Sega Genesis is a piece of world game history. It is one of the most popular video game consoles introduced in the early ’80s and ’90s. All the games of this great gaming console are evergreen and still popular among game fans. Here we have listed 45 of the best Sega Genesis games of all time.
History of Sega Genesis
SEGA Corporation is a Japanese video game publisher and console manufacturer. Its headquarters is in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Apart from that, it has two other international branches, Sega of America and Sega Europe. The corporation was founded on June 3, 1960.
Sega Genesis is part of SEGA’s video gaming console. Sega Genesis is also known as Mega Drive outside North America (in Japan). It is a 16-bit fourth-generation home video game console that is developed and marketed by SEGA Games. It was first released in Japan as Mega Drive in 1988. In 1989, Sega introduced it in North America as the Sega Genesis.
Sega Genesis was designed by a team of Sega, supervised by Hideki Sato and Masami Ishikawa. The best-selling game of Sega Genesis is Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Sega Genesis continued its journey from 1988 to 1997. During its short lifetime, 30.75 million units of Genesis were sold officially.
Best Websites to play SEGA Genesis Games
There are some great sites to play and download the best sega games on your device. You can try the following websites to play SEGA and the best mega drive games.
SEGA
From the SEGA corporation’s official website, you can download and order all kinds of SEGA games.
Forever Sega
Forever SEGA is a great site to play SEGA games from your web browser. It is free and effortless to access.
Let’s Play Sega
Another great website to play Sega Genesis video games is Let’s play SEGA. All the games can be played online, and it is free of cost.
Play Emulator
You can play all retro games online on Play emulator for free, including Sega Genesis video games.
Best SEGA Genesis Games of All Time
Here is the list of 45 of the best sega games genesis of all time listed below for your convenience.
1. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic is the name of the most iconic game character that was introduced by SEGA. This cute little blue hedgehog is a popular character in American households. The third installment of Sonic the Hedgehog is the best. To me, it is one of the best sega cd games of all time. This title was released in 1994. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 can be played in Single-player or multiplayer mode. To me, the third installment is more fun to play.
2. Streets of Rage 2
Streets of Rage 2 or Bare Knuckle II: The Requiem of the Deadly Battle in Japan is a side-scrolling fighting video game. It was released in Japan in 1992 by Sega for the Mega Drive/Genesis. This iconic fight game was developed by an ad hoc team of several companies, including Sega, Ancient, H.I.C., and MNM Software.
3. Sonic the Hedgehog
This is the best of all SEGA genesis games. The cute blue little hedgehog was first introduced to us in 1991. When this adventure epic game was released, it became the most popular SEGA game. The game was developed by Sonic Team and is an original Sega publication. This game brought the SEGA company huge revenue and made it the best-selling game for SEGA Genesis. The idea was developed from the Super Mario games of Nintendo. It made Genesis an established name in the 16-bit era of gaming.
4. Gunstar Heroes
Gunstar Heroes is one of the best sega Saturn games of all time. This arcade, action shooting game is one of the best creations of SEGA. It is a run and gun genre video game. Gunstar Heroes was released on September 10, 1993. This game is still popular among retro gamers. The developer company of this super fun game is Treasure. You have to run and shoot enemies in this game.
5. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior is one of the iconic SEGA video games still popular among SEGA fans. This is an arcade-style street fighting combat game. All versions of this famous game have sold about 2 million arcade cabinets and somewhere around over 15 000,000 units. It collected $10 billion in total revenue, making it one of the top 3 highest-grossing video games of all time as of 2017. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior was the best-selling fighting game up until 2019.
6. NBA Jam
NBA Jam is the longest-running video game offered by Sega. It was initially released in 1993, and the latest version of this game, NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, was released on October 4, 2011. There is also a TV series of this title. You get to play as one of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship teams. It became popular among the young for its photorealistic graphics, over-the-top presentation, and two-on-two basketball playing. The game lets the player perform a slam dunk defying human capabilities, making it more attractive to play.
7. Mortal Kombat II
If you haven’t played Mortal Kombat II, then I would say your life is incomplete. This is a great piece of gaming history you cannot overlook. It is the second part of the Mortal Kombat SEGA video games series. It is a legendary game, which soars to new heights for both arcade and Sega. The most famous catchphrase of this super exciting game is “Finish Him”.
8. Contra: Hard Corps
I grew up playing Contra: Hard Corps on old SEGA games. To me, this game was the best when I was a kid. This is part of the SEGA video game series ‘Contra’. The game is another run and gun-style game. It was released in North America and South Korea in 1994. Contra: Hard Corps were developed and published by Konami. You can play this game in a single-player or cooperative multiplayer gaming mode.
