A mini wish list for a mini system…

The Genesis mini is almost here. The little retro mini plug in play system being brought to us by Sega launches on September 19th 2019. 30 of the 40 games for the system have been announced and here is my list for games that I wish make it to the final list.

1. Crusader of Centy (1994)

Not many of you may have heard of Crusader of Centy. This game is essentially a Zelda clone that was released on the Genesis back in 1994. The game was published by Atlus (whom Sega owns now). The game was well received when it was released, however not as well as the series it was obviously paying homage to. The game didn’t have such a large focus on traps and puzzles the way Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past did it was more combat heavy. However the comparisons between the two still hold up in both games presentation and controls. Why would anyone care about another Zelda clone you may ask well for one its a damn good game and two the original cart is stupid expensive we are talking basically Earthbound on the SNES price levels. So to have this game have an official re-release by Sega would be nice for all the hardcore Genesis fans like myself that can’t afford to drop that kind of dough on one game.

2/3. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (1994) Sonic and Knuckles (1994)

Now to those who don’t know, saying that you want a Sonic game on a Genesis mini would be like going to the beach and saying you hope there’s water there. But just to fill those in on why I have this on the list its simple. Sega doesn’t re-release Sonic 3/Knuckles anymore. Don’t believe me look at their latest Genesis game collection that released on XB1/PS4/PC/Switch. When you do you’ll you notice that there’s 2 main sonic games that are missing Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles. Why you ask well the reason most people think this is the case is due to the music used in the game. Back when Sonic 3 was being developed a certain pop star known as Michael Jackson was brought in to work on the music of the game. This not be a huge shock that he would do it considering the previous working relationship between both Sega and Jackson. Since Michael Jackson’s death his estate has been very strict on licenses of the deceased singers songs and work which many believe why we never see the release of either Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles.

4. Road Rash 2 (1992)

The Road Rash series is freaking awesome. It’s a motorcycle racing game where the racers not only speed down roads at ridiculous speeds but they also beat the crap out of each other in a bid to knock each other off their bikes. The second game in the series is my favorite, with improved graphics and sense of speed from the first and one heck of a soundtrack this game is just loads of fun to play. Unfortunately though Road Rash was developed and owned by EA and since we haven’t seen any support from them so far with the other titles that have been announced I don’t think this is a possibility but hey a boy can dream.

5. Aladdin (1993)

Usually movie tie in games suck but every now and then you get an amazing game that just happens to be tied in to a movie. Aladdin is one of those great movie tie in games. An action platformer you play as Aladdin as he adventures from street rat to the suitor of a princess. The graphics of this game are amazing and very true to the design of the movie. Not surprising when you learn that Disney animators themselves helped the game designers by allowing them access to original art and animation cells of the film. The music also is great and takes it cues from the movie as well. This game was huge back in the day and was considered a system seller selling over 4 million copies.

6. Quackshot (1991)

Another Disney licensed game (the genesis actually had several really good Disney games) Quackshot is a action platformer starring Donald Duck. The overall vibe of the game takes it cues from Indiana Jones with Donald being an adventurer. Consider to be a classic and fondly loved by the Genesis fan base this game is really fun even taking into account the somewhat poor controls at times. This game was a favorite of mine when I was younger and I hope to see it again on the mini.

7. Mutant League Football ( 1993)

Back in the day the Sega was known for awesome arcade ports and some of the best sports games in the entire 16 bit generation. Some would say I want a Madden put on the mini but honestly not me. Instead I’m opting for what is hands down my favorite sports game of all time Mutant League Football. Unlike Madden Mutant League Football is more arcadey in its approach compared to the more simulation approach Madden is known for. Also as the title hints to Football isn’t played by mere normal football teams. Instead they are played of teams comprised of ogres, skeletons, aliens, and the undead. The coaches and the refs have humorous lines and the sheer over the top violence on display in this game makes it that much more enjoyable. If your not a huge fan of sports games this may be a game you should give a try, hopefully EA surprises us by supporting the mini and adding this with road rash to the list.

8. MUSHA (1990)

Do you like old school shooters? If so then you should probably add MUSHA to your list of wants too. MUSHA is a vertical scrolling shooter that was developed by Compile. It is one of the best shooters I have ever played. You control a mech and your charged with taking down a supercomputer. The game is fast and frenetic and the graphics are some of the best for shooters of this period. The soundtrack is also top notch and fast. Copies of MUSHA on the Genesis are rare and not easy to come buy which means that an original copy of this game costs collectors a decent amount of cash for it. Hopefully Sega decides to bring it here for us (it’s been announced for the Mega Drive mini in Japan)

9. Mortal Kombat 2 ( 1993)

When you think about the 16 bit era of games one genre you instantly pop up in your mind and that the fighting game genre. Thanks to Street Fighter 2 reigniting the arcade scene in the early 90’s and causing the fighting game Renaissance more and more companies tried to jump in with a fighting game of their own and even though there were hundreds of titles only one got into the mainstream in almost the same compacity as Street Fighter 2 and that was the Mortal Kombat series. Mortal Kombat 2 in my opinion is the best of the Genesis games so that’s why 2 is the one I choose. If you don’t know what Mk is its a game about different fighters from around the globe and other dimensional realms duking it out to the death in a martial arts competition. The game has a great cast of characters and the fatalities and special moves combined with the look of the games made me a fan back in the day. Mk may not play particularly great now but when I look back at the time I had with my Genesis as a kid it was a large and important part of gaming for me.

10. Rocket Knight Adventures (1993)

The 16 bit era was chock full of mascots with attitude type characters thanks to Sega’s very own Sonic The Hedgehog. However for the most part most of these characters and their games were kinda crap (looking at you Bubsy). However Konami came out with a game called Rocket Knight Adventures starring a opossum named Sparkster. Sparkster is a Rocket Knight which is exactly what it sounds like a Knight with a rocket pack attached to his back. This game is amazing and is one of my all time favorite platformers. The music is amazing and the sprites are so well designed and detailed. This game is also challenging its mechanics with the jet pack make it fast and furious. Konami has already put Castlevania: Bloodlines and Contra Hardcorps on the Genesis Mini now all they need to do is gives us Rocket Knight and I’ll be perfectly content.

Well that wraps up all of what I want for the last round of games for the Genesis Mini. Of course I know that this is probably completely unrealistic, but oh well. A man can dream. (Or hack when the hacking tools are developed)

What did you think of my list? Have any games that you would rather see make it the Genesis Mini? If so leave a comment below!