Sega Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

Key Takeaways

Sega games like Herzog Zwei were ahead of their time, shaping genres like real-time strategy.
Titles like Jet Set Radio and Shenmue introduced innovative mechanics that defined the industry.
Games like Streets of Rage 2 and Sonic The Hedgehog set new standards in gameplay and design.

As a child of the 90s, I can vividly remember the thrill of playing these iconic games that have shaped the video game industry as we know it today. From the fast-paced action of Sonic The Hedgehog to the groundbreaking 3D fighting mechanics of Virtua Fighter, these games were not just a pastime, but a significant part of my formative years.

Sega has had a lengthy and intricate journey within the gaming sphere, starting off as one of the leading console producers. The company’s initial platform, the Sega Master System, made its debut in Japan in 1985 during a period when the market was recuperating from a downturn. Subsequently, Sega launched their most successful system, the Sega Genesis, first in Japan in 1988 and later in North America in 1989. In Europe, it was known as the Sega Mega Drive and hit shelves in 1990.

Sega’s debut in the video game market introduced iconic characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog to gamers worldwide. Over time, Sega became known for introducing some of the most outstanding series in gaming, many of which continue to thrive today. Although they no longer produce consoles, Sega has consistently been a pioneer in the industry. Here are some games from Sega that were groundbreaking for their era.

10 Herzog Zwei

The First Console RTS

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre has always been scarce on home consoles. The complex nature of scrolling around a huge map and managing units is better suited to a keyboard and mouse setup. However, Sega published one of the most groundbreaking RTS games for the Genesis in 1990, Herzog Zwei. Herzog Zwei gives players a base they must defend, and a mech that can transform into a jet fighter. Players must then manage units and resources. The ultimate goal is to destroy the base on the other side of the map, while defending one’s own base.

At that point in time, Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games were not common, leading to a relatively small audience for the game when it first came out. However, as time passed, the fanbase gradually expanded, eventually with strategy enthusiasts praising Herzog Zwei as one of the top RTS games on home consoles. As technology progressed, more prominent RTS games followed, but Herzog Zwei was a trailblazer for the genre.

9 Jet Set Radio

Art, Music, And Skating

“Jet Set Radio”, known as “Jet Grind Radio” in some regions, was an innovative skating game where players selected from a group of cool characters who would spray graffiti on the city to gain points. The game combined art, fashion, and music to produce a delightful masterpiece of gaming experience, and its distinctive comic-book style graphics stood out.

In contrast to how grinding was a key aspect in previous Tony Hawk games, it took a backseat role in Jet Set Radio. Instead, the game primarily revolved around graffiti tagging. Grinding on rails served as a means to increase player movement speed and dodge law enforcement characters within the game world. Jet Set Radio emerged during a period of artistic innovation in gaming, where developers were more daring with their themes. This groundbreaking title paved the way for numerous indie games like Lethal League and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk.

8 Streets of Rage 2

The Brawler With An Incredible Soundtrack

1992 saw the launch of “Streets of Rage 2” on the Sega Genesis, a game that’s often praised as one of the greatest beat ’em ups ever created. Compared to its original version, it boasts enhanced features such as Blitz and Special Attacks.

As a gamer, I can’t help but sing praises for Streets of Rage 2. It wasn’t just the smooth animations and tough gameplay that made it a hit; the electronic dance soundtrack was revolutionary. Composer Yuzo Koshiro went above and beyond, creating a whole programming language to compose its unique tunes. The music in Streets of Rage 2 didn’t just enhance the gameplay experience; it left an indelible mark on players’ minds, paving the way for future soundtracks. To top it all off, the original Streets of Rage games had a gripping storyline that was quite rare back then, with cutscenes not being as common as they are today.

7 Shining Force

The Game That Put Tactical RPGs On The Map

Back in 1992, Shining Force stood out as one of the most influential grid-based tactical RPGs ever made. It was actually conceived as a spin-off from its predecessor, titled Shining in the Darkness.

In the game “Shining Force,” each character occupies a single space on the battlefield, performing one action at a time. Each character belongs to a specific class, which determines their unique abilities, vulnerabilities, and strategic advantages. The innovative mechanics established in this game have continued to be significant for over three decades. Notably, “Shining Force” left an indelible mark on tactics-based games such as “Tactics Ogre,” “Fire Emblem,” and “Final Fantasy Tactics.

6 Out Run

Cruising In Style

In simpler terms, “Out Run” was an appealing arcade driving game that came out in arcades, featuring a Ferrari Testarossa convertible for players to control. The camera angle was close to ground level, mimicking the perspective of a real Ferrari driver, making the gameplay more challenging as players needed to dodge various obstacles on the road.

