74 FORGOTTEN WORLDS (Sega/Capcom, 1989)
Capcom leased out a lot of their arcade classics to Sega during the early days of the Genesis and here is a port of the sci-fi shooter where two soldiers blast away anicent invaders with a cool side pods. The graphics and music are no where as good as the arcade original but it's cool to see the two player mode still intact (unlike the Turbo Duo version). Forgotten Worlds is tough and the 360 degree controls take some getting use to but Sega still did a great job here.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
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65 FROGGER (Majesto/Konami, 1998)
What the? Yup, this is the same Frogger game from the 1980's where you help a frog cross the road and survive the deadly swamps to get back home. Sadly, the game is almost unchanged from the old fashion arcade so a lot of gamers may not be very impressed with the simple 'avoid the junk' game play and weak presentation here. Frogger may be ancient but the game is still challenging and very easy to pick up and play.
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 6
gameplay: 3
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46 G LOC (Sega, 1992)
In this later version or spin off of Sega's popular After Burner series you must takedown enemy planes across several familiar missions. Sounds like fun, no? Sadly this flight simulator is packed with less excitement then the original arcade game and the levels got fairly boring rather quickly. G Loc is a forgettable game and I bet you already forget about it, eh?
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 4
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76 GAIARES (Renovation, 1990)
Anyone remember this game with the gay pirate name (not that there is anything wrong with that)? You should because the game isn't that bad. Gaiares is a very tough 8 meg shooter with 7 vicious levels but at least you can find lots of weapons to collect from your enemies to even out the odds. What makes this is a fairly good shoot em up is it comes with above average graphics and sounds plus there is a lot action here as well so if you love brutal shooters like Thunder Force III then you love this too.
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 8
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34 GALAXY FORCE II (Sega, 1992)
"Tom Hanks, with the help of Lawyer Densel Washington, must file a lawsuit against his former employer in this epic space shooter?!" Remember the Saturday Night Live sketch featuring this 3D Sega Genesis game? OK, the game itself is rather below average 3D shooter thanks to it's slow speed, annoying draining health and limited graphics especially compared to the original. There are a few cool things about the game like the catchy background soundtracks but don't expect the same intense expenience you would find in the arcades.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 7
gameplay: 4
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71 GAUNTLET IV (Tengen, 1994)
The new Genesis Gauntlet features some more RPG elements to spice up the constant running and shooting game play to this older series. You can still play as four different characters that vary in speed and power and then you go out on a adventure through several dangerous dungeons. Gauntlet 4 also tries to resurrect some past glory by looking very similar to the first game but I wish that they focused on the new features more.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 8
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90 GHOSTBUSTERS (Sega/Activision, 1990)
In my opinion this is the best way the Ghostbusters license was ever used. In this cool 2D action platformer you play as one of three screw ball characters on a mission to save New York City from an army of raging ghosts. The game isn't perfect with its very goofy looking super deformed characters and the game's short length but Ghostbusters controls very well plus it is also very challenging and fun to play too. Where's Winston though? Don't pass this gem by or you'll regret it for the rest of your life!
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
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91 GHOULS N' GHOSTS (Sega/Capcom, 1989)
What is the best way to launch a new gaming console? How bout making a near arcade perfect translation of a fairly recent arcade hit exclusively for that machine? Ghouls N' Ghosts is that game and if you wanted to play the game at home the Genesis was the only way to go (at least in North America: be sure to look at my Super Grafx review). The game really showed off the both the graphical and sound capabilities plus the action was hard and intense as well. In this classic action game you play the role of the brave Sir Arthur, a powerful knight that can gather cool magical armour and projectile and melee weapons to aid you on a deadly mission of revenge. This game even comes with a useful Practice mode and with a game this difficult you are going to need it. If you can handle a tough game then be sure to pick up the excellent action game Ghouls N' Ghosts.
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 9
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65 GLOBAL GLADIATORS (Virgin, 1990)
Sorry, this is not a sequel to American Gladiators. Global Gladiators is actually a good action game starring two kids from McDonalds so I'm guessing this is a update to the NES game McKids. This action platformer lets you shoot at enemies but the whole game could be a bit too childish and unoriginal for some. The game controls well and the graphics are decent but the stages get repetitive. Also if these kids are from McDonalds then why are they not fatter?
