10 Best Platformers on the Sega Genesis

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The Sega Genesis was a standout console for platformer games. While these types of games were popular on 8- and 16-bit systems, the Genesis hosted some of the very best during the 1980s and 90s. We reviewed numerous excellent platformers released for the Genesis to create a list of the top ten. We based our choices on how well-liked the games were, their sales figures, and what critics thought at the time. The list is in no specific order, and we only included one game per series.

1) Ristar

Released in early 1995 near the end of the Genesis console’s lifespan, Ristar was a fun and original platformer that unfortunately didn’t get much attention. The game stars an adorable, stretchy-armed star character who uses his arms to fight and navigate levels. A version was also made for the Sega Game Gear, though it had to be adjusted to work with the handheld’s hardware. Critics and players generally liked Ristar, but unlike many other popular platformers, it didn’t launch a whole series of games. Despite this, Sega has re-released Ristar several times, allowing new and old fans to enjoy it on different systems over the years.

2) Rocket Knight Adventures

In Rocket Knight Adventures, you play as a heroic possum knight armed with a sword and a rocket pack, fighting against the evil Devotindos Empire. This fast-paced, side-scrolling game is packed with enemies and engaging gameplay. It has seven levels, each divided into sections leading up to a challenging boss fight. Rocket Knight Adventures boasts stunning 2D graphics that still look fantastic on the Sega Genesis, making it a standout platformer for the system. The game proved popular enough to create a small series, with several titles being re-released over the years.

3) Disney’s Aladdin

Video games based on movies aren’t usually top-rated, but Disney’s Aladdin is a standout platformer. It was released on several consoles, but the Sega Genesis version is widely considered the best. It had superior graphics, animation, gameplay, and storytelling compared to the SNES version. The game retells the movie’s story as a 2D platformer, and its unique look comes from the fact that Disney animators digitally hand-drew all of the artwork, making it visually impressive for a game released in 1993.

4) Contra: Hard Corps

Although Contra initially gained popularity on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Contra: Hard Corps was the first game in the series released for the Sega Genesis. It takes place five years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars and offers the same fast-paced, 2D run-and-gun action players loved in previous games. Some fans see it as a separate story rather than a direct sequel, as it centers around Hard Corps, a new, highly skilled team. After Contra: Hard Corps proved successful, several follow-up games were made, further distinguishing it from the main Contra series. The game has been re-released twice and continues to offer the same fun and engaging gameplay it did when it first came out in 1994.

5) Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

The Illusion series from Sega began in 1990 with Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, a game many consider the highlight of the franchise, though later installments are also well-regarded. The game puts players in control of Mickey Mouse as he tries to rescue Minnie from inside the treacherous Castle of Illusion. It’s widely considered one of the best Disney platformers ever made, boasting fantastic gameplay, visuals, sound, and a captivating story. The game has been re-released and remade for newer consoles and continues to be a beloved title for Disney and platforming game fans alike.

6) Gunstar Heroes

Many consider Gunstar Heroes to be one of the best platformer games for the Sega Genesis. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed 2D game where you play as one of the Gunstars, tasked with stopping an evil empire from collecting four powerful gems. You’ll use a variety of weapons and acrobatic skills to fight enemies and defeat bosses. Originally released in 1993, Gunstar Heroes was incredibly popular and has since been re-released on several platforms, including a sequel called Gunstar Super Heroes for the Game Boy Advance in 2005.

7) The Revenge of Shinobi

The Shinobi series is known for its great platforming games, and many fans consider The Revenge of Shinobi to be the best on the Sega Genesis. It was the first Shinobi game made for the Genesis, taking place three years after the original. Players control Joe Musashi as he fights his way through eight different districts, culminating in a final boss battle. Each district has three sections: two are traditional 2D platforming levels, and the third is a boss fight. Interestingly, the game’s licensing led to some changes for Western releases, swapping in characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Godzilla.

8) Dynamite Headdy

I absolutely love Dynamite Headdy! You play as Headdy, this awesome puppet, and you’re on a mission to stop a really nasty puppet king from taking over the world. The coolest thing is how he fights – he literally throws his head at enemies! But it’s not just for attacking; his head also helps him get past obstacles, and you can find different heads throughout the game that give him new powers. It’s a really strange idea, I’ll admit, but it makes the game so much fun. Honestly, the way they built the whole game around Headdy’s head makes it one of the most creative and unique platformers on the Genesis – it really stands out!

9) Strider

Originally an arcade game in 1989, Strider quickly became popular on the Sega Genesis the next year. While it appeared on many consoles, the Genesis version was highly regarded and even won Game of the Year awards from Electronic Gaming Monthly and other sources. The game follows Strider, a hero on a mission to defeat the villainous Grandmaster Meio and liberate the planet. Strider was celebrated for its excellent graphics, controls, gameplay, and sound – it’s still enjoyable to play today! It’s also considered a key influence on later action games like God of War.

10) Sonic the Hedgehog 3

No list of the best Sega Genesis platformers would be complete without a Sonic the Hedgehog game, and there are several excellent choices. While the original Sonic launched the series, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles are widely considered the best. These games were groundbreaking, notably for allowing players to connect Sonic 3 with Sonic & Knuckles (developed concurrently) to create a single, extended experience. Both games were huge successes on the Genesis, becoming some of the console’s best-selling titles and have been re-released multiple times since 1994.

What’s your go-to Sega Genesis platforming game? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-27 18:19