Master System Games That Were Innovate and/or Ahead of Their Time
1985:
Hang-On (SMS, 1985) - Racing, into the screen/third person view
-Fairly impressive for consoles at the time (Pitstop 2 C64)
-Gear shifting (no auto option though)
-Passed bikes don't despawn immediately
-Difficulty option/level select (1-3 out of 5+ courses - can't continue from 4 or above though)
-Basic day/night cycle
Pit Pot (SMS, 1985) - Destroy and restore blocks mechanic, proto-Zelda gameplay, stop watch, practice mode
Teddy Boy (SMS, 1985) - Levels loop vertically and horizontally
Hang-On (SMS, 1985) - Racing, into the screen/third person view
-Fairly impressive for consoles at the time (Pitstop 2 C64)
-Gear shifting (no auto option though)
-Passed bikes don't despawn immediately
-Difficulty option/level select (1-3 out of 5+ courses - can't continue from 4 or above though)
-Basic day/night cycle
Pit Pot (SMS, 1985) - Destroy and restore blocks mechanic, proto-Zelda gameplay, stop watch, practice mode
Teddy Boy (SMS, 1985) - Levels loop vertically and horizontally
1986:
Alex Kidd in Miracle World (SMS, 1986) - Action Platformer/Maze Platformer
-Hybrid gameplay (action platformer, driving - boat and motorbike, action adventure segments, NPC encounters)
-Inventory
-Shops
-Buy continues after dying (hidden feature)
-Puzzles (switches, killing ghosts, stone slab)
-Flight power up
-Alternate route (don't save your brother/get the letter)
-Hidden bonus level (SMB1)
Fantasy Zone (ARC port/SMS, 1986) - Defender-like
-Shops and resource management in a shooter (time/ammo limit on most weapons)
-Inventory
-Large gear arsenal
-Unique bosses for each level
-Large boss sprites
High School! Kimengumi (SMS, 1986) - Early (Top Down) Quest Adventure, comical tone, expressive sprites, anime/manga license
Snail Maze (SMS, 1986) - First built-in console game? (Hang-On, Hang-On/Safari Hunt, Alex Kidd and Sonic 1 later on)
The Ninja (1985 ARC port/SMS, 1986) - Dodge move and 8-way aiming in a top down run 'n gun, hidden items (needed to beat the game), hybrid gameplay (some auto-scrolling/shoot 'em up levels)
Spy vs. Spy (1984 Atari/C64 port/SMS, 1986) - Early trapping/trap 'em up game, 2-player vs.,
Choplifter (1982 PC/1985 ARC port/SMS, 1986) - Hostage rescue, scrolls in both directions (Defender), 2.5D element (foreground enemies),
Space Harrier (ARC 1985 port/SMS, 1986) - Early console rail shooter (Buck Rogers Atari the first?), unique boss themes, fairly impressive PSG music overall
Ghost House (SMS, 1986) - Stun enemies by touching lights, background doors leading to other parts of the level, early horror themed game (Monster Bash ARC, Mystery House PC)
Astro Warrior (SMS, 1986) - Gun drones/options and unique bosses for each level (Gradius), large boss sprites
Action Fighter (SMS, 1986) - Transform from car to plane (automatic after collecting enough power ups?),
Hokuto no Ken (Black Belt)(SMS, 1986) - Anime license, hybrid gameplay
Alex Kidd in Miracle World (SMS, 1986) - Action Platformer/Maze Platformer
-Hybrid gameplay (action platformer, driving - boat and motorbike, action adventure segments, NPC encounters)
-Inventory
-Shops
-Buy continues after dying (hidden feature)
-Puzzles (switches, killing ghosts, stone slab)
-Flight power up
-Alternate route (don't save your brother/get the letter)
-Hidden bonus level (SMB1)
Fantasy Zone (ARC port/SMS, 1986) - Defender-like
-Shops and resource management in a shooter (time/ammo limit on most weapons)
-Inventory
-Large gear arsenal
-Unique bosses for each level
-Large boss sprites
High School! Kimengumi (SMS, 1986) - Early (Top Down) Quest Adventure, comical tone, expressive sprites, anime/manga license
Snail Maze (SMS, 1986) - First built-in console game? (Hang-On, Hang-On/Safari Hunt, Alex Kidd and Sonic 1 later on)
The Ninja (1985 ARC port/SMS, 1986) - Dodge move and 8-way aiming in a top down run 'n gun, hidden items (needed to beat the game), hybrid gameplay (some auto-scrolling/shoot 'em up levels)
Spy vs. Spy (1984 Atari/C64 port/SMS, 1986) - Early trapping/trap 'em up game, 2-player vs.,
Choplifter (1982 PC/1985 ARC port/SMS, 1986) - Hostage rescue, scrolls in both directions (Defender), 2.5D element (foreground enemies),
Space Harrier (ARC 1985 port/SMS, 1986) - Early console rail shooter (Buck Rogers Atari the first?), unique boss themes, fairly impressive PSG music overall
Ghost House (SMS, 1986) - Stun enemies by touching lights, background doors leading to other parts of the level, early horror themed game (Monster Bash ARC, Mystery House PC)
Astro Warrior (SMS, 1986) - Gun drones/options and unique bosses for each level (Gradius), large boss sprites
Action Fighter (SMS, 1986) - Transform from car to plane (automatic after collecting enough power ups?),
Hokuto no Ken (Black Belt)(SMS, 1986) - Anime license, hybrid gameplay
1987:
Phantasy Star (SMS, 1987) - JRPG, FP view dungeons
-Interplanetary travel
-Impressive graphics (animated monsters in battle, smooth FP dungeons on console)
-Large world
-Cutscenes
-Sci-fi setting (partial in Ultima?)