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
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80 GOLDEN AXE (Sega, 1989)
Here is a Sega classic! In a fantasy medieval age, three brave warriors try to get their revenge with the man with the Golden Axe; the evil Death Adder. Golden Axe is a free roaming fighting game where you fight off hordes of enemies until you reach the boss guardian. Although the odds are against you, each one of the warriors can use powerful magic and the more potions you find, the more powerful the spell. The game also features two new levels not in the arcade or Sega Master System games plus it also includes a new duel mode for single or two player battles. It may be kind of short but Golden Axe is a solid fighting game with a great theme.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
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71 GOLDEN AXE II (Sega, 1992)
The same three warriors from the last game return to battle a new enemy and his invading army. This fighter is certainly not a big improvement over the last one but now the three warriors can use spells in a new way so they don't have to use their magic all at once. Golden Axe II can be very repetitive but it is a safe bet for gamers looking searching an action game.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
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63 GRANADA (Renovation/Wolf Team, 1990)
This game is a cool overhead tank shooter with a very fast pace and some clean graphics that didn't blow chunks. The controls take some getting use to but once you master them you can do some serious damage. You're going to need to be tough in this game because there are a lot of enemies trying to kill in these huge overhead stages. Granada may not look like much now but is a very good game for all those action seekers out there looking for something different.
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
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62 GREEN DOG (Sega, 1991)
In this unusual action game you help a beached surfer remove a curse from a strange necklace that he found after a crashing on a wave. The only problem I have with the game, besides the whole idea, is the large size of the main character made him more difficult to control in this platformer here. Green Dog is just that, green!
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
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The StarSoldier Game of the Month!
97
GUNSTAR HEROES (Sega/Treasure,
1994)Gunstar Heroes may seem like a odd name for a video game but if you give it a chance you'll see that this game has some of the most advance Genesis graphics, decent music, and high octane action for two players you'll ever experience. With only 7 levels here the game is a little too short and it left me wanting more but it was still a wild ride while it lasted. Despite the questionable length don't forget that game still plays incredible and the depth is also fairly amazing. Gunstar Heroes is just a very wild game with excellent graphics and music! Despite some major critical acclaim from the gaming community, this game never a sequel until 2005.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 9
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70 HELLFIRE (Seismic/Toaplan, 1990)
You may not like this overly difficult 2D shooter but you have to love that name, eh? Hellfire is awesome! Anyway, in this game you control a starship with a unusual but useful 4 way switching system that gives the player the ability to fire in different directions. Your going to need this ability too because your enemies come everywhere here and it only takes one hit to kill you if you don't have shields. If you love shoot em ups games like R Type and Zero Wing then be sure to give this a try to but be ready to do a lot of cursing as well.
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
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82 HERZOG ZWEI (Sega/Techno Soft, 1989/1990)
Some say that Sega's Herzog Zwei is the original real time strategy war game that started the whole popular Real Time strategy gaming genre. I'm not sure if that is true or not but Herzog Zwei is a very deep overhead tactical game that looks and sounds much like Thunder Force II but make no mistake both games are completely different. Although the learning curve is high and the menu system is annoying but with the games eight stages and great two player action this game has almost unlimited replay value.
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 9
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68 IMMORTAL (Electronic Arts, 1991)
Here is a very nice isometric looking game about a undead warrior trying to slay an evil dragon. What really stands out is the graphics thanks to the excellent animation and creepy dark dungeons. The game would have rated higher but very tedious trial and error game may turn a lot players away. If you want a challenging adventure with a interesting story then you'll want to try this out.
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
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27
James Buster Douglas KNOCKOUT BOXING (Sega/Taito, 1990)In a smart move Sega released this game right after Buster Douglas pulled off the big upset and KO'ed the then super popular and almost unstoppable world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and ended his 30 plus winning streak. In a dumb move though this game is still the same as Taito's ill fated Final Blow but now Buster Douglas is a playable character. With a little more time this game could have been great but Sega didn't care about the game play but rather the license and idea of sticking it to Nintendo and their former poster boy. Don't be fooled in by the large and detailed fighters here; the controls are bad, the hit detection is poor, and this game just flatout sucks!
