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DW FACTS by Dark Watcher
What do you call a machine that lets you play music, games, karaoke, interactive software and over 7,500 movies with the high-quality picture available? A $2000+ technical masterpiece that only the wealthy could afford. The Pioneer LaserActive was a rare, expensive (unit alone $700), but interesting game playing machine. It was debuted to compete against the 3DO in October of 1993. It provided the ability to play games on Laserdiscs (the precursor to the DVD) and was capable of running popular arcade titles such as Dragon's Lair and Space Ace. Also available for the unit was a Laser Karaoke pack that retailed for $350. It came with a miniature mixer and microphone that could play over 250 titles. So how does this machine fit into the world of video game consoles?
The Pioneer LaserActive used add-on devices called LD-ROM packs. Each pack retailed from $400 to $600 dollars. The first pack released was the Mega-LD pack that was developed in conjunction with Sega Enterprises. This pack allowed you to play 8 and 12-inch LaserActive Mega-LD disks, Sega CDs, Genesis carts, and CD+G discs. The pack came with the Mega-LD game Pyramid Patrol and the four-in-one game CD that contained Revenge of Shinobi, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage and Columns. The LD-ROM2 pack was developed in conjunction with NEC Home Electronics. This pack could play 8 and 12-inch LaserActive LD-ROM2 discs, NEC CD-ROM2 discs, Super CD discs, HuCard games, and CD+G discs. The package came with Econosaurus and the 4-in-1 CD that contained Gate of Thunder, Bonk's Adventure, Bonk's Revenge and Bomberman. The only other software known to be released for each of the packs were Space Berserker, and High Roller for the Mega-LD, Vajra and Manhattan Requiem for the LD-ROM2. The LaserActive has garnered a cult following and goes down as one of the most expensive console hybrids in recent history.

HANDS ON REVIEW by Marriott_Guy
As stated in previous reviews, the drive for many hardware manufacturers was all about producing an all-inclusive multimedia device. In 1993, Pioneer entered the foray with the release of the LaserActive. Competing directly with Panasonic (3DO) and the Philips (CD-i), Pioneer upped the ante in this genre by basing their system on Laserdisc technology (the precursor to the DVD format). At the time, the LaserActive was the closest system to deliver a product that did meet most of the multimedia demands of the consumer - movies, games, karaoke, music, edutainment - all presented in the best audio\video quality available. The system has another feather in its cap - it was one of the very few truly multi-platform units released (ala Dina 2-in-one). Describing the physical characteristics of Pioneer LaserActive can be summed up in one word - a behemoth. This system is definitely one of the largest video game console ever released (second only to the RDI Halcyon). Weighing in at 25 lbs and measuring 6" H x 17" W x 15" D, this beast truly stands out in any display. A durable hard plastic front casing elegantly displays the various system controls. The chassis itself is made of sturdy steel with multiple air vents to allow plenty of ventilation (definitely required when firing up this system). The somewhat conservative, though modern, facing features large soft-button controls, two (2) media trays (one for Laserdiscs, the other for standard CDs) and a large, cavernous rectangular hole to the bottom left - the modular housing.
The LaserActive could not play games as a stand alone system - it requires expansion modules called PAC units. The following is a list of the modules that were released (US release \ Japan release) and their respective description: Sega PAC (PAC-S10 \ PAC-S1) : Allows play of any Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Mega LDs (specifically designed Sega games release on the Laserdisc format) games and CD+G discs. Formally known as the Mega-LD pack. NEC PAC (PAC-N10 \ PAC-N1) : Allows play of and NEC CD-ROM2\Super CD\HuCards, Mega LD-ROM2 discs (specifically designed NEC games released on the Laserdisc format) games, along with supporting CD+G discs. Karaoke PAC (PAC-K10 \ PAC-K1) : Supports play of Laserkaraoke titles Computer Interface PAC (PAC-PC1) : Allowed remote control of the LaserActive via a PC or Mac computer 3D Goggles (GOL-1) : Used for the few 3D games that were released for this system. Also required, but sold separately, is the 3D Adapter (ADP-1). The modules slide into the system on the left hand, bottom side of the main LaserActive system. The power must be turned off when switching out expansion PACs. There is a manual eject button that resides on the front of the unit that facilitates this function. Inserting modules into the system is rather delicate, or so it feels. They do snap into place firmly, but the weight alone of the PAC units tends to make one a bit cautious while doing so. The two game PACs came with the appropriate, Pioneer logo-stamped game controller (Sega\NEC).
With the respective module (Sega\NEC), games were presented identically to their parent system. The specifically designed Laserdisc games for each system were graphically superior but lack the control delivered on similar games on the original systems. Also, releases on the Laserdisc format (LD-ROMs) are high maintenance. The discs are huge (12" in diameter) and about 7 times as thick as a standard CD - this equates to a higher drop/scratch rate when simply inserting a disc into the system for play. There were around 20 LD-ROM game releases for the Sega PAC module; 9 for the NEC PAC. To purchase one of these systems in 1993 required a substantial amount of disposable income. The going price at the time - $970 USD (roughly $2,000 in today's dollars)! Now, bear with me, this price would only net you a system that could play movies/music - forget about playing games. The Sega or NEC PAC expansion pack will cost another $600 - each! Feel like singing along to your favorite tune and controlling your LaserActive from your PC - tack on another $700 ($350 each). All told, to be able to enjoy your existing Sega and NEC library, practicing for the next American Idol and controlling your new purchase via PC (who wants to do this anyway) would have cost you roughly $2,900 in 1993 ($4,500 in today's dollars). If you wanted any of the slick LD-ROM games you had to fork over another $120 per game! Obviously, this alienated 99% of the buying public. Why buy one of these when you could collectively buy the components you really wanted for a lot less? The Pioneer LaserActive is the second highest priced video game console of all time (once again, right behind the RDI Halcyon). The Pioneer LaserActive is a cool system to own, but only for the true console collector. The console initially failed on a number of levels - pricing, target audience and lack of promotion. Overall shipping prices are high due to the weight and dimensions of this system. The US version is more rare compared to the model released in Japan (both are identical in terms of technology).
Vince's CIB awesome LaserActive Hardware Collection. That is just pure heaven!

