This article contains what we believe to be a worthy list of the best Sega Master System games in existence. If you grew up with the console and are feeling nostalgic to play some older retro games, then check out what we have for you in this weeks Dark Nation gaming article.
Most of the games in this list are selected by us, but we have also added titles that have been praised by others retro gamers over the decades.
Before you begin checking out the recommended games below, we thought you might also be interested in some of the best underrated NES games as you are clearly here for retro games.
Before we begin, please be aware that the games mentioned on this list are in no arranged order.
1. Sonic the Hedgehog:
We can’t have a retro gaming list without the inclusion of Sega’s iconic Sonic the Hedgehog. This is a title that every Sega Master System owner probably played or owned at some point during the consoles lifespan. The developers did a stunning job with very limited cartridge space when comparing it to the more powerful Genesis version. Plays excellently well and looks really ace.
2. Double Dragon
Who doesn’t love the original Double Dragon? I think a large majority of gamers at the time, including myself, grew up playing it constantly in arcades back in the late eighties. The Sega Master System version is great little conversion of the popular arcade beat ’em up.
3. Golden Axe
Another fantastic port of one of Sega’s greatest Arcade games. Golden Axe is one of those addictive games you can come back to time and time again. Definitely manages to capture some of the excellent playability of the original.
4. Shinobi
Probably our favorite Arcade to Master System port on the beloved console. Shinobi of the best side-scrolling action games the almighty Sega. One you just cannot miss out on playing.
5. Outrun
Do you love a good racing game? If the answer is yes, then you really need to check our Sega’s awesome port of Outrun on the Master System. Ace music, great graphics, and unbeatable gameplay makes this one a must.
6. Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap
Like me, you probably had this as a kid. Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap is currently a very challenging game. For those of you who have never played it before, please do yourself a favour and get on this one asap.
7. Bubble Bobble
What a great little title this is. Originated as an Arcade game, the Master System conversion is almost a spot on port. It features all the fantastic music, sound effects, and colourful gameplay action on one small cartridge.
8. Super Hang-On
A game that was built into many Sega Master System consoles. Super Hang-On is a smooth and speedy racer with great replay value. If you are a fan of the Arcade, you’ll probably be very satisfied with this port which happens to be a very decent effort.
9. Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Another popular title that was often built into many Sega Master System console. Alex Kidd in Miracle World is a great little 2D action-adventure platform game that every retro gaming fan should play at least once.
10. Streets of Rage
Sega’s iconic fighter is considered one of the best in the world of classic beat ’em up games. Streets of Rage arrived on the Master System in 1993, a little late but still a very welcomed port at the time for the console. A must play for sure.
11. Altered Beast
There are a lot of great ports of Sega’s catalogue of Arcade games on the beloved Master System, Altered Beast being one of those gems. A unique game concept for its time. As you progress, you get to turn into werewolves, bears, and dragons to defeat enemies. A classic horror themed title.
12. Safari Hunt
If you would like to put the Master System light gun to great use, there’s no better way to use it then on the brilliant shoot ’em up game Safari Hunt. The game contains three packed levels of play, featuring various animals. A really fun title for everyone.
13. Space Harrier
Yet another very good port of one of Sega’s legendary Arcade games. Space Harrier is jam-packed full of blasting action, which has the player hovering off the ground while battling enemies. If you love a good rail shooter, give this some love now.
14. Rastan
Rastan is a 1987 side-scrolling, sword swinging action game from Taito. The game wasn’t ported over to the Sega Master System until 1988, which featured exclusive levels and bosses for the console version.
15. Ghost House
Do you love a good horror based video game? Well, in that case, we got a good one for you right here. Sega’s Ghost House is a colourful side-scrolling platformer featuring all kinds of ghoulish creatures. Prepare to do battle with Dracula, Ghosts, Mummies, Bats, and lots more. A very visually pleasing game.
16. Psycho Fox
This next one is probably considered by most as one of the best games ever released for the Sega’s beloved Master System console. Psycho Fox will be familiar with fans of the Sonic and Mario type games in terms of the gameplay going from the left side of the screen to the right. I have to mentioned the sprites, which are all nice and colourful.
17. Ninja Gaiden
On most of these best games lists, you will often find the great Ninja Gaiden. You can’t go wrong with this gem of a title on the Sega Master System. The game arrived on the home console in 1992, but it certainly made an impact with gamers at the time even though it was released right at the end of the Master System’s lifespan. Do not pass this one up.
18. Kung Fu Kid
I have very fond memories of playing Kung Fu Kid on the Master System back in the day. All I can tell you is you need to experience this game for yourself. It does a fine job of mixing together the platform genre with the beat ’em up genre rather well. Such a gem of a title from Sega.
19. The Ninja:
If you owned a Sega Master System in 1985, you probably came across a copy of The Ninja at some point in time. Described as a run-and-gun action game, it appears to be a solid favorite on the console to this day.
20. Vigilante:
A nice looking port of the arcade beat ’em up from Data East. Described as a spiritual follow-up to the classic Kung Fu Master, Vigilante is basically an updated version of that game with much better graphics. Well worth your time.
So there we have it, our list of the 20 best Sega Master System games you should consider playing in 2024 and beyond. We might update this article from time to time based on popularity.
Did you happen to play any of the great games mentioned in this list of the best Sega Master System games back in the early days of the consoles lifespan? If so, which one was the game you came back to and played the most? Why not answer these questions in our comments section?
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