDED:          
          
"Wand" soldering iron          
Solder          
VERY small clippers          
Liquid Latex          
Plastic Cement           
Insulated wire connectors, set of 4           
4 pieces of wire, each approx. 1 foot in length           
4 pieces of wire, each approx. 7 feet in length           
Small pair of needle nose pliers (for SMS owners)          
Small Phillips screwdriver          
Electrical tape          
          
NOTE:  It's recommended that you color code the wires together          
(i.e. a red 1 footer with a red 7 footer, etc...)          
          
STEP 1:  Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the top black          
casing from your PBC (or SMS).  The pause button should be easily seen.        
(SMS owners will have to use the screwdriver and pliers to remove a large      
metal shield before they can proceed.)          
          
STEP 2:  Take the clippers and VERY CAREFULLY snip the 4          
attachment prongs of the pause button.  Remove it.          
          
STEP 3:  Solder each wire (7 feet long) to each prong of the pause button.     

STEP 4:  Solder each wire (1 foot long) to the appropriate points on the       
PBC (or SMS).  Be sure to match up the color codes with their respective       
connections (i.e. The upper left pause button prong should be matched with     
the upper left location on the system). 
                    
STEP 5:  Carefully work the 4 wires (attached to the system) through the       
pause button port of the cover (and shielding, for SMS owners).  Do not       
replace the covers yet (i.e Do not replace the screws).          
                   
STEP 6:  Take the wire connectors (it really doesn't matter what type they     
are, as long as they are insulated) and solder them to their appropriate       
wires.           
          
STEP 7:  After all the solder has dried, and all the connections have been     
checked for sturdiness, place liquid latex over any exposed wires to         
prevent electric shock and/or corrosion.          
          
STEP 8:  Replace all the wires and shields.          
          
STEP 9:  Use plastic cement to glue the pause button to a comfortable and      
reachable spot (during gameplay) on your favorite SMS controller.          
                   
STEP 10:  To clean up the wire pollution, you may want to tape the four       
wires together with electrical tape.         
         
END OF PROCEDURE         
       
----------       
V.  TRIVIA       
----------         
       
[1]  I'VE HEARD ABOUT A BUILT-IN, HIDDEN GAME?  WHAT GIVES?         
         
The original model of the SMS has a built in, code accessible maze game;       
your goal is to guide a small snail through a series of different levels.      
Not much play value, but it's a nice extra to have.         
         
If you own an original model SMS without a built in game...         
Turn on your SMS and wait for the instruction screen to appear.  With         
controller 1, press up and hold buttons 1 and 2.         
         
If you own an original model SMS with a built in game...         
First, hold down the sequence given above.  While holding, turn the machine    
on and wait.         
         
The SMS II does not have the snail maze game.       
       
[2]  WHAT IS THE SMS/ZILLION RELATIONSHIP?       
       
It seems that the Light Phaser is the sequel to the "Zillion Gun", a      
toy Sega introduced in Japan years ago, following the "Laser Tag"
style of play.  To promote the gun, Sega introduced a manga (Japanese 
comic) series, which proved extremely popular.  The manga gave way to 
Zillion anime (Japanese animation; "Japanimation").  With Sega owning 
the rights, they introduced the SMS with the Light Phaser, which is 
modeled after the Zillion Gun, except for the Light Phaser's markings.  
Oddly enough, neither of the Zillion games for the SMS use the Light 
Phaser during gameplay.  For some scanned pix of an original,
Japanese Zillion flyer, see 3.4.           

New information states that the Zillion gun was included with the
Zillion video game as a promotional effort.  (Was this a "deluxe"
or "special edition" packaging?)  

Another SMS game has been shown to be based on anime --
Spellcaster is based on Peacock King-Kujakuo (with a sequel
appearing on the Genesis as Mystic Defender).
         
[3]  DID SMS SOFTWARE REALLY START THE "MEG" THING?         
         
