Game Gear Hey, Let's talk about Sega Game Gear games

[bcdusk]

Until the release of the Gameboy Color the Sega Game Gear was the most powerful portable video console around but that power (being basically a portable Sega Master System) came at the cost of horrible battery life. Worse it released at a time when long live disposable batteries were not a thing outside of the small ones used for watches. Playing a game the batteries rarely lasted more that a few hours, that combined with its highter price made it lose against the much less powerful Nintendo Gameboy when it came to sales.

However the Game Gear had a lot of games that either did not release for the Sega Master System or were better on the Game Gear that in the Sega Master System.

Ristar for the Game Gear is a very good version of the game, more so the Japanese version as it kind of has an extra level.

Sonic Triple Trouble is not only considered the best Sonic game ever done in 8 bits but one of the best Sonic games in general. To the point it got a very well received 16 bits fan remake for Android and PC.

Mortal Kombat II

Is better on the Sega Genesis but the Game Gear version is still quite good.

Road Rash For Game Gear

Is sadly inferior to the Sega Genesis version but still a fun game that got decent reviews if a lower score that the 16 bits version.

Tails Adventure

Is considered one of the best games for the Game Gear, more so if you are a Sonic fan.

I could keep going but sadly the Game Gear always had the trouble that many of its games had a better version for the Sega Genesis.

 

[MemeAlert]

You forgot Lion King in your list, I didn't have the battery problem seeing you can use the Genesis's power adapter on it.

 

[virtua_willdu]

Can I also say about the Game Gear version of OutRun?
The Sega Genesis version of that game was one the closest to the arcade original for it's time (if not the closest) but I feel that the Game Gear version is the best 8-bit take of OutRun there was and is probably a fix of the Master System version's music. The Game Gear version had better use of PSG for the tracks.

Saying that though, I did complete the extensions of the Game Gear version of OutRun on YouTube if you wanna hear: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUEFj8t-QTjiE-6d57mdQL78750rjDvlC.

 

[CyberRabbit]

You forgot the underrated hidden gem of Sonic Drift 2 man, I love that game to oblivion, so I’ll edit and fix your list so that it can be perfect

 

[UnDubious]

Other Game Gear heavy hitters:
GG Aleste 1 & 2 are extremely impressive 8-bit shmups. Fast, fun and easy to get into.
GG Shinobi 1 & 2 are very solid action platformers, especially 2. They set themselves apart from the console Shinobis with mild Metroidvania elements (permanent upgrades, returning to past levels to access new areas) and multiple playable characters with different abilities.
Ninja Gaiden is nothing like the NES trilogy, or the Master System game - it's basically more like Shinobi in pocket form. It's a short game, but I like it a lot.
Defenders of Oasis is a nice turn-based RPG, starts out like a 16-bit game though unforunately there isn't as much story after that.
For fan translations, there:
Zenki - Solid action-platformer developed by some of the GG Sonic team, with some non-linear elements as well.
Shining Force Gaiden III: Final Conflict - another solid, pocket-sized dose of Shining Force
Royal Stone - nice little SRPG with nearly 16-bit level graphics
Moldorian - cool turn-based RPG with good pacing
Last Bible is a fantasy Shin Megami Tensei spin-off, better than the GB version. The story is clearer, the colors look great, and there's a new bonus dungeon at the end. It feels like battles and everything move faster too, making the game more pleasant to play.

 

[prnzoDraGoonZweiOrta]

I'll get in on this makin a list, but I feel I must revisit some of the GG library (n SMS for back-to-back comparisons) before doing so

 

[MSBigSisterComplex]

My hyperfixation for Phantasy Star started in the first one... That handheld console condemned me to play this long ass saga and i'm so grateful for it. Tho it didn't aged well, but still, if you're patient enough to be grinding for a bit, is kinda enjoyable too. The graphics may be old and aren't as imprssive as the ones in genesis, but it still have certain charm. Also, PSGaiden is in the same console, so if you only want to read and not to be grinding, well, there you go.

