Retro Video Gamer

Continuing my theme of threads for underappreciated games, this one is for the Megadrive/Genesis..

Mine are starting with Whip Rush

(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/wohiQRew6ZI/hqdefault.jpg)

This is a great little SHMUP, its not the hardest game i have played, it has a nice selection of weapons and powerups.  Its fun and the music is great from what i remember.. One that in a world with some amazing SHMUPS has sadly been overlooked and totally underappreciated.

Next is a game called Tinhead.

(http://image.jeuxvideo.com/images/mg/t/i/tinhead-megadrive-001_m.jpg)

Tinhead is a platforming run-and-gun game that was published by Ballistic, You control a robot named Tinhead, who has to rescue the stars of the galaxy scattered about the planets by Grim Squidge while answering a distress call picked up by a space station. Its a fun game and another one i played for many hours once i picked it up.

There must be loads of games that never get appreciated like they should so whats yours.

I agree with you on Whip Rush actually, it's a pretty decent game. But a very similar game that is also overlooked, and in my opinion a better game, is Arrow Flash:

Mega Drive Longplay [118] Arrow Flash (//http)

Interesting fact about Tinhead - A Jaguar version of this game was actually programmed and fully finished but never released. Somebody in the Jag community even tracked it down many years ago but couldn't get hold of the actual code/game.

Great call on Whip Rush, zapiy. A quality side scrolling shmup and no mistake. 

Need to try these games, I never played them and look great.

I'll take this as an opportunity to plug Buck Rogers Countdown to Doomsday. For what it lacks graphically and sonically it more than makes up for in gameplay. It's really absorbing and will eat up hours of your life if you aren't careful. One of the best titles for the MD in my opinion

buck rogers countdown to doomsday megadrive/genesis review (//http)

Quote from: "Crusto"I'll take this as an opportunity to plug Buck Rogers Countdown to Doomsday. For what it lacks graphically and sonically it more than makes up for in gameplay. It's really absorbing and will eat up hours of your life if you aren't careful. One of the best titles for the MD in my opinion

http://youtu.be/PesQcZsm3mA (//http)

I second that and add Centurion: Defender of Rome.

So here's Scooby-Doo Mysteries, not to be confused with the SNES version, which is an entirely different game. If you don't like Scooby... well, don't be expecting too much. If you do, however, there's a surprisingly good LucasArts style adventure game in here. It's probably not as long or as difficult as your average Monkey Island, but there are two different cases to solve.

Scooby Doo Mysteries (Gens) Blake's Hotel - Part 2 of 5 (//http)

This is Trouble Shooter, a horizontally scrolling SHMUP. Oh, sure, there's plenty of those already, but this one's fun all the same. It's a little like Forgotten Worlds, since you control a character on a jetpack instead of a ship, but you can also rotate her partner to make her fire forward or behind you. The sequel is even better, but you'll need a translation patch.

Trouble Shooter Game Sample - Genesis/MD (//http)

Zero Tolerance is one of the very few first pen shooters for Genesis. It's not quite as pretty as Duke 3D's port, but it does run a lot smoother. I haven't actually played this one in a while, but I do remember it being a lot of fun than the other two FPSes on the Genesis I can currently remember.

Good call on Scooby Doo, Bobinator!

Quote from: "Bobinator"Zero Tolerance is one of the very few first pen shooters for Genesis. It's not quite as pretty as Duke 3D's port, but it does run a lot smoother. I haven't actually played this one in a while, but I do remember it being a lot of fun than the other two FPSes on the Genesis I can currently remember.

Most definitely!!!!

I love Zero Tolerance 

Zero Tolerance Mega Drive / Genesis Intro and Gameplay (//http)

Quote from: "Bobinator"So here's Scooby-Doo Mysteries, not to be confused with the SNES version, which is an entirely different game. If you don't like Scooby... well, don't be expecting too much. If you do, however, there's a surprisingly good LucasArts style adventure game in here. It's probably not as long or as difficult as your average Monkey Island, but there are two different cases to solve.

