I have always been a big fan of Sega. Sega's 16-bit Console, the Mega drive or Genesis (depending on where you live) has some of the best 16-bit/retro games available. Here is a list of my personal favorites.
Gunstar Heroes
What it's about
A run-and-gun side scrolling shooter where you (and another player) travel around the world trying to stop the evil Empire. The characters can switch between 2 shooting modes and have the ability to combine 4 elements for their weapons to create different weapon types.
Why it's so good
The visuals are stunning and the artwork superb. The action is fast-paced and the boss fights are varied The bosses themselves are incredibly well designed and incredible fun to take down. The tongue-n-cheek story keeps you smiling throughout the game. The stages are some of the best designed ever. Throw in an incredible soundtrack that matches the pace of the game and you have one of the best games on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.
Thunderforce IV
What it's about
A side-scrolling shoot 'em up in the style of R-Type. Navigate your spaceship through waves of enemies and shoot everything that moves while grabbing upgrades to improve your fire power and do even more damage.
Why it's so good
Normally with shoot 'em ups you are limited to the height of your TV but in Thunderforce IV many of the stages stretch beyond those borders giving the player immense freedom of movement and provide the game with multiple stages. The stages feel and look immense, this is very convenient because the bosses are massive. A nice touch is that you can choose to start the game in any of the four stages that are available at the start of the game.
One of the best shoot 'em ups on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.
Streets of Rage 2
What it's about
The sequel to to the beat 'em up "Streets of Rage". This game is clearly inspired by Capcom's classic "Final Fight". Choose from 4 characters, take to the streets and beat up all the bad guys trying to stop you from reaching the end boss.
Why it's so good
Streets of Rage 2 takes good advantage of Sega's six-button controller by adding special moves. The characters have a large arsenal of devastating moves and satisfying combos to their disposal. The boss fights and sub-bosses are never disappointing and the stages are colorful and always interesting. But the thing for me that makes Streets of Rage really superb, besides the relentless action, is the soundtrack. The techno beats will keep your feet tapping while you cruise the the streets kicking and punching your way through. Definitely one of the best soundtracks on the Mega Drive/Genesis.
Aladdin
What it's about
A platformer based on the Disney movie. You control Aladdin and must guide him to face the evil Vizier Jafar in final showdown. Equipped with a sword, you jump and slash enemies while gathering apples in this beautiful rendition of the movie.
Why it's so good
There aren't many good games based on movies but this game is the exception. The game captures the essence of the movie perfectly. The graphics and humor mirror that of the movie. The sounds and soundtrack are equally impressive. This is no coincidence, Sega and Virgin had a collaboration deal with Disney Studios. The fluid gameplay makes this the best game based on a movie on the Mega Drive/Genesis.
Flashback
What it's about
A cinematic puzzle platformer where you control a secret agent by the name of Conrad. The game is the "sequel" to Another World and uses the same rotoscope techniques giving your character incredible lifelike fluid movement. You have to shoot and think your way through the different levels to find a way to regain your memories.
Why it's so good
The cinematic scenes and intriguing spy story are what sets this game apart. The game will grab you from the get go with its terrific opening scene. The movement of the character is a joy to behold. Every move the character makes whether it is running, climbing or shooting is incredibly lifelike. The hand drawn backgrounds make this game one of the most beautiful and well-animated games on the Mega Drive/Genesis.
Sonic the Hedgehog
What it's about
A side-scrolling platformer where you control a blue hedgehog with a need for speed. Guide Sonic through the different levels while battling the henchmen of the evil Dr. Robotnik who has kidnapped all the cute and fuzzy forest animals. Collect gold rings along the way and make your way across the stages as fast as possible to unlock bonus stages.
Why it's so good
One of the fastest, if not the fastest game on the Mega Drive/Genesis. Sonic zips around the screen at a sometimes dizzying speed. The gameplay and graphics show off what the 16-bit console is really capable of. It is no wonder that Sonic became Sega's mascot and rival to Nintendo's Mario.
Throw in a beautiful soundtrack, colorful and incredible backdrops and you have the recipe of a flagship game. Sonic the hedgehog had a major part in the Mega Drives'/Genesis' success and kick started the console's success.
Ecco the Dolphin
What it's about
An action-adventure puzzler starring a dolphin who has traveled through time to stop evil aliens from destroying life on earth.
Why it's so good
One of the most innovating games on the console. Ecco is hard to describe, the gameplay is very different from the games that came before it. No explanation is given how to play the game. You have to figure everything out for yourself. This adds to the mystery and the fun of the game. The game is one of the most innovating games on the console. The aquatic theme and fluid controls make it an instant classic.
Dragon’s Fury
What it's about
A pinball game where you have to destroy enemies on the playing field and unlock bonus stages. The aim is to get the highest score you can while controlling your pinball and bounce it of as many enemies as possible. The table consists of 3 levels but has additional bonus stages that are similar to boss fights.
Why it's so good
One word to describe this game is "addictive", the gameplay never gets dull, the soundtrack really fits the game. The setting of the game is a cross between gothic and medieval. Instead of simply copying a pinball table the developers added video game elements to make this game really unique. One of the most underrated games on the Mega Drive/Genesis.
Risky Woods
What it's about
A side-scrolling platformer where you guide a monk through the risky woods to release your brethren who have been frozen in stone. You have to travel through the different stages before the timer runs out. To make things extra difficult your progress is obstructed by gates. To open these gates you have to replay the a tune generated by the gates by pressing the correct sequence on the D-pad of your controller.
Why it's so good
This game was originally released on the Amiga and later ported to the Mega Drive/Genesis. Aspects of the game were altered to suit playing on a console. It's hard to explain why I like this game so much. It is probably the gameplay, the mini-game element of opening the gates and the way you can upgrade your character as you proceed. The graphics are surprisingly crisp and clean, the background and levels are well designed. Although the game is not as difficult as it was on the Amiga it still poses quite a challenge. A very underrated platformer on the console that never got the attention it deserved.
What are your personal favorites Mega Drive/Genesis games? Let me know in the comment section.
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