Sonic, Streets of Rage, Phantasy Star: Sega, former king of the arcade and Nintendo's rival, marked the retro era with its audacity. RomWize re-ranks the publisher's best games by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"An NHL 2K2 sequel more ambitious, with stronger visuals and presentation. Gameplay sharpens, strategy matters more and the icy thrill grows. A Dreamcast hockey benchmark."
"Fast-paced and original 3D mech fighting game, excellent Saturn port of the arcade. Mechs (Virtuaroids) are varied and distinctive. Better with dual-stick, playable without. An unjustly forgotten versus fighting classic."
"3D rail shooter that founded the series, visually revolutionary for 1995. The post-apocalyptic universe and Saori Kobayashi's music make an immediate impression. Starting point of one of Saturn's greatest sagas. Essential."
"Netlink version of Sega Rally Plus, online functionality now defunct. Identical to the Plus version for solo gameplay. Historical curiosity documenting Sega's 1997 online gaming attempt. For collectors only."
"The BLiTZ system, blending turn-based strategy with free-aim action, remains a tactical treat. The wartime story strikes true and the CANVAS engine's watercolour look still enchants. A tactics game of remarkable elegance and clarity."
"Sonic CD is the best 2D Sonic ever made. Travel to the past and future to change zones' fate. The legendary CD soundtrack, intro-outro animations, Metal Sonic. A video game monument."
"One of the finest RPGs of its era and a foundational pillar of the genre on console. Vast world, memorable characters and solid combat. Still fascinating to play through today, with genuine soul."
"One of the most iconic action games on the Master System. Joe Musashi versus ninjas - an absolute classic. Precise gameplay, well-calibrated difficulty and varied levels make it a must in the catalogue."
"SegaNet version of Saturn Virtual On, compatible with the era's network service. Online functionality now obsolete. Single-player identical to the standard version. Historical curiosity for collectors."
"Large-scale Sega SRPG, third saga entry. Three complementary crossing scenarios (Scenario 1-3). Enriched systems, exceptional production value for Saturn. One of the most ambitious SRPGs of the 32-bit generation."
"Improved sequel to the first, with more varied levels and a customizable dragon. Visually superb, music still mesmerizing. Considered by many as superior to the first. One of the absolute peaks of rail shooting on Saturn."
"The Mega Drive port of Capcom's Strider, a legendary arcade action game. Gorgeous, demanding, one of the console's action masterpieces."
"The Sega puzzler turned classic, where you line up three coloured gems. Simple, elegant, perfect for short sessions : a must in the genre."
"First Shining Force III scenario, the only one released in the West. Introduces game mechanics and political context. Excellent standalone but incomplete without the other scenarios. Magnificent first act of an exceptional SRPG trilogy."
"An irresistible Sonic Team puzzler about guiding mice through arrow tiles. The levels are brilliantly designed and multiplayer triggers fits of laughter. A warm and clever success."
"A more accomplished Sonic Adventure 2 sequel clearly splitting heroes and antiheroes. The dual structure charms, snappy levels work wonderfully. A 3D mascot peak."
"Second SF3 scenario with a different protagonist and alternative view of the first scenario's events. Illuminates the political context in a new way. Indispensable for understanding the trilogy's complete story. Equal quality to the first."
"Virtua Cop sequel with more varied levels and more inventive enemies. Clearly superior to the first in content and design. The absolute rail shooter reference on Saturn. With the Saturn Gun, the experience is excellent."
"End of Eternity (Resonance of Fate) is a Tri-Ace RPG with virtuoso and ultra-stylish gun combat. Unique acrobatic combat mechanic, dense dystopian narrative. An atypical and brilliant JRPG."
"A Sega gem where you leap from panel to panel inside a comic book, smashing enemies. Visually genius, short but unique, a late-life must-have."