WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
- Release Date: 29th of May 2018
- Developer: D3T Limited
- Publisher: SEGA
- Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, Steam (Windows, Mac, Linux), Nintendo Switch
- Price(s): $ 29.99, 29.99 €
Official website: https://megadriveclassics.sega.com/
About the console:
The Mega Drive (Genesis in the US) was a Sega 16-bit console released in 1988 in Japan. It was Sega's most successful home console, selling a total of 30.75 million units. Preceding the Super Nintendo's launch by 2 years, the Mega Drive released because of a desire by Sega to compete with the powerhouse that was Nintendo. By releasing quality arcade ports, as well as original games that are played even today, like Sonic The Hedgehog, the Mega Drive was part of the 90's pop culture worldwide, and was the only threat to Nintendo's market-share in the US.
This new Classics Collection brings you a selection of the best first party games that came out on that console. From legendary titles such as Sonic 1 & 2, visually impressive games like Comix Zone, Gunstar Heroes and Vectorman, to co-op multiplayer classics such as the Streets of Rage and Golden Axe series, you're guaranteed to have lots of fun playing these excellent games!
All of it is presented in a beautiful interface, that recreates a virtual full 3D modelled 90's room, complete with a CRT TV and a game shelf.
The games included (50+):
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Alien Soldier
- Alien Storm
- Altered Beast
- Beyond Oasis
- Bio-Hazard Battle
- Bonanza Bros.
- Columns
- Columns III: Revenge of Columns
- Comix Zone
- Crack Down
- Decap Attack
- Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
- Dynamite Headdy
- ESWAT: City Under Siege
- Fatal Labyrinth
- Flicky
- Gain Ground
- Galaxy Force II
- Golden Axe
- Golden Axe II
- Golden Axe III
- Gunstar Heroes
- Kid Chameleon
- Landstalker
- Light Crusader
- Phantasy Star II
- Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
- Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millenium
- Ristar
- Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi
- Shining Force
- Shining Force II
- Shining in the Darkness
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Sonic 3D Blast
- Sonic Spinball
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Space Harrier II
- Streets of Rage
- Streets of Rage 2
- Streets of Rage 3
- Super Thunder Blade
- Sword of Vermilion
- The Revenge of Shinobi
- ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron
- ToeJam& Earl
- Vectorman
- VectorMan 2
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
- Wonder Boy in Monster World
The Steam version has 6 additional exclusive games:
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Ecco Jr.
- Ecco: The Tides of Time
- Eternal Champions
- Sonic 3 & Knuckles
- Sonic CD (This one is not playable in the virtual hub)
- Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
- Wonder Boy in Monster World
As you can see there's a huge variety of genres, single-player and multiplayer titles.
Some features of this new collection:
Interactive 3D room UI
Online multiplayer/couch co-op
Multi-region select
Some games have multiple versions available. For example, in Streets of Rage 3 you can play the Japanese version, called Bare Knuckle 3, which is a heavily modified version of the game. Different playable characters, altered colour schemes for the heroes and a different story-line are some of the changes.
Various screen filters
Save states
Horizontal flip mode
If you want an additional challenge you can flip the screen from right to left.
VR support with the PlayStation VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift
Mod support through Steam Workshop (Steam exclusive)
Some frequently asked questions:
The game is now available on the Switch, since December 7th.
I have some of these games on Steam, will they be updated with these new features?
Yes, they will.
Are there trophies/achievements?
Yes. Trophy list
Where is Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles?
Not available in the console versions. Steam only.
There are rumours that Sega might have some problems with the music copyrights on Sonic 3. There is the possibility that the game could appear later as DLC. See question below.
Will there be additional games in the future?
This is all speculation on my part, but on the European stores official description of this compilation it states "In-game purchases optional", so hopefully more games will be added later on.
Is there a physical version?
Yes and apparently it includes a double-sided poster.
Tips for some of the games included:
Sonic 1
Streets of Rage
When an enemy throws you into the air, press and hold Up+Jump button. You will land on your feet and you won't take damage. Additionally, when an enemy grabs you from behind, tap the Jump button, then press forward+Attack button to throw the enemy.
The Revenge of Shinobi
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
Set the amout of shurikens to 00 on the options menu, Set the sounds effects option to Shuriken. Highlight the shurikens option and keep it there and the 00 will change into the symbol for infinity.
Other ResetEra Sega-related OT's:
Sega Genesis/Mega Drive OT
Sega CD/Mega CD OT
Sega Master System OT
Have fun!!!
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