overlooked Sega Genesis games

[Edmond Dantes]

I just got back from another shopping trip to that Mom n' Pop store I recently discovered. This was the place where I saw The Immortal, which was one of the three games I bought, and also the place where I found Super Hydlide a few months back. Altogether, I managed to nab:

The Immortal (with box and manual)
Might and Magic: Gates to Another World (already had it but they had a boxed/manualed copy)

AND *drum roll*

Scooby Doo Mystery, again, with box and manual!

The games were all $5-$10 each, and all of them--especially that last one--are worth the price.

For those who haven't played it, Scooby Doo Mystery is a point-n-click adventure game in the style of Maniac Mansion or other Lucasarts adventures. What a game like this is doing on the Sega Genesis I'll never know, but far from being a mere curiosity it is truly wonderful. The game gives you two Mysteries to solve, so its effectively two games in one. If you're a fan of the cartoon (or even if you're not--I must admit that this game is what got me interested in the cartoon again) you'll love it--a lot of the classic stuff is here, including an awesome 16-bit remix of the theme music, and the two mysteries are (very) loosely based on episodes. The game is kind of on the easy-side, since you can't die (as I said, it takes after LucasArts) but a few of the puzzles require some outside-the-box thinking.

What always got me is that there's another game called "Scooby Doo Mystery" on the SNES, but rather than being an adventure game its a lame platformer. What's up with that?

So, let's use this topic to talk about other oft-overlooked or forgotten Genesis games, shall we?

[Atariguy]

I'm going to recommend Haunting: Starring Paulterguy by EA. It's this really bizarre and unique game where you play as a ghost who is out to get revenge on the family who killed him by scaring them out of their mansions. You do this by possessing various objects, just about all of which have a unique, humorous action. It has it's flaws, as it's too short and the sections where you have to regain ectoplasm kind of suck, but it was an extremely original and innovative title, and it's still a lot of fun.

[FrankSerpico]

The Tick-Fairly good and varied side-scrolling beat 'em up that for some reason has been hit with some pretty bad reviews online.
Rambo 3-Tough, fun top-down shooter in the tradition of Ikari Warriors
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Hidden Treasure-Pretty easy, but still one of the best platformers for the console imo.

[SpaceHarrier]

Wardner - A Ghosts 'n Goblins-esque side-scrolling adventure.

[Drixxel]

The Tick-Fairly good and varied side-scrolling beat 'em up that for some reason has been hit with some pretty bad reviews online.

I loathe this game, it's up there as one of the most monotonous and shallow beat-'em-ups I've ever played. But hey, to each their own.

As for sleeper Genesis titles, the first off the top o' the head is Jewel Master. I've always dug action games with a large assortment of weapons & abilities, Jewel Master is certainly well served in that regard. Demolition Man is another surprisingly fun action game and one of the better movie-to-game adaptations of the era, in my opinion. The Genesis version trumps the SNES for clarity of sound effects, too, making it the superior one to play.

[Natty Bumppo]

Master of Monsters - great strategy rpg game
Shove It! - good puzzle game if you like shoving boxes around
Warsong - the only Langrisser to make it over here
Gemfire - available on other platforms, this was probably the easiest of the KOEI strategy games to get into - while overly simple, it has the attraction of being able to finish a game in a night or two - perfect filler if you don't want to start a long lasting game.
Kings Bounty - a fairly unique game with strategy rpg elements

[Emperor Megas]

Kings Bounty - a fairly unique game with strategy rpg elementsYeah, King's Bounty is a pretty good sleeper, IMO. I didn't know many people who have played that game back in the day, but it was a favorite of mine.

[8bitgamer]

Space Invaders '91--an excellent upgrade of the classic game (love the music and power-ups).

Ultimate Qix--not as good as Qix (drawing slow doesn't give you extra points, eliminating a key strategy), but still interesting and kind of fun.

Sunset Riders--awesome Contra-like platform shooter set in the Old West

[maxlords]

Granada
Arcus Odyssey

[Compute]

I used to see Shove-It in the rental store and chuckle at how primitive it looked for a Genesis game. Later I played a ROM image and really enjoyed it.

I feel like Flashback was overlooked by many. I only played it because I knew someone that had it.

