Sega Genesis Reviews


Welcome to the Sega Genesis Reviews page. Here you will find The ‘Tude Dude’s Retro Review directory for the Sega Genesis as well as a brief introduction to the console and its accessories.

(Click on any link below in the “Quick Links” section or on any in the “Sega Genesis Review Links” section to jump to that page)
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Quick Links

Game Rating
Jerry Glanville's Pigskin Footbrawl 4 out of 5
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 out of 5
Streets Of Rage 5 out of 5
Two Crude Dudes

About The Sega Genesis

Ushering in the next generation with a demographic-centralized branding campaign focused around edginess and cocksure pomposity, the Sega Genesis (dubbed Mega Drive in every region outside of North America) left its mark as the first true contender to the stranglehold Nintendo had on the home console market during the video game renaissance period experienced in the mid-to-late 80’s. Blending perfectly with the American youth culture at the time, the Genesis backed up its boastfulness with an incredibly deep roster of titles that looked and sounded superior to what the NES could do, effectively putting the Mario company on notice that a new challenger had stepped up to claim supremacy. SEGA!!!

Release Date (USA) August 14, 1989
# Of Licensed Releases 878
Default Cartridge Design (USA)
Popular Exclusive’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Streets Of Rage 2, Revenge Of Shinobi, Gunstar Heroes, Phantasy Star IV

Console Variants (USA)


  • With an eye-grabbing case design, headphone input and prominent display of its 16-bit capabilities, the Sega Genesis model 1 (unofficial designation) set the tone for the edgy company and established itself as the most recognizable and common variation within the house that Sonic built.


  • Redesigned around a more compact square plastic shell that was less cumbersome when combined with the Sega CD peripheral, the Sega Genesis model 2 met with mixed results overall compared to its predecessor though its inclusion of true stereo sound was a welcome addition.


  • Stripped down to its most basic functionality to create the smallest version yet, the Sega Genesis model 3 (manufactured by Majesco) retains all of the same outputs as the model 2 except the Sega CD port rendering it incompatible with both it and the Sega 32X accessory.


  • Granting players the coveted ability to partake in their Genesis games on the go, the Sega Nomad lacked a dock and play feature but did contain a VIDEO OUT port allowing it to still be used as a controller with the system displaying through your television which was certainly an “ahead of its time” feature. 

Controllers (USA)


  • Sega’s first Genesis controller design included an 8-way directional pad, 3 face buttons arranged in an arcade-like proportion, 1 start button and a “batarang”-shaped shell.

  •  
    With a more compact and comfortable finish from its older brother combined with 3 additional face buttons that make fighting games actually playable, the 6-button controller is the premiere way to engage with the Sega Genesis surpassing the original’s bulkiness in just about every way.


  • With Increased turbo/slow functionality erected within a weaker encasement from its predecessors, the MK-1470 controller became more prominent during the Genesis model 3 days though its merit is bathed in question marks.


  • Delivering the best arcade feel on the Genesis at home, the Arcade Power Stick 6B features large buttons for effective gameplay, turbo functionality with adjustable speeds and a nice wrist-rest next to its joystick for additional comfort.

Popular Accessories (USA)


  • Ingratiating itself with Sega’s incumbent fanbase through the magic of backwards compatibility, the Power Base Converter opens up an extensive library of 8-bit Master System games that only works with the Genesis model 1. 


  • Radicalizing the Genesis with increased mega power, the Sega CD paired with its patriarchal playmate like a Harley Davidson with The Terminator, offering an exclusive array of CD-ROM titles that pushed the medium into a hyperbole-filled frenzy.


  • Much like its Sega CD cousin, the 32X supplies a unique library of releases at double the bit count of its nucleus Genesis console though the fact that only a staggering low 34 games were designed for it says all it needs to about its quality in the grand scheme.


  • Intentionally appearing more like something you’d see flying around in Star Trek than an actual firearm, the Sega Menacer was the perennial light-gun for the Genesis, increasing the payload of arcade-style shooters for team Sonic.


  • Increasing its influence into the next generation, the Genesis version of the Game Genie granted random gaming wishes in cheat form all over Sega’s vast collection of 16-bit titles. 


  • One of the earliest examples of streaming, the Sega Channel connected to a content server via coaxial allowing for players to download available games to the peripheral’s on-board RAM for a monthly fee.


  • A precursor to later innovations like the Wii and Xbox Kinect, the Sega Activator used infrared beams to sense player’s movements standing inside its center though its poor execution is much more memorable than anything it
    actually delivered to the video game lexicon.

Sega Genesis Review Links


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