The Sega Megadrive/Genesis Mini – What to Expect
As a child and to this day, the Sega Megadrive has been one of my all time favourite games consoles. It could in fact be credited with the reason that I got into gaming in the first place. This being the case I was thrilled to discover that Sega were in the process of developing a mini version of their most popular console in the same ilk as the NES and Super Nintendo Classics.
But what can we expect from the Sega Megadrive Mini? Well, firstly it is being released on Thursday 19th September 2019 and and will be a scaled down version of the original Sega Megadrive. It will be packaged with 42 preinstalled games and two 3 button controllers and will be priced at £69.99.
Sega have recently announced that the European release of the Megadrive Mini will be delayed until Friday 4th October 2019. The publisher blamed the delay on ‘unavoidable logistical challenges’. Perhaps preorder figures were a little stronger than expected?
The scaled down form of the original Megadrive, roughly 3 times smaller, will have nostalgia addicts foaming at the mouth with long loved features such as the on/off switch and the volume slider (non-functioning) faithfully replicated. Additionally all these classic games can now be played in HD with the inclusion of an HDMI port on the console.
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What Games are Included?
The Megadrive Mini comes preinstalled with 40 classic games and 2 bonus never before released titles. Here is a quick run through of them all.
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
Released: November 1990
Average Score: 47%
An early platformer for the console which featured a being resembling a monkey. No thrills here so don’t get too excited.
Alisia Dragoon
Released: March 92
Average Score: 87%
Side scrolling platformer/shoot-em-up that slipped through the net way back when. The difficulty of this game will keep you coming back.
Altered Beast
Released: August 88
Average Score: 51%
An iconic beat-em-up which was released early on in the consoles life but unfortunately hasn’t really stood the test of time. Still revered by those who embrace nostalgia but not one you’ll keep going back to.
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Released: March 91
Average Score: 95%
Mickey Mouse’s first foray into Megadrive gaming, and one that has earned its place on the Megadrive Mini. A thoroughly rewarding platformer.
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Released: March 94
Average Score: 83%
Castlevania? On the Megadrive? That’s right! Some heralded this platformer as a top 10 all time great but I would say that’s overselling it. Fun game though.
Columns
Released: July 90
Average Score: 90%
Sega’s answer to Tetris! This puzzle games is both easy to get into and addictive. If puzzle games are your thing then this could keep you occupied for some time… but only if they’re your thing.
Comix Zone
Released: August 95
Average Score: 89%
A highly original game at a time when originality was rare. Take control of a comic artist as you fight your way through a comic storyline.
Darius
Released: New game
Average Score: N/A
Released for a number of consoles back in 1987 this scrolling shooter never had the chance to appear on the Megadrive until now. By all accounts a fun game and a welcome addition.
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
Released: January 94
Average Score: 90%
The US version of Puyo Puyo. Sega has used the Sonic franchise to make it more sellable but essentially its still the same enjoyable puzzle game.
Dynamite Headdy
Released: August 94
Average Score: 93%
One of the later platform games to arrive on the Megadrive but one not to be missed.Critically acclaimed back them and still loved today.
Earthworm Jim
Released: September 94
Average Score: 92%
Extremely original and oh so whacky. This platformer will have you laughing every time you play it.
Ecco the Dolphin
Released: December 92
Average Score: 97%
The originality of this title at the time meant that this was lorded as a game changer. Still an enjoyable adventure game today but time has diluted its once innovative pool.
Eternal Champions
Released: January 94
Average Score: 97%
Highly overrated street fighter clone at the time and nothing has changed. Make sure you play it before you play Street Fighter 2 otherwise you’ll be disappointed.
Ghouls ‘n Ghosts
Released: November 90
Average Score: 92%
Most people will recognise this fun platformer. Replicated faithfully from the arcade this is a game which will benefit from the save state functionality of the Megadrive Mini.
Golden Axe
Released: November 90
Average Score: 91%
This beat-em-up will bring back many memories for all you old school gamers. As fun today as it ever was.
