My Top 8 Sega Genesis Games

8. Thunder Force III

I first heard of Thunder Force III from its Super NES counterpart, Thunder Spirits, but once I was able to get my hands on the Genesis version, I was impressed. Thunder Force III is a fast-paced, horizontally-scrolling shooter with a variety of guns and high-powered action. Each level is meticulously designed, and the panicked action of the game has you holding your breath. While much as there are other superb titles in the series, I sincerely believe that Thunder Force III stands out from them.

7. Vectorman

At first glance, Vectorman would seem like another action platformer, but to dismiss it as such would be unfair to it. Gameplay is that of a hero made up of orbs who fires energy blasts in all directions. The levels are multi-pathed, which adds an element of exploration. The potential to change shape is what really makes Vectorman stand out, with fresh takes on gameplay. It's the most innovative platformer on the Genesis, and although it didn't receive a sequel right away, I'm still hoping for another sighting of the orb-wielding hero.

6. Crusader of Centy

Crusader of Centy gets lost too far behind Zelda games too frequently, but it's the finest Zelda clone available. You are a teenager who gains the ability to communicate with animals in this game. As you explore, you gain animal friends with a special power that assists you in your quest. Even though it's a top-notch Zelda clone, Crusader of Centy is also a unique game unto itself. If you enjoy action RPGs with a little twist, this is a title you should play.

5. Wonder Boy in Monster World

Even before the term "Metroidvania" existed, Wonder Boy in Monster World was already getting its interconnected world with increasing power. The game itself is a deep world with villages, stores, and swords, and it's just a great embodiment of the genre. While Metroid did make the formula mainstream, Wonder Boy demonstrated that it wasn't just a clone; it was a game worthy of its own place in the genre. Even today, Wonder Boy in Monster World holds up as one of the best adventure games on the Sega Genesis.

4. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

I'm never a die-hard Sonic fan, but even I couldn't deny the charm of Sonic 2. It's not the most precise platformer you'll ever play, but it's fast, exciting, and full of secrets. Level design, specifically the Casino Night Zone, is the best in the entire series. After I had adjusted to Sonic's momentum-controlled, speed-based gameplay, I was thoroughly enjoying the game's hidden paths and secret goodies. While I like platformers that are more precisely controlled, Sonic 2 is the peak of the Sonic series for me.

3. Mega Man: The Wily Wars

As a fan of Mega Man, it's no surprise that Mega Man: The Wily Wars landed within my top 8. The game takes the first three games of Mega Man and remasters them in 16-bit glory and adds a brand new stage, Wily Tower. While some issues like slowdown and Mega Man's reduced firing rate take away from the experience, new graphics and additions make this game a must-play for fans of Mega Man.

2. Phantasy Star IV

Phantasy Star IV is usually regarded as one of the best 16-bit RPGs, and for good reason. A rich storyline, varied party members, and incredible choice of magic spells make it one of the most immersive RPGs in Sega Genesis. If you like turn-based battles and deep world-building, then Phantasy Star IV is definitely one of the best games on Sega Genesis. It's one of those games that holds its own alongside Final Fantasy VI classics.

1. Castlevania: Bloodlines

As a huge Castlevania fan, it's not surprising that Castlevania: Bloodlines is at number one. This game was the first to implement two playable characters—John Morris and Eric Lecarde—each with unique special abilities. Level design is top-notch, and Eric Lecarde's spear adds some nice variety to the classic Castlevania action. While it came out before the open-world Symphony of the Night, Bloodlines is a great game in the series and my favorite Genesis game by far.