Retro Core 5 - Volume 28 - PS2 Sega Ages 2500 - 1080p 60fps

[@Mamiya645]

Galaxy Force II with the motion cabinet was an epic experience. Not forgetting that despite all the years that have passed. It belongs in a museum.

[@RetroCore]

It sure was. I was fortunate enough to have played the original full size arcade versions of all Sega games.

[@MVC2fan1]

The Sega Ages 2500 series volumes we have was Vol.2, Vol.3, Vol.4, Vol.5, Vol.6, Vol.7, Vol.8, Vol.13, and Vol.14 as part of Sega Classics Collection. However, Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol.14 was omitted in the PAL region of Sega Classics Collection.

[@Boojakascha]

Loved the episode. Holy smokes, I didn't realize there were THAT many entries to the series!

[@NoSpamForYou]

Hey, I love your channel! You should have way more subs and views!

[@Boojakascha]

@@NoSpamForYou Thank you very much, Ken! This means a lot to me =)

[@RetroCore]

I think so too. Not sure why I don't. Please help spread the word.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, I was surprised too.

[@justagamer2672]

As an NA gamer, I would have loved getting the rest of the series brought over here, especially the Phantasy Star remakes, and the collections of Wonder Boy, Fantasy Zone, and the Treasure games. Oh, and that Galaxy Force II port.

[@RetroCore]

It's just a shame they oy brought over the poor games in the series.

[@Shpuld]

I think you have the best coverage of the ps2 ages, thanks a lot for making these

[@RetroCore]

Thanks for watching. 👍

[@uubrmanx]

RIP Sega's arcade division. Err, the arcade chains that they operate, not Sega's arcade game developers.

[@uubrmanx]

@Gareth Clarke I'd imagine they'd be renamed to whoever bought the business.

[@DragonSlayerKyo]

To clarify, They aren't shutting the Arcade division. They're selling off the Amusement branch which manages the arcade chain. But after the sale The chain won't be changing names.

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

Almost as heartbreaking as the day SEGA left the home console hardware business.

[@topofbones]

Amazing collection! Wonderboy Series is GOLD!

[@tebin]

Wow !!! I found your channel is very good! very professional. I am getting to know a lot of games that I have never seen before and they look very interesting. I will search!!!

[@RetroCore]

Thanks, Tebin. Hope you enjoy what the channel has to offer.

[@TheRealJPhillips]

Can't watch the whole video cause I'm at work, but I remember feeling like SEGA AGES was one of SEGAs greatest moves and their last good Hoorah. If Sega re releases anything in the future, it should be the entire SEGA AGES collection. Great stuff sir. 🤙🏾💯

[@skins4thewin]

Thanks for doing this video! I have always been really intrigued by the Sega Ages lineup of games, & it's a real shame we didn't get any of them here in the states as I surely would have bought most of them back in the day!

[@redsyrup1138]

What a fantastic video. You got all the majors in one shot.

[@bigben1986]

I am glad I subscribed, This channel rocks!!

[@RetroCore]

Thanks!

[@WrightOffsGaming]

It's video's like this that make me wonder what I used to watch and enjoy on terrestrial tv! Just awesome thanks Mark, it shames me to say I've played many of these through emulation and don't own any of them, seeing you surrounded by all those ace Japanese boxes makes me very jealous. I did actually win a copy of fist of the north star on eBay but it sadly never got shipped which put me off using it.

[@RetroCore]

Hey, if you want, I have an extra First of the North Star you can have if you pay the shipping. Drop me an email 👍

[@WrightOffsGaming]

Wow that's very kind, I think I'll take you up on that Mark.

[@dougr.8653]

What an episode! My Christmas present has arrived early this year. Cheers, mate! 👍👍👍

[@RetroCore]

Hope it was a good present 👍🎁

[@captaincommando2602]

The first SEGA Ages 2500 video of your channel is one of my favourite videos.

[@RetroCore]

Thanks. I hope this updated video with more games is enjoyable too.

