Interested in starting a 32X Collection?

  

Sega brought us the 32X, a gaming system billed as a 32-bit add-on for the Sega Genesis. In order to play the 32X's library of games it required that you already owned a Genesis as the 32X went into the cartridge slot and from there Genesis and 32X games would be inserted into the 32X itself. The system is a mixed bag, including enhanced 16-bit titles that questioned the legitimacy of calling the 32X a true 32-bit system. Fortunately there were a few games that pushed the usage of polygons to try and show off the systems power.

In terms of collectability for the system, it is truly a niche system. It was not even out in the US for a full year before it was discontinued and as a result only 36 titles were ever released in the US, as well as 3 import exclusives from the UK and Japan. This makes collecting for the system pretty easy, as only a handful of titles should give you any trouble to track down.

Among these hard to find titles are Spider-Man: Web of Fire, the last 32X game released in the US with a rumor of only 1,500 copies to ever be produced. This is by far the hardest to find game in the US 32X library, with complete copies of the game fetching well over the $150 mark at times. If you get into the import scene, prepare to have to track down one of the holy grails of gaming, Darxide. Only available in the UK, Darxide was the only game on the 32X to ever use texture-mapped polygons. US and JP 32X owners should not go head over heels to try and track this one down for anything other than collecting purposes as it only works on UK hardware as well as a PAL-compatible TV. This was the last 32X game to ever be released in all regions and for that it will likely command a price around $500 for a complete copy.

There were also 32X CD games, which had a ridiculous requirement of having to have a Sega Genesis, Sega CD, and 32X hooked up all at once just to allow gamers to play slightly enhanced ports of FMV titles such as Night Trap and Corpse killer. It should be noted that the European versions of the CD based games are much more rare and expensive than their US counterparts, so be on the lookout for region when tracking these ones down.

The hardest part about collecting for the 32X is finding complete copies of games in good condition. Since many 32X games were packaged in flimsy cardboard boxes, the type with the slip cover, it makes it hard to find some games without crushed boxes and wear and tear. All the US titles can be found complete and in good condition if you do not rush into collecting them all and have some patience, a complete US collection is very doable and affordable for almost any collector.

              

The question on many peoples minds as well is if the 32X offers any games that make the system worthwhile to own. Since the system itself is relatively cheap and easy to track down (you should not have to pay over $50 for a complete system) I think it is worth the investment to try out some of the unique games the 32X has to offer. Titles like Kolibri are reason alone to own a 32X, being a horizontal scrolling shooter starring a hummingbird with obvious Ecco the Dolphin infuence. Knuckles Chaotix is a  unique entry into the Sonic series in that it does not star Sonic or even Tails, but instead puts Knuckles in the leading role with his Chaotix team of critters. It is a love or hate title though as it utilizes a strange mechanic of connecting two characters together with a sort of "rubber band" type mechanic and tasking you to control both at once. Lets not forget about Star Wars Arcade, one of the most common and easy to find titles on the 32X is also one of the most fun, offering up an experience that was once only playable in the Arcades.

I hoped this has helped bring you a new understanding as to what to expect when getting into the 32X scene. The system met an early demise however there is still a reason why the system still has a cult following 'til this day, its just up to you to decide if its right for you or not, "Welcome to the Next Level".