I won't claim that the SMS was the first home video game system to break       
the 1-megabit barrier, but yes, SMS carts were the first to use the term       
"mega" as a means of sales promotion.  Later, Sega picked up "meg" when       
promoting their 16-bit Genesis game, Strider.  You'll find "mega" plastered    
on boxes and labels of certain SMS titles.          
         
[4]  I'VE HEARD ABOUT A LIMITED EDITION SMS GAME?  INFO?         
         
The overhead, vertical shooter called Power Strike was promoted by Sega as     
a limited edition game, offered through their user-base club.  Later, it       
popped up in decent quantities in various toy store chains.  The game's       
packaging is in black and white; screen shots and all (giving the         
appearance of a counterfeited item).  Power Strike is known as Aleste in       
Japan.  NOTE:  It has been reported that Power Strike is also available in     
a full color packaging.  More info, anyone?       
       
[5]  DO SMS CARTS CONTAIN DUAL-LANGUAGE ROMS LIKE GENESIS CARTS?         
   
Apparently, yes.  It's been proven by using a Power Base Converter/MegaDrive  
combination, though I haven't had anyone actually hack their SMS and find   
or create a language switch (seems to be viable though, as shown by an    
accident that occurred).  Info follows:   
   
From Ken Arromdee, who was kind enough to forward me the post:   
        
"Someone recently posted a bit of information to the net indicating that the  
SMS was indeed language switchable.  If you missed it, here it is...    
        
From: hancom@crl.com (Han Lee)    
Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega    
Subject: Re: M.U.S.H.A.    
Date: 4 May 1995 13:21:11 -0700    
        
In article <3o8m21$p64@jyusenkyou.cs.jhu.edu> arromdee@jyusenkyou.cs.jhu.edu  
(Ken Arromdee) writes:    
>hancom@crl.com (Han Lee) wrote:     
>>No. Power Strike is the Alleste.  If you have a Mega Drive (Japanese    
>>version of Genesis) and a Powerbase Converter, you should be able to see    
>>Power Strike title changing to Alleste.    
>    
>Can you confirm this?  It may definitively answer a long-unresolved question: 
>confirming the existence of language switch games on the SMS....    
>--    
>Ken Arromdee (email: arromdee@jyusenkyou.cs.jhu.edu)    
        
Yes. You indeed can have a language switch on Master System games if you plug  
in Powerbase Converter to a Japanese Mega Drive. It also says "Sega Mark III"  
as a start-up title logo.  I've discovered a lot of bi-lingual games,     
such as Zillion, Penguin Land, Kungfu Kid, Power Strike/Alleste, and etc.    
        
BTW, since Genesis has a FM sound chip, does anyone know if the Japanese     
Master System games with FM music work on the Mega Drive? I know the     
Japanese version of Phantasy Star and Out Run had FM musics."   
   
Some information which also supports language switching (from Meet Mr.     
Malaria (kyoshiro@netcom.com)):     
     
"My slant on the Dual-Language debate:  YES.  I've only had this       
happen to me once, but it did happen:     
      
Once, while playing Aztec Adventure, I accidentally bapped the       
end of the SMS, causing a reset.  Instead of the normal Sega logo,       
however, I got the Sega Mark III Logo (the words "Sega Mark III" written      
in medium sized white italic letters, with a multicolor flashing       
background, no music and no regular Sega logo).  The normal Aztec       
Adventure [intro] followed, but when the scroll unrolled, instead of the      
title it said "Nazca '88", which I assume was the Japanese name.  The       
rest of the game proceeded normally (though I didn't get very far, so the     
ending might have been different).  Next time I reset the game it went       
back to normal, and I could never get it to happen again.      
         
For the record, I have the original U.S. SMS system, and I bought       
it fairly soon after the system was released.      
         
What I infer from this is that:      
              
The built-in Sega ROMs in the U.S. version has the Japanese ROM      
vestigally, and either the ROM senses which system it is in and runs     
accordingly, or the system starts the appropriate ROM, perhaps based      
on jumper settings???      
              