[ugly_monster]

Toki Going Ape Spit

Wife and I played this for 10 hours straight one time. You're an ape and you spit on stuff to kill it. Kinda slow moving but we had alot of fun (or maybe it was also pina colada night)

[T]

Toki Going Ape Spit

Wife and I played this for 10 hours straight one time. You're an ape and you spit on stuff to kill it. Kinda slow moving but we had alot of fun (or maybe it was also pina colada night)

Funny

[Garry]

I always felt the games WeaponLord and Light Crusader were underappreciated.
Plus, does anyone else think that Pebble Beach is the best golf game on the system? just me?

[retroman]

for some reason i have always loved DJ Boy

[kafa111]

two crude dudes is a spectacular beat em up, but not that many people know about it D:

[Wraith Storm]

two crude dudes is a spectacular beat em up, but not that many people know about it D:

Not to mention Hitoshi Sakimoto is responsible for the soundtrack. Two Crude Dudes is an awesome game!

One game that seems to be overlooked is Shadow Blasters. It was one of those "surprise" games that my parents decided to get me for my birthday one year, but was actually really good.

It plays out like a cross between a shmup and a platformer with a light RPG character growth system. It is a very unique game and has that dark brooding "this game could only come from Japan" feeling to it.

Special mention must also go to the Kim Songdong (what else has this guy done?) soundtrack. IMO one of the best Genesis soundtracks out there. It has that deep thumping Genesis bass with a strong melody. Composition wise its up there with the best of Yuzo Koshiros stuff.

[kedawa]

Phelios, Burning Force, and Mystic Defender are three early titles that often get ignored, despite being very good.

[goatdan]

Toki Going Ape Spit

Wife and I played this for 10 hours straight one time. You're an ape and you spit on stuff to kill it. Kinda slow moving but we had alot of fun (or maybe it was also pina colada night)

I actually really like Toki too. I liked the arcade game first, and the Genesis version is pretty solid. Not many people like it though. It's also on the Lynx.

I'm going to say Zoop. Zoop is on practically everything, and the Genesis version isn't the best version (the Jaguar version is), but it's actually a really fun puzzler that I think that most people dismiss because it was out on practically everything and is common as dirt. I've played the heck out of it on the Jaguar, and played it a bit on the Genesis too.

I'd also say that Maximum Carnage is great, as is Tiny Toons (as someone else mentioned). For something I think is a Genesis exclusive, I'll say Steel Empire, a very passable shmup game.

[Edmond Dantes]

Phelios, Burning Force, and Mystic Defender are three early titles that often get ignored, despite being very good.

Mystic Defender is ignored? I was under the impression it was considered a classic.

Rightfully so, too... one of the few anime-licensed games that isn't horrible (the original Japanese version was based on Peacock King, sometimes also known as Spirit Warrior).

Along that lines, I've only played a bit of it but The Last Battle is also a decent anime-based game (the original version was a licensed Fist of the North Star game).

[superpretendo]

I loathe this game, it's up there as one of the most monotonous and shallow beat-'em-ups I've ever played. But hey, to each their own.

As for sleeper Genesis titles, the first off the top o' the head is Jewel Master. I've always dug action games with a large assortment of weapons & abilities, Jewel Master is certainly well served in that regard. Demolition Man is another surprisingly fun action game and one of the better movie-to-game adaptations of the era, in my opinion. The Genesis version trumps the SNES for clarity of sound effects, too, making it the superior one to play.

Jewel Master was amazing.
Maximum Carnage was a good beat-em up.
Comix Zone was like a must have I feel.

[Glitch695]

Master of Monsters - great strategy rpg game
Shove It! - good puzzle game if you like shoving boxes around
Warsong - the only Langrisser to make it over here
Gemfire - available on other platforms, this was probably the easiest of the KOEI strategy games to get into - while overly simple, it has the attraction of being able to finish a game in a night or two - perfect filler if you don't want to start a long lasting game.
Kings Bounty - a fairly unique game with strategy rpg elements

I have to second Warsong, it's a fantastic and deep game that will last you for days. Or weeks. It reminded me very much of Shining Force crossed with Dragon Force.