Gunstar Heroes
Released: September 93
Average Score: 93%
Back in the day this game was a surprise hit among Megadrive owners. Revolutionary graphics and addictive gameplay meant that this shoot-em-up was an essential inclusion for the Megadrive Mini.
Kid Chameleon
Released: May 92
Average Score: 78%
Not to be confused with Alex Kidd (at least that was the problem I had) but just as forgettable. An easy platformer which you should be able to add to the completed list pretty quickly.
Landstalker
Released: October 93
Average Score: 94%
An isometric platformer which was rare at the time. It’s originality helped add to it’s hype but it has still managed to stay pretty fresh after all these years.
Light Crusader
Released: June 95
Average Score: 89%
Another isometric platformer which attempts to cross genres with elements of RPG thrown in. a little on the easy side but fun while it lasts.
Mega Man: The Wily Wars
Released: April 95
Average Score: unknown
Released when the original Megadrive was in the process of being surpassed by newer consoles, Mega Man offered a final push to keep the console relevant. It’s fun and addictive gameplay meant that it succeeded for a time.
Monster World IV
Released: April 94
Average Score: unknown
This one slipped under the radar when it was released and not much can be found on it today. Nice to have a bit of mystery in the games list.
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
Released: December 95
Average Score: 88%
Developed as direct competition to Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series, this top down view RPG does a great job of flying the flag for the Megadrive. These types of games generally grow old gracefully and this is no exception.
Probotector
Released: October 94
Average Score: 75%
Named ‘Contra: Hard Corps’ in the US, this is another Nintendo concept which has been ported over to the Megadrive. Hard as nails but fun as hell.
Road Rash II
Released: January 93
Average Score: 88%
One of the few Electronic Arts titles to appear on this list for some reason. A fantastic superbike racer with a beat-em-up twist.
Shining Force
Released: July 93
Average Score: 91%
Full on immersive RPG is the order of the day here. Obviously dated by today’s standards but nostalgia helps to keep this classic alive.
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
Released: July 93
Average Score: 88%
If you need to be told what Shinobi is then you’re probably on the wrong site. Side scrolling platformer that reworks an old story. Not much to rave about but you’ll have fun not raving.
Sonic Spinball
Released: November 93
Average Score: 81%
When this was first released some people found this title addictive, while others found it annoying. In today’s world some people will find this addictive, while others (probably most) will find it annoying.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Released: June 91
Average Score: 92%
It’s Sonic the Hedgehog. If you’re even considering buying this console I don’t need to say anymore.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Released: November 92
Average Score: 96%
It’s 2 player Sonic! Awesomeness personified!
Space Harrier II
Released: October 88
Average Score: 77%
This is the type of game that everyone remembers seeing but has never played, probably because it’s been around forever. A basic shoot-em-up which attempts to appear 3D in a 2D world.
Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition
Released: October 93
Average Score: 92%
It took a long time for this title to come out on the Megadrive but it was worth the wait. The game that spawned the creation of the 6 button joypad was fantastic then and it’s fantastic now.
Streets of Rage 2
Released: January 93
Average Score: 92%
Definitely the best of the Streets of Rage games so I’m glad this one got the nod. Highly addictive and highly enjoyable… and that’s just the sound track.
Strider
Released: September 90
Average Score: 92%
One of the early classics for the Megadrive, time has unfortunately not been kind to this platformer. Play it early to get it out of the way, I say.
Super Fantasy Zone
Released: September 92
Average Score: unknown
Sega’s attempt at a cutesy-wutesy side scrolling shoot-em-up largely passed by unnoticed back in the day. I predict similar things for it on the Megadrive Mini.
Tetris
Released: New game
Average Score: N/A
Columns was Sega’s answer to Tetris… so they’ve gone and added Tetris to the roster. Go figure!
The Story of Thor
Released: March 95
Average Score: 93%
Also titled ‘Beyond Oasis’ in the US this adventure game was seriously overlooked when it was originally released. Thankfully, now is your chance to discover it.
Thunder Force III
Released: June 90
Average Score: 86%
An entertaining side scrolling shooter which does what it says on the tin, or cartridge box in this case. There are a million other games like this out there, and they all help pass the time.
