Sega Genesis Classics

 Switch
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 48
  3. Negative: 4 out of 48
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  1. ngjohnson
    Jan 8, 2019
    6
    Bought this collection mainly for the Shining series and Phantasy Star series (against my better judgment, since I have a family now and really should not be spending my time level grinding). It's a great collection of titles. Unfortunately I agree with the review by mock1981 that the input lag is a real issue for the platformers, especially the Sonic titles, making them not veryBought this collection mainly for the Shining series and Phantasy Star series (against my better judgment, since I have a family now and really should not be spending my time level grinding). It's a great collection of titles. Unfortunately I agree with the review by mock1981 that the input lag is a real issue for the platformers, especially the Sonic titles, making them not very enjoyable. I have played it docked and in handheld, with similar lag. I tried playing in airplane mode (recommended on a reddit thread as a way to decrease lag) but didn't seem to help. I would not recommend this collection if you're buying it for the platformers, due to the lag/latency. It's less of an issue for the RPGs of course, so those are still fun, and pretty much how I remember them.… Expand
  2. thaesino
    Dec 11, 2018
    9
    Love this collection. I think I've purchased every single one of these Sega collections since the PS2 era (though I never got it on the PSP, which was its first portable manifestation). Yes, it's true that Wonder Boy, which was in the PS4/XOne versions, is missing here. But you know what? That isn't deal-breaking for me like, say, what PlayStation did with their PSX Classic Mini's gameLove this collection. I think I've purchased every single one of these Sega collections since the PS2 era (though I never got it on the PSP, which was its first portable manifestation). Yes, it's true that Wonder Boy, which was in the PS4/XOne versions, is missing here. But you know what? That isn't deal-breaking for me like, say, what PlayStation did with their PSX Classic Mini's game list changes. I love so many of the other games, that if I wanted to play Wonder Boy so bad, I'd just play it on PS4 or PC.

    So I would say the following as for whether or not you should get this at $30:

    - Did you grow up playing mostly on the Genesis/MegaDrive?
    - Are you a fan of Sonic, Golden Axe, Shining, Decap Attack, Streets of Rage?
    - Do you prefer to play the Switch in mobile mode?
    - Do you have $30 but don't know where to spend it and are not a huge fan of very well-made indie Roguelike/Metroidvania titles like Cave Story, Shovel Knight, Dead Cells, Celeste, or SteamWorld Dig?

    If you answered Yes to 2 of these, then you should consider the game. Extra points if one of the two was the one about using the Switch mostly in portable mode.

    If you answered No to the last one, know that you could probably get two very good Metroidvania style games for the price of this collection, and you wouldn't regret it... especially if these two are something like Celeste, The Messenger, Shovel Knight, or Dead Cells.

    In either case, understand that these games will FEEL like you are playing Genesis. They will not feel, for the most part, like you are playing one of these 90s inspired indie games from the last 10 years. A lot of people sadly buy these collections and then feel let down by the pacing of some of these games. That being said, games like Alien Soldier or Comix Zone have pacing comparable to a lot of Action Platformers these days.

    As a side note: I don't understand what the other user is saying when he's asking for a MegaDrive collection instead of Genesis, as the Sega Genesis IS the MegaDrive (that's just the NA name versus the name in, say, Europe). It's possible he/she means the MasterSystem, which was Sega's answer to the NES. And as for the Saturn... there just aren't enough great games on that system to warrant making a smoothly running emulated collection. Just not worth the resources, especially when some of the best Saturn games weren't even exclusives or 1st party titles. Maybe Panzer Dragoon titles, but those were like, top of the top of the line on Saturn. The console just didn't get a chance to even start. As for Master System, I totally agree. There are some wonderful games on that. Truly.    … Expand
  3. GamingTruth
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    A Fantastic collection to have on the switch! 50 amazing Sega Genesis games to be played when and where you want! Only on Nintendo Switch! Try playing these with a classic controller!
  4. Olicomix
    Dec 11, 2018
    9
    While the game library isn't the absolute best we've seen in a Genesis collection, it still has almost everything that made the Sega Genesis a viable competitor to the Super Nintendo, making this an absolute no brainer for retro game fans, and with this being able to be portable as well, this very well may be the definitive version of this collection.
  5. Cartmenbrah
    Dec 12, 2018
    9
    Okay, so obviouslly there isnt S3&k,
    but there are still 50 fantasic classic genesis games to be played on the switch. Maybe wait for a price drop if your really stingy but for 30 this is a comfortable price for the collection you get. It even has online for some games. as well as achievements
  6. Pete112
    Aug 6, 2021
    5
    Having owned many of these games in the 90s, I jumped at the chance to play them again.

    Unfortunately, despite the nostalgia they don't really measure up to modern equivalents.

    The input lag on some if the faster games like sonic spinball made them unplayable.