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 2
gameplay: 2
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65 JUNGLE STRIKE (Electronic Arts, 1991)
The Strike series returns and now you have to stop a terrorist group in the remote Jungles while you also have to save and protect the US homeland as well. This is the sequel to the earlier Desert Strike but now there are even more levels and more interactive environments too. Some of the music here is kind of annoying and you have to careful of your position of ammo or your screwed. The game is still fun and the game even gives you the freedom to turn on the your own guys including the president.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
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63 JURASSIC PARK (Sega, 1993)
Sega managed to get their hands on yet another big Hollywood license here but let's see if they hit or miss this time. In the game the once extinct dinosaurs have been recreated in a new theme park but things go crazy as the dinos get on the loose. The cool thing with the Genesis version here is you can either play as one of the human survivors Doctor Grant or one of the man eating raptors too which is very cool. The action is 2D platform isn't the best thanks some touchy controls and odd stage design but it recreated the film well enough.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
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59 JURASSIC PARK Rampage Edition (Sega, 1994)
Even with the then popular Jurassic Park movie license this action game lacks excitement in these boring levels. There are lots of enemies to kill so the game as more action then the previous Jurassic Park on the Genesis but the stages themselves are a bit too big and repetitive. The game also looks very plain despite seeing some nice water fall effects here and there.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
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61 KID CHAMELEON (Sega, 1991)
Kid Chameleon may be a strange name but it is a huge title starring a tough kid with a lot of different alter egos. Although the graphics and music are below average here, the game can be a great trip thanks to all the different techniques like the Samurai or horror masked guy to try out. The stages are a bit too big and it isn't the most action packed title out there but at least there is a lot you can do in the game.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
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70 KLAX (Tengen/Atari, 1992)
This cool arcade puzzle game also comes to the Sega Genesis as well and its not too bad. In the game you land coloured tiles safely down a huge board and then line them up carefully to earn big point but if you make only three mistakes or the main table filled up then it's game over. This version even has some background music even though it sucks. Klax is a tough but very fun puzzle game with lots of stages to master.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
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54
LAND STALKER (Sega, 1993)Land Stalker is a huge 16 Meg action/RPG on the Genesis that certainly had some nice features like colourful graphics and a long quest but for all the positives there were sure a bunch of negatives. I hated awkward 3/4 overhead view plus the confusing control system didn't help matters either. If you have the patience and if you're a fan of Nintendo's Super Mario RPG then give it a shot but all others should stay clear of this.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
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45 LAST BATTLE (Sega, 1989)
This is a Fist of the North Star type of game that looks good when the game stands still since the fighters here are so big on the screen but when you actually play it really looks bad in other places like the animation. Also the music and sound effects are pretty lame as well. Last Battle is a bad mixture of Irem's Kung Fu and Hudson Soft's China Warrior.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
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78 LIGHTNING FORCE: Quest for the Darkstar (Sega/Techno Soft, 1993)
This game is also know as Thunder Force IV in Japan but Sega changed the name when it was introduced to the North American market. Why, I'm not really sure? Maybe because it wasn't quite as good as the stunning third game I guess. Lightning Force is short but it has to be one of the hardest 2D shooters I have ever played but that's because the screen is loaded with enemies and it's hard to tell what's really coming at me half the time. Thunder Force III was still the better game but this was still a very good effort here.
For 1 player only
graphics: 8 .............. this game really pushes the limits here.
sound: 7
gameplay: 5
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57 MARBLE MADNESS (EA/Atari, 1991)
It's nice to see this fun NES and arcade game translated on an 16-bit system but do you really need it in your collection? In this simple game you guide a marble (or marbles) down a difficult set of six courses in a limited amount of time. The game is actually not that improved over the other versions so don't expect anything too fancy and the background music is just terrible. Marble Madness is a short but very difficult game that anyone can pick up and play at least.
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 3
gameplay: 7
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78 MEGA BOMBERMAN (Sega/Hudson Soft, 1994)
This is Bomber Man '94 for all you PC Engine owners out there and now it comes to the Genesis. It's good that Sega owners finally get their hands a great game like Bomberman; a game well know for excellent party matches. Mega Bomberman may not have much in the way of graphics and sounds but the options in the multiple player are incredible.
*Uncommon Genesis game
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 8
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92 MEGA MAN: The Wily Wars (Capcom, 1994)
*European game
Now before you go out looking for a copy of Mega Man for this system you should know that this game was only released in Europe and Asia and will only work on a Genesis if you have a special converter. That's a real shame because this special Mega Man game is actually a collection of the original Mega Man 1, 2, and 3 (from the NES era) in one cart. The game even comes with improved graphics and you don't even have to write down any passwords since you can just save your games instead. Unfortunately, the game does have a bit of slow down and the music isn't as good as I thought it would be but when you are getting three of the best Mega Man's in one package who really cares? Lucky Europeans!