And for anyone who hasn't played King's Bounty but enjoys the Heroes of Might and Magic games, King's Bounty is essentially HoMM part 0, as it formed the basis of the mechanics for that series, being developed by New World.

[RPG_Fanatic]

Mystic Defender is an early title that often get ignored, despite being very good.

This and MUSHA are favorite Genesis games of all time.

[QuickSciFi]

If I sound repetitive, it can only mean the game(s) is(are) good, right? ;)

Some of the most underrated games on the Genesis that should be placed on the top list of 16-bit titles:

1. TinHead
2. Midnight Resistance
3. Atomic Runner
4. Robocop Vs. The Terminator
5. Technoclash
6. Bubsy
7. Chiki Chiki Boys
8. Outrun 2019
9. Rings of Power (There's a learning curve, but once you get passed it, you won't put it down).
10. Socket

[mobiusclimber]

AD&D Warriors of the Eternal Sun is a favorite of mine that doesn't get mentioned too often. I thought the mix of gameplay styles was pretty innovative and the fact that the world was pretty much open so long as you could survive the enemy encounters gave the game a very exploratory feeling.

There's another game that I remember renting once but I can't for the life of me think of what it's called. I tried looking around for it, even bought a game thinking that was it (Phelios) only to discover it wasn't. The setting was something like ancient Greece (mythology, basically) and you flew around fighting stuff, but instead of riding on Pegasus, you had wings, and instead of shooting balls of energy, you had a sword, and instead of being top-down, it was a side view. Anyone know what game that was?

[Glitch695]

There's another game that I remember renting once but I can't for the life of me think of what it's called. I tried looking around for it, even bought a game thinking that was it (Phelios) only to discover it wasn't. The setting was something like ancient Greece (mythology, basically) and you flew around fighting stuff, but instead of riding on Pegasus, you had wings, and instead of shooting balls of energy, you had a sword, and instead of being top-down, it was a side view. Anyone know what game that was?

Hah, didn't see your 'not Phelios' bit! I was too quick on the trigger when I saw the word Greece.

[TurboGenesis]

AD&D Warriors of the Eternal Sun is a favorite of mine that doesn't get mentioned too often. I thought the mix of gameplay styles was pretty innovative and the fact that the world was pretty much open so long as you could survive the enemy encounters gave the game a very exploratory feeling.

There's another game that I remember renting once but I can't for the life of me think of what it's called. I tried looking around for it, even bought a game thinking that was it (Phelios) only to discover it wasn't. The setting was something like ancient Greece (mythology, basically) and you flew around fighting stuff, but instead of riding on Pegasus, you had wings, and instead of shooting balls of energy, you had a sword, and instead of being top-down, it was a side view. Anyone know what game that was?

Wings of Wor?
though it is a shooter, there wasn't a sword… it is however a horizontal scroller and your character has wings…

[deltoidsteep]

Mystical Fighter! Awesome beat 'em up based sort of on Japanese mythology. Has one of my most favourite soundtracks of any game.

[Glitch695]

This one just came to mind with the mention of Greece:

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

Gods

[TurboGenesis]

one game I really enjoyed and found quite unique,
Bimini Run
it's a 3rd person shooting game… on a boat! the game controls are a bit floaty, well, because you're on a boat in water!

[Emperor Megas]

I'm seconding Steel Empire. It's pretty unique as shooters go as it has a steam punk theme, which wasn't very common.

The same with Atomic Runner. I'm a big fan of the arcade original, and the Genesis port seems pretty solid.

I'm not sure if Target Earth is an overlooked title or not (I didn't know many people who owned it BITD), but it's an amazing game

The Pirates of Dark Water is another one I think might be unsung.

Elemental Master I never hear anything about, and it's awesome. It's the spiritual successor to Thunder Force III.

[mobiusclimber]

Wings of Wor?
though it is a shooter, there wasn't a sword… it is however a horizontal scroller and your character has wings…


This one just came to mind with the mention of Greece:

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

Gods

Sadly it was neither of those games, tho I'm going to have to try out Gods some time. That game looks sweet.

