Summary
While the Sega Ages branding has been used as far back as the Sega Saturn, the lineup of games on the Nintendo Switch is perhaps the strongest collection of them all. Not only do the Switch’s Sega Ages games showcase some of the best titles to come from this publisher’s storied history, but they often come packaged with neat new features that help make these classics more accessible than ever before.
From arcade wonders to Genesis hidden gems, the Sega Ages catalog on Switch crosses generations, franchises, and genres to offer a tantalizing collection of games worthy of inclusion. However, some of these titles go above and beyond the quality of the game itself, including improvements to better suit the tastes of today’s players. Here are the picks of the Sega Ages collection.
10Space Harrier
A Fantastical On-Rails Shooter With Great Presentation
Space Harrier was nothing short of a technological marvel when it appeared in arcades back in the mid-80s. It amazed players with its pseudo-3D visuals, on-rails shooting action, and psychedelic art style. Thankfully, all of its bizarre and wonderful qualities remain perfectly intact for its Sega Ages port.
The emulation job by M2 is typically outstanding, ensuring the strange creatures and colors of Space Harrier pop like never before. With smooth gameplay, an intense soundtrack, and large dynamic sprites that still catch the eye nearly 40 years later, the Sega Ages version of Space Harrier is a more than appropriate way to play this classic.
9Puyo Puyo
Online Play Adds A New Dimension To A Unique Puzzler
What’s better than playing the original Puyo Puyo, one of the greatest puzzle games ever made? Playing it online with friends, via all the excellent network options made available through the title’s Sega Ages port.
Puyo Puyo has always worked incredibly well in a competitive setting, so opening up the original version of the game so you can compete against the entire world is very welcome indeed. You can now drop those pesky rocks on top of your friend’s game from the other side of the planet, and we all should all be grateful for that (until the same thing happens to us, of course).
8Alex Kidd In Miracle World
A Fun, Colorful Platformer With An Unusual Rock Paper Scissors Twist
Alex Kidd in Miracle World takes several familiar platforming tropes (such as the underwater level) and adds a huge helping of its own unique DNA. The result is a tightly-designed action platformer with a crisp art style, a wide selection of power-ups and, of course, those series stalwarts that are the rock paper scissors boss fights.
Alex Kidd in Miracle World thrives on Nintendo Switch, with the Sega Ages port offering players the ability to rewind the action at any point. This becomes especially handy during those aforementioned boss battles, where the element of luck (or the lack thereof) threatens to quickly derail an otherwise flawless playthrough.
7Fantasy Zone
The Ultimate Cute ‘Em Up
Fantasy Zone turns the typical shoot ‘em up formula on its head by letting you pilot the adorable Opa-Opa in both directions on the screen. This sense of freedom still feels refreshing all these decades later, and that’s not even mentioning the game’s excellent feel or iconic pastel aesthetic.
Playing the Sega Ages version of Fantasy Zone doesn’t change the core experience too much, which is certainly a good thing. Instead, this port is content adding small quality-of-life tweaks, most notably to the UI. In this version of the game, the edges of the screen are now filled with a convenient map and display of weapon information and other stats.
6Shinobi
Genesis Of The Ninja Master
As far asiconic ninja gamesgo, the original arcade Shinobi has to be right up there among the greats. The adventure of Joe Musashi may have its moments of frustration, but overcoming those challenges is what makes this action platformer such a memorable experience.
Thankfully, if doing so proves an insurmountable challenge, this Sega Ages port is here to help struggling players out somewhat. The AGES mode upgrades Musashi’s abilities, so he’s rather more potent than he may have been in the original. Making classic games like Shinobi more accessible for a wider audience is exactly what the Sega Ages series is all about, and this feature is another example of the varied ways in which the games attempt to do just that.
5Wonder Boy In Monster Land
A Bold New Fantasy Approach And RPG Elements Make For A Timeless Wonder Boy Experience
Wonder Boy in Monster Land signaled an important turning point for the series. Gone were the skateboard and hatchet, in favor of a more traditional fantasy setting and RPG systems that go only as deep as they need to.
Not much has been changed or added for the game’s Sega Ages port, which speaks volumes to just how fun the original game was, and still is, to play. Venturing through Wonder Boy in Monster Land is like playing through a children’s fantasy cartoon from the 80s. It’s joyous, creative, colorful fun, and the addition of the light RPG elements ensures that there’s a little more to the core systems than players may have expected.
4Thunder Force 4
One Of The Greatest Scrolling Shooters Ever Made, Enhanced In A Subtle Yet Significant Way
The fourth game in the Thunder Force series has long been considered one of theall-time great shoot ‘em ups. Even for newcomers, it’s easy to see how it got that reputation. Fast-paced action, a legendary arsenal of weapons, and captivating pixel art combine to create an engaging shooter that has certainly stood the test of time.
The big new addition to Thunder Force 4’s Sega Ages port on Nintendo Switch is STYX mode. This lets you play through the entire game as the STYX from Thunder Force 3. This is not simply a cosmetic change, but one that adds an entirely different style of play. It makes the experience feel fresh, even for those who have been playing since 1992.
3Virtua Racing
Online Play Keeps This Innovative 3D Racer In Pole Position
Virtua Racing is mostly remembered for its revolutionary 3D polygonal graphics, but behind those visuals is a highly rewarding racing game that sped the genre into the modern era. It’s remarkable how much the original developers got right so early on, from the track design to the handling to all the small details dotted throughout the presentation.
Multiplayer has always been a core element of Virtua Racing, and this Sega Ages version lets you play with up to eight people locally or two players online. Throw in some motion controls and expanded selection of modes, and it’s hard not to look at this as the definitive way to play one of the brightest jewels in Sega’s arcade crown.
2Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Achieving The Almost Impossible By Further Improving An Acclaimed Classic
Already considered by many to be among thebest Sonic the Hedgehog gamesever made, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has never felt more compelling or complete than in its Switch Sega Ages form. On top of the stellar emulation, this port lovingly adds so much to the already excellent experience that it can be difficult to return to older versions of Sonic 2 after enjoying it.
The two most notable additions see Knuckles joining the fun as a playable character and the arrival of the drop dash ability from Sonic Mania. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is one of those classic titles that many fans like to replay quite frequently, and the superb Sega Ages edition is a great way to do so.
1Phantasy Star
Unlocking The Full Glory Of A Seminal RPG
The original Phantasy Star was a significant moment in the early history of JRPGs. It’s also a difficult game to return to, especially without a walkthrough guiding your journey. In particular, navigating Phantasy Star’s first-person dungeons almost required you to look up their maps online or draw your own on some graph paper.
With this Sega Ages port of Phantasy Star, the game now presents a map of all dungeons right alongside the main screen, meaning you will never encounter the frustration of getting lost in these labyrinths. This port also rebalances core character statistics, increases the previously sluggish walking speed, and allows you to choose between the Master System or Mark 3 soundtrack. All of this allows the game to shine brighter than ever before.