-Vehicles (Ultima?)
-Fairly impressive FM (YM2413) & PSG (SN76489) music
-Save feature (Zelda 1?)
Zillion (SMS, 1987) - Early Platform Adventure
-Three playable characters (need to rescue two of them) that you can switch between on the fly
-Basic computer hacking (map display, disable traps, teleport, suicide!, base explosion and cancel explosion, hidden messages (mentioned in the manual))
-Basic experience system (weapon power, movement speed, HP and jump height upgrades)
-Escape sequence (Xain'd Sleena)
-Basic stealth (alarm traps triggered by infrared rays)
-Crawling
-Anime license
-Farly impressive PSG music
After Burner (ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Barrel roll, manual speed controls, lock-on missiles, resupply mechanic (missiles),
Enduro Racer (SMS, 1987) - Isometric Bike Racing
-Career mode, first isometric racing game?, good visual variation (JP ver.), jumps via ramps
Missile Defense 3-D (SMS, 1987) - First console game with a 3D depth effect?
OutRun (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Driving/Race against the clock
-Many alternate routes (shows a course map after completion), slopes, music selection before play, gear shifting (Hang-On), very good visual variation, stone arcs
Miracle Warriors: Seal of the Dark Lord (SMS, 1987) - Reputation system, fairly impressive FM music, talk command in battle
Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa (SMS, 1987) - Defender-like
-Teleporters/doors between sub areas in a Defender-like, large boss sprites, even larger arsenal, great visual variation
Anmitsu Hime (Alex Kidd: High-Tech World)(SMS, 1987) - Early sidescrolling Adventure game,
Penguin Land (1985 game's sequel)(SMS, 1987) - Early puzzle platformer, basic physics,
Wonder Boy (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Action Platformer
-Hunger mechanic, skateboarding (makes it faster paced than SMB), added hidden bonus levels (SMB1), unlockable final world (find all hidden dolls) and more worlds than in the arcade original, unlimited continues? (Castlevania)
Alien Syndrome (ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Large bosses, hostage rescue, sci-fi horror theme
Ghostbusters (1984 Atari port/SMS, 1987) - Early rts/trapping/sandbox game
-Map out your route before traveling to your location via top down racing segments, pick between four different cars with different properties
Gangster Town (SMS, 1987) - 2-player light gun shooter, gangster theme, very good variation for rail shooters of the time,
Quartet (ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Flight (rocket pack), black and female player characters, 2-player exploration-based/maze action platformer, fairly impressive PSG music overall
Sukeban Deka II: Shoujo Tekkamen Densetsu (SMS, 1987) - Early console brawler and anime licensed game, female protagonist
Aztec Adventure: The Golden Road to Paradise (SMS, 1987) - Basic CPU controlled allies,
Nemesis 1-2 (unlicensed)(SMS, 1987) - See Gradius 1 (1985) and 2 for MSX
Fantasy Zone: The Maze (SMS, 1987) - 2-player pac-man/fantasy zone hybrid, fairly impressive PSG music
Zillion II (SMS, 1987) - Hybrid gameplay (action platformer/shooter), transform your bike into a mech, hostage rescue (basically adds to your lifebar here), fairly impressive PSG music overall
Woody Pop? (SMS, 1987) - Paddle controls
Phantasy Star (SMS, 1987) - JRPG, FP view dungeons
-Interplanetary travel
-Impressive graphics (animated monsters in battle, smooth FP dungeons on console)
-Large world
-Cutscenes
-Sci-fi setting (partial in Ultima?)
-Vehicles (Ultima?)
-Fairly impressive FM (YM2413) & PSG (SN76489) music
-Save feature (Zelda 1?)
Zillion (SMS, 1987) - Early Platform Adventure
-Three playable characters (need to rescue two of them) that you can switch between on the fly
-Basic computer hacking (map display, disable traps, teleport, suicide!, base explosion and cancel explosion, hidden messages (mentioned in the manual))
-Basic experience system (weapon power, movement speed, HP and jump height upgrades)
-Escape sequence (Xain'd Sleena)
-Basic stealth (alarm traps triggered by infrared rays)
-Crawling
-Anime license
-Farly impressive PSG music
After Burner (ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Barrel roll, manual speed controls, lock-on missiles, resupply mechanic (missiles),
Enduro Racer (SMS, 1987) - Isometric Bike Racing
-Career mode, first isometric racing game?, good visual variation (JP ver.), jumps via ramps
Missile Defense 3-D (SMS, 1987) - First console game with a 3D depth effect?
