36. Ecco The Dolphin MD

Ecco the Dolphin was something of an anomaly when it was released; a contemplative game about a dolphin saving his marine world from ecological ruin on a console otherwise overflowing with 'tude-filled, console war fodder.

Ecco was a breath of fresh ocean air in that context, and while its visuals and the overall idea were perhaps better than the execution here, we still look back fondly on Ecco's escapades and the atmosphere of this game. Calming and unnerving in equal measure.

35. Ghouls 'n Ghosts MD

The game certainly packs a stern challenge — once you've completed it you have to go through the levels all over again — a fact that some people may find annoying, but others will love. The G'n'G series is infamous for its difficulty and this Mega Drive conversion is 100% faithful in that respect.

Only bettered by the excellent Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts on the SNES, the game remains one of the best MD platformers and is worth checking out even if you've already played the aforementioned classic.

34. ToeJam & Earl MD

With nostalgia glasses on, it would be easy to remember this as one of the best 16-bit games going, but newcomers will find that it has dated in a way the best games of the era simply haven't. It's fun — no arguments there — but it's very slow-moving with various elements that feel unfair in a modern context (presents which impact you negatively, aliens from whom you have little chance of escaping that knock you off the planet's surface and make you fall several levels).

It's still worth firing up, but where other Mega Drive games have aged like fine wine, ToeJam & Earl is a bit funky these days — in ways both good and bad.

33. Pulseman MD

It's a mystery why Pulseman was never released on cartridge outside Japan. Even with the Japanese text, you can understand everything that's going on in this Mega Man-alike, and it definitely seems like a platformer that would've appealed to Western audiences.

It's fun, challenging, looks and sounds good, and is just an all-around great game. Especially now that it's easily accessible via Nintendo Switch Online, do yourself a favour and check out what Game Freak made before Pokémon.

32. Alien Storm MD

Primarily a 2D beat 'em up, Alien Storm's side-scrolling stages are interspersed with occasional joypad-controlled shooting interludes (think 16-bit Virtua Cop with aliens).

Simply put, the Final Fight and Streets of Rage games have held up infinitely better than Alien Storm, and therefore should rank higher in your playtime priorities.

Still, limited as it is, this game has its own charm, and there are undoubtedly those who, having played and appreciated the aforementioned winners, will derive enjoyment from this as well.

31. Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS MD

In terms of originality, Mercs (AKA Commando 2) won't scoop any awards, but it’s a fine example of an old-school arcade blaster and shows just how talented Sega’s internal development teams were back in the early '90s; to take Capcom’s arcade title and improve it is no mean feat.

It’s just a shame that a two-player option wasn’t forthcoming, but you can’t have everything. At least you couldn't on Mega Drive in 1991.

30. Golden Axe II MD

Golden Axe II is still worth a swing if you've got any affection whatsoever for solid 16-bit beat 'em ups, although this sequel does lose some of the original's charm due to being so similar to its predecessor.

Newcomers to the series are recommended to start with the first entry, which is a better game all around. But if you finish that and want more of the same with some minor tweaks, Sega's got you covered.

29. Streets of Rage MD

Going back might be tough after the sublime sequel; the sprites are smaller here, the backgrounds less detailed, the animation jerkier.

However, Streets of Rage nailed the basics from the beginning: colourful characters, crunchy combat, evocative stages that recalled '80s action flicks, and a surprisingly deep pool of possibilities from a simple moveset. Final Fight is the template, of course, but Sega offered a two-player take on Capcom's beat 'em up on console (something omitted from Final Fight's SNES port).

Yuzo Koshiro's god-tier soundtrack is a huge factor in the game's success. The PAL version didn't do the game any favours back in 1991, but we Europeans didn't know any better and cleaning up the streets to these incredible chiptunes felt fantastic, even with everything running 17% slower. A fine first stab.

28. ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron MD

Panic on Funkotron isn't a bad game, but things get quite repetitive very quickly. This side-on platformer came two years after the 1991 original and departed from that game's top-down (almost) perspective.

Unfortunately, collecting the Earthlings and plodding around the levels here is only fun for a short time. There are a few minigames dotted along the way, like the Hyperfunk Zone and some rhythm games, but they only have short-term appeal also, especially for solo players.

With two people the game is a lot more engaging, though, so if you have a buddy who is willing to play this through with you, it may be worth a look.

27. Mega Man: The Wily Wars MD

A 16-bit compilation of remakes of the Mega Men 1-3, Mega Man: The Wily Wars can be jarring if you know the NES titles back-to-front, and they certainly don't feel as tight and, well, perfect as the originals, but it's an interesting way to experience them all the same. We're not talking Super Mario All-Stars levels of quality, but the addition of the exclusive Wily Tower made it an expensive collector's item nonetheless, especially in North America where it was only ever released non-physically via Sega Channel.

Worth paying hundreds for a PAL or Japanese cart? Almost certainly not, but if you've got a Mega Drive Mini or the NSO Expansion Pack, it's worth a look just to see a Blast-Processed take on the 8-bit classics.

26. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine MD

Better known as Puyo Puyo, the gooey block falling puzzler was given a Sonic-based lick of paint to attract players in the West — specifically the awesomely ugly-looking Robotnik and his badnik pals from the animated series Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Regardless of the Sonic window dressing, this is a fine puzzler and if you're a fan of Puyo Puyo Tetris and want to see where the beany Puyos got started (on Mega Drive, at least), you'll find plenty to enjoy here.

25. Alien Soldier MD

Another Treasure joint, the run-'n'-gun action here is fast and, indeed, furious, so if that sounds like your bag then Alien Soldier could be for you.

Given the similarities to Gunstar Heroes, however, this sort of falls short, mainly because the platforming elements are simply not as good. It is also frustratingly difficult at times as well, which may put some people off. Still, this is an enjoyable action game in its own right and well worth a look if you're after a little Treasure.

24. Super Fantasy Zone MD

Super Fantasy Zone won't appeal to everyone. It might look like a standard horizontal scrolling shooter, but this game has a very different feel once you begin playing. Its high difficulty is also something that might turn easily frustrated players off, but if you're able to enjoy it for what it is, you'll have a very engaging time.

With sugary-sweet pastel visuals and a great, cute-'em-up soundtrack, there's a lot to love about this unique and oddball shooter. It's not perfect — hey, what game is? — but it's still very entertaining and worth dipping into.