*Battery Back up game
*Rare Mega Drive game
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 9
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74 MIDNIGHT RESISTANCE (Data East, 1992)
This game plays very similar to Konami's famous Contra game which isn't a bad thing but this action shoot em up moves a little too slow at times. Still this game has a lot of crap to shoot and you can even earn some extra weapons by finding keys through out the stages and use them at the end of levels. Not a bad game but the action can get repetitive.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
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72
Michael Jackson's MOONWALKER (Sega, 1990)This is the only video game I know that actually stars the famous and sometimes controversial singer Michael Jackson. The game is based on the movie of the same name, and you control Michael himself so he can rescue missing children. "I'm not kidding here!" Despite the weird idea it's still a good action platformer with some of the original sound tracks of his albums including 'Smooth Criminal' and 'I'm Bad' plus it's cool to see that some of your special weapon here is your style and many dance moves. Moonwalker is definitely one of the most unique games you can find on the Genesis and that's actually a good thing.
*Different version available, one has the Thriller theme in the graveyard scenes during dance attacks, others don't
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 6
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The StarSoldier Game of the Month!
75
MORTAL KOMBAT
(Arena/Williams, September 1993)Here is the original Mortal Kombat that sparked all that attention for it's use of blood and fatalities and for the first time ever in 1993 it came to the home console market. In the game you pick from one of seven fighters and you must defeat the other combatants to have a chance to fight the reigning Mortal Kombat champion: the seven foot monster with four arms Goro. If you manage to defeat Goro you still have to fight the evil master of the tournament Shang Tsung. Each fighter has the same list of basic moves like rapid fast punches and roundhouse kicks but each one has their unique special moves to set them apart. This version is superior to it's Super Nintendo counterpart because the violence can be unlocked by a code and it's just easier to play too. It isn't perfect because of the downgraded graphics but all the intense arcade action is still there so great for fans of the series.
For 1 or 2 players
Rated (MA-13) for 13 and up
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
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82 MORTAL KOMBAT II (Acclaim/Williams, 1994)
In the previous Genesis version of Mortal Kombat was better, that's not the case in 1994 as Nintendo lightens up on its heavy censorship rules so both games have it now and the Sega version has to work harder this time. This one on one fighting game now has 12 selectable characters each with 3 to 5 special moves each. The game is still fun to play with a lot of fast action but you don't have SNES quality graphics and music either.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
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62 MORTAL KOMBAT 3 (Williams, October 15, 1995)
This sucky sequel also comes to the Genesis as well but this famous one on one series is clearly running out of thunder by this time. OK, there are now 14 fighters to pick from here and two bosses to kill which is all good but the game overall lacks true evolution since it's still the same old 2D game with new cheap combo game play. Also this game is insanely difficult even on the easiest setting so you better get good in a hurry or you're dead meat.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
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The StarSoldier Game of the Month!
75 MS. PACMAN (Tengen/Namco, 1982, 1990)
Sure this arcade classic was great the way it was in the 80's but maybe you want more especially when you are playing with this powerful 16-bit system here? The game play involves the same old pellet collecting, fruit eating, portal escaping, and ghost avoiding from the original classic 1982 mega arcade hit but Ms. Pac Man for the Sega Genesis introduced many ideas to help liven things up too. First off there are tons of new mazes added to the mix like the Crazy, Long, and Mini levels to add some variety to the legend and the new mazes weren't cool enough, the game also has an all new two players modes featuring both Pac Man and Ms. Pac Man competing for points much like the original Nintendo/Tengen version of this game. Talk about a cool idea, eh? The graphics and music are certainly nothing too special and I would have loved a save feature as well but the Genesis version is a very awesome remake of the 1982 arcade game since it comes with lots more to see and do here.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 7
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85 M.U.S.H.A. (Seismic/Compile, 1991)Here is yet another vertical shooter on the Genesis but this is definitely one of the better titles. M.U.S.H.A. features a powerful but lone survivor mech and her dangerous mission behind enemy lines. This game also features some pretty cool graphics achievements for the Sega Genesis technology like some impressive 3D scaling in certain levels and the detail is also pretty damn impressive. The game play isn't anything too new but shooting fans should definitely keep there eyes peeled for this one.
*Rare Genesis game
For 1 player only
graphics: 9
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
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81 MYSTIC DEFENDER (Sega, 1990)
Mystic Defender here is a fast arcade-like platform game with an cool Asian feel to it and 8 challenging levels. Sure, the game was great but I really love the ending to this game and the beautiful princess (and very naked by the way) you get to save. Although the game is fairly short with only a few worlds that just take mere minutes to complete, the later stages get really tough so don't expect to finish this on the first try. The StarSoldier really recommends this underrated action game.
*Different versions available: one with the nude scene, one without.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
N to S Genesis reviews > >