5 Sega Genesis Games That Stand the Test of Time (& 5 That Don’t)

There are few things more iconic and representative of ’90s culture than the Sega Genesis. It’s certainly up there with the likes of POGs and Roller Blades. Serving as the “cooler” alternative to Nintendo’s kid-friendly Super NES, the Genesis conveyed something of a flashier, edgier side to gaming.

This was personified in adrenaline-fueled romps such as Sonic the Hedgehog, along with the gore-laden Mortal Kombat. Yet, Sega also sought to push boundaries from a tech standpoint – to mixed results.

Being an early-entry in the 16-bit era – and often so immersed in ’90s culture – it stands to reason that many games on the console haven’t quite stood the test of time.

Great games are often timeless, to be sure, and the Genesis has many. Yet, because of the graphical limitations, and in some cases, outdated gameplay, the library has its share of efforts that didn’t age too well – even when it comes to some of its classics.

This list will highlight five titles whose quality and visuals have managed to withstand the test of time, along with five that just don’t hold up as well these days.

10 Aged Well: Vectorman

Serving partly as a response to Rare’s visual marvel that was Donkey Kong Country, Sega tapped BlueSky Software to create their own thrilling sidescroller that would push their hardware to its limits. Enter Vectorman; an action-packed romp that infused platforming and Contra-style running and gunning.

Though the visuals may not reach the level of detail and polish found in Rare’s ape-tastic series, this late-entry of the Genesis lineup proves one of the nicer looking games on the platform. This is largely thanks to its use of pre-rendered 3D models in a 2D space.

Not only this, but its tight controls, fluid animation, and swift pacing allow it to hold up today from a gameplay standpoint.

9 Didn’t: Phantasy Star II

Despite the rich, appealing gameplay and imaginative premise of this otherwise-great RPG, there are aspects that don’t quite hold up today. The game’s adherence to turn-based battles ala Dragon Quest is a mechanic that tends to feel a bit dated these days, for one.

While it has certainly exudes a retro charm and remains a classic RPG, Phantasy Star II has a more of an 8-bit feel that doesn’t hold up as well as future entries in the series.

8 Aged Well: Earthworm Jim

Art style and atmosphere can make or break a game in terms of its timelessness, and Earthworm Jim certainly nails it in this department. It hits the ground running and never looks back with exciting gameplay and in-your-face wackiness.

With its zany sense of humor, sleek aesthetic, and fast-paced action, Shiny Entertainment’s platforming shooter feels like it could have come out of the modern era. In addition, the imaginative settings and stellar sound design by composer Tommy Tallarico round out this memorably quirky superhero romp.

7 Didn’t: ToeJam & Earl

Once again, ToeJam & Earl is a case of a classic title that tends to be the victim of some of its more unique elements that haven’t allowed it to age as well as some of its Genesis peers.

To those weaned on modern gaming sensibilities, this exploration-heavy game can feel quite foreign and tricky. It has a particularly slow-pacing, cryptic navigation, and overall punishing gameplay, which, while enjoyable, can be tough to get acquainted with.

In an era rife with cinematic thrills and action-packed gameplay, this quirky title takes a passive and “chill” approach throughout. And while the controls are no doubt meant to be slow and sluggish, it can nonetheless feel a tad archaic and “8-bit.”

6 Aged Well: Gunstar Heroes

Though there may have been a time where this run and gun thriller might have felt a bit dated, Gunstar Heroes ironically feels very modern again. This is largely thanks to the slew of similar software coming from the indie scene, in particular.

The vibrant, spire-based visuals, fast-paced shooting, and (quite literally) explosive gameplay fits the modern scene like a glove. The mechanically sound, fast-twitch vibe of Gunstar Heroes definitely gives it a timeless appeal; especially with its addictive co-op multiplayer. This is one of those arcade-style classics friends can always return to and enjoy.

5 Didn’t: Virtua Fighter 2

3D translations don’t often work out well when it comes to 16-bit hardware; the occasional “Mode-7” game such as F-Zero notwithstanding. Case in point? The Genesis port of Virtua Fighter 2. While many early 3D fighters tend to look dated now, this one particularly stands out with its odd blend of 2D sprites and jaggy, pseudo-3D planes.

Aside from the fairly standard feel that’s about as cliche “’90s fighter” as it gets – this entry has the crude, aged visuals to go along with some equally crude gameplay.

4 Aged Well: Mortal Kombat

The benefit of a title being so ahead of its time like Mortal Kombat is that it lends itself to holding up years, and even decades after hitting the scene. This is certainly the case for this fighter from Midway; an arcade romp that truly changed the game with its appetite for bloody violence and almost comically-graphic finishers.

Still, there was substance to go along with this memorable style – allowing Mortal Kombat to hold up from a gameplay standpoint and in terms of cultural significance.

3 Didn’t: Sonic 3D Blast

As was the case for a few others mentioned, Sonic 3D Blast is a port that somewhat fell victim to the relative restrictions of Sega’s 16-bit machine. Though it made for a decent experience on the more capable Saturn, this bizarre twist on the Sonic series is particularly crude and awkward on the Genesis.

The game was released during something of a transition phase between the 2D and 3D gaming eras – and it shows, with its disorienting isometric view and rough visuals. Ironically, this manages to feel more dated than Sonic games that preceded it, thanks in part to its slower pacing and convoluted level design.

2 Aged Well: Sonic The Hedgehog 2

There’s a reason this is still viewed by many Sega fans as the definitive Sonic game, and almost undeniably the peak of this turbulent franchise. It does just about everything right – drawing from the appealing formula of the original Sonic and fleshing out the detail whilst revving up the speed.

Its delightful presentation is a key factor in its posterity; vibrant visuals, charming melodies, and creative, colorful settings. But the added depth to the campaign, along with a fun multiplayer option, also enabled Sonic 2 to really take off, cementing it as the timeless classic it is.

1 Didn’t: Virtua Racing

Though it might have been a neat novelty to play any 3D game on the Genesis, modern 3D graphics have made this early-’90s racer look like a gaming antique by comparison. Its polygonal visuals are so void of detail and so jaggy that it practically makes Tron look flashy and modern.

Basically, Virtua Racing was best experienced on the more powerful hardware of arcade machines and the Sega Saturn. In fairness though, it’s impressive that a console from ’88 could even partially emulate a 3D racing experience.

About The Author

Stephen Lagioia
(250 Articles Published)

Stephen is an avid Nintendo, Indie, and retro gamer who dabbles in Xbox on occasion, mainly in the form of binge sessions of Overwatch. He’s a history buff, an aspiring writer of short fiction, and a devout metalhead who enjoys poorly drumming along to Black Sabbath on his cheap drum set. When his beloved Chicago Cubs or Bulls are not playing, he typically likes to watch random documentaries or campy horror films.

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