Sega's FIRST Console! SG-1000 - TEN Must Play Games

I'm not nearly as familiar with this system as others, but it's still VERY neat to see what games were on it.
Games Featured:
Congo Bongo
Golgo 13
Girl's Garden
Yamato
Borderline
Champion Pro Wrestling
Hustle Chumy
Dragon Wang
Pop Flamer
Pacar
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John Riggs, 4010 Summitview Ave, Yakima, WA 98908
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#Sega #sg1000

[@roberttaylor8906]

The best part of Dragon Wang is how it displays your name in game: D. Wang 😂

[@Sarumaru]

Dragon Wang met Pop Flamer and they lived happily ever after.

[@JohnRiggs]

Ha!

[@cirenala]

H.E.R.O. is one of my all time favorite games. Recently discovered the SG-100 version and have to say that it's one of the best playing ports I have seen.

[@joeb2588]

Man, I couldn't put H.E.R.O. down for Colecovision. I really loved having a Colecovision. But after the videogame crash, I could have gotten a NES, but I didn't think it was all that great. Which is weird because I loved playing video games and wanted a new console. Then I saw the Master System and thought it was awesome so I received that for Christmas in 86. It is still my favorite system of all time.

[@Owazrim]

I had to pick up H.E.R.O. when I found out it was on the SG-1000. I loved playing the C64 version as a kid.

[@joeb2588]

I believe Dragon Wang is the predecessor to the Master System game Kung Fu Kid. Great video!

[@rhettoric]

The word you are looking for is "predecessor." "Prequel" means a game set before, but made after, the game in question.

[@BlUsKrEEm]

The Castle on the SG1000 is legitimately one of my favorite games. It's a great puzzle platformer with a giant map to explore. If more people played it I bet it would be considered a classic today. Hustle Chummy is my second favorite on the system. Your goal is to collect all the food and make it back to your home, but every time you eat a food you slow down. It's a really great risk and reward mechanic. Star Jacker is the best shooter on the system as well.

[@JohnRiggs]

I played it as Castlequest on NES.

[@BlUsKrEEm]

@@JohnRiggs castlequest is a port of the MSX sequel. It's an OK game, but the level design in the original is fantastic.

[@bdillmore40]

Loved the video John! I'm a huge Sega fan. Believe it or not, I'm only missing two Sega consoles to complete my collection. The SG-1,000, and the Sega CDX. Both very rare, expensive, and hard to find consoles.

[@robertdanker6193]

I love John's descriptions of the games. 🤣👍

[@dannyocean7090]

Love this series your doing on old systems Riggs. Made me check out ALOT OF GAMES on my pie. Thank you (loving Ninja Golf BTW)

[@jeremybullock6018]

Stumbled on your videos a few weeks back. Love them. Great stuff. Brings back so many memories.

[@bassguitari928]

N-Sub, Star Force, Sega Galaga, and Zaxxon are really cool SG-1000 titles as well. Happy to have copies to play on my DINA. 🙂 I think I read once that the “tunneling” section of Borderline was the basis for Thunderground for the Atari 2600.

[@BrettWeissRetroGamer]

I've always wanted to get one of these. Never even played it.

[@devinkeigley9245]

I love your vids. They have a positive vibe to them that I find refreshing when it comes to retro gaming vids.

[@ostiariusalpha]

Yamato has you playing as the IJN Yamato battleship during WWII, and you're blasting the hell out of the U.S. Navy. A little bit of aggressive wish fulfillment there.

[@ViolinistProductions]

The first game you show!!! The ninja princess is my favourite of the SG-1000 titles! Looking at getting another SG-1000 in the relative future

[@mattm7798]

As a point of compaison, 1983 is when the Famicom(NES) came out in Japan, and from the looks of it, was miles ahead of the SG-1000.

[@hjalmarjohnson5846]

One of the major selling points to me for a Master Everdrive was the SG1000 library. Sure, a Genesis Drive will play SMS, but it won't run SG1000 games. I've heard there's a BIOS for the Game Gear ED that will run them with the correct palette, though, so that's neat.

[@JohnRiggs]

Awesome! I didn't know that.

[@Ru_bizzy]

Thanks for the info. I’d like to play that Golgo 13, but have a Genesis.

[@SEGAblocks]

Ah! Don’t know how I missed this video! The sg-1000 is my #1 most wanted gaming item right now! Thanks for the game suggestions John!

[@danestegman155]

Good video! Never have seen some of these games before! Thank You!

