Sega Mega Drive Mini – The Top 5 Surprises

The Sega Mega Drive Mini, released in 2019, was Sega’s answer to the demand created by Nintendo’s releases of both the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System in miniature form, known as Classic Editions, in 2016 and 2017 respectively, as well as Sony’s own Playstation Classic miniature console in 2018.

It goes without saying that this now rare-to-find physical emulator is essential for any Sega Mega Drive fan. Sega definitely looked at the lacklustre results of Sony’s effort and ensured the conversions were optimum, enlisting M2 to handle them, ensuring first-party production quality throughout. The choice of games also heralds quite a few tasty surprises. Castlevania: Bloodlines, Mega Man: The Wily Wars and Contra: Hard Corps are among the rarer and desirable classics on offer, as well as a very welcome return of Road Rash 2. Who knew Sega and EA even still talked?

There is of course the classic titles that will be of no surprise, and nor should they be: Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel remain among the most treasured 16-bit classics. Many other Sega classics dominate the 42 selections on offer, from Golden Axe to Strider, even the 16-bit Virtua Fighter 2 port. Yes, that was a thing.

The console itself, at 55% the size of the original classic, certainly looks the part. Much like Nintendo’s mini editions, Sega’s effort looks aesthetically pleasing on the eye. Bundled with the traditional three-button controller, with support for the Retro-Bit six-button option, most if not all the titles are catered for straight out of box. On the downside, Sega have been releasing various Genesis/Mega Drive collections since the PS2 era, resulting in 57% of the 42 making a reappearance on the Mega Drive Mini. Its a minor quibble, given little can argue that regardless of how many times they are released, many of these titles were key to the Mega Drive being a success. From Alex Kidd to World of Illusion, The Mega Drive Mini was certainly worth the money and time. With that in mind, and in no particular order here are my top five surprises from this miniature medium.

The inclusion of Castlevania: Bloodlines was certainly one of the most anticipated for many reasons. Firstly, it is the only Castlevania game for Sega’s platform, and was also exclusive at the time. Thankfully, the version included matches that of the recently released Castlevania: Anniversary Collection for PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch in that it is uncensored; its original 1994 release felt the wrath of the censors, much like Mortal Kombat did for the SNES. The end result is a traditional Castlevania adventure that is also among the most violent in the series.

Not an obvious choice for many I’m sure, but a pleasing one in my eyes nonetheless. What sets Eternal Champions apart it is unique to the Mega Drive, and later Mega CD, and isn’t an arcade port like its more successful counterpart giants of the genre. Sega’s answer to Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat was better than neither of them, but could easily be considered the cult choice. ​Its unique characters from different time periods, including caveman Slash, futuristic Muay Thai fighter R.A.X. Coswell and 1920’s mobster Larcen Tyler, are unlike any other fighting franchise. With weapon-wielding, a special move meter in the mould of SNK’s Art of Fighting, and even its own take on fatalities, Eternal Champions is an equally unique, if a little clunky, fighting experience.

On the back of Capcom developing Street Fighter II: Turbo for the SNES, Sega made the wise choice of delaying their own version of Street Fighter II to improve its content. Originally intended as a port of the namesake arcade, this newly dubbed “Special” edition includes both ‘Champion’ and ‘Turbo’ modes, the former of which the SNES version never had. In addition, this was the first console port of the famous fighting introduction sequence, which is noticeably absent from all SNES versions of Street Fighter II.​It’s incredible to think that a decision to originally stick with Nintendo as its home console base, then to come full circle and over-compensate for a rival console would result in such a console-defining moment. Special Champion Edition became a revolutionary move for the Mega Drive, paving the way for production of the 6-button controller. A controller that resolved the initial issue of toggling between punches and kicks with the 3-button pad start button. A decision that transformed a title that was originally unworkable, to arguably having better control than its SNES counterpart.Although it trumps the SNES Turbo title on feature inclusions, what of the action itself? Everything is intact, plus the additions of tournament modes and both ‘Champion’ and ‘Turbo’ modes give the Street Fighter II Turbo a run for its money. As ever though, the Mega Drive just isn’t up there when it comes to the sound quality. The slightly muffled tunes and voices let the side down just a tad. Nevertheless, this is the best fighter the Mega Drive ever had to offer, until the arrival of its sequel, Super Street Fighter II.

Road Rash II is easily one of the greatest racing games for Sega’s 16-bit system. The core elements of racing coupled with a flair for dirty fighting tactics to take out your rivals makes for challenging yet brilliant entertainment. Pick up chains, clubs or punch/kick your way through multiple obstacle-riddled tracks at breakneck speeds. Road Rash II is simply an insane amount of fun.​Childhood memories of Road Rash 2 include unlocking several of the nitro bikes, such as the black nitro addition, a bike that would often go too fast, and any collision your rider would simply fly through the air from the impact, hilariously defying gravity. Great memories indeed. Although not much different than it’s predecessor the biggest addition from the original is the split screen 2 player mode, racing against CPU opponents or going one on one with a mate.

Road Rash 2 is simply a riot of a racing game, and was a very welcome surprise to the Mega Drive Mini.

A unique inclusion given this was its first ever re-release, and actual release for some of the world, Mega Man: The Wily Wars was unique to me in that I’d never had the pleasure. This unique 16-bit take of the first three NES Mega Man games is more than just a game collection: Dr Wily seeks to change the future by going back in time, to the first three adventures, to eliminate Mega Man. Once you’ve conquered the graphically-enhanced adventures, it’s on to an original stage, Wily Tower, for a final showdown.

Given its sporadic release back in 1995, particularly in the US, it’s no surprise that Wily Wars currently sits on eBay with a “worth” of several hundred pounds. Which in turn makes it all the more pleasing that it was included here. Mega Man: The Wily Wars has since gone on to have a new home on the Nintendo Switch Online library.

And there you have it, the most surprising games to come from the Mega Drive Mini. What were yours?