Welcome back to the world of BLAST PROCESSING! The Sega Genesis Mini has arrived! Following its rival brethren, the Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition and Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition, Genesis has arrived to do what those two Nintendidn’t do! Joking aside for a moment, the Sega Genesis Mini is yet another excellent console in the beloved mini console series, this time by developers at Sega and M2 (known for their many classic games, compilations, and working on said re-release compilations, such as the recent Castlevania Anniversary Collection). Suitably enough, my console from the Sega Corp arrived on a snowy day, just before I arrived home from an early dismissal from teaching my students (great timing Sega!).
As you can see above, the Genesis mini is small and easy to take on a trip if needed! The power cord is small and easily fits where you need it to, any HDMI cable will do for it, and it comes with two controllers for some absolutely sick coop in games such as World of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Street Fighter 2: Championship Edition, Road Rash II, and Contra: Hard Corps. With 42 games, your choice of single-player and multiplayer. My personal favorite? Castlevania: Bloodlines!
To go over each individual game with mean about 42 reviews. I will not do that, but I will say that most every genre is represented here, and that all types of players should have no issue finding multiple titles they enjoy, each emulated to near perfection.
I would like to also intersperse some of my friend’s comments, who came along for the multiplayer ride with me to test out the SGM (personal note: if you really want to play a wonderful charming game that represents the most charming aspects of Disney, check out World of Illusion, it will put a smile on your face!).
- “The save points are excellent for players who need a bit of help with more challenging games.”
- “The controller was great, just maybe a bit slippery – this might be because of the age of the original Genesis”
- A great selection of games – they have iconic and exclusive titles as well as lesser known ones – they stuck with what the Genesis did that the SNES did not – trying to stick with the classic slogan of “Genesis does what Nintendon’t!”
- “I wish the instructions were just a bit more readily accessible than having to go on the website.”
I tend to agree with my friend for the most part, I saw what he meant by slippery, but I noticed that was because we handled the controller differently believe it or not – I tapped and he held more often, so results may vary. I do agree that I wish the instructions were on the console itself – as an option while playing or even before you load a game, as it definitely would keep things a little clearer. Finally, and I guess this could be seen as a common note for all mini consoles, it would be cool if you could download more games, but on the same regard, I understand that would weaken the virtual console/Steam marketplaces, so a chance to make more sales is always better, especially since so many companies are involved in creating these great compilations of true classics.
As one final note, I think I would be amiss if I did not mention the presence of Sega’s own beloved mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, who truly drove the sales of the Sega Genesis back in the day, and is an icon of gaming in his own right. Deservedly so, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine (not only is this one of the best names ever created for a game, but it is a great puzzle game too – check it out!) are all on the system to celebrate this fact. Of course, he is also on the box art, website, and you can have him in a wallpaper frame behind your games. Especially with the new movie coming up, there will be no shortage of the blue blur for all of his adoring fans, and rightfully so, because we probably would not be here talking about a mini Genesis without him.
In conclusion, any minor flaws can easily be overlooked on such a well-made console stocked with well made games. The Sega Genesis Mini truly celebrates a golden period of gaming and one that gave rise to a plethora of great titles, characters, and even a console war. The product will prove nostalgic for some, and without a doubt entertaining for all. I cannot imagine that a player would not find at least one title enjoyable in the collection, and it makes for a great gift this holiday season for gamers both young and old. I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to Sega of America for sending us one of the consoles, for it was truly humbling that I was given the opportunity to review it, and allow not only my friends and family to enjoy it, but my students as well. Sega and M2 have done a fantastic job and upholding that classic gold seal of quality, and whether you are a Sega or Nintendo fan, or simply want to experience some golden age glory, you cannot go wrong with the Sega Genesis Mini, as it truly does what others don’t.
*Score reflects the product and games as a whole package*
Sound – 10/10
Gameplay: – 10/10
Graphics: – 10/10
Production Values: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Below you will find the website for both product info and for game manuals:
SEGA Genesis Mini Review
Your local neighborhood nutjob, gamer, and teacher! I'm an avid fan of many genres such as platformers, shooters, horror, etc. I am also an avid tabletop gamer - hugely into the worlds of Warhammer and all of their spinoffs. I'm a big believer in being objective - even if something is not my cup of tea, I want to talk about it on the objective level - is it well made, crafted with love, and with care for the fans? If so, that's a good game in my book for someone and well worth their hard earned dollarydoos!
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