Top 20 Sega Master System Games

[digitalpress]

Discuss.

Remember that if a game that you feel belongs here is missing, tell me what you would remove in its place.

Alex Kidd Miracle World
Alex Kidd Shinobi World
Castle of Illusion
Fantasy Zone 2
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
Golden Axe Warrior
Golvellius: Valley of Doom
Maze Hunter 3D
Montezuma’s Revenge
Out Run
Phantasy Star
Power Strike
Psycho Fox
Rastan
Rescue Mission
R-Type
Shinobi
Space Harrier
Wonderboy III: Dragon’s Trap
Zillion

[congobongo]

What no Transbot?

ha ha... kidding of course

[Lady Jaye]

I mostly agree with you, Joe, except maybe for Alex Kidd (can't stand that series!). Then again, I love the game Cloud Master, which isn't too popular among SMS fans.

I think that Montezuma's Revenge for the SMS is the best port of the game. the graphics are improved, and Montezuma Joe controls like a charm.

I also definitely agree over Wonderboy 3 and Castle of Illusion.

[Kroogah]

I'd like to see Alien Syndrome on there somewhere....

Oh, Lady Jaye, you're not alone. Cloud Master ROCKS!

[Raccoon Lad]

Hey, you do know that there are nearly 300 more games that were released outside the US, don't you? A US only list, how sad. I expected better of you Joe.

[TheRedEye]

I know it's the common as dirt cart in every stack, but Choplifter was always a fave...

[Raccoon Lad]

Replace Space Harrier 3D with Space Harrier, Space Harrier3D had even choppier scaling and enemy movement than the original, plus the music wasn't as memorable.

Replace Fantasy Zone with Fantasy Zone 2, FZ2 had more variety, better graphics, and cooler bosses.

Drop Golden Axe, I didn't think it was all that good.

Maze Hunter 3D, even though it's DA' BOMB with the 3d glasses, take away the 3D, and it's not really a top 20 game.

Wonderboy 1 and 2 ROCK!!!, though not quite as great as WB3.

And where's Psycho fox? I love that game!

I'll have more input later when I have some time to put some serious thought into this matter.

[mrlooneyman]

what about action fighter,moon walker and the greatest game of all time DOUBLE DRAGON

[Kid Fenris]

Drop Ys: The Vanished Omens, says I. It's a rather unimpressive port of the Turbo-CD classic. Either of the first two Wonder Boy games would be a valid substitute, and Psycho Fox isn't too shabby either.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

I think the best games are (in no order):

Alex Kidd in Miracle world
Alex Kidd in Shinobi world
Aztec adventure
Phantasy Star
Shinobi
Sonic
Zillion
Wonderboy III: Dragon’s Trap
Golden axe
Out run 3D
Space harrier 3D
Wonderboy
Psycho fox
Double dragon
Castle of illusion
Moonwalker
Fantasy zone
Montezuma´s revenge
Columns
Dr. Robotnik´s mean bean machine

Thanks and bye

Matías :morning:

[hamburgler]

Phantasy star
Fantazy zone
R-type
Fantazy zone maze
Wonderboy
Wonderboy 3
Super wondeboy
Rampage
Afterburner
Hang on
Alex Kidd in miracle world
Shinobi
Zillion
Zilion 2
Montezuma's revenge
Double dragon
Aztec adventures
Rescue mission
transbot
Rambo

[Nature Boy]

I'm totally going on memory here, but I loved Quartet back in the day. Perhaps it warrants mention?

[congobongo]

I'd replace Golden Axe with Cyborg Hunter or even Rastan.

