Twenty years ago today, the Sega Genesis blast processed its way onto North American shores, ushering in one of the few times that Nintendo's console dominance has ever been legitimately challenged. For Sega fans such as myself, it's too bad that this brief moment of uprising was short lived -- but hey, before dropping out of the console market all together, Sega gave us the Dreamcast.
Although now considered Sega's mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog didn't hit the Genesis until 1991, powered by Blast Processing, a rad mohawk, and some serious 'tude that characterized the Genesis as a more badass, more mature alternative to the Super Nintendo. When you're five years old like I was at the time, being able to have blood in your version of Mortal Kombat II goes a long way in determining which 16-bit system you want. Sega does what Nintendon't after all.
Thinking back to my admittedly small Genesis collection, I realize that most of my favorite games at the time were in fact multiplatform. Games like Shiny's Earthworm Jim and Disney's Aladdin were simply good games. That isn't to say that the Genesis didn't have it's fair share of memorable exclusives -- Sega's own Phantasy Star and Vectorman, a game by now-defunct BlueSky, spring to mind. Perhaps my most vivid memories, however, come courtesy of Bizarre Creations' Wiz 'n Liz which, incidentally, is playable for free right here. Trust me -- give it a whirl.
Crushed under the weight of unsuccessful accessories like the Sega CD and 32X, Sega dropped support for the Genesis in late 1995. Fortunately, the Genesis' legacy lives on through perennial compilation discs, digitally distritbuted re-releases, a handful of devoted indie developers and, in Brazil at least, through TecToy's on-going support.
In terms of library and hardware reliability (mine still works!), the Sega Genesis truly represents the industry's halcyon days. What are your favorite Sega games, and how would you wish the Genesis a happy birthday?
Contest:
10:00 PM on 08.14.2009
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Wiz n' Liz also gets my endorsement.
Hehe, I would also like to see a new Ecco the Dolphin.
Happy Birthday!
@catsithx
Yeah, tell me about it... That makes me feel old, as well.
Time to go play some Genesis games! I still have my original system, as well.
=)
may all of your consoles find prosperity!
Sincerely,
Austin
(Sept 9th, 1999)
*gone into a retro haze*
Also, I remember winning a new copy of Vectorman 2 from Fox Kids when it came out. Ah, great times. The Genesis was the first console I bought with my own money, too.
Good eye, Phantasy Star actually started on the Master System, the series didn't reach the Genesis/Mega Drive till the sequel.
HAPPEH BIRDEH BUDDEH :D I should pull out my "ultimate collection"... Or even better! Grab one of my several copies of Toejam & Earl :3
That is, if it will actually plug in to my HDTV.
The Mega Drive is still being sold in Brazil, but actually this new version with the EA games is nothing but an attempt to generate a genesis-on-a-chip whit a few mobile games ported. The hardware tries to emulate the genesis, games like Altered Beast and Golden Axe works.. WITH MASSIVE SLOWDOWNS.
It just makes me sad
Vectorman was awesome, especially the cheat codes; "CALL-A-CAB" let you zoom around the level wherever you wanted!
But... the first Phantasy Star was the Master System. PSII-IV was Genesis. Trust me, I know me some Phantasy Star ;)
Super Monaco GP
Captain America and The Avengers (FEEL MY POWERRRRR!)
Cool Spot
Flashback
Earthworm Jim
Good times!!! Happy B-day, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive!
It's also should be credited with giving birth to EASN, now known as the international monstrosity [sarcasm] known as EA/EA Sports:
Madden series (need I say more?)
NHL
FIFA
Lakers Vs. Celtics (Bulls Vs. Lakers, Bulls Vs. Blazers) and the NBA Playoffs (now known as NBA Live)
Populus
The Immortal
Road Rash
If I had a time machine I would head straight back to 1989 and do it all over again.