5 Best SEGA Genesis Games of All Time, Ranked

Growing up, one of the most remarkable consoles you could come across in the 90s was the Sega Genesis. Not only did it offer most of the beloved titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mortal Kombat but it also provided a one-of-a-kind subscription service known as the Sega Channel, which offered users all-around access to the system's best titles. You just had to be there to realize Sega Genesis is not that much different from today's Xbox Game Pass and Playstation Plus subscriptions. The console became the biggest competitor in the gaming industry as it took the world by storm.

Although the hardware components in Sega Genesis consoles were considered inferior in contrast to Nintendo's fancy NES and SNES systems, the quality of content remained impressive. From the high-end titles to their incredible soundtracks behind them; it is no secret that Sega was running the show at that point. The company eventually ceased manufacturing consoles but not before leaving an infinite mark in the history of gaming. Here is a look at some of the best Sega Genesis games of all time.

5. Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master

The Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master is one unforgettable title from the Shinobi series whose awesomeness is undisputable. Just by looking at the animation, gameplay and design, you can tell developers went to great lengths for this exclusive offering. Shinobi III takes players through the adventures of a warrior assassin who aims to save the world from a tedious villain who keeps appearing in most of the series. And even though the protagonist is dressed in heavy armor, speed and agility are not an issue. 

Shinobi III is one of the many interesting but challenging games from the Genesis collection. Also, let's not forget how its developers nailed the combat system by incorporating various ninjutsu moves into the gameplay. Although you can use only specific moves on certain levels, they still come in handy when dealing with tough-to-beat bosses. 

4. Beyond Oasis

Beyond Oasis is one of the memorable titles that strongly defined its territory against Nintendo's Legend of Zelda, which was at the time trying to dominate the action-adventure genre. It was a brave attempt, to say the least; however, Zelda did not stand a chance against Beyond Oasis' Prince Ali and his exciting and charming quests. The game soon became a period piece upon its release. It features some of the most incredible visuals of its time, not to mention a fascinating soundtrack composed by Yuzo Koshiro, a renowned Japanese composer.

Beyond Oasis follows the story of Prince Ali of the Oasis kingdom, whose quest is to save and restore the kingdom's source of power. While this power lies within a golden armlet that has since been missing, he must recover it for the sake of his home. Experience the beautifully animated game design as you explore the Middle Eastern terrain. Although the cutscenes may be sketchy, you are still bound to enjoy every bit of the game's narrative.

3. Gunstar Heroes

Gunstar Heroes is one of the early projects that paved the way for the game's unique kind of gunplay. In fact, due to its signature blend of action, the game might as well have rendered other titles in the industry obsolete. And that's not only because of its incredibly polished gameplay that makes fire exchange fast and smooth, the game also displays outstanding processing power after each blast. Most classic games would prove tedious to play presently, but that is not the case with Gunstar Heroes. 

Anyone who has played the game will attest to how impactful it can be; and replaying it is bound to bring back nostalgic feelings. The game takes players through a series of tough enemies and formidable bosses. Speed is vital when playing these games and with the amount of pacing you are required to do to avoid attacks, you may need to be quick with your hands. Thankfully, the controls are very responsive, making every bit of action attainable. When talking about the best Sega games of all time, Gunstar Heroes simply cannot be left out.

2. Mortal Kombat II

Mortal Kombat II is one of those one-of-a-kind sequels that came out to further build the face of the series. After the first release received the reception it deserved, the second entry did not disappoint at all. Compared to its predecessor, the roster on Mortal Kombat II was more expanded and it featured more advanced combat systems. Players could now access a variety of special moves spontaneously, which made the gameplay more brutal than ever.

Mortal Kombat II is where all the famous finishing moves and catchy phrases such as ‘fatality,' rose from; which would later result in some of the most iconic game traits. The game is timeless and its cartoony effects make it a suitable play for any audience. Even better is the competitive play and the well-rounded character design. It's safe to say that Mortal Kombat II is not only the coolest fight game but is among the best Sega Genesis games of all time.

1. Monster World IV

When it comes to RPGs, Genesis had the whole house covered. From Phantasy Star to Shining Force and now Monster World IV, these were some of the best Sega Genesis games in the industry. The most played RPG of them all was Monster World IV, and once one got access to the game, they were in for a treat of a lifetime. Due to its unique design and outstanding RPG elements, Monster World IV felt unique right from the start. It features solid designs that make it outstanding even today. 

Through this memorable Japanese classic action-adventure game, players get to uncover interesting mysteries surrounding various interesting characters. This includes our main protagonist, a green-haired girl named Asha, who wields a sword throughout her explorations. Her missions entail protecting the elemental spirits from the evil spreading over Monster Land. Alongside her blue pet monster, she fights her way through the open-world world. Taking down variant monsters while interacting with NPCs. The areas are level-based, and players can only move to the next by defeating the main boss of that particular area. We can all agree that, for a classic RPG, Monster World IV is mighty advanced.

What's your favorite Sega Genesis games of all time? Share your pick with us in the comments below or over on our socials here!