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The only Ys released on the Master System was a port of the first game, and while it lacks the advanced features of its CD-ROM cousin, it offers an excellent rendition of the classic action/RPG. Adol’s first adventure is one anyone with Sega’s 8-bit machine should play, and it still holds up, even with its somewhat clunky combat.
The Master System saw its fair share of sword-slinging action, and one game that many have overlooked is Kenseiden. Though not perfect (and quite challenging), the game is worth spending some time with. Great visuals and a variety of levels are sometimes overshadowed by the stiff gameplay, but there’s fun to be had.
The Master System received what could be described as a reimagining or even a spiritual successor to Sega’s 1982 groundbreaking arcade hit Subroc 3D. Nowhere near as intense or impressive, it’s not a bad effort. It just seems awfully calm for a war game, and its 3D effect isn’t very impressive.
Sega wowed arcade gamers with SDI, a trackball-based shooter that had them defending the planet from enemy attack. The game was soon ported to the Master System, and while several compromises had to be made for it to work on the less-powerful hardware (and with a controller), the conversion turned out surprisingly well. It’s one that’s worth checking out.
Altered Beast is an arcade and Genesis classic, but the Master System version is woefully inferior. Horrible graphics and sound, reduced stages and gameplay elements, and poor control make this one beast that deserves to be put down. Do yourself a favor and get the superior Genesis version instead.