Different kinds of gamers were drawn to the Sega Genesis and SNES during the 16-bit console wars. Fighting games and sports were superior on the Genesis. Platformers and RPGs were the SNES’s strong suits. The SNES is still considered the quintessential role-playing game console of its time because of early SquareSoft classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI.
But it doesn’t mean there weren’t any fantastic role-playing games on the Genesis. It even has a couple of RPGs that are on par with, if not superior to, those on the SNES.
Here are the top 15 RPGs for the Sega Genesis:
15. Gauntlet IV
Since its debut in 1985, the Gauntlet series has served as an inspiration for countless action, hack & slash, and loot fests. This Genesis follow-up began as a fan-made copy of the first game but quickly expanded to include a new arcade mode that uses a password to track progress and a dedicated quest mode with a levelling system and death match.
Even though the Gauntlet series has been revived multiple times since Gauntlet IV, none of them have been able to really convey the sheer, unadulterated thrill of playing this classic game with a friend and finishing hundreds of enemies in one afternoon.
14. Ys III: Wanderers From Ys
A few high-caliber new releases have given the venerable Ys series a bit of a makeover in recent years, but Ys III is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning about the series’ less prestigious origins. Although it’s not the longest or best written side-scrolling game on the Genesis, it does provide many hours of excellent gameplay. Thanks to a better translation, better music, and even marginally better graphics, the Genesis version of this game easily outperforms the SNES port.
13. Syndicate
Syndicate was one of the first role-playing games to explore a radically different kind of world, a cyberpunk dystopia where megacorporations fight for global supremacy, while most other role-playing games of the 1990s explored fantastical settings a la Tolkien. In addition to its distinct backdrop, Syndicate marked itself apart with its action-packed shooting gameplay where players took control of a group of cyborgs.
Even if it doesn’t quite measure up to the PC version, the Genesis version of Syndicate is still a lot of fun. It’s unfortunate that the show never truly took off with a larger audience and that its RPG origins were entirely abandoned in a 2012 relaunch.
12. Sword of Vermillion
Sega boasted that Sword of Vermillion, one of the earliest role-playing games on the Genesis, offered an astounding 300 hours of gameplay at launch. Even though that turned out to be a massive exaggeration (about 20 hours), it’s still one of the more intricate and distinctive role-playing games from the early 1990s.
The variable gameplay in Sword of Vermillion is something that players either adore or detest. While the overworld can be viewed from a standard overhead view, dungeon exploration takes place in first person. A random combat unfolds in a manner reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda. Subsequently, boss battles alter the gameplay once more and resemble side-scrolling games. Though it’s undoubtedly not for everyone, retro enthusiasts can’t help but find it endearing.
Light-hearted Defender
11. Light Crusader
Light Crusader, which was released towards the end of the Genesis’ lifespan, was mainly forgotten in favour of the more potent 32-bit systems. However, those who have dedicated themselves to a console will attest that some of the best games are frequently launched during that time.
Light Crusader, created by the renowned Japanese firm Treasure (who created many of the greatest Genesis games), is a great example of an isometric perspective game with quick combat and well-designed puzzles. Light Crusader has a small but dedicated fan base today, despite the fact that many critics thought it was too easy or had poor visuals when it was first released.
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10. Crusader of Centy
If you squint just a little, Crusader of Centy could easily be confused with Zelda: A Link to the Past. There are striking similarities between many of the monsters, stages, and even the HUD and Nintendo’s iconic series. Is that really so bad? Not totally in this instance.
Crusader of Centy isn’t going to win any prizes for creativity, but despite being on the short and easy side, the gameplay holds up nicely (it’s even a bit faster than Link to the Past), making it one of the more fun Zelda clones of the era.
9. Landstalker
A lot of people have compared Landstalker to The Legend of Zelda, but because of its isometric perspective and more expansive environment design, Landstalker is actually a much more inventive game. Yes, you’re an elf embarking on a heroic quest with a sword, but that’s where the similarities end. The Zelda series would not develop into the far less linear game that is Landstalker for years to come.
Landstalker never saw a true sequel, despite receiving positive reviews and significant sales upon release. However, some of the production team went on to produce the spiritual successors Dark Saviour for the Sega Saturn and Alundra for the original PlayStation.
