FIFA 95 (MD)
Long before FIFA became the microtransaction-filled monster that it is today, it was a surprisingly refreshing isometric kickaround that solidified the Mega Drive’s reputation as the best console for sports games. This sequel – the first to have a year included in its title, fact fans – is a big improvement over the original, retaining the gloriously fast gameplay while adding in some welcome extras. FIFA would of course move into the realm of 3D with FIFA 96 on the PlayStation and Saturn (and it’s important to note that a 3D version also appeared on the ill-fated 3DO), but there’s something undeniably comforting about a FIFA which has a fixed, isometric perspective.
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.
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.
ESWAT: City Under Siege (MD)
Like Shadow Dancer, ESWAT is one of those odd Mega Drive titles which is based on an arcade machine but totally changes the visuals, gameplay and level design to come up with an entirely new game that has very little to do with its namesake. Also like Shadow Dancer, the Mega Drive version of ESWAT is arguably a superior game when compared to its coin-op sibling; the sense of progression is better (you start as a lowly cop and only earn your Robocop-style suit in level 3) while the stage design benefits from the fact that this is clearly aimed at a home console audience, rather than the arcade crowd which is expected to pump plenty of coins in to keep playing. The visuals are dark and moody but come with plenty of detail, while the soundtrack offers some of the best music from the console's early library. If you like Shinobi-style action platformers, then this is a must.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (MD)
At the close of the '80s, the Turtles were everywhere, including the arcades thanks to Konami's excellent belt-scrolling brawler. Clearly aware that it was on to a good thing, Konami quickly commissioned a sequel (Turtles in Time) which was ported to the SNES not long afterwards. Because Konami was relatively late to the party when it came to supporting Sega's hardware, Mega Drive fans had to wait a little longer for their Turtles game, but it was well worth it. The Hyperstone Heist might feel like a 'greatest hits' which pulls in elements from previously-released Turtles outings, but it's bright, addictive and a blast to play, especially with a second person.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When did the Sega Genesis launch?
The Mega Drive was launched in Japan on October 29th, 1988. It would arrive in North America on August 14th, 1989 and in Europe in September 1990.
Can you play Sega Mega Drive games on a Sega Genesis?
No, not without using an adapter or modifying your console. Japanese Mega Drive cartridges are physically different from North American and European ones, and will not fit in the cartridge slot of a Western console. Furthermore, later titles included a region-locking system.
What is the best-selling Sega Genesis game of all time?
The best-selling Sega Genesis title is Sonic the Hedgehog, which was bundled with the console in North America and Europe. As a result, it sold 15 million copies.
What is the longest Sega Genesis game?
Clocking in at 55 hours to complete on average (according to HowLongToBeat), Might and Magic 2 is the longest Sega Genesis game.
How many games were on the Sega Genesis?
There are 1,016 video games on Genesis. Homebrew titles continue to be released even to this day.
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.
I would play Wani Wani World before rainbow islands
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!
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