30. Mega Bomberman (MD)
Based on Hudson's PC Engine title Bomberman '94, Mega Bomberman was ported by Westone (of Wonder Boy fame) and supports the console's multitap accessory so four players can get involved with the destructive action. While both the SNES and PC Engine received multiple versions of Bomberman, this is the only entry on the Mega Drive, so it's an easy recommendation in that regard. The bright visuals are a perfect match for the system, and the game's obvious multiplayer appeal means it's worth digging out for social occasions. Keeping with the Sega theme, the excellent Saturn Bomberman would follow a few years later on the Sega Saturn.
29. 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.
28. Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen (MD)
Fresh from its success with Gunstar Heroes, Treasure would produce this hectic fighting game based on the famous anime and manga series, Yu Yu Hakusho. Up to four players can take part (with a multitap, of course) with the objective being the utter destruction of all opponents. Like Guardian Heroes – a game Treasure would develop for the Mega Drive’s successor, the Saturn – Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen allows players to leap between planes of movement. It also supports the console’s optional 6-button controller. Sadly, Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen was never released outside of Japan, although it did get a Brazilian release in 1999.
27. 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.
26. 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.
25. 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.
24. 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.
23. 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.
22. 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.
21. 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.
20. Devil Crash MD (MD)
Pinball games are very much a fixed concept, but Devil Crash MD – known in the west as Dragon’s Fury – tries its hardest to bend the rules. For starters, the table you’re playing on is packed with demonic imagery, from shambling monks to fire-breathing dragons. This satanic theme runs through the entire game, and even extends to various ‘side tables’ which serve as bonus areas where you can increase your points score. The glorious soundtrack rounds off what is a true classic of the genre, and one which recently inspired the equally excellent Demon’s Tilt on modern consoles.
19. 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.
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. 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.
16. 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.
15. 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.
14. 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.
13. Contra: Hard Corps (MD)
Alongside Castlevania: Bloodlines and Rocket Knight Adventures, Contra: Hard Corps stands as one of Konami’s greatest achievements on the Mega Drive. Like Bloodlines, it’s very much Contra turned up to the absolute maximum level of insanity; while the visuals and audio can’t quite match the SNES Contra III, the intensity of the on-screen action and sheer craziness of the levels means that this is perhaps a more hair-raising ride for fans of run-and-gun games. Contra: Hard Corps was the last game to be localised in Europe under the ‘Probotector’ name, and that version of the game features robots as the protagonists. All regional variants of the game are extremely expensive these days, but thankfully, the game is available as part of the Contra: Anniversary Collection for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows, and it was also included on the Mega Drive Mini – so you don’t need to sell a kidney to play it legally.
12. Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (MD)
Capcom enjoyed early success adapting Disney’s famous properties to the world of video games, but for many, it’s this Sega-made effort that really sticks in the memory. Castle of Illusion is a platforming masterpiece; gorgeously presented, supremely playable and instantly accessible, it still ranks as one of the Mega Drive’s finest examples of the genre – which is quite something when you consider it was released so early in the system’s lifespan. The fact that it was remade in 2013 speaks volumes of how highly it is still regarded by gamers all over the world. The game was repackaged alongside Quackshot for the Sega Saturn, but this double-pack sadly never made it to the west.
11. Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing (MD)
Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series may get all of the column inches today, but back in the early ‘90s that franchise was still totally exclusive to Japan and it was Sega’s Shining Force that led the way when it came to turn-based tactical RPGs. The original Shining Force was spun out of Shining in the Darkness and boasts hours of gameplay, upgradeable characters and excellent presentation. However, the second game just about edges it when it comes to sheer quality; it offers the player more freedom to explore the world but retains pretty much everything that made the original so compelling. The Shining Force series would also come to the Mega CD and Game Gear, and the third entry would later come to the Sega Saturn.
Comments 49
Gley Lancer, my love, my life...
NINJA APPROVED
Landstalker, my love, my life...
NIGEL APPROVED
The only game missing from this list for me is Buck Rogers: Countdown To Doomsday.
I can't say strongly enough how much I loved my Genesis. Between it and my best friend's SNES, we had no shortage of amazing games to play. It really was a fantastic time to be a gamer.
This system just had amazing game after game after game to play! So many of them hold up today too.
One game I would have added to the list though? Eternal Champions. It is still one of my favorite fighting games, and one that really needs a 3rd entry. (The sequel on Sega CD was great too)
I remember trying Streets of Rage 2 for the very first time when it came out on NSO and I just couldn't get into it. However, I absolutely loved the music that was playing and I decided to persevere so I could listen to more of those sweet jams. Fast forward to today and it's both one of my favourite Mega Drive game of all time, one of my favourite beatemups of all time AND one of my favourite games of all time. Just goes to show: don't judge a book by it's cover; you may just be surprised.
