5 Master System Games That Defined the 1980s

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In the mid-1980s, Sega released the Master System to challenge Nintendo’s NES. Though the Master System had more advanced technology, it didn’t sell as well, largely because Nintendo controlled most of the games, keeping them exclusive to the NES. Despite this, Sega still managed to create some popular games and bring arcade favorites home. The Master System didn’t become a cultural phenomenon like the NES, but it still had several excellent games that influenced the future of video games. However, Sega wouldn’t truly become a trendsetter until the 1990s with the arrival of Sonic.

Here are the five Master System games that helped define the ’80s.

5) Double Dragon

Double Dragon would have easily been a top pick if it originally came out on the Master System. However, it first became incredibly popular as an arcade game, and really helped launch the beat ’em up genre. It eventually came to the NES, and the Master System version followed about six months later.

Double Dragon was hugely popular, and while the arcade game is considered the best, the version for the Master System was also very well-received, even better than the one on the NES according to some reviews. Considering how influential Double Dragon was in the late 80s and early 90s, it would be a significant omission to not include it.

4) Ys 1: Ancient Ys Vanished

The original Ys game began on the PC-88 computer, but was later released for the Master System in 1988. Most people consider the Master System version to be superior to the one on the NES, largely due to its impressive graphics for that era.

I always thought Ys 1: Ancient Ys Vanished on the Master System was kind of like the original Legend of Zelda. It’s not a perfect match, but it’s a similar top-down action RPG that really captured my attention back then. But honestly, the biggest reason I remember it is because it started the whole Ys series! And it’s still going strong – we just got Ys X: Nordics in 2023, and it doesn’t look like the developers, Nihon Falcom, are planning to stop anytime soon.

3) Wonder Boy III – The Dragon’s Trap

The Wonder Boy series began as an arcade game in 1986. By the third installment, it transitioned to the Master System, offering players a vibrant new platforming experience. Things get a little confusing because there are actually two versions of Wonder Boy 3. The original arcade game, Monster Lair, didn’t arrive on the Master System until 1990. It’s a bit complicated, but that’s the story!

Overall, The Dragon’s Trap received good reviews, with critics praising its graphics and gameplay. Similar to Ys, it features some ideas that would later become popular in games like Wonder Boy 3. While it might not be quite as polished as Metroid or Castlevania, it’s clearly aiming for a similar style and experience.

2) Phantasy Star

Seeing the success of games like Dragon Quest, Sega decided to create its own role-playing game, Phantasy Star, for the Master System. The developers aimed to make it stand out, so they included features like 3D dungeon exploration, a female main character, and a unique world that blended fantasy and science fiction.

It’s clear the developers were heavily inspired by Star Wars, and that influence really makes the game unique. This was crucial, as Phantasy Star came out only two days after the popular Final Fantasy on the Famicom.

While not an ideal starting point, Phantasy Star became a key game for Sega in the 1980s. It also started a franchise that would later evolve into the popular online game, Phantasy Star Online.

1) Alex Kidd in Miracle World

Originally, Alex Kidd in Miracle World was planned as a Dragon Ball game. When the deal for the license didn’t work out, Sega’s CEO, Hayao Nakayama, asked the development team to completely restart the project. However, some design elements from the initial Dragon Ball concept still made their way into the final version of Alex Kidd.

Although Alex Kidd didn’t become the Mario competitor Sega hoped for, it was an important step in the development of Sonic. This 2D platformer lets you play as a young martial artist on a quest to rescue his kingdom. Both players and critics appreciated the game’s diverse gameplay and many levels. It wasn’t quite as popular as Mario, but Alex Kidd provided Sega fans with enjoyable games.

I remember playing a few Kidd games over the years, but it felt like the series officially ended with Alex Kidd in Shinobi World back in 1990. After that, Sega really started pushing Sonic as their mascot. We did get a remake of the original game in 2021, which was cool, but it doesn’t seem like Sega is planning on bringing Alex Kidd back anytime soon, sadly.

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2025-12-11 01:14