One other thing about the game I can't remember the name of is that the character you play at has a fairly large character sprite. I want to say about the same size as the woman in Alisia Dragoon, but it might have been a little bit smaller. The box art would have made it look like it could have possibly been an RPG or action/RPG (or would have looked cool to someone looking to play an RPG, since that would be me at all times, LOL).

[Wraith Storm]

Sadly it was neither of those games, tho I'm going to have to try out Gods some time. That game looks sweet.

One other thing about the game I can't remember the name of is that the character you play at has a fairly large character sprite. I want to say about the same size as the woman in Alisia Dragoon, but it might have been a little bit smaller. The box art would have made it look like it could have possibly been an RPG or action/RPG (or would have looked cool to someone looking to play an RPG, since that would be me at all times, LOL).

Sounds like Saint Sword (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mIkjUR-TI) to me.

[Richter Belmount]

Sonic the hedgehog

[ugly_monster]

Sounds like Saint Sword (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mIkjUR-TI) to me.

Yeah. Awesome game!

[mobiusclimber]

Sounds like Saint Sword (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mIkjUR-TI) to me.

Thanks, that's definitely the game. Oddly enough I bought that game awhile ago, played a couple minutes of it and decided that wasn't the right game. (I guess b/c you don't immediately have wings.) But seeing him doing the upward thrust with his sword confirmed it for me. Now to just get the dang game again. LOL

[Aussie2B]

I would say Monster World IV, but it's kind of hard to say it's "overlooked" when it never left Japan. But still, it's an absolutely fantastic game that anyone who likes Genesis and/or side-scrolling adventure games should play. And soon it should be officially available in English on Virtual Console and PSN.

[heybtbm]

I've only played a bit of it but The Last Battle is also a decent anime-based game.

Not in this reality.

[Emperor Megas]

Come on, man. Last Battle is the shit! It's goddamned hilarious. Best finishing move ever.

'Sh, sh, sh, sh-sh-sh-sh, sh-sh-sh-shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh AAAaaaahh-cack!!!'

[Bloodreign]

Alisia Dragoon, one I never hear people talking about when it comes to Genesis titles, great platformer.

[retro junkie]

I would have to say, "Mazin Saga Mutant Fighter," I never heard of this game before. I just picked it up this past week. It is an awesome side scrolling beat'em up weapon based fighter that will remind you of Final fight. But the switch comes with unique boss battles in the style of Street Fighter. The game to me has a Neo Geo arcade feel to it.

I would also second Steel Empire. I remember when that game came out. Being a lover of shooters, I purchased it. I was hooked from the first.

TinHead and Chiki Chiki Boys that has been mentioned are also a couple of good ones. I would add MarvelLand to those two.

[DigitalSpace]

Task Force Harrier EX (excellent vertical shmup) and Virtual Pinball (you can create your own tables!)

[Brianvgplayer]

Blades of Vengence is one that took me by surprise. Slick action game with nice graphics and music. Minnesota Fats Pool Legend is another overlooked game. Side Pocket sequel with excellent music.

[Edmond Dantes]

Are there any other point n click adventures like Scooby Doo Mystery, or is it one-of-a-kind on the Sega Genesis?

[Wraith Storm]

Are there any other point n click adventures like Scooby Doo Mystery, or is it one-of-a-kind on the Sega Genesis?

The only other I know of thats on the Genesis (without going the Sega CD route) would be the Codemasters game Cosmic Spacehead (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHrr7sYIxdA). It's a great game and is a point and click adventure with some platforming stages thrown in.

[shinobimusashi]

Jurassic Park for the Sega CD is a good point and click game, can anyone here confirm or deny compatibility with the Mega Mouse?.

I'll second Alisia Dragoon, very charming, original game.

[gwaine]

Populous
Star Control
Starflight (similar to Star Control 2)
Herzog Zwei (well it was overlooked when it came out)
Super Hydlide (awful graphics/animations but a lot of fun if you can get past that...cool music)
Powerball

If you like Warsong, the translated sequel is even better (Langrisser II)...supposed to be even better on the SNES but I haven't played that one yet (folks have translated that too...Der Langrisser).

I echo King's Bounty...spent many hours playing that...can still hum the music to that one.

[JGD CHAOS]

I should have bought Beggar Prince when it was available.