ToeJam & Earl
Released: November 91
Average Score: 87%
Forgettable in it’s day but somehow remembered as a cult classic. You take control of two funky aliens in this adequate platformer.
Vectorman
Released: November 95
Average Score: unknown
A cutting edge title which pushed the abilities of the Megadrive to the limit. While the graphics were impressive for the time, gameplay was pushed to the bottom of the consideration pile and it still remains there.
Virtua Fighter 2
Released: February 96
Average Score: 52%
Originally developed as an early 3D title for the Sega Saturn and then converted to 2D and given a run on the Megadrive. Tries to bite off more than it can chew unfortunately.
Wonder Boy in Monster World
Released: April 92
Average Score: 88%
A crossover in multiple genres, this title tries to blend action/adventure, puzzle solving and platforming together… and it succeeds.
World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck
Released: December 92
Average Score: 90%
Mickey Mouse’s second run on the Megadrive and it’s better than the first. Two player co-op platformer with Donald Duck tagging along.
Regional Differences
The facts of this blog concentrate on the North American/PAL release of the Megadrive Mini, however there will be versions released in Japan and Asia which have some subtle differences such as the games and accessories included in the package.
Games wise, the ones of note that are missing from the Asia and Japan versions are Earthworm Jim, Ecco the Dolphin and Toejam & Earl. These have been replaced with games that were more popular in their region, but are unheard of in the west.
The other major difference and a subject of much disdain for me personally, is the type of controllers that has been included. I will discuss this in detail in the next section.
Controllers
So, what controllers are packaged with the Megadrive Mini? Well, as mentioned, this differs depending on what region you are purchasing. The NA/PAL model comes packaged with two of the original 3 button controllers. These controllers are modelled on the original Megadrive controller with the one exception that it now connects through a more modern USB port.
The Asia and Japan versions on the other hand, come packaged with a pair of 6 button controllers. Again these are modelled perfectly on the original Sega 6 button controller apart from the USB connector.
This is a very strange decision by Sega in my opinion. To be fair there aren’t many games that require the need for a 6 button controller, however the fact that Street Fighter 2: Special Champion Edition (the main reason for the creation of the 6 button controller in the first place) has been included in the NA/PAL region and they have decided not to include the 6 button controllers is a big shock.
The real kick in the teeth is that the Japan version of the console does not even feature Street Fighter 2 in it’s games list! This makes no logical sense whatsoever to me!
I am hoping that in the future Sega may reconsider their decision to include only the 3 button version and upgrade to the preferred 6 button controllers, but at this stage of production it is likely too late.
The only saving grace in this case is that you will be able to purchase the 6 button controllers separately if you so choose. To me this just feels like penny pinching on Sega’s part and is not something that will be welcomed by their loyal fanbase.
Other Accessories
At the time of writing the only official accessory for the Megadrive Mini is the 6 button controller mentioned above. There has been talk of releasing a non-functioning Mega CD/Sega CD shell to compliment the console, however the only reason for this would be for aesthetic/nostalgic purposes and therefore not really worth your hard earned cash.
Unofficially it is entirely possible that any USB controller would work on the Megadrive Mini. This is however unconfirmed at this stage and I would recommend try before you buy where possible.
Related Questions
Will I be able to save my games on the Megadrive Mini? Yes, the console features save state functionality which means that you will be able to save your game at any time you like as many times as you like. No more having to input long drawn out save codes or having to wait until the end of a level before you can save your progress. What an age we live in!
Can I add more games to the Megadrive Mini? No, the Megadrive Mini is a closed system so you will not have the ability to add or remove games from the system. The console does however contain a scaled down cartridge slot, so there is the possibility of Sega producing additional games on cartridges, which can be purchased further down the road.
Are there any alternatives to the Megadrive Mini? There are a few unlicensed alternatives already on the market. The main one of note is the Sega Megadrive Flashback by ATGames. This comes with a pair of 6 button wireless controllers and 85 preinstalled games. While this does sound like a more preferable option there has been some issues with the reliability of the hardware and the quality of the emulated games, so choose wisely.