[@Wheels8504]

Love these videos. Thank you, John. Stay safe.

[@JohnRiggs]

same to you and more of it!

[@joepesce7091]

I own an actual SG-1000. Very cool! one thing to know for those who want to get an actual SG-1000 is to only use a Genesis AC adapter and the console has one hard-wired controller.

[@swilco266]

We got this system in New Zealand but it was called the grand stand. Only ever seen one, my friends uncle had it. I remember playing Congo Bongo :)

[@germanname1990]

I have two SG-1000 systems, the first being the SG-1000 II and the second being the Mark III. I got this platform just to play Girl's Garden, which was the debut work of the man behind Sonic, Yuji Naka.

[@JoeyFancy]

I really like Zaxxon and Lode Runner on the SG-1000, those could also be good ones to try.

[@RetroGamePlayers]

I would like to get one someday, the color scheme is so cool

[@Akuajin]

SG-1000 made its way to the US Under disguise as a Colecovision clone “Dina 2in1” Fun fact, SG-1000, MSX1, Colecovision and TI-99 all used the same VDP chip, all but the Ti-99 used a z80, the games could literally be ported from Consol the consul with very small changes in fact it’s been done numerous times! Cool little system!

[@peterperpetua2974]

Also the Telegames personal arcade had a slot for SG-100 carts (a Dina 2 in 1 in disguise)

[@JohnRiggs]

I have a friend with a Dina 2-in-1. I swore it was some beta prototype something-or-other. It's insane!

[@Owazrim]

They didn't really push the SG-1000 with it though since there weren't any SG-1000 games released stateside.

[@fandarzelig]

The SG graphics look very similar to the Colecovision, which did have an isometric Congo Bongo. I wonder why the SG version of Congo Bongo didn't have the same look.

[@Akuajin]

Owaz Gaming Telegames stated that the SG-1000 cart slot was disabled for the US release of the Dina 2 in One, back then no one was really importing games so it was never challenged, the real kicker of all this was this flew under SEGA’s nose. By the time it was proven that the SG-1000 slot was intact and worked the Telegames HQ was destroyed by a storm/tornado and the rest is history. These Dina consoles are not built very well and most of the parts outside of the Texas instruments VDP and Z80 were cheap taiwanese circuits. Quite a few of the US machines were DOA out of box new, or burnt out over time since the VDP didn’t have a heat sink on it like Coleco/TI-99 had. But one could modernize all that stuff really easy as I did with mine and make it last forever.

[@updownbrodown215]

Love these new videos. Keep it up!

[@gregbakerproductions]

So good to see the SG-1000 getting some love in the US!!

[@gregbakerproductions]

I never knew how to play Golgo 13!!

[@gregbakerproductions]

I’d also recommend checking out The Castle, H.E.R.O., Chack ‘n’ Pop, and Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns!

[@afriend9428]

*Pro Wrestling came out on the Master System here!* ⭐️

[@GenerationalGamer]

If memory serves, this console was released the same day as the Nintendo Famicom. It definitely competed against it and that makes me wonder; was Sega even aware of what Nintendo did with the Famicom until its release?

[@fazares]

famicom was like a generation ahead of the sg-1000 in gfx terms xD

[@GenerationalGamer]

@@fazares Graphically I would agree with you but they were released at the same time. That’s Sega’s fault for not being prepared.

[@gallowaygaming75]

I have a sg1000 but not got many games for it just 2. Great video for me to see other games to buy👍

[@AkAkAkNeil]

excellent, love these videos of your 10x picks for various systems! How about some "10 easier games for the Sega Medadrive"? For introducing new, slow, old gamers.

[@Owazrim]

Good list of games for the SG-1000. Some additional games: N-SUB sort of like Yamato but with a sub and a side view. One button shoots from the front and the other shoots up and you get to avoid depth charges. Ninja Princess(card) Basically an earlier version of The ninja. Lode Runner. The Black Onyx(card) dungeon crawler, Choplifter(got to have it for every system), Orguss similar to transbot, Exerion, The Castle, and Zoom 909(card).

[@Iraijus]

How have I never heard of this console before? Thanks for the info!

[@samuelleevallongo9752]

Me either

[@joel230182]

Girl's Garden is actually beautiful

[@Chris-Courage]

Lode Runner and Drol are my faves for the sg-1000.

[@nilp0inter2]

Cool games I'll check therm out for sure!

[@j.goggels9115]

4 must-play games: Bank Panic, Choplifter, Dokidoki Penguin Land, Zaxxon.

