Highlights

• Sega Genesis challenged Nintendo's market dominance in 1988 with arcade game ports and the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog.
• RPGs gained popularity globally in the 16-bit era, with many exclusive titles on Sega Genesis still celebrated today.
• Classic 16-bit era games are making a comeback, thanks to online services and mini consoles offering timeless hits.

The Sega Genesis's arrival on the console market in 1988 meant Nintendo’s market dominance finally had a challenger. Promising a slew of arcade game ports and the arrival of their own mascot Sonic the Hedgehog, the console was aimed at capturing the adolescent audience, as opposed to Nintendo’s family-friendly marketing. Across its 16-bit era, RPGs would become increasingly popular and recognized across the globe not only to their traditional Japanese audience.

Some of the very best of the genre from Chrono Trigger, Illusion of Gaia, Earthbound and Final Fantasy 6 would be released in the fourth generation. Yet several of the best RPGs ever made were exclusive to the Sega Genesis and remain celebrated and re-released to this day. Below are some of the very best games in the genre.

Each title's GameFaqs average user score is included.

Updated April 24, 2024 by Stephen LaGioia: What is old is new again — at least this seems to be the implication with an increasing amount of gamers of all ages revisiting classic 16-bit era titles. This classic gaming renaissance has been spurred partly thanks to online services and mini "classic" consoles offering these timeless hits.

However, various indies have also helped spark renewed interest in sprite-based gaming with enjoyable throwbacks like Matthias Linda's Chained Echoes. With this in mind, and so many often-overlooked RPG gems on Genesis, it seemed time to revisit and add to this list of the console's best offerings.

10 Syndicate

Score: 3.92

• Developer: Bullfrog Productions
• Platform(s): MS-DOS, Amiga, Mac, Genesis, SNES, Atari Jaguar, 3DO, Sega-CD
• Released: 1993

This obscure tactical role-playing game is a PC port, and it tends to show, with its involved interface and isometric perspective — which doesn't always translate on sprite-based machines. It also yields some deep, often cryptic gameplay that old-school PC fans may recognize. But for those willing to overcome its learning curve, Syndicate makes for a distinctly fun and rewarding tactical game.

In this unique and campy premise, players take charge of a squad of cyborg agents who seek to invade different countries and territories in a post-apocalyptic world. This is achieved by taking on police forces as well as rival rogue agents, and notching goals that range from capture missions to assassinations. Those who like their RPGs with a fun cyberpunk tinge will want to give this one a look.

9 Wonder Boy In Monster World

Score: 3.31

• Developer: Westone
• Platform(s): Genesis, Master System, PC
• Released: 1991 (1992 NA and EU)

This oft-overlooked series emerged from obscurity with a recent stylistic remake of Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap courtesy of LizardCube, of Streets of Rage 4 fame. Yet Genesis RPG fans will likely already have heard of this charming sidescrolling fantasy series — particularly this ARPG spinoff.

This fifth entry in the Wonder Boy series has aged gracefully with its delightful sprites, tight controls/combat, and swift, smooth flow — which many indies have clearly used as a template for inspiration (Cave Story, for instance). It even boasts a quasi-open world, which was fairly ambitious for a console game of the early 90s.

8 Phantasy Star 2

Score: 3.74

The Sega Genesis's first RPG was something of a groundbreaker, Phantasy Star 2 promised a huge adventure across the Agol Star System. Released in 1990, the sci-fi epic coincided with the release of the original Final Fantasy and its six mega-bit cartridge made it the biggest home console video game at the time. The player controls a party led by Rolf, a government agent who must uncover the mystery of Mother Brain breaking down.

Phantasy Star 2 would be key in raising the profile of RPGs to Western audiences and has been consistently celebrated as one of the Genesis best. Re-released on several platforms, Phantasy Star 2 has received plaudits for its storytelling, grueling difficulty that requires ample strategy, and a well-designed XP system.

7 Beyond Oasis

Score: 4.09

One of the Sega Genesis's various attempts to bring The Legend of Zelda-style game to the platform, Beyond Oasis is a stylish and memorable action RPG. The player controls Prince Ali arriving at the land of Oasis to use the gold armlet and raise the four spirits to fight the forces of evil.