OutRun (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Driving/Race against the clock
-Many alternate routes (shows a course map after completion), slopes, music selection before play, gear shifting (Hang-On), very good visual variation, stone arcs
Miracle Warriors: Seal of the Dark Lord (SMS, 1987) - Reputation system, fairly impressive FM music, talk command in battle
Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa (SMS, 1987) - Defender-like
-Teleporters/doors between sub areas in a Defender-like, large boss sprites, even larger arsenal, great visual variation
Anmitsu Hime (Alex Kidd: High-Tech World)(SMS, 1987) - Early sidescrolling Adventure game,
Penguin Land (1985 game's sequel)(SMS, 1987) - Early puzzle platformer, basic physics,
Wonder Boy (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Action Platformer
-Hunger mechanic, skateboarding (makes it faster paced than SMB), added hidden bonus levels (SMB1), unlockable final world (find all hidden dolls) and more worlds than in the arcade original, unlimited continues? (Castlevania)
Alien Syndrome (ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Large bosses, hostage rescue, sci-fi horror theme
Ghostbusters (1984 Atari port/SMS, 1987) - Early rts/trapping/sandbox game
-Map out your route before traveling to your location via top down racing segments, pick between four different cars with different properties
Gangster Town (SMS, 1987) - 2-player light gun shooter, gangster theme, very good variation for rail shooters of the time,
Quartet (ARC port/SMS, 1987) - Flight (rocket pack), black and female player characters, 2-player exploration-based/maze action platformer, fairly impressive PSG music overall
Sukeban Deka II: Shoujo Tekkamen Densetsu (SMS, 1987) - Early console brawler and anime licensed game, female protagonist
Aztec Adventure: The Golden Road to Paradise (SMS, 1987) - Basic CPU controlled allies,
Nemesis 1-2 (unlicensed)(SMS, 1987) - See Gradius 1 (1985) and 2 for MSX
Fantasy Zone: The Maze (SMS, 1987) - 2-player pac-man/fantasy zone hybrid, fairly impressive PSG music
Zillion II (SMS, 1987) - Hybrid gameplay (action platformer/shooter), transform your bike into a mech, hostage rescue (basically adds to your lifebar here), fairly impressive PSG music overall
Woody Pop? (SMS, 1987) - Paddle controls
1988:
Ys: Vanished Omen (1987 port/SMS, 1988) - ARPG, Top down view
-Basic dialogue trees
-Gradually learn enemies' stats by killing more of them
-Bargain with one of the clerks
-Teleport back to town (wing)
-Health regen outside dungeons if standing still
-Detailed artwork during important dialogue
-Save anywhere except during dialogue or boss battles
-Somewhat non-linear structure
-Fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music
Golvellius: Valley of Doom (SMS, 1988) - TD Action Adventure/Action Platformer/Vertical Shoot 'em up Hybrid
-Early action adventure
-Hybrid gameplay (action platformer and vertical shooter segments)
-Unusually good dialogue for its time
-Flight power up
-Fairly large boss sprites
-Very good musical and visual variation
-Better bosses than in Zelda overall
-Impressive FM and PSG music overall
Wonder Boy in Monster Land (SMS, 1988) - Action Platformer w/ RPG elements
-New gear shows on the avatar, ARPG elements (maze final level, bar gossip), item trading sequence, hover bootshunger/hp drain mechanic (Wonder Boy), mini-bosses (SMB2/DDP),
Hoshi wo Sagashite (SMS, 1988) - Early Adventure/Visual Novel
-Animated character portraits during dialogue, sometimes impressive music
R-Type (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Horizontal Shoot 'em up
-Pod mechanic, large bosses, battleship level, hidden optional level on SMS, great variation, fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music,
Shinobi (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Action Platformer
-Double plane gameplay, weapon and lifebar upgrades (via hostage rescue), limited flight spell, FPS/Rail shooter bonus levels,
Double Dragon (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - 2-player co-op console brawler, throw barrels, pits, platformer elements,
SpellCaster (SMS, 1988) - Platform Adventure/Visual Novel or Adventure Hybrid, Vertical Shooter segment (final level)
-Charge attack, some interesting spells (flight, projectile shield), animated character portraits during dialogue
Megumi Rescue (SMS, 1988) - Firefighter sim, paddle controls
Kenseiden (SMS, 1988) - JP mythology/horror theme, fairly open ended structure (hub map), gain a new move for each defeated boss, optional training levels,
Solomon no Kagi: ORnM/Solomon's Key (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Early puzzle platformer
-Partially destructible and creatable environment, early trapping/trap 'em up, hidden levels, power ups that change form if you hit them, smart bombs, alternate endings depending on your performance, fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music,
Power Strike/Aleste (SMS, 1988) - Vertical Shoot 'em up
-Large weapon arsenal with several levels of upgrades (Zanac), intense action (Zanac), respawn on the spot without losing all weapon power, ammo/time limit on weapons (Fantasy Zone, Zanac), mini-bosses, fairly impressive PSG & FM music overall
Cyborg Hunter (SMS, 1988) - Platform Adventure
-Radar feature (Alien inspired?), light gun (shots light up the darkness in some levels)early platform adventure, flight power up, fairly impressive FM & PSG music,
Galactic Protector (SMS, 1988) - Paddle controls, rotation mechanic (move around a planet and defend it from incoming enemies),
Rampage (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Destructible environment, play as a monster, 2-player co-op, three playable characters (they play the same?),
Rescue Mission (SMS, 1988) - Escort mission light gun game
Bubble Bobble (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - 100 extra levels, 2-player co-op, level select
Lord of the Sword (SMS, 1988) - Platform Adventure; fairly big sprites and some large ones, sub weapons (Castlevania), optional boss fights and items, NPCs and towns, some enemies can steal important items (but they can be taken back), vague (and confusing?) in-game and manual maps (these are the same)
