This is the Sega Master System. It was released back in 1986 and was Sega's answer to Nintendo's 8-bit console. While it was clobbered at retailers, with the Nintendo Entertainment System outselling it by a margin of 6 to 1, the Master System still had a wide selection of memorable games. I'm talking about the original Phantasy Star, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, Space Harrier 3D and even solid ports of arcade hits like Strider and Altered Beast.
In total, there were 120 Master System games released in North America between 1986 and 1991. Electronic Gaming Monthly reviewed ... 20 of them. Okay, so that's not very many, but considering that EGM launched halfway through 1989, they clearly missed out on a majority of Sega's 8-bit releases. That's a shame, but it's not going to stop me from using the thirty-year-old reviews to countdown Electronic Gaming Monthly's top 20 Sega Master System games. Now, there are no limits.
Dynamite Dux (Master System)
#20
"This is a game that Sega should have forgotten about. It's a stupid concept, the characters are lame, and the gameplay is too simple. If you're old enough to read this review, then you're too old to play this game." (3.25 out of 10)
Cloud Master (Master System)
#19
"There's not a lot of substance to this bland shooting game that has few power-up alternatives and not a lot of variety. Action filled backgrounds that are highly repetitive make it difficult to stay interested for long. A dull game that, because of its difficulty, becomes more frustrating than enjoyable." (4 out of 10)
Scramble Spirits (Master System)
#18
"Another game from Sega which is too easy for the average player. The graphics are very good, with attention paid to the detail in the enemy planes and battleships. The vertical-scrolling is good, but the game is just too easy to appreciate what this game has to offer." (4 out of 10)
Captain Silver (Master System)
#17
"An easy game for younger players. Nicely animated action that is not too difficult. Definitely not for a serious game play, with average graphics, simple sounds and rudimentary play, Captain Silver is great for beginners but won't present much challenge for anyone else." (4.5 out of 10)
Joe Montana Football (Master System)
#16
"Sure, it's 8-bit, but that's no excuse for this game. The graphics are very disappointing and the gameplay is way too slow. There is very little in terms of excitement or challenge here. The computer doesn't seem to think and 2 player games aren't enough to keep me invested." (4.75 out of 10)
Super Monaco GP (Master System)
#15
"This is a poor excuse of a driving game. If the Master System is supposed to be superior to the Nintendo Entertainment System, then this game certainly doesn't show it. The game is too straightforward and comes off looking like a poor NES title. Keep the car in the garage." (4.75 out of 10)
E-SWAT (Master System)
#14
"E-SPLAT should have been the real name of the Master System version of this great coin-op. Why do so many games 'disguise' themselves as arcade games with ... someone should check 'em at the door for their proper I.D.?" (5 out of 10)
Columns (Master System)
#13
"Columns is a great game on the Genesis and in the arcades, but the Master System version is lacking in graphics and gameplay. The gems are way too small and the colors seem to blur together, making it difficult to play. Not bad, but not great." (5.5 out of 10)
Galaxy Force (Master System)
#12
"Activision's After Burner with better graphics, but not as many levels. The backgrounds, especially over the fire world and when fighting the last boss, are extremely cool. If it had more rounds it would have been better, but as it is now, Galaxy Force is pretty good for a shooter." (5.75 out of 10)
Dead Angle (Master System)
#11
"Sega's best shot (no pun intended) at a decent game this season. Don't look for anything spectacular though. It's Gangster Town without the light gun, and with an auto-fire stick anyone will finish this one in a day. Although the graphics are great, it's not enough to blow you away." (5.75 out of 10)
King's Quest: Quest For the Crown (Master System)
#10
"King's Quest is a pretty good all-around game. The quest portion of play is challenging enough to keep you occupied and the overall control sequences add some depth to the otherwise straightforward adventure title. This one won't appeal to shoot 'em up fans, but it will make you think." (6 out of 10)
Rastan (Master System)
#9
"Rastan has a pretty standard theme that's not expanded much here. The graphics and play are good, but there is some flicker in certain areas that's a bit of a distraction. The best action game available for Sega." (6 out of 10)
Spellcaster (Master System)
#8
"Spellcaster is a disappointment. The name implies a role-playing game, and it isn't. It definitely is not a Phantasy Star sequel. Except for the pyramid maze, Spellcaster is just a straightforward adventure with great graphics and a long quest. This cart will have to do, however, until Ultima 4." (6 out of 10)
Alex Kidd: High Tech World (Master System)
#7
"I'm not overly impressed with Alex Kidd in High Tech World. I loved the first Alex Kidd game and felt that the second was too much of a kiddie game. The third try at Alex Kidd doesn't have enough action in the action scenes and the whole quest is slow and tedious. Not much fun." (6.5 out of 10)
Reggie Jackson Baseball (Master System)
#6
"A decent baseball game with some nice features that are not always useful (like having the ability to have the outfielders jump). Lots of good looks, but not overly exciting to play." (6.75 out of 10)
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar (Master System)
#5
"Ultima 4 fits the niche for players who have been waiting for a new RPG. While this game offers little in terms of intense action, the puzzles and sheer size of the play environment guarantees a lot of exploring. The character generation is well done, and the batter back-up is a welcome necessity." (7 out of 10)
Psycho Fox (Master System)
#4
"There's no doubt that this game was inspired by Super Mario-style games, but Psycho Fox has a few advances over the original Super Mario adventure. Nowhere near as good as Mario 3, but a nice action-filled change of pace for Sega." (7 out of 10)
Ghouls 'N Ghosts (Master System)
#3
"Sega is starting to breathe more life into the 8-bit. Many of the older titles were only mediocre at best, but Ghouls 'N Ghosts turns that around real fast. For a 2 meg game, the product is spectacular! All the levels that are there, as is most of the action. The bosses are done well and Loki is exceptional!" (7.5 out of 10)
Golden Axe (Master System)
#2
"This is definitely one of the best Sega 8-bit titles to ever appear. The game play, although unfair at times by not giving you a chance to defend certain attacks, is ported from the arcades with little loss in the attraction of the theme. One of the best arcade titles to ever appear on the Master System." (7.75 out of 10)
Land of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (Master System)
#1
"EXCELLENT!! And who thought the Sega Master System was dead?!? Anyone with any decency should get this game! The graphics are marvelous. The music is stupendous. The control is amazing. This game is almost every bit as good as the Genesis version. Nuff said!!" (8.5 out of 10)