The carts contain both versions, and...      
              
Since the unit has proven itself to be capable of running both by my      
accident, it should be possible to build some sort of switcher or      
modification which will launch the SMS running as a Japanese       
unit.      
         
However, I couldn't say how to do it."

And another accident from Patrick "Killer Bee" Errico 
(s0024211@hawkmail.monmouth.edu)...

    "I was reading your FAQ and I too have seen the elusive "Sega Mark III"
screen. I have a SMS I, It was bought the 1st X-mas that the SMS was
available. It happened to me twice, once while I was playing Zillion, and
another time while playing Miracle Warriors. With Zillion I accidently pulled
out Black Belt and put in Zillion with the power on, then the Sega Mark III
screen popped and and flashed colors. I spent the rest of the day trying
different combonations of games with no luck. With Miracle Warriors, I just
bumped the power base and the Mark III screen appeared flashing colors again.
Both times, it never went into the game, just stayed with the logo on the
screen. Today I'm a little to jumpy about smacking my SMS, it might kill 
it!!"

Galen Komatsu reports that Penguin Land comes up with an apparent
title change via a language switch: "Pengin Rando: UchuuDaiboken"
Translated: "Penguin Land: Great Space Adventure"  No gameplay
differences have been found.

Transbot, Astro Warrior and Ghostbusters do not show any
differences when language switched.

Forwarded to me by Clint Dyer, from the SMS mailing list:

"From: Galen Tatsuo Komatsu on Tue, Apr 16, 1996 1:01 AM
Subject: Bilingual games
To: Dyer, Clint; Dyer, Clint
    
     ok I risked certain damage to electronic components from the
constant switching on and off of my Megadrive, and came up with
these results on "bilingual" SMS games.
    
Test equipment:  Japanese MegaDrive with (American) Power Base Converter
                 American Master System
    
     Basically what I did was plug things into the MD<PBC setup,
if someting outside of the expected or Japanese text came up, I
marked it as bilingual.
    
     In general the "Venetian Blind" Logo is replaced by a "SEGA
MARK III" screen so those have been ignored...though there are a
few different SMIII screens.  Basically they're all the same,
SEGA MARK III appears across the middle of the screen in angular
letters, at a slant.  The background is blue or black, the letters
are sometimes white, sometimes flashing.  Sometimes there's no
logo screen, sometimes a different one as noted below.
    
Time Soldiers:  "SEGA" logo appears, nothing else
Hang-On/Astro Warrior (or Safari Hunt):  no startup logo
Shanghai:  SEGA logo fades in.  Game instructions in Japanese, and
     if it matters, the instruction graphic is centered horizontally.
Zillion:  Japanese title, Japanese text in game.
RC Gran Prix:  no startup logo
Double Dragon:  "SEGA" logo appears, blue appears in gradations.
      (dark blue towards the top & bottom, lighter blue near the
        middle horizontal)
Penguin Land:  Japanese title
World Gran Prix:  Title is "The Circuit"
Gangster Town:  no startup logo
    
These games appeared to show no changes:
Space Harrier, Transbot, Quartet, Rampage, Ghostbusters, Wanted,
Afterburner, Rambo III, Great Football, Super Tennis, ZillionII
    
    
     Finally, anyone with Power Base Converters ever have trouble getting
some games to run?  I sometimes have difficulty getting Rampage and
Transbot to run.  Shinobi, Slap Shot, and Great Golf refuse to run period.
(they run fine on my SMS without problem.)"
    
So there you have it -- three instances of language switching.  Trouble is,   
we don't all have MegaDrives and PBCs, and I'd rather not sit around bapping  
my SMS for hours on end.  :-)  If anyone can find a way to create a language  
switch using the SMS base unit, PLEASE send me the procedure.  I'll add it   
to the FAQ immediately.        
             
[6]  THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SAYS <SUCH AND SUCH>, BUT THE GAME DOES/SAYS      
<SUCH AND SUCH>?  INFO?         
         