[Keyngs]

Golvellius was the best game for the master system by far.I remember when it first came out.i thought the music was of top quality, gameplay was great with those turbo controllers, and all those cheat passwords! wow !!! When I fimally did beat that game,i was excited to see that it may have a sequel. :( But nothing ever came of it here in the u.s. i called sega, and called again i had all my friends call too. I still leave e-mails to sega about re-releasing it Like "Rygar", "Ninja Gaidain" and "dragons lair",It could be eaisly ressurected. but of course those guys at sega,gave up on Golvellius. But I Havent! ........ also if anyone played that import of golvellius 2 for that MSX system let me know. cause i would love to know at least how the story really ends :) thanks, Tom

[Ed Oscuro]

Shadow Dancer looked pretty nice, plays awful though. Somewhere between Shinobi on the SMS and...Cyber Shinobi. Which is saying "somewhere between heaven and hell" simply because of the responsiveness and the tendency of assailants to appear with a bullet following in short order. Died a couple times right at the start because of that; a Shinobi game shouldn't be played by simply crouch walking right all the time.

I must admit that, before this five minute period, I'd never played the SMS Shinobi. Which is bad considering I own the complete game (no system, that's why), and worse, I've been playing the PC-Engine Shinobi quite a bit recently. Well, it was a pleasant surprise that I didn't die with one hit...and...what else is good about this game? You have a bonus stage. Hitting targets on the bonus stage seems impossible to me, I think the ninjas present a smaller target at the front row than they did in the back. Add to that what I'm sure is a slower shuriken firing rate, and this isn't a very playable bonus stage. Is this really one of the better games on the system? :+ maybe I'll take Shadow Dancer, then...

Kenseiden is pretty much unplayable, but it should gain some points for style.

All this considered, Shadow Dancer doesn't really play THAT bad, even if you don't see the carbineers before you shoot them most of the time :P

My vote -- however misguided -- is to replace Shinobi with Shadow Dancer.

Here's a game that I thought had some merit:

Sagaia. I saw the name in what one of our sellers in the Selling forum had up for PAL SMS; it's a pretty good port of some random game in the Darius series! (clues: fish, Taito.) Responsive, neat effect in the background, nice sized enemies, and powerups.

[Ed Oscuro]

I'm also having difficulty seeing exactly what is so special about Golvelius. You can't turn backwards in the sidescrolling areas which isn't that great. They compensate for that with the level design, but it really feels dumb. I've never seen a snake that would eschew striking its prey from the back just because it offends a certain set of morals :P Graphically, it's a nice break from the NES stuff and feels like classic 1980s anime (or Wonderboy games) but that doesn't carry a game for me.

[Keyngs]

Well, you may have a point there. about the side scrolling part, but it was a very large game(golvellius) and was a joy to journey through. we can leave this subject to rest if you wish. All i would like to know, is how it really ended cause im 29 now and would like to put it behind me and finally get a good nights rest! lol -_-

[Balloon Fight]

i love columns and rastan. :)

Castle of Illusion is a definite must also.

[-J-]

what about global defense its one of my favorite master system games

[Evil E]

Astro Warrior should be in there somewhere!

[Seanish]

I faintly remember having SMS II when I was under 6 or so and I pretended to be Alex Kidd more than I played the game but that's alright...Right guys?

[Evil E]

I faintly remember having SMS II when I was under 6 or so and I pretended to be Alex Kidd more than I played the game but that's alright...Right guys?

If you're ok with that, then it's all that matters! LOL!! :P

[Ed Oscuro]

Well, he does look pretty freakish...but ask yourself, is that any less healthy than thinking you're Mario (one of the alternatives)? I thought not.

I think a lot of kids pretended they were Link, though. Doesn't sound too bad, just so long as they give him a decent length of tunic *_*

[Garry Silljo]

Kill Y's add Psycho Fox.

[8-Bit Master]

Some of my favs:

Afterburner
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Astro Warrior
Choplifter
Cyborg Hunter
Enduro Racer
Ghost House
Global Defense
Golden Axe Warrior
Golvellius
Master of Darkness
Montezuma's Revenge
Ninja Gaiden
Phantasy Star
Rambo First Blood Part 2
Rastan
Shinobi
Smurfs
Time Soldiers
Thunder Blade

[CRV]

Rambo First Blood Part 2

I'll second 8-Bit Master's nomination of Rambo. Nice graphics, some of the best PSG music to come out of a Master System, and challenging gameplay. It's so hard at first, but now I can beat it in 20 or so minutes. There's a sense of accomplishment that comes with that.

