SEGA is a legendary video game company that has survived through multiple eras of the industry. The gaming landscape would look very different without this publisher and developer. Working on titles for arcade systems, its own platforms, and other consoles, SEGA has produced a range of fantastic games that have stood the test of time.
SEGA continues to innovate and develop in the modern age and has created plenty of franchises that it could revive at any point. The best SEGA games are not only integral for the future of these respective series, but they were also imaginative and forward-thinking in their mechanics. These games were either directly created by SEGA or were influenced once launched on SEGA's console systems. Although there are many more that could make the list, these are some of the best!
10 Disney's Aladdin (1993)
There are numerous Disney Interactive Games out there that deserve a remake and Aladdin recently re-released on the Nintendo Switch. The classic arcade-style side-scroller was developed by SEGA with Disney, Virgin Interactive, and Crawfish Entertainment.
Although Disney's Aladdin was famed for its difficulty, it fantastically recreated the animated movie with a retro soundtrack to match. Fast-paced and vibrant, Aladdin made its name on consoles like the SEGA Genesis, NES, and Game Boy. Mechanically it reinvented the formula and its mainstream appeal was aided by its polished execution of a well-known IP.
9 Madden NFL '94 (1993)
The Madden series owes a lot to the early title Madden NFL '94, as this was the first in the line to actually have the NFL license. It was developed by Visual Concepts and High Score Productions alongside EA. It launched on SNES and crucially the SEGA Genesis.
While SEGA did not have a specific hand in creating Madden, the sports title was a defining game on the SEGA Genesis and required the company's expertise in its adaptation to the platform. Neither the console nor the series would perhaps be in their celebrated positions without this collaboration. Although the gameplay may seem dated now, for its time period this was a gorgeous digital display of the great sport in action.
8 Super Monkey Ball (2001)
Platforming party games are few and far between nowadays, but SEGA helped to produce a giant of the genre. Although there will be arguments that Monkey Ball sequels are superior, the importance of the initial release cannot be denied. The first Monkey Ball was developed by Amusement Vision.
Created for the Sega NAOMI arcade system, Monkey Ball was endlessly imaginative and incredibly fun. Immediately gaining critical acclaim, it was the notion that this could produce a group experience that really helped it to stand out. The variety of party and mini-games crafted good variety within the confines of the title, while taking advantage of the absurdity of the character designs.
7 Sonic Generations (2011)
Needless to say, Sonic had to appear on a SEGA 'best of' in multiple forms and SEGA Generations is still arguably the best entry into the franchise to date. Sonic Team helped to put this piece together, with the game hitting the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows and Nintendo 3DS.
Sonic Generations features some of the series' best characters. It allows players to control two variations of Sonic that reflect the hero's evolution. This is a game that respects Sonic's varied history and takes great joy in contrasting the retro with the modern. It's a valuable display of the franchise at its peak!
6 Golden Axe (1989)
There are some video games from the height of the side-scrolling era that players will have especially fond memories of. Although it may feature some of the weird details of old SEGA games, Golden Axe is still a classic to be honored. Over the years, it has released on consoles like the SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis, alongside Master System and Arcade platforms.
Golden Axe transported players into a hack-n-slash world of heroes, monsters, and legends. Its recognizable soundtrack and varied enemy types ensured the game was always exciting to pick up. Although aspects of its sequel might be superior, the original Golden Axe importantly laid the foundations, thus making it the best.
5 Yakuza 0 (2015)
The Yakuza franchise has seemingly gone from strength to strength as it learns to reinvent itself for each generation of console. Yakuza 0 has always been a standout in the run. SEGA worked with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio to make this a reality. It was produced for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and 4, and for PC.
The action-adventure game Yakuza 0 is actually set before the events of the very first game. This shift in the timeline instantly made it intriguing for fans of the series. Its deep open-world environment was complemented by the title's vast attention to detail. Plus, its experimentation with different fighting styles helped propel Yakuza 0 into mass popularity.
4 Sonic The Hedgehog (1991)
It was all reinvigorated by a Hedgehog. It's hard to deny that SEGA can attribute a great deal of its success to the Sonic character. The racer debuted in the first Sonic the Hedgehog game which was created by Sonic Team. The game has appeared on major platforms from SEGA Genesis to Nintendo Switch, and Game Boy Advance to iOS!
The timeless side-scroller Sonic the Hedgehog is so vital for establishing the mechanics of the franchise. The unique world-building, hilarious character designs, and notorious theme music all came together for a perfect blend of high-quality game development. It's one of those games that everyone should play at least once!
3 Bayonetta (2009)
Bayonetta has taken a few different forms in its time, but this first entry into the series set a few key aspects of the franchise in stone. Developed by SEGA and PlatinumGames, the game was released on PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One, the Wii U, the Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Bayonetta introduced the compelling shape-shifting titular witch and her unique magical attacks. This fictional universe felt expansive in its ingenuity and the rating system that was employed gave players a sense of how they were progressing. There's nothing traditional about the action-adventure, with the game aiding in establishing the use of quick-time events in new ways.
2 Streets Of Rage 2 (1992)
Streets of Rage might depict a few of the problems of playing classic games today, but its sequel ironed out many of those flaws. SEGA went solo in developing this recognizable name. The title launched on the Mega Drive and Genesis before releasing on Game Gear, Master System, and the Nintendo 3DS.
Streets of Rage 2 is a purist's side-scrolling beat-em-up. Its wide variety of enemy types, fun combo attacks, and solid graphics enhanced the player experience. This genre of game can get repetitive or tiresome in the wrong hands. But SEGA fine-tuned every single element, from the settings to the soundtrack to produce Streets of Rage 2's kinetic energy.
1 Ghouls 'N Ghosts (1988)
The original Ghosts 'n Goblins is fondly remembered despite its incredibly difficult gameplay. Ghouls n' Ghosts is the sequel and somehow upped the ante leading to massive commercial success. SEGA worked with Capcom and NEC Avenue on the game. They brought it to a huge array of platforms like Amstrad, Atari ST, SEGA Genesis, PlayStation 2, and Commodore 64.
Ghouls n' Ghosts was a side-scrolling platformer through and through, sticking to many of the tropes of the genre. That's what makes it so charming. It copied multiple elements from the first installment including its lead Arthur and his combat mechanics. But a new intriguing narrative and varied enemies made this feel fresher. In classic Ghosts fashion, players have to complete the levels twice to really finish the game.