From: omf@tiamat.hacks.arizona.edu (Oscar Fowler)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video
Subject: Re: Lynx vs. Game Gear
Date: 30 Jul 92 04:08:46 GMT
Reply-To: omf@tiamat.hacks.arizona.edu
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Organization: Sirius Cybernetics Corporation
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In article <Bs5Lyy.3JD@gtsi.com>, rich@gtsi.com (Richard Lawrence) writes...
>In article <1992Jul28.174607.22811@nas.nasa.gov> tu@wk76.nas.nasa.gov (Eugene L. Tu) writes:
>>I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'd like to
>>hear some opinions on Lynx vs. Game Gear as a color portable
>>game system. (e.g. Graphics resolution and smoothness, 
>>game quality and quantity, etc.)
>>
> 
>Oh please, not again. Here's a quick rundown. First, some facts:
> 
>GameGear pluses: Higher resolution, more games (assuming use of Master Gear
>converter), TV converter available.
> 
>GameGear minuses: practically no support for linking units, not all games
>designed for small screen, no special support hardware.
> 
>Lynx pluses: Largest physical screen size, auxillary chips to offload CPU for
>graphics scaling/sprite work/sound support (16 bit), faster clock rate, native
>support for linking, games designed for small screen.
> 
>Lynx minuses: smaller game library (~45 games), lower resolution, no TV tuner
>(no point).
> 
>The general net.opinions of those who hold themselves semi-objective is that
>while the Lynx library is small, it has a wide variety and a high percentage
>of original games (it also has some real dogs). This may not really matter to
>the casual gamer, however. There is some question how much Sega is behind the
>Game Gear, but it's widely known that only the Lynx keeps Atari afloat today,
>so they are much more dedicated to the unit. However, Atari seems to have a
>high number of inept market people, as well as a lackluster production rate.
> 
>Bottom line: it's usually the games that make the difference. If you favor
>the games for one type of unit, then buy that unit. They are reasonably close
>to each other in technical specs, so any decision made should be done on other
>criteria.

I'd like to add that this is a very good round-up of the two systems.
I've had both.  I liked the GG's display resolution better than the Lynx's,
but the Lynx's games are much more interesting to me, so I'm keeping
that unit.  Also, the Lynx has much better sound support (if that
interests you - it's important to me).

As far as the GG having more games, I'm not really sure about that.  Every
store that I've been to has had the same boring-looking set of GG games,
and a recent list that I got directly from Sega was not impressive at all.
Also, I concidered the Master Gear (a device which lets you play Sega
Master System games on the GG) to be a great boon, until I realized
how difficult it is to get Master Systems games anywhere.  It's not like
old Nintendo games which can be found everywhere you go.  I no longer
consider it a plus (unless you already happen to have a Master System).

I would try and play with both units if you can.  Here is a good title
on each:

GG: Sonic (great game all 'round)
Lynx: Klax or Slime World (good sound on Klax, good graphics in SW)

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               "If you can't lick'em, put 'em on with a big piece of tape."
                                                          /   \
Oscar Fowler                                              \    /\
omf@tiamat.hacks.arizona.edu                              | \/    \
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Newsgroups: rec.games.video