Warning to sensitive viewers: This episode contains rapidly strobing 3D footage. I normally drop alternating frames on 3D games to minimize the effect, but in this case, the 3D imaging is central to the game's technical issues (which I did my best to explain despite being a layman).

By mid1988, the Master System had just about reached its second birthday... and, well, you know what they say about the "terrible twos." Here we have a string of second games in existing Master System franchises to prove the point. I wouldn't call either Space Harrier 3D or Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars bad, but neither quite capture the excellence of Space Harrier or Alex Kidd: In Miracle World.

In both cases, I feel that these failings result from the desire to chase an arcadestyle experience, though each game falls short for entirely different reasons. Space Harrier 3D makes questionable use of the Sega 3D Glasses, while Alex Kidd abandons the rich design of its consolebased predecessor in pursuit of converting a vapid coinop release.

Sorry, kids, the birthday party is canceled.

Production notes:

Why watch when you can read? All 420 fullcolor pages of SG1000 Works: Segaiden Vol. I are now in print at Limited Run Games (https://limitedrungames.com/collectio.... You can also grab the massive hardcover print editions of NES Works, Super NES Works, and Virtual Boy works as well. Look for NES Works Gaiden Vol. I and Master System Works Vol. I in 202425.

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Master System footage captured from U.S. carts running through a cart adapter on Japanese Master System hardware and MiSTer (thanks to MiSTerAddOns). Video upscaled to 4K with RetroTink 4K. RGB cables courtesy of StoneAgeGamer.com and Allie Bellrose.