Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection Mini Review

The environment is big these days so we all know how important is to recycle. Sega is doing just that with yet another compilation package of Genesis titles. I really don’t have a lot to say about this game collection other than it’s pretty much identical to the Sega Genesis Collection that was released on the PSP and PS2 back in 2006. Notable additions include all the Genesis Sonic titles including the two spin off games: Sonic Spinball and Dr. Robotnick’s Mean Bean Machine. Shining Force and Streets of Rage. Virtua Fighter is conspicuously missing though from this updated edition. Each title has been upscaled to 720p though it seems to run at 1080i as well even though the box only says 720p. The games can be played in a windowed mode with borders similar to what the Super Gameboy used, or in 16:9 widescreen. Playing games in widescreen stretches them out though. I had originally expected Sega was going to retool the games to run natively in 16:9 mode. The games look good, but really, it’s not much better than what the PS3’s upscaler for PS2 games puts out. Another new feature is Trophy support. Most are fairly easy to obtain, including the easiest gold trophy you’ll ever find in a PS3 game: get 100 rings in Angel Island Zone with Tails. The game also includes unlockable content such as arcade games and videos. The videos are not in HD however, which is unfortunate. Multiplayer is supported but only in the old fashioned way. There’s no online play.

Overall, Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection is a pretty good compilation that contains 40 classic Genesis titles. However, I cannot help but feel it’s lacking something. Sure, it’s only $1 per game but Sega really should add a lot more titles in future editions. This is hardly going to make a dent in a Blu-ray or even a DVD9 disc. A lot of arcade hits like After Burner and Virtua Fighter were not included, yet they still keep putting Alex Kidd in these packs, which is a terrible game. Personally, I’d like to see games like Sonic CD make an appearance. There are tons of Genesis exclusives out there. If you already have the PS2 or PSP Genesis Collection, I wouldn’t pick this up.

What Works
-40 games for $40
-Lots of great Genesis classics upscaled to HD
-Trophy and XBL Achievement Support

What Doesn’t Work
-Nearly identical to compilation released just 3 years ago
-Unlockable content not in HD
-A lot of hit exclusive titles are missing and Sega could have thrown in a lot more games than they did.
-No online multiplayer

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Here’s the complete list of games copied directly from Sega’s website.

GAMES INCLUDE:

· Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
· Alien Storm
· Altered Beast
· Beyond Oasis
· Bonanza Bros.
· Columns
· Comix Zone
· Decap Attack starring Chuck D. Head
· Dr. Robotnik’s MBM
· Dynamite Headdy
· Ecco the Dolphin
· Ecco II: The Tides of Time
· E-SWAT
· Fatal Labyrinth
· Flicky
· Gain Ground
· Golden Axe I
· Golden Axe II
· Golden Axe III
· Kid Chameleon
· Phantasy Star II
· Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
· Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
· Ristar
· Shining in the Darkness
· Shining Force
· Shining Force 2
· Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
· Sonic 3D Blast
· Sonic and Knuckles
· Sonic Spinball
· Sonic the Hedgehog
· Sonic the Hedgehog 2
· Sonic the Hedgehog 3
· Streets of Rage
· Streets of Rage 2
· Streets of Rage 3
· Super Thunder Blade
· Vectorman
· Vectorman 2

UNLOCKABLE GAMES:

· Golden Axe Warrior (SEGA Master System)
· Phantasy Star (SEGA Master System)
· Alien Syndrome (Arcade)
· Altered Beast (Arcade)
· Congo Bongo (Arcade)
· Fantasy Zone (Arcade)
· Shinobi (Arcade)
· Space Harrier (Arcade)
· Zaxxon (Arcade)