Following is a list of instruction manual corrections:         
         
CAPTAIN SILVER:  There are only four rounds and three bosses -- the Joker,     
the first Pirate, and Captain Silver.         
         
GOLVELLIUS:  The Ring of Invisibility - as mentioned in the game - is         
actually a Ring of Invincibility.         
         
Name corrections --         
MANUAL         GAME         
------         ----         
Saipa          Rolick         
Taruba         Bachular         
Waruso         Warlick         
Jaspa          Crawky         
Heidi          Haidee         
         
GREAT BASEBALL:  You are unable to select your catchers.         
         
PSYCHO FOX:  Typo correction - the words "stages" (on pg. 20 and 21) should    
read as "rounds."         
         
SPACE HARRIER 3-D:  The correct continue code is - when you die, press Up,     
then buttons 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, on controller #1.         
         
SPELLCASTER:  To use a spell, continuously press the joypad Up and Down,      
while holding the fire button down.         
         
TIME SOLDIERS:  Once the two continues are used, the game ends.  This         
corrects the manual's statement that if there are two players playing at       
the same time, a player will always be revived, as long as the other player    
remains alive.         
         
ZILLION:  Don't enter the suicide code in room C-4 as instructed by the       
instruction manual.  Such kidders, Sega...         
         
ZAXXON 3-D:  The W capsule lets you access the different weapons.  The E       
capsule lets you receive an extra ship.         
         
[7]  WHAT SMS GAMES ARE RECOMMENDED?         
         
This is a matter of opinion, so I've set up an easy voting system.  If        
you'd like to participate, please send a list of your five favorite SMS       
games to aj809@yfn.ysu.edu, and I'll update the votes.         
         
Contributors thus far:  Cap Scott, Jeff Bogumil, Brett Carver, Meet Mr.      
Malaria, Clint Dyer, James Grenert         
         
GAME                          VOTES         
----                          -----         
     
Astro Warrior                 *     
Choplifter                    *     
Columns                       *         
Cyborg Hunter                 *     
Fantasy Zone                  *
Golden Axe Warrior            **         
Kenseiden                     *    
Lord of the Sword             *     
Missile Defense 3-D           *
Monopoly                      *
Outrun                        *     
Penguin Land                  *     
Phantasy Star                 *****         
Power Strike                  *
Psycho Fox                    *         
Shinobi                       *         
Space Harrier                 *         
Wonderboy III                 **         
R-Type                        **         
Golvellius                    ***     
Zillion                       *     
     
[8]  WHAT SMS GAMES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED?     
     
Send the top 5 SMS games on your HATE list, to
aj809@yfn.ysu.edu, and I'll add them here.
Contributors thus far:  Meet Mr. Malaria, Jeff Bogumil       
     
GAME                          VOTES     
----                          -----     
Afterburner                   *     
Aztec Adventure               *     
Captain Silver                *     
Ghostbusters                  **     
Rambo: First Blood Part II    **     
Spy vs. Spy                   *     
Thunderblade                  *     
Zillion II: Tri Formation     *         

[9]  WHAT EXACTLY IS Y'S BASED ON?

A series of books (hence, Y's: Books 1 & 2 for the Turbografx-16
CD-ROM).  Apparently 6 to 8 books based upon the Y's story have
been published in Japan.  The SMS received a translation of the
first book, and  the TG-16 CD the first and second books.  Later
sequels (Y's 3+) are not based on the book series.

     
--------------       
VI.  GAME LIST       
--------------         
       
[1]  WHAT GAMES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE SMS?         
         
A U.K. released software list is available via WWW:
http://www.dragonfire.net/~JBogumil/misc.htm
Updated regularly.         
         
Following is a list of U.S.A. released software.  Originally created by       
Greg Alt (galt@asylum.cs.utah.edu), I've modified it a bit by adding my own    
comments and alphabetizing the entries.  This is a finite listing, as Sega     
has dropped software support for the SMS in the states.         
         
