Best Sega Genesis Games

Highlights

• Sega Genesis, also known as the “Mega Drive,” was able to challenge Nintendo during the first console wars and became Sega’s most successful home console.
• The Genesis had a fantastic library of games, including Another World, Ecco the Dolphin, and Shining Force, which are considered some of the best video games ever made.
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic and Knuckles are standout titles on the Genesis, offering memorable gameplay, iconic soundtracks, and innovative features like lock-on technology.

First called the “Mega Drive” upon its initial release in 1988, Sega Genesis is the console’s North American name. It holds the record as Sega’s most successful home console and is notable for being able to challenge Nintendo during the first console wars. In the second half of the 1980s, Nintendo dominated the home console market and companies like Sega struggled to break into it. However, the release of the Genesis resulted in a radical shift in that regard.

Factors like Sega’s marketing of the console as a “cooler” commodity, coupled with the success of their “mascot with attitude,” Sonic the Hedgehog, meant this 16-bit system was able to go toe-to-toe with Nintendo and take their own significant portion of the market share. The console is famous for chiding its rival – verging on mockery – stating that “Genesis does what Nintendon’t.” The console had a fantastic library of games which ensured a boost in sales, some of which have been named as some of the best video games ever made.

10 Another World/ Out of This World

GameFAQs: 3.29/5

A commercial success praised by critics, this title was groundbreaking upon its release and influenced many games to come, such as Flashback. A cinematic platformer, Another World was ported to the Genesis, and is held as one of the best video games ever released, for good reason. The game drew inspiration from other sci-fi franchises such as Star Wars and Dune, and the soundtrack was inspired by the music of the Back to the Future franchise.

It all starts with a physicist named Lester who, upon experimenting with a particle accelerator, is accidentally transported to an alien planet when a lightning strike hits his laboratory. Lester, along with his new-found alien friend, Buddy, must fight for their survival. This gripping plot makes for a thrilling platform experience.

9 Ecco the Dolphin

GameFAQs: 3.53/5

Ecco the Dolphin for the Genesis was the first installment in the franchise of the same name. Receiving good reviews and even containing references to the musical group Pink Floyd, there’s a good reason why it became one of the console’s bestsellers. The plot is immersive, following Ecco, who, upon being separated from his pod, embarks on a time-traveling adventure. Eventually ending up in outer space, he must face the evil Vortex Queen.

The game also implements realistic dolphin behavior. Ecco can sing, use echolocation, and must come to the surface for air. As for Pink Floyd, the game’s penultimate level, “Welcome to the Machine,” references the group’s 1975 hit of the same name. Their musical style was what developer Ed Annunziata wanted the game’s music to feel like.

8 Flashback

GameFAQs: 3.93/5

This science fiction title offers players an immersive experience with a deeply engaging plot. Set in a dystopian future, players control Agent Conrad B, who learns that alien shapeshifters who can take human form are planning to invade Earth. Unfortunately, he’s captured, and his memory erased. Starting from scratch, Conrad’s quest is one of regaining his lost memory and stopping the aliens from conquering the planet.

This cinematic platformer engrosses players in the story due to a quality gameplay experience. The animation is rotoscoped, and all backdrops are hand drawn, providing a superior game-play aesthetic even today. There’s no wonder this cinematic platformer was a critical success and a bestseller on Genesis.

7 Shining Force

GameFAQs: 4.09/5

This strategy RPG was another acclaimed Genesis title. Set in the fantastical land of Rune, players follow Max’s ever-unfolding quest to defeat the evil Dark Dragon. As the true enemy, the sinister Darksol, is revealed, it’s up to Max and his Shining Force to stop his plans and defeat the dragon he resurrected.

As seen in many other RPGs, the game has a fantasy-driven narrative and also incorporates sci-fi elements. With a likable cast, as well as an exploration mode outside the main battles, Shining Force is a must-have in any Sega Genesis library.

6 Landstalker

GameFAQs: 4.11/5

A title of exceptional difficulty, Landstalker is not a game for the faint-hearted. Using an isometric layout, this action-adventure title tells of a treasure hunter’s quest. He must brave all sorts of enemies and traverse a fantastical world. His search for clues eventually leads to King Nole’s legendary treasure. This elf treasure hunter is the one and only Nigel.