Combining the beat ‘em up combat and large sprites signature to the Genesis with the top-down open-world adventure of the Zelda series, Beyond Oasis is a unique take on the action RPG genre. Prioritizing action and combat over exploration or puzzle solving, this won’t be for pure RPG fans but stands as one of Genesis's most engaging and best-looking titles.

6 Gauntlet 4

Score: 3.71

• Developer: M2/Tengen
• Platform(s): Sega Genesis
• Released: 1993

While its flat graphical style may not have aged superbly, this fourth iteration of the cult-hit ARPG Gauntlet proved epic for its time and was a fan-favorite late in Genesis' life. Its refined gameplay and dynamic progression also manage to hold up quite well despite being decades old.

This installment is perhaps the definitive way to experience the series' roots. Not only does it offer an all-new questline with sprawling new dungeons and unique bosses, but it also brings an endlessly-fun four-player mode of the original Gauntlet, and a deathmatch Battle Mode that grants bragging rights among friends. It's hard to find a multiplayer game on Genesis that provides loads of arcade-style fun while also being impressively detailed.

5 Shining Force 2

Score: 4.31

Cited as a groundbreaking title in its genre, Shining Force 2 is a universally praised tactical RPG. A stand-alone title not tied to the story of the original, Shining Force 2 takes place in the lands of Parmecia and Grans as the evil Zeon is freed once again. The player controls Bowie, the leader of the Shining Force, and his allies, as they battle devils and foes freed from the Tower of Ancients.

Featuring a remarkable amount of free-roaming for a 16-bit game and a substantial class system, Shining Force 2 offers a tactical RPG experience way ahead of its time. Often regarded as one of the best video games ever made, the game has been re-released in subsequent generations and continues to be to this day.

4 Phantasy Star 4: End Of The Millennium

Score: 4.3

Despite mixed reviews at the time of its release, Phantasy Star 4 has gone on to be seen as one of the best video games ever made. The final entry in the Phantasy Star games on Genesis puts the player on the planet of Motavia, where Alys Brangwin and Chaz Ashley must stop cult leader Zio from destroying the entire solar system. Set between Phantasy Star 2 and 3, the game deals with mature themes of ecological crisis and its effect on the population.

Featuring turn-based combat, NPC interaction, and layered storytelling the series is famed for, Phantasy Star 4 is seen by many as the pinnacle of the sci-fi series. The game has been consistently re-released since its 1993/5 debut.

3 Shining Force

Score: 4.09

An influential title for an entire genre, Shining Force would arrive on the Sega Genesis in 1992 to acclaim. The tactical role-playing game would mix traditional RPG elements like NPC interaction, town exploration, and the ability to buy items along with the grid and turn-based combat formula of the genre.

Set in the Kingdom of Guardiana, the player takes the role of Max who must form the Shining Force to stop the evil Kane and his resurrection of Dark Dragon. A brilliant entry point to the genre, the player gains any XP garnered in defeat, and any battle can be reattempted. The game would receive an acclaimed remake on the Game Boy Advance in 2004.

2 Crusader of Centy

Score: 4.05

Regarded as the purest 2D Zelda clone of the Sega Genesis, Crusader of Centy arrived on the console in 1994/5. A graphically standout title for the platform, Crusader of Centy puts the player in the role of Corona, a 14-year-old boy who must take his father's sword to defend the city from monsters. The game gives a surprisingly mature mediation of the relationship between humans and animals.

Early in the game, Corona loses the ability to speak to humans but can communicate with animals, who in turn, become allies to help him on his quest. The top-down presentation and user interface are remarkably similar to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, yet this action RPG title is very much its own game and one of the console’s best.

1 Shadowrun

Score: 4.04

A cyberpunk masterpiece of the 16-bit era, Shadowrun would be released on the Sega Genesis in 1993. Its own unique title from the SNES game released the same year, this action RPG would deliver masterfully in terms of atmosphere and a foreboding soundtrack. Offering three different plot lines, this remarkably open-ended game is set in a 2050s future where mega-corporations increasingly run the world.

The story places the player in the role of Joshua, who witnesses his brother's death via cybernetic video and sets out on a quest to avenge his loss. The top-down perspective and dialogue-heavy gameplay bring a gritty and memorable feel to the game. Balanced skill and class mechanics make this one of the best in its genre on the platform.

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