Blast From the Past: A Deep Dive into the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection on PS3
The Mega Drive Ultimate Collection on PlayStation 3 (PS3) was a fantastic compilation that brought a treasure trove of classic Sega Mega Drive (Genesis in North America) titles to a new generation of gamers. This compilation offered a nostalgic trip for veteran players and a great introduction to the iconic 16-bit era for newcomers. So, what games were actually included?
The Mega Drive Ultimate Collection on PS3 featured a substantial library of 40 classic games. Here’s the complete list:
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Alien Storm
- Altered Beast
- Beyond Oasis
- Bio-Hazard Battle
- Bonanza Bros.
- Columns
- Comix Zone
- Decap Attack
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Dynamite Headdy
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Ecco: The Tides of Time
- ESWAT: City Under Siege
- Fatal Labyrinth
- Flicky
- Gain Ground
- Golden Axe
- Golden Axe II
- Golden Axe III
- Kid Chameleon
- Phantasy Star II
- Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
- Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
- Ristar
- Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi
- Shining Force
- Shining Force II
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Sonic 3D Blast
- Space Harrier II
- Streets of Rage
- Streets of Rage 2
- Streets of Rage 3
- Super Hang-On
- The Revenge of Shinobi
- ToeJam & Earl
- VectorMan
Diving Deeper into the Collection
The Mega Drive Ultimate Collection wasn’t just a simple re-release of old games. It included enhanced graphics, smoothing filters, and the option to play the games in their original screen ratio or stretched to fit widescreen TVs. The user interface was also user-friendly, making navigation easy for players of all ages. The compilation stood out by offering a significant amount of content with a focus on diverse genres, catering to various player preferences. From fast-paced action platformers like Sonic the Hedgehog to strategic RPGs such as the Phantasy Star series, there was something for everyone.
The inclusion of notable titles like Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, and Shinobi underscored the era’s arcade beat ’em up and action platformer craze. These titles were revolutionary for their time and their inclusion provided a real snapshot of the early 90’s gaming landscape. The Mega Drive Ultimate Collection not only offered gameplay but also allowed players to explore a significant era of gaming history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection the same as Sega Mega Drive Classics?
No, the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection on PS3 is a separate release from Sega Mega Drive Classics. While both feature a collection of Sega Mega Drive games, they have different titles and are available on different platforms. Sega Mega Drive Classics is a more recent release that is available on modern consoles. The original Ultimate Collection is specifically on PS3 and Xbox 360.
Does the collection include every Mega Drive game?
No, the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection does not include every Sega Mega Drive game. There were over 900 games released for the console. This collection focuses on 40 of the most popular and iconic titles. Many popular titles are included however, the sheer volume of games released means that a truly definitive collection would be incredibly large.
Are all the games emulated perfectly?
While the emulation is generally very good, some players have reported minor differences from the original console versions. However, these are largely negligible for casual players. The overall experience is very close to the original, with the benefit of visual enhancements.
Can you save your progress in the games?
Yes, the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection includes save state functionality, allowing players to save their progress at any point in any of the games. This was a major improvement over the original games which relied on either passwords or in-game saves only.
What was the purpose of the collection?
The primary purpose of the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection was to reintroduce classic Sega Mega Drive titles to a modern audience. It allowed veteran players to relive their childhood experiences, while simultaneously introducing younger gamers to some of the most influential games in history. The collection celebrated Sega’s legacy and its contribution to the gaming industry.
How was the collection received by critics and players?
The Mega Drive Ultimate Collection was generally well-received by both critics and players. It was praised for its wide selection of games, accurate emulation, and added features like save states and enhanced visuals. It was often seen as a good value for money due to the number of titles included. The main criticism was that some games were missing from the roster, but overall it was a successful compilation.
Are there any multiplayer games in the collection?
Yes, several titles in the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection support local multiplayer, such as Golden Axe, Streets of Rage and Sonic 2. This allows players to enjoy co-operative and competitive gameplay experiences with friends and family on the same console.
Was this collection ever released on other platforms?
Yes, the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection was also released on Xbox 360. The content and features were identical on both platforms. However, it was never released on newer consoles or PCs.
Can the games be played online?
No, the games in the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection are strictly offline and do not support online multiplayer features. The focus was on providing a nostalgic experience akin to the original games with some quality of life improvements.
Is the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection still worth playing today?
Absolutely. The games included are timeless classics that still offer engaging and enjoyable gameplay experiences, making them worth playing for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The collection provides a snapshot of a classic era and offers great value due to the sheer volume of content and diverse genres included.
How much did it cost when it was released?
The Mega Drive Ultimate Collection was typically sold at a budget price point for a new release, aimed at making it accessible to as wide an audience as possible. The retail price generally reflected the status of a compilation title.
What is considered the most rare Mega Drive Game?
While the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection focuses on popular titles, some of the rarest individual Mega Drive titles, not included in the collection, include Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, Pier Solar and the Great Architects, and Legend of Wukong. These games often command high prices in the collector’s market.
What was the last official game for Mega Drive?
The last official game released for the Sega Mega Drive was Frogger in 1998, long after most major studios had moved on to the next generation of consoles. This release is quite an obscure one, marking the very end of the console’s official lifespan.
Is the Mega Drive the same as the Genesis?
Yes, the Sega Mega Drive is the same console as the Sega Genesis. They were simply called different names in different regions – “Mega Drive” being the name used in Europe, Japan, and other regions, and “Genesis” being the name used in North America.
What was the best selling game on the Mega Drive?
The best-selling game on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis was Sonic the Hedgehog. This game sold over 15 million copies, mainly due to it being bundled with the console for the vast majority of the lifetime of the console. It was highly popular and was instrumental to the success of the Mega Drive as a whole.
The Mega Drive Ultimate Collection on PS3 remains a cherished compilation and a fantastic way to experience the golden age of 16-bit gaming. Its selection of iconic games, combined with improved features, makes it a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.