MODELS Officially licensed releases
Pioneer LaserActive CLD-A100




NEC PCE-LD1


Sega PAC (PAC-S1 / PAC-S10)


NEC PAC (PAC-N1 / PAC-N10)


Karaoke PAC (PAC-K1 / PAC-K10)


3D Goggles (GOL-1) & Adapter (ADP-1)



Computer Interface (PAC-PC1)


CLONES Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.

CONSOLE RATINGS
by Marriott_Guy

Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release. A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.

CRITERIA	RATING	NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design	07	The LaserActive is truly a beast and will dwarf basically any gaming system in a collection. Since it was designed to be a multimedia home appliance, the chassis is quite industrial in appearance and built purely for function. All ports and controls and very accessible.
Console Durability	04	Like most LD systems, the laser unit can become defective through time. PAC units fit snugly into the modular housing, but require a little bit of effort to properly seat them within the main device. Pioneer still provides professional refurbishment services for the CLD-A100 to this very day.
Controllers	N\A	Individual PAC units came with the standard controller for the respective system, through they are rebranded accordingly. The included remote is nothing special.
Graphics	09	Games specifically designed for the LaserActive truly shine. The LD medium allows for outstanding visuals and smooth animations\FMV sequences.
Audio	09	As you would expect from a device of this nature, sounds effects, music and voice are excellent.
Media	08	Though Laser Discs were the cat's meow back then, they are prone to disc rot (like any other optical medium). When considering the additional compatibility when utilized with the NEC and Sega Pac unit, the LaserActive was genuinely a multi-format king.
Gamer Value	03	While it is true that the game library is extremely solid, the high price point for even the most common titles does not justify the investment for the standard gamer.
Collector Value	08	These are considered by most to be a minor Holy Grail in terms of collecting. Be prepared to shell out some serious cash if you intend on acquiring the system and all of its peripherals (especially the Computer Interface PAC).

FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO Interesting facts on software for this system
Software for the Pioneer LaserActive was distributed on Laserdiscs. The titles are packaged in highly detailed jackets, almost identical in size to those found in vinyl music recordings. This discs are HUGE in size and rather fragile. Take care when handling these beasts. An example of a complete game is shown to the right. There are a number of notable games for this system, with my favorites being Vajra 2, Pyramid Patrol, Rocket Coaster and Hi-Roller Battle. The Pioneer LaserActive also had a few Idol and adult titles released in Japan during its lifespan. Screen shots are provided for these but are of the PG-13 nature to keep our site friendly to all. One of the most interesting titles is Zapping Satsui, an interactive movie which allows you to switch between vantage points of the main characters on the fly. During certain times during this game, you will have a split-screen displaying the current happenings from the perspective of multiple characters. Definitely a unique oddity and one to keep an eye out for.	applemctom's Games that Defined Compiliation
Exclusive games and software for this system are somewhat pricey. The nice thing is that the LaserActive system is region free. This is fine if you plan on purchasing some shooter like Pyramid Patrol, but some titles like J.B. Harold: Blue Chicago Blues rely heavily upon dialog (English or Japanese).

Complete Library of Pioneer LaserActive LD Games


SCREENSHOTS Captured in-game images
3D Museum	Akuma no Shinban	Angel Mate
Back to the Edo	Don Quixote	Dora Dora Paradise
Dr. Paolo no Totteoki Video	Ghost Rush!	Goku
Great Pyramid	Hi-Roller Battle	Hyperion
I WILL: The Story of London	J.B. Harold: Blue Chicago Blues	J.B. Harold: Manhattan Requiem
Melon Brains	Pretty Illusion Collection: Minayo Watanabe	Pretty Illusion Collection: Yuko Sakaki
Pyramid Patrol	Quiz Econosaurus	Road Prosecutor
Rocket Coaster	Space Berserker	Time Gal
Triad Stone	Vajra	Vajra 2
Virtual Cameraman	Virtual Cameraman 2	Zapping Satsui

Pioneer LaserActive Demonstration Discs
These were promotional discs provided to retail outlets to demonstrate the capabilities of the LaserActive system. The first disc focuses on the hardware itself, along with the various PAC add-on modules while the second features LD games. Pictures andf information courtesy of Good Squid Discs (check out his retro Japanese video games blog).
Disc 1 - Technology & Hardware Tutorials


Disc 2 - Gaming PACs & Demonstration

EMULATION
First and third party system emulators

DAPHNE

Great emulator capable of running most LD games