As someone who grew up during the heated rivalry between Nintendo and Sega, I find it challenging to articulate just how intense that competition was. Sega’s slogan, “Genesis does what NintenDon’t, ”embodied the divisive nature of console gaming at the time, making the notion of playing Sega titles on a Nintendo system seem almost blasphemous.
Fast forward to today, and it’s intriguing to see that not only can you enjoy Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games on the Nintendo Switch, but they’re included for free with the Expansion Pack subscription. This stands as a remarkable development for those wishing to explore an essential chapter of gaming history, particularly since the Mega Drive and Genesis once compelled Nintendo to keep a vigilant eye on their rival.
Whether subscribing to the Switch Online Expansion Pack is worth it largely depends on individual preferences, but I would argue that the following titles provide compelling reasons to tilt the scale in favor of subscribing.
To keep things interesting, we will feature only one game per franchise in this compilation.
9 Street Fighter II’: Special Champion Edition
Competitive-Grade Combat
Those unfamiliar with the franchise may be surprised to learn that the iconic Street Fighter II has undergone numerous ports, updates, and releases. Capcom ensured its flagship fighting game remained prominent, introducing various iterations including the Championship Edition, specifically tailored for competitive arcade play. This version made its home console debut on the Genesis and Mega Drive under the title Street Fighter II’: Special Champion Edition. And yes, that apostrophe is intentional.
This variant added four Grand Masters—Vega, M. Bison, Balrog, and Sagat—as playable characters for the first time, rather than just CPU-controlled adversaries at the end of arcade runs. Additionally, it introduced mirror matches, letting players choose the same character but with different color palettes.
While Hyper Street Fighter II in the Capcom Fighting Collection may represent the pinnacle of Street Fighter II experiences available on Switch, the Genesis version accessed via the Expansion Pack is a more budget-friendly way to engage with this classic collection.
8 Altered Beast
Everyone Loves Buff Werewolves
| Developer | Sega |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Sega Genesis/Mega Drive |
| Release Date | November 1988 |
For those who appreciate transformation mechanics in their gaming experience, Altered Beast is a classic side-scrolling brawler that satisfies this craving. You begin as a shirtless Roman Centurion, moving through levels and combating various foes. As you defeat certain enemies, they drop Spirit Orbs, which, when accumulated, grant you increasingly powerful transformations—kicking off with a werewolf.
Each level introduces new transformations such as weretigers, weredragons, and others, each possessing unique abilities, ensuring that gameplay remains dynamically engaging. The game is also noted for its memorable 16-bit sound effects that echo in various online media.
7 Golden Axe
A Coin-Op Classic
| Developer | Sega |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Sega Genesis/Mega Drive |
| Release Date | December 1989 |
The 1990s marked a golden age for beat ’em up titles, which encouraged friends to gather around arcade cabinets or CRT TVs to battle through waves of enemies. Sega’s Golden Axe stands out as one of these enduring classics. Players can choose from three characters: Ax the Barbarian, Tyris the Lady Warrior, and Gilius the Dwarf, each with unique strengths and weapon styles.
The gameplay centers around combat as you traverse the environment, building a magic meter that unleashes powerful spells capable of clearing the screen. Also notable is the ability to ride mounts, enhancing the combat experience with their diverse strengths.
6 Streets Of Rage 2
Or “Bare Knuckle 2, ”If You Prefer
In the realm of beat ’em up games, one of the defining franchises is Sega’s Streets of Rage, with Streets of Rage 2 being a highlight. In this sequel, players choose from returning characters Axel and Blaze, alongside newcomers Max Thunder and Skate, a rollerblader.
The game expands combat mechanics, offering a range of standard and special attacks, bringing a deeper tactical aspect to combat. The soundtrack adds to its charm, harboring some of the most memorable tunes from the genre, embedding itself in the minds of gamers.
5 Contra: Hard Corps
The Game Rogue Corps Wishes It Was
The Contra franchise has always walked the line between seriousness and humor. However, 2019’s Contra: Rogue Corps took the silliness too far with absurd characters. In contrast, Contra: Hard Corps offers a solid blend of engaging gameplay and serious narrative, allowing players to pick from four unique characters, one of whom is Brad Fang, a cyborg werewolf.
The gameplay features enhancements like weapon-swapping and increased mobility, with wall climbing and sliding incorporated into the combat mechanics. An unexpected branching story path adds depth, ensuring players experience diverse gameplay scenarios throughout their journey.
4 Castlevania: Bloodlines
One Of The Franchise’s Hidden Gems
While classic titles like those on the NES and PS1 frequently come to mind when discussing Castlevania, Castlevania: Bloodlines deserves recognition as a unique entry tailored specifically for the Genesis. This game distinguishes itself with faster-paced gameplay and rapid weapon attacks, creating a gripping platforming experience.
Players can select from two characters—John Morris, wielding the famed Belmont whip, and Eric Lecarde, who utilizes a holy spear. Each character’s storyline unfolds differently, providing varied experiences and outcomes while fighting iconic foes, including Elizabeth Bartley, who significantly ties into the wider lore of the franchise.
3 Gunstar Heroes
Treasure’s Seminal Work
If there was any beloved developer from the 16-bit era deserving a revival, it would be Treasure. Their debut title, Gunstar Heroes, showcases their ability to merge creativity with engaging gameplay. This cooperative run-and-gun title is acclaimed for its modular weapon system, allowing players to create combinations that elevate the depth of combat.
In adding to the thrill, the game boasts imaginative boss fights, with creatures that embody artistry and quirks leading to memorable challenges, setting a standard for future games by the studio.
2 Strider
No One Does It Like Strider Hiryu
| Developer | Capcom |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Arcade, Amiga, PC, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive |
| Release Date | January 1989 |
In Capcom’s extensive roster, Strider Hiryu stands out as a unique character. The techno-ninja captured gamers’ imaginations since the game’s arcade launch in 1989, eventually gracing the Genesis a year later. Armed with his Cypher blade, Hiryu dazzles players with rapid attack animations and agile movement through levels.
Hiryu’s playstyle incorporates various gadgets and special abilities, making the gameplay exhilarating. Strider not only empowers players but offers a unique experience that continues to delight even years after its release.
1 Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Well, Duh
A discussion surrounding the Genesis or Mega Drive would be incomplete without mentioning Sonic. Sega’s response to Mario, Sonic captivated audiences with his high-speed adventures. While Sonic’s debut in the Genesis was noteworthy, it was Sonic the Hedgehog 2 that truly unleashed his iconic status.
Offering faster gameplay and more diverse levels than its predecessor, Sonic 2 epitomized the high-speed platforming genre while popularizing terms like “Blast Processing.” The gameplay is polished, demonstrating everything a sequel should achieve and showcasing the essence of 16-bit platforming.
For anyone who hasn’t yet indulged in the thrill of Sonic 2, it remains an important entry in gaming history, a hallmark of the console wars that defined the landscape of the industry in the 80s and 90s.
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