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Not known for its huge array of RPGs, the Sega CD was practically an afterthought in the minds of gamers by the time Dungeon Explorer was released. By then, the Saturn and Playstation was dominating the press and many games slipped to the cracks into obscurity (see Ristar & Gunstar Heroes ). The fact that DE was a Gauntlet clone and a port of a Turbo Grafx game did little to help it catch the market’s attention, and the game was promptly forgotten.
One of the best platformers on the Genesis, Ristar is a wonderous journey composed of brilliant presentation and level design all rolled into one. If you own a Genesis and even have a passing liking for the genre, then this one needs to be in your library. It’s just that good.
Dark Wizard is the kind of game you quickly overlook, but love once you actually begin playing it. It’s very well done and has a deep and involving storyline that will enthrall RPG and strategy gamers alike. It’s a shame it was released so late into the Sega CD’s life span, as I’m sure more gamers could have enjoyed it had the soon-to-be-released Saturn not killed the momentum of everything Genesis-related.
Halloween 1991 saw the release of a pretty unique title called Decap attack. Originally released in Japan as “Magical Flying Hat Turbo Adventure” (which was based on a cartoon), Sega made some changes and instead gave the game a spooky theme. Why? Who cares? The game is different and tremendous fun.
Released for the Genesis in 1992, Alisia Dragoon is an obscure little gem that never got the praise it deserved, probably thanks to SOA’s brilliant marketing division (Gunstar Heroes or Ristar anyone?). Developed by Game Arts and boasting some excellent action and gameplay, it is, in my opinion, a game well worth hunting down.