The Best Sega Genesis Games

While dozens of puzzle games haunt the Genesis library (mostly unnoticed), Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine feels like an outlier that gets the attention it deserves. As a Western-localized version of the famous Puyo Puyo series, it packs the familiar match-the-blob-color falling block gameplay that shares a genre lineage with Tetris. Despite having nothing to do with the Sonic the Hedgehog series of games, the Sonic villain tie-in here still feels appropriate and enjoyable. With great music, graphics, controls, and options for two-player head-to-head play, Mean Bean won't let you down.

Even 26 years after its release, few games have been as explosively exciting as Gunstar Heroes, which delivers frenetic run-and-gun shooter action in single player and co-op modes. It combines impressive graphical flourishes, lush backgrounds, and tons of attacking enemy spites in a buttery-smooth high-framerate presentation that puts the Genesis' 7.6MHz 68000 CPU through its paces in a way that probably could not have been achieved on the Super NES. Wonderful controls and an enjoyable futuristic setting top it all off.

Of all the games on this list, Monster World IV is the only title exclusive to Japan until the Virtual Console era, and just recently, Sega released it as part of the Sega Genesis Mini. It's unfortunate that American Sega fans didn't get to experience this decadent Metroidvania platformer back in the day, because despite its colorful and playful exterior, it packs complex and satisfying gameplay if you stick with it. As the sixth entry in the Wonder Boy series that had graced Sega consoles since the Master System days, this was the last entry developed by Westone and published by Sega.

Mortal Kombat was an absolute phenomenon in 1990s' arcades, and the Sega Genesis became the definitive way to play at home. Why? Unlike the family friendly Super Nintendo version, the Genesis version retained all the blood and gore that gave the fighting game its controversial, essential identity. As bloodthirsty players ripped off heads and belched flames from skeleton mouths, Sega got to bask in that secondhand edgy coolness.

Since its debut on the Sega Master System in 1987, the Phantasy Star series has attracted a large fan base with its unique thematic blend of science-fiction technology and fantasy elements. This traditional turn-based JRPG allows players to dive in easily, but you'll soon grow into the depth of the game, taking advantage of its unusual macro-based combat system and multi-character combo attacks. The characters are likeable, and the story is fun. Gorgeous artwork and nice music round out this can't-miss Genesis RPG.

Mario and Sonic weren’t the only 16-bit mascots worth paying attention to in the 1990s. Launched near the end of the console’s life, Ristar is an overlooked Genesis gem starring an anthropomorphic shooting star. While you can’t soar across the galaxy, you can use your stretchy arms to propel yourself across the screen and into enemies, giving both movement and combat a satisfyingly different feel. 

If you're a fan of turn-based strategy RPGs, you're in for a treat with the Shining Force games, each one a gem in the collective Sega console pantheon. But of the various 16-bit entries in the series, there's something about Shining Force II that really hits every sweet spot in gaming: story, music, control, presentation, and strategic depth. I personally appreciate that the menu interface is simple and non-intimidating, which makes it more novice-friendly than some other RPGs.

Of all the games on the Genesis, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is perhaps the most famous and iconic. Just as the NES had its blockbuster platform game moment with Super Mario Bros. 3, Sega's console benefited greatly from Sonic 2, which sold over 6 million copies (second only to frequent pack-in Sonic 1). Sonic 2 introduced features such as the spin dash move that would stick with Sonic forever and upped the speed of the game, complemented by fluidly designed stages with lush scenery. It also introduced a strong new character, Tails, which allowed an unexpected co-op mode: a second player can control Tails and fight alongside Sonic. It's a masterpiece.

After a frustrating day, there's something irrepressibly cathartic about pummeling wave after wave of street thugs. This common power fantasy dates back to the mid-1980s in video games, although few have done it as well as Streets of Rage 2. This colorful sidescrolling beat-em-up includes a cohesive theme and character design, lushly illustrated backgrounds (and a neat rainy set piece), great controls, and satisfying co-op action. The success of the Streets of Rage series on the Genesis greatly complemented this platform's gritty marketing image in the US.

ToeJam & Earl's first outing on the Genesis from 1991 received critical praise and later became a cult hit, but its sequel, Panic on Funkotron, presents a distinctive artistic statement unlike any other game in the Genesis library. At first glance, it looks like a side-scrolling platformer, but peel back the layers and you find a scavenger-hunt acid trip set to funky music with a sense of humor. In a rare achievement, both kids and adults can enjoy it equally. Best of all, you can recruit a buddy to play two-player co-op as you both try to capture rogue earthlings loose on Funkotron. The phrase "hyper-funk zone" will forever be seared in my memory.

Coming late in the console's lifespan, Vectorman's developers had the advantage of experience when it came to designing this visually impressive action platformer. Of any Genesis game I've ever seen, Vectorman feels like it runs the smoothest, delivering detailed animation, high framerate, accentuating sound effects, and tight controls. The game challenges but doesn't feel unfair. And with an awesome thumping techno soundtrack, it is a very much a product of its time.