What are the best Genesis games of all time? Those games from Sega that gave Nintendo some fierce competition in the ’90s.
In 1991, Nintendo controlled 85% of the American video game market. With the release of the SNES and classic titles like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Nintendo looked like it would dominate the gaming landscape for years to come.
However, Sega (then a struggling arcade game manufacturer) had other plans.
The Sega Genesis knew it couldn’t quite match the power of the SNES, or gain the level of name recognition that Nintendo’s new console had. So, it went in a different direction. Armed with its speedy blue mascot, a slew of excellent arcade ports, and a marketing strategy that focused on older gamers, the Genesis gave the Super Nintendo the competition it sorely needed.
And while things didn’t pan out for Sega in the end, the Sega Genesis console helped elevate the quality of games across all platforms. But which of the console’s classic titles is the very best?
Best Genesis Games Of All Time
Sonic 3 & Knuckles
Yes, these are technically two games, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles were originally designed as one massive Sonic game. And, thanks to the revolutionary lock-on technology, you could play them as such despite that they technically came out a year apart.
There is just so much unforgettable content here. From the moment Eggman sets Angel Island on fire in the opening level of Sonic 3 and the introduction of Knuckles to the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Mushroom Hill Zone in Sonic & Knuckles, and the thrilling conclusion in the Death Egg and Doomsday Zones. It is all set to some of the best music in the series (thanks no doubt to the involvement of Michael Jackson).
And, what’s more, when you combine the two games, you can play through any level as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles. This alters the layout of some levels, making certain areas only accessible to a specific character.
The amount of content in Sonic 3 & Knuckles is unparalleled for any platformer of the era, on either the Genesis or the SNES. This is probably the best Genesis game of all time, and to this day it is quite possibly the best Sonic game ever.
Mortal Kombat 2
Even after several years of incredible Mortal Kombat experiences, many gamers still insist that Mortal Kombat II is the best and most balanced entry in the long-running series.
All the characters, stages, fatalities, and secrets from the arcade version of the title are here, and the Genesis’ six-button control offered the perfect way to experience this landmark fighting game in the comfort of your home. Granted, some will argue that the SNES port is still superior, but each version has its merits.
And, regardless of your preferences, the Genesis version of Mortal Kombat II is one of the very best fighters and arcade ports on Sega’s revolutionary console.
Streets of Rage 2
Even in the crowded street of beat ’em up games in the early ’90s, Streets of Rage 2 stood head and shoulders above its competition.
Part of its brilliance was thanks to Sega’s familiarity with the Genesis hardware by 1992. The game’s development team understood how to squeeze every last ounce of power out of the machine at that point, resulting in some of the biggest and most colorful sprites of the time. They even managed to get one of the best soundtracks of the decade out of the Genesis’ underpowered sound chip.
Beyond the colorful aesthetics, Streets of Rage 2 just plays more smoothly than so many other beat-’em-ups. Even now, you can grab a friend, a pizza, and a copy of Streets of Rage 2, and you are set for a great Friday night.
Quackshot starring Donald Duck
Donald Duck is much more suited to getting angry at everything in sight rather than trying to save the day, but he gives it a good go in his debut title ‘Quackshot starring Donald Duck‘.
Walking in Scrooge McDuck’s footsteps, Donald goes in search of hidden treasure with his nephews Huey, Luey, and Duey heading along for support. Big Bad Pete is the antagonist in the game and tries to stop Donald at every turn. But, armed with a gun that can shoot plungers, bubble gum, and popcorn, Donald attempts to reach the Maharajah’s treasure first and claim the prize for himself.
It might not seem like it, but these graphics were incredible when they were first released. And sure, the controls are a little bit fiddly, but the storyline itself is amazing and our favorite duck has some ace tricks up his sleeve.
Use your plunger to attach onto birds to fly around, or eat chili peppers to get enraged and become invincible.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
The first Sonic game was great. It’s arguably the game that kept the Genesis afloat after its shaky first couple of years. However, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is simply better. Link, Sonic, Spyro, Mario, and Solid Snake represent more in gaming than any of the other characters put together, and it is fair to say that SEGA made the right choice when creating their console mascot.
Through the introduction of concepts like the spin dash move and running through levels with the assistance of Tails, this game changed the still-fresh Sonic formula and set a standard the series has arguably been chasing to this day.
From Westside Island to the all-mighty Death Egg, Sonic must once again travel through his side-scrolling world to defeat Doctor Robotnik and retrieve the Chaos Emeralds.
Getting to play as Tails for the first time was great too, and the ability to play as Knuckles with the slot-in cartridge set-up was the cherry on top of the golden ring.
Contra: Hard Corps
It was very common for each console to get major exclusives during the 16-bit era, or, at the very least, radically different versions of the same game. This was largely due to the significant differences in programming for the Genesis and the SNES.
So, while the Super Nintendo received the excellent Contra III: The Alien Wars, Sega’s console received a Contra game that’s arguably even better.
Contra: Hard Corps obviously features the series’ staple run and gun gameplay. However, it benefits from some of the best music in the series, a roster of four playable characters, and a branching storyline with multiple paths.
Combat Cars
Combat Cars was everything that players who were sick of only using shells and bananas needed in their lives. Chain chomps are one thing, but being able to wield landmines, shotguns, glue spots, and more really takes driving to a whole new level!
Win money in races, get a high score, and then use that money to upgrade your vehicle for the next race. Combat Cars had a heavy arcade theme about it in the sense that when your time is up, you have to input your name on a scoreboard and start all over again.