THANK YOU for putting FIFA 95 in! Deserved.
No Sonic 3 or S&K? Unacceptable!
Ahh yes The Revenge of Shinobi the game where Batman and Spider Man appeared in the same game along with a skeleton Dinosaur. It was such a weird game but despite that I went back to it time after time just so I could hear the brilliant OST that played during boss fights.
Gunstar heroes is still an amazing game even now, I would say Hellfire is one of the megadrives best certainly better than zero wing I think it only gets attention cos of its hilarious intro and I have always preferred Thunderforce 3 to 4 yes 4 is impressive but it’s insanely difficult and what about super fantasy zone I think it gets forgotten about cos it wasn’t released in the US but it’s a fantastic game
@BloodNinja totally agree absolutely love Gleylancer, everything about it is pure class.
@Axelay71 The soundtrack is played daily, in my home. Stay fierce, and believe in your power!!
@BloodNinja just such an amazing game, along with Thunder force. Two of my favourite megadrive shooters ever. The soundtrack on both games are ingrained in my head lol.
@Fizza Yuzo Koshiro is an absolute legend - he made that Mega Drive sound chip sing.
Some absolute bangers on this list — for my money...
...are the cream of the crop
@Axelay71 Same!!! You are certainly a person of culture!
@BloodNinja and you my friend.
Elemental Master, Eternal Champions and Flashback made Sega Genesis for me.
Great list, though I preferred Madden 92 lol.
Fantastic list, I own and replay many of these games to this day. One title I also revisit is Sub-Terrania. I just love the clean visual style, the music is atmospheric, and of course the Thrust-style gravity/inertia centered gameplay. Nothing else quite like it and while it is uneven, and a steep learning curve, there’s something compelling about it.
Two others that were great in their time were The Immortal (exploding heads) and the mani two-player duels in Star Control.
Huh, I didn't know Desert Strike was so well liked. I bought it recently, but only because one of my favorite composers worked on it. Might actually try playing it now!
@dkc_fan they said they tried to avoid games from the same series where possible... I agree that those are 2 amazing games, but I think Sonic 2 creeps ahead. I think they're better than some of the other games on this list though so they definitely should've been included, even if S&K is only an honourable mention!
@mystman12 it's an amazing game. The sequels, Jungle Strike, Urban Strike etc. aren't as great but Desert Strike is one of the best games on the system!
There's a few games missing, most noticeably the unforgiving Kid Chameleon! Donald Duck's Quackshot, Greendog, DeCap Attack, loads of great games that should definitely be on here.
Aladdin deserves a place on this list. The animation and game play on it was so smooth.
I remember getting mine with Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage for Christmas the year they came out. Best Christmas ever.
Everyone already knows Sonic 3 & Knuckles is the best Sonic game, so I'm glad articles like this exist to remind us that Sonic 2 is a great game, too.
Good games on here. I know it's not meant to be extensive, so I'll just add some others I like. Namco's Genesis output is often overlooked. Rolling Thunder 2 and 3 are both great games. I also like Phelios a lot, but that's not to everyone's taste. Treasure's Light Crusader was still great fun when I last played it a few years back, and the soundtrack is great. Fire Shark, Grind Stormer, Truxton, and Elemental Master are very good(and there are plenty more great shmups). Looking at what's on the list, Decap Attack surprised me how fun it was when I first played it. I have since wanted to try the Japanese original. Ranger X was another one that was a pleasant surprise. I wish I knew about it back in the day. It's such a well made game with the only issue I can think of being the controls are an obstacle for some people. I come back to that one a lot(last played it multiple times this time last year) and still learn new things and notice small details. It's also one of the few games I am happy to jack the difficulty up all the way. It's still a fair experience that way.
There are so many great games on here, reminders of that time (in the US, at least) when Sega truly ruled the roost, where the TurboGraphx never took off and before the SNES arrived.
I really appreciate your taking the time to catalogue where and how modern players can still find these games, like the MD Mini, NSO, or other re-releases (hopefully you can addend MD Mini 2 later).
I would recommend Super Monaco GP, Super Hang-on, Star Control, or Target Earth for the list, or some of the unique licensed games we’ll never see again, like Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker or even that McDonald’s themed platformer I can’t quite remember, other than it was fun 🤩
@RubyCarbuncle even weirder; that dinosaur skeleton was originally Godzilla! There are several versions of the game, each released after someone came after SEGA for copyright infringement. So there is a version with Batman, Spiderman, the Terminator and Godzilla and different versions with some or all removed/changed!
I'm going to be that guy and become a stubborn unmovable tree trunk. That list means nothing to me until I see these 2 games on there:
General Chaos
Skitchin
Without those 2 games that list is just fart in the wind to me.
