6 years ago

In this video we we review the AtGames Sega Genesis Flashback HD 16-bit game system

Game Footage
Sonic Cartridge 5:04 - 7:57
Sonic Emulated 7:58 - 8:35
Sonic & Knuckles Tests 8:36 - 9:53
Earthworm Jim 10:40 - 13:27
Altered Beast 14:23 - 16:13
Comix Zone 16:43 - 18:23
Sonic 3D Blast 18:43 - 19:56
The Ninja 20:06 - 20:38
Alex Kidd in Miracle World - 20:51 - 21:09
Astro Warrior 21:11 - 23:00
Sonic Triple Trouble 23:10 - 24:49
Vectorman 24:58 -26:21
Earthworm Jim 2 26:51 - 28:20
Street Fighter II Special Champion Edition 28:27 - 30:51
Mortal Combat 31:11 - 32:47

Please note some of the audio is off sync in the game play sections. This is due to my capture device, NOT the system.

AtGames has a history of producing retro-style video gaming systems to bring the games of the past back to the present. They've produced both Atari 2600 and Sega Genesis/Megadrive systems for years but in 2017 they're here with a new system to raise the bar. The Sega Genesis HD Flashback is designed to emulate the feel of the classic 16-bit era we loved, cram it full of Blast Processing and deliver it to your flat panel HD TV.

From the box this system is based around a custom version of Android running an emulator, similar to the Hyperkin Retron 5. The system comes with 85-games pre-installed including masterpieces from the Genesis, the Master System and Game Gear. Also included are some, well, shovelware-type titles that you'll likely never play. When I first fired the system up and started to play things just seemed off, both in-terms of the audio and video. I was able to contact AtGames and they sent me firmware and instructions on how to update the system to correct the issue. While the audio now does sound much better and most of the graphic issues corrected games such as Sonic 3D Blast look terrible, especially in the opening intro. The emulation really needs to be spot on, especially when the game is built into the system.

The system played just about everything I threw at it, once I cleaned my games at least. This system really wants you to have clean games so make sure you clean your gear. The only major issue I ran into was the lack of compatibility with the Sonic and Knuckles/Sonic3/Sonic 2 piggy backing. It just doesn't work. Beyond that it played everything I threw it it, however some games did sound a little weaker than normal even after the firmware update.

Overall the AtGames Sega Genesis/Megadrive Flashback HD is solid, if not imperfect. It has some things I hope the developers continue to work on and release updates to the public. I also think the inclusion of a Micro USB port inside the system means we may see some sort of homebrew development in the future. But for now I am glad that AtGames delayed the initial launch to get things better, it was the right move. Is it a perfect system? Nope. But it is fun and something you may want to check out.

Why it RoX:
- AtGames nailed the Model 1 Genesis/Megadrive astetic
- Amazing customer service from AtGames
- The included Genesis/Game Gear/Master System games are solid
- The controllers are serviceable
- HDMI Output
- Good games compatibility

What could be improved:
- Startup takes what seems like FOREVER
- No power switch on the controllers
- Some game compatibility issues
- Some games look and sound rather poor
- Shovelware games added to increase game count

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The footage used in this review is used under the Fair Use laws, referenced here
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107

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(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;
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(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)

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