Author: Ken Horowitz

Genesis Reviews

Fantasia

Based on one of Disney’s most memorable films, Fantasia fails to capture any of its magic. The poor controls, vague objectives, and repetitive gameplay make this one of Mickey’s poorer adventures. It’s best to leave this one and just watch the movie. You’ll enjoy it more.

Features, Interviews

Interview: Ken Balthaser (SOA Senior VP of Product Dev.)

When Ken Balthaser arrived at Sega, the Genesis had yet to be launched. As the company frantically geared up for its second stab at the American market, he quickly had to adjust to his new role as Head of Product Development, a role he held until 1995. During his tenure, he oversaw the releases of such controversial games as Fantasia, Buster Douglas “Knockout” Boxing, and Joe Montana II: Sports Talk Football.

Features, Sega Firsts

Sega Firsts: Sega vs. MAPHIA

Throughout its illustrious life span, the Sega Genesis made several innovations that had big impacts on the video game industry. From the Sega Channel to its pioneering ratings system, the effects this wonderful console had still reverberate today. One of the most controversial firsts involving the Genesis has to do with illegal ROM distribution. Long before the Internet was a part of every day life, people used bulletin board systems (BBS) to for their online needs. Sega’s famous court case against one such board in 1993 set a legal standard that has been used many times since, most famously against the peer-to-peer service Napster.

Features, Interviews

Interview: Stephen Frost (SOA Associate Producer)

With the release of the Sega Genesis Collection on the Playstation 2 and PSP, Sega has brought us the largest Genesis compilation ever released on consoles. Sega-16 spoke to associate producer Stephen Frost about this exciting release and got some insight about how it came about and what the future holds. Want to know why Streets of Rage didn’t make the cut? Shining Force? How about the chances of another volume?