Release: Feb 10, 2009 (US), Feb 20, 2009 (UK)
Developer: Various
Publisher: SEGA
Genre: Compilation
Also known as: SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection (UK)
A love letter from SEGA to its 16-bit fans
Jason Evangelho, Executive Editor: The news about my recent “console divorce” has been leaking out, and when Sega sent along their Ultimate Genesis Collection for review, I finally had to fire up my 360 for something besides Netflix. (FlameMail to: jason AT gamesareevil.com)
And no, the irony of this is not lost on me.
The disc captured me the second the intro music began streaming out of my speakers, coupled with dozens of virtual cartridges whizzing by. The music had a 16-bit edge to it, but felt wholly modern as well. It’s somewhat indescribable, but I actually got goosebumps from an overdose of nostalgic bliss into my bloodstream.
Fanky Malloon, Retro Confessional & 360 Staff Writer: I was also caught up by that catchy theme music. It was retro, yet reminded me of Time to Pretend by MGMT. This wound me up even more than the opportunity to play some Genesis titles I may have had to miss back in the day. I was just as excited to play some old favorites again. Once I started getting into the layers of the “game” I was made even happier by the presentation. I love the fact that the interface lets you know the genre of the game before you even fire it up. Also it was a nice touch allowing the gamer to rate the individual games, which makes sorting through titles even easier (This would be a great addition to Rock Band & Guitar Hero).
The extra effort of a museum feature for each game doesn’t go unnoticed, either. It makes this collection of games even more than just a bunch of XBLA downloads in one place. I am a bit of a trivia nut, so the addition of summaries about the games and little details was a welcome touch.
Jason: They were a lovingly handled touch, filled with sometimes witty and always engaging facts. Even more refreshing is that whoever wrote the copy for these updated game bio’s was clearly instructed not to take themselves too seriously, and as a result even the text contained here captures the whimsical and energetic spirit of the Genesis era.
Before you even venture into one of the 40 games collected on this disc, Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection begins to feel like a love letter from Sega to it’s hardcore fans. You notice a dozen or so newly recorded developer diaries. Unlockables encourage you to try lesser known games to unlock classic gems. For example, to unlock Space Harrier you’ll have to achieve a respectable score in Super Chobber Blade’s 1st level. Want to open the original Phantasy Star? Beat Sonic 2′s first boss with two players. But fear not, these tasks can all be accomplished, and you’ll have a blast doing it. And you’ll earn achievement points and PSN trophies along the way.
[flashvideo file=http://gamesareevil.com/video/sugc.flv /]
Fanky: The first game I delved into first was Doctor Robotnick’s Mean Bean Machine. I am a bit ashamed to admit that I had never played this version of Puyo Puyo. So I felt obliged to check it out first. Needless to say I was not disappointed and it has been stealing time away from old favorites like the Streets of Rage and Golden Axe series.
Next up I took on Streets of Rage and it was a spot on port. I associate Genesis playing with hanging with my friends in one of their basements. Well, my man cave is in my basement and I felt like a teenager all over again. I even had to laugh out loud when my first enemy came running at my character in that familiar kerky jerk way with his knife drawn. The same fun and same frustrations were there all over again. The other striking thing about Streets of Rage was the fantastic soundtrack by Yuzo Kashiro, holding that time travel feeling. The only thing missing was the rush of drinking 6 Mountain Dews.
Jason: The last game I physically played on an actual Genesis console was Vectorman, so after spending a solid 30 minutes just reading the descriptions and absorbing all the original box art, I started my 16-bit platforming voyage. This game is 15 years old? The fluidity and 3D modeling is outstanding, the sprites vibrant, the sound absolutely crisp and absorbing.
40 minutes later, I had barely eeked my way into Vectorman’s 2nd stage with a single life remaining, and this was after several tries. It was at this point I remembered the punishing difficulty of several of these Sega-made platformers. Shinobi, Vectorman, Streets of Rage, even Alex Kidd can be frustrating without a gentle touch. Perhaps it was the combined impact of challenge and addictiveness that endeared me to Sega in the 1st place. That instant gratification which, lately, we only experience on portable platforms.
Well, bonus points to SEGA for allowing us to save our game at any point, unlike most of the original carts. We can even remap the controls to our liking.
Fanky: Definitely! The save feature is a great addition that was wisely included, making the collection function like a legit emulator rather than a typical games museum. I found the button remapping and turbo fire feature to be handy too.Several of those games are a refresher course in what it used to mean to be a gamer. Sure my friends loved the Genesis for the sports games, and who didn’t? For the real video game players this collection will bring back old memories of how hard the other games really were and for those not exposed to that era will find a difficult road ahead of them. These are not the games of today where you all but have to fall asleep to get killed. Pick up Super Thunder Blade and let me know how far you get in the first outing.
Jason: In the first outing? I lasted a laughable 30 seconds! But to wrap things up, I have to reiterate that this is a gaming buffet. You’ll take little bites to experience the stuff you never played, and indulge on the old standbys, of which there are plenty. It is a perfectly produced, and still perfectly playable, reminder of our 16-bit heritage.
Popularity: 11% [?]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
10 comments