KEY         
---         
4xxx =              Sega card (32 kbytes)         
5xxx =              Mega cartridge (128 kbytes)         
6xxx =              combo cart         
7xxx =              Two-Mega cartridge (256 kbytes)         
8xxx =              3-D carts (requires 3-D glasses unless otherwise noted)    
9xxx =              4 Mega cart (i.e. 512 kbytes)         
x5xx =              battery back-up RAM         
         
2-D  =              a 2-D code is available (see Section II -- Compability)    
r?   =              released in the states?  questionable...         
lp   =              light phaser required         
sp   =              sports pad required             
A    =              by Activision (3rd party)         
PB   =              by Parker Brothers (3rd party)
S	 =				by Seismic (3rd party?)         
         
shooter =           space ship (usually) based shoot 'em up.  Examples: R-     
                    type [SMS, Turbografx-16, arcade, Gameboy], Astro         
                    Warrior [SMS], Lifeforce [NES]         
action shooter =    "non-rail" (but usually vertical scrolling) shooter;       
                    usually as a human character.  Often two player         
                    capable.  Examples:  Time Soldiers [SMS, arcade?],        
                    Ikari Warriors [NES]            
action =            side scrolling, sideview action platform.  Examples:       
                    Shinobi [SMS, NES, arcade], Mega Man [NES, SNES,         
                    Gameboy, Genesis]         
sports =            fitting into a sports category.  Will be defined in       
                    listing.         
Action/adventure =  action game with adventure-like overtones.  Unless        
                    stated, action-adventure games are sideview.  Examples:    
                    Legend of Zelda [NES], Wonderboy in Monsterland [SMS]      
Full RPG (FRPG)  =  complete role playing game set-up, with experience         
                    point system.  Examples:  Phantasy Star [SMS], Final       
                    Fantasy [NES]         
         
overhead =          birds eye view of the gameplay area.  Usually provides     
                    scrolling in all four compass directions, or vertical      
                    only. Example:  Legend of Zelda [NES], Golden Axe          
                    Warrior, Astro Warrior [SMS]         
sideview =          view of the gameplay area while oriented on the same       
                    plane.  Usually provides horizontal scrolling only.        
                    Example:  Altered Beast [SMS, Genesis, arcade]         
3rd person =        game in which the viewpoint is from directly behind the    
                    player controlled object.  Examples:  Space Harrier        
                    [SMS, Turbografx-16, arcade, Game Gear], Afterburner       
                    [SMS, NES, arcade]         
1st person =        game in which the viewpoint is from the "inside" of the    
                    player controlled object.  Examples: F-16 Fighting         
                    Falcon [SMS], Air Diver [Genesis], Doom [IBM PC]         
         
An asterisk (*) after the title name indicates that a help
section is available in the SMS Cheats Compilation.         
         
Product numbers can be found by noting the last 4 digits in a game box UPC     
code (applies to U.S. releases, and non-3rd parties, only).         
         
And now, the actual list...         
         