[@KISSbestfan]

Another awesome episode. Makes me think that even back those few years ago people were still hot for oldschool games. Let this not die!

[@GotMoreCakes]

I used to import PCFXs to sell here in the UK years ago ( I ran an online arcade pcb business and sold er.. 'enthusiast only' consoles as an aside ). After some quick sales no-one else was interested due to the language barrier and lack of games. Interesting console though.

[@RetroCore]

It's just a shame it has next to no games. Still, even if it did it may not have stood much chance against the Saturn and PlayStation.

[@johns6265]

Great video! Now I want to go through storage and see how many of the Sega Ages games I needed to complete the set, I'm somewhere around the three quarter mark. I also collected the more interesting games in the PS2 Simple series, but there were way over a hundred of them and the quality on a fair chunk of that hundred plus was pretty dire so I never even considered going for a full set.

[@RetroCore]

I've thought about collecting those Simple 2000 games too. I have a few for the PSX and PS2 but not a great deal.

[@inklingex4433]

Great video. The series may have a rocky start but it's getting better when M2 is involved. I say it might have been sell well in the west if Sega have plans to release Model 2 collection like Virtua Fighter 2/Fighting Vipers/Virtual On/Last Bronx or Dynamite Deka (as long as Sega holds the license for Die Hard). By the way, Phantasy Star II is my favorite Sega Genesis game where it has a special place in my heart. I've beaten the game twice and started on the third playthrough. I'm curious to hear what are the changes in the Sega AGES version from the Genesis original.

[@RetroCore]

It is a shame they never did a model 2 set on any console. It's amazing that they haven't. I'd love a model 2 collection.

[@ReviewUA-jy7xi]

Monster World and Fantasy Zone complete are the best of the lot, by far.

[@erikin2k7]

Thanks for covering this games. Although you missed the PS series and the second space harrier remakes. I still like this video I own the Vols 1,2,3 4,5,8,10 and the overseas sega Classic collection. Always wanted to have the 11, 20, 26, 29, 30,31,32, Always wanted an Altered Beast remake. The golden axe is crap. And it’s a shame. But as a sega lover, I love this remakes specially the out run, after burner and the PStar collections. But I was not able to play them until they were available in English via emulation. Be safe!

[@RetroCore]

Thanks for watching. I'm really surprised Altered Beast wasn't part of this collection. Hang On collection would have been great too. HANG ON, Hang On JR., Super Hang On from the arcades then they could have added the console ports and maybe Enduro Racer as a bonus.

[@1981patx]

Thanks for your work and great Videos! Keep it up please =)

[@RetroCore]

Tha ks for watching!

[@rodzandz]

Great video! Subscribed!

[@RetroCore]

Welcome to the channel, rodzandz .

[@dangerotterisrea]

Wow 8, I literally don't think I've played any of these...great stuff and some proper stinkers on this series.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, some of the games really do stink. Thankfully a load of good ones also made it.

[@angeles2425]

Nice intro and great episode.

[@RetroCore]

Game Sack is a cool show.

[@angeles2425]

@@RetroCore So is your show ;-)

[@Gryzor88]

I bought all the horrifying initial releases by D3 Publisher and had understandably given up on the Ages series before M2 got involved :/ The Wonder Boy collection and Fantasy Zone II featured here are absolutely fantastic.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, once Decathelete came out the series grew really well.

[@Eudessp]

I even cried when I saw Afterburner 2, I didn't know it had come out !!

[@MANOFGOD9000]

Yo Retro Core! Game Sack just did an episode on the first 18. Must be a popular subject!

[@TheStuffMade]

There are some great games in these collections, my favorites are Monster World, Fantasy Zone and Tetris.

[@Laserdreamz]

Excellent! Galaxy Force II PS2 is one of my prized games regardless of value etc its worth a million quid its that good.

[@RetroCore]

It is a great game. But then again I've always liked Galaxy Force since I was a kid.

[@daniel_lucio]

As a Sega fan I say: IMHO, Sony PS2 is the best console for retro games :)

[@RetroCore]

Not sure about best but it does have a lot of good titles.

