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.