Is the Genesis just not for me?

[Jeckidy]

Thing is, as well-made (if rather overrated) the first-party platformers are on SNES, there actually aren't a whole lot of SNES platformers that blew me away either. I was a fan of Mario, Kirby, Donkey Kong Country, etc. more or less, but most of the top tier SNES games are the ones you already know. Besides a few hidden gems, mostly imports, there are very few that actually come to mind that I would recommend. Even Ardy Lightfoot, considered a gem by most, is still a bit too 'light' for me. Not a bad game, but hardly as good as something like Pulseman or Ristar. Of course, since we're on a SEGA forum, this kind of bias is to be expected but I actually grew up with SNES first and Genesis later. I am by no means a SNES hater, just honest.

[Chimaera]

I would suggest Kid Chameleon - very long and challenging, multiple ways through the levels, different ability power-ups to beat levels differently, hidden areas, etc.

Or perhaps, no, maybe the Genesis just isn't the system for you.

[Jeckidy]

The Genesis is actually a much better console for shooters IMHO than the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, because honestly, the only thing the latter succeeded at doing was being weird as hell. The games are awfully bizarre but amusing just for that alone. Even with the CD games, I don't think the PCE is much better than Genesis at anything. Underrated, yes, but largely unpopular beyond Japan for a good reason.

[Black_Tiger]

Some more games to try:

Flink
The Space Adventure
Shining Force I, II & CD
Lunar EB
Dune Sega-CD
Dungeon Explorer
Mega Bomberman
Light Crusader
Popful Mail
Snow Bros
Bonanza Bros
Rainbow Islands
Rolling Thunder 2 & 3
Shadowrun

The Genesis is actually a much better console for shooters IMHO than the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, because honestly, the only thing the latter succeeded at doing was being weird as hell. The games are awfully bizarre but amusing just for that alone. Even with the CD games, I don't think the PCE is much better than Genesis at anything. Underrated, yes, but largely unpopular beyond Japan for a good reason.

Because it wasn't released worldwide and wasn't handled well in the only other region it was. It makes sense that a library consisting 99% of games made for the Japanese audience would contain many titles that foreigners might find "weird". But there are still hundreds of games that aren't. Your problem is likely the same as OP's, you just aren't familiar with the library and haven't been lucky trying out random games out of a library of 700.

Although the stereotype that the Genesis doesn't have any RPGs is untrue, the PC Engine's 100+ RPGs contain enough great ones and variety that you'd have to be pretty jaded to say that the PCE isn't stronger than the worldwide Genesis/Sega-CD in this category.

[Jeckidy]

The CD library was obviously better, but to be honest, some amazing games were released on the hucards as well, with Dragon Egg being among them (a personal favorite).

On the other hand, I have played quite a few of the hucard games through emulation and a lot of them have tons of style but are often too simplistic to be able to succeed in accomodating the competition from that era. I can appreciate simple games, but you expect more from this generation. Thing about the CD games is that a lot of the RPGs didn't actually get localized in the west so there are actually about the same amount as there are on the Genesis and both consoles have a limited but somewhat active fan translation scene. Games like Deep Blue and Air Zonk/Coryoon are examples of the PCE's style over substance attitude. These games have lovely aesthetics but play like some unlicensed Chinese shit. I was glad to sell Air Zonk after winning it on eBay some years ago because it was a total let down. There are about the same amount (if not more) good shmups on NES than PCE.

[goldenband]

It makes me cringe when action and arcade titles are said to not have much depth. Gameplay wise, that usually isn't the case.

When you say depth what you seem to mean is length and a developed story.

I think what the OP means is more about breadth and a big, non-linear world -- in other words, depth of content, rather than of gameplay. I can sympathize; sometimes I want gameplay that involves checking lots of different stuff out, rather than honing a small set of tactics to perfection.

Thing is, as well-made (if rather overrated) the first-party platformers are on SNES, there actually aren't a whole lot of SNES platformers that blew me away either. [...] Even Ardy Lightfoot, considered a gem by most, is still a bit too 'light' for me.

I agree, actually -- there are a lot of solid, attractive platformers on the SNES, but not many I remember vividly or that I'd want to come back to repeatedly. And some of the ones that do stick with me, like B.O.B. or Spider-Man/X-Men, are on the Genesis too (though those particular games are much better on the SNES).