Scooby Doo Mysteries (Gens) Blake's Hotel - Part 2 of 5 (//http)

This is Trouble Shooter, a horizontally scrolling SHMUP. Oh, sure, there's plenty of those already, but this one's fun all the same. It's a little like Forgotten Worlds, since you control a character on a jetpack instead of a ship, but you can also rotate her partner to make her fire forward or behind you. The sequel is even better, but you'll need a translation patch.

Trouble Shooter Game Sample - Genesis/MD (//http)

Zero Tolerance is one of the very few first pen shooters for Genesis. It's not quite as pretty as Duke 3D's port, but it does run a lot smoother. I haven't actually played this one in a while, but I do remember it being a lot of fun than the other two FPSes on the Genesis I can currently remember.

Very good call on both of these..

Scooby is actually a vey very good game.. M

Curse was a pretty good side scrolling shooter.

Blades of Vengeance was a fun "American" 2D hack and slash platformer.

Granada really needs a mention, an outstanding game from Renovation that uses some very clever sprite scaling and rotation effects that really show the power of the Mega Drive:

[align=center:20bgqctz]Mega Drive Longplay [253] Granada (//http)[/align:20bgqctz]

Now that I have a Genesis, I need to check out these titles. 

Quote from: "The Laird"Granada really needs a mention, an outstanding game from Renovation that uses some very clever sprite scaling and rotation effects that really show the power of the Mega Drive:

[align=center:1be3xr2g]Mega Drive Longplay [253] Granada (//http)[/align:1be3xr2g]

Did this get released in the UK mate?

Sadly not, I have the Genesis version, which is fairly common and works perfectly on PAL consoles! 

Space Invaders '91 is a really nice game - pretty tough too.

Megadrive games I think deserve more love. some of them people will know but I still think they deserve more.

2 Crude Dudes Sega Genesis Nostalgia (//http)

Bonanza Bros. (Sega Genesis) Stage 1 - Company (//http)

This is another fantastic little game that needs a mention, Zoom!

It's basically a 3D version of the classic Amidar with some cute graphics and great sound. It's a highly addictive title that I strongly recommend any MD owners here pick up:

Zoom! Game Sample - Genesis/MD (//http)

Quote from: "Bobinator"So here's Scooby-Doo Mysteries, not to be confused with the SNES version, which is an entirely different game. If you don't like Scooby... well, don't be expecting too much. If you do, however, there's a surprisingly good LucasArts style adventure game in here. It's probably not as long or as difficult as your average Monkey Island, but there are two different cases to solve.

Scooby Doo Mysteries (Gens) Blake's Hotel - Part 2 of 5 (//http)

Wow now this looks interesting!! That looks exactly like the SCUMM engine used for  Day Of The Tentacle!

This one I will be checking out .... Maybe it could be hacked into DOTT? That Would be amazing!  amazing enough for me to pay a hmebrewer to make it!

nice post

Quote from: "RetroFox"

Quote from: "Bobinator"So here's Scooby-Doo Mysteries, not to be confused with the SNES version, which is an entirely different game. If you don't like Scooby... well, don't be expecting too much. If you do, however, there's a surprisingly good LucasArts style adventure game in here. It's probably not as long or as difficult as your average Monkey Island, but there are two different cases to solve.

Scooby Doo Mysteries (Gens) Blake's Hotel - Part 2 of 5 (//http)

Wow now this looks interesting!! That looks exactly like the SCUMM engine used for  Day Of The Tentacle!

This one I will be checking out .... Maybe it could be hacked into DOTT? That Would be amazing!  amazing enough for me to pay a hmebrewer to make it!

nice post

Now that i would love to see..

Quote from: "SnakeEyes"Megadrive games I think deserve more love. some of them people will know but I still think they deserve more.

2 Crude Dudes Sega Genesis Nostalgia (//http)

Agree 100% on that one..

I only ever played a few games on the MegaDrive but I must say that Zero Tolerance looks pretty good and a lot like Wolfenstein 3D

An under appreciated game I do remember is Ecco the Dolphin:

[align=center:1w8fy8d4]Ecco the Dolphin (HQ) - Stage 1: Start (//http)[/align:1w8fy8d4]

Hmmm, I wouldn't call Ecco unappreciated , it is pretty much always listed as one of the best games on the Mega Drive.

