Sega Genesis Collection

aka: SEGA Mega Drive Collection
Moby ID: 24975
PlayStation 2 Specs
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Description official descriptions

For those that had a SEGA Genesis you can now put it away as 28 games are re-released in this compilation to relive your yester-years. For those that never had a SEGA Genesis and didn't play some of the classics on it, well here's your chance to play and be up-to-speed on your game history.

Games included are:

Also included is bonus content, with unlockable arcade titles, interviews with original SEGA Genesis developers of some of the included games, a museum area with interesting facts about the games, and a hint area with tips.

Games can be saved at any point no matter their own save-game system, you can play Golden Axe and save your game in the middle of fight with Death Adder and load it from that exact point.

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Screenshots

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Credits (PlayStation 2 version)

51 People · View all

Lead Programmer
Producer
Associate Producers
Localization Producer
User Interface Artists
Sound & Music Design
Classic Arcade Emulation
YM2612 Emulation
Z80 Emulation
Lead Producer
Senior Producer
Technical Director
Studio Head
Special Thanks
[ full credits ]

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 82% (based on 43 ratings)

Players

Average score: 4.1 out of 5 (based on 24 ratings with 1 reviews)

A solid collection of Genesis classics

The Good
There are many compilations of classic games out there, and Sega Genesis Collection stands out as one of the better ones. With 28 of the Sega Genesis' premier classics and bonus arcade games, this is a great value and a great way to visit or revisit the history of the Genesis.

Let's start with the high points: many Genesis must-haves, such as the first two Sonic games, for example, are included. While there are some mediocre titles and notable absences (more on that later), the game selection is, for the most part, brimming with quality. Each game has a museum featuring information, facts, tips, and cover art for the game, which is a nice touch. Also, the PSP version is the only way to play these games on the go without emulation software, and doesn't involve the hassle of installing it. The PSP version also features network multiplayer, essential for playing multiplayer games with or against a friend from farther distances.

You won't need to worry about the emulation quality either, as it is usually near-perfect. While there are some rough spots, such as the music not speeding up when you get the speed power-up in the Sonic games and the sound effect when you drop a column of jewels in Columns sounding different, the emulation is so well done it may render the original cartridges obsolete for some. Unlockable extras are also featured, including bonus arcade games (different games are included on the PSP version), cheats for each game, developer interviews, and trailers for the then-upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 and Phantasy Star Universe.

The Bad
Sega made a couple of mistakes, however. The game selection could have been better. Remember the "mediocre games" and "notable absences" I mentioned earlier? There are a few dismal games here, such as Super Thunder Blade and Ecco Jr., which could be replaced with notable missing games like Streets of Rage and its sequels. Also, the tasks you'll have to complete to unlock the extras in the game are usually incredibly easy. Some developer interviews are unlockable by simply loading up a game!

The Bottom Line
Despite some minor flaws, Sega Genesis Collection stands out as one of the better collections of classic games released over the years. This is a must-buy for gamers that own a PS2 or PSP and want to play the Genesis' best, especially at the price.

PlayStation 2 · by Titan10 (692) · 2010

Trivia

Cover art

The artwork of Akira on the cover isn't from the featured Virtua Fighter 2, but from the cover of Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution.

European version

The European version removes Shadow Dancer due to the game being indexed by the BPjS/BPjM in Germany during the early 1990's, which would make the compilation forbidden for sale to minors and the general public. Rather than making a separate version for Germans or requesting for the game to be deindexed (as Activision did in 2003 with River Raid for its inclusion on Activision Anthology), Sega instead removed the game entirely from the PAL version.

Awards

  • GameSpy
    • 2006 – Most Good Games in a Compilation of the Year (PSP)

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Sega Genesis Classics
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Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
Released 2009 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
SEGA Genesis Mini 2
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Sega Genesis Classics
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Sega Mega Drive Classics Pack 3
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SEGA Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co.
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Sega Classics Arcade Collection
Released 1993 on SEGA CD

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  • MobyGames ID: 24975
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Corn Popper.

PSP added by Ace of Sevens.

Additional contributors: Yurf 77, DreinIX, —-, Lance Boyle, Patrick Bregger.

Game added November 14, 2006. Last modified February 28, 2023.