SEGA has announced "SEGA FOREVER", which aims to bring the full SEGA back catalog to mobile devices for free!
The service will see SEGA games available for download on your Android or IOS device free of charge, but supported by ads. The ads can be removed for just $1.99, making this an extremely competitive offering for retro enthusiasts. Bluetooth controllers will also be supported, as will game saving. An online leaderboard will be available so your name could be up in lights if you have the chops. I fancy my chances at speed challenges on Sonic The Hedgehogs Greenhill Zone, but doesn't everyone?!
This is good timing for SEGA as retro gaming has become an increasingly mainstream hobby around the world. I'm delighted that we will be able to access Master System games as well as those from the ubiquitous Megadrive/Genesis.
Check out the trailer for SEGA Forever below:
I'm psyched about SEGA Forever. In preparation for this great offering, here are my top 5 SEGA games of all time:
5
Desert Strike
The first of the Strike series, "Return to the Gulf" was an overhead shoot-'em-up chopper game. In an unlikely and grizzly scenario, you fly a military helicopter around the desert, kicking the shit out of enemy troops. Lots of fun. Murica!
4
Phantasy Star 2
There were several Phantasy Star RPG games over the years and all are worth checking out. Phantasy Star 2 was my personal favorite. Back in the day, before Pokemon and the internet, Japanese anime style was a rare thing to encounter here in Europe, and Phantasy Star had all the exotic hallmarks of Japanese sci-fi/adventure: talking cats, apocalyptic conspiracies, romance, character building, robots, people who looked like cats, more character building, actual cats.. You get the idea.
3
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
The ubiquitous Sonic returns for an update to the highly successful first Sonic game. This time with bigger levels, better music, and a great new rev-up move. Tons of fun.
2
Thunderforce 4
This is a bitter-sweet entry for me because, I completely sucked at this game. I loved it nonetheless. A side scrolling shooter with killer graphics and an epic metal soundtrack. This was fast, fun and very, very difficult.
1
Streets Of Rage 2
There were 4 Streets Of Rage games made, but number 2 was my favorite. Simply one one of the best side scrolling multiplayer beat-'em-up games of all time. Insane soundtrack too.
