Although SEGA exited the console market in 2001 after the demise of the Dreamcast, the company has lived on as a game developer and publisher. Many fans, however, still have fond memories of SEGA's heyday, when the company was releasing stellar platformers, excellent arcade ports, and even controversial titles that led to a congressional hearing about violence in video games.
Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch has proven to be an incredibly versatile gaming console. Because of its unique ability to dock to a television or be played handheld, it's great for playing newer open-world adventures, as well as retro 2D sidescrollers, making it the perfect system to port classic games to.
Puyo Puyo
Puyo Puyo is a Tetris-like title that was initially released for the Mega Drive in 1992 in Japan. Gamers in Europe and North America received a slightly altered version of the game the next year, being branded as Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine in order to capitalize on the global success of the Sonic franchise.
In the game, players must match colored "puyos" in groups of four to make them disappear, trying to avoid their columns from filling up to the top. The franchise has seen massive success, releasing over 20 games, including two Tetris crossover titles. It's a great game to play while on-the-go using the Switch in handheld mode.
Virtua Racing
SEGA's Virtua Racing helped create the modern racing game. When it was released in arcades in 1992, it was considered visually groundbreaking for transporting racers into a completely 3-D world. Because of the game's immense popularity, SEGA even ported Virtua Racing to the 32X and Sega Saturn.
The Nintendo Switch version has an increased framerate, as well as online play and local multiplayer which can up to eight racers. It's an excellent choice for fans of retro gaming, gaming history, or even fans of Mario Kart who are looking for a change of scenery.
Night Trap
In 1992, Night Trap was released for the Sega CD. Night Trap was an FMV interactive movie in which players operate a series of traps and security cameras at a rural estate. The plot centers around a group of girls who stay overnight, unaware that the estate is filled with vampiric creatures. It's up to players to monitor the girls and deploy traps in order to keep them alive.
Due to its "violent content", Night Trap caused an uproar that led to a Senate hearing, and ultimately, the creation of the ESRB. In reality, the game is campy and ridiculous, but also a massive part of entertainment history. Its historical importance alone warrants a playthrough by all gamers.
Phantasy Star
Fans of RPG games will certainly want to get their hands on the rerelease of the original Phantasy Star. The game was initially released in 1987 on the Sega Master System. At the time, it was revolutionary to have such a complete RPG world on a console (it was released the same month as the original Final Fantasy).
What really made Phantasy Star stand out was its 3D dungeon levels. It was one of the first games outside of the arcade that truly built 3D levels, and audiences took note. The game was so popular that it launched a series of titles, including another revolutionary game, Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the first MMORPG console game.
SEGA Genesis Classics
For any gamer looking to get the most bang for their buck, the Genesis Classics collection is a must-buy. The collection features some of the best Genesis/Mega Drive titles that aren't available to buy on their own, including Streets of Rage, Vectorman, Shining Force, and more.
The collection has over 50 games and has even added new features like the ability to save a game, as well as online multiplayer. It's an awesome way for every SEGA fan to replay their favorite classics in a whole new way.
Herzog Zwei
In Herzog Zwei, gamers operate a flying battle mech. Through the mech, players can purchase and deploy troops with the hopes of overtaking enemy bases. It's considered one of the first real-time strategy games ever, even predating Dune II by almost three years.
In fact, gamers will likely notice some rough similarities to later games like StarCraft, proving the lasting power Herzog Zwei had on the genre. The Switch version even has an online multiplayer mode, allowing friends to battle against each other.
Space Harrier
Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter that SEGA originally released in arcades in 1985, and was eventually ported to the Master System and even the ill-fated 32X. In the game, a human named Harrier must use his jet-powered gun to save an alien world.
The game isn't exactly known for its gripping story, but instead for its fast-paced on-rails gameplay. Its speed and action create a really fun experience similar to SNES' Star Fox (although Space Harrier arguably has better graphics). Best of all, the Switch version has a much better frame rate and controls, leading to an incredibly smooth gaming experience.
Panzer Dragoon
In 2020, a remaster of the classic Sega Saturn game, Panzer Dragoon, was released. Panzer Dragoon is an on-rails shooter where players soar through the air on a dragon, shooting down enemies. One of the trademark features of the game was that players could move the camera angle, which was critical during certain moments in combat.
What made the new game so interesting is that it was designed to simply be a remastered version of the original 1995 game. Despite the massive graphical improvement, the title remains virtually the same shot-for-shot. A few tweaks were made to the controls to allow for better handling from modern gamers, but all-in-all, it's a remastered replica of the original.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Critically and commercially, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is considered one of the best Sonic games ever. SEGA took what worked in the first game and added to it, such as the addition of a new character, Miles "Tails" Prower; expanded level designs; 3D bouns rounds; and even multiplayer.
Naturally, the game was critically acclaimed upon release and went on to be included in numerous Sonic game collections, as well as receiving ports to the Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and a 2013 remaster. The Switch release even allows gamers to play as Knuckles, who was originally only unlockable when the Sonic 2 cartridge was docked on top of Sonic and Knuckles.
Sonic The Hedgehog
No SEGA fan can think about retro gaming without the original Sonic game coming to mind. The 1991 title helped thrust SEGA's Genesis/Mega Drive console into the spotlight, and even gave Nintendo a run for their money, leading the two to engage in the notoriously competitive "Console Wars" of the 90s.
What set Sonic the Hedgehog apart from other platformers was the game's speed. Sonic wasn't a slow character who meandered through a level. Instead, he raced through levels on a fast-paced adventure, leading to a gaming experience that players had never seen before.