 

[bjork]

There's a pretty solid but basic Sailor Moon game. There's also some insane game about Coca Cola Kid or something that I thought was interesting but kinda bad.

 

[UnDubious]

There's a pretty solid but basic Sailor Moon game. There's also some insane game about Coca Cola Kid or something that I thought was interesting but kinda bad.

Coca Cola Kid is based on some of the GG Sonics too, it's actually a pretty well-made platformer.
I beat a surprising amount of old-school Sailor Moon games despite never watching the show, just because most of them are simple retro action games. The GG game is as you describe it, basic but decent.

I think Phantasy Star Adventure is fine too, as a Japanese menu-based ADV. Gaiden is harder to put up with because it's insanely grindy, but when I first discovered it as a 11 or 12-year old PS fan I thought it was amazing, lol. The GG Lunar spin-off is so-so as well, wish the Saturn remake was translated.

 

[bjork]

When I played through PS Gaiden, I just watched a bunch of shows while I would grind away. Made it a little more bearable, anyway.

 

[Scotty]

Tails Adventure

Is considered one of the best games for the Game Gear, more so if you are a Sonic fan.

I could keep going but sadly the Game Gear always had the trouble that many of its games had a better version for the Sega Genesis.

"Tails Adventure" is criminally underrated and it deserves a remaster of some kind. I also enjoyed the excellent GG2SMS ROM hack.

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 9:05 PM

I beat a surprising amount of old-school Sailor Moon games despite never watching the show, just because most of them are simple retro action games.

The show itself is definitely worth watching. It's easily one of my favorite anime.

 

[bcdusk]

Phantasy Star

As I already said in the Master System thread I didn't buy it because it was at the price of two or 3 regular Master System games. Then again if I had bought it the battery would have died years before I found any way to backup the save data.

Yes there is many Sega Game Gear games I did not mention but that's because I am way more familiar with the Master System.

 

[prnzoDraGoonZweiOrta]

As I already said in the Master System thread I didn't buy it because it was at the price of two or 3 regular Master System games. Then again if I had bought it the battery would have died years before I found any way to backup the save data.

Yes there is many Sega Game Gear games I did not mention but that's because I am way more familiar with the Master System.

btw m8, you almost seem an SMS apologist =D I acknowledge any games' flaws but I stiLL LOVE SMS games n wiLL enjoy them regardless of caveats. just like with anything - the flaws are sometimes what makes a game shine n gives them their incredibLe charms

 

[Crosser19]

I recommend Magical Puzzle Popils. Super underrated puzzle-platformer game from the creator of Bubble Bobble. Shame the PC-Engine and Famicom versions were cancelled.

Also, Psychic World on Game Gear was a really good port of the MSX2/Master System game and arguably the best version.

 

[JPchicre]

Is Tails Adventure good? as a fan of metroidvanias i wanted to try it cause i have seen it described as such. How similar to the genre is it?

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Until the release of the Gameboy Color the Sega Game Gear was the most powerful portable video console around but that power (being basically a portable Sega Master System) came at the cost of horrible battery life. Worse it released at a time when long live disposable batteries were not a thing outside of the small ones used for watches. Playing a game the batteries rarely lasted more that a few hours, that combined with its highter price made it lose against the much less powerful Nintendo Gameboy when it came to sales.

However the Game Gear had a lot of games that either did not release for the Sega Master System or were better on the Game Gear that in the Sega Master System.

Ristar for the Game Gear is a very good version of the game, more so the Japanese version as it kind of has an extra level.

Sonic Triple Trouble is not only considered the best Sonic game ever done in 8 bits but one of the best Sonic games in general. To the point it got a very well received 16 bits fan remake for Android and PC.

Mortal Kombat II

Is better on the Sega Genesis but the Game Gear version is still quite good.