TITLE                              ####      NOTES         
-----                              ----      -----         
Action Fighter                   * 5055      overhead racing         
Aerial Assault                     7041      sideview shooter         
Afterburner                      * 9001      3rd person shooter         
Alex Kidd in High Tech World     * 5116      action-adventure;3rd in series    
Alex Kidd in Miracle World       * 5067      action-adventure;1st in series    
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World       * 7050      action-adventure;4th in series    
Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars        * 7005      action;2nd in series         
Alf                              * 5111      action-adventure         
Alien Syndrome                   * 7006      action shooter         
Altered Beast                    * 7018      action             
Astro Warrior                    * 5069      overhead vertical shooter        
Aztec Adventure                  * 5100      action-adventure             
Black Belt                       * 5054      action         
Blade Eagle 3-D                  * 8005      overhead vertical shooter        
Bomber Raid                      * 5003      A;overhead shooter         
California Games                   7014      various sports         
Captain Silver                   * 5117      action         
Casino Games                     * 7021      gambling         
Choplifter                       * 5051      sideview shooter; nonlinear       
Cloud Master                       7027      sideview shooter         
Columns                            5120      action-puzzle;tetris clone        
Cyborg Hunter                    * ?         A;action-adventure         
Dead Angle                       * 7030      3rd person Gangster shooter       
Dick Tracy                         7057      action             
Double Dragon                    * 7012      action;2 player sim.             
E-Swat                           * 7042      action         
Enduro Racer                     * 5077      overhead angled m.cycle racing    
F-16 Fighting Falcon             * 4005      1st person flight simulator       
Fantasy Zone                     * 5052      sideview shooter         
Fantasy Zone II                  * 7004      sideview shooter         
Fantasy Zone: The Maze           * 5108      shooter-maze             
Galaxy Force                     * 5004?     A;3rd person shooter         
Gangster Town                      5074      lp;shooting             
Ghost House                      * 4002      action         
Ghostbusters                     * 5065      action & driving         
Ghouls 'n Ghosts                   7055      action         
Global Defense                     5102      sideview shooter         
Golden Axe                       * 7032      action         
Golden Axe Warrior               * 7505      overhead action-adventure        
Golvellius: Valley of Doom       * 7017      overhead action-adventure        
Great Baseball                   * 5071      baseball         
Great Basketball                 * 5061      basketball         
Great Football                     5058      sp?;football         
Great Golf                       * 5057      golf         
Great Ice Hockey                 * 5062      sp;ice hockey         
Great Soccer                       5059      soccer         
Great Volleyball                   5070      volleyball         
Hang On/Astro Warrior           /* n/a       p;motorcycle racing/o. shooter    
Hang On/Safari Hunt             /* n/a       p;m. racing/lp;shooting          
James "Buster" Douglas Boxing    * 7063      boxing         
Joe Montana Football             * 7062      football         
Kenseiden                        * 7013      action         
King's Quest                     * ?         PB;action-adventure         
Kung Fu Kid                      * 5078      action         
Lord of the Sword                * 7016      action         
Marksman/Trap Shooting             6003      lp;shooting/lp;shooting         
Maze Hunter 3-D                  * 8003      overhead action-shooter           
Mickey Mouse: Castle of Illusion   7053      action         
Miracle Warriors                 * 7500      full RPG         
Missile Defense 3-D              * 8001      lp;shooting         
Monopoly                         * 5500      boardgame         
Montezuma's Revenge              * ?         PB;action         
Moonwalker                       * 7052      action-adventure         
My Hero                          * 4001      action         
Ninja, The                       * 5066      overhead action-adventure        
Outrun                           * 7003      3rd person racing         
Paperboy                           5121      deliver papers;avoid obstacles    
Parlour Games                      5103      various parlour games         
Penguin Land                     * 5501      puzzle-action         
Phantasy Star                    * 9500      full RPG                          
Poseiden Wars 3-D                * 8006      lp;shooting;2-D code         
Power Strike                     * 5109      overhead shooter;"limited" ed.    
Pro Wrestling                    * 5056      wrestling         
Psycho Fox                       * 7032      action-adventure         
Quartet                          * 5073      sideview action-shooter         
R-Type                           * 9002      sideview shooter         
R.C. Grand Prix                  * 7007      A (S?);overhead racing         
Rambo III                        * 7015      lp;side scrolling shooting       
Rambo: First Blood Part II       * 5064      overhead action-shooter         
Rampage                          * 5001?     A;as monster,destroy buildings    
Rastan                           * 7022      action         
Reggie Jackson Baseball          * 7019      baseball         
Rescue Mission                   * 5106      lp;overhead shooting         
Rocky                            * 7002      boxing         
Shanghai                         * 5110      boardgame-puzzle-matching        
Shinobi                          * 7009      action         
Shooting Gallery                   5072      lp;shooting         
Slap Shot Hockey                 * 7035      ice hockey         
Sonic the Hedgehog                 7076      action-adventure         
Space Harrier                    * 7001      3rd person shooter         
Space Harrier 3-D                * 8004      3rd person shooter;2-D code       
Spellcaster                      * 9002      action-adventure         
Spider-Man                         7065      action         
Sports Pad Football                5061      sp;football         
Spy vs. Spy                      * 4010      action-adventure             
Super Monaco GP                    7043      3rd person racing         
Super Tennis                     * 4007      tennis         
Strider                            9005      action-adventure         
Teddy Boy                        * 4003      action            
Thunder Blade                      7011      3rd person shooter         
Time Soldiers                    * 7024      overhead action-shooter         
Transbot                         * 4004      sideview shooter             
Vigilante                        * 7023      action         
Walter Payton Football           * 7020      football         
Wanted!                            5118      lp;shooting         
Where in the World is C. S.diego * ?         PB;education-search         
Wonderboy                        * 5068      action         
Wonderboy in Monsterland         * 7007      action-adventure;2nd in series    
Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap * 7026      action-adventure             
World Grand Prix                   5053      3rd person racing         
Y's: The Vanished Omens          * 7501      action-RPG         
Zillion                          * 5075      action-adventure         
Zillion II: Tri Formation        * 5105      sideview action-shooter         
Zaxxon 3-D                       * 8002      3rd person shooter;2-D code       