[@SylvainThuret]

I own Galaxy Force 2 and its amazing. Amazing.

[@GamayObera]

I heard that Sega and M2 was planning to do Sega Ages 2500 compilations of Bare Knuckle (Streets of Rage) & Alex Kidd, but it was cancelled or migrated to Sega Ages Online (Sega Vintage Collection) on PS3 and X360.

[@RetroCore]

Sounds about right.

[@atrocity3010]

It's hilariously fitting that Fantasy Zone and Space Harrier, two of the most over-ported Sega games of all time, got ported to the same system twice. I swear, someone high up at Sega must have the biggest hardon for these two games, meanwhile countless amazing arcade gems in their catalog to this day have no console ports.

[@orderofmagnitude-TPATP]

Ahh that sega 'shop' music featured in such games like fantasy zone, hang on original mode megadrive etc. What was the first game to use this tune anyway before becoming 'staple'?

[@ericfernandorossi]

It was Fantasy Zone, and it became a staple of the series, every Fantasy Zone after the first used the same shop music;

[@RetroCore]

That's 100% correct.

[@ajboomer1347]

In the 2500 version of Alien Syndrome, using the right thumbstick on your controller is a real game changer! Based on the gameplay footage, you obviously don't know about the right thumbstick's function.

[@RetroCore]

I probably did not. I'll have to dig that out again and give it a try. Thanks for the heads up.

[@ajboomer1347]

@RetroCore It's all based on my experience playing the NA version of Sega Classics Collection (which I still have).

[@RetroCore]

Ah, maybe it's not in the Japanese version? Anyway, I'll check it out.

[@ajboomer1347]

@RetroCore No. It is. I just watched gameplay footage of the Japanese import standalone. It has the same twin stick setup as its localized counterpart that I mentioned.

[@kellinwinslow1988]

What's really sad is that we never got the Phantasy Star 1 and 2 remakes over in the west. Why Sega wouldn't release them over here is beyond me. Much like they never released the Saturn Phantasy Star collection here. Of course we never got ThunderForce 6 here either. If it's one thing Sega does really well it's ignore it's western fans.

[@RetroCore]

Well, sadly and I don't want to say this but it's the US market that determines most western releases and sadly games like Phantasy Star and shooters aren't top 10 sellers. Still, saying that, smaller pushers could bring them over I guess.

[@kellinwinslow1988]

@@RetroCore You are right of course. But I always thought that the Phantasy Star games did pretty well over here. But then again it's hard to tell since Sega has a tendency to underestimate the fan base. Reminds me of when they didn't bring out RPG's for the Saturn over here and what happens? Final Fantasy 7 and tons of other games sell like crazy for Sony. So it's hard to tell if it's sales or them just being boneheads. Probably both.

[@scoochaside]

I read back in the day (which of course it may or may not be true.) that there was a company hired to translate the Phantsay Star Generation games to the West [EDIT: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_Entertainment ] but were waiting on the planned 3rd game (which was going to be Phantasy Star IV) and release all 3 as one game. The reason for this was to do with Sony America allowing 2D games on the West only if they are a collection of games. Since PSIV never came to be then the whole thing was dropped.

[@NikoBellicGaming.]

The playstation 2 was everyone's childhood

[@RetroCore]

Not for me. I was over 22 when it was released. 😁

[@zexalsrevenge511]

What you forgot to mention in Golden Axe 2500 (as dull as it is) is that the enemies have life bars and that is welcome especially if you think an enemy takes FOREVER to kill.

[@skins4thewin]

Aw man.... It sucks that you weren't able to do Vol. 1 aka Phantasy Star, as that was the game that I REALLY wanted to see you cover in this video. What a shame... Is that volume extra expensive or something these days?

[@RetroCore]

Nah, the volumes I don't own are because I have them on the Saturn or original Mega Drive carts and didn't think it was worth buying them again. Especially the RPGs.