Overlooked games I enjoyed from beginning to end were Landstalker, Traysia, Gaiares, Sol Deace, and Rocket Knight Adventures.

[Gameguy]

Nobody mentioned Wiz 'n' Liz: The Frantic Wabbit Wescue yet so I'll mention it now. It's not one on the top of my mind but I enjoy playing it every so often.

I'm not really sure what else counts as overlooked. I like B.O.B., Bonanza Brothers, Devilish, Garfield: Caught in the Act, Insector X, The Humans, Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures, Ranger X, Saturday Night Slam Masters, and Skeleton Krew. I like more but I feel the rest are already well known.

[Wraith Storm]

Jurassic Park for the Sega CD is a good point and click game, can anyone here confirm or deny compatibility with the Mega Mouse?.

A surprisingly good game that unfortunately does not support the Mega Mouse. :(

[crazyjackcsa]

Second for Steel Empire.

But for me, it's all about Subterrania and Red Zone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70XQsiTOK4I

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

[kainemaxwell]

Herzog Zwei and Task Force Harrier EX.

[Edmond Dantes]

I should have bought Beggar Prince when it was available.

Overlooked games I enjoyed from beginning to end were Landstalker, Traysia, Gaiares, Sol Deace, and Rocket Knight Adventures.

... isn't Rocket Knight Adventures one of the most popular games on the system?

[heybtbm]

Herzog Zwei

Good man.

[Koa Zo]

one game I really enjoyed and found quite unique,
Bimini Run
it's a 3rd person shooting game… on a boat! the game controls are a bit floaty, well, because you're on a boat in water!
Funny thing that I recently realized about Bimini Run is that you are playing the role of a drug runner. The "Bimini Run" is a drug smuggling route between the island of Bimini and Miami. haha


An overlooked game that I can recommend is Championship Pro Am
too bad it doesn't have multiplayer, but this overhead RC-style racing game developed by Rare controls and plays so well, it is always a lot of fun to play Good music too!

[jammajup]

Mazin Wars
Chakan-The Forever Man

[Drixxel]

Chakan-The Forever Man

Here's a game I've really wanted to like for years but can't manage to get the feel for. A swordplay-centered platformer with an awesomely dark vibe and large, pick-the-order levels? Seems like it would be great but I have yet to come to terms with the high difficulty, a non-self explanatory alchemy system and somewhat awkward combat controls.

[Edmond Dantes]

Here's a game I've really wanted to like for years but can't manage to get the feel for. A swordplay-centered platformer with an awesomely dark vibe and large, pick-the-order levels? Seems like it would be great but I have yet to come to terms with the high difficulty, a non-self explanatory alchemy system and somewhat awkward combat controls.

What's non-self-explanatory about the alchemy? It's basically just "pick an effect you want from the menu, and if you have the right potions handy you'll get it" (when you return to the main screen and see Chakan sitting and holding the potions you have to press the sword button IIRC).

I found the game to be pretty easy, honestly--I've beaten it on highest difficulty (though that's not accomplishing much--the difficulty select seems to have no effect whatsoever). It's still one of my favorites though.

[kainemaxwell]

Funny thing that I recently realized about Bimini Run is that you are playing the role of a drug runner. The "Bimini Run" is a drug smuggling route between the island of Bimini and Miami. haha


An overlooked game that I can recommend is Championship Pro Am
too bad it doesn't have multiplayer, but this overhead RC-style racing game developed by Rare controls and plays so well, it is always a lot of fun to play Good music too!

Step-father has that, we used to play it a lot back then.

[pollmonster]

Trouble Shooter

[Koa Zo]

Step-father has that, we used to play it a lot back then.
Which one? ...Bimini Run? ...or Championship Pro Am?

If it is Bimini Run you'll have to ask him if he realized it was a drug smuggling game. haha

[Howie6925]

gwaine got my selection with Star Flight, Star Control and Super Hydlide. I would also like to add kid chameleon to the mix played that game for hours way back in the day.

[kainemaxwell]

Which one? ...Bimini Run? ...or Championship Pro Am?

If it is Bimini Run you'll have to ask him if he realized it was a drug smuggling game. haha

Bimini Run.