9. Sword of Vermilion
“Genesis does what Nintendo doesn’t” was the famous catchphrase or slogan of the SEGA Genesis console. The game Sword of Vermilion upholds that in its real sense. The game was number one of all the genesis games. This role-playing game was introduced to the game fans in December 1989 in Japan. The main character is Erik, king of Excalabria, who is on a quest to take revenge on Tsarkon and free the world of Vermillion. This is one of the few games that showed true role-playing game mode indeed. No doubt, it is the best SEGA mega drive game of all time.
10. Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi
Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi is the first part of The Revenge of Shinobi. This single-player hack and slash arcade game was released in Japan on December 1st, 1990. The game is filled with action and really fun to play. This game brought the crowd tremendous joy and excitement when it was introduced.
11. NHL 95
NHL 95 is the first game that made ice hockey enjoyable in old SEGA games. EA Sports, Canada, on SEGA Genesis and other popular video game consoles of that time, published this popular game. NHL 95 was released on Sega Genesis on September 21, 1994. You will likely fall in love with ice hockey after playing NHL 95 best SEGA mega drive games.
12. The Revenge of Shinobi
When the game The Revenge of Shinobi came out in 1989, it became popular immodestly. It also paves the way for creating similar fighting Kung fu-style games. But none of them could reach the perfection of The Revenge of Shinobi. The game was released in Japan as The Super Shinobi. This game was released in Japan and North America on the same date (December 2, 1989). It is one of the best SEGA mega drive games that you can play.
13. Double Dragon
Double Dragon is another of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. This double-player action beat’em up game is a fun one to play. This is a part of a long-running video game series of the same title. Technōs Japan developed the game series. The game features two martial artists, Billy and Jimmy Lee, who fight against monsters and go through dungeons. Due to its popularity, there was an animated series and live-action film adaptation of Double Dragon.
14. Triple Play Baseball ’96
Triple Play Baseball ’96 is an arcade-style sports game. The game came out in March 1995. This is an accurate representation of the baseball world at that time. EA Sports published the game for SEGA Genesis. The player role-plays as baseball players in the Baseball world series.
15. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
In Japan, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine is originally called Puyo’s Puyo and is a great puzzle game. In the game, players have to move beans around to match them four of the same color. Different colored beans side by side will result in a fail. The game is a fun one to play. And one of the best Sega mega drive games of all time. This 16-bit game was introduced in 1993. You can enjoy the game in a single-player or multiplayer. The game is a brainstormer.
16. Comix Zone
Comix Zone was developed by Sega Technical Institute for Sega Genesis and other popular game consoles. This is a vintage 1995 beat’em up video game. It is set in a comic world, and the character’s dialogues are in a bubble, just like the comics. The game was part of the last wave of the Genesis game. The game is visually attractive and entertaining to play. The players play as Sketch Turner, a struggling artist and freelance rock musician of NYC trying to create a comic. The comic’s story is that the alien invades the earth, and the hero protects the earth. There are different phases, monsters, and modes to play the best SEGA Genesis games of all time.
17. Ecco the Dolphin
Ecco the Dolphin was first introduced in 1992. This is the first game of the series of Ecco. The game is an action-adventure game that was initially developed for the Sega Mega Drives. Though it has a childlike appearance, the game was one of the toughest ones when it was out. The players get to navigate Atlantis to the Atlantic. It contains 25 thrilling and exciting stages to play. You can use the sonar as a Dolphin in the game, fight with sharks, and many more. You will surely enjoy this underwater adventure thriller.
18. Disney’s Aladdin
Aladdin is a platform game based on a movie of the same title. The game was released in 1993. Virgin Games USA published this awesome game for SEGA Genesis. Like most of the other SEGA games is a side-scrolling platform game. The player has to play as Aladdin and go through different adventures. You get to enjoy the world of magic and adventure in this single-player game. Not all games made after movies are exciting, but Disney’s Aladdin is an exception.
19. Pulseman
Pulseman is another iconic character of the Sega legacy. It is a 1994 Japanese action game. The game was developed by Game Freak and published by Sega for its Sega Mega Drive. The game was re-released in Virtual console in April 2007. The story continues with the half-human half-C-life boy Pulseman and his struggle against his father, Doc Yoshiyama. This is undoubtedly one of the best sega cd games of all time.