If you want a really under rated water based game for the MD then I give you Bimini Run:

Bimini Run (//http)

Quote from: "The Laird"Hmmm, I wouldn't call Ecco unappreciated , it is pretty much always listed as one of the best games on the Mega Drive.

Hmm, goes to show I read all the wrong magazines back then coz I remember a lot of reviews being luke-warm which, was unjustified. We live and learn

Another one from me, the absolutely brilliant Devilish (also known as Bad Omen).

It's a wonderful mix of the pinball game Dragon's Fury (also known as Devil Crash) and Arkanoid or Breakout. The game has a lot of original features of its own too and should definitely be checked out, you can read my review (//http) of the game for more info.

[align=center:1uihzyaa]Mega Drive Longplay [252] Bad Omen (//http)[/align:1uihzyaa]

That does look fun!  I'll need to check it out myself.

Quote from: "TrekMD"That does look fun!  I'll need to check it out myself.

You should. There was also a decent version of it for the Game Gear.

This would be a great game to remake actually, seriously under rated.

I better start creating a list! 

This, I had it on import growing up and loved it. never realised until years later that decapattack was just a reskin.  A lot of people I talk to ( not here, a far more knowledgable bunch of people on here ) have no idea about this game.

Magical Hat no Buttobi Turbo! Daibōken (4/4) (//http)

as for games that were not released her, its a shame that a lot of people are not aware of these 2 games for the system as they stayed in asia

*The New Zealand Story* Mini Review- Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) Japanese Import (//http)

*Rainbow Islands Extra* Mini Review- Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) Japanese Import (//http)

I also loved this

Insector X Game Sample - Genesis/MD (//http)

Definitely agreed on those first 3 and it's absolutely criminal that the 2 Taito games never got a western release in my opinion as I am sure they would have sold in their thousands.

Never played Insector X but only hear good things about it. It's one of those games that I keep meaning to buy but have just never got round to. I must correct that soon!

Quote from: "The Laird"Definitely agreed on those first 3 and it's absolutely criminal that the 2 Taito games never got a western release in my opinion as I am sure they would have sold in their thousands.

Never played Insector X but only hear good things about it. It's one of those games that I keep meaning to buy but have just never got round to. I must correct that soon!

I don't know if you agree but I find Magical hat far more appealing to look at than Decappattack.

Quote from: "SnakeEyes"

Quote from: "The Laird"Definitely agreed on those first 3 and it's absolutely criminal that the 2 Taito games never got a western release in my opinion as I am sure they would have sold in their thousands.

Never played Insector X but only hear good things about it. It's one of those games that I keep meaning to buy but have just never got round to. I must correct that soon!

I don't know if you agree but I find Magical hat far more appealing to look at than Decappattack.

I am not a fan of cutesy platformers really so actually prefered the latter version, although I know most people prefer the original.

I haven't seen anyone metion Mr. Nutz here.  Has anyone played it?  From what I've read it is pretty good.  Here is a video of the game: 

[align=center:21eb5gdt]Mr Nutz - Sega Mega Drive/Genesis - Part 1 (100% completed) (//http)[/align:21eb5gdt]

This one is better quality but it cannot be embedded:  Mr. Nutz (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis) полное прохождение. (//http)

Quote from: "TrekMD"I haven't seen anyone metion Mr. Nutz here.  Has anyone played it?  From what I've read it is pretty good.  Here is a video of the game: 

[align=center:3vhbkyso]Mr Nutz - Sega Mega Drive/Genesis - Part 1 (100% completed) (//http)[/align:3vhbkyso]

This one is better quality but it cannot be embedded:  Mr. Nutz (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis) полное прохождение. (//http)

To be totally honest, it's actually pretty slow and generic, as far as these sorts of game go. It's not terrible, I'll be honest, but it's very... safe, I guess the word is, and if I really had to think of something to compare it to, I'd say it's basically Castle of Illusion without the license or charm.