[@rodrigopimentel9380]

For quite some time, I thought the SG1000 was actually the Japanese version of the Master System, in the same way the Mega Drive came in the US as Genesis. Good to know I was wrong!

[@RawrX32009]

Fun fact: the Master System was called the Sega Mark III in Japan

[@diebesgrab]

To be fair to Pacar, while it IS heavily inspired by Pac-Man, it’s also a sequel to 1979’s Head On, and Pac-Man (1980) could perhaps best be described as “It’s Head On but you’re not a car.”

[@juanabreu3002]

When you said "Hustle Chumlee" I thought of Pawn Stars. Thanks John.

[@3ambreakbeats977]

Great video great topic ;)

[@kenwheeler3637]

I love this system. I decided to get a SC-3000 due to the A/V output. Lots of fun games on there. Some of my favorites are Drol, H.E.R.O., The Castle, Doki Doki Penguin Land, Flicky, Star Force and Exerion.

[@JetteroHeller83]

They don't look like must play games, but you have convinced me to check out the system on retroarch.

[@alexanderpantoja6787]

Nice short video John

[@briand7381]

These systems are hard to find. Always wanted one... and this video made my busy out my Dreamcast. :)

[@areyousureyouenteredyourna85]

I can think of a few pop flamers who might enjoy some dragon Wang.

[@JohnRiggs]

hehehe

[@OriginalGrasshopper]

Galaga and Zaxxon were also excellent on the SG-1000.

[@vAscA187]

Must play is an overstatement...

[@dellagustin]

Funny thing, the MSX1, Colecovision and SG-1000 had a very similar hardware, yet games like congo bongo are completely different across them, despite the reuse potential. Golgo 13's smooth scrolling of the fences are quite impressive for the system, as it does not have hardware scrolling.

[@brandoncox6108]

I like how you left out the jaguar haha

[@user-pv9pv4xf9c]

2:30 I laughed so freakin hard to this one. I absolutely love 80s and 90s Japanese men lmao!!!!

[@TBustah]

That girl game reminded me of the one from “Code Monkeys”, where you have to lose weight so that you can fit into your new tanktop, or something like that. XD

[@ChimairaGod]

Could you imagine a world without a Sega Saturn? I think most of us live in that world.

[@SirCaco]

In both Hustle Chumy and Pop Flamer you play as a mouse. Makes you think, maybe we could've gotten Sonic the Mouse lol

[@whosaidthat84]

Girls call me Dragon Wang when I drop my pants..... ....okay that's not true but dammit it should be!!

[@matthewlane518]

It's still Golgo 13 that's damn right!

[@Bigwayne1984]

i Might have to play some of these if I ever had these games...or if I had one one of these systems ...or or If I ever seen a sq-1000 in real life.

[@7thangelad586]

Dragon Wang and Bruce Wang are likely superhero cousins.

[@kennypitts4829]

I don't need to imagine; I have never played a single dreamcast or saturn game, and I am not a young man. Never knew anyone who wanted one. It must have been my area, I guess. Maybe I missed out...

[@Trusteft]

that wrestling game looks fantastic.also yamatooooooo

[@jadams7433]

What to u think has better graphics and games this or a colecovision?

[@louyork8379]

Dragon Wang? They call me Wang Dragging. Damn close.

[@mixedhairless]

I need some Riggs beer man!

[@dogeymon83]

The graphics and sound of SG-1000 are remarkably similar to the Colecovision

[@t.b.8837]

I've never heard of this. 🤯

[@SkotNealey]

i think i have a cartridge for the Sega Mark III...are they compatible? it's Sonic Soldier Borgman

[@sheets75]

Girl's Garden - first game by Sonic creator Yuji Naka...

[@josephfrye7342]

Good thing I got retroarch emulator for that

[@Deadono]

I need to check out Dragon Wang.

[@Deadono]

I liked the last game you showed since it had those almost 3d platforms.

[@NCISCherno]

Not sure if you didn't have access to them (or didn't think to try them if using an Everdrive) but there are a few others that seem to be curious ommissions. Star Jacker - This is not only a great vertical shooter for the system, but compares well to ones that came after it. H.E.R.O. - Great version of a great game Lode Runner - Another rehash of a great game. Also good are Penguin Land, Ninja Princess, and Bomb Jack.

[@SkotNealey]

Was Dragon Wang BIG in Japan?

[@b.o.353]

Did this have Lode Runner II. Never seen this version of Congo Bongo and looks amazing.