[dezanuebe]

here´s my top 25 games:

Phantasy Star
Sonic 2
Land of Illusion
Micro Machines
Sonic
Astérix
Asterix & the Great Rescue
Desert Strike
Prince of Persia
James Pond 2: Codename Robocod
Star Wars
Power Strike 2
Shadow of the Beast
Castle of Illusion
R-Type
Golden Axe Warrior
Asterix & the Secret Mission
Y´s the vanished omens
Wonderboy in Monsterworld
Sonic Chaos
Ultima 4
Wonderboy III : The Dragon´s Trap
Turma da Mônica em O Resgate
Power Strike
Streets of Rage

[segagamer]

Here is my version of the Top 20:
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
After Burner
Choplifter
Fantasy Zone 2
Golden Axe Warrior
Golvellius: Valley of Doom
Kenseiden
Maze Hunter 3D
Out Run
Phantasy Star
Power Strike
Psycho Fox
Rastan
R-Type
Shinobi
Space Harrier
Thunder Blade
Wonderboy III: Dragon’s Trap
Ys
Zillion

[Alianger]

Discuss.

Remember that if a game that you feel belongs here is missing, tell me what you would remove in its place.

Alex Kidd Miracle World
Alex Kidd Shinobi World
Castle of Illusion
Fantasy Zone 2
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
Golden Axe Warrior
Golvellius: Valley of Doom
Maze Hunter 3D
Montezuma’s Revenge
Out Run
Phantasy Star
Power Strike
Psycho Fox
Rastan
Rescue Mission
R-Type
Shinobi
Space Harrier
Wonderboy III: Dragon’s Trap
Zillion

Well this isn't a bad list, but a few replacements wouldn't hurt.

Maze hunter - Land of illusion starring mickey mouse. This is a no-brainer for me? Maze hunter is terrible, while LoI is awesome.

Rastan - Kenseiden. I never liked rastan, it plays slow and the sound effects suck. Kenseiden has a cool, atmospheric soundtrack, it's non-linear, includes bonus stages and you get nice special moves after each boss (the last one is a bit unbalanced though).

Ghouls 'n ghosts - Ninja gaiden. Gng is a good port, sure, but ninja gaiden is a unique game and also one of the best action titles for the system.

Outrun - Outrun 3d. Another no-brainer. Better mixed music and, of course, the 3d effect.

[anagrama]

Outrun - Outrun 3d. Another no-brainer. Better mixed music and, of course, the 3d effect.

Nonsense - aside from the 3D effect, the orignal out-performs the 3D version in every respect. Better courses, better graphics, better game.

[Tan]

say what you will about arcade/console ports, altered beast is a must have, so is gangster town and thunder blade 8-)

[B - Mark]

My list of 20 favorites Master System games in alphabetic order.

01 - Aerial Assault
02 - Alex Kidd in Miracle World
03 - Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
04 - Ayrton Senna´s Super Monaco GP II
05 - Aztec Adventure
06 - Battle Out Run
07 - California Games
08 - Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse
09 - Forgotten Worlds
10 - Kenseiden
11 - Ninja Gaiden
12 – Psychic World
13 – Phantasy Star
14 - Renegade
15 - Sonic Chaos
16 - Sonic the Hedgehog
17 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
18 - Streets of Rage
19 - Vampire / Master of Darkness
20 - Zillion II: The Tri - Formation

[7th lutz]

Any order

Phantasy star
Wonder boy 3
Sonic
Y's
Space Harrier
Klax
Castle of illusion
Out Run
Sonic 2
Gauntlet
Golvellius: Valley of Doom
Fantasy Zone
R-Type
Rastan
Psycho Fox
Power Strike
Montezuma's Revenge
Xenon 2: mega Blast
Shanghai
columns

[Baloo]

IMO Sonic Chaos should be on there somewhere. Best Sonic game for Master System.