I would recommend looking out for the prototype for the sequel, though. It never actually got a release for the Genesis/Mega Drive, which is a shame. It's a lot bigger in scope and ambition than the original game, including an overworld between levels where you can find items in the main levels to open up more of it. It's also generally a much faster, interesting game, in my book.

Thanks.  I'll have to see if I can find the sequel.

We already mentioned Zero Tolerance, but another massively under rated FPS for the Mega Drive is Domark's Blood Shot. The engine on this game is even more impressive, it's full screen and incredibly smooth. Interestingly it also got a marginally improved Mega CD conversion too. In the US this game is known as Battle Frenzy.

[align=center:o29ntdx8]Battle Frenzy Blood Shot (//http)[/align:o29ntdx8]

Never heard of this one fella, does look a good game..

Have you played both versions?

That looks cool.  I guess the censors in the US didn't like the word "blood" in the title of the game.

Nice looking game Looks like it has some very smooth gameplay.

This is another game that needs to be mentioned in this thread - Sub-Terrania. It's multi-directional shooter with elements of games like Gravitar and Thrust that was developed by Danish coders Zyrinx, who also did the amazingly impressive Red Zone that I posted in another thread.

[align=center:3g762ep7]Mega Drive Longplay [209] Sub-Terrania (//http)[/align:3g762ep7]

I tried playing this over the weekend but I really need to read the instructions!  It does look like a fantastic game.

One of my top Megadrive games and you don't really hear it mentioned often is Daze Before Christmas. I'm assuming it's not talked about often because of its rarity but it's an awesome platformer! This games actually became part of a Christmas tradition in our house. Me and my son usually stay up till like 3am playing this and Christmas nights into Dreams. And then finish the night off with the Twilight Zone episode Night of the Meek

Oh we mentioned it in the Christmas Games thread.  :)

I didn't realize there was a Christmas game thread, I'll definitely be checking that out! I'm gonna have to agree with you on the difficulty level. I think its just enough that it can really be enjoyed.

We have a thread for Christmas games (http://www.retrovideogamer.co.uk/http://www.retrovideogamer.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7 (//http)) and a thread for Halloween games (http://www.retrovideogamer.co.uk/http://www.retrovideogamer.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2 (//http)).  Check them out. 

Will definitely check them out. Thanks for the info!

Here's another one.

El Viento

http://youtu.be/_4F0THtN_og (http://youtu.be/_4F0THtN_og)

The Wind, eh?  Never heard of that game before.

I've never heard of it either. Looks good though, might have to look for a copy.

I found very few in Ebay and they are pricey.  The cheaper ones are in poor condition.

That's what I saw too. Must be a fairly rare game.

Quote from: "TrekMD"The Wind, eh?  Never heard of that game before.

I love that game, it's a part of the Earnest Evans trilogy.  They seem to get a mixed reaction from the Youtube reviewers, but they're some of my favorite 16 bit Sega games.  Only the first two got a release in the U.S. and only the 2nd in the UK though, the third is import only. 
They are: Earnest Evans - Mega CD in Japan, cartridge in the U.S., I don't think it got a PAL release.
El Viento / The Wind - Genesis/MD for JP/U.S./PAL
Anette Futatabi - Mega CD, JP only.
Here's a really good write up of the series that is better than the Youtube videos on it: http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/earnes ... tevans.htm (http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/earnestevans/earnestevans.htm)

It is really easy to play import Mega CD games now though, with an Everdrive.  Here's a good video on it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9m9t71V ... e=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9m9t71VJL4&feature=youtu.be)

Has anyone mentioned Junction yet? Sliding puzzle game with an armadillo in it. I think it was my first Japanese import, and loved it even though I struggled to get very far in!

Quote from: "deKay"Has anyone mentioned Junction yet? Sliding puzzle game with an armadillo in it. I think it was my first Japanese import, and loved it even though I struggled to get very far in!

I don't think anyone has and it's a good looking game based on the video I just watched.  It's fairly cheap too, I might have to pick that one up the next time I go back to collecting for the MD.

Thats a great looking game, will look at getting that also.