Rambo III (SMS, 1988) - Fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music,
Maze Hunter 3D (SMS, 1988) - Top down platformer (Ai Senshi Nicol, Magic of Scheherazade)
Ys: Vanished Omen (1987 port/SMS, 1988) - ARPG, Top down view
-Basic dialogue trees
-Gradually learn enemies' stats by killing more of them
-Bargain with one of the clerks
-Teleport back to town (wing)
-Health regen outside dungeons if standing still
-Detailed artwork during important dialogue
-Save anywhere except during dialogue or boss battles
-Somewhat non-linear structure
-Fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music
Golvellius: Valley of Doom (SMS, 1988) - TD Action Adventure/Action Platformer/Vertical Shoot 'em up Hybrid
-Early action adventure
-Hybrid gameplay (action platformer and vertical shooter segments)
-Unusually good dialogue for its time
-Flight power up
-Fairly large boss sprites
-Very good musical and visual variation
-Better bosses than in Zelda overall
-Impressive FM and PSG music overall
Wonder Boy in Monster Land (SMS, 1988) - Action Platformer w/ RPG elements
-New gear shows on the avatar, ARPG elements (maze final level, bar gossip), item trading sequence, hover bootshunger/hp drain mechanic (Wonder Boy), mini-bosses (SMB2/DDP),
Hoshi wo Sagashite (SMS, 1988) - Early Adventure/Visual Novel
-Animated character portraits during dialogue, sometimes impressive music
R-Type (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Horizontal Shoot 'em up
-Pod mechanic, large bosses, battleship level, hidden optional level on SMS, great variation, fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music,
Shinobi (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Action Platformer
-Double plane gameplay, weapon and lifebar upgrades (via hostage rescue), limited flight spell, FPS/Rail shooter bonus levels,
Double Dragon (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - 2-player co-op console brawler, throw barrels, pits, platformer elements,
SpellCaster (SMS, 1988) - Platform Adventure/Visual Novel or Adventure Hybrid, Vertical Shooter segment (final level)
-Charge attack, some interesting spells (flight, projectile shield), animated character portraits during dialogue
Megumi Rescue (SMS, 1988) - Firefighter sim, paddle controls
Kenseiden (SMS, 1988) - JP mythology/horror theme, fairly open ended structure (hub map), gain a new move for each defeated boss, optional training levels,
Solomon no Kagi: ORnM/Solomon's Key (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Early puzzle platformer
-Partially destructible and creatable environment, early trapping/trap 'em up, hidden levels, power ups that change form if you hit them, smart bombs, alternate endings depending on your performance, fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music,
Power Strike/Aleste (SMS, 1988) - Vertical Shoot 'em up
-Large weapon arsenal with several levels of upgrades (Zanac), intense action (Zanac), respawn on the spot without losing all weapon power, ammo/time limit on weapons (Fantasy Zone, Zanac), mini-bosses, fairly impressive PSG & FM music overall
Cyborg Hunter (SMS, 1988) - Platform Adventure
-Radar feature (Alien inspired?), light gun (shots light up the darkness in some levels)early platform adventure, flight power up, fairly impressive FM & PSG music,
Galactic Protector (SMS, 1988) - Paddle controls, rotation mechanic (move around a planet and defend it from incoming enemies),
Rampage (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - Destructible environment, play as a monster, 2-player co-op, three playable characters (they play the same?),
Rescue Mission (SMS, 1988) - Escort mission light gun game
Bubble Bobble (1986 ARC port/SMS, 1988) - 100 extra levels, 2-player co-op, level select
Lord of the Sword (SMS, 1988) - Platform Adventure; fairly big sprites and some large ones, sub weapons (Castlevania), optional boss fights and items, NPCs and towns, some enemies can steal important items (but they can be taken back), vague (and confusing?) in-game and manual maps (these are the same)
Rambo III (SMS, 1988) - Fairly impressive FM (YM2413) music,
Maze Hunter 3D (SMS, 1988) - Top down platformer (Ai Senshi Nicol, Magic of Scheherazade)
1989:
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (SMS, 1989) - Platform Adventure/Metroidvania
-First area ties into the prequel (used later in Castlevania: SotN)
-Transformations (swimming, wall/ceiling walking and flying, down- (Dragon Buster) and upstab/swing - Zelda II/Rastan)
-Characters with gear affinities
-Hidden gear combos (transform anywhere)
-Create blocks (Solomon's Key)
-Block projectiles
-Fairly impressive music overall (FM & PSG)
Psycho Fox (SMS, 1989) - Action Platformer
-4 different playable characters that you can switch between on the fly using an item
-Mini-games in-between levels (SMB2)
-Item inventory
-Temporary invincibility potion
-Very fast movement when fully accelerated (proto-Sonic acceleration)
Golden Axe (SMS, 1989) - Beat 'em up, 1-player?
-GA2-style magic system (hold the button to increase the level before using a spell), large sprites, beast rides, tackles and throws
Rastan (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1989) - Action Platformer
-Down- and up stab (Dragon Buster, Zelda II was first on consoles), wall jump, slopes (SMB3 first on consoles?), partially destructible environment (SMB1),
King's Quest: Quest for the Crown (1984 PC port/SMS, 1989) - Quest Adventure
-Early quest adventure on consoles, partially non-linear, item inventory, some action sequences, context sensitive command options instead of text parser
Tennis Ace (SMS, 1989) - CPU partner option, 2-player vs. (w/ cpu partners) and co-op, music select, career mode with password save (can also be used for handicap in 2-player games) and developing stats/basic character building, long tournaments for the time
Montezuma's Revenge (C64, 1984/SMS, 1989) - Multi-Screen Maze/proto platform adventure, color coded doors and keys, item inventory, disappearing platforms, falling down too far (longer than the avatar sprite's height) kills you, a bat appears and kills you if you take too long in any one room (similar to Bubble Bobble, SMS ver. only?)
