Just get a controller
On the 30th anniversary of the Sega Genesis, Sega is doubling down on the classic system with a new bundle in an unlikely marketplace: the Fire TV store.
For $14.99 you’re getting 25 games, and I have to say despite the unconventional nature of the device, it’s not a bad concept.
The line is called “Sega Classics,” and consists of the following games, 15 of which are multiplayer:
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Alien Storm
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Altered Beast
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Beyond Oasis
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Bio-Hazard Battle
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Bonanza Bros
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Columns
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Comix Zone
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Decap Attack
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Dr Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
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Dynamite Headdy
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ESWAT: City Under Siege
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Gain Ground
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Golden Axe
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Golden Axe II
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Golden Axe III
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Gunstar Heroes
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Ristar
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Sonic CD
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Sonic Spinball
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Sonic the Hedgehog
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Sonic the Hedgehog 2
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Street of Rage
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Street of Rage II
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Street of Rage III
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The Revenge of Shinobi
Given that I’d pay around $10 for Sonic Spinball every so often, I got a lot of mileage out of this one. Now, Sega trots their classics out in a fast and furious fashion, as nearly every system in the history of mankind has had some sort of “ultimate collection” available. Now streaming devices are a bit of give and take, but I use my Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices daily for mixed media purposes, so I can see myself booting up say, Streets of Rage II or Gunstar Heroes every so often on something that’s just always there. Especially given that Amazon isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
As for how they play, I didn’t notice any major hiccups after testing out every game. Although Sega claims that “you only need your Fire TV remote,” which is technically true, it’s not inherently designed as a gaming controller, so you’ll want to grab pretty much any Bluetooth remote and sync it with your Fire TV. The remote is basically a backup for local multiplayer if you want someone to join up in a pinch. It works, it’s just not super comfortable or precise: a problem in finicky games like Columns, not so much for easy-going brawlers.
One thing you should know, Sega also has a “Classics” compilation out now on modern consoles and PC that includes 59 games for $30. Given that this Fire TV set is $15 for 25 games it nearly equals out, you just need to moneyball whether or not the other games are worth doling out double the asking price for.
[Sega provided a Fire TV Stick with access to the compilation for this assessment.]
