You Won't Believe These 10 Sega Game Gear Games Are Actually This Good!

The best times for the company seemed to be in the era of Genesis, but it struggled after that time period. In contrast, the SG-1000 was exclusively released in Japan and surrounding regions, while the Master System thrived primarily in Europe and Brazil. Unfortunately, the Saturn didn’t fare well outside Japan, and the Dreamcast met its end.

Or:

The company experienced its golden age during the Genesis era, but faced difficulties following this period. In contrast, the SG-1000 was only launched in Japan and neighboring regions, whereas the Master System saw success mainly in Europe and Brazil. The Saturn failed to gain traction outside of Japan, and the Dreamcast ultimately bit the dust.

While these Sega consoles didn’t always shine in terms of hardware performance, they certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to the quality of games. Over time, many of their titles have emerged as hidden gems, particularly on the Game Gear, my favorite handheld console from Sega. Games like Mega Man and Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya were among its treasures.

Release Date – Circa Oct. 1995

Genre(s): Action and platform

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share that unlike the Mega Man games I usually play, which are developed by Capcom, the one for the Sega Game Gear was actually developed by Freestyle and published by U.S. Gold. However, it maintains the same action platforming mechanics and core concept as other mainline titles in the series. In this game too, the iconic cyborg character battles against Dr. Wily and his robotic creations.

I’m truly disappointed that finding a good copy of Mega Man for the Game Gear is such a challenge these days. It’s an exceptional addition to the series, skillfully compressing the classic Mega Man formula onto what was, at the time, a highly advanced handheld console. All the essential gameplay elements from the main Mega Man games – the shooting and action – are present and well-executed in

Release Date – Circa April 1991

Genre(s): Platform and adventure

Terrific game titled “Dizzy” is a platformer and adventure video production created and distributed by Codemasters across various systems, including the Sega Game Gear. This game centers around the main character, Dizzy, an egg hero. His realm, Yolkfolk, is under siege by a malevolent wizard named Zaks, who also captures Dizzy’s girlfriend, Daisy. It falls upon Dizzy to protect Yolkfolk and free his beloved from Zaks’ clutches.

The game, aptly named “Fantastic Dizzy,” truly delivers in multiple aspects, and not just through its narrative but also in its gameplay elements. Remarkably, this platformer allows players to traverse an exceptionally expansive world, a rarity for such games on portable systems like the Sega Game Gear. The objective is for Dizzy to gather more than a hundred stars, with the ultimate goal of rejuvenating Yolkfolk back to its initial splendor.

Release Date – Circa Nov. 1992

Genre(s): Action and platform

As a gamer, I’ve had my hands on the pulse-pounding action-platformer, “Chakan: The Forever Man,” developed by Extended Play and published by Sega. Originally launched for the legendary Sega Genesis console, it later found its footing on the portable Sega Game Gear. In this game, I embody Chakan, the unstoppable Forever Man, as I embark on a mission to eradicate every form of evil that plagues our world.

In terms of difficulty level for retro-style platform games, Chakan: The Forever Man stands out as particularly challenging, with good reason considering its darker, more mature theme. The game’s adversaries are notably intense compared to conventional platformers, and the protagonist, Chakan, is one of the toughest in the genre.

Chakan: The Forever Man is exceptionally challenging for a retro-style platform game, given its darker, more mature theme. Its enemies are far more intense than those found in traditional platformers, and the protagonist, Chakan, is among the most hardcore characters in the genre.

Release Date – Circa 1994

Genre(s): Tactical role-playing

The game titled “Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya” is an exclusive title within the Shining series of tactical role-playing games, designed specifically for the Game Gear console. This game serves as a sequel to the Japan-exclusive “Shining Force Gaiden,” also for the Game Gear. In “The Sword of Hajya,” the narrative unfolds months following the events in the previous game and centers around a group of royal warriors on a quest to locate the sword named Hajya, with the objective of safeguarding their kingdom.

The game’s caliber is comparable to other standouts, an impressive achievement indeed. Each playable character offers distinct approaches to combat, and their upgrades amplify their battle prowess. With a vast explorable world, Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya deserves recognition as a commendable addition to its franchise.