Altered Beast (SMS, 1989) - Large boss sprites, transformations,
OutRun 3D (SMS, 1989) - Technically impressive, tunnels, fairly impressive FM music
Basketball Nightmare (SMS, 1989) - Goal cutscenes
Time Soldiers (SMS, 1989) - Time travel theme
California Games (1987 port/SMS, 1989) - New standards for certain sports genres
Galaxy Force (SMS, 1989) - Fairly impressive FM music
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (SMS, 1989) - Platform Adventure/Metroidvania
-First area ties into the prequel (used later in Castlevania: SotN)
-Transformations (swimming, wall/ceiling walking and flying, down- (Dragon Buster) and upstab/swing - Zelda II/Rastan)
-Characters with gear affinities
-Hidden gear combos (transform anywhere)
-Create blocks (Solomon's Key)
-Block projectiles
-Fairly impressive music overall (FM & PSG)
Psycho Fox (SMS, 1989) - Action Platformer
-4 different playable characters that you can switch between on the fly using an item
-Mini-games in-between levels (SMB2)
-Item inventory
-Temporary invincibility potion
-Very fast movement when fully accelerated (proto-Sonic acceleration)
Golden Axe (SMS, 1989) - Beat 'em up, 1-player?
-GA2-style magic system (hold the button to increase the level before using a spell), large sprites, beast rides, tackles and throws
Rastan (1987 ARC port/SMS, 1989) - Action Platformer
-Down- and up stab (Dragon Buster, Zelda II was first on consoles), wall jump, slopes (SMB3 first on consoles?), partially destructible environment (SMB1),
King's Quest: Quest for the Crown (1984 PC port/SMS, 1989) - Quest Adventure
-Early quest adventure on consoles, partially non-linear, item inventory, some action sequences, context sensitive command options instead of text parser
Tennis Ace (SMS, 1989) - CPU partner option, 2-player vs. (w/ cpu partners) and co-op, music select, career mode with password save (can also be used for handicap in 2-player games) and developing stats/basic character building, long tournaments for the time
Montezuma's Revenge (C64, 1984/SMS, 1989) - Multi-Screen Maze/proto platform adventure, color coded doors and keys, item inventory, disappearing platforms, falling down too far (longer than the avatar sprite's height) kills you, a bat appears and kills you if you take too long in any one room (similar to Bubble Bobble, SMS ver. only?)
Altered Beast (SMS, 1989) - Large boss sprites, transformations,
OutRun 3D (SMS, 1989) - Technically impressive, tunnels, fairly impressive FM music
Basketball Nightmare (SMS, 1989) - Goal cutscenes
Time Soldiers (SMS, 1989) - Time travel theme
California Games (1987 port/SMS, 1989) - New standards for certain sports genres
Galaxy Force (SMS, 1989) - Fairly impressive FM music
1990:
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar (1985 PC port/SMS, 1990) - WRPG
-Non-linear structure,
-Large and fairly in-depth world,
-Virtue quiz character creation,
-Interactive dialogue,
-Unique premise (become a better person),
-Cutscenes,
-Sextant item
Impossible Mission (1984 port/SMS, 1990) - Platform Adventure/Maze Platformer
-Map feature, code deciphering puzzle,
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World (SMS, 1990) - Action Platformer
-Launch into a fireball by spinning around pipes, parody theme (Parodius MSX), bounce and attack off of walls (TMNT II)
Columns (SMS, 1990) - Early match the colors puzzle game (Puzznic the first?), diagonal line ups, "clear all of one color" power up, 2-player (tetris),
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (SMS, 1990) - Dance attacks (basically smart bombs), transform into a robot in the final level, hybrid gameplay (rail shooter final level/boss fight),
Slap Shot (SMS, 1990) - Controllable goalies (Hat Trick), fights (Blades of Steel), goal-in cutscenes
Fire & Forget II (SMS, 1990) - Rail shooter/racing hybrid,
Paperboy (1984 port/SMS, 1990) -
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar (1985 PC port/SMS, 1990) - WRPG
-Non-linear structure,
-Large and fairly in-depth world,
-Virtue quiz character creation,
-Interactive dialogue,
-Unique premise (become a better person),
-Cutscenes,
-Sextant item
Impossible Mission (1984 port/SMS, 1990) - Platform Adventure/Maze Platformer
-Map feature, code deciphering puzzle,
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World (SMS, 1990) - Action Platformer
-Launch into a fireball by spinning around pipes, parody theme (Parodius MSX), bounce and attack off of walls (TMNT II)
Columns (SMS, 1990) - Early match the colors puzzle game (Puzznic the first?), diagonal line ups, "clear all of one color" power up, 2-player (tetris),
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (SMS, 1990) - Dance attacks (basically smart bombs), transform into a robot in the final level, hybrid gameplay (rail shooter final level/boss fight),
Slap Shot (SMS, 1990) - Controllable goalies (Hat Trick), fights (Blades of Steel), goal-in cutscenes
Fire & Forget II (SMS, 1990) - Rail shooter/racing hybrid,
Paperboy (1984 port/SMS, 1990) -
1991:
Golden Axe Warrior (SMS, 1991) - Action Adventure, top down view
