We already published the list of best Genesis games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Genesis shooter games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Genesis definitely has a great library of shooter games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Genesis and shooter 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.
#5. Super Thunder Blade
- Release Data: Sega, 1989
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
While the controls feel sturdy enough, the 3D sections feel amazingly washy and the overhead boss sections lack any sense of excitement.
And unless you can be bothered to memorize a safe flight path through all the chaos, the ridiculous amount of firepower the game continually blows in your face can be overwhelming at times.
However, Super Thunder Blade is still playable, to say the least, and it can still be enjoyed to some degree and very much appreciated if approached with the right perspective.
#4. Forgotten Worlds
- Release Data: Sega, 1989
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
Forgotten Worlds is the best example of buying a game and not knowing what you are getting into.
Not only is this game hard, it’s also not the most fun to play.
On top of that, it’s nearly impossible to complete on a single player mode without cheating.
#3. Gain Ground
- Release Data: Sanritsu/Sega, 1991
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Top-Down
This game is simple and easy to pick up, fun by yourself or with friends, aggressively challenging, and a one-of-a-kind game overall.
While you might be able to find one or two imperfections here or there, Gain Ground has no notable flaws.
It is perfectly executed and perfectly fun.
#2. Bio-Hazard Battle
- Release Data: Sega, 1992
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
Bio-Hazard Battle succeeds where many other have failed; it breathes innovation into a crumbling genre.
What makes the game even more special is that the gimmick it relies on never burdens the game, but instead serves only to highlight everything you can expect from a competent shooter: you scroll, you shoot, and you dodge.
It’s happy to give you all that, and then it offers you even more.
#1. Gunstar Heroes
- Release Data: Treasure/Sega, 1993
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
One of the great things about Gunstar Heroes is that you can play it with a friend.
The charming visual style and the raw challenge of Gunstar Heroes also make for a winning combination.
Even if you never played this game when it’s popular, 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.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Saturn Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Genesis shooter game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!