![Best Mega Drive / Genesis Games](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images.timeextension.com/c3754bb89137d/best-mega-drive-genesis-games.900x.jpg)
Released in Japan on October 29th 1988 - that's 35 years ago today - the Sega Mega Drive (or Genesis, if you're in North America) is arguably the company's most beloved home console – it's certainly the most commercially successful, having shifted a respectable 30.75 million units worldwide.
The first true 16-bit home console, the Mega Drive boasts a library that is absolutely packed full of fast-paced arcade and sports titles, as well as a wide range of platformers, RPGs and fighting games.
Below, you'll find a selection of what we feel are the best games the console has to offer. We've tried to avoid picking several games from the same series where possible, and have aimed to showcase the wide range of titles on the system across the spectrum of genres. It's also worth noting that these games are not presented in any particular ranking.
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.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (MD)
Everyone has their favourite Sonic game, and while the original had an amazing impact on millions of players and finally gave Sega its very own Mario rival, the second is unquestionably a superior outing. The addition of the spin dash makes the gameplay more exciting and engaging, while the visuals and sound are refined in all the right ways. The inclusion of a sidekick might have garnered a few groans at the time of release, but Tails opens up the game’s two-player mode, which adds further to its appeal and longevity. Some might argue that Sonic & Knuckles is the better game, but for us, Sonic 2 hits the sweet spot.
Phantasy Star IV (MD)
Phantasy Star began life on the 8-bit Master System, but would find global fame on the Mega Drive with three excellent sequels. Phantasy Star IV, released towards the end of the console’s life, is the zenith of the series and offers up a rip-roaring JRPG quest that mixes fantasy elements with sci-fi tropes to amazing effect. Boasting many hours of gameplay, fantastic visuals and a storyline that will keep you glued to your seat, this is one of the best role-playing romps of the 16-bit era.
Streets of Rage 2 (MD)
Considered to be one of the greatest belt-scrolling brawlers of all time, Streets of Rage 2 (Bare Knuckle 2 in Japan) is regularly mentioned when people discuss must-have Mega Drive titles. It improves on its already impressive forerunner by adding more moves, locations and characters, while the visuals represent a massive leap forward, with huge, well-animated sprites and gorgeous backgrounds. The soundtrack – jointly composed by Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima – is equally legendary, and serves as a fine example of what the console’s oft-maligned audio hardware can do when in the right hands. The third Streets of Rage title is decent but perhaps not quite as well-loved, while the recent fourth outing serves as the perfect example of how to update a 16-bit series for the modern era.
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.
Gunstar Heroes (MD)
Formed by a group of ex-Konami staffers, Treasure cut its teeth on Sega hardware, and Gunstar Heroes remains one of the studio’s most acclaimed releases. Even today, the sheer volume of visual effects the game hurls at the player is awe-inspiring; the run-and-gun action is peerless and each level looks and feels totally different. The inventiveness on display is truly stunning, making Gunstar Heroes one of the highlights of the Mega Drive’s library – both in terms of enjoyment and technical prowess. If you don't have access to the original hardware, then you can check it out on the Nintendo 3DS (with fancy 3D effects) and on the Sega Mega Drive Mini micro-console.
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.
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.
John Madden Football '93 (MD)
While all of the John Madden Football games on the Mega Drive are worth a look, this particular entry is perhaps the best starting point if you’re a newcomer, as it builds on the amazing work seen in the previous titles to offer a more rounded gameplay experience. One of Madden’s greatest strengths is its multiplayer appeal, and that’s certainly true here – this is one of the best two-player titles on the console, even if you have no interest whatsoever in the sport of American Football. The simplicity of the controls – combined with the wide selection of available plays and the scope for strategy and skill – make for the perfect social video game, especially if you like trash-talking your opponent when you pull off the perfect move against the run of the game. The lack of a proper NFL licence is the only downer, but this doesn't impact the gameplay.
Castlevania: Bloodlines (MD)
Konami was late to the party when it came to supporting the Mega Drive, but when it did eventually turn up, it did so in style. Castlevania: Bloodlines (Vampire Killer in Japan, and Castlevania: The New Generation in Europe) is a visual and technical showcase that abandons the laid-back atmosphere of the SNES title Super Castlevania IV and instead adopts a more intense, over-the-top approach; there’s plenty of cartoon gore (some of which was censored for the European version) but the main hook is the tight control, challenging gameplay and wide range of environments. While many other Castlevania titles focus on Dracula’s titular fortress, Bloodlines takes a whistle-stop tour of Europe, starting in Romania before moving to Greece, France, Italy, Germany and eventually England. Original copies of the game are quite expensive these days, but thankfully Castlevania: Bloodlines is available on the Mega Drive Mini, and on the Castlevania Anniversary Collection on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam and Nintendo Switch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rainbow Islands Extra (MD)
An enhanced port of Taito’s 1987 arcade smash hit, Rainbow Islands Extra was sadly denied a western release back in the day and is now quite an expensive purchase on Japanese import. It’s worth tracking down, however; it’s a fantastic facsimile of the coin-op boasting faithful visuals, sound and controls. The ‘extra’ in the title refers to the fact that this conversion includes ‘Rainbow Islands Extra Version’, which is a modified version of the original coin-op with new enemy and boss placement. You can choose to play the original game or the ‘extra’ version from the title screen.
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.
Steel Empire (MD)
The Mega Drive is home to a lot of shmups, some of which are better than others. What makes Steel Empire really stand out from its contemporaries is the brilliant steampunk setting; clearly inspired by the likes of Studio Ghibli’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky, the game’s visuals are packed with airships, industrial villages and shattered fortresses. This unique aesthetic really helps the game stand out from the crowd, but it’s the appealing gameplay that makes it all stick together; there’s a reason that Steel Empire has gone on to become something of a cult classic, and has been reissued on both Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 3DS. While the Japanese Mega Drive version is expensive on the second-hand market, the western versions are a lot cheaper and easier to find.
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.
NHL '94 (MD)
The NHL series – also known as EA Hockey in some parts of the world – ranks alongside Madden and FIFA when it comes to essential 16-bit sports series. This sequel is regarded by many fans as the apex of the franchise on the Mega Drive; it builds on the amazing multiplayer experience offered by earlier entries with new animations, abilities and the opportunity to save your records. Considered by some to be one of the best sports video games ever produced, NHL '94 is a must-have if you’re looking for two-player action on your Mega Drive.
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.
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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