Top 5 Multiplayer Games for Sega Genesis

Before the wiz-bang features of modern consoles that have a heavy focus on graphics and online multiplayer - we were sitting around with our friends playing games on the Sega Genesis.

The Sega Genesis, for me, is one of my all time favorite consoles. Sure, the SNES had its share of games but there was something about the Sega that really had something different - Sonic for one - but perhaps because there were a TON of great multiplayer games that didn't make it over to the other consoles.

In this hub, I want to share a bit of nostalgia: my list of the top multiplayer games for the Sega Genesis. Pick up the games, dust off the old console, gather your buddies because you're going to have a blast going back through these games.

What is Sonic 2 doing here on the list of multiplayer games?

If you never noticed, you can actually use a second controller to play Tails!

Sonic 2 is the best in the franchise in my opinion because it really encompassed the speed and style of Sonic. Each level was amazing, music was superb, and the fact that you could team up with a friend to conquer the levels was awesome.

Tails was virtually invincible and would later be used in Sonic 3 as a multiplayer element with the ability to fly but Sonic 2 is where it really got things going.

Streets of Rage is the classic beat-em-up that should be in everyone's Sega Genesis collection.

The fact that this was one of those games that you could do some awesome mutiplayer sessions made it one of the most enjoyable. You roamed through the game, beating up enemies, using weapons, and fighting bosses.

There are many others that followed suit like Total Carnage and Turtles in Time but Streets of Rage is so nostalgic that I can't help but keep it on this list.

Contra is a game that separates the men from the boys. This game is so frustratingly difficult, at times, that many people would throw fits and have never beat the game in a single sitting.

Back when this game came out - it really upped the ante with mutiplayer functions. The fast paced nature of the game lets you and a friend plow through the levels but it was still infinitely difficult.

Contra has always been a favorite in my video game series - if you haven't played it than you need to pick it up because its hours of fast paced fun.

The previous Mortal Kombat titles were revolutionary in the stylization of fighters but Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is where things really took off because of the HUGE selection of characters and fighting system.

Mortal Kombat is definitely a professional fighting game but that's where it gets fun - you're doing all kinds of combos, fatalities, and you've got this wide range of characters to master. I remember playing this game for hundreds of hours when I was a kid.

I'm adding this to the list because it needs to be here - it's one of the few multiplayer Sega Genesis games that is still fun to this day.

I remember going over to my buddy's house because he said he had a new, amazing game - that game was Gunstar Heroes.

Gunstar Heroes is like Contra on steroids - the fast paced, anime-like action of the game is still one of the most enjoyable games I've ever come across and that's saying a lot.

The multiplayer ability of the game really makes the action intense - your screen is overloaded with enemies, gun shots, and all kinds of craziness. The game isn't entirely long but it's one wild rush when you play through with a friend.

I miss my old Sega Genesis - it's lost somewhere in the world after multiple times moving - I'm sure you may not have yours anymore, as well.

The cool thing is that there are now systems that bundle together the Genesis, SNES, and NES and no, I'm not talking about emulators, there are really sleek systems that combine the oldies into one - like the system on the right.

Since the older Genesis systems are starting to show wear - I'd recommend you pick up one of these consoles since they're built on new parts. You can throw in your games and get going - plus, you save if you end up snagging up all your older titles on other video game platforms.