[@skins4thewin]

@@RetroCore Really? Hell, that wouldn't stop me, specially for the RPG's! Different strokes I guess.

[@SuperHighTechGamer]

The 2500 series is the missing link of my Sega fandom. I would of bought every single Model 2 port of all the Sega arcade games if they were released in the West. The PS2 Galaxy Force 2 is a tour de force!

[@JolliAllGenGamer]

I have the Fist of the North Star Sega Ages and the Space Harrier Collection one for my Japanese PS2. I also have the Sega Classics Collection which has 10 Sega Ages that they released in America and I think Europe PS2's. I'm not sure if those 10 games are programmed by Sega/M2 or D3?

[@RetroCore]

They were all games handled by D3 😔

[@Larry]

I was always gutted the Sega Ages port of Alex Kidd in Miracle World was canned :(

[@RamuneRabbit]

But we did get one finally on the Switch. Hope they do a physical collection (or more) as they did with their 3DS efforts for preservation's sake! ^_^

[@afropowa1598]

Same here, I hyped for that one.

[@RetroCore]

I didn't even know that was a thing. But then again, I never really followed the PS2 when it was relevant.

[@stonerdemon]

Today I got Sega 3D Classics for the 3DS and Sega Ages Treasure Box for the PS2. Do you think these are good versions of Galaxy Force and Gunstar Heroes, respectively?

[@RetroCore]

For sure. They were both handled by M2. My personal all time favourite version of Galaxy Force II is on the PlayStation 2. Its the same as the DS version but on a big screen and with more options from what I remember.

[@stonerdemon]

@@RetroCore Nice! Thanks dude, I'm glad I made a good purchase, specially since the Treasure Box cost me an arm and a leg!!! Curiously, the Sega 3D classics game is still very cheap, even brand new.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, that treasure box is very expensive here in Japan too. Its one of the PS2 Sega Ages that I don't own. Funny how the 3DS stuff is still reasonably priced. I bought the 3rd game in the Sega 3D series factory sealed for only 2500 yen. I guess because the DS is aimed mostly at kids and casual gamers that stuff like this isn't in high demand.

[@stonerdemon]

@@RetroCore I can't believe you don't have the Treasure Box having such an amazing collection :O let's keep our fingers crossed for an eventual Treasure Collection on modern consoles. But considering it's been many years since Treasure developed its last game, maybe it's not really likely to happen. Thanks for your comments, keep up the excellent work!!

[@custardo]

Have the complete series and very smart it looks on the shelf too I must say. Volume one comes with a binder to put the info cards in (but I didn't bother tbh). Highlight of the series for me is definitely volume 30, Galaxy Force II. There are some stinkers in the series, but I find some enjoyment in the reimaginings of Out Run and Space Harrier for example. Incidentally, it took me a long time to complete the series because I didn't want to pay much for the Japanese language heavy titles.

[@RetroCore]

Some games like Dragon Force and the Phantasy Star games I can get with ease but like yourself I don't want to pay much for those. Mosy due to already owning them. It's actually the main reason why I never bothered with most of the ones I don't own. Congrats on having the full set though, 👍

[@thrillington2008]

It was a rough start but things got better when Sega gained control

[@RetroCore]

They sure did. Just a shame it took Sega almost half the series to realise that.

[@Midekai]

I'm guessing the "saturn mode" in the panzer dragoon port is actually based on the PC version sega released back in the day. I think digital foundry did a more in-depth explanation of that port in their video on panzar dragoon.

[@RetroCore]

Ah, that PC version is also bloody awful.

[@Midekai]

@@RetroCore agreed 😆

[@RetroTuna]

Fantasy zone collection is my favorate but i need to get that wonder boy collection as well, i have a few of the better ones but your collection of them its pretty good nive video mate.

[@RetroCore]

That's man. Its taken a couple of years to gather the titles I have. The ones I'm missing I probably won't bother with though.

[@Gungriffon]

Have a handful of the better releases, Guardian Heroes, Dynamite Deka, VO, and a still sealed Dragon Force bundled with the soundtrack and artbook.

