Tasha’s Top 20 Best Sega Genesis Games
My personal list of the Greatest Sega Genesis Games of All-Time
By: Tasha
Published: 24 April 2020, 5:02 pm
Hello, and welcome to Tasha’s Top 20 Sega Genesis Games! Now, this is entirely opinion based, so try not to hate on me too hard if you dislike my picks or believe I missed a good one. Just drop me a comment on Twitter or Facebook and let me know what you would have liked to have on the list.
5. Streets of Rage (aka Bare Knuckle: Ikari no Tekken)
Coming up next is Streets of Rage. Released in 1991 and is another title that I still own and play regularly. In this classic beat-em-up, you can take control of one of three police officers with the most 90’s names of all time, Axel Stone, Adam Hunter, and sexy vixen Blaze Fielding. I’m sure you can guess my personal preference as far as characters go, but I have played the game with all three at one point or another. Criminals have taken over the city, and it’s your job to clean up the streets. When dealing with the criminal element, you don’t have time for Miranda rights and protocol. Instead, you dole out justice with your fists and feet, as well as random weapons you can find inside of breakable objects scattered around. A multitude of different henchpeople dressed in crazy outfits will do everything they can to impede your progress. This game is a fun challenge, and (though I’m not sure it was intended) can be quite comical to play. I highly recommend this title.
4. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
You’re probably wondering why I chose 2 over 1. That’s very simple, Tails. I freaking love Tails, and he didn’t debut in the series until the second game in 1992 on the Genesis. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to play Sonic 2. Sonic and Tails are going up against Sonic’s old nemesis, Dr. Robotnik, who is hellbent on world domination. Dr. Robotnik is taking cute little animals and turning them into his minions, so it’s up to the speedy duo to stop him. We all know Sonic is quick on his feet. Still, Tails can use his butt plumage (his double tails) as a posterior helicopter to fly. That’s why I was a fan of Tails because I fell down holes a lot less often. This fast-paced platformer has you running at top speed, collecting coins, killing enemies, and taking out Dr. Robotnik’s robots to save the animals. What’s not to love?
3. Earthworm Jim
Now this one takes me back! Released in 1995, I first played this game when we had a little thing called Sega Channel. Sega Channel was a monthly subscription service (maybe through our cable provider) that let you play all you wanted from a selection of games that would change periodically. I’m still surprised it never became a bigger deal in its day since that is precisely what we do now with new consoles, but I digress. Earthworm Jim was a regular old earthworm who accidentally finds an advanced space suit that turns him into a humanoid hero. When Jim finds out that an evil queen wants to use the suit to destroy a, possibly more attractive, princess, and with really nothing else to do, Jim sets out to stop the evil queen. Jim uses his trusty gun to defend himself and can even use his still worm-like head in many useful ways. He can use it to hang, whip, and also as a propeller for brief hovering/gliding. Earthworm Jim is an action platformer that is absolutely hilarious and incredibly challenging. Growing up, my mom was the bomb at Earthworm Jim, she put the rest of us to shame. So if you missed out on this one, you NEED to play it.
2. Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Next on the menu is Zombies Ate My Neighbors. This beautiful masterpiece was also released for Sega Genesis in 1993. I still own and play this title to this day. It was an excellent introductory gaming title for my daughter, as well. Zombies Ate My Neighbors puts you in the shoes of either one of a brother and sister pair. They must save their family, friends, and neighbors from the horrors that have taken over the world. Despite the title, the enemies include far more variety than just zombies. You will face masked murderers, aliens, possessed dolls, mummies, and all manner of creepy things that go bump in the night. With a crazy arsenal of weapons that ranges from a water gun, soda cans, and weed whackers to footballs, flamethrowers, and pandora’s box. The game also has silly humor amidst the horror atmosphere. This is one I highly recommend! It’s action shooting fun and comical in all the best ways.
1. Disney's Aladdin (aka Aladdin)
Coming in at the top spot is mi capo’s favorite, Disney’s Aladdin. It debuted on the Sega Genesis in 1993. This side-scrolling platformer is a playable version of the classic movie. Taking control of Aladdin himself, you must jump and climb your way through the land of Agrabah on your quest to defeat the creepy Jafar. Aladdin can defend himself with either his scimitar or by throwing apples at enemies. Watch your step because obstacles can pop up from unexpected places, and enemies come in a wide variety. There are several collectibles along the way that can help you unlock bonus levels, extra lives, and continues. Whether you are a fan of the movie or not, Disney’s Aladdin is a fun and entertaining action platformer. You’d be doing yourself a favor to play this Disney classic.