20. Shining Force II: The Ancient Seal
Shining Force II: The Ancient Seal was another old SEGA game at its peak of popularity when it came out in 1993. It is a Sega Genesis original game. This game is the second part of the Shining Force. This game is more refined and gives more freedom to the players. There is no chapter system so that the players can return to previously played parts. Shining Force II: The Ancient Seal is one of the best SEGA mega drive games.
21. Shadowrun
Shadowrun is another great science-fantasy arcade RPG game based on the old Sega genesis. Imagine a lonely cyber robot filled 2058 version of Seattle, USA, where a computer named Matrix allows citizens to enter cyberspace. That is the background of this sci-fi RPG game. The cyberpunk fantasy game has solid interactions with the NPCs and an immersive retro techno funk audio score in the background. This excellent game stormed the market in 1989.
22. Ranger X
Ranger X is a side-scrolling run and gun game that looks somewhat like Transformers. This robot thriller was fun to play a game, and it was enjoyable. The game came out on 28 May 1993 in Japan. The game is also known as Ex- Ranza in Japan. GAU Entertainment developed this super single-player game. You get to play as a mighty transforming robot in this 16-bits classic Mega Drive video game console. You will surely enjoy this SEGA genesis game.
23. Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker
The king of pop may be no more, but his legacy continues. Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker is an incredible Sega video game based on the movie of the same title from 1989. The game was released in 1990, the next year after the film was in the theatre. This is a beat’em up dance-off from the Sega video game console. This is one of the best SEGA Genesis games of all time.
24. X-Men 2: Clone Wars
When in 1995, this epic game was released, there was nothing best to pass the Saturday afternoon than the X- Men Cartoon. So when a game titled X-Men 2: Clone Wars came out, it was soon to become the people’s favorite. It is true to say that the game was the best extension of the X-Men series. You can play this action game in single-player or two-player mode with friends.
25. Beyond Oasis
The Story of Thor: A Successor of the Light, known as the Beyond Oasis in North America, is an action-adventure game for Sega mega drive. This RPG-style action game was published in Japan on December 12, 1994. The player takes the role of Prince Ali, who has obtained a gold armlet that belongs to a noble wizard who fought against evil and destruction. There is another armlet that is made of silver and can do evil things. Ali is on a journey to find the Gold armlet’s full potential and stop the bearer of the silver armlet.
26. WWF Royal Rumble
If you grew up loving WWE wrestling, then WWF Royal Rumble is for you. This is a professional-style wrestling video game published on September 15, 1993, for SEGA mega drive games. You can get your hands dirty with this fighting game.
27. Golden Axe
Golden Axe is one of the best SEGA mega drive games. This hack & slash beat’em up action thriller is an all-time favorite. The game takes place in the medieval era, and you have to survive the disasters thrown at you. The game was released for old SEGA games in May 1989. It has three heroes you can choose from to play as. This is one of the best Genesis games of all time.
28. Dune: Battle for Arrakis
Dune: Battle for Arrakis or popularly known as Dune II, is a 1993 real-time strategy game. The game is a fun and exciting one to play. While the Herzog Zwei may have set the rolling stones, it was Dune: Battle for Arrakis that brought out the full potential of real-time strategy games to the fullest.
29. George Foreman’s KO Boxing
If you enjoy playing boxing arcade games on Sega, then this has to be your favorite. George Foreman’s KO Boxing is the genuine deal for as far as boxing games go. This game is a jewel. The game was issued to the public in January 1992.
30. The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants
The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants may not be that popular like many other SEGA Mega drive games, but it had its fair share of fame. It is part of The Simpsons series of Sega video games. This adventure action game was released in 1992 for Genesis. (Initial release for NES was in February 1991.) In this game, Bart Simpsons is the only one with X-ray sunglasses to identify the aliens and destroy them. You play as the main character and fight to save the town. It is an ultimate battle between Bart vs. the Space Mutants.
31. Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim is a great vintage SEGA Genesis game of all time. Sega originally released this game in 1994, and after that, many other game consoles adopted it. It was popular among gamers for its great fluid animation and creativity. The main character is an earthworm who wears a robot suit to fight against enemies.
32. ToeJam & Earl
In the early 90s, when the HIP HOP culture was at its peak, ToeJam & Earl was the game that represented the culture. It is an action game developed by Johnson Voorsanger Productions and was published by Sega for the Sega Mega drive Game console. The game falls under the Action, dungeon crawler genre. The best SEGA Genesis game ToeJam & Earl was released in Japan and North America in October 1991.
33. Herzog Zwei
Herzog Zwei is the best SEGA mega drive game of all time. This single-player epic Genesis game is a real-time strategy game. This game was introduced on December 15, 1989, in Japan. This is a military-style battle game. This 16-bit game is an excellent piece of game history. You get to fly, drive and fight as military personnel.