-Open ended structure, basic map system and upgradeable lifebar (Zelda 1),
-Fast movement in a top down action adventure,
-More fleshed out setting with actual villages and better dialogue than in Zelda 1 (dialogue is still pretty bland compared to Golvellius though),
-Save feature with three slots (save at inns),
-Upgradeable shield (blocks projectiles),
-Discovered staircases stay visible (however lit dungeons rooms don't stay lit),
-Teleport back to the last inn you saved at (magic feather),
-Checkpoints at dungeon entrances and the last inn you saved at,
-Fairly easy to find the clues needed to progress,
-Shortcuts let you quickly traverse long distances in the overworld (Zelda 1)
Populous (1989 port/SMS, 1991) - Technically impressive, early god sim/rts
Dragon Crystal (GG, 1990/SMS, 1991) - Console rogue-like (Fatal Labyrinth)
-New gear shows on your avatar, dragon familiar (follows behind the player), hidden doors, deteriorating armor and items to prevent it temporarily (one armor type won't rust), map/reveal current floor item, random teleport item, can transform equipped weapon into other weapons, floor skipping item, item that transforms monsters into other monsters, cursed items (trial & error), HP exchange item, berserk item (double dmg but half hp), pay to continue mechanic (up to 3 times only, lose all unequipped items, keep levels and status), hunger mechanic (Rogue?), dropped items are preserved on the floor (Rogue?), throw items at enemies - or at walls to identify them (both from Rogue?),
Rampart (1990 port/SMS, 1991) - Early rts-like game
Bonanza Bros. (1990 port/SMS, 1991) - Stealth, play as a criminal,
Sonic the Hedgehog (SMS, 1991) - Platformer; Fast gameplay, impressive PSG music overall
Castle of Illusion (SMS, 1991) - Platformer; Pick up and throw blocks, more hidden paths and items,
Psychic World (1988 MSX port/SMS, 1991) - In-game cutscenes between each level, female protagonists, flight power,
The Lucky Dime Caper? (SMS, 1991)
Danan: The Jungle Fighter (SMS, 1991) - Action Platformer/Maze Platformer Hybrid w/ some RPG/AA elements
-Animal helpers (the armadillo curls into a ball and attacks enemies, the eagle can carry you through the air, the monkey heals you) - can't be used vs. bosses, level up system (raise it with found items), pretty fast paced, some large and detailed sprites (final boss),
Dick Tracy (1990 port/SMS, 1991) - 2.5D gameplay
Super Space Invaders (SMS, 1991) - Shoot 'em up; Impressive PSG music overall
Sega Chess (SMS, 1991) - Impressive PSG music overall
Klax (1989 port?/SMS, 1991) -
Ghouls 'n Ghosts (1988 port/SMS, 1991) - Adds shops, large boss sprites
Laser Ghost (SMS, 1991) - Escort mission light gun game (Rescue Mission),
Gain Ground (1988 port/SMS, 1991) -
Golden Axe Warrior (SMS, 1991) - Action Adventure, top down view
-Open ended structure, basic map system and upgradeable lifebar (Zelda 1),
-Fast movement in a top down action adventure,
-More fleshed out setting with actual villages and better dialogue than in Zelda 1 (dialogue is still pretty bland compared to Golvellius though),
-Save feature with three slots (save at inns),
-Upgradeable shield (blocks projectiles),
-Discovered staircases stay visible (however lit dungeons rooms don't stay lit),
-Teleport back to the last inn you saved at (magic feather),
-Checkpoints at dungeon entrances and the last inn you saved at,
-Fairly easy to find the clues needed to progress,
-Shortcuts let you quickly traverse long distances in the overworld (Zelda 1)
Populous (1989 port/SMS, 1991) - Technically impressive, early god sim/rts
Dragon Crystal (GG, 1990/SMS, 1991) - Console rogue-like (Fatal Labyrinth)
-New gear shows on your avatar, dragon familiar (follows behind the player), hidden doors, deteriorating armor and items to prevent it temporarily (one armor type won't rust), map/reveal current floor item, random teleport item, can transform equipped weapon into other weapons, floor skipping item, item that transforms monsters into other monsters, cursed items (trial & error), HP exchange item, berserk item (double dmg but half hp), pay to continue mechanic (up to 3 times only, lose all unequipped items, keep levels and status), hunger mechanic (Rogue?), dropped items are preserved on the floor (Rogue?), throw items at enemies - or at walls to identify them (both from Rogue?),
Rampart (1990 port/SMS, 1991) - Early rts-like game
Bonanza Bros. (1990 port/SMS, 1991) - Stealth, play as a criminal,
Sonic the Hedgehog (SMS, 1991) - Platformer; Fast gameplay, impressive PSG music overall
Castle of Illusion (SMS, 1991) - Platformer; Pick up and throw blocks, more hidden paths and items,
Psychic World (1988 MSX port/SMS, 1991) - In-game cutscenes between each level, female protagonists, flight power,
The Lucky Dime Caper? (SMS, 1991)
Danan: The Jungle Fighter (SMS, 1991) - Action Platformer/Maze Platformer Hybrid w/ some RPG/AA elements
-Animal helpers (the armadillo curls into a ball and attacks enemies, the eagle can carry you through the air, the monkey heals you) - can't be used vs. bosses, level up system (raise it with found items), pretty fast paced, some large and detailed sprites (final boss),
