All this talk of the SNES classic has me thinking of great SEGA Genesis games I’d love to play an updated version of. Yes, there were great Genesis games, not as many as the competition of course, but SEGA’s most profitable console ever had a strong enough library to warrant a purchase.

Shadowrun

‘Dear lord would you shut up about this game?’ you’re probably saying if you’ve followed my work on A 90s Kid. Yes Dragonfall was a great Shadowrun game, but the Genesis version had real-time combat, an open structure, and randomly-generated missions to create a 16-bit experience that kept on giving (that’s INFINITE bits).

Gunstar Heroes

Why aren’t there more Contra type games on Kickstarter? Konami refuses to make them yet the recognition and love for this type of gameplay would no doubt make it a profitable affair. Gunstar was the animé take on Contra and I’d love another two-player romp with the same wacky sensibilities.

Streets of Rage

The latest Double Dragon received poor reviews as the archaic gameplay didn’t hold up. Streets of Rage and other co-op beat-em-ups had great appeal in the simpler age but would need a few tweaks to interest modern audiences. I suggest borrowing from Rocksteady’s Arkham system. Surround the players with baddies, require blocking, and include sweet reversals. You and a friend in a martial arts movie, cleaning up the streets. Fentanyl dealers beware!

Mutant League Football

Sports games have evolved into ultra-complex simulations that make it hard for casual players to pick up and play. I’d love Blitz-style controls with the added bonus of mutants and b-movie gore.

Road Rash

Yes I know the original creator’s kickstarted Road Redemption is available in Early Access, but until it’s a complete game, I’ll still yearn.

A modern Road Rash could be Sony or Microsoft’s answer to Mario Kart: Arcade racing with melee attacks and different weapons to pick up. Outrunning the police is thrilling and the originals had a very compelling single-player campaign due to the colorful personalities of the competing racers. I played through 1-4 (and Skitchin) here if you’re curious.

Desert Strike

This was on my SNES Classic wishlist, and I’d love an updated version. The thinking person’s action shooter.

General Chaos

A unique RTS with tons of personality and humor. Choose a 5-man squad of different classes and rock paper scissor your way across small maps.

Did I miss any gems on the SEGA Genesis? Let me know below.