30. 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.

29. 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.

28. 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.

27. 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.

26. 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.

25. 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?

24. 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.

23. 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.

22. 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.

21. 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.

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. 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.

17. 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.

16. 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.

15. 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.

14. 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.

13. 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.

12. 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.

11. 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.