Road Rash For Game Gear

Is sadly inferior to the Sega Genesis version but still a fun game that got decent reviews if a lower score that the 16 bits version.

Tails Adventure

Is considered one of the best games for the Game Gear, more so if you are a Sonic fan.

I could keep going but sadly the Game Gear always had the trouble that many of its games had a better version for the Sega Genesis.

I was waiting for somebody to make this thread. Yeah, I TOTALLY second Tails Adventure. I’m proud to know that it’s gained some popularity in the last decade, especially since SEGA keeps re-releasing the game.

A big title duo I’m shocked you missed were “The GG Shinobi” with their unique power ups that no other games in the series had. Also, Game Gear was GAS for Puyo Puyo.

Post automatically merged: Today at 12:23 AM

Is Tails Adventure good? as a fan of metroidvanias i wanted to try it cause i have seen it described as such. How similar to the genre is it?

It’s solid! But temper your expectations: the game is focused on careful exploration of environments and the gaining of power ups and less on the speedrun aspect. Areas are condensed, making for a short but rewarding ride. And, as with all old Metroidvanias, never fear using a guide if you get stuck!

I hope you have fun! It’s a really cute example of the genre on a system that never got the respect it should have had!

Post automatically merged: Today at 12:25 AM

I’ve heard tell this game is a banger on the handheld too! Just one of several awesome licensed games Game Gear had.

 

[prnzoDraGoonZweiOrta]

GameFAQs label Tails' Adventure as Open-World Action. but then they label Zillion n Impossible Mission as 2D Platformers lol they're infamously inaccurate all the time

 

[SpikeSlania]

Think the main Game Gear exclusive that I really want to play besides Tails Adventure is Sylvan Tale. I have the roms just never got around to finally sitting down and playing them. Even have Sylvan Tale English hack on a reproduction cart collecting dust

 

[Boog111]

I like Vampire. It's what a Castlevania game on that system would've been like.

 

[Xemidos]

The Game Gear (and Master System) version of Aladdin is a pretty fun playthrough for a lazy afternoon, and it faithfully follows the plot of the movie if that's your sort of thing. As far as Disney games go, I also liked the 8-bit versions of the Castle of Illusion series.

Last Bible is a fantasy Shin Megami Tensei spin-off, better than the GB version. The story is clearer, the colors look great, and there's a new bonus dungeon at the end. It feels like battles and everything move faster too, making the game more pleasant to play.

There's also Last Bible Special which is very much a different game, even being a first person dungeon crawler like its console brethren at the time, but it's worth a look if you like that gameplay style.

 

[secreto7]

@Boog111 @Xemidos
Wow! They look impressive!

 

[bjork]

I was waiting for somebody to make this thread. Yeah, I TOTALLY second Tails Adventure. I’m proud to know that it’s gained some popularity in the last decade, especially since SEGA keeps re-releasing the game.

Why proud? Did you work on it or something?

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Why proud? Did you work on it or something?

You can tell from my post history that one of the most fulfilling things to me is seeing games get talked about when they previously have not been. It’s a long term goal of mine with no end point: make obscure games have a following and people who appreciate them.

Also probably sparked because I genuinely can’t stand hearing the same stories be told about games history time and again lol

 

[Ikagura Ikagura]

Very cool breakout/arkanoid style game

Ristar for the Game Gear is a very good version of the game, more so the Japanese version as it kind of has an extra level.

Is there any reasons why they removed it for the west?

Gunstar Heroes is quite impressive for the hardware to retain the frantic action despite being on a 8-bits system. Even more impressive than Metal Slug on the Neogeo Pocket

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's icon TamagotchiTamaHero24 TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Gunstar Heroes is quite impressive for the hardware to retain the frantic action despite being on a 8-bits system. Even more impressive than Metal Slug on the Neogeo Pocket

Oh wow! This is ACTUALLY like the console game on the go!