Release Date – Circa Nov. 1994

Genre(s): Platform

The 1994 video game “The Lion King” is famous, particularly its console versions like those for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was also released on a couple of less-popular handheld systems, such as the Game Boy and Game Gear, following the success of the Disney movie it was based on from that same year.

Fundamentally, The Lion King transforms the movie’s storyline into a platform game, featuring all the hurdles and setbacks players might encounter. Incredibly, the Game Gear version of The Lion King is equally demanding as its Sega Genesis counterpart, meaning it’s equally enjoyable. Enthusiasts of vintage Disney games should consider giving this portable game a spin.

Release Date – Circa Nov. 1993

Genre(s): Action-adventure

Ecco the Dolphin is a distinctive action-adventure video game, crafted by Novotrade International and distributed by Sega. Initially debuting on the Sega Genesis console, this game was later adapted for the Game Gear system. The story revolves around the protagonist dolphin named Ecco, who embarks on an oceanic journey to locate the mythical city of Atlantis. Throughout his voyage, he encounters numerous companions.

The Game Gear adaptation of Ecco the Dolphin is not only visually and audibly comparable to its Genesis counterpart, but it offers more than just superficial charm. In terms of gameplay, Ecco’s swimming skills remain unaltered, with his unique movesets still in place. Essentially, no elements have been negatively affected, making it a recommended addition for enthusiasts of the series.

Release Date – Feb. 16, 1995

Genre(s): Platform

Ristar, like its namesake on the Sega Genesis, is a platformer game designed for the Sega Game Gear. The storyline in both versions stays consistent, with Ristar journeying through his star system to demonstrate he’s the brightest star across the entire cosmos. Despite many similarities, Ristar isn’t just a port of its Genesis counterpart; instead, these two games have distinct differences when you consider them as separate entities.

In terms of visual appearance, the Ristar game on the Game Gear is nearly as good as its Genesis counterpart. However, when it comes to gameplay, the Game Gear version isn’t a significant step down from the original. The main difference is that the Game Gear version has fewer mini-boss battles and lacks some levels found in the Genesis version.

Release Date – Circa March 1993

Genre(s): Platform

In the platformer titled “Land of Illusion,” players assume the role of Mickey Mouse. This game was initially launched for the Sega Master System in Europe and Brazil, with a broader distribution on the Sega Game Gear following later. In this adventure, Mickey sets off to distant lands to rejuvenate a kingdom he dreamt of.

Moving forward from the Sega Genesis game Castle of Illusion featuring Mickey Mouse, which was also adapted for the Game Gear, Land of Illusion seems to be more tailored for portable gaming. Originally designed as an exclusive for the Master System, its layout aligns better with the Game Gear’s capabilities. Regardless, it’s a delightful platformer that presents Mickey Mouse in a captivating journey, enjoyable on either system.

Release Date – Circa Dec. 1992

Genre(s): Role-playing

The game titled “Defenders of Oasis” is a role-playing adventure that was uniquely designed for the Game Gear console by Sega.

Regarded as the top-tier RPG for the Game Gear, “Defenders of Oasis” remains robust and competes favorably with other Sega RPGs. Essential RPG elements such as hit points and their influence in combat are still present, and the game’s statistics are neatly arranged. Interestingly, “Defenders of Oasis” even incorporated an autosave function, placing it ahead of its contemporaries in terms of innovation.

Release Date – Nov. 23, 1993

Genre(s): Platform

The game titled “Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos” belongs to Sega’s well-known, high-speed platforming series. Initially launched in Europe for the Sega Master System, it later gained a worldwide release on the Sega Game Gear. In this version, the villainous Doctor Robotnik is trying to construct nuclear weapons using the Chaos Emeralds, and it falls upon Sonic and Tails to thwart his plans.

Instead of being a direct adaptation of previous “Sonic the Hedgehog” games on the Sega Game Gear and Master System, “Sonic Chaos” was specifically designed to take advantage of the handheld’s small yet potent capabilities. Consequently, “Sonic Chaos” is undeniably the swiftest 8-bit Sonic game ever produced, with signature moves like Sonic’s spin dash functioning flawlessly. As a result, “Sonic Chaos” stands out as an exceptional game designed exclusively for the Sega Game Gear.

2025-04-26 23:10

You Won’t Believe These 10 Sega Game Gear Games Are Actually This Good!