Quote from: "Ben"

Quote from: "TrekMD"The Wind, eh?  Never heard of that game before.

I love that game, it's a part of the Earnest Evans trilogy.  They seem to get a mixed reaction from the Youtube reviewers, but they're some of my favorite 16 bit Sega games.  Only the first two got a release in the U.S. and only the 2nd in the UK though, the third is import only. 
They are: Earnest Evans - Mega CD in Japan, cartridge in the U.S., I don't think it got a PAL release.
El Viento / The Wind - Genesis/MD for JP/U.S./PAL
Anette Futatabi - Mega CD, JP only.
Here's a really good write up of the series that is better than the Youtube videos on it: http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/earnes ... tevans.htm (http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/earnestevans/earnestevans.htm)

It is really easy to play import Mega CD games now though, with an Everdrive.  Here's a good video on it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9m9t71V ... e=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9m9t71VJL4&feature=youtu.be)

A huge shout to El Viento as well pal.

(http://www.defunctgames.com/pic/review-elvientogenesis-big-1.jpg)

A game I think is underappreciated is James Pond 2. I have it in my collection. I never see much talk about it. It was made by a UK development and was successful here in Europe. I'm guessing it did not fare well in North America or Japan is why no talks about it.
https://youtu.be/0HqFmuRAD9I (https://youtu.be/0HqFmuRAD9I)

I have that one and it is a fun game.  Not mentioned much, though, I agree.

You know what, I've never played the Mega Drive version of Robocod. I always associate it with the Amiga.
Is it one of those EA carts with the weird yellow clip on it (It was EA right?)? What was that for...?

Yep, this is what it looks like:

I'm not sure what the clip was for but I think the thinner cartridge would fit in Japan mega drive so maybe it was to save money and not pay a plastic molder twice. Just a guess there.

I'm not sure what it is for either.  It does give the carts a unique look.  Maybe there is some information online somewhere that talks about it.

https://magixbuttons.com/article/story-behind-eas-yellow-tabbed-genesis-games (https://magixbuttons.com/article/story-behind-eas-yellow-tabbed-genesis-games)

Basically this article says that sega was asking for too much money to licence games and they told EA that if you can reverse engineer the development kit including the mold then they would not have to pay as big of a licence fee. I would say this looks like a win for the little guy but EA are now a massive AAA developer and possibly the biggest developer for sports I would say but still nice to see how is began for them. Still does not explaine the clip though

Great piece of history. I remember Populous being the first EA game I bought. Then it spiraled out of control. Buck Rodgers, Centurion, the Road Rash series, bought a new Madden almost every year.

Great info..

James Pond 2 is also a great shout.

Maybe it was just a design style choice then. Some sort of recognisable quirk. I guess it worked lol.

I think NHLPA hockey was the first game I saw it on. Or it could have been shadow of the beast actually....


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In 2017 it is hard to define underappreciated. Some games have been released as compilation discs on recent or past handhelds and systems. Like my favorites Desert Strike and the Road Rash series on the PSP.

I still like to play Aerobiz, Quackshot and Outlander.

Quackshot is a great shout. Love that game :)

i think defining underappreciated games is about looking at what was in large part overlooked due to whatever reason whether it be over saturation of the genre or simply because of sparse marketing or whatever the reason but that is just my opinion

Quackshot is a fun game!  Of course, I'm biased since I am a Donald Duck fan.  :)

Wish Quackshot had a save feature. 

Really appreciate now how some games for the Megadrive/Genesis are different then a same named title for the Super Nintendo. Disney games were often different like some of the Mickey Mouse games. Beavis and Butthead was also different.

Quote from: onthinice on May 10, 2017, 15:46:41 PM
Really appreciate now how some games for the Megadrive/Genesis are different then a same named title for the Super Nintendo.

Yes, I couldn't agree more with this! Games were different across platforms which is why we all have our own favourite systems that we will all defend. I loved that aspect of gaming but it's more or less gone now :^[



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Unfortunately different versions of the same game is completely gone. I remember on my megadrive having power rangers the movie video game and my friend had the Super Nintendo version and mine was like ten times better :)