30. 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.

29. Herzog Zwei MD

Considered by many to be the first true ‘Real-Time Strategy’ title, Herzog Zwei is one of the best two-player games on the Mega Drive. Sure, it takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, it’s likely to be the cause of many a late-night multiplayer session as you and a friend fight it out for domination of the battlefield. You control a transforming robot that can pick up manufactured units and distribute them around the map, with the ultimate aim being the destruction of your opponent’s HQ. Smaller outposts can be claimed and used as staging posts, and the more you ‘own’ of these, the faster the cash rolls in. It’s a deliciously simply concept which offers months (if not years) of gameplay, and the recent Switch version even adds in online multiplayer, taking things to the next level.

28. Ranger X MD

When the SNES began to really hit its stride with titles like Cybernator and Contra III, Sega hit back with games like Ranger X (Ex-Ranza in Japan), a mech-heavy action platformer developed by GAU Entertainment (later know as Nextech). One of those rare titles which is capable of combining impressive technical achievements with solid, captivating gameplay, Ranger X can be somewhat intimidating at first, but rewards your dedication with exciting gameplay and some of the best visuals seen on the Mega Drive. It also makes excellent use of the Mega Drive’s 6-button control pad, if you have one to hand.

27. 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.

26. Strider MD

Originally released in arcades by Capcom and reprogrammed under licence by Sega itself, Strider is an arcade platformer that never seems to run out of fresh ideas. Its agile protagonist feels athletic and exciting to control, while the ever-changing locations – which include snowy Russia, a floating battleship, the depths of the Amazon rainforest and even the moon – fuel you with the desire to find out what’s up next. This Mega Drive port is amazingly close to the coin-op original and even improves on it in some ways; the main sprite is arguably better-looking here. It’s a shame that some things are missing (the voice samples in between levels, for example), but it seems unfair to pick fault when you consider this was a home port of a cutting-edge arcade machine, released just over a year after the coin-op made its debut.

25. Zero Wing MD

It’s somewhat cruel that this classic Toaplan shmup is now best known for siring the ‘All your base’ meme, because behind the amusing ‘Engrish’ translation (only seen in the European version of the game, as Zero Wing didn’t get a North American release back in the day) there lies a fantastic example of the genre. Toaplan’s trademark visuals and sound are present and correct, and the ability to grab onto enemies and use them in battle gives the game a unique hook. Zero Wing was recently reissued by Retro-Bit, and you’ll be pleased to learn that it includes the infamous intro sequence.

24. 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.

23. 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.

22. The Revenge of Shinobi MD

A very early entry in the Mega Drive library, The Revenge of Shinobi (Super Shinobi in Japan) was one of the first games to really show what the console was capable of. Boasting visuals that massively improve over its arcade forerunner, Revenge of Shinobi combines tight control with excellent level design and inventive enemies, but for many players, the most memorable aspect of the entire game is Yuzo Koshiro's incredible soundtrack. It's worth noting that early versions of the game included Spider-Man and Batman as foes, as well as Godzilla. These were removed from subsequent versions, as was the late Sonny Chiba's likeness on the title screen. Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Super Shinobi II in Japan) is also well worth checking out, but Revenge is arguably the better game.

21. 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.

20. 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.

19. 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.

18. 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.

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. 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.

15. 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.

14. Road Rash MD

The Mega Drive isn't exactly swimming in amazing racing games, but Road Rash stands out because it not only offers plenty of high-speed fun but also the ability to clobber your rivals when they get too close. The undulating roads add to the sense of immersion, and while it's often a better strategy to avoid combat and simply finish as well as possible, the temptation to take down your opponents adds a welcome wrinkle to proceedings. The Mega Drive sequel is also worth a look, as is the 3DO version. Strangely, Road Rash is one of those franchises which was massively popular at one point in time but has struggled to remain relevant as the decades have passed by.

13. Magical Hat no Buttobi Tābo! Daibōken MD

Based on a Japanese anime series, this cartoon platformer is a sequel of sorts to the excellent Psycho Fox on the Master System. The lead character is capable of flapping his large trousers while in mid-air so he can glide over large gaps, and his ability to stomp on the top of enemies gives the game a very 'Super Mario' feel. However, you can also punch enemies and hurl an egg-shaped ally at them. Other items allow you to benefit from time-limited powers, such as the ability to turn into a massive gorilla mech which is handy for tackling end-of-level bosses. Because the anime was totally unknown outside of Japan, there was little point in paying for the licence to be used in the west, so Sega took the game and replaced all of the backgrounds and characters, creating Decap Attack. Both versions are worth a look, but the Japanese original has bags of charm and is relatively cheap on the secondary market.

12. 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.

11. 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.