Sega Mega Drive & Genesis Classics

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,487 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • music
Sega Mega Drive & Genesis Classics Game Cover
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Sega Mega Drive & Genesis Classics is a compilation of over 50 classic games, offering a variety of genres from arcade action to puzzlers. With modern features like online multiplayer, achievements, and save states, it provides a nostalgic experience for old players and a chance for new ones to discover hidden gems. Despite some bugs and grinding, it stands out for its masterful graphics, splendid music, and dense atmosphere, making it highly replayable.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Virtual Reality
  • Xbox One
  • Linux
  • Oculus Rift
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,487 reviews
graphics42 positive mentions
optimization22 negative mentions
  • graphics162 mentions

    The graphics of the games are a mixed bag, with many praising the nostalgic pixel art and vibrant visuals that capture the essence of the original Sega Genesis titles. However, some users criticize the emulator's performance and graphical fidelity, noting issues like slowdowns on lower-end hardware and a lack of optimization for modern displays. Overall, while the inclusion of customizable graphics filters and options enhances the experience for some, others find the graphics dated and less appealing compared to contemporary standards.

    • “The graphics are just amazing, great alternative for people who would like to play retro Sega games without actually having to buy a physical Mega Drive or Genesis console.”
    • “The graphics filters make it more comfortable to play on high-res displays (there's a selection, some of the filters improve the quality without changing the original art, for those who prefer the authentic things).”
    • “The music and visuals in those games are outstanding even today.”
    • “The graphics look rough on a high-res screen, so I recommend turning on the smoothing out feature.”
    • “The actual games rock even after all those years, but the emulator and the graphical wrapper -- omg, it is almost like an intern made it... an intern in marketing, who has been learning how to code (as well as how to model 3D) in the process of developing the emulator.”
    • “Graphics look like the games were made 20 years ago; I expect better from games in 2020.”
  • gameplay90 mentions

    The gameplay experience across various titles is generally characterized by a blend of nostalgia and modern conveniences, such as save states, rewind functionality, and customizable controls, which enhance accessibility and enjoyment. While many classic games maintain solid mechanics and replayability, some titles suffer from issues like lag, repetitive gameplay, and clunky controls, leading to mixed reviews on their overall engagement. Overall, players appreciate the faithful recreation of retro gameplay, though some express frustration with technical performance and the need for individual game purchases.

    • “Save states, rewind functionality, and customizable controls bring convenience to these classics, allowing players to revisit moments and tailor their gameplay.”
    • “The controls are responsive and accurately replicate the feel of the original hardware, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.”
    • “The gameplay remains true to the original releases, allowing players to experience these classics as they were intended.”
    • “Sonic Spinball: repetitive gameplay, confusing laggy mazes; art direction is based on the ugly 90s cartoon.”
    • “The gravity mechanic is beyond unnecessary, and it's just a terrible time overall.”
    • “The sound stutters a lot, gameplay always freezes up; you'd think some terrible third-party dev made this collection, and the only remedy is to play on a simple launcher, which disables achievements and multiplayer, extremely shoddy port.”
  • music73 mentions

    The music in these games is frequently praised for its catchiness and iconic status, with many reviewers highlighting specific soundtracks as standout features that enhance the overall experience. However, there are significant criticisms regarding the quality of remastered soundtracks, glitches, and missing original compositions, particularly in revamped versions of classic titles. Overall, while the nostalgic value of the music remains strong, the execution in recent releases has left some fans disappointed.

    • “The only genuinely enjoyable thing about the game is its god-tier soundtrack.”
    • “The music is filled to the brim with bangers, the shields in the game are good power-ups, the level design is amazing, the art is stellar, this game is amazing.”
    • “The soundtrack is very catchy, the graphics are so colorful and vibrant, and the overall package is just astounding.”
    • “Oh no, they killed Sonic! Why? Help! No, I don't want to hear the terrible Carnival Night music. Sega, why do you hate us so?”
    • “It pains me to say it, but as much nostalgia as this game invokes (especially the soundtrack), this game is really not what I remember it to be.”
    • “I've liked the game since it came out in the arcade, but could you please make this one run smoother? It runs very clunky and the music sounds distorted and horrible compared to the original.”
  • optimization70 mentions

    The optimization of the emulator has received significant criticism, particularly regarding the "bedroom" VR setting, which is deemed poorly optimized and unplayable on mid-tier systems. Users report performance issues such as stuttering, choppy audio, and a clunky interface, especially when using the 3D launcher, while the simpler launcher offers better performance but lacks features. Overall, the emulator struggles with optimization across various hardware configurations, leading to a frustrating experience for many players.