PACKAGING NOTES:       
----------------       
Some new info found on the SMS mailing list:

">What I *did* find, though, was that the instruction booklet was of the
>later SMS variety; i.e., pages have a dull finish instead of glossy. 
>Well, when I got the old copy of PS to compare to, I noticed that the
>boxes were different too!  Not by that much (artwork was the same) 
>but I know that there are label variety collectors of the classic carts 
>and my being a stamp collector (a hobby that THRIVES on minor 
>varieties!) I thought it was interesting.

Actually, I find it very interesting also!  I started collecting little
variations like that a long time ago and found that my collection
doubled in no time at all.  See, almost EVERY Master System game made
has at least one variation...  Here's a list of some of them that I
know of:

1.  Sega for the 90's.  I think this is what you're describing...  Does
the second one (or the first one) have a Sega for the 90's sticker on
the cart or box or both?  When Sega bought the MS back from Tonka, they
put the stickers to all the carts in their stock.  Some of the packages
were changed at this time also...  By changed, I mean the color of the
blue lines on the front was changed, or the title on the spine was
changed a little.

One other example that I can think of is Black Belt.  One has big
letters and one little letters.  The color of the lines are different
also.

2.  Instruction manuals...  They come on glossy and flat paper.  They
come with light blue lines on the front and dark blue (almost black)
lines on the front.  The really early ones were like the later ones,
but had no art on the front and the lines were reversed (dark blue
inside, white lines) (these are incredibly rare, btw)."

Bomber Raid, Cyborg Hunter and Galaxy Force (possibly) are packaged with      
a black box instead of the usual white.  I believe this signifies that      
the game was distributed by Activision (the 3rd party responsible for     
these games).  Ghostbusters seems to have been distributed by both Sega      
(in typical white packaging) and Activision (in black packaging).  The      
Ghostbusters black packaging may be limited to Puerto Rico, where it was      
reported.  Info?  

From Jon Deeter (jond@wvi.com):
"...  I have seen a copy of RC Gran Prix with a "distributed by Seismic"
label on the side (and all over) the box."           

Rampage - another Activision cart - is packaged in red.
         
Power Strike appears to have been packaged in two ways:  black &         
white box, and color box.  Can someone confirm the color packaging?

Apparently, some SMS games were released with blue cartridge labels,
instead of the usual red.  Anyone have more info on this???

