SEGA Genesis Collection Review by GameZone

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:

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.

Gameplay: 9.0
Some of these games were downright revolutionary in terms of gameplay. Both Sonic the Hedgehog and Ristar reconsidered what a platform game could be, and Vectorman took the action genre to another level (no pun intended).

Graphics: 8.2
This is always a tough category to score in compilations due to the original date of the material included. Sega Genesis Collection, on the other hand, wholeheartedly delivers with sheer style.

Sound: 8.2
The majority of these classics possess insanely catchy tunes, Ecco the Dolphin and Sonic the Hedgehog being my personal favorites.

Difficulty: Medium
The inclusion of being able to save your progression at any moment in time truly renders some of the harder titles available more accessible.

Concept: 9.0
Compilations are nothing new or innovative, but the utter quality of this collage is something to behold. To put the icing on the cake, it’s retailing at an attractive budget price of 20 bones.

Multiplayer: 8.5
Just as you remember it. Gamers can partake in cooperative play and versus in milestones such as Bonanza Bros. and Virtua Fighter 2.

Overall: 9.0
Whether you’re someone who never owned a Sega Genesis or a gamer wanting to relive some of gaming’s peak moments, this collection - made up of 28 of the system’s finest offerings - is a true standout.