30. Dynamite Headdy (MD)

This manically-paced and stunningly inventive platformer proves that there’s more to Treasure than run-and-gun blasters. Like all of the company’s games, Dynamite Headdy is a technical showcase and really pushes the host hardware to its limits. However, it’s the core gameplay hook – Headdy’s interchangeable heads – which really sticks in the memory with this one. 17 different heads on available in the game, giving the gameplay a truly unique flavour. Another nice touch is that the levels you’re playing through are all set on a theatre stage, and you often catch glimpses of this fact in the backgrounds.

29. Beyond Oasis (MD)

As one of the console’s later releases, Beyond Oasis (The Story of Thor: A Successor of the Light in Japan and Europe) stands out as a technically stunning action RPG. Developed by Yuzo Koshiro’s studio Ancient, the game showcases large, detailed sprites and beautiful locations. The gameplay is of a high standard, too, with various locations to explore and puzzles to solve. While comparisons can be drawn with the Zelda series – and people certainly did so at the time of release – Beyond Oasis places a much stronger emphasis on combat and its world is arguably more alluring and detailed than Hyrule in Zelda: A Link to the Past. A Saturn sequel followed in 1996 under the title The Legend of Oasis (also known as The Story of Thor 2), but, despite the prettier graphics, it’s perhaps not as polished as this title.

28. Ghouls 'n Ghosts (MD)

Coded by a young Yuji Naka – who would later have a hand in birthing Sonic the Hedgehog – this conversion of Capcom's seminal arcade title, like Strider, served as a solid indication of how powerful the Mega Drive truly was back in its early years. While there are visual differences between this and the coin-op original, the core gameplay and feel are incredible faithful, and it's fair to surmise that this version is the one that many fans grew up playing. It's a shame that Sega fans didn't get more from this series; the sequel, Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, was developed by Capcom exclusively for the SNES.

27. Virtua Racing (MD)

How do you fit a state-of-the-art 3D graphics arcade machine onto a console which was built around 2D games? Well, you can’t really, but Sega gave it a good go with this port. The coin-op Virtua Racing might look crude now, but back in the early ‘90s it was a tantalising glimpse of the future, and the fact that Sega even attempted to bring it to the Mega Drive is amazing in itself. However, the 16-bit console had some help thanks to the addition of the ‘Sega Virtua Processor’ (SVP) chip, a 3D accelerator not unlike the Super FX chip seen in the SNES game, Star Fox. The result is a game that is still a long way from matching the arcade version, but something that was jaw-dropping for 1994 standards. What really matters is that Sega managed to include the coin-op’s hugely enjoyable gameplay. Coincidentally, you can check out the arcade version as part of the Sega Ages range on Switch.

26. Desert Strike: Return To The Gulf (MD)

Released at a time when the Gulf War was still very fresh in people's memories, Desert Strike garnered plenty of attention for its seemingly controversial setting, but in reality, it's a fantastic isometric blaster which offers a decent challenge and some stunning visuals. While it's a stern test for your reactions, Desert Strike also offers plenty of scope for repeat play thanks to its large levels and hidden secrets. Sequels such as Jungle Strike and Urban Strike build on the concept, but the original is perhaps the 'purest' take on the concept.

25. Alien Soldier (MD)

If Gunstar Heroes was Treasure showing what it could do on the Mega Drive, Alien Soldier is the studio taking things to the next level in every respect. One of the most technically stunning games ever released on the Mega Drive, this epic run-and-gun title is best described as one long boss rush, with short levels in between. Seen by many as the perfect swansong for the Mega Drive – the ‘hardcore gamer’ console – Alien Soldier is breathtaking in its scope, but hardly the most welcoming of action games for genre newcomers. It was only released physically in Japan and Europe back in 1995 (the North American release was limited to the company’s ‘Sega Channel’ service) so expect to pay high prices if you’re hankering for the original cartridge.

24. Gynoug (MD)

It's fair to say that Gynoug (Wings of Wor in North America) stood out upon release thanks to its nightmarish visuals rather than its gameplay, but it would be unfair to assume that it's not worth a look. Sure, those visuals are truly incredible – a horrific fusion of flesh and technology in some places – but they're also some of the most impressive on the Mega Drive, which is quite something when you take into account how early this was released. Thankfully, Gynoug backs up its unique presentation with some brilliant shmup action, along with a suitably rousing soundtrack. One of the most interesting examples of the genre you'll find anywhere, and one that is now thankfully available on digital stores, too.

23. Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole (MD)

While the SNES was positively drowning in amazing RPGs back in the ‘90s, there was a viewpoint shared by some which felt that Sega’s 16-bit console was sorely lacking in this particular department. Presumably, those same people hadn’t noticed the amazing Landstalker, an isometric action RPG from the same team that co-produced the Shining series with Camelot Software Planning, Climax Entertainment. The perspective meant that the developers could incorporate platforming elements into the gameplay, which makes Landstalker feel very different from other examples of the genre. Combat and puzzle-solving also play a part, while the sumptuous visuals really help the game stand out. A PSP remake was in development at one point, but sadly never saw the light of day. Climax Entertainment sadly shut down around 2014.

22. Wonder Boy in Monster World (MD)

While series fans generally agree that this Mega Drive outing (which shouldn’t be confused with console stablemate Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair, which is a scrolling shooter) isn’t quite as inventive and revolutionary as Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap on the Master System, it’s still one of the high points of the series. Granted, the monster transformations which made the 8-bit entry so unique are gone, but in their place, there’s a much stronger story, notably improved visuals and audio and a lengthy experience that keeps throwing new surprises in your direction. Interestingly, developer Westone also released the game on the PC Engine CD, but without the Wonder Boy branding, which Sega owns. That version is called The Dynastic Hero.

21. Crusader of Centy (MD)

Lazy comparisons at the time of release wrote this off as a Zelda clone, but Crusader of Centy (Soleil in Europe, Shin Souseiki Ragnacënty in Japan) is very much its own thing. While it looks and plays similarly to Zelda: A Link to the Past, Crusader of Centy introduces animal helpers who can aid the player character in a wide variety of ways. Throw in a cool cameo appearance from none other than Sonic the Hedgehog and you’ve got a charming action RPG that absolutely deserves your attention, even today.

20. Shining in the Darkness (MD)

While FTL’s 1987 home computer hit Dungeon Master didn’t come up with the idea of a first-person RPG, it certainly did a lot to popularise the approach, and when Sega announced it was working on a thematically similar game, there was much excitement in the air. Ultimately, Shining in the Darkness isn’t really a close match for Dungeon Master. FTL’s game takes place in real-time, while Sega’s game is a turn-based affair with random encounters and the like. Still, it’s incredibly successful at adapting the Final Fantasy-style JRPG style to a first-person adventure and showcases lovely visuals and a decent storyline. A fantastic Saturn sequel – entitled Shining the Holy Ark – would follow in 1997.

19. Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (MD)

Often overlooked in favour of series stablemates Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, Shadow Dancer is a more colourful and hyperactive take on the series. While it takes its name from the 1989 arcade machine, Shadow Dancer on the Mega Drive is actually an entirely different outing with new sprites, levels and music. ‘One hit’ kills make their return after the life bar of Revenge of Shinobi, which gives Shadow Dancer a tighter, more tense feel, while the levels are packed with bright enemies and unusual bosses. While Yuzo Koshiro wasn’t involved with the game’s music – his soundtrack to the first title is the stuff of legend – it still has some stand-out tracks which stick in your head for hours after you’ve finished playing. This game offers the tight, playable arcade action Sega built its reputation on, and is highly recommended.

18. Comix Zone (MD)

Developed in the west by Sega Technical Institute, Comix Zone is one of the most inventive fighting games you’ll ever play. As the title hints, the action takes place entirely on the page of a comic book, with the player character literally punching and kicking their way through the borders which separate each panel and moving around the page to progress. Sega was so pleased with itself for coming up with the idea it even patented the concept of a “video game system for creating a simulated comic book game". Comix Zone has a few rough edges, for sure, but it’s such a unique experience that you should definitely seek it out if you’re looking for the best the Mega Drive can offer.