[@JohnRiggs]

it may. I didn't see it.

[@b.o.353]

JohnRiggs I have the cart someplace. Pretty sure it was exclusive. It’s the true successor to Lode Runner that you’d see on 8-bit computers. The Congo Bongo you showed blew me away. Awesome stuff.

[@t.b.8837]

Girls Garden misspelled "welcome" on the house. It says "wellcome." Lol. Oops. 🤣🤣

[@JohnRiggs]

ha! yep.

[@Owazrim]

Nice catch. I hadn't noticed.

[@0730bcorm]

Also tell MJR that the SG-1000 HERO has actual BGM and has great graphics that don’t look as busy as the commodore port but definitely looks better than Atari 2600. Dunno how tight the controls are though I’ve just emulated it on my RG350.

[@WasephWastar]

2:05 Wellcome

[@lynchie137]

To me, Pacar looks like the SG-1000's version of Dodge 'Em for the Atari 2600. Hopefully it plays as well...

[@jayhays8267]

The graphics look very "Coleco Vision" like.

[@dannypeecomedy]

girls garden is like the rpg version of a cute em up. I suggest the nickname RP-Twee

[@SchoolforBrian]

Cool!

[@orangehatmusic225]

"Some Frun Reasons".. yeah.. totally Frun.

[@MixologistMilo]

Any great shmup shooters on sg1000?

[@rickardcr8770]

Yeah! Golgo 13 ... 🎮👍🏻

[@dopenerd]

C'mon Sega, give us a Dragon Wang reboot!!!!!

[@chaospoet]

I wonder if Dragon Wang is the grandfather of Lo Wang from 1997's 3D Realms game Shadow Warrior? You no mess with Dragon Wang!

[@OFFICIALFUNUSBAND]

yes he is.

[@OFFICIALFUNUSBAND]

get some wanggg

[@CharlesHepburn2]

If memory serves me well, I believe this SG-1000 and the SG-1000 II used the same off-the-shelf chips (CPU, video, sound) as the Colleco-vision. It came out on the same day as the 8-bit Famicom (NES) in Japan. Sega quickly realized that Nintendo's console was technologically superior... and also it turns out the games/software was better on the Famicom... which ruled in Japan until the PC Engine came out. It was only until the SG-III (known as "Master" system in USA) that Sega really had the hardware advantage over Nintendo.

[@shadikhachikian695]

LOL 😄 Classical Sega Games... 🎮✨✨ Many many thanks. 🌱🌹 👌😊

[@Typical.Anomaly]

There's an actor named Dong Wang who does country-themed adult films. Just kidding I made that up.

[@Pichuscute]

Surprising just how primitive this thing is compared to Famicom, despite them being released at the same time.

[@BBfanfun]

can these games play on the SMS ?

[@Rasdock]

Hey, John. Yamato wears combat boots!

[@dogeymon83]

If you have an ever drive cartridge for Sega master, your American Sega master is backwards compatible with the SG1000 roms (and you never realized it). !!!

[@lexingtRick]

Is that from an emulator or a real recording?

[@allenwaters2975]

Hey speaking of Turbo Graphics 16 did you everplay Beyond shadowgate the sequel to Shadow gate on the NES? Shadowgate is one of my all-time favorite games I go back every couple of years and playthrough it again on the NES that's how much I love it I probably beaten it like 50 billion times. I was always curious how Beyond shadowgate was since I never owned a turbo Graphics 16 or the CD-ROM attachment. And since I love your videos I would love to hear your opinion on the game. Thank you so much have a good day

[@JohnRiggs]

Yeah, I've tried playing that one. Was happy to finally get it when I started collecting for TGCD in the late 90s to find out it's completely different and super sluggish. Beyond Shadowgate could have been called literally anything else. It doesn't play the same at all.

[@bunnyplush]

wasn't the card slot in the master system for sg1 cards? Also, Dragon Wang/Kung Fu Kid are close relatives.

[@Owazrim]

If you had a Japanese Master system or mark III it could play SG-1000 cards. The U.S. Master System doesn't.

[@l30S3UX]

Girls Garden needs a remake.

[@adeptmechanism5180]

Dragon Wang is where it's at

[@Tuxy79]

The wrestling game looks good.

[@paultorres6535]

Would’ve been nice if you had shown the actual system in the video

[@0730bcorm]

I want a sc-3000 (computer version) and a super cassettevision (Japanese atari competitor) but they ain’t cheap 😂

[@Cookiedon15]

Ain't no thang like dragon wang