Alex Kidd in Miracle World (USA, Europe)
Sonic Blast (Brazil)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Europe)
Sonic Chaos (Europe)
Wonder Boy in Monster Land (USA, Europe)
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (USA)
The Master System is an 8-bit home video game console developed by Sega, released in 1985 as a follow-up to the SG-1000. It gained significant popularity in regions like Europe, Brazil, and South Korea, though it faced stiff competition from Nintendo's NES in North America and Japan. The system features a Zilog Z80 processor, enhanced graphical capabilities for its era, and backward compatibility with SG-1000 titles. Known for its portable variant (Master System II) and innovative peripherals like the 3D glasses, the console hosted a diverse library of games that emphasized arcade-style action, platforming, and early RPGs.
• Alex Kidd in Miracle World – A platformer that became Sega's mascot before Sonic the Hedgehog.
• Phantasy Star – A groundbreaking sci-fi RPG with turn-based combat and a rich narrative.
• Golden Axe Warrior – A fantasy-themed action-adventure game with hack-and-slash mechanics.
• Enduro Racer – A motorcycle racing game praised for its smooth scrolling and physics.
• Wonder Boy – A side-scrolling action-platformer with RPG elements and character progression.
• Space Harrier – A fast-paced rail shooter with pseudo-3D graphics and energetic gameplay.
What makes Master System games unique compared to NES titles?
The Master System often featured superior arcade conversions and better color palette utilization, though its game library was smaller than the NES's.
Did the Master System support multiplayer gaming?
Yes, many titles supported 2-player co-op or versus modes using the console's dual controller ports.
Are Master System games still collectible?
Yes, physical cartridges and consoles are highly sought after by retro gaming enthusiasts, especially rare or region-locked titles.