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The Best Sega Master System Games

Best GamesSega Master System

Written by

Matt James

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As with most consoles, choosing the best Sega Master System games is not only subjective but a challenge! Whilst the NES reigned supreme in the US, the Sega Master System developed a devout following predominantly in Europe.

It certainly was on my radar as a kid, with my own brother picking up an original ‘wedge’ Master System 1 complete with Hang On as the built-in game. It wasn’t until a few years later that I got my own Sega Master System II, with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in.

I was a bit behind the times since the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis had already been released, but that did not stop me from enjoying my first taste of console gaming, especially as the Power Base Converter for Sega’s new 16-Bit console made it easier to continue playing these 8-Bit classics.

1. Sonic the Hedgehog – 1991

We start off the list with perhaps an obvious choice, Sonic the Hedgehog blasted his way onto the Master System with not a direct copy of the Mega Drive / Genesis game, but his own brand new game, which immediately established itself as one of the best Sega Master System games.

Whilst the game shares a lot in common with the original 16-Bit version, the Master System and Game Gear versions have their own unique levels and soundtrack.

Sonic the Hedgehog was included as the built-in game on the later versions of the Master System 1 & 2.

Sega Master System - Sonic The Hedgehog
Sonic The Hedgehog

2. Alex Kidd in Miracle World – 1986

Alex Kidd in Miracle World is another classic Master System title that was also built into earlier versions of the Master System 1 & 2, meaning it is well known as a result.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World is a platformer who sees you, punching enemies, overcoming obstacles and playing rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors (Or Janken, which is also the name of the main boss in the game).

The game is also considered rare in its cartridge form, due to the game being mainly available built into the systems.

Sega Master System - Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Alex Kidd in Miracle World

3. Wonder Boy III – The Dragon’s Trap – 1989

This is the first of three Wonder Boy games for the Master System that has made this list, and we start with the third game in the series.

Wonder Boy III – The Dragon’s Trap is considered the best in the series on the system. Wonder Boy III is an action/adventure platformer that sees Wonder Boy cursed by Mecha Dragon and is transformed into different creatures throughout the game.

Not being content with being one of the best Sega Master System games, Wonder Boy III recently underwent a remaster and appeared on the likes of the PS4, Switch, Xbox One & PC.

Sega Master System - Wonderboy III The Dragon's Trap
Wonderboy III The Dragon’s Trap

4. Shinobi (USA, Europe) – 1988

Shinobi is an 8-bit conversion of the original Sega Arcade classic for the Sega Master System. Shinobi is an earlier game in the Master System’s life but does a fantastic job of recreating the original. The game also includes the shuriken throwing levels as well as introducing a new life bar system and fighting abilities.

This is a great example of how well the Master System could produce scaled-back arcade ports.

Sega Master System - Shinobi
Shinobi

5. Phantasy Star – 1987

Phantasy Star is one of Sega ‘legend’ Yuji Naka’s earlier games and is now considered of significant importance in RPG gaming for its characters and blend of using science fiction and medieval fantasy worlds, as well as one of the best Sega Master System games you can play today!

Phantasy Star is also one of the most successful examples you will find in the RPG genre on any 8-bit system, which proved a real boost for the Sega Master System at the time.

Sega Master System - Phantasy Star
Phantasy Star

6. Wonder Boy in Monster Land – 1988

The second Wonder Boy game on the list and it’s Wonder Boy in Monster Land. I’m particularly fond of this game as it was one I originally owned for my Master System. Wonder Boy in Monster Land is a wonderful mix of platforming, action/adventure gaming, and wonderful visuals and sound.

An easy game to pick up and play and keeps you coming back for more.

Sega Master System - Wonder Boy in Monster Land
Wonder Boy in Monster Land

7. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – 1992

Many argue that Sonic 2 on the Master System is superior to the original game, but whilst it probably is a more refined version of the original game.

Again, as with the original, Sonic 2 for the Master System is not a direct port of the Mega Drive / Genesis version. The big difference here in terms of story is that Sonic has to rescue tails as opposed to having him play alongside you, to defeat Dr Robotnik.

I’m on the fence as to which game is better between this and the original, they’re both highly recommended.

Sega Master System - Sonic 2
Sonic 2

8. Streets of Rage – 1993

Streets of Rage on the Master System was always going to be a big ask, but surprisingly, a decent enough job has been made with this conversion of the original Mega Drive / Genesis game.

Sure, the amazing soundtrack of the original has had to be forgone as well as the multiplayer option, but Streets of Rage on the Master System certainly did enough to scratch the itch of those not fortunate enough to own the 16-bit version.

Sega Master System - Street's of Rage
Streets of Rage

9. Ninja Gaiden – 1992

Ninja Gaiden for the Master System came well after the arcade original and other console ports such as on the NES. Ninja Gaiden provides an excellent platform, hack & slash experience.

Unusually, Ninja Gaiden for the Master System appeared after the Game Gear version but notably improves on that version in every respect, making it one of the best-selling games of the year for the system.

Sega Master System - Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden

10. R-Type – 1988

The Master System conversion of the arcade classic, R-Type is definitely one of the greatest 8-bit versions of the game.

Whilst the game does suffer some sprite flickering and slow down in places, it is a very impressive conversion with very little compromise in terms of the level design and gameplay. The huge bosses are present along with excellent colour reproduction of all of the game’s assets.

R-Type is a very tough game that has huge replay value as a result.

Sega Master System - R-Type
R-Type

11. Wonder Boy – 1987

The original Wonder Boy is an excellent port for the Master System which is very close to the arcade original. The game retains all of its original charms and reproduces the original arcade soundtrack really well given the Master System’s basic sound chip.

