I've been revisiting some classic games lately, and while I love the Sega Genesis library, I can't help but find its sound chip a bit grating. There's something about the harsh, metallic tones and often scratchy quality that makes it hard to enjoy games at full volume. I know it has its fans, but compared to systems like the SNES or even some older consoles, it just seems unnecessarily rough.
Am I alone in this? Does anyone else struggle with the Genesis' audio, or is this part of its charm for you?
Curious if you dislike all 4 versions of this song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiu8wDLV_9g
I gave it a listen. I think the Model 2 is my favorite. To my ears it sounds the least grating and 'metallic'. I don't know why, but I get a metallic style feel from a lot of the Genesis sound. I guess it's something associated with FM synth?
I think the other thing that holds me back is when they try to use samples on the Genesis they sound EXTREMELY tinny, and the SNES was actually pretty good at that. I think it's basically the SNES that ruined the Genesis audio for me. I compare them quite frequently. If the Genesis had launched alone in the USA, I think I'd just chalk that up to what 16 bit platforms sounded like.
I gotta toss in that I actually really like the PC Engine/TG16 sound, but it may or may not count as a 16 bit console, depending how you feel about it.
I always thought the SNES music was over all nicer, however some Genesis titles had some rocking tunes.