[stevetamis]

Hello,

I have some name for this game such are:

Fantasy Zone 2
Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
Golden Axe Warrior
Golvellius: Valley of Doom
Maze Hunter 3D
Montezuma’s Revenge
Out Run
Phantasy Star

[Legend Of Zelda]

Really the only 3 that I enjoyed for sega master system included Castle of illusion, phantasy star, and Alex kidd in shinobi world. I haven't tried any of the Sonic series on sms yet though, but everything else seems to be pretty poor. Golden Axe Warrior was also pretty solid.

[Emuaust]

Sonic chaos isnt a bad game as such, but Baloo it is far inferior to sonic 1 and 2 in every way.

Over the last few months Ive been closing in on a complete PAL sms collection with only a handful to go, as such Ive been going through playing all of the games and..

My top twenty master system games(Not in order)

Ninja Gaiden
Prince of Persia
Wonderboy series (1,II,III and IV)
Sonic 1 and 2
Alex Kidd in Miracle World/Shiniobi World
Castle of Illusion/Land of Illusion
Asterix
California Games
Lucky Dime Caper
Ultima IV
Road Rash (awesome use of the sms)
Olympic Gold
Dragon Crystal
Double Dragon

Now all of this list are reasonably easy to find pal games via eBay and IMO this list of 20 more then justify the ownership of this awesome console.

[Baloo]

Just noticed that Space Harrier was on here, and I personally think Space Harrier 3D is much better than Space Harrier on Master System.

[Zap!]

Am I the only one who really liked Miracle Warriors and played it through the very end?

[GOLDEN KEYS]

Sonic chaos isnt a bad game as such, but Baloo it is far inferior to sonic 1 and 2 in every way.

Over the last few months Ive been closing in on a complete PAL sms collection with only a handful to go, as such Ive been going through playing all of the games and..

My top twenty master system games(Not in order)

Ninja Gaiden
Prince of Persia
Wonderboy series (1,II,III and IV)
Sonic 1 and 2
Alex Kidd in Miracle World/Shiniobi World
Castle of Illusion/Land of Illusion
Asterix
California Games
Lucky Dime Caper
Ultima IV
Road Rash (awesome use of the sms)
Olympic Gold
Dragon Crystal
Double Dragon

Now all of this list are reasonably easy to find pal games via eBay and IMO this list of 20 more then justify the ownership of this awesome console.

I'm glad someone mentioned Lucky Dime Caper. The sequel, Deep Duck Trouble, was also great.

[megasdkirby]

Am I the only one who really liked Miracle Warriors and played it through the very end?

You aren't the only one, Ter!

It was a great game. I do remember how I had to create my own map (had cart only back then) and took HOURS away from my summer vacation. But it felt great beating it!

I wonder if my old save game still works?

[Zap!]

You aren't the only one, Ter!

It was a great game. I do remember how I had to create my own map (had cart only back then) and took HOURS away from my summer vacation. But it felt great beating it!

I wonder if my old save game still works?

Yeah, I got that game in November 1988. It took me about a month to finish it, and I was so proud. I wish I remember what the ending was like. Do you?

Another SMS game I loved that many did not was Alex Kidd: High Tech World. That was a fun game!

[megasdkirby]

My top 20 games...hmmm...

In no particular order (just games popping in my head):

Cosmic Spacehead
Miracle Warriors
Prince of Persia
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Wonderboy III
Rastan
Castle of Illusion
R-Type
Golvellious
Eswat
Moonwalker
Zillion
Kung Fu Kid
Asterix
Fantasy Zone II
Ghost House
Golden Axe Warrior
King's Quest
Lucky Dime Caper
Mortal Kombat
Ninja Gaiden
Phantasy Star
Vigilante
Y's
Zaxxon 3D

Hey Ter, here is a link to the end of Miracle Warriors:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHDS2zEKxL8