[@SuperKillerdreams]

So retro I’m thinking about getting the virtual on for the Japanese sega ages PS2 so is that like you said sega model 2 arcade perfect ?

[@RetroCore]

Hmm, I would say it's close enough for you not to notice.

[@poc-preserverofculture718]

Have a bunch of these (sadly not Monster Boy) and I enjoy them. Wish we'd gotten a collection of these in the West.

[@RetroCore]

I really do wonder how well they'd be received in the West.

[@williamwilliam9993]

To unlock extra feature in monster world complete collection you must play monster world 4 from start to finish

[@Marthchidote2003]

Nice Platinum Sega Saturn

[@RetroCore]

Yep. Made that myself many years ago.

[@GenesHand]

I wonder if the OG version of Panzer Dragoon included on Orta is any better.

[@RetroCore]

No, it's a load of crap. It's based upon the PC version.

[@shotgunl]

This series had some nice entries (Fantasy Zone, OutRun, Virtua Fighter 2, Galaxy Force II, Fighting Vipers-my favorite Sega fighting game, V.R. Flat Out-I prefer V.R. Deluxe on 32X as well though), some big stinkers (GoldenAxe, Alien Syndrome, Afterburner, etc), so it's a bit hit or miss...however, the Retro Core episode was wonderful through and through.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, I wish Sega had been on the ball from the very beginning. Some of the earlier classics could have been remade so well.

[@M-NX]

can u recommend a website which sells ps2 boxes WITH Memory Card Holder??

[@RetroCore]

Sorry, I have never had the need to buy them.

[@ElricSowrd]

Kept you waiting, huh? I never knew what was wrong with the PS2's Sega Ages Collection... Until now.

[@RetroCore]

Yep, it started off pretty poor.

[@Charlie-Cat.]

Count me in for anything Playstation 2 Mark. It's actually one of my favorite consoles of all time. Was on launch date at Toys R Us to purchase one and camped out overnight in a tent to do so. Will worth it. Still have that unit and works like the day it came out of the box. 8^) Anthony..

[@MrDfrcfk]

Как я умудрился пропустить этот выпуск?

[@InglebardGaming]

The PS2 Sega Ages games were the very definition of a mixed bag. Some terrible, some ok, some pretty good, some very good. Even though it's not great I kinda like Space Harrier on PS 2. Out Run is pretty good. Alien Syndrome and Golden Axe though, what the hell were they thinking? Especially Alien Syndrome. I've played a lot of games that were too dark, but they elevate too dark into a new art form. Not being able to see anything in Alien Syndrome makes that game pretty much completely unplayable to me.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, some of the games in the series have awful colour. ALIEN Syndrome as you pointed out is really dark and VF2 looks washed out.

[@Alianger]

At least the music was generally good in those. Edit: Puyo Puyo 2 seems to use midi or redbook music, so not quite the arcade version.

[@RetroCore]

The music was updated, that is true but visually it's a mess.

[@Alianger]

@@RetroCore Agreed.

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

I don’t understand why they kept the Saturn frame rate in the Panzer Dragoon remake. The PS2 should have been more than capable of running that game at full speed.

[@skins4thewin]

Lol man... It seems like all of the ones I would be most interested in, aka the old school game collection ones, you don't own. Specially the Phantasy Star ones. How come?

[@RetroCore]

I already own those games 👍

[@amerigocosta7452]

Regarding your question at the end: not all volumes would have been successfull in the West, not as single issues. In facts SEGA repackaged a few early Japanese entries as the SEGA Classics collection for the PS2 here. Too bad the selection was lacklustre with only a few games worth buying. But at the time, TAITO and Midway retro compilations had sold quite well, so I think there was a chance for SEGA, they didn't take much advantage of.

[@RetroCore]

If only they had released the later games in the West. The entries from 15 onwards were mostly good.