    I enjoyed the streets of rage games but that was about it.
  7. Royec
    Dec 7, 2018
    6
    Yay another genesis collection just what i wanted
    I mean it's portable now
    but sega just refuses to do any other console not mega drive or saturn always genesis
    but the games are pretty ok
  8. mock1981
    Dec 9, 2018
    4
    This is a joke. The control latency pretty much guarantees sluggish input, making these great games borderline unplayable. Support M2 and their appreciative Sega Ages line, not this hot garbage. Sega, why do you do this to your fans?
  9. swinogrodzki
    Mar 28, 2021
    3
    HAC-001-(01) the input lag is making all the titles unplayable and the devs don't care about the issue, since refunds are not possible on the eShop (against the EU law). Don't buy it on the Switch. Try the Steam version when it's discounted.
  10. ericiidx
    Dec 3, 2022
    7
    Overall a good value on sale, but at full price, I'd not rate it as high. I was pretty disappointed by the variety in performance and input lag between games. Sonic Spinball feels nigh unplayable, which was a primary reason for my purchasing this collection. Other games feel better, such as Dynamite Headdy and the Phantasy Star games, but there is always some discernible lag that feelsOverall a good value on sale, but at full price, I'd not rate it as high. I was pretty disappointed by the variety in performance and input lag between games. Sonic Spinball feels nigh unplayable, which was a primary reason for my purchasing this collection. Other games feel better, such as Dynamite Headdy and the Phantasy Star games, but there is always some discernible lag that feels especially jolting in the 16-bit low-res presentation. Other than that, the games looked & felt pretty true to what I remember as a kid.… Expand
  11. iMetaCritic
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    Just downloaded from the eShop and i gotta say its so convenient to just boot up these games with the sideways joycons just chilling. Getting achievments for fun, as well as playing online. If NES classics isnt your cup of tea try the Genesis Collection
  12. daWernz
    Oct 1, 2019
    9
    No more input latency! What a way to kick off October 2019: When starting the Genesis Classics a little system update was installed: Yes indeed, now Sonic and the other games have responsive controls!
    NOW is the time to dive into the SEGA highlights of 16 bit gaming: Sonic the Hedgehog 1+2, Streets of Rage 1-3, Gunstar Heroes, Golden Axe 1-3, Phantasy Star 4, Shining Force 1+2 and the    No more input latency! What a way to kick off October 2019: When starting the Genesis Classics a little system update was installed: Yes indeed, now Sonic and the other games have responsive controls!
    NOW is the time to dive into the SEGA highlights of 16 bit gaming: Sonic the Hedgehog 1+2, Streets of Rage 1-3, Gunstar Heroes, Golden Axe 1-3, Phantasy Star 4, Shining Force 1+2 and the Shinobi games are representatives of the definitive 2D gaming greatness every gamer should experience!    … Expand
  13. ENERGONX
    Jan 13, 2020
    6
    Esta muy bueno , Pero el sonic 1 y 2 , tiene un "LAG Botton " Importante , me doiio mucho que no tuviera el Monster Land , como en las otras plataformas.
  14. AlexTheAwesome
    Apr 30, 2020
    9
    Sega Genesis Classics is overall a solid compilation of Genesis games no matter which platform you buy it on. With classics like Sonic 1 and 2, the Streets Of Rage trilogy, Space Harrier, Landstalker, Alien Soldier, Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Gunstar Heroes your certainly getting your money's worth. While the emulation isn't perfect it gets the job done and with extras like onlineSega Genesis Classics is overall a solid compilation of Genesis games no matter which platform you buy it on. With classics like Sonic 1 and 2, the Streets Of Rage trilogy, Space Harrier, Landstalker, Alien Soldier, Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Gunstar Heroes your certainly getting your money's worth. While the emulation isn't perfect it gets the job done and with extras like online multiplayer its an excellent way to play the genesis library today.… Expand
  15. Oldskoolberk
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    A true nostalgia trip. The selections are excellent and finally answered my prayers of Toejam and Earl. The games are pure classics with Sonic, Streets of Rage, amd Altered Beast. They did an amazing job of putting this on the Switch as it should be. I love this game!
  16. bencrvr31
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    Played through Phantasy Star IV first, had a lovely time. Shining Force was frustrating me with how often they want you to miss, but that before I realized how easy it is to reverse time with the collection, that is an excellent. Used that on Shining Force 2 when they had me miss and to speed up all the boring stuff and it was a great playthrough. That game is a masterpiece. Now I'mPlayed through Phantasy Star IV first, had a lovely time. Shining Force was frustrating me with how often they want you to miss, but that before I realized how easy it is to reverse time with the collection, that is an excellent. Used that on Shining Force 2 when they had me miss and to speed up all the boring stuff and it was a great playthrough. That game is a masterpiece. Now I'm starting Landstalker, probably onto Phatasy Star III after that. Only one missing for me is Shadowrun, that's still the best video game I've played from the Shadowrun universe, good story, fun skill progression, gets the feel just right. Sega Genesis really had some gems. SNES and PS1 too of course, so many great games.… Expand
  17. IamSquid
    Jan 2, 2022
    8
    I'm kinda cheating with this one. I have over 40 hours on the game, 37 hours of which are probably on Sonic 2, I'd estimate another 2 hours on Sonic 1, and then about on hour on everything else (much of which I haven't played). I'm a bit disappointed that the Nintendo Switch version of this collection doesn't include Ecco the Dolphin. But yeah, overall, I'm happy with it.
  18. DudeWithTheFood
    Oct 30, 2022
    4
    A case of quantity over quality. 50 games means nothing if the emulation sucks so much. There's about half a second of input lag, and the audio isn't very good either. Even had a couple instances where the game would start lagging in areas it never would on an actual Genesis. You're better off getting the Genesis Mini, SEGA AGES, or Nintendo Switch Online for your fix on SEGA classics.
  19. GlennLosio
    May 13, 2023
    10
    The game was amazing it really played all the sega genesis games I liked the most.

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
34
#34 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Aug 22, 2019
    85
    This collection is such a great value that I'd be hard-pressed not to recommend it. [Issue #38 – March/April 2019, p. 73]
  2. Nintendojo
    Mar 25, 2019
    91
    Some of the included titles haven’t aged nearly as gracefully as others, but gamers of all ages should have no problem finding something they’ll enjoy here. Sega Genesis Classics is a worthy tribute to Nintendo’s greatest competitor, and a must-have title for Switch owners.
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  3. Critical Hit
    Jan 18, 2019
    70
    The emulation is perfect, the extra features are great and the Switch is the perfect system for this bit of nostalgia. Unfortunately, the collection of games is a little lacklustre, with the real standouts games that we’ve seen bundled together many times before.
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