Dick Tracy (1990 port/SMS, 1991) - 2.5D gameplay
Super Space Invaders (SMS, 1991) - Shoot 'em up; Impressive PSG music overall
Sega Chess (SMS, 1991) - Impressive PSG music overall
Klax (1989 port?/SMS, 1991) -
Ghouls 'n Ghosts (1988 port/SMS, 1991) - Adds shops, large boss sprites
Laser Ghost (SMS, 1991) - Escort mission light gun game (Rescue Mission),
Gain Ground (1988 port/SMS, 1991) -
1992:
Lemmings (1991 port/SMS, 1992) - RTT/Puzzle
-Technically impressive for the system, creative mechanics, impressive PSG music overall
Astérix (SMS, 1992) - Action Platformer; Two different playable characters with different level routes, create platforms, partially destructible environment,
Land of Illusion (SMS, 1992/GG, 1993) - Platform Adventure; Technical showcase, hub map, mini form transformation, pretty good bosses overall, very good variation
Putt & Putter (SMS, 1992) - Isometric minigolf sim (Zany Golf)
Ninja Gaiden (SMS, 1992) - Cutscene heavy (NG1 NES), grab ceilings and platforms from below and climb up (NG3 NES), attack off of walls (TMNT II)
Wimbledon (SMS, 1992) - A new standard for 8-bit tennis games
Alien 3 (SMS, 1992) - Impressive PSG music
The NewZealand Story (1988 port/SMS, 1992) - Steal enemies' flying vehicles, get swallowed by one of the bosses and fight it from the inside
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (SMS, 1992) -
Prince of Persia (1989 port/SMS, 1992) - Impressive animation
Chuck Rock (SMS, 1992) - Sometimes impressive PSG music
Back to the Future Part III (SMS, 1992) - Sometimes impressive PSG music
Running Battle (SMS, 1992) - Fairly impressive PSG music
Darius II (1989 port/SMS, 1992) -
Tom and Jerry: The Movie? (SMS, 1992)
Lemmings (1991 port/SMS, 1992) - RTT/Puzzle
-Technically impressive for the system, creative mechanics, impressive PSG music overall
Astérix (SMS, 1992) - Action Platformer; Two different playable characters with different level routes, create platforms, partially destructible environment,
Land of Illusion (SMS, 1992/GG, 1993) - Platform Adventure; Technical showcase, hub map, mini form transformation, pretty good bosses overall, very good variation
Putt & Putter (SMS, 1992) - Isometric minigolf sim (Zany Golf)
Ninja Gaiden (SMS, 1992) - Cutscene heavy (NG1 NES), grab ceilings and platforms from below and climb up (NG3 NES), attack off of walls (TMNT II)
Wimbledon (SMS, 1992) - A new standard for 8-bit tennis games
Alien 3 (SMS, 1992) - Impressive PSG music
The NewZealand Story (1988 port/SMS, 1992) - Steal enemies' flying vehicles, get swallowed by one of the bosses and fight it from the inside
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (SMS, 1992) -
Prince of Persia (1989 port/SMS, 1992) - Impressive animation
Chuck Rock (SMS, 1992) - Sometimes impressive PSG music
Back to the Future Part III (SMS, 1992) - Sometimes impressive PSG music
Running Battle (SMS, 1992) - Fairly impressive PSG music
Darius II (1989 port/SMS, 1992) -
Tom and Jerry: The Movie? (SMS, 1992)
1993:
Power Strike II (SMS, 1993) - Vertical Shoot 'em up; Technically impressive, great bosses (multiple patterns), very good variation, charge attack, fairly impressive PSG music overall, 6 different weapons with 3 levels each, pretty nice cutscenes, manual speed adjustment (4 levels)
Cosmic Spacehead (NES, 1992/SMS, 1993) - Quest Adventure/Action Platformer
-Hybrid gameplay,
Jurassic Park (SMS/GG, 1993) - Action Platformer/Proto-Platform Adventure, Gallery Shooter segments; Hub map, choose your own path
Fantastic Dizzy (SMS, 1993) - Platform Adventure/Puzzle Platformer
The Flash (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music
Star Wars (1991 NES port/SMS, 1993) - Action Adventure/Platform Adventure; Hybrid gameplay,
Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf (1992 port/SMS, 1993) - See the MD game
Wimbledon II (SMS, 1993) - Sports
Streets of Rage (1991 port/SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music
Global Gladiators (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music
Chuck Rock II (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music, animal rides?
F1 (SMS, 1993) - 2-player split-screen mode
Renegade (SMS, 1993) - Beat 'em up; Different, Fairly impressive PSG music, hybrid gameplay (bike segments), nice presentation
Micro Machines (1991 NES port/SMS, 1993) - Fairly impressive PSG music
Cool Spot (SMS, 1993) - Sometimes impressive PSG music, impressive graphics
Master of Darkness (SMS, 1993) - Action Platformer; Fairly impressive PSG music
Masters of Combat (SMS, 1993) - ? Fighting
GP Rider (SMS, 1993) - 2-player split screen, CPU AI (CPU opponent that isn't superhuman nor subject to crazy rubberbanding)
Astérix and the Secret Mission (SMS, 1993) - Action Platformer
James Pond II: Codename RoboCod (SMS, 1993)?
Trivial Pursuit (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music overall
Sonic Chaos (SMS, 1993) - Platformer
Wonder Boy in Monster World (1991 MD port/SMS, 1993) -
Desert Speedtrap (SMS, 1993) -
Sensible Soccer (SMS, 1993) - ?
