Exciting news for retro gaming enthusiasts! A collection of 15 newly-preserved VHS rips showcasing Sega's groundbreaking Sega Channel service has recently been made available online. These videos, published by @GhostCorpsGen and @BillytimeG, offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the service throughout 1997 and 1998.
The Sega Channel was a cable-based video game service for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis that operated during the mid to late 1990s. It was ahead of its time, allowing subscribers to access a rotating selection of games through their cable connection.
Here are some highlights from the newly-preserved footage:
1. The first upload includes content from the weekly video game review show "Twitch" (1995-1997) and b-roll footage of Game Freak's 1994 Mega Drive title "Pulseman."
2. The videos showcase the changing look and interface of Sega Channel over time.
3. Rare footage of "Pulseman" is included, which is significant because the game was only distributed in North America via Sega Channel, despite having a cartridge release in Japan.
4. The second VHS rip reveals previously unknown Sega Channel exclusives, including:
- Super League (a version of Tommy Lasorda Baseball without the endorsement)
- The Chessmaster (never released in cartridge format for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive)
- Klondike (currently in possession of the National Videogame Museum)
- BreakThru! (never released in cartridge format for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive)
5. A 16th video showcasing the art corner section from the Info Section of Sega Channel is also being uploaded.
These preserved videos are invaluable for documenting the history of the Sega Channel service and provide confirmation of various games that were rumored to be featured on the platform.
In related news, the Video Game History Foundation recently recovered the ROM of another Sega Channel exclusive, "Garfield: Caught in the Act - The Lost Levels." This expanded version of the 1995 game includes additional levels not found in the original cartridge release.
These preservation efforts offer a unique opportunity for gamers and historians to revisit and study this innovative but short-lived gaming service that was, in many ways, a precursor to modern game streaming and subscription services.
You can watch the full list of videos over on BillyTime!Games YouTube channel.
