5 More Genesis Games That Need To Come To Switch
In September 2021, a Nintendo Direct confirmed what fans were expecting: an upgraded online subscription gave players access to not only the Nintendo 64 emulator and games but also the Sega Genesis emulation and games. While the price hike caused an uproar, as it was much more expensive than people initially expected, Nintendo subscriptions still saw a 6 million user increase after the announcement (via Statista.) The Sega Genesis addition added a lot of content for those willing to pay the price.
With games like "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," Streets of Rage 2," "Phantasy Star 4," "Castlevania: Bloodlines," and more, there's plenty to enjoy for the retro gamer. However, Nintendo has been adding more and more games to its subscription-based emulators, and there are a few Genesis titles that could really round out the collection that's already being offered. Here are five titles that could do with some love from the Nintendo Switch.
Sonic and Knuckles
The "Sonic" franchise is too big to ignore, and many of its early games were released on the Sega Genesis. While "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" has made its way over to the Switch emulation of the console, there are plenty of other "Sonic" titles that need to come with it, including "Sonic and Knuckles."
The game was a hit back when it was released in 1994. As the successor to "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," it was extremely popular. It's also clear that fans are still loving Knuckles, as fans had plenty of questions about Knuckles' appearance 2022's "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" movie.
There's actually potential for the game to be released together alongside "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," which was done back in the 90s. Considering the game "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" is already part of the Sega Genesis games Nintendo offers, this could be the next time the speedy blue hedgehog is seen.
Beyond Oasis
Despite becoming known as a "Legend of Zelda" clone, "Beyond Oasis" was the game for those with a Sega console. While anyone with a Nintendo system could play "Zelda" and "Mario" titles, Sega owners had "Beyond Oasis" and "Sonic the Hedgehog."
While many people attributed its dedicated fanbase to nostalgia, there are plenty of people who still love the game. "Beyond Oasis" is an action-adventure game that was a kind of rival to "Zelda" for Sega owners. However, it's got its own gameplay differences from "The Legend of Zelda," and it would stand out on its own if brought to the Switch, even for those who didn't play the original back in the day.
Besides, a benefit of the Nintendo Switch emulators is that they bring games back that people used to love. Considering how popular "Beyond Oasis" was in its time, the game is a perfect addition to the steadily-growing collection of Genesis games on the Switch. While it's available on the Nintendo Switch under the "Sega Genesis Classics" game, it'd be worth porting over to the Genesis emulator available with the online subscription. After all, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" is available on both as well.
Rocket Knight Adventures
Who doesn't love a classic platformer? While the "Mario" games have most of the platforming audience on the Nintendo Switch, there are plenty of other great ones available on the console. The Sega Genesis has "Rocket Knight Adventures," a game that some have called one of the best platformers of all time. With praise like that, it's hard to imagine Nintendo not bringing the game over to the Genesis emulator.
The game features an opossum with jet-pack-like abilities that can attack with a sword. One of the best parts about the game is that there are four difficulties, so there's pretty good replayability for those who really enjoy the game. Considering there are so many great platformers on the Nintendo Switch already, this hidden Sega gem would fit in perfectly.
There's also a sequel to the game that was also released on the Genesis, "Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2," that could be added down the line if the first game in the series does well.
Comix Zone
Comic books and superheroes are a massive part of the entertainment industry – just look at how much money is invested into modern-day Marvel movies. In fact, the Sega Genesis had its own iconic mix of an unlikely superhero who just wanted to make comics that many people wanted to be turned into a movie.
"Comix Zone" is the hilarious beat-em-up action game that follows the story of Sketch, a starving freelance musician who also enjoys making comics. One day, his work-in-progress gets struck by lightning, and he's transported into the world of his comic, where aliens are trying to invade Earth.
There were many people who enjoyed the Sega classic, and one Steam reviewer claimed that it was one of the best, albeit short, games ever. Between great characters and a strange storyline, this would be a strong addition to the Nintendo Switch's Genesis lineup. "Comix Zone" is another game that's already technically available in the "Sega Genesis Classics" collection but would make a great addition to the games offered with the online subscription.
Monster World 4
While plenty of great games have come and gone through the Sega Genesis, "Monster World 4" was one that many people fell in love with for its bright aesthetic and fun gameplay. The action game features Asha, a protagonist who flips around and defeats enemies with her sword alongside her friendly creature Pepelogoo.
If "Monster World 4" ever came to the Sega Genesis on the Switch, it wouldn't be the first time Nintendo has brought this title along to a new console. The game was actually available on the Wii Shop, and more recently completely remade for the Nintendo Switch under the name "Wonder Boy Asha in Monster World."
While the remade version of the game is great, it's always nice to see the original version of a title that you love. Nintendo has several remade titles that could see their originals come to its emulators in the future — such as "The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening." "Monster World 4" would be a great one to start the trend.