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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 consoles success.
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.
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.
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.
If you like my posts then click on the image to follow