@Gamecuber It gets even weirder than that: while the obvious Batman, Godzilla, and Rambo lookalikes were altered to avoid copyright infringement, the Spider-Man wannabe was instead turned into Spider-Man himself, licensed from Marvel!
(The Terminator just slipped under the radar, apparently.)
My favorite console of all-time. Sonic the Hedgehog was the reason I got a Genesis but it was the Streets of Rage series, particularly SoR 2, that was my favorite on the platform. Just excellent games. Two had the perfect mix of gameplay, level design, graphics and music. Even the limited amount of story was the best. Just a pure and simple game that was a blast, especially with friends.
Phantasy Star 🌠 The one that has the option to breed and your children's children take on the big bad. What a amazing game
Ristar and mabee Psycho Pinball deserved to be on the list but other than that it's a good list
My top Genesis games in no particular order:
There's a lot of great games there, and a handful I wouldn't put on such a list. But, if you're gonna include those two Shinobi games then Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master should absolutely be properly part of the list, rather than a side comment, and probably above the others imo. I'm not sure why you consider the other two better games in the series.
@BloodNinja totally agree absolutely love Gleylancer. Another gem is Eliminate down maybe you have played it.
And this people is why this is and always will be the best generation of gaming. Pure CLASSICS !! And that's just the Megadrive, combined with the Snes, just magic !!!
Well first of all Road Rash 2 is much better than the original and where's Toejam and Earl? Other than that a pretty great list for an amazing console and I'm glad that Warsong has some recognition
A great list and I certainly agree with most of the choices. When I look back on the Mega Drive days, two that stand out that are missing from this list are Street Fighter II and Micro Machines. Micro Machines 2 Turbo Tournament in particular. Used to love playing that in 4-player mode (with the built-in extra ports), we used to draw straws on who had to use the crappy original 3 button controllers (with short leads) versus the superior 6-button pads.
Couple mistakes in this article. There’s two games where Quackshot and Sonic The Hedgehog should be.
I just noticed that you have three pages worth of "best" games on Genesis/Mega Drive vs two for Super NES/Super Famicom. That seems a bit unbalanced and skewed, in that it basically suggests there's actually more "great" games on Genesis/Mega Drive than Super NES/Super Famicom.
If you can add an extra page of "best" titles for Genesis (and there's a handful of those in your list that I personally consider pretty average), you almost certainly could have managed to find three pages worth of great games for Super NES/Super Famicom too. I mean, there's roughly 1757 Super NES/Super Famicom games, which is more than twice as many as the roughly 878 Genesis/Mega Drive games in total, that's a huge difference, so it would be very strange to imagine there's actually less gems in a catalogue that has the amount of games of the other console plus the same again.
Where are any of the Parodius games? Parodius: Non-Sense Fantasy is easily a top 5 shmup on the console (top 3, maybe even number 2 for me personally)? What about top-notch titles like Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, Super Aleste, Ninja Warriors, Super Mario All-Stars, Gundam Wing: Endless Duel, Wild Guns, Killer Instinct, Knights of the Round, Pocky & Rocky, Top Gear 2, or any of the Dragon Quest games, and stuff like that?
Most of these games your own site rated like 8-9/10 and even a 10/10 for one of them.
I think you definitely ignored some greats on Super NES/Super Famicom, titles that are definitely widely considered as good as if not better than a bunch of stuff you added to the Genesis/Mega Drive list, and that easily could have filled another page on the Super NES/Super Famicom similarly.
Maybe when the SNES' next birthday rolls around you can add those titles I listed above to this list too.
Anyway, it's just something that I noticed and wanted to comment on.
Where is Dune II: Battle for Arrakis? It's one of the best and unique games on MD.
Some games I have not played yet.. Let's find them on eBay!
@BloodNinja totally agree absolutely love Gleylancer, another 16bit gem.
The Sega Genesis is my most nostalgic console by far. It is where my gaming story began, and it is the reason I've been passionate about gaming — and Sega games in particular — my whole life. I go through this list, and I realize how many stone cold classics there are. The list almost makes itself, and it could be twice as long easily!
Edit: Case in point, this list needs more Ecco the Dolphin. But it's still a great list!
I'll just refer to my comment #44 again, so hopefully you address the point I raised there in the couple of years you have before the SNES' 35th birthday.
And, as I've said before too, there's lots of genuinely great games on the Genesis list, but some that just aren't good enough to warrant inclusion on a list called Best Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games of all Time imo--unless you're maybe making a Top 50 or Top 100 list. Still, opinions and all . . .
Glad to see Shadow Dancer here! It’s my favorite Genesis game-and much better than the other Shinobi games imho.
I’d also put Ghostbusters on the list-but that’s just me!
No Lunar, Snatcher or Sonic CD failed list 😂😂😂
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