34. Light Crusader
When the game Light Crusader came out in 1995, it became popular really fast. This action-adventure game is a fun one to play. The game is played from an isometric viewpoint. The player can move freely, jump, run, push objects, and do many independent things. The game is comparatively easy and suitable for young players. Gamers around the world praise the game. The game is really a fun one to play. It has a dungeon, graveyard, streets, towns, and many exciting plots. This is undoubtedly the best SEGA Genesis game of all time.
35. Fatal Fury: King of Fighters
Fatal Fury is a 1991 fighting game for the Sega Genesis console. This epic game has many sequels. Players can choose from three characters (Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi). The hero has to fight against eight strong opponents driven by the computer in hand to hand battle. Fatal Fury started the era of this kind of martial art hand-to-hand combat dojo-style game. The game soon became popular with the gamers and still holds an appeal to Sega fans.
36. Bulls vs. Blazers and the NBA Playoffs
Bulls vs. Blazers and the NBA Playoffs is a 16 bit classic Genesis game. This game was released in 1992 for Sega Mega Drive. You can play this basketball sports game with your friends or on the computer. This game will give you the thrill of the NBA playoffs. You should try Bulls vs. Blazers and the NBA Playoffs.
37. Bill Walsh College Football ’95
If you want to enjoy classic mega drive American football, you must play Bill Walsh College Football ’95. The game was released in North America in June 1994. It features the great NFL games and famous Stanford Cardinal football head coach Bill Walsh.
38. Samurai Shodown
Samurai Shodown is one of the awesome and trend-setting SEGA mega drive games of all time. This Samurai fight club game was one on one game. You can brawl against your friends or the computer. This is a fun game to play. The game is set in 18th Century Japan, where Samurais wield swords to fight. The game brings it to more life with the music of that time. You are sure to enjoy this 1993 fighting arcade Genesis game.
39. General Chaos
General Chaos is one of the few games that perfectly balanced arcade and strategy style in gameplay. The game was released in 1993 and developed by Game Refuge Inc. The game is a quick and dirty battle between two generals. You have to try to own the enemy’s town and win the battle.
40. Super Off-Road
Super Off-Road is one of the best SEGA Genesis games of all time. This is an arcade-style mini race battle game. You can play this game in a single-player or multiplayer mode. It is a fun game to play with friends.
41. Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World
Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World is one of the best Genesis games of all time. The game is based on a movie of the same name. This epic game was released for the Sega platform in September 1997. This is one of the later games of Sega Genesis. There is nothing much to explain about this action-adventure if you have seen the Jurassic Park 2 film.
42. Madden ’95
Madden ’95 is another excellent NFL sports game for the Genesis video game console. The game was out in November 1994. This game was the first-ever game to have an official NFL logo and NFLPA license. This lets the players be named accurately and assign them to original teams. The game also had the original roster of the 1994 NFL season.
43. Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium is one of the most iconic Sega lineage games. This is a role-playing game (RPG) by Sega. This amazing PRG game was released in 1993 in Japan. This game was one of the few games with in-game exploration and NPC interaction in the early 90s. This game takes place somewhat after 1,000 years of Phantasy Star II. This pixelated 16-bit console game is an epic adventure to enjoy.
44. Altered Beast
Altered Beast is one of the best SEGA mega drive games offered by the same developers of Golden Axe. This game was available for the mass in August 1988. This is a beat’em up arcade-style game. The game can be played in both single and multiplayer mode. The game is set in Ancient Greece. The main character is resurrected by the King of Gods Zeus to rescue Athena from the underworld. The game was popular for many video game consoles, as well as Genesis.
45. Tecmo Super Bowl (Genesis Version)
Tecmo Super Bowl is originally an NES game. But this popular American football game also has its Sega Genesis version. It holds up its ground as a fun football game. The game was released in Japan in 1991. This was an excellent game for American football fans. The game was developed and published by Tecmo for NES. The game is the rest of the ital success of the Tecmo Bowl in 1989.
Final Thoughts
SEGA Genesis gaming console is an excellent piece of world game history. No one can deny this fact. The popularity is still at its peak. The list here I provided consists of the best SEGA Genesis games of all time. You truly understand why these games were the best when you play the ultimate Sega games. Now you can play the games for free on your PC or buy ROMs to play on your gaming console.
I hope you will enjoy the games. Best of luck!
I love sagaconsole. Specially Sonic the hedgehog is my all time favourite.