• Top 5 Sega Games

  

  Written by Zeromage 42 Comments
  Last Updated:: July 27, 2008

  Who would’ve ever thought that Old-Wizard would ever compile a top 5 Sega Genesis games article? More importantly who would’ve ever thought that Old-Wizard would put together any positive list about the Sega Genesis? Over the past couple of months, we felt like we’ve been too hard on Sega (not really, but a number of emails have asked us if there there were any Sega games that we actually liked). We thought about it for a while and reminded ourselves that the Sega Genesis did have good games. In this article, we will go through what we think the five best were. We still think the SNES was the superior system, but we are reminded that the Sega Genesis did had some good moments.

  5. Ecco The Dolphin

  Ecco the Dolphin was a mysterious game. Packed with an ambient soundtrack on par with an early Moby record, Ecco the Dolphin would become an underrated classic. There you were as a dolphin trying to save your family. Along the way, you would meet friends who would help you find them. Sonar would be translated into English, as the player was able to experience to closest thing to dolphin life in virtual reality. The final boss would be a difficult battle but with the right thrust attacks; you could knock this monster’s jaw to the bottom of the ocean forever, saving your family and going down as the rightful dolphin hero in the video game world. Saving marine life has never been as much fun as it is in this Sega Genesis game.

  4. Strider

  Strider was first released for the coin-op industry where it garnished only little success. When gamers were given the opportunity to play it on the Sega Genesis though, they realized that this was a game not to be overlooked. Strider Hiryu was one of the more unique characters to control in the old video game land. He was quick, aerobatic, and diligent in his sword thrusts. The game play itself was always curiously manic and chaotic creating a tension in the gamer throughout all stages. The music was defiantly something to write home about. The jungle stage and the beginning stage were stand out moments in this games soundtrack. The bosses were large and colorfully designed making strider a graphical standout in the Sega Genesis era. Strider is a quality game and was only released for Sega Genesis.

  3. Streets of Rage 2

  Side scrolling street fighting found its home in Streets of Rage. Like Sonic 2, Streets of Rage 2 was the memorable moment in the series. The levels expanded, the bosses became more volatile, and the music was on par with a chemical brothers record. The levels were colorful and had detailed backgrounds that kept the gamer in the mood throughout the game. All the characters were enjoyable to play with from Max to Skate. You were going through pool halls, carnivals, and dojos throughout this game, never a dull moment when there were fighters coming from all sides. Streets of Rage 2 is one of the more fun two player Sega games out there. Sega was definitely successful with this series.

  2. Toe Jam and Earl

  Wow was this game fun. Two players would walk across the most funakadelic of universes trying to uncover pieces of a broken ship. The amount of side adventures in this game proved to be one of Sega’s most unique moments. From the first screen of the game, you could travel way off the ocean into a distant Xanadu if you had the right equipment. The enemies were fun little creatures that would irritate the player as much as they would come across as harmless. The music to the game was as funky as a Parliament record; entire stages hip hoped with some of the best beats of the day. The sheer amount of items you could possess in this game was staggering; you could use tomatoes, slingshots, vehicles, and even floating rafts. One wonders why Sega didn’t want this creativity out of all of its games. Anyone who’s played Toe Jam and Earl knows they’re playing a game from a distant planet.

  1. Sonic 2

  While its true that the staff here at Old-Wizard doesn’t really like Sonic as a character there is no denying he had a couple of good games (hey even Gordon Lightfoot had a couple of good songs). While Sonic 1 first delivered Sega’s superhero in full stride, it was Sonic 2 where we were given an adventure to be remembered. There were more stages and the music was killer throughout. The Aztec level music was as catchy as a mid 70’s Abba single. The Casino level was as fun as winning a $1,000 in one night in Las Vegas. Sonic was also given Tails as a partner throughout the whole game adding a new theme to the Sonic series. A second player could also control tails. While he often seemed futile throughout the stages of the game, he could become a devastating partner in boss battles. Since you never had to worry about him dying, he could just hammer away at Robotnic forever. The final form of Dr. Robotnic was a sight to be seen taking up the whole screen and towering over the smaller heroes. Sonic was the flagship of the Sega Genesis and Sonic 2 might have been the system’s best moment.

