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While Zillion was based on a toy and anime series, it’s often compared to Nintendo’s Metroid. It doesn’t quite reach the levels of greatness of that classic, but it is still a great game with great visuals, interchangeable playable characters, and tons of action. The lack of a password or save feature hurts it, but there’s still lots of fun lurking in the Norsa Empire’s lair.
Sega redefined console RPGs with Phantasy Star Online, a game that remade the series into a multi-player affair more focused on action. It still had that classic feel, and it was one of the seminal titles on the console. With three friends and an Internet connection, this was THE game to play and a must-have release for the console.
Woody Pop came bundled with Sega’s paddle controller, but it’s not necessarily the best game to use with it. Poor presentation and problematic gameplay keep it from reaching the heights of other classic paddle games like Arkanoid or Kaboom!, and it even falls short compared to similar Master System games. Unless you’re looking to complete your Master System collection, this one shouldn’t be a priority.
Argonaut Software’s attempt at a 3D platformer on the Saturn is original enough to remain fun, despite suffering all the growing pains the genre endured during the 32-bit era. A finicky camera and tank controls are likely to turn some players away, but there’s enough quality here to occupy an afternoon for those willing to make the adjustment.
Not content to bring its arcade classic, Darius, to Sega’s 16-bit mini console release, M2 further refined the game for a full-blown cartridge release called Darius Extra Version. The game improves several areas significantly, making it more robust than arcade original and offering Genesis owners perhaps the seminal version of Darius.