One distinctive feature that set Out Run apart was its road layouts branching into various paths, offering players increased freedom. The level of challenge on each path varied, resulting in diverse ending scenes for the players. In a time when there were no Need for Speed or The Crew, Out Run offered an unparalleled driving adventure.

5 The Revenge Of Shinobi

As Difficult As Modern Ninja-Themed Brawlers

Currently, gamers have an abundance of ninja action games to pick from, including popular titles such as Ninja Gaiden, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Nioh. However, this wasn’t the situation back in 1989, when Sega introduced The Revenge of Shinobi on the Sega Genesis.

Back then, The Revenge of Shinobi stood out from the crowd with its innovative blend of platforming and combat elements in a side-scrolling format. Unlike many other brawler games, it offered an intriguing level design that prompted players to make use of airborne attacks. Furthermore, The Revenge of Shinobi was one of the pioneering titles to include Spider-Man as a licensed character. The game also featured fictional characters resembling Batman and Terminator, since Sega failed to obtain licensing rights for these iconic figures.

4 Phantasy Star Online

The First Console MMO

Back in 2000, when it debuted on Sega’s Dreamcast, Phantasy Star Online marked a significant milestone as the first successful console-based MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game. Unlike previous MMO experiences that were limited to PC gaming, this title offered players an opportunity to embark on quests in groups of three, gather items, and tackle boss battles. What truly set Phantasy Star Online apart was its innovation – the Dreamcast console was the first gaming platform designed with online gameplay as a key feature.

Following Sega exiting the console market, “Phantasy Star Online” experienced a resurgence on the GameCube and Xbox platforms. This was then followed by “Phantasy Star Universe” in 2006 and “Phantasy Star Online 2” in 2012. Today, “PSO2” has progressed into “Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis”, and it’s one of the most welcoming MMORPGs for newcomers to jump into.

3 Virtua Fighter

The Unforgettable 3D Fighting Game

For nearly three decades now, the groundbreaking fighting game “Virtua Fighter” has been celebrated as one of the most influential in the genre. Launched as the first 3D combat game, it paved the way for other iconic series such as “Soul Caliber,” “Tekken,” and “Dead or Alive.

Back then, “Street Fighter 2” dominated the arcade scene with its gameplay. However, players found the more realistic pacing and actions in “Virtua Fighter” appealing. Players could launch multiple attacks, aiming to drain the other fighter’s stamina meter and score a knockout. If a combatant fell off the stage, they would lose the round due to Ring Out, which leveraged 3D technology, making players more mindful of their environment. These features were groundbreaking at the time, earning “Virtua Fighter” a reputation as one of the top fighting games from the ’90s.

2 Sonic The Hedgehog

Sega Didn’t Know The Magnitude Of What They Had Created

Speaking of iconic video game characters, two heavyweights spring to mind: Mario from Nintendo and Sonic the Hedgehog from Sega. It was Sonic who took the gaming world by storm when his first game, “Sonic the Hedgehog,” debuted on the Sega Genesis in 1991. This platformer combined speed, great sound effects, and impressive animation. The tunes were catchy, and Sonic was full of charm and character. The level design in “Sonic the Hedgehog” was crucial, providing just the right challenges to slow down Sega’s fast-moving hedgehog.

Originally, developers Yuji Naka, Naoto Ohshima, and Hirokazu Yasuhara aimed to rival Nintendo’s famous game, “Super Mario Bros.” However, “Sonic the Hedgehog” wasn’t just an attempt to mimic a competitor’s title; it evolved into one of the greatest platformer games of all time. Today, Sonic stands as Sega’s primary franchise, boasting merchandise, collaborations with Mario, and even box office movies.

1 Shenmue

The First 3D Open-World Gaming Experience

Created by Yu Suzuki, who is also behind Virtua Fighter, Shenmue introduced several key features that have shaped open-world games for the following 30 years. This action game in an open world revolves around Ryo Hazuki, a character seeking to uncover the truth about his father’s murder. The freedom to explore 3D environments was unprecedented at the time and left gamers amazed. Players could guide Ryu through various day-night cycles, with each day presenting new leads and tasks.

Years later, games like “Grand Theft Auto 3” and “Yakuza” wouldn’t appear, but gamers were astonished by the degree of freedom offered in this video game because it was pioneering. The mechanics established in Shenmue served as a blueprint for every open-world game that followed.

2024-11-01 05:34