42 Comments

1. #1 Doug says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

   Best list ever!!!
2. #2 Nick says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 4:26 pm

   I am speechless.
3. #3 Wild Bill says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

   Am I on the right website?
4. #4 Mike says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 4:33 pm

   I wonder why there’s only 5 games on this list. Is it because its a Sega-Related list? If this was a Top Nintendo Games list I’ll bet there’d be 100 games on it.
5. #5 the REAL zeromage says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

   Finally something worth reading!
6. #6 Nick says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

   I never thought I’d see the day…
7. #7 The Mountain says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 5:44 pm

   Wow. You actually admitted to liking some sega games!
8. #8 TheGamesta says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 5:49 pm

   This must’ve been excruciatingly painful for you guys to write… for that, I tip my hat to you Old-wizard!
9. #9 superchaosman says:
   November 20th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

   wow i cant belive you guys are actually sayin something good about sega
10. #10 Apples and Oranges says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY THINGS ABOVE FROM MEDIOCRE SEGA EVER DID LOLOLOL! /old_wizard

    Be ashamed. There’s more than that.
11. #11 TheGamesta says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    @Apples and Oranges

    Oh fans of Sega, hell fans of gaming in general all know that there are plenty of great games for the Genesis, but this is coming from Old-Wizard who obviously has lil’ knowledge of Sega titles and openly admits to hating Sega period. For that, we shouldn’t “look a gift horse in the mouth” when they(reluctantly I’m sure) write an article like this.
12. #12 Hank says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:38 pm

    Your first decent list.
13. #13 Karl says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

    I still can’t tell if this site is a joke or not. Could someone please enlighten me?
14. #14 Xenu says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:48 pm

    Karl:

    I would take a look at their about us page:

    “Our staff is a crack-shot team of super gamers that break the bounds created by the word uber. We have a staff of 9 people, 9 companions to challenge the nine ringwraiths. However, when you line the staff up, you can only count two humans. That’s due to each of the two having 4.5 split personalities inside their heads making a total party of 9 which is a good number, the reasons being the aforementioned above. So two humans, 9 minds, and one internet connection brings you the most comprehensive all encompassing internet miracle in cyberspace.”

    These are the kind of people you’re dealing with here. If you ask me this site is a joke.
15. #15 Alex says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    I wonder if Seganerds has seen this article. I wonder what they would say.
16. #16 Pingfa says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 12:27 am

    Now this is a surprise; and the list isn’t half bad, albeit I believe it does show a lack of knowledge of Sega Genesis titles.
    There’s just one glaring flaw I feel I should put out there… if I recall correctly, there were only 3 Genesis games in your top 100 list:

    NHL
    Sonic
    Ecco the Dolphin

    … so it’s a contradiction that NHL isn’t on there and yet others which did not appear on the top 100 are present here.
    That being said, I understand that you no doubt wanted to restrict the number of Gen titles that went on the list as opposed to games on Nintendo consoles that could replace them, so I’ll let you off.

    Personally, I don’t like ToeJam & Earl 1, and I find Strider to be, for the most part, overrated. The graphics are still impressive today but there are quite a few titles that top it in all departments including visuals. There is abundant slow down, flickering, lack of animation and somewhat unnecessary lack of backgrounds in comparison to the arcade version. To top it off, the controls are simplistic yet clumsy. It’s slightly above average, but nowhere near the heights many of other titles reached on the Genesis, in this one’s humble opinion.

    Last but not least, although two of the titles on this list, in my opinion, are sub-par by Gen standards, Sonic 2 is a great choice for number 1 and I will make a formal bow to show my appreciation.

    See you next time.
17. #17 old-wizard.com says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 12:39 am

    Pingfa:

    Keep in mind the lists on this site are written by 2 different individuals, and as such there will be contradictions over time. Also our top 100 list was originally started two years ago, and took a long time to write, so its not surprising that differences exist in which games we like now, as opposed to then.
18. #18 old-wizard.com says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 12:45 am

    As a side note, originally we planned to release a Top 100 Video Games List every year, but the first one took so long that we realized that that goal was unachievable.

    Also, when you say

    “Last but not least, although two of the titles on this list, in my opinion, are sub-par by Gen standards,”

    On second thought, I’m not even going to touch that line.
19. #19 Pingfa says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 3:39 am

    Good lad.
20. #20 Thomas says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 4:07 am

    Pingfa,

    Are you kidding me?