[BetaWolf47]

For something I think is a Genesis exclusive, I'll say Steel Empire, a very passable shmup game.

Thanks for mentioning this. Just picked it up from the local PnT per suggestions in this thread, and it's awesome. Reminds me of UN Squadron for SNES and Arcade.

[Doonzmore]

Jewel Master
Championship Bowling
Mcdonald's Treasureland Adventure
Elemental Master
Puggsy

Ghostbusters and The Terminator are also respectable movie games that are overshadowed by classics like Aladdin and The Lion King.

[aryoshi]

Starflight, it's one of the first games I ever played that allowed full, complete space exploration. Ever since? I've loved this game.

[thom_m]

Alisia Dragoon, one I never hear people talking about when it comes to Genesis titles, great platformer.

Seconded! Great game - as are Socket (a Sonic rip-off, but a really fun one) and Arcus Odissey.

Question: how known/enjoyed is Decap Attack up there? Here in Brazil it was mildly known, but nobody liked it - and I love that game!

[j_factor]

Decap Attack was a moderate success at the time, but not talked about much now. And when it is, it's often weeaboos insisting that the Japanese version was a million times better (graphics and sound are completely changed).

I really liked The Ooze. Unique and very difficult game. Great soundtrack too.

[Gameguy]

Seconded! Great game - as are Socket (a Sonic rip-off, but a really fun one) and Arcus Odissey.
I have Socket, it's not the worst game out there but it's far from great. So very far.

[djshok]

Some much underrated games that I'm lucky enough to own:

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (it came out wicked late in the system's lifespan)
Toxic Crusaders (simple but campy and fun)
Socket (the best of the Sonic rip-offs)
Demolition Man (surprisingly fun despite being a movie tie-in)
Stargate (same as above)
Dashin' Desperadoes

:D

[substantial_snake]

This is kinda tough for me since I only really knew the REALLY popular Genesis titles back in the day but I have a few I would consider overlooked. These are all titles I really enjoy now but did not know they existed back in the day. This is also coming from someone who didn't know about Gunstar Heroes until about a month ago so take that as you will.

Alisia Dragoon
WIngs of Wor
Valis III
Sunset Riders

[old man]

Ranger X
Crackdown

I'll add a big second to Elemental Master as well. It's a really fast and fun shooter.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Truxton

TRUXTON

A THOUSAND TIMES TRUXTON!!!

One of my favorite vertical shooters of that or any generation!

[gwaine]

Starflight, it's one of the first games I ever played that allowed full, complete space exploration. Ever since? I've loved this game.

If you like Starflight you'll love Star Control 2...runs on modern machines thanks to dosbox or Ur-Quan Masters.

[klausien]

I've always regarded ZOOM! as my best pick for a mostly forgotten sleeper with easy to understand gameplay that can be quite addictive and devilish. Shove It! (Soukoban) is great on any system it's on. Dastardly that one is. Elemental Master and Vapor Trail are two excellent vertical shmups that people lose in the glare of MUSHA. Granada is an incredible birds eye view, non-forced scroll shmup that I highly recommend. Wings of Wor is a pretty cool side scrolling shooter, as is Bio Hazard Battle.

Finally, while I don't know how overlooked you could really say it is, Virtua Racing still blows my mind when put up against Stunt Race FX and StarFox. Nobody I knew had it when it was $99.99. I didn't play it until sometime in the late 90's when I got it at a shop for $10. For me it still has a mystique about it, having seen it in action for the first time so far out of context. Emulation has been kind to the Super FX games in the frame rate department. VR runs well on a Genesis. It's also very cool to see it running on a Nomad.

[Melf]

Funny thing that I recently realized about Bimini Run is that you are playing the role of a drug runner. The "Bimini Run" is a drug smuggling route between the island of Bimini and Miami. haha

Actually, the game has nothing to do with drug smuggling at all. You play a pair of agents, Kenji and Luca, who out to rescue Kenji's kidnapped sister from the evil Dr. Orca, who plans to use a behavior altering device to conquer the world. The actual plot is much less exciting that drug smuggling, believe me.

I second the votes for Zoom! and Shove It! Both are underrated games that are still a lot of fun to play.