NOTE: This game is released in the US as Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection

Game Details

• Title: Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection
• Developer: Backbone Entertainment (Sega)
• Released (UK): 20/02/2009
• Age Rating: 16+
• Game Type: Compilation (mainly 2D platform games)
• Multi-player: Some local multiplayer depending on games

Before the Playstation VS Xbox fanboy wars there was the fanboy war to end all fanboy wars on the playgrounds of the UK which was better the Atari ST or the Amiga 500 (the Amiga of course) ;D. There then came the minor skirmish between the Sega Megadrive and the SNES. Many years later and eager to capitalize on peoples fond memories of the Sega Megadrive, Sega have released a compilation of 40 first party titles for the Xbox 360, the question is 20 Years after the consoles release are the games still any good.

Good Points

There are over 40 games on one DVD which is always a plus including several classics like the Sonic, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage and Phantasy Star games for the Megadrive along with a few bonus Arcade and Master System titles. The game is also quite cheap and can easily be picked up for £25. The achievements are also quite easy especially as most of the old Megadrive cheats still work.

Bad Points

Several of the title have already been released as XBLA games which may leave you feeling cheated. With the games being over a decade old they also show their age and if you ever played the originals you may be wondering why you ever thought they were good. It also reminds you just how irritating 2D platform games could be

My Recommendation

Consider – 7/10

Given what they have to work with, the title is fairly good. The main problem is that several of the games are showing their age and it may be best to not taint any fond memories you may have of them. If on the other hand you want to see just how far gaming technology has progressed in 15- 20 years play this then pop in any normal Xbox 360 game to see just how far things have come and wonder what progress the next 15-20 years will bring.