Together with the wood nymph Friday, the player must lead Nigel on his journey through many dungeons, as well as meet nearby townsfolk. Side missions let the player help these NPCs win extra gold or other benefits. Overall, the game has become somewhat underrated, perhaps due to intensely difficult segments. However, its long campaign and high challenge level make it memorable, as a game worth tackling.

5 Streets of Rage 2

GameFAQs: 4.27/5

Widely seen as the series’ best entry, Streets of Rage 2 is still held in high acclaim to this day. Alongside brilliant quality animation and graphics, the game introduced players to some new characters: Max Thunder and Eddie, nicknamed “Skate.” The two join Axel and Blaze on their mission: The sinister Mr X and his Syndicate have returned and captured Skate’s brother Adam. The four heroes must find a way to free Adam from Mr. X’s clutches.

Much of the game’s overall design was led by a brother and sister duo. Yuzo Koshiro worked on the game’s music and is the series’ main composer for the entire series. His sister, Ayano Koshiro, designed the combat mechanics, characters, and graphics. This title has some fantastic animation and was upheld as a phenomenal release, winning many awards. It has been called the Genesis console’s best beat-’em-up.

4 Phantasy Star 4

GameFAQs: 4.29/5; IMDB: 8/10

The final installment in Phantasy Star’s original series, this title, like so many others on this list, is held as one of the best video games of all time. The game wraps up the narrative of the Algol Star System. The gameplay was applauded by critics, as was the equipment and technique systems.

Phantasy Star 4 follows the story of Alys and Chaz, two hunters who must keep the so-called “Biomonsters” under control. Their team’s mission eventually leads to the discovery of the “Profound Darkness,” which they must destroy to save the planet. The game has topped “Best Games” lists for many good reasons.

3 Sonic the Hedgehog 3

GameFAQs: 4.29/5; IMDB: 8.3/10

This fan-favorite title saw the introduction of Knuckles the Echidna, as well as a deeper storyline which continues in Sonic and Knuckles. With longer levels than the series entry before it, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 offers increased exploration and, thankfully, a save feature. The music is particularly notable in this game, as it was the first Sonic game Jun Senoue worked on. He would become a very influential Sound Director years later, including for Sonic’s first 3D outing in 1998, and is known for his hard-rock take on Sonic’s music.

However, pop star Michael Jackson also contributed to Sonic 3’s music. He was a big Sonic fan, but allegations against him led to controversy around his involvement in the soundtrack. However, though he went uncredited, his influence is clearly heard in tracks like “Hydrocity,” “Carnival Night,” and “Launch Base” zones.

2 Sonic the Hedgehog 2

GameFAQs: 4.3/5

The second Genesis game featuring Sega’s iconic mascot, this sequel took what the original did well, and went far beyond. The first Sonic the Hedgehog was groundbreaking and introduced the world to the blue speedster, who quickly became a well-loved video game icon. Sonic the Hedgehog 2, however, took Sonic on a larger, faster adventure and marked the debut of fan-favorite loyal sidekick, Miles “Tails” Prower. Sonic and Tails must stop Dr. Robotnik from gathering the seven Chaos Emeralds to power his super weapon: the Death Egg.

The game’s soundtrack is memorable and iconic, composed by Masato Nakamura of the band Dreams Come True, who’d also worked on the first game. Receiving critical acclaim for its beautiful backgrounds, music, and level design, plus several awards, it’s no wonder this game is one of the console’s most successful and beloved releases. Its success led to Sonic turning into a major gaming franchise.

1 Sonic and Knuckles

GameFAQs: 4.31/5

With two storylines, increased difficulty, and some innovative technological achievements, Sonic and Knuckles earns its place in the top spot. The game follows both titular characters in their separate storylines. Whereas Sonic is on his usual quest to stop Dr. Robotnik’s evil plan, Knuckles’ campaign takes place after Sonic’s and sees the echidna go up against the Doctor’s robots.

Despite being developed alongside Sonic 3 as a single game, it was split into two due to time constraints. However, the split enabled some exciting gameplay thanks to technological achievements. The cartridge featured a lock-on ability, so when certain games were connected to this one, players received additional games. Connecting Sonic 2 or Sonic 3 to Sonic and Knuckles created Knuckles in Sonic 2, and the entire Sonic 3 and Knuckles experiences. Other games would give players variations of the “Blue Sphere” special stage. Once again, the colorful environments and high replay value impressed critics and players, leading to the game becoming one of the Genesis’ most impressive releases.

MORE: Best Sega Dreamcast RPGs, Ranked