Surprised to hear that Ardy Lightfoot is considered a gem -- maybe that's just because it's rare and innocent-looking? Pleasant though it is, the game is a one-afternoon-and-done affair. But then again Super Back to the Future II is called a hidden gem, and that game's the epitome of platformin' mediocrity.

Some more games to try:
Bonanza Bros

I like Bonanza Bros. well enough, but I don't think it's what the OP is looking for -- it's a quick, short, relatively easy arcade port.

[cowboyscowboys]

It's imperative to play Rocket Knight Adventures and Ristar on an standard def CRT with real video cables (RGB SCART or comparable).
Plain composite is a horrendously inaccurate impression of the system's capability.

Yet the games were made with rf/compisite in mind??? Hmmm

[QuickSciFi]

Colorful, fun games? Here is a dozen:

Technoclash
True Lies
Arcus Odyssey
Landstalker
Sorcerer's Kingdom
Tom Mason's Dinosaurs for Hire
Tinhead
McDonald's Treasure Land Adventures
Trouble Shooter
Chiki Chiki Boys
X-Men 2: Clone Wars
Wiz 'N' Liz

[Black_Tiger]

I think what the OP means is more about breadth and a big, non-linear world -- in other words, depth of content, rather than of gameplay. I can sympathize; sometimes I want gameplay that involves checking lots of different stuff out, rather than honing a small set of tactics to perfection.



I agree, actually -- there are a lot of solid, attractive platformers on the SNES, but not many I remember vividly or that I'd want to come back to repeatedly. And some of the ones that do stick with me, like B.O.B. or Spider-Man/X-Men, are on the Genesis too (though those particular games are much better on the SNES).

Surprised to hear that Ardy Lightfoot is considered a gem -- maybe that's just because it's rare and innocent-looking? Pleasant though it is, the game is a one-afternoon-and-done affair. But then again Super Back to the Future II is called a hidden gem, and that game's the epitome of platformin' mediocrity.



I like Bonanza Bros. well enough, but I don't think it's what the OP is looking for -- it's a quick, short, relatively easy arcade port.

It is, but it's also a non-linear non-traditional game.

[The M]

Maybe you should reconsider playing Sonic again, since while fast-paced, there are exploration in it, especially in S3&K.
.
List of exploratory, fun or/and colorful games:
Comix Zone;
Monster World III and IV;
Illusion games + Quackshot;
Rocket Knight games;
Ristar;
Dynamite Headdy;
High Seas Havoc;
Shadowrun.

[Lync]

If you're looking to play certain video games just because they're colorful, you might be playing for the wrong reason and/or will overlook the [Genesis] titles that offer substance worth your time.

That said, the only real way to know if you like a game is to play it (because I'm sure everyone here could just as easily suggest a list of colorful games that suck).

[tryphon]

I agree, alot of SNES/SFC's RPG library is incredible and as good as games like Centy/Soleil and PSIV are, there is still no way they can surpass what SNES offers.

I see no equivalents of Phantasy Star 2 and 4 on the SNES. I played some JRPGS on the console, including FF4, FF6 and later FF5, and none of them has a so coherent and interesting universe.

I admit I never played Chronotriger, which is said to be .one of the best, if not the best, game on the system, but is it really a RPG?

[Daria]

Seriously not enough Shining Force in this thread. Play those. Especially Shining Force 2 since you mentioned the need of having a world to explore. Shaowrun is also very non-linear, if somewhat grindy towards the beginning.

[lumclaw]

Yet the games were made with rf/compisite in mind??? Hmmm

Maybe but don't be misled by pics from emulators or HDTV upscalers.
Scanlines reduce the blocky look. Besides it's unhealthy to stare that closely at a CRT anyway.

[Kamahl]

No the genesis is not the console for you. Its strongest point are the simple, arcade like action games. Which is does exceedingly well.

Now, that doesn't it doesn't have any games that you might like.

The following games are all very nice looking and have quite a lot of depth:

Puggsy (massive amounts of secrets, world map, clever puzzles, physics engine, bosses suck)


Monster World 4 (Less depth than its predecessor, but much improved platforming)


Flink (you pick up items and "craft" new magic powers in the game, technically there is a world map but you don't really have freedom).


Shining Force 2 (Explorable world map on a strategy rpg! Random encounters get annoying though)


Langrisser 2 (Amazing strategy rpg with way too many troops on the field)


You already know of PS4 and Crusader of Centy, so I won't bother with those.