The Sega Master System, released in 1985, was one of the earliest gaming consoles that brought arcade-style gaming into the home. Although it was not as popular as its rival, the Nintendo Entertainment System in North America (it was very popular in Europe), the Master System still has a collection of games that are worth revisiting. Let’s take a look at my list of some of the best games on the Sega Master System and bring back some retro gaming memories.
The Sega Master System Console
The Sega Master System was a 8-bit gaming console that was first released in Japan in 1985. It was one of the earliest consoles that was capable of producing arcade-quality graphics and sound. Although it was not as popular as its rival, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Master System still has a collection of games that are worth revisiting.
This article aims to highlight what I consider to be the best games on the system and provide a brief overview of each game. Despite its age, the games on the Master System are still enjoyable to play today, especially for those who want to experience the nostalgia of retro gaming.
More Sega Posts:
1. The Best Platform Games
The platform genre was a popular genre on the Sega Master System. It was a genre that involved the player controlling a character to navigate through a series of platforms and obstacles. Here are some of the best platform games on the Sega Master System:
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Alex Kidd in Miracle World was a platformer game that was released in 1986. The game was developed by Sega and was a pack-in game with the Master System console in some regions. Alex Kidd in Miracle World is a game that is well-regarded by retro gaming enthusiasts for its colorful graphics and challenging gameplay.
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap was released in 1989 and was developed by Westone. The game is a Metroidvania-style platformer where the player controls a character who can transform into different creatures with unique abilities. The game is well-regarded for its beautiful graphics and excellent soundtrack.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog was released in 1991 and was developed by Sega. The game was originally released on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, but was later ported to the Master System. Sonic the Hedgehog is a game that needs no introduction, as it is one of the most well-known and well-regarded games in gaming history. The Master System version is a solid port of the original game, with some differences in graphics and sound.
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse was released in 1990 and was developed by Sega. The game is a platformer that stars Mickey Mouse and has the player navigate through a series of levels in order to rescue Minnie Mouse from the evil witch Mizrabel. The game is well-regarded for its colorful graphics and great level design.
2. The Best Action/Adventure Games
The action/adventure genre was a popular genre on the Sega Master System. It was a genre that involved the player controlling a character to navigate through a series of levels and combat enemies. Here are some of the best action/adventure games on the Sega Master System:
Shinobi
Shinobi was released in 1987 and was developed by Sega. The game is a side-scrolling action game where the player controls a ninja who must fight his way through a series of levels to rescue hostages. The game is well-regarded for its challenging gameplay and excellent music.
Master of Darkness
Master of Darkness was released in 1992 and was developed by SIMS. The game is an action-adventure game that is often compared to the Castlevania series. The game is well-regarded for its horror-inspired graphics and music.
Rastan
Rastan was released in 1987 and was developed by Taito. The game is an action game where the player controls a barbarian who must fight his way through a series of levels. The game is well-regarded for its graphics and music, and is often compared to the arcade version of the game.
3. The Best Master System Racing and Sports Games
The racing and sports genre was a popular genre on the Sega Master System. It was a genre that involved the player competing in races or sports events. Here are some of the best racing and sports games on the Sega Master System:
Out Run
Out Run was released in 1987 and was developed by Sega. The game is a racing game where the player must drive a Ferrari Testarossa through a series of courses. The game is well-regarded for its graphics, music, and sense of speed.
California Games
California Games was released in 1989 and was developed by Epyx. The game is a collection of sports games that take place in California, including surfing, skateboarding, and BMX biking. The game is well-regarded for its fun and lighthearted gameplay.
Pro Wrestling
Pro Wrestling was released in 1986 and was developed by Sega. The game is a wrestling game that allows the player to choose from a variety of wrestlers and compete in matches. The game is well-regarded for its fun gameplay and memorable characters.
Enduro Racer
Enduro Racer was released in 1987 and was developed by Sega. The game is a racing game where the player must race a dirt bike through a series of courses. The game is well-regarded for its graphics and challenging gameplay.
4. The Best Sega Master System RPG Games
The RPG genre was a popular genre on the Sega Master System. It was a genre that involved the player controlling a character or party of characters in a story-driven game. Here are some of the best RPG games on the Sega Master System:
Phantasy Star
Phantasy Star was released in 1987 and was developed by Sega. The game is an action-RPG that takes place in a sci-fi setting. The game is well-regarded for its graphics, music, and storyline, and is often considered one of the best RPGs on the Master System.
Golvellius
Golvellius was released in 1988 and was developed by Compile. The game is an action-RPG that takes place in a fantasy setting. The game is well-regarded for its colorful graphics and challenging gameplay.
Golden Axe Warrior
Golden Axe Warrior was released in 1991 and was developed by Sega. The game is an action-RPG that takes place in the same world as the Golden Axe series. The game is well-regarded for its fun gameplay and references to the Golden Axe series.
5. The Best Movie Games
The movie game genre was a popular genre on the Sega Master System. It involved games based on popular movies of the time, allowing players to experience the movies in a new way. Here are some of the best movie games on the Sega Master System:
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters was released in 1987 and was developed by Sega. The game is based on the popular movie of the same name, and allows players to take control of the Ghostbusters as they capture ghosts around the city. The game is well-regarded for its faithful adaptation of the movie, its fun gameplay, and its catchy music.
Rambo First Blood Part 2
Rambo First Blood Part 2 was released in 1986 and was developed by Sega. The game is based on the popular movie of the same name, and allows players to take control of Rambo as he fights his way through enemy territory. Rambo was released under the title “Ashura” in Japan and “ Secret Command” in Europe. The game is well-regarded for its challenging gameplay, graphics, and music.
Rocky
Rocky was released in 1987 and was developed by Sega. The game is based on the popular movie series of the same name, and allows players to take control of Rocky as he fights his way through opponents in the ring. The game is well-regarded for its fun gameplay, challenging opponents, and its ability to capture the essence of the Rocky movies.
The Sega Master System and It’s Best Games
In conclusion, the Sega Master System is a gaming console that may be overlooked by some, but it has a collection of games that are still enjoyable to play today. From platformers to RPGs, the Master System has a variety of games that are worth revisiting.
The games on the Master System are a blast from the past, but they still hold up and provide a great retro gaming experience. We encourage readers to try out some of the games discussed in this article and experience the nostalgia of retro gaming.
More Retro Gaming Fun
About The Author
