Games that were better on the Master System

[grolt]

NOT Altered Beast or Golden Axe

I don't know what it is, but I've always had a soft spot for the Master System version of Altered Beast. I think the soundtrack is better on the SMS, but that's because I'm not a fan (at all) of the Genesis processor. I like the way the enemies break into square blocks when they die, too. There's something more gratifying with that than the regular deaths in the Genesis version. Of course, the version is highly compromised - less levels, no backgrounds for the bosses, no "RISE FROM YOUR GWAVE!" sound sample, less beasts and a more simplistic ending. But it's charming. I don't know, I just like it.

Enduro Racer never made it to the Genesis, but I highly prefer the isometric Master System game to the behind view Out Run/Hang-on clone that is the arcade version. Being able to buy upgrades after each round added some depth for the console version, too.

I've spoken about how I don't particularly care for the omg speed of the 2D Sonic games, so I prefer the Master System Sonic to the Genny version. It's more platforming rather than speed, and that jungle world is just awesome. Probably my favorite zone in all the Sonics. The music is boss, too.

Ghouls'n Ghosts has that extra shop in the Master System that's not in any other version, and the whole game is ported quite handsomely to 8-bit.

Rambo III is much better on the Master System, but they are two completely different games. On the Genesis it's a Contra-type game, but on the Master System it's a fun first person light gun game. There just weren't enough of those on the Genesis.

I've never played the Genesis Spider-man, but the Master System version is pretty tough to top. The graphics aren't the best, but the gameplay is near perfect. Really responsive and a nice arsenal of moves and attacks.

There were many solid arcade ports on the Master System, from Out Run and Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars to Fantasy Zone and After Burner, but sad to say Space Harrier is not one of them. It's uber-choppy and sprites have large squares around them. It's almost impossible to play at the high speeds it gets to, since the screen is so slow to update. The 3D version plays a little better, and the effect is certainly nice, but it's not even comparable to the Genesis Space Harrier II. I'd almost call Space Harrier unplayable, but there really wasn't much SEGA could do, given the lack of scaling on the Master System.