           
       
TITLE DIFFERENCES:       
------------------       
The Canadian version of Wonderboy in Monsterland may be titled        
Super Wonderboy in Monsterland (is this the box title, title screen,        
or both)?  Any gameplay changes?  NOTE: This game was also released 
in the states with a variant label -- Super Wonder Boy in Super 
Monster Land.  This appears to be the exact same game as Wonder 
Boy in Monster Land -- it seems that Sega USA ran out of stock, 
and pulled some UK stock to put on store shelves.  Seems to have
had as much distribution as the "normal" label.

Monopoly was also released with the label "Mono Poly."  Once Sega
realized the mistake, they halted production and corrected the
label.  "Mono Poly" carts are out there, and are perhaps the
rarest of SMS carts in the states.  There are no differences in
the actual carts.

There are apparently TWO very different versions of Wonderboy III in
the UK.  One mirrors the US Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap.  The
other (which I believe was the first of the two versions to be
released) is based on a (the?) Wonderboy arcade game.  It is commonly
referred to as Wonderboy in Monsterworld (is this the same as the
Genesis game?), in order to tell the games apart.
       
SOFTWARE VERSIONS:       
------------------       
The Canadian version of Captain Silver contains extra material,         
as implied by a Sega of America help sheet (extra levels and boss         
characters).  Why these were deleted from the U.S. version is not         
known.  I also have no idea if the U.K. version contains the extra         
material, or if other Canadian games have major dissimilarities.         
NOTE: New information states that this was most likely a EPROM
version of the game, and was probably never released.
         
Alex Kidd in Miracle World is available in THREE slightly varied         
versions:  one with rice balls, one with hamburgers, and one with root        
beer.  (The ball/hamburger/beer is the item Alex is eating/drinking on       
the intermission map screen.)  It appears that the root beer version is       
limited to cart only, although cart versions with the rice ball exist.        
The hamburger version has been found in the SMS II only (thus far).  I       
believe the rice ball version to be the most common; I have no idea       
how rare the root beer or hamburger versions of AKIMW are.  Note that       
the root beer cart was reported in Puerto Rico, and the hamburger       
variation in Indiana (could geographic locations come into play?).        
No actual gameplay differences have been reported.         
         
Most games that were released in a card format in the U.S. were also         
released as carts in the U.K. (in conjunction with the SMS II).             
     
[2]  WHAT SMS GAMES WERE ANNOUNCED BUT NOT RELEASED?     
     
This is a list of SMS software that -- though announced by Sega or the     
video game press -- was not released in the U.S.     
     
Assault City -- Pix seen in an issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly 
(CES coverage).

Bank Panic -- Pix seen in an issue of EGM (Sega takes over SMS
distribution).
     
Basketball Nightmare -- Pix seen in an issue of EGM (CES
coverage).     

Battle Outrun     

Combat & Rescue     

Cyber-Shinobi -- though offered by Sega in an issue of Sega
Visions, this game was not released in the states.
(Cyber-Shinobi was mistakenly labeled as released in the states as 
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World in an earlier revision of this FAQ --
the source (a SMS catalog) had incorrectly matched the name
with a screen shot.)      

Donald Duck:  The Lucky Dime Caper -- Though featured in a two page 
review by Sega Visions, this game was not released in the U.S.

Dynamite Dux -- Reviewed by EGM, but not released.

Gain Ground -- Pix seen in an issue of EGM (CES coverage).
     
Gauntlet -- Pix seen in an issue of EGM (CES coverage).
     
Impossible Mission     

Maze Hunter 3-D II -- Though mentioned in some SMS catalogs, this
game appears to have never been released.
    
Outrun 3-D     

Party Games     

Pat Riley Basketball -- Previewed by numerous magazines, and
offered via mailorder in an issue of Sega Visions.     

Pit Pot -- Pix seen in EGM (Sega takes over SMS distribution).     

Scramble Spirits -- Previewed and reviewed in EGM.     

SCI     

Super Basketball     

Ultima IV -- Reviewed in an issue of EGM.     

Warrior Quest -- released in states as Spellcaster.     

Woody Pop         
     
THANKS FOR READING!!!     
[End of File]
