Sega Genesis Flashback Console Gets Unfavorable Review, 28 ‘Random Crapware’ Games Included


Reports are coming in for AtGames’ Sega Genesis Flashback console system, and it seems that the cons outweigh the pros in this case. Gamespot really laid into the retro gaming system, citing a console with an “unintuitive operating system.” The outlet added that a year after Nintendo debuted its high-demand retro console, other companies are jumping on the bandwagon to compete.

However, Gamespot felt the Genesis Flashback console had some quality retro-gaming content and that it is operational, but it doesn’t bring one back to the feel of 90s-era gaming. This was the decade for gaming on the original Sega Genesis, but AtGames’ reproduction was said to be “garish and finicky.”

The folks over at CNET saw something off about the gameplay. Senior editor Scott Stein and Sega enthusiast Bridget Carey addressed the high-def TV screen sampling on AtGames’ console. One of the noticeable cons about the system was that its graphics were not comparable to that of the original Sega console. They thought it too choppy in nature, and this included the audio as well.

They couldn’t figure out why 28 of the 85 games were just “random crapware” that don’t fall under the Sega Genesis retro-gaming wheelhouse. At the moment, the only way you could get that retro Sega feeling is by inserting the real deal: the original Genesis cartridges. Scott and Bridget inserted a Toejam & Earl game to see how the console operated. Unfortunately, there was a lengthy load time required as a bar crept across the screen as well as what Scott thought to be some malfunctioning ROM readings. There were repeated Toejam & Earl icons on the screen for some reason.

Also, 12 games from the Sega Master System and Game Gear made an appearance. There is also an issue of categorization because notable fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2, and Mortal Kombat 3 remain absent from the “Sega Games” category, according to Gamespot. So there is apparently a lack of organization in keeping with the details, and this may not likely win favor with retro gamers.

To make matters worse, the wireless controllers have a delayed response, and you have to press each button twice in order to get a result. However, wired controllers don’t have this problem.

The aforementioned choppiness is due to obvious frame drops for games that require it. Sonic The Hedgehog is such an example, as its a side scroller, but with an RPG like Shining Force, it isn’t obvious. There seems to be an issue with the Flashback system; it cannot emulate the hardware of the original console, resulting in the choppy performance.

That said, it appears that the Sega Genesis Flashback console system review could lead the retro video game consumer to other options. However, if you’ve always been a die-hard Sega fan until the end, go ahead and stick to what you’re a fan of and place your pre-order.

[Featured Image by David Greedy/Getty Images]

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