8. Pirates! Gold
Who among us hasn’t fantasised about taking command of a galleon and setting sail for the seven seas, robbing banks and living the high life? With its flexible blend of sailing, swashbuckling, and duelling, Sid Meier’s Pirates! has been turning that fantasy into a reality for decades now as you and your crew try to finish the Ten Great Pirate Quests. Pirates! Gold, the Genesis remake, is an action game with a hint of RPG, but it’s still close enough to qualify for this list. Furthermore, Pirates! Gold actually looks lot better on the Genesis than it does on home computers, despite the fact that PC ports of the era were typically known for being far worse when they made it to console.
7. Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sun
In one form or another, the Dungeons & Dragons franchise appears on lists of the finest role-playing games. Warriors of the Eternal Sun isn’t the greatest D&D game, to be honest. Although a lot of the gameplay is obviously lifted from Final Fantasy, there are plenty of customisation choices to make up for the lack of originality. Your four-person party can be personalised from seven different classes.
Even though the game had excellent turn-based gameplay, its graphics were dated and can be difficult to look at now. It’s also one of the hardest 16-bit RPGs ever created, but you can get over that by playing it through an emulator, of course.
6. Shining Force II
Despite being highly acclaimed by both reviewers and players, Sega’s top-tier franchises hardly ever reference the Shining series. It’s more of a workhorse, quietly putting out a solid tactical role-playing game or spin-off every few years.
For several players, Shining Force II remains the ultimate installment in the series; it’s a vast epic about fending off a demonic invasion with intricate, tactical combat and a unit upgrade system that demands precise timing in elevating them to more potent classes. Sega’s impressive answer to Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series is called Shining.
5. Phantasy Star III
RPGs are sometimes described as “epic,” but Phantasy Star III is a true epic in the form of a video game because of its multidecade plot that spans three generations of characters. Your protagonist must choose who to marry twice throughout the game; the decision they make then affects the child’s skills and, ultimately, how the game ends. Too bad not many other role-playing games have adopted this fantastic little notion.
When you consider the fantastic turn-based fighting that the series had been renowned for by this point (along with a brand-new auto battle function), it’s clear why Phantasy Star assisted the Genesis in surviving Square’s RPG assault on the SNES.
4. Wonder Boy in Monster World
In the 1990s, platformers ruled the gaming landscape, and the most of them were awful licenced games. However, Wonder Boy in Monster World was among the first to really advance the genre by incorporating role-playing game aspects, such as talkative townspeople, magical spells, and upgraded equipment that enhanced Shion’s abilities as the adventure went on. What on its own would have been a very ordinary platformer was given a whole new lease of life. Although it may not seem like much originality now, over the past few decades, that combination has undoubtedly inspired hundreds of clones from both AAA and small creators.
3. Beyond Oasis
One of the more egregiously underappreciated Genesis titles is Beyond Oasis, an excellent action role-playing game featuring a rich narrative, dynamic gameplay, and some of the greatest graphics available. In order to vanquish a powerful evil, Prince Ali—who you play as—must find four spirits after finding a golden armlet. Though it’s not the most inventive tale, it’s narrated quite skillfully.
Saying that Beyond Oasis is comparable to other 16-bit classics like Secret of Mana is not hyperbole. Unfortunately, the series has lain dormant for decades, save from an even better Sega Saturn sequel; Sega does, however, typically include Beyond Oasis in their Genesis retro releases.
2. Shadowrun
These days, the distinctions between a game’s releases on different platforms are hardly evident. But during the 16-bit era, ports might differ significantly throughout systems.
Though the names of the two games are similar, Shadowrun for the Sega Genesis and an RPG for the SNES are not the same. The latest iteration of Shadowrun is an entirely new and improved game including enhanced graphics, flawless real-time combat, and a more profound and flexible plot. Additionally, you can take on the role of a gator shaman, a class that more role-playing games ought to incorporate.
Cyberpunk games like Shadowrun are still among the greatest of all time, not only role-playing games. The series was eventually revived nearly two decades after it ended due to popular demand.
1. Phantasy Star IV
From the beginning, the Phantasy Star series on the Master System was highly regarded. However, with this fourth installment, Sega created something truly exceptional: a futuristic epic that starts with the straightforward goal of killing monsters and eventually develops into a much larger conspiracy that poses a threat to the entire Algol solar system. It even makes references to the three earlier games. Though primarily turn-based, the fighting system allows you to stack hits to build potent combinations, making it one of the greatest in any 16-bit JRPG. The graphics and music are also excellent for the Genesis.
While the Genesis’ RPG library wasn’t as extensive as the SNES’, Phantasy Star IV comfortably outperforms many of the RPG titles on that system and remains one of the best games ever released. All RPG fans should own the Genesis just because of this title.