Gamers nowadays might turn a blind eye to a game in any way related to the word ‘retro’, instead favoring a next-gen HD experience (no matter how bland!). While undeniably terrific games, masterpieces even, have been created over the last 3-4 years on the latest consoles from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo respectively, it is still important to look back at the games that inspired many future generations of developers. Sonic, Golden Axe, and Streets of Rage are just 3 series’ included within Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection (Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection in PAL regions), a collection of games previously on the Genesis/Mega Drive, available on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. The package is available at a bargain price, with the MSRP standing at $29.99, with many outlets offering it at an even lower price.

Upon loading up the game for the first time, you are greeted with 40 instantly playable Genesis titles. Having heard great things about the Phantasy Star franchise without ever getting the chance actually play it, I was eager to start off my gaming session with the first game in the series, hopefully enjoying it, leading to me wanting to play the inevitable sequels. However, I was left dumbfounded after the gap between Kid Chameleon and Phantasy Star II became apparent. “WHERE THE HELL’S THE FIRST GAME?!” I roared. I then Google’d in anger, only to find out that the first game in the series was an unlockable title, one of 9 available in the Collection. A rather strange move on the part of the designers, but seeing as the first one was on the Sega Master System (all titles on that system are unlockable), I suppose it was a fair move. Not wanting to play 2/3/4 without playing the first in the series, I decided to game elsewhere.

After playing through titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2 & 3, and the Streets of Rage trilogy, it is good to see just how well a lot of the games on the disk hold up to today’s standards. Sure, they’re not as flashy in terms of graphics, and the storylines might not be as compelling as recent games, such as the Metal Gear Solid series, but the ‘Fun factor’ is definitely still there. I had an absolute blast with these games, and you still enjoy the sense of speed in Sonic, and the level of….badassery in the Streets of Rage series.

The games definitely stay true to their original releases, with many still being notoriously difficult. On many there is an ‘easy’ level on which to play, or the ability to give yourself extra lives. Despite this, a lot of the titles are still very challenging – a stark contrast to the majority of next-gen games. It’s good to see.

Music within the titles is a mixed bag, with some ringing in your head for hours after playing, but others forcing you to mute the TV almost immediately. A soundtrack of all the titles within the game was made available to Australia and New Zealand, with only 3500 copies being manufactured. For me personally, the music from Comix Zone and Streets of Rage were memorable for the right reasons, Flicky was…quite the opposite.

Some have had complains about the game, claiming that every Mega Drive title could fit on a Bluray (PS3) disk with room to spare, and that having just 49 titles available was a rip-off. I can see where these people are coming from, but the amount of time you can get out of the titles is pretty incredible. There are hundreds, yes, hundreds of hours of fun to be had with the games, and I still consider the price to be more than reasonable. There are many interviews and box arts to be unlocked, as well as the hidden games, and the game supports Trophies and Achievements for the PS3/360.

There are so many games within this package that everyone is bound to find something they enjoy. It’s more than just nostalgia, it’s a genuinely terrific bundle, with some of the most memorable, and important games of our lifetimes included. If you’ve missed out on any of the titles on this CD, then that’s a reason to buy it. If you’ve played the games before, but not in the last 15 years, then it’s a great opportunity to reminisce about the games from your past. I say buy this collection, you won’t be sorry!

By Patrick M (ZippyPatrick)