Power Strike II (SMS, 1993) - Vertical Shoot 'em up; Technically impressive, great bosses (multiple patterns), very good variation, charge attack, fairly impressive PSG music overall, 6 different weapons with 3 levels each, pretty nice cutscenes, manual speed adjustment (4 levels)
Cosmic Spacehead (NES, 1992/SMS, 1993) - Quest Adventure/Action Platformer
-Hybrid gameplay,
Jurassic Park (SMS/GG, 1993) - Action Platformer/Proto-Platform Adventure, Gallery Shooter segments; Hub map, choose your own path
Fantastic Dizzy (SMS, 1993) - Platform Adventure/Puzzle Platformer
The Flash (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music
Star Wars (1991 NES port/SMS, 1993) - Action Adventure/Platform Adventure; Hybrid gameplay,
Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf (1992 port/SMS, 1993) - See the MD game
Wimbledon II (SMS, 1993) - Sports
Streets of Rage (1991 port/SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music
Global Gladiators (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music
Chuck Rock II (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music, animal rides?
F1 (SMS, 1993) - 2-player split-screen mode
Renegade (SMS, 1993) - Beat 'em up; Different, Fairly impressive PSG music, hybrid gameplay (bike segments), nice presentation
Micro Machines (1991 NES port/SMS, 1993) - Fairly impressive PSG music
Cool Spot (SMS, 1993) - Sometimes impressive PSG music, impressive graphics
Master of Darkness (SMS, 1993) - Action Platformer; Fairly impressive PSG music
Masters of Combat (SMS, 1993) - ? Fighting
GP Rider (SMS, 1993) - 2-player split screen, CPU AI (CPU opponent that isn't superhuman nor subject to crazy rubberbanding)
Astérix and the Secret Mission (SMS, 1993) - Action Platformer
James Pond II: Codename RoboCod (SMS, 1993)?
Trivial Pursuit (SMS, 1993) - Impressive PSG music overall
Sonic Chaos (SMS, 1993) - Platformer
Wonder Boy in Monster World (1991 MD port/SMS, 1993) -
Desert Speedtrap (SMS, 1993) -
Sensible Soccer (SMS, 1993) - ?
1994:
Disney's Aladdin (SMS/GG, 1994) - PoP-style Platformer; Impressive graphics, stealth segment (Bonanza Bros),
Road Rash (1991 MD port/SMS, 1994) - Racing/Beat 'em up; Technically impressive, impressive PSG music
Sangokushi 3 (SMS, 1994)(Unlicensed) - Fighting; Impressive graphics
Deep Duck Trouble Starring Donald Duck (SMS, 1994) - Platformer; Impressive graphics
Streets of Rage 2 (1992 port/SMS, 1994) - Beat 'em up; Impressive PSG music overall
Lion King (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer; Impressive PSG music overall
Astérix and the Great Rescue (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer/Maze Platformer
Ecco the Dolphin (1993 MD port/SMS/GG, 1994) - Dolphin Sim/Action Puzzle
Daffy Duck in Hollywood (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer; Fairly impressive PSG music
Dragon: Bruce Lee Story (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer/Side View Beat 'em up; Fairly impressive PSG music
Dynamite Headdy (MD port/SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer; Pretty impressive graphics overall
Micro Machines (GG, 1993/SMS, 1994) - TD Toy Car Racing
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (GG, 1993/SMS, 1994) - Match 3 Puzzle
1995:
The Smurfs (SMS, 1995) - Impressive PSG music
1996:
Tintin in Tibet (unreleased) - Impressive PSG music
Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (SMS, 1996) - Fairly impressive PSG music
1997:
1998:
Legend of Illusion (GG, 1995/SMS, 1998) - Platformer; Technical showcase, hub map
Disney's Aladdin (SMS/GG, 1994) - PoP-style Platformer; Impressive graphics, stealth segment (Bonanza Bros),
Road Rash (1991 MD port/SMS, 1994) - Racing/Beat 'em up; Technically impressive, impressive PSG music
Sangokushi 3 (SMS, 1994)(Unlicensed) - Fighting; Impressive graphics
Deep Duck Trouble Starring Donald Duck (SMS, 1994) - Platformer; Impressive graphics
Streets of Rage 2 (1992 port/SMS, 1994) - Beat 'em up; Impressive PSG music overall
Lion King (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer; Impressive PSG music overall
Astérix and the Great Rescue (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer/Maze Platformer
Ecco the Dolphin (1993 MD port/SMS/GG, 1994) - Dolphin Sim/Action Puzzle
Daffy Duck in Hollywood (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer; Fairly impressive PSG music
Dragon: Bruce Lee Story (SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer/Side View Beat 'em up; Fairly impressive PSG music
Dynamite Headdy (MD port/SMS, 1994) - Action Platformer; Pretty impressive graphics overall
Micro Machines (GG, 1993/SMS, 1994) - TD Toy Car Racing
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (GG, 1993/SMS, 1994) - Match 3 Puzzle
1995:
The Smurfs (SMS, 1995) - Impressive PSG music
1996:
Tintin in Tibet (unreleased) - Impressive PSG music
Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (SMS, 1996) - Fairly impressive PSG music
1997:
1998:
Legend of Illusion (GG, 1995/SMS, 1998) - Platformer; Technical showcase, hub map
