When Sega released the Sega Genesis Mini in 2018, it served to whet the collective appetite of many Sega fans who wanted to explore the company’s vast catalogue. The selection of that device was solid, but anyone who knows the Genesis knows that it really only scratched the surface of the system’s vast and varied library. Therefore, Sega fans received with great anticipation the announcement of a Mega Drive Mini 2 that would be brought to the US as the Genesis Mini 2. Excitement grew even higher when it was learned that this new mini console would include Sega . CD Games and would focus on more obscure gems from the Genesis library.
This list will cover many of the must-have games that have been announced for the Sega Genesis. Some of these are common games that are readily available elsewhere. Other games have never been republished after their original run and can command absurd prices on the second-hand market. Either way, these are games that have to be played one way or another.
10 sonic cd
sonic cd is an absolute bona fide classic, even if it often doesn’t get as much love as other classic Sonic games. This title introduced the characters of Amy Rose and Metal Sonic. It made fantastic use of a unique time travel mechanic that allowed players to move between different versions of the same level set in the past, present, and future good or bad.
The game also featured a unique take on 2D Sonic level design and some of the series’ most distinctive boss fights. Combine this with an amazing soundtrack and you have one of the best Sega CD titles.
9 Bright Force CD
A criminally overlooked game, Shining Force CD was largely an improved remake of the first two Shining Force Gaiden titles for the Sega Game Gear, albeit with the addition of unlockable third and fourth campaigns that are exclusive to this release.
These games received a massive graphical boost over the original Game Gear titles and the soundtrack on the new CD is excellent. But the best part of these games is the deep tactical combat combined with a diverse cast of characters. If you are a fan of tactical RPGs like fire emblemeither Triangle Strategy You shouldn’t sleep in this gem.
8 centy crusader
One of the most expensive Sega Genesis games, Centy’s Crusader can be considered as the Genesis equivalent of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Both games have very similar gameplay and visual design; however, this game is distinguished by its lighter tone and greater emphasis on story. The game is also somewhat more linear than most Zelda titles.
Despite being somewhat derived Centy’s Crusader it manages to stand on its own with solid core gameplay, an original story, and some of the best graphics on the Genesis. An essential game for anyone who enjoys a good action adventure. It’s great that more people are finally getting a chance to play this classic.
7 alien soldier
This game can be considered as a kind of spiritual predecessor of cup head, in the sense that they are both run and gun boss race games. This game is everything you could want or expect from an old school Treasure game; Lightning-fast, action-packed gameplay, graphics that push the console they’re for to the absolute limit, somewhat experimental game design within an established genre, and a short but sweet campaign.
All of them are present and accounted for. Is it any wonder then why alien soldier is considered one of the best games of the 16-bit era?
6 lighting force
Easily the peak of the thunder force Serie, lighting strength (yes, that’s how you spell it) pushed the Sega Genesis to its absolute limits and delivered one of the best side-scrolling shooters of the era. As far as shooting games go, this game is the complete package, with 10 expansive, expertly crafted stages, an amazing soundtrack, lots of cool power-ups, and a huge challenge.
Everything about this game is refined and polished to a mirror shine. An absolute joy to experience, this is an absolute must-play for any shooter fan.
5 War cry
Another great tactical RPG that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre, War cry (also know as Langrissier) is an oft-forgotten classic from the Sega Genesis library.
The game is something like a cross between fire emblem Y advanced wars, offers plenty of tactical depth that will satisfy even the most hardcore strategy buff. The game features a diverse and memorable cast of characters, which of course makes it even more brutal when they die. As in fire emblemdeath is permanent.
4 shinobi’s revenge
An early game in the life of Genesis, shinobi revenge set a high bar for action games on the system. An evolution from previous entries in the series, this game introduced several new moves to Joe Musashi’s arsenal, making him more versatile than ever.
The game’s level design makes excellent use of these abilities, and overall this title is a joy to play. Noteworthy is the musical score of the famous musician Yuzo Koshiro, which is able to take full advantage of the Genesis sound chip.
3 earthworm jim 2
After smashing it out of the park with the first earthworm Jim, Shiny Entertainment was able to continue with an even better and more refined sequel.
This is a game that absolutely screams ’90s, from its wacky sense of humor to its use of gross lighting Earthworm Jim 2 looks and feels like something straight out of Nickelodeon circa 1993. This also carries over to the gameplay you can make the player act. any of a number of zany tasks. Despite its varied game modes, this title feels remarkably cohesive, coupled with rock-solid action platforming. A great game overall, especially a must for those who are nostalgic for the cartoons of that era.
two Ecco: The Tides of Time
the echo games have never received the respect they deserve. Most people dismiss them as failed experiments. This sells these games short, especially the second entry which greatly improved the level design and gameplay of the original.
But while the Genesis version of Ecco: The Tides of Time was solid, the game didn’t realize its full potential until it was ported to Sega CD. This version left the gameplay untouched, but added an amazing atmospheric soundtrack that greatly elevated the overall experience, creating a game that felt more like a cutting-edge work of art, unlike anything of the time.
1 Ristar
Released late in the Genesis’s lifespan, Ristar I never had a chance to shine. Which is a shame because this is easily one of the most polished 2D platformers of the era.
The game is largely based around a single mechanic, the main character being able to stretch out their arms to grab things. While this may sound simple enough, the game uses it in a variety of interesting and clever ways. This is supported by fantastic level design that often encourages players to use their abilities creatively to reach the goal. To top it off, the game looks and sounds great. It’s easy to see that the designers had really mastered how to get the most out of the Genesis hardware at this point.
