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Wonder Boy in Monster Land took a side-scrolling platformer and turned into an incredible action/RPG that launched a franchise. The Master System port was excellent, and while it suffered from many of the same flaws of the arcade original, it remains a great addition to anyone’s 8-bit Sega library.
Largely unknown to Western games, The Black Onyx is something of a legend in Japan and laid the foundation for many console and computer RPGs to come. It’s quite barebones now, but it’s remarkable that the SG-1000 even got the game, considering it was released well into the Famicom era.
Sega’s 1987 sci-fi classic has done the rounds on multiple formats, but the best way to play it is in its original arcade form. Tense and action-packed, the game was a blast to play with a friend, and it hasn’t lost any of its charm or challenge over the years. It remains one of Sega’s arcade best.
Shooting Gallery may lack the intensity of other Light Phaser games, like Missile Defense 3D or Rescue Mission, but it’s a decent title that can be entertaining for a while. The high difficulty may chase away younger gamers, but there’s fun to be had here, particularly when played with other people.
Opa-Opa’s second adventure on the Master System may not be as classic as his first, but it’s still some quality shooter action. Great gameplay and solid design overcome some hardware shortcomings (particularly regarding sound) and make for an excellent addition to anyone’s Master System library.