This game is a pure side-scrolling platformer, it does not have the adventure elements seen in the subsequent Wonder Boy games, but is still a must-have on the Master System.

Sega Master System - Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy

12. Psycho Fox – 1989

Psycho Fox is a game you will see in a lot of other lists for the Master System. You get to play as Psycho Fox and his friends in this classic side-scrolling platformer. The game has more in common with the NES Mario games than the likes of Alex Kidd in terms of its design.

It’s a reasonably challenging game and one that impressed me at the time with its colourful and fun visuals.

Sega Master System - Psycho Fox
Psycho Fox

13. Golden Axe – 1989

Another arcade conversion here in the form of Golden Axe. This is another game that whilst the Master System may not have the sheer guts to compete with the Mega Drive / Genesis conversion, does a stand-up job in what it delivers.

Similar to Streets of Rage, there are compromises that have been made in terms of there being no multiplayer and there is now only a single character available to play through the game with. Besides these points, Golden Axe is a very enjoyable and impressive conversion.

Sega Master System - Golden Axe
Golden Axe

14. OutRun – 1987

Once again, thanks to Sega’s wealth of arcade games, we have another arcade port on the Master System. Outrun manages to retain the spirit of the arcade original, whilst albeit slightly downgraded, the graphics and sound make an excellent transition to the 8-bit system.

The Master System proving once again here that it could outperform the NES in terms of arcade conversions.

Sega Master System - OutRun
OutRun

15. Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse – 1991

First launched on the Mega Drive / Genesis in 1990, the Master System version of Castle of Illusion makes the jump wonderfully and is on many best Sega Master System games lists.

It is colourful, and the sprites and artwork are all excellent. It’s not the most difficult game, but it gave Master System owners a happy alternative to the Mega Drive / Genesis game. 

Sega Master System - Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

16. Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker – 1990

Released at a time when Michael Jackson was at his peak in popularity, it was hard to find a system without a Michael Jackson game.

This version is a clone of the Mega Drive / Genesis version and is another prime example of what the modest Master System can do. Yes, the sound and music lack the punch of the Mega Drive / Genesis version, but a decent effort was made to convert the visuals and gameplay down to the Master System here and really cannot be faulted in that respect.

Sega Master System - Michael Jackson's Moonwalker
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker

17. Ghouls’n Ghosts – 1991

Ghouls’n Ghosts is part of Capcom’s well-known side-scrolling platformer franchise.

Released on most computers and consoles of the time, the Master System version can certainly hold pride of place as one of the better versions, if not almost certainly the best 8-bit version of the game. All of the gameplay of the arcade is here, but just with scaled-back visuals and sound.

Another wonderful representation of an arcade game on the Master System and fully deserves its place on this best Sega Master System games list.

Sega Master System - Ghouls'n Ghosts
Ghouls’n Ghosts

18. Bubble Bobble – 1988

Appearing on many systems of the time (including an excellent port on the C64), one of the all-time arcade classics was a fairly early release on the Master System, aside from minor graphical differences and obviously the sound and music, this is as good as you can get to a perfect arcade conversion.

All of the gameplay remains intact and must have been a really exciting moment to pick this up on your Master System back in the 80s.

We recommend checking this out purely to check out its arcade authenticity.

Sega Master System - Bubble Bobble
Bubble Bobble

19. Fantasy Zone – 1986

Another Sega arcade classic, Fantasy Zone found its way onto the Master System not long after its initial arcade release. You take control of a cute little spaceship with wings and feet, called Opa-Opa.

The game screams classic Sega arcade design in terms of its look and quirky angle on classic shooter gameplay. This was one of my earliest memories of the Sega Master System and will always have a home in my best Sega Master System games list!

A really colourful, fun, and challenging game, this is pure fun!

Sega Master System - Fantasy Zone
Fantasy Zone

20. Penguin Land – 1987

A Sega Master System exclusive, Penguin Land is a puzzle platform game that sees you play as a Penguin who guides eggs to the end of each level by melting and destroying blocks that will drop the egg to the bottom of each stage. It’s a simple but fun game that typically represents the Master System of the time.

A definite collector’s favourite!

Sega Master System - Penguin Land
Penguin Land

21. Hang-On – 1986

Hang-On is one of the more well-known Master System games because it was one of the games originally included as a built-in game on the original Master System. Hang-On is a very smooth, fast race against the clock motorbike racer.

Not visually close to the arcade game, the Master System version adopts a more colourful, cartoon-like visual but still has its roots at heart.

Be warned though, it can be a really tricky game, especially on the original Master System controller and its tendency to see you explode should you make contact with any other racers or objects!

Sega Master System - Hang On
Hang On

22. Cloud Master – 1989

Cloud Master is a port of a Taito arcade game that found its way onto several 8-bit systems. It is a side-scrolling shooter which is notoriously difficult! Battle a range of quirky enemies, such as bird men and bowls of soup, and defeat the end-of-level bosses!

It’s all a bit crazy, but that’s what we like about many of the 8-bit games of the time!

Sega Master System - Cloud Master
Cloud Master

Best Sega Master System Games Video

Why not try out some of these classics with a Sega Master System emulator, our guide will help you find the best Sega Master System emulator to get you playing these classic games in no time!

What about Sega’s other systems, including the SG-1000, which is where the story began for Sega, check out our article on the best Sega SG-1000 games. The Sega Game Gear also saw a lot of these classic titles, check these out in our best Sega Game Gear games article.