17. MUSHA (MD)

Part of Compile’s legendary Aleste series, MUSHA – which, according to the North American version, stands for “Metallic Uniframe Super Hybrid Armor” but in fact means ‘Warrior’ in Japanese – is a fantastic blaster that is made all the more remarkable when you consider that it was released in 1990, making it one of the Mega Drive’s earliest shmups. Despite this, it contains some of the most impressive visual effects seen on the system – stage two's ravine being a good example, with the floor literally falling away beneath your ship, opening up layers of stunning parallax scrolling. The gameplay is just as engaging, with a firm challenge and plenty of variety, while the pumping soundtrack does an excellent job of complementing the on-screen carnage.

16. Flashback (MD)

The singular vision of Paul Cuisset, Flashback is an action-platformer that does much to redefine what ‘cinematic video gaming’ means. Via the use of rotoscoped animation and stunning animated cutscenes, the game creates an immersive and compelling world to explore, complete with challenging puzzles, thrilling combat and entertaining platforming action. Released to almost unanimous praise back in 1992, Flashback has become a true cult classic and remains one of the best games of the entire 16-bit era. Utterly essential.

15. Gley Lancer (MD)

One of the many Mega Drive shmups that today commands astonishing prices on the secondary market, Gley Lancer is a horizontal blaster with a unique weapons system, striking visuals (including anime-style cutscenes which look so good you’d think this was a Mega CD game) and an excellent soundtrack. It was denied a release outside of Japan back in the day, a fact which no doubt contributes to its high resale value, but thankfully it was recently re-issued by Colombus Circle, a Japanese company that specialises in resurrecting old and unreleased video games. The price of this reprint is steadily rising in value, too, so if you fancy checking it out you might want to pull the trigger sooner rather than later. Mercifully, it's also available as a digital download.

14. Monster World IV (MD)

It’s puzzling that Sega didn’t feel confident enough to release Monster World IV in the west back in 1994, given that the Wonder Boy series had been commercially successful across its Master System, Mega Drive and Game Gear platforms. Whatever the reason for the reluctance, western players missed out on one of the best platform RPGs of the 16-bit era; Monster World IV – which has a female rather than male protagonist – is a sprawling Metroidvania-style adventure with colourful visuals and captivating gameplay. It would be 2012 before Sega localised the game – it got a release on digital platforms – and it was more recently included on the Sega Mega Drive Mini. A full remake arrived in 2021 on modern systems.

13. Rocket Knight Adventures (MD)

One of Konami’s early hits on Sega’s 16-bit hardware, Rocket Knight Adventures places you in the metal suit of Sparkster, an opossum who sets out to free his land from the tyranny of an evil army of pigs. Konami’s technical skill is evident from the outset, with the game hurling all kinds of carnage around the screen, while the steampunk-style design has a timeless appeal. Despite two sequels – one for the Mega Drive and one for the SNES – Rocket Knight is a series that has fallen out of favour in recent years. A 2009 reboot by UK-based Climax didn’t really set the world on fire, and it seems that Sparkster is destined to remain in the realm of largely ignored ‘90s animal mascots. Still, at least he had this amazing adventure, right?

12. Warsong (MD)

Known as Langrisser in Japan, Warsong is a turn-based tactical RPG along the same lines as Fire Emblem and Shining Force, with some key differences. Your generals are the most powerful units on the map, but they have their own troops who can be controlled individually. When these troops succeed in battle, it earns experience for that particular general, and the game's cast of characters have several 'upgrade paths' they can follow which change their appearance, skills and available troop types. Hours of deep and involving gameplay await, along with stellar art from Satoshi Urushihara and brilliant music by Noriyuki Iwadare, Isao Mizoguchi and Hiroshi Fujioka. Several sequels followed – none of which were localised at the time of release – but it's possible to experience the first two Mega Drive entries on modern hardware thanks to a recent remake.

11. Thunder Force IV (MD)

Thunder Force is another of those franchises which didn’t begin life on the Mega Drive, but has become almost synonymous with it. Thunder Force II kicked things off, but it would be the third and fourth instalments that really pushed the console to its limits. Thunder Force IV is arguably the highlight of the three games on Sega’s 16-bit system; its visuals are so incredible that the screen has to scroll up and down to fully showcase them, while the range of weaponry on offer means there’s a tactic for any given situation. Throw in some imaginative stages and a stern (but fair) challenge, and you’ve got one of the best blasters of this period – and the rocking soundtrack is fantastic, too. You can play it as part of the Sega Ages range of Switch.