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The Master System is not known for a wide selection of RPGs, but some actually get passed over in favor of more recognized titles. Miracle Warriors is such title, having spent decades in the shadows of Phantasy Star and Ys. While it is far from their level of quality, there is actually a decent game under some unforgiving RPG mechanics.
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.
Taito’s sword-wielding barbarian hacks his way onto the Master System! A port of the popular arcade classic, the 8-bit version went through some graphical and gameplay changes in the process, but it does a surprisingly good job of capturing all the fun of the original. This is one adventure you’ll want to go on!
Irem’s classic blasts its way onto the Master System! SEGA did an incredibly faithful job reprogramming this arcade hit, and it pushes the console to the limit (wait, I thought there weren’t any!). If you’re a fan of shooters or the R-Type series in general, then you need to grab this one!
Genesis owners with a Power Base Converter have the ability to play classic Master System titles on their console, but some are just little more than proof of how far hardware has come. Thunder Blade is an example of a game that couldn’t emulate the arcade well and made no effort to compensate.