MasterGear is software that allows users to play classic SEGA games on their computer by emulating 8bit technology.
MasterGear is a fantastic software program that enables users to play Sega videogames from 8bit era on their computer. The program can run games from various systems, including SEGA MasterSystem (also known as Mark3 in Japan) and GameGear, as well as their predecessors, which includes SG1000, SC3000, SF7000, and Mark2. Additionally, hobbyists who are still developing software for these systems can use MG to debug their works, without using costly development hardware.
The development of MasterGear began in 1996 when the creator discovered technical documentation about the SEGA MasterSystem online. Since the creator already had experience with the fMSX emulator and SEGA's consoles were quite similar to MSX computers, developing the SMS emulator was relatively easier. Over time, MG was extended to support GameGear and the previous generation of SEGA consoles. It also offers support for add-ons such as FM sound chips found in Japanese SEGA consoles and serial EEPROMs used to save games in some GameGear cartridges.
MasterGear's source code is portable and can run on various platforms such as Apple Macintosh to Sony PlayStation. Although the source code is not available to the general public, the creator may share it with select individuals who are working on relevant projects. The software is still being actively developed, but most features have been implemented. Presently, the creator mostly deals with bug fixes, adapting MasterGear for commercial applications, and extending functionality beyond that of the original consoles.
The software program is written in portable C language, and its compatibility makes it possible to run on almost any device, from computers to cell phones, digital cameras, and more. Some users have even successfully used the software to add gaming capabilities to their DVD players. If you are looking to use SEGA games for commercial purposes, you can license MasterGear from the creator.
The latest release of MasterGear offers new features such as "soft video" rendering mode, better scanline simulation, and bug fixes. Both MG-Windows and MG-MSDOS use the 640x480x15bpp screen mode. Additionally, the update includes a new "Fill&Soften" zoom option for MG-Symbian and fixes stability problems encountered in the previous release. A complete list of features and the list of new updates and fixes can be found in the software documentation.
The creator has now ported MG-Symbian to UIQ3 smartphones from Sony Ericsson and Motorola. Although the MG-Symbian has been tested on a Motorola phone, the creator is requesting that individuals with Sony Ericsson phones test the software and provide feedback in the EMUL8 discussion group.
The development of MasterGear began in 1996 when the creator discovered technical documentation about the SEGA MasterSystem online. Since the creator already had experience with the fMSX emulator and SEGA's consoles were quite similar to MSX computers, developing the SMS emulator was relatively easier. Over time, MG was extended to support GameGear and the previous generation of SEGA consoles. It also offers support for add-ons such as FM sound chips found in Japanese SEGA consoles and serial EEPROMs used to save games in some GameGear cartridges.
MasterGear's source code is portable and can run on various platforms such as Apple Macintosh to Sony PlayStation. Although the source code is not available to the general public, the creator may share it with select individuals who are working on relevant projects. The software is still being actively developed, but most features have been implemented. Presently, the creator mostly deals with bug fixes, adapting MasterGear for commercial applications, and extending functionality beyond that of the original consoles.
The software program is written in portable C language, and its compatibility makes it possible to run on almost any device, from computers to cell phones, digital cameras, and more. Some users have even successfully used the software to add gaming capabilities to their DVD players. If you are looking to use SEGA games for commercial purposes, you can license MasterGear from the creator.
The latest release of MasterGear offers new features such as "soft video" rendering mode, better scanline simulation, and bug fixes. Both MG-Windows and MG-MSDOS use the 640x480x15bpp screen mode. Additionally, the update includes a new "Fill&Soften" zoom option for MG-Symbian and fixes stability problems encountered in the previous release. A complete list of features and the list of new updates and fixes can be found in the software documentation.
The creator has now ported MG-Symbian to UIQ3 smartphones from Sony Ericsson and Motorola. Although the MG-Symbian has been tested on a Motorola phone, the creator is requesting that individuals with Sony Ericsson phones test the software and provide feedback in the EMUL8 discussion group.
What's New
Version 2.5: N/A