If I had to pick one console above all others, it would be the Megadrive. It was my first console 'love' - I grew up with the machine and I doubt any other console will come close to it. There are a few MD games that I simply could not do without, and here are some of them. I'm aware that these aren't the best games for the system, but they're ones I love.
Golden Axe/Golden Axe 2
I've bunched these two together as they're pretty much the same game. Golden Axe was the first MD title I ever played - even today it's still as fun as ever. The fantasy setting was perfect - I really wish Sega would do an update. Golden Axe 2 isn't quite as good, but the visuals are better and the music is brilliant (esp the first level background track).
Shadow Dancer
I've never understood why people are so down on Shadow Dancer. I suppose many thought it would be the true follow up to Revenge of Shinobi, but I personally find this game more playable and fun. The graphics are bold and colourful - still some of the best on the machine, IMO, the music is catchy and sticks in the mind and the gameplay is fast and interesting.
Axis: Final Zone Senki
Everyone should have a Wolf Team game in their all-time faves list. This mech-based isometric shooter is a little samey in places, but any game that comes with a set of postcards gets my vote. I still have the postcards, but I foolishly got rid of the Japanese version years ago and now have to content myself with the US version (and the standard awful box artwork). If anyone has a copy of the Jap version they want to get rid of, get in touch.
Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle
An odd choice I know, but I've always loved Alex Kidd. The MD version isn't exactly pushing the machine - in fact I think this probably could have been done on the Master System with very little effort - but it simply drips charm. They do not make games like this anymore. I suppose the GTA-generation wouldn't get excited about a monkey-boy in a red and yellow jumpsuit playing paper-scissors-stone with funny looking badguys. Ho hum.
Alien Storm
Again, another title that is rather unfairly looked down on by Sega fans. I was a massive fan of the arcade machine, and I bought the Japanese MD version the week it came out. Sure it was far too easy, but then so was Golden Axe. Nothing will beat playing as a robot who uses it's leg as a gun and has a special attack that simply involves blowing itself up. Again, an update would be very welcome.
Herzog Zwei
The first RTS game - beating Dune II by a few years. I got this game free with my MD (the store owner chucked it in because it didn't sell very well). Ironically I played this game the most. It's so addictive in two player it's almost criminal.
ESWAT
Another day one purchase for me, this game is often ignored by Sega fans. It's pretty simple in places, but it's good straight forward fun. The 'robocop' idea is one that could easily be updated today...listening, Sega?
I'll post more up later, but in the meantime, why not post up your favourite MD games? It would be nice to unearth some forgotten gems.
Golden Axe/Golden Axe 2
I've bunched these two together as they're pretty much the same game. Golden Axe was the first MD title I ever played - even today it's still as fun as ever. The fantasy setting was perfect - I really wish Sega would do an update. Golden Axe 2 isn't quite as good, but the visuals are better and the music is brilliant (esp the first level background track).
Shadow Dancer
I've never understood why people are so down on Shadow Dancer. I suppose many thought it would be the true follow up to Revenge of Shinobi, but I personally find this game more playable and fun. The graphics are bold and colourful - still some of the best on the machine, IMO, the music is catchy and sticks in the mind and the gameplay is fast and interesting.
Axis: Final Zone Senki
Everyone should have a Wolf Team game in their all-time faves list. This mech-based isometric shooter is a little samey in places, but any game that comes with a set of postcards gets my vote. I still have the postcards, but I foolishly got rid of the Japanese version years ago and now have to content myself with the US version (and the standard awful box artwork). If anyone has a copy of the Jap version they want to get rid of, get in touch.
Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle
An odd choice I know, but I've always loved Alex Kidd. The MD version isn't exactly pushing the machine - in fact I think this probably could have been done on the Master System with very little effort - but it simply drips charm. They do not make games like this anymore. I suppose the GTA-generation wouldn't get excited about a monkey-boy in a red and yellow jumpsuit playing paper-scissors-stone with funny looking badguys. Ho hum.
Alien Storm
Again, another title that is rather unfairly looked down on by Sega fans. I was a massive fan of the arcade machine, and I bought the Japanese MD version the week it came out. Sure it was far too easy, but then so was Golden Axe. Nothing will beat playing as a robot who uses it's leg as a gun and has a special attack that simply involves blowing itself up. Again, an update would be very welcome.
Herzog Zwei
The first RTS game - beating Dune II by a few years. I got this game free with my MD (the store owner chucked it in because it didn't sell very well). Ironically I played this game the most. It's so addictive in two player it's almost criminal.
ESWAT
Another day one purchase for me, this game is often ignored by Sega fans. It's pretty simple in places, but it's good straight forward fun. The 'robocop' idea is one that could easily be updated today...listening, Sega?
I'll post more up later, but in the meantime, why not post up your favourite MD games? It would be nice to unearth some forgotten gems.
But i think Ghouls and Ghosts has to be the best, i remember it taking me all day to complete, however i seem to remember the last boss being relatively easy compared to the rest of the game!!
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