This is another one of the best Genesis Games for fast-paced multiplayer action and one that you need in your collection.
Monster World IV
Monster World IV looks like a pretty typical ‘90s platformer (albeit quite the colorful one) at first glance. However, you see just how much depth it boasts once you actually start playing it.
There are tons of upgrades to be found in the game’s sprawling levels, and Asha has plenty of creative moves (including the impressive ability to attack in multiple directions in the air). Monster World IV is one of those games that just feels good to play because everything controls so smoothly.
James Pond II: Codename: Robocod
Hailed as one of the Best SEGA Genesis Games on the platform, James Pond II: Codename: Robocod was as brilliant as it was humorous, and featured some amazing gameplay.
How many games can you play as a special agent fish that wears a RoboCop-style suit? Add to the fact that you have to infiltrate Santa’s grotto to free penguin elves and defeat the infamous Dr. Maybe, and you have an instant hit on your hands.
Jame Pond is one badass fish, so much so that he appears in multiple games in the SEGA franchise. He can jump on enemies and use his super suit to extend vertically to grab onto things way up above. There are no guns, so it’s family-friendly.
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Bloodlines was the last Castlevania game that Konami released before the series went full Metroidvania with Symphony of the Night. And as you play the game, you get the feeling that Konami wasn’t quite sure about the future direction of the franchise.
Neither of Bloodlines‘ two playable characters was even named “Belmont”. Instead of taking place completely in Dracula’s castle, Bloodlines’ six sprawling levels cuts across Europe. And while Bloodlines‘ gameplay is firmly planted in the earlier Castlevania games, it’s certainly a bit faster than what came before.
Normally, a game with that kind of identity crisis would be a recipe for catastrophe. With Bloodlines, though, nearly every change and new idea ultimately not only works but works so well that you’ll find yourself wishing there were more Castlevania games like it.
Such as it is, this remains one of the more unique and enjoyable titles in the series and one of the best Genesis games of all time.
Rocket Knight Adventures
Sonic might be the lord of Sega side-scrollers, but Rocket Knight Adventures more than held its own in the vast catalog of games for the console. The main protagonist, Sparkster, is an opossum in armor who wields a sword and can fly using a jet pack.
If that doesn’t ‘spark’ any interest, then maybe you should give up gaming altogether!
Sparkster gets into sticky combat situations with pig and robot enemies. While the game is made by the same people behind Hard Corps, the gameplay is much more cartoony and easier on the eyes. The graphics are pretty cool too, with Sparkster making his way through lots of scenic areas akin to the Mushroom Kingdom and the Emerald Zone.
If Sonic is Sega’s main animal mascot, then Sparkster could well be their second most popular furry main character. He has appeared in lots of different games and platforms over the years, including a couple of comics.
Konami just seem to have a knack for creating incredible games. Maybe they have a secret formula that has yet to be discovered.
Gunstar Heroes
Gunstar Heroes was envisioned by a group of Konami employees who successfully tried to pitch the game to their employer. Desperate, the team behind this game decided to form the now-legendary developer, Treasure. Sega also had no interest in letting that team develop a game for the Genesis at first, and the project almost didn’t get a North American release even when they did approve it.
Against all odds, though, Gunstar Heroes finally hit shelves worldwide. It is now rightfully recognized as one of the greatest action games of all time.
Of course, the game takes heavy inspiration from other run-and-gun shooters (like Konami’s own Contra series), but Gunstar Heroes just does everything better. It is faster (maybe almost too fast), and Gunstar Red and Gunstar Blue have way more acrobatic moves at their disposal, allowing them to slide and grab enemies as they make their way through the game’s seven epic levels.
It’s not the longest game out there, but it’s an absolute blast to play through over and over again.
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
Even at the peak of Sega’s popularity, the company struggled to develop new titles that could compete with Nintendo’s heaviest hitters. For a short period of time, though, Shinobi was almost as good of a reason to own a Genesis as Sonic the Hedgehog was. Granted, there have been plenty of games starring ninjas over the years, but few have ever matched the speed and variety of moves that Joe Musashi has at his disposal in Return of the Ninja Master.
The game is fast. Lightning-fast. And some of the best scrolling stages on the Genesis (including the iconic horse riding section) only enhance that sense of speed. Shinobi III is about the closest a 16-bit game could get to looking and feeling like a big-budget action movie.
Ristar
Ristar was actually pinned to be Sega’s mascot before Sonic took over. However, just because it was a failed marketing campaign doesn’t mean you should dismiss Ristar. This game is incredible from start to finish.
You can tell that this game is designed to take on Nintendo’s cutesy catalog because the main tyrant is called Greedy. Ristar must stop the evil Greedy and free imprisoned residents throughout the solar system.
Phantasy Star IV
Sega Genesis was a little slow on jumping on the RPG bandwagon with the SNES. While SquareSoft pumped out hit after hit for Nintendo, the Genesis got….well, not much, to be honest. Except for Phantasy Star.
The whole Phantasy Star franchise is excellent, but Phantasy Star IV still stands out as one of the best RPGs ever made. Thanks to its sprawling interstellar story and an innovative combat system that emphasized combos over just picking the strongest attacks.
Even if the SNES remained the primary console for RPG gamers, Phantasy Star IV showed that those who write off the Genesis’ RPG library deny themselves some irreplaceable experiences.
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