If you’re high on nostalgia, and are looking for the best Sega Genesis games you can play right now, here’s a comprehensive collection of the titles you should consider. Also known as the Mega Drive, the 16-bit Genesis console from Sega which was a fierce competitor to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System back in the day was highlighted by a vast library of supported games. Awesome titles from both first as well as third-party developers were doled out for it over the years following its release. The console is now as obsolete as banana peels, but some of us who’ve lived in the 90s still can’t forget the magnificent memories it has blessed us with. Let us relive the glory days then, and treat ourselves to these wonderful titles.
1 – Castlevania: Bloodlines
The brilliant platformer that Castlevania: Bloodlines is, was released by Konami in 1994, and was extremely well received by fans of the series. Equipped with a truly dark storyline, it features enjoyable gameplay scenarios highlighted by its special weapons. The game’s grand boss battles are some of the most memorable of its offerings. Castlevania: Bloodlines’ depiction of violence had resulted in quite a controversy back then.
2 – Super Street Fighter 2
Fans of fighting games shouldn’t give this classic a miss. 1994’s Super Street Fighter 2 turned out to be an amazing game in every sense of the term. Firstly, it was far more balanced and refined than its predecessor, and moreover, it introduced four new characters to the series in the form of the now popular fighters T. Hawk, Cammy, Fei Long and Dee Jay. Super Street Fighter 2 features an awesome scoring system as well.
3 – Aladdin
This historic game was released in 1993, and featured animations created by none other than the folks over at Disney, even as its remaining development was handled by Virgin Games USA. It’s a platformer featuring levels inspired from various scenarios portrayed in the film. Lots of interesting stuff makes this title such a legendary one, prime among them being the unique enemies, special Genie and Abu bonus rounds and of course, the amazing visuals.
4 – Gunstar Heroes
Referred to as a side scrolling shooter or as a run and gun game, Gunstar Heroes is considered one of the finest shooting titles of all time. The level of action that’s accessible through the game is just unbelievable. Gunstar Heroes is a great looking offering which has been granted unforgettable boss battles and a unique weapons system.
5 – Double Dragon
Here’s a classic title which popularized cooperative multiplayer gameplay with its magnificent beat ’em up levels. Revolving around the two main characters’ efforts to rescue their common love interest from the clutches of the Black Warriors gang, Double Dragon presents several exciting gaming scenarios to look forward to. Some unique level designs make their way into the title, and with a friend by your side, the gameplay becomes just irresistible.
6 – Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
One of the most engrossing role-playing experiences ever created, Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium was equipped by its makers with loads of fun elements including exploration, NPC interaction and some stellar turn-based combat. It features a deep and engaging story, and its excellent manga-style panel illustrations make it a wonderful visual experience as well. Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium is a must play for all RPG fans.
7 – Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Released for the Sega Genesis in 1992, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 revolves around the main character’s efforts to stop antagonist Dr. Ivo Robotnik from stealing the Chaos Emeralds to feed his evil intentions of powering the massive Death Egg space station. Tails is by his side through this journey as well, making way for cooperative play. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 took the original game’s offerings and perfected them in a way that it’s now considered the finest title from the series till date. A competitive multiplayer mode also forms part of the game.
8 – Shining Force II
If you’re a fan of tactical role-playing games, this title just has to be played by you. It features amazing and addictive gameplay which is characterized by its unique weapons and combat system. A timeless classic, Shining Force II tells the story of Shining Force leader, Bowie who’s faced with the task of finding the Holy Sword and at the same time, protecting the kingdom of Granseal against the invading armies of Zeon.
9 – Streets of Rage 2
In 1992, Sega published this spectacular Genesis game which took the side-scrolling beat ’em up genre to a whole new level altogether. Aside from introducing two new characters to the series’ roster, it also granted gamers a wonderful visual and aural experience thanks to its advanced graphics and clever use of music. But above all, Streets of Rage 2’s gameplay captures your attention better than anything else. This utterly addictive title deserves each and every plaudit it has received over the years.
10 – Road Rash
Road Rash is a superb motorcycle-racing game which was first released for the Sega Genesis and later made its way to many other platforms. It asks you to jump into illegal road races, and as you progress, the races keep getting more difficult, and the tracks, longer. Each race win grants you money which can be spent on buying faster bikes. Exciting vehicular combat elements also form part of Road Rash.
Conclusion:
Those are all the best Sega Genesis games we’d like you to have a look at. Surely, there are lots of more titles which could have (or even should have) made it to this list, but we guarantee you that our picks are some of the finest such titles you’ll find.