Gizmodo now says it wont be released until next month...that really blows. Was looking forward to some iphone Shining Force tonight.
Space Harrier II for free is nice. The add-on games are overpriced, though. Not saying I won't buy any, but I wish they'd adjust the pricing of these old games.
I wish the TouchArcade guys would update the story on the front page ... I went looking for this before I realized the Gizmodo article was updated to say "early February" instead of "today." The prices are OK *if* there's a way to import the 3 existing titles into the app if you've already paid for them. I'd like to see new games released for no more than $2.99 like Shining Force; anything else would seem greedy. That said, these games are $8 each on the Wii Virtual Console ... The existing emulator as seen in Sonic, Golden Axe, and Streets of Rage is decent on a 3GS but slow on the older devices. It'll be interesting to see if they got any more speed out of it. Swipe controls in addition to tilt controls would be nice to add as well. I'd love to see some 3rd party titles like Star Control or Road Rash. Or maybe Sega CD games? Snatcher would be awesome on the iPhone.
I've been disappointed with everything Sega has done so far on the iPhone. There is no technical reason why this app couldn't be great, but call me a skeptic. If this was done perfectly, with the type of love and attention the c64 emulator got, it could be one of the best apps on the store. But that isn't going to happen...
I pretty much wrote this on the front page, but I'll restate it here: I'm probably the biggest Sega fan on this board, but, as some of you have seen, I'm also unafraid to rake them over the coals for their lack support of this platform. I had both an issue with Sega not really releasing any NEW made-for-iPhone/touch games other than the iPhone/touch specific Monkey Ball games, and releasing the classics on an unoptimized emulator. Some in the "nostalgia only" camp took that as me hating on the classics. No. I want BOTH. The issue with the emulated games released earlier was the unoptimized emulator, and the fact that all were released stand-alone. This emulator "shell" will hopefully solve the former while already knocking the latter away. If Sega optimizes this emulator release, then it's a must buy, IMHO. And the DLC package nature is something I've been arguing they should do for quite some time. Now, what do I mean by "optimize"? By this I mean the games have to run as close to how they ran on my Genesis as possible. And, on this platform, they have to also be optimized in terms of touch based controls AND have some extras included. Save slots, obviously, are a must, and I can't see Sega NOT including save slots/states in the emulator package. Another important aspect some of us overlook is the idea of Sega locking down DLC in such a way as to NOT allow pirated/ripped ROMs of the games to run on the emulator shell. That is, the emulator would be so optimized for the platform that these classics wouldn't simply be the original ROMs running on a simple Genesis emulator, but rather a iPhone/touch specific Genesis-like emulator running ROMs that are specifically crafted to run on the iPhone/touch emulator shell ONLY. That way pirates can't simply stuff their own ill gotten ROMs into the .ipa and have them run, thereby skirting around paying Sega. Why is paying Sega important? Because if they get paid, we get better support. Which means further emulator shell optimizations, and maybe, just maybe similar packs for Master System and Game Gear games, as well as System-16 arcade games. And, hopefully, they gain enough revenue to invest in more NEW, made-for-iPhone/touch games. I love Sonic 1,2,3&K and CD as much as the next guy, but, y'know...I'd love to have an exclusive made-for-iPhone/touch Sonic game too. And Crazy Taxi. And Phantasy Star (both turn based RPG and Online). And Shining Force. New games AND the classics. There's nothing wrong with wanting BOTH.
Honestly, give me Mortal Kombat and Sunset Riders, and I'm happy. And Street Fighter. Such good memories playing those games with my friend on his Genesis. Too bad he went and sold it years ago.
I'd rather have some of the ol' Sega CD classics. Already got Vay as a stand-alone game. I'd like to see Lunar and Lunar 2, Popful Mail, Sonic CD, Snatcher, and Eternal Champions on the iPhone.
Shining Force is such a great game, that alone will get me to buy this (barring any major bugs). I'v had such an urge to play this since I got Wesnoth, and I'm actually surprised that it was only like a month later that it would come out (well, that I would HEAR it would come out since they said Feb right?). I've heard some mention that it's easy, and I can't disagree. But it makes up for it by being pretty RPG-ish, you can walk around the world and interact with characters. And it has great music. I've had the world theme stuck in my head for the past couple days.
Hands on with Genesis Ultimate Collection: http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Sega+Genesis+Ultimate+Collection/news.asp?c=17919
"Now, with the App Store's in-app purchasing system, they can do it right: the free app, which should show up sometime today in the beginning of February" from gizmodo... wtfffff :S i swear the february bit wasnt there before..
Beginning of February (2010?) is somewhere between today and Valentine's Day, I guess. I really wish to get my hands on the SH2 despite of the possible control issues (anyone care to implement the control scheme of PacMan CE?). But Shinning Force should be fine. (though price is steep)
Any idea if jailbroken users can use their own ROMs in the app? I'm sure it'll be better than genesis4iphone, and I want Shining Force after seeing gameplay of it. I really want it if it can have ROMs inserted, since I'll then be able to easily play Mortal Kombat at full speed.
