Sega Genesis Games: The Ultimate Top 100

Released in the early 1990s, the Sega Genesis (known as the Sega Mega Drive in Europe and Asia) quickly became one of the most popular video game consoles of all time. With its powerful 16-bit graphics and sound, the Genesis was home to a wide variety of classic games that continue to be enjoyed by gamers today.

In this article, we'll take a look at the top 100 Sega Genesis games, as ranked by Metacritic. Metacritic is a website that aggregates reviews from professional critics to provide a consensus score for each game.

1. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is one of the most iconic video games of all time. With its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music, Sonic 3 is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

2. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is another classic Sonic game that features improved graphics and gameplay over the original. Sonic 2 also introduces Tails, a new character who can fly and help Sonic on his adventures.

3. Streets of Rage 2 (1992)

Streets of Rage 2 is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up that is considered one of the best games in the genre. With its fast-paced combat, large levels, and memorable bosses, Streets of Rage 2 is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

4. Golden Axe (1989)

Golden Axe is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash game that is set in a fantasy world. With its large levels, challenging combat, and memorable characters, Golden Axe is a classic Genesis game that still holds up today.

5. Castlevania: Bloodlines (1994)

Castlevania: Bloodlines is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in the Castlevania universe. With its atmospheric graphics, challenging gameplay, and memorable bosses, Castlevania: Bloodlines is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

6. Phantasy Star IV (1993)

Phantasy Star IV is a role-playing game that is set in a science fiction world. With its engaging story, deep combat system, and memorable characters, Phantasy Star IV is one of the best RPGs on the Genesis.

7. Contra: Hard Corps (1994)

Contra: Hard Corps is a run-and-gun shooter that is set in a futuristic world. With its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and memorable bosses, Contra: Hard Corps is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

8. Gunstar Heroes (1993)

Gunstar Heroes is a run-and-gun shooter that is set in a futuristic world. Gunstar Heroes is known for its high-quality graphics, challenging gameplay, and innovative weapon system.

9. Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (1993)

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a feudal Japan. With its challenging gameplay, memorable bosses, and beautiful graphics, Shinobi III is one of the best action games on the Genesis.

10. Wonder Boy in Monster World (1994)

Wonder Boy in Monster World is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a fantasy world. With its charming graphics, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters, Wonder Boy in Monster World is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

11. Ristar (1995)

Ristar is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a colorful world. With its unique gameplay, memorable characters, and catchy music, Ristar is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

12. Vectorman (1995)

Vectorman is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a futuristic world. With its stunning graphics, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters, Vectorman is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

13. Ecco the Dolphin (1992)

Ecco the Dolphin is an underwater adventure game that is set in a realistic world. With its beautiful graphics, challenging gameplay, and memorable story, Ecco the Dolphin is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

14. ToeJam & Earl (1991)

ToeJam & Earl is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a funky world. With its unique gameplay, memorable characters, and catchy music, ToeJam & Earl is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

15. Sonic & Knuckles (1994)

Sonic & Knuckles is a side-scrolling platformer that is set in the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. Sonic & Knuckles is known for its large levels, challenging gameplay, and innovative features.

16. Streets of Rage 3 (1994)

Streets of Rage 3 is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up that is set in a futuristic world. Streets of Rage 3 is known for its large levels, challenging gameplay, and memorable bosses.

17. Earthworm Jim (1994)

Earthworm Jim is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a quirky world. With its unique gameplay, memorable characters, and catchy music, Earthworm Jim is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

18. Phantasy Star II (1989)

Phantasy Star II is a role-playing game that is set in a science fiction world. With its engaging story, deep combat system, and memorable characters, Phantasy Star II is one of the best RPGs on the Genesis.

19. Ghouls 'n Ghosts (1989)

Ghouls 'n Ghosts is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a dark world. With its challenging gameplay, memorable bosses, and beautiful graphics, Ghouls 'n Ghosts is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

20. Herzog Zwei (1989)

Herzog Zwei is a real-time strategy game that is set in a futuristic world. With its innovative gameplay, challenging scenarios, and memorable units, Herzog Zwei is one of the best strategy games on the Genesis.

21. Space Harrier II (1989)

Space Harrier II is a 3D shooter that is set in a futuristic world. With its beautiful graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and catchy music, Space Harrier II is a must-play for any Genesis fan.

22. Super Shinobi II (1993)

Super Shinobi II is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in a feudal Japan. With its challenging gameplay, memorable bosses, and beautiful graphics, Super Shinobi II is one of the best action games on the Genesis.

23. Dragon Crystal (1991)

Dragon Crystal is a side-scrolling action-platformer that is set in