    • “To conclude this review, all the things I mentioned make this game compilation not only a collection that does a great job at showcasing and preserving great legacy titles of old, but it is also a very well-crafted and optimized collection that nails both the emulation and customization quality and the fan service.”
    • “You'll most likely have better performance, better sound, and more options to get what you want out of the emulator.”
    • “The games I've tried so far run at full speed, but others have said the 3D room can affect emulation performance.”
    • “About the emulator itself, it's not good. The idea of a 90's kid room is nice, but it is so poorly optimized that it's unplayable on mid-specs. Sorry for not having a top-of-the-line PC to run a Genesis emulator of all things. You have the option to run another emulator without this graphic shell, but it's so bare bones that it hurts. The only good thing I can say is that at least there's no stupid DRM on the files, so you can copy them to use on other better emulators.”
    • “The 'hub' launcher is even worse; it's a glorified 3D 90's styled interface where you select your games that uses shoddier emulation in a poorly optimized Unity engine shell. The room itself will tank the performance of the games you're trying to enjoy if your PC is not good enough to handle it.”
    • “The virtual bedroom has very high system requirements, even for Unity, so it must be very unoptimized.”
  • story53 mentions

    The story aspect of the games reviewed is generally appreciated, with many users highlighting engaging narratives that stand out for their time, particularly in titles like Sonic 3 & Knuckles, which features a classic tale of light versus darkness and character manipulation. While some games are noted for their lack of a strong narrative focus, others, such as Golden Axe and Shining Force, are praised for their compelling storylines and character development. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a significant, if not always central, element of the gaming experience, often enhancing the enjoyment of gameplay.

    • “The story is about light against darkness.”
    • “This probably has the best story for a 1994 game; it can compete with some stories from games today.”
    • “The story is full of twists and turns, accompanied by a classic score and an easy-to-use battle system.”
    • “The whole story is about Sonic catching the Death Egg, a bootleg Death Star Robotnik plans on using to take over the world.”
    • “This whole story revolves around Sonic racing to the Death Egg, to destroy it before it takes flight once more, while Eggman manipulates Knuckles to trust him, only to steal the Master Emerald and use it to power the Death Egg, taking it up to the sky.”
    • “I found that the second game's story drags on a bit more and has you backtracking as you travel around a large world map, while the first game takes you from battle to battle in a chapter book format and still offers time to explore towns a little.”
  • stability35 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent freezing, audio glitches, and bugs that hinder gameplay. While some players have experienced smooth performance and minimal issues, the overall consensus highlights significant problems with the emulator, including input delays and unreliable saving features. Overall, the game's stability appears to be a major concern, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “The emulator runs great; I've had no problems with any lag or the app closing randomly.”
    • “However, I'm happy to report that the game runs great on my Ubuntu desktop.”
    • “Anyways, the emulator runs great and the game looks gorgeous in full screen; if I could get my Xbox 360 controller to work, it really would feel like playing on a Mega Drive console.”
    • “The network is so bad that any game you play freezes all the time for the host and player 2.”
    • “Saving your game is super buggy.”
    • “The sound stutters a lot, gameplay always freezes up; you'd think some terrible third-party developer made this collection, and the only remedy is to play on a simple launcher, which disables achievements and multiplayer. Extremely shoddy port.”
  • humor21 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely centered around the iconic character Sonic, with players finding joy in his antics and the absurdity of the game's situations, such as the contrast between the game's size and the download requirements. Many reviews highlight the comedic elements of the storyline and character interactions, while also noting the amusing mods available that enhance the experience. Overall, the humor resonates well with fans, contributing to a lighthearted and entertaining atmosphere.

