Sega Has Narrowed Down the Genesis' Immense Library to 28 Titles

The Sega Genesis, or Sega Mega Drive as it's dubbed in Japan, was released in the late 80s to contend with Nintendo's 8-bit wonder. Sega set out to create a powerhouse that would not only outdo the NES graphics-wise, but control the video-game market in sales. They achieved these goals the way any good console does: exclusive titles. Sonic the Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, Golden Axe and the like proved to be long-lasting, household franchises - but best of all - system sellers. In 1992, the Sega Genesis held a respective 55% market share. Sales eventually slowed down, but with the launch of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in the same year, Sega's market share rose to an unprecedented 65%, a feat no one first thought feasible for the underdog.

If, for some reason, you didn't get the chance to dive into the Genesis in the past 15+ years, I want you to immediately stop reading and head to your nearest retailer and pick up Sega Genesis Collection. I won't beat around the bush here. This is a collection of 28 of the absolute best releases on the platform, from classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog (1 and 2) and the Vectorman series, to landmarks such as Ecco the Dolphin and Shinobi III. Couple a ton of fantastic extras, and the fact of the matter is this is a must-own for all PS2 owners.

Below you will find the list of titles included in this terrific package:

Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle

Altered Beast

Bonanza Bros.

Columns

Comix Zone

Decap Attack

Ecco the Dolphin

Ecco: The Tides of Time

Ecco Jr.

Flicky

Gain Ground

Golden Axe

Golden Axe II

Golden Axe III

Kid Chameleon

Phantasy Star II

Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom

Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium

Ristar

Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi

Shinobi III

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Super Thunder Blade

Sword of Vermillion

Vectorman

Vectorman 2

Virtua Fighter 2 (Genesis version) As you can clearly recognize by looking at this massive listing, Sega Genesis Collection is as comprehensive as it's going to get on one disc - or at least until Sega Genesis Collection 2 drops. Additionally, unlike Midway Arcade Treasures and Atari Anthology, every single one of these games is worth playing for more than two minutes. This is an unspeakable accomplishment for a compilation of this caliber.

One of the main aspects fans will appreciate in this collection is the ability to save your progress at any point. That's right, you don't have to complete Sonic the Hedgehog or Ristar in one sitting anymore. This setup allows for up to three save slots for each title, which, in a word, is incredible.

What would a compilation like this be without truckloads of extras, you ask? A superb compilation with no extras. In all sincerity though, Sega has outdone themselves in this particular department. Five - count it - five unlockable arcade games, loads of easily accessible (hint: boot up a title, literally) developer interviews, cheats and tips, original game trailers, and beautiful artwork. The picture quality on the videos is top-notch as well. The only complaint I have is with the incorporation of English subtitles in lieu of a vocal translater. However, this is only a minor setback.

Sega Genesis Collection is beyond the shadow of a doubt the best compilation disc I have ever played. All 28 titles hold up remarkably well, and luckily not just in the gameplay department. Comix Zone, most notably, sports draw-dropping visuals and art direction that'll leave gamers in awe. There are also games included in this collection that may have been overlooked while still in print, Kid Chameleon abruptly coming to mind, an excellent platformer with a unique premise. A good deal of multiplayer goodness has been tossed in, too, from Altered Beast to the blissful Virtua Fighter 2. When all is said and done, this collection is near perfection in every conceivable way.