    Everyone else,

    Why are people so angry with the webmasters of this site?
21. #21 Import from China says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Great info – keep up the great work.
22. #22 George says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 12:14 am

    This probably took you guys months. Sega sucks beyond belief, and just finding titles that don’t make your eyes bleed from them is a challenge. But let me role out this, why don’t you grow a dick between you to and take up the challenge of writing the top 5 (10 perhaps) good things about the Star Wars prequels, finding any may be impossible for you, but if you can do this, it would be a true feat of stamina and greatness. Go for it just as a challenge, and as proof that you read posts of geeks who have nothing better to do than write posts about Sci-Fi and games on the web.
23. #23 James says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 1:35 am

    “but we are reminded that the Sega Genesis did had some good moments.”

    “…did had some good moments.”? Your website is composed of images and words and you fail at words. Good job on your 50 percent, F grade.
24. #24 Absinthe Ben says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    “More importantly who would’ve ever thought that Old-Wizard would put together any positive list about the Sega Genesis?”

    You MUST be joking…:( Bust out the Genesis one more time. Pop in a Gunstar Heroes or Shinobi III cartridge and relive the magic, my friends!
25. #25 Mighty the armadillo says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 5:42 am

    The genesis rocks!! my most favority console in the 16 bit days, now I am a sega fan so expect me to say nintendo sucks …but I too had a snes at the same time as having a genesis I had lots of awesome games for both consoles as I did have a nes before the genesis and I also had a sega master system.

    I had fun with both but sega had more edge with their games then nintendo did so thats why I picked sega as the best cause I had the most fun with it.
26. #26 sonic's evil twin says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 6:22 am

    well 2 out of 5 isnt bad i liked toe jam and earl and sonic 2 and that’s it the rest where not my cup fo tea
27. #27 shadyparatroopa_of_ice says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    Splendid! Finally! You have turned yourself from an
    A-hole to a grade A!
28. #28 gunsn1per says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 3:39 am

    I remember that dolphin game, it’s really creative and exciting, I never finished it, though…(I was like 9 years old the last time played it. Hop through the ring, went into a jurassic ocean…Brings back memories…
29. #29 Zeonic Freak says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 12:51 am

    [quote]I wonder if Seganerds has seen this article. I wonder what they would say.[/quote]

    We would say “Play games on the Saturn and Dreamcast, not Genesis”

    You want top Sega games, heres some:

    1.Shenmue
    2.Panzer Dragoon Series
    3.Snatcher
    4.Sonic CD
    5.Nights into Dreams
    6.Burning Rangers
    7.Phantasy Star series
    8.Streets of Rage series
    and so an and so forth…

    I need to stop coming here, i really do. I dont want to troll, but when i see things like this, its my swarn duty to right the wrong put on Sega (other than what they did) by you guys.

    Please, no more…
30. #30 someguy000 says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    “Splendid! Finally! You have turned yourself from an
    A-hole to a grade A!”

    Nice pun there, tailsgunso!

    Hey old-wizard!
    We reviewed your website!
    Check your mails, its from tailsgunso…
31. #31 shay says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 9:10 am

    That’s not a pun retard.
32. #32 Buzzolfos says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    Meh. Strider? Not only was that by Capcom, but also I think Revenge of Shinobi deserves that position instead.
33. #33 Relayer71 says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 1:58 am

    Streets Of Rage 2
    Phantasy Star IV
    Panzer Dragoon 2
    Yakuza 2
    Sonic 2
34. #34 Uhhhhhhhhh,pie says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    Finally, a Video Game list that doesn’t rip on Sega. Good work, fellas.
35. #35 avi says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:57 am

    1.Sonic Adventure 2 2.Sonic Adventutre 3.Sonic 2 4.Vectorman 5.NiGHTS
36. #36 Konrad says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:25 am

    God, you guys are fuckin’ tools. Do you even know more than five Genesis games? Too bad Gunstar Heroes, Herzog Zwei, Bloodlines, Virtua Racing, Phantasy Star II + IV, Golden Axe, Rocket Knight Adventures, Vectorman, and Contra: Hard Corps won’t be accomodated by your best-of “list.”
37. #37 Konrad says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:30 am

    By the way, I would personally opt for:

    Gunstar Heroes
    King’s Bounty
    Sonic 3 + Knuckles
    Streets of Rage 2
    Phantasy Star IV
    Street Fighter II: SCE
    Castlevania: Bloodlines
    Disney’s Aladdin
    Herzog Zwei
    Flashback
38. #38 Avi says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 11:49 am

    I forgot about the Sonic & Knuckles add-on.