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

out Run and Virtua racing (and perhaps other games as well) can be forced to 16:9 on actual hardware Love the intro music The games did come out as a collection in the west These games were priced pretty cheap, something like half price, so around 30 USD as I recall. Also Sega direct sold special limited editions with extra goodies I have Galaxy Force including a cd OST. That title screen music of Virtua On needs to be listened to from start to finish on a good stereo sound setup. The song builds up into some magically sounding funk! Just listen till the end and thank me later Also this sdi mouse thing is pretty cool www.ebay.nl/itm/Sega-Ages-SDI-USB-Mouse-Controller-Playstation-2-Sony-PS2-Quartet/264547384546?hash=item3d9840bce2:g:GsMAAOSwi~Fd3V8t

[@stephenhall2980]

Hey Mark go back and play the Saturn version of virtua fighter 2.it may lack the proper 3d backgrounds but it's far more visually appealing and more colourful than the PS2 and even higher resolution than the arcade version.

[@robertgijsen]

Gorgeaus presentation in this one! Good work pal. But honestly Sega... That Golden Axe in pseudo 3d and Space Harrier in pseudo-pseudo-3d... oh my. It loses all charm completely.. Why would anyone that loves the good ol' arcade / console games play that shit? I just don't get it :)

[@brianmartinez5453]

I have a few Sega Age game on Nintendo Switch

[@mole28]

Here in europe the first couple of sega ages games for the ps2 were avaiable on one disc as the "Sega classics collection". All the 'remakes' of Golden axe, Outrun, Space harrier and Virtua racing are on this disc. At the time i did not like the pseudo 3d look of the games but looking back it was'nt all that bad. Still, i would have preferred that the actual classics were on here. (like exactly how the games were in the arcade). By the way, we europeans do not exclusively play Call of duty or gta (although they áre super fun) ;-)

[@RetroCore]

Sad that you guys only got the poor games in the series.

[@martinevans1206]

I bought this collection recently and most of the games on it are dreadful, to the point I can’t believe SEGA approved of them. It’s almost like they did it to spite Sony even though it just makes themselves look bad.

[@RetroArcadeGuy]

I feel they couldn't replicate the water effect in Panzer Dragoon on the PS2 because both consoles were a shite to program on, on top that some effects (specially the water) are handled SEPARATELY (that's why it looks nice, a full blown processor just... to handle water)... Go figure that out on the PS2 without breaking the game.

[@hardcoredelta]

These sega ages games should of been ported to the Dreamcast instead of throwing in the towel..

[@RetroCore]

I would agree with you. Having these appear on the PS2 was quite the Slap in the face.

[@hardcoredelta]

@@RetroCore at least in my opinion the 3d ages should of been on the dreamcast. As a Saturn owner myself sega's entire arcade library should of been ported under the as we know it sega ages still feel slightly robbed various compilations never existed to be honest the list is endless..

[@lurkerrekrul]

6:12 - Are your riding a dragon, or a giant termite? Sega really dropped the ball with this series. Once the horrible original developer was fired, Sega should have re-done those games with more faithful arcade ports. THen again, shame on Sega for signing off on those bad ports in the first place.

[@RetroCore]

Lol, it does look like some sort of nasty insect.

[@martinevans1206]

Shame that only the crap conversions came out in the West.

[@RetroCore]

That is a massive shame.

[@afropowa1598]

ROFL@"Blind man production of a marionette show." They should release the whole collection to English countries. I really wanna play Dragon Force on the PS2, there still isn't a English Patch for that game.

[@RetroCore]

lol, I had a chuckle to myself when I came up with that one.

[@WWammyy]

What's with Sega? They could have released these all digitally by now under their Sega ages line but they are always drip feeding everyone.

[@rrrrezak1470]

you tell the truth when you get it wrong :p

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

Panzer Dragon Orta runs better on the Original Microsoft XBOX.

[@NoSpamForYou]

Yeah, Monaco GP is crap. A remake of Super Monaco GP would have made more sense, that's a real classic

[@RetroCore]

I would have preferred a remake of Turbo over the original Monico.