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The Master System saw its fair share of sword-slinging action, and one game that many have overlooked is Kenseiden. Though not perfect (and quite challenging), the game is worth spending some time with. Great visuals and a variety of levels are sometimes overshadowed by the stiff gameplay, but there’s fun to be had.
Most gamers think of the Genesis or SNES versions when talking about Disney’s Aladdin. There was also a Master System release that actually followed the movie’s plot more closely than its 16-bit siblings. It was a fun game that was a bit too easy but played and looked great. Fans should consider a return to Agrabah for one more romp with Prince Ali.
Sega gave Master System owners a Zelda-style game set in the Golden Axe universe, and though it’s far from original, it’s a an excellent homage to Nintendo’s 8-bit classic. A large world, good story, and lots of secrets make this often overlooked title one worthy of addition to any Master System library.
The Master System received what could be described as a reimagining or even a spiritual successor to Sega’s 1982 groundbreaking arcade hit Subroc 3D. Nowhere near as intense or impressive, it’s not a bad effort. It just seems awfully calm for a war game, and its 3D effect isn’t very impressive.
A year after its 1985 arcade debut, Sega released a home port of its beat-’em-up My Hero on the Master System. The home version kept things mostly intact, but there really wasn’t that much to preserve. Thin on gameplay and presentation, My Hero fit on a Sega card and probably left a ton of memory to spare.