    • “But also, downloading 1GB worth of software to play a 116KB game is hilarious.”
    • “If you know the story of Sonic the Hedgehog, this is really very funny, and really a thumbs-up moment for the people that nearly turned Sega itself into a gibberish acronym.”
    • “I'm convinced Sega is laughing at the fanbase as they argue over the correct spelling and pronunciation of the name, and they will never confirm or deny anything regarding the name.”
    • “I was called unfunny while playing Sonic 2 online.”
    • “The jokes fell flat and didn't land at all.”
    • “The humor felt forced and often missed the mark.”
  • replayability15 mentions

    Overall, users highlight the exceptional replayability of classic games, particularly the Sonic trilogy and other retro titles, emphasizing their engaging gameplay, customizable settings, and added challenges that enhance the experience. The introduction of modern features like mod support, save states, and online multiplayer further extends the replay value, making these games feel fresh and rewarding even after multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers agree that the replayability of these classics is virtually endless, thanks to the variety of challenges and enhancements available.

    • “I played modern ones as well, but somehow nothing beats the gameplay and replayability value of old school games that always make me keep coming back for more.”
    • “The addition of modern enhancements, such as save states and online multiplayer, adds convenience and extends the replayability of these beloved titles.”
    • “But what really hammers the nail and makes this a great retro collection in my opinion is the plethora of replay value added via mod support (custom ROM hacks and extra bonus games for the win) and not to mention the customizable settings in order to choose everything from how many lives you get, to the difficulty, to even being able to play some games that weren't released in the US (Mega Drive was the title for the JP and UK markets I believe?).”
    • “We thought the classics had replay value; these modders are making them last so much longer.”
    • “As if these games don't already have plenty of replay value, Sega added challenges to some games to keep you wanting even more.”
  • grinding12 mentions

    Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be extensive, often requiring significant time investment, with some players humorously suggesting it feels like needing a "second life" to manage it. While many appreciate the inclusion of features like speed-up and rewind functions to alleviate the tedium, frustrations arise from technical issues that can lead to lost progress after long grinding sessions. Overall, the experience of grinding is polarizing, with some players enjoying the challenge while others find it excessively tedious.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “I have spent the past weekend spending legitimate hours grinding in a game, and today when I went to play, everything is gone.”
    • “Hours of work and grinding gone because of a poorly programmed emulator.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with users expressing frustration over high prices for old games and misleading advertising regarding the quality of the emulation. While some appreciate the collection of games, many feel that the lack of transparency and the presence of in-game purchases detract from the overall value. Overall, the sentiment leans towards disappointment in how the monetization practices prioritize profit over player experience.

    • “A shameless cheap cash grab by Sega to charge tons of money for old games while putting in very little effort.”
    • “Literal cash grab BS.”
    • “This product is falsely advertising this emulator with no warning to the buyer that it does not emulate true to its original form.”
  • atmosphere7 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game collection is highly praised for its nostalgic vibe, enhanced by an impressive soundtrack and a slick user interface that evokes the classic Sega Genesis experience. The inclusion of a virtual room with a TV screen and dynamic lighting effects further enriches the aesthetic, creating an immersive environment that resonates with players. Overall, the emulator successfully captures a charming and engaging atmosphere that encourages continued support.

    • “Super awesome music that makes the whole atmosphere.”
    • “The good news: this collection of games comes with a super slick atmospheric UI that tries to render a kind of environment we grew up in where we were playing Sega Genesis games.”
    • “Plus on top of that, and having access to some of the Genesis's best titles, you get a nice little room with a TV screen you can play on and time of day lighting effects to add some nice aesthetic atmosphere if you want.”
    • “The vibe and atmosphere are not unlike others.”
    • “The atmosphere it has is lacking.”
    • “The overall atmosphere feels flat.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply resonant, often evoking nostalgia and strong memories. The thoughtfully designed menu, resembling a cozy living room setup, enhances this emotional connection, making the experience feel personal and touching.

    • “I cried from the memories I thought were gone when I entered the environment.”
    • “The menu is really nice and touching, simulating a living room with the console hooked up to an old TV.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

7hMedian play time
12hAverage play time
4-25hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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