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What can really be said? This is the one that started it all! Phantasy Star kicked off an epic franchise and pushed the limits of what an 8-bit console RPG could do. It was a sight to behold when it debuted in 1987 and has aged very well. Anyone who has yet to join Alis, Odin, Myau, and Noah on their journey to defeat Dark Force needs to clear their calendar in a hurry.
Like giant monsters and trashing cities? Who doesn’t? Luckily, Bally Midway’s arcade classic Rampage smashed its way onto the Master System in 1989, and it was a great port. Two-player simultaneous destruction and 50 stages made it a great game to play in short bursts.
Sega Card games tend to be simple, but Ghost House packs a lot of fun into such a tiny format. Its arcade roots show, and those looking for a simple, score-based experience with decent graphics and sound should give it a try. Besides, who wouldn’t want to punch a ghost right in the face?
You can’t keep a good Musashi down! Cyber Shinobi sees the return of Sega’s favorite ninja to the Master System, and while it may not compare to its classic Genesis siblings, it stands as a solid entry in the series. Some level design and presentation issues keep it from the head of the ninja pack, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
The classic Castlevania series was the envy of Master System owners everywhere for many years, until Master of Darkness was released in 1992. An excellent game that sported great presentation and gameplay, it never came to the U.S. on the console, but import versions are thankfully inexpensive. This is one to own!