We already published the list of best Genesis games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Genesis action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Genesis definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Genesis and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Bio-Hazard Battle
- Release Data: Sega, 1992
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
For fans of the shoot-em-up genre, Bio-Hazard Battle represents a solid effort.
It’s a good alternative to Gradius and R-Type, it offers the rarely seen two-player option, and it has challenging stages.
It’s a little underwhelming at times and the unusual visuals won’t be to everyone’s taste but it is a decent enough blaster with some interesting ideas.
#24. Golden Axe
- Release Data: Sega, 1989
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
If you never played the game in its heyday, this is an influential game that’s worth experiencing by anyone interested in getting back to the roots of what makes cooperative action gaming so exciting.
The length is relatively short, but this is one of those games with enough to it to keep you coming back.
#23. Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure
- Release Data: Interplay, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Overall, Boogerman is a fun 2D platformer.
And while the stages are a bit boring, the gameplay is good and the animation, graphics, and sound effects and pretty much everything else combine to make it a really strange and funny game.
#22. Ecco: The Tides of Time
- Release Data: Novotrade/Sega, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
For a Sega Genesis game Ecco 2 looks amazing.
Ecco has a 3D rendered quality much like what is found in Donkey Kong Country.
The backgrounds are amazing and the whole environment really feels like it is teaming with life.
If all this sparks your interest then it’s recommended that you give this a try – you’ll have a great time!
#21. Rolling Thunder 2
- Release Data: Namco, 1991
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
On its own merits, the game’s grinding action can grow tiresome easily, even more so when stacked up against other shooters.
Thus, spending some money on Rolling Thunder 2 is a stretch, but it does make sense if you’ve got a committed friend or an interest for more deliberate shooting.
#20. Mega Turrican
- Release Data: Factor 5/Data East, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If Turrican as a series could be summed up in four aspects, they would be tight gameplay, rockin’ music, masterful visual design, and mind-blowing setpieces.
At the end of the day, Mega Turrican may be as simple as its predecessors were, but it’s a winning formula.
#19. Streets of Rage
- Release Data: Sega, 1991
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Streets of Rage is still an enjoyable game to play over and over just like its sequels, only to a much lesser degree.
It’s great to have it around and it’s a fun game to play from time to time. However, if you just get one game in the series, this isn’t the one you want.
#18. Vectorman
- Release Data: Blue Sky Software/Sega, 1995
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
In summary, this is a fun 2D action game that still looks awesome and has some excellent core run and gun gameplay with some lackluster bonus stages.
But just be prepared to spend some time learning how to play the bonus stages so that you can gain access to the later stages!
#17. Comix Zone
- Release Data: Sega Technical Institute/Sega, 1995
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
It was clearly produced by people who have a lot of love and respect for comic books as a medium.
If you feel the same way, you owe it to yourself to give Comix Zone a try.
Even if that’s not a selling point for you, the title remains a fun brawler with a unique setting and plenty of personality.
#16. Ecco the Dolphin
- Release Data: Novotrade/Sega, 1993
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
There is no doubt that Ecco the Dolphin shows its age, but it’s still one of the most unique games out there.
In the end, watching Ecco leap out of the water and navigate the murky depths is still a lot of fun.
#15. Dynamite Headdy
- Release Data: Treasure/Sega, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Dynamite Headdy isn’t just a great game, and one of the best platformers on the Sega Genesis, but it also has the distinct advantage of being a new experience to most people, one that’s well worth the time and effort.
#14. Wonder Boy in Monster World
- Release Data: West One/Sega, 1992
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Wonder Boy in Monster World is a worthy addition to your library. Action and RPG elements are rarely combined with as much success as in this game.
Nothing about the game is particularly groundbreaking, yet all of its parts come together to make for an adventure that’s enjoyable from start to finish.
#13. The Revenge of Shinobi
- Release Data: Sega, 1989
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a game developed when Sega was firing on all cylinders both creatively and in gameplay terms, and is thoroughly deserving of being called a solid-gold classic.
If you’ve experienced its charms previously then chances are you already have it; if you haven’t then you’re in a for a real treat.
#12. Earthworm Jim
- Release Data: Shiny Entertainment/Playmates, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Earthworm Jim is a bit of a classic, and for a good reason—it was one of the first videogame series created outside Japan that became really popular.
The game has a ton of style, it’s a blast to play, and the graphics and music are still quite impressive.
#11. Alien Soldier
- Release Data: Treasure/Sega, 1995
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The action is fast and furious, so if that sounds like your bag then this could be the game for you.
But sometimes it is also frustratingly difficult at times as well, which may put off some gamers.
Still, this is an enjoyable run n’ gun game in its own right and well worth a look for fans of the genre.
#10. Streets of Rage 3
- Release Data: Sega, 1994
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
If you’re a fan of the series then Streets of Rage 3 should be near the top of your retro shopping list.
And if you’ve never played any of the Streets of Rage series before, Streets of Rage 2 is probably a better entry point, but be sure to sample this third title at some point.
#9. ToeJam & Earl
- Release Data: ToeJam & Earl Productions/Sega, 1992
- Genre: Action » General
On top of being a game that is so original that it can’t really be placed into a certain genre, it’s always fun to play this title any day of the year, in both the good times and the bad.
#8. Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Release Data: Konami, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Castlevania: Bloodlines is well worth collecting it, not only because it was the sole title to be featured in the SEGA Genesis but also because it features such solid gameplay and a strong presentation overall.
This entry in the series is a mighty title all its own.
#7. Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Release Data: Megasoft (Japan)/Sega, 1993
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Shinobi III is really the best sequel you could ask for.
It’s one of the best examples of an action/platform game there is and has enough variety and challenge to keep you coming back for more time and time again.
A must have for fans of the genre and comes highly recommended.
#6. Sonic the Hedgehog
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 1991
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Despite some minor flaws, the positives outweigh the negatives by far.
Sonic the Hedgehog will forever be remembered as a turning point for Sega’s fortunes and will forever remain in the hearts of many.
With plenty of variety in setting, solid control scheme, ease of play, and a memorable soundtrack, Sonic the Hedgehog lives on today and will live on forever.
#5. Gunstar Heroes
- Release Data: Treasure/Sega, 1993
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
The charming visual style and the raw challenge of Gunstar Heroes make for a winning combination.
Even if you never played this game in its heyday, chances are you’ll still be able to appreciate it as one of the most imaginative, well-put-together examples of a classic style of game.
#4. Streets of Rage II
- Release Data: Sega, 1992
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Streets of Rage 2 is absolutely recommended to fans of the previous game and genre.
It’s one of the best games of its kind and improves upon everything established in the first game.
Streets of Rage 2 is a sequel that doesn’t pull its punches and the result is a kickass game and a legendary entry in the genre.
#3. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 1992
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Sadly, Sega and Sonic Team would never match the level of brilliance seen here and the blue hedgehog has become a bit of a joke in recent times thanks to a string of lackluster titles.
But forget all that—now is as good a time as any to enjoy what remains of Sonic’s finest hour!
#2. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The first Sonic is impressive. Sonic 2 is great. Sonic 3, though, is the best of them all – and deservingly earns the highest score of the trilogy.
If you’re a fan of the previous iterations then this will be a no-brainer – Sonic 3 certainly manages to offer more than its fair share of super-fast entertainment.
#1. Ristar
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 1995
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Ristar proves that taking a radical approach to play control in a platformer can sometimes really pay off in the end.
Not only did Sonic Team create a game that easily differentiates itself from their Sonic the Hedgehog series, they’ve also come up with some of the most unique game play ideas to come out of the 16-bit era.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Saturn Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Genesis action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
