For most gamers, the SNES reigns supreme as their go-to console for classic RPGs.. Nintendo has fan favorites such as the Final Fantasy games, the Mana series, Lufia I & II, and even Mario shined in Square’s Super Mario RPG.
However, Sega put up a great fight with their roster of RPGs on the Genesis during the early 90s. In this article, we’re going to look at the top X Genesis RPGs that absolutely PROVE Sega was an RPG powerhouse. So get out your old Genesis, dust off that CRT TV, and play these classic games if you never had the chance– or you can do like me, and play them on an emulator.
WRITER’S NOTE: These aren’t in any particular order, all of them are great in their own right!
10) Ys III: Wanderers From Ys
Okay, right off the bat, I know this one also appears on the SNES but this is one of the (few) times that the Genesis version is undoubtedly the best one. The English translation is better, the sprites and graphics are prettier, and the music is the best quality on Sega’s system. It’s not the epic adventure you’d get in other RPGs as you can beat it within around 8 hours or so. But it’s still a fun, solid side-scrolling action RPG that makes a great jumping-off point for seeing where the series got its start.
9) Beyond Oasis
If you’re looking for something that puts a spin on the Zelda formula, this is it. In Beyond Oasis, you take control of a man who comes across a mystical gold armlet that gives you the ability to call upon magical elemental spirits. The goal is to fight alongside these spirits and take down the evil magical wizard who uses a silver armlet. There are puzzles to solve, environments to travel, and a ton of magic spells to cast. It’s a great game, but, unfortunately, it got overshadowed by the myriad of games on the SNES. Definitely check it out if you’ve never played it.
8) Sword of Vermillion
Sword of Vermillion was one of the first RPGs on the console– with Sega hyping it by claiming it would offer players an astounding 300 hours of gameplay. Unfortunately, the true time clocks in around 20 hours, which was still a big jump for most games at the time that could be completed in a single sitting after school. The 16-bit graphics don’t hold up much today, but Sword of Vermillion still has a lot to offer and a good time. It features an action-based battle system, dungeons to explore, and bosses to take on.
7) Phantasy Star III
Phantasy Star III is a divisive game. Some people hate it because of its tedious random encounters and atrocious walking speed. And then some people (like me) absolutely love the game for its unique story and how it builds off the previous installments, the fun gameplay, and the true “epicness” of the game. If you’ve enjoyed recent Phantasy games and want a trip back to its humble beginnings, Phantasy Star II is a great place to start. It’s one of the few Genesis RPGs that can go toe-to-toe with anything on the SNES.
6) Shining Force II
Although it’s loved by both critics and gamers, the Shining series gets left off many of the “Top Sega Games.” Despite this, it’s regarded by many as Sega’s answer to Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series. And Shining Force II is the one many gamers go back to time and time again. It provides a complex tactical battle system that pros can spend hours trying to master, but it’s still easy enough for regular players to hop in and have a good time. The music is amazing and the storyline will keep you interested until its conclusion.
5) Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sun
This was Sega’s attempt to bring the popular fantasy tabletop RPG to home consoles– and they did a pretty good job. While the story wasn’t anything special, the true gem was the way the game handled making parties, adventuring, and the soundtrack. It provided something different from the JRPGs and action RPGs that were taking over during the early 90s. Its isometric view gave it a unique feel and gave D&D fans a way to enjoy their favorite game at their leisure. While it’s far from the best on the system, it’s still a fun time, especially if you love the lore of Dungeons & Dragons.
4) Gauntlet IV
This game holds a special place in my heart– my cousin and I have hours spent on this game. Sure, it leans heavily into the “action” versus the RPG, but if you have enough friends and controllers, it allows up to 4 players to join in on the adventure. Fighting monsters, exploring dungeons, and powering up your character makes it a great time for everyone. Choose from two warriors, a mage, or an archer, and have it at. While you can play alone, the true magic comes from the co-op.
3) Landstalker
There’s no shortage of action RPGs on the Genesis, but Landstalker stands out. It has a fully fleshed-out story, villages to visit, NPCs to chat up, and plenty of foes to slay. There are even side quests to keep you busy in between the main plot points. Although it’s a fantastic game, Landstalker is often overlooked.
2) Shadowrun
Yes, this is another game that got a SNES release but the two versions are vastly different. The Sega release is undoubtedly the better version of the game with improved graphics, real-time combat, and even a more flesh-out story. If you have to choose one, pick Sega’s Shadowrun.
1) Uncharted Waters: New Horizons
Build up your ship and sail the seas! This was one of my favorite games growing up. You got to pick from 6 starting characters, each with their own abilities and ambitions. It’s a fun time and offers a ton of replayability. You can storm ships, build (or destroy) relationships with various nations, and spend hours adventuring the world.
