The Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, was released by Sega in 1988 and quickly became the go-to console to play popular arcade games of the time. This was Sega's best-selling system and would rival Nintendo’s SNES throughout the early '90s. It was also the console that saw the debut of Sonic, Sega's mascot that is still its flagship series today.
Genesis games are part of the Switch Online service and are available as part of the expansion pack. We take a look at some of the best, mixing loved classics with more obscure, but still great to play titles.
10 Gunstar Heroes
This is one of the Genesis' games everyone should play and was a huge hit when it was released in September 1993. Gunstar Heroes set a new standard for run ‘n’ gun titles and has some of the finest pixel artwork on the Genesis as well as some excellent music.
An intriguing story, that tells the tale of Red and Blue Gunstar as they hunt their evil Green brother, plays out across seven levels. Gunstar Heroes also has excellent set pieces that involve screen-filling bosses and funny cutscenes.
Search in every box to find the hidden health pieces scattered throughout
9 Sonic The Hedgehog 2
The Genesis’ second highest-selling title after the first Sonic, this incredible sequel became the fastest-selling game at the time of its 1992 release. It introduced fan favourite Tails who has gone on to become one of the series' most loved characters.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also introduced two new powers for Sonic. For the first time, he could use his spin dash to get up steep hills quicker and if he found all the Chaos Emeralds could transform into Super Sonic.
There are enough Star Posts in Emerald Hill Zone to obtain all the Chaos Emeralds
8 Streets Of Rage 2
Composer Yuzo Koshiro crafted the perfect score for one of this loved brawler. The music is so good that you can easily listen to it without playing the game.
At the time of its release, Streets of Rage 2 beat its competitors into submission for the beat-em-up crown. The depth of the moveset and genuine differences in the playable characters set it apart as the new king of the streets.
Don’t move forward too quickly, let the enemies come one at a time
7 Space Harrier 2
Based on the hit Sega arcade cabinet, Space Harrier II is a fast-paced on-rails shooter that has stood the test of time. It has very eye-catching visuals with lots of enemies flying in and out of the screen. This is a must-play for those looking for a tough challenge.
Space Harrier II features many tough bosses that fill the screen with bullets that will need all your skills to avoid. There’s that classic one more go feel about it, and you’ll want to keep coming back to beat your high score.
Try to shoot enemies in the distance, so they don’t have time to fire
6 Zero Wing
More famous for its ‘all your base are belong to us’ meme than for being an excellent shoot-em-up, Zero Wing is a classic arcade romp that serves up a rock-solid challenge. Each level is filled with tight caverns, unforgiving bosses and projectiles coming from every direction.
The constant bombardment never lets up, and it takes a lot of practice to keep progressing. However, there is a real sense of accomplishment when you reach a new area and relief if you escape with your upgrades intact.
Make use of the tractor beam to create a lifesaving shield
5 Ecco The Dolphin
A unique experience that combines puzzles, exploration and action, Ecco the Dolphin was a like a cool sea breeze gracing the Genesis on its release in 1992. You play as a young dolphin, trying to discover what has happened to his pod while surviving the dangerous oceans.
Traverse underwater worlds, battle with sharks and find secret passageways as you guide Ecco in his quest. The story has an interesting sci-fi twist that keeps building as the sea-dwelling enemies get larger and harder to beat.
Use your dash move on fish to replenish your health
4 Beyond Oasis
Prince Ali’s father has sent him on a quest to uncover why the town is being attacked by an evil horde. You must use all your strength, guile and courage to find the truth and save your people. This is an excellent action-adventure title that was the Genesis’ answer to A Link to the Past.
Featuring amazing animation and beautiful pixel art cutscenes, Beyond Oasis blends tight action with puzzle-solving and great storytelling. This is a solid action-packed game and any fan of swashbuckling adventures will enjoy every moment.
Learn the spin attack to deal devastating damage to bosses
3 Castlevania Bloodlines
The only Castlevania game to make it to Genesis, Bloodlines is the story of Dracula’s resurrection during the First World War. You take control of Eric Lecarde or John Morris to take this old enemy down once and for all.
Using your whips and magic abilities you struggle through hordes of skeletons, bats and other ghoulish creatures to restore peace to the world. The bosses are large and tough and feature some eye-opening set pieces that set the tone for this grizzly adventure.
Some bosses are more vulnerable to potions so try to save them for these battles
2 Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim was an instant hit with gamers when it landed on consoles in 1994. The series soon found itself in comic books, cartoons and even as a set of action figures. The game’s goofy humour and wonderful design still feels fresh today and there is lots of fun to be had.
It’s not just launching cows into space or blowing up crows with a pistol though, there is a tough game to get through that will require patience and practice. It also has some ingenious boss battles that will frustrate you just as much as they entertain.
Take your time to explore as there are many secret extra lives hidden
1 Phantasy Star 4
There weren’t too many RPG games released for the Genesis but Phantasy Star 4 is one that any fan of the genre will enjoy. It may not have the best graphics and the music is a little dated, but its deep and balanced gameplay make it a true classic.
There is so much to do in this game with many characters, worlds and enemies to encounter. It feels like a non-stop ride of exploration and battling that is broken up with some wonderful cutscenes. Phantasy Star 4 also has an intriguing story and well-thought-out mechanics that make it a must-play for RPG fans.
Make use of the combination techniques to deal huge damage