In 1991, Nintendo controlled an astonishing 85 percent of the American video game market.
However, Sega (then a struggling arcade game manufacturer) had other plans.
Of course, we all know things didnt pan out for Sega in the end.
In honor of the impact of that library, here are the 20 best Sega Genesis games ever.
Note: This list has been updated since it was originally published to incorporate entries 16-20.
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20.
Earthworm Jim
TheTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlestoy line shaped the 90s.
Wherever you looked, someone was trying to create the next unlikely superhero or team of superheroes.
Naturally, he also has a super-powered alien super suit and a giant gun.
Earthworm Jim set itself apart from similar titles with its presentation.
One of the first things you do in a game is launch a cow.
Only Earthworm Jim knows for sure.
Aaron Greenbaum
19.Rocket Knight Adventures
Sonic the Hedgehog wasnt the Sega Genesis only speedster.
The game boasted a Saturday morning cartoon presentation thanks to its bright colors and emotive characters.
Players had several avenues of attack, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
The game was hailed as a fun and addictive experience with satisfying combat and a satisfying magic system.
This praise carried over to the Sega Genesis version.
This flawless arcade-to-console translation helped demonstrate that Sega did what Nintendont.
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17.
As a tactical RPG,Shining Force IIgives players a ton of characters to command on sizable battle screens.
Think ofShining Force IIas a cross between classicFinal FantasyandFire Emblembut without the permadeath.
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15.
By 1995, most gamers had already turned their attention to the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn.
If that sounds gimmicky, thats because it totally was.
Chris Freiberg
14.
As with most puzzle games, the real star here is this titles wonderful multiplayer mode.
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13.
However, all the stars aligned just right forNHL 94.
Its that special kind of sports title that stands the test of time.
Presentation-wise, the arena-specific organ music and goal horns remain iconic.
Theres a good argument to be made that no other hockey titles gameplay has really matched whatNHL 94delivered.
EAs decision to re-release the game for modern consoles in 2020 only verified how special this game really is.
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12.
Granted, some will argue that the SNES port is still superior.
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11.
This was largely due to the significant differences in programming for the Genesis and the SNES.
Honestly, it might still be the bestContragame ever made.
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10.
ToeJam & Earl
After all these years, its stilldifficult to classifyToeJam & Earl.
Despite benefiting from strong critical praise at release,ToeJam & Earls initial sales were sadly lower than expected.
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9.
Streets of Rage 2
Beat em ups were a dime a dozen in the early 90s.
Even in such a crowded genre,though,Streets of Rage 2stood head and shoulders above its competition.
Part of this games brilliance can be attributed to Segas familiarity with the Genesis hardware by 1992.
Beyond the colorful aesthetics,Streets of Rage 2just plays more smoothly than so many other beat-em-ups.
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8.
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Bloodlineswas the lastCastlevaniagame Konami released before the series went full Metroidvania withSymphony of the Night.
WhileBloodlines gameplay is firmly planted in the earlierCastlevaniagames, its certainly a bit faster than what came before.
Normally, a game with that kind of identity crisis would be a recipe for disaster.
Such as it is, this remains one of the more unique and enjoyable titles in the series.
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5.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The firstSonicgame was great.
Its arguably the game that kept the Genesis afloat after its shaky first couple of years.
However,Sonic the Hedgehog2is simply better.
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4.
However, once you actually start playing it, you see just how much depth it boasts.
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3.
Gunstar Heroes
No one outside of this games development team believed inGunstar Heroesinitially.
It was envisioned by a group of Konami employees who successfully tried to pitch the game to their employer.
Desperate, the team behind this game decided to form the now-legendary developer, Treasure.
Against all odds, though,Gunstar Heroesfinally hit shelves worldwide.
Its now rightfully recognized as one of the greatest action games of all time.
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2.
Phantasy Star IV
One area where the Sega Genesis really lagged behind the SNES was RPGs.
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