List of the Best Sega Genesis Games

Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2 and 3

• The Sonic the Hedgehog series was arguably the most popular video game franchise on any Sega console, and these three games were some of the best games available at the time. Sonic became the console's icon and reached a level of popularity equal to Mario on Nintendo̵7;s consoles. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was the Genesis̵7; best-selling game, selling 6 million units.

Streets of Rage 1 and 2

• Streets of Rage is another popular Genesis franchise. Both the original and its sequel were well reviewed. The Video Game Critic called the first game an "absolute classic that seems to get better with time. It called the second version "the best game in the series." This 2D side-scroller lets you choose from three available characters as you fight through waves of bad guys. There is also a co-op mode that allows you to play with friends.

Earthworm Jim

• Earthworm Jim is one of the Genesis̵7; most beloved games. You play as a muscular earthworm tasked with saving a princess from a goldfish bad guy. The games humor, art style and music were hailed as a "post modern classic" by Electric Playground when it was released in 1994.

Mortal Kombat II

• Wrought with controversy over its violent gameplay, Mortal Kombat II is a game that will forever go down in infamy. This arcade-style fighter features a list of video game's most popular characters, such as Scorpion, Raiden and Goro. The games Capitol Hill battle was as gruesome as the game is violent, with politicians condemning its release and pushing for video game regulation.

Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master

• This 1994 release has you play as Joe Musashi, a capable ninja who must use his stealth and warrior skills to take down the evil Neo Zeed. Shinobi touts its realistic graphics and real ninja sound effects as selling points. This game was popular with gamers and well received by critics, with Honest Gamers calling it "remarkable in most every way, and brilliantly executed."

ToeJam and Earl

• Similar to Earthworm Jim, this is another odd-ball title for the Sega Genesis. You choose between playing as ToeJam or Earl, aliens from the planet Funkotron. You must collect all of the pieces to a spaceship so you can return home. GamerVision called the game "a gem" and "one of the most memorable games from the Sega Genesis library."