As a gamer, I have always been fascinated by the world of retro gaming. There is something about the simplicity of the games and the nostalgia factor that draws me in. One console that has always caught my attention is the Sega Mega Drive 32X.
The Mega Drive 32X was a console released in 1994 as an add-on for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was designed to enhance the graphics and performance of the 16-bit Sega console and provide players with a more immersive 32-bit gaming experience. The 32X was a unique console that allowed players to play both Mega Drive/Genesis and 32X games on the same console.
What is Sega 32X and why is it special?
The Sega Mega Drive 32X was special because it was one of the first consoles to offer 32-bit gaming. This meant that the graphics and performance of games were significantly improved compared to the 16-bit consoles that came before it. The 32X was also unique because it was an add-on for the Genesis, which meant that players didn’t need to buy a whole new console to enjoy the benefits of 32-bit gaming…at least that was the theory. As history tells us Sega were more interested in their Sega Saturn console which released shortly after the 32X, and the PlayStation would dominate the 32-bit era.
Top 10 Sega 32X Games of All Time
10. FIFA Soccer 96
Fifa 96 was a football game that was one of the best on the 32X… in fact it was the only football game on the 32X. It was a step between the Mega Drive and Saturn Fifa games.
9. Virtua Fighter
The main launch game for the Sega Saturn was also on the 32X! It wasn’t as good as the Saturn or Arcade versions, but was still way ahead of anything previously possible through a Mega Drive.
8. Metal Head
Metal Head is a first-person mech shooter that had mixed reviews when it originally came out. Some loved it and others hated it. Still, as a piece of 32X history its a great game to go back and play to see what the system could do.
7. After Burner
After Burner had a new lick of paint for it’s release on the 32X, and whilst there are better and more arcade perfect ways to play this classic available today, when this came out the fans of the game were pleased to get a great version of the game.
6. WWF WrestleMania The Arcade Game
This was WWF (Now WWE) meets Mortal Kombat with digitised graphics and special moves like Doink’s giant hand buzzer and Undertaker shooting ghosts at you.
5. Virtua Racing Deluxe
This game was a racing game that pushed the limits of the 32X’s graphics capabilities. The game was a better version of the game that had also seen release on the Mega Drive and whilst it showed that the 32X was capable of more than the standard Mega Drive, people were already able to see this wasn’t up to the likes of Sega’s own Sega Rally or Daytona USA.
4. Star Wars Arcade
A must-play for any Star Wars fan. The graphics were impressive for the time, and was one of the best Star Wars games for the era. Much like the GameCube Rogue Squadron games this gave you a chance to take part in some of Star Wars greatest space battles.
3. Mortal Kombat II
This game was a port of the popular arcade game and a favourite for fighting fans on the 32X. More impressive than the 16-bit versions, but soon overshadowed by what would come on the PlayStation and Saturn.
2. Doom
Some people hate Doom on the 32X, but come on…it’s Doom. All the home console versions were in one way or another lacking compared to the PC original, and whilst some people pointed to this game and said that the 16-bit Super Nintendo game was better, it was still the only way for Sega fans to play Doom via their Mega Drive.
1. Knuckles Chaotix
Knuckles Chaotix was a spin-off of the Sonic the Hedgehog series and introduced new characters and gameplay elements. Based on a scrapped game known as Sonic Crackers, you’d have two charcaters who were tethered together and have to throw and bounce each other around stages to get to the exit. It’s a shame that at the time of writing this is the only Mega Drive era Sonic game to never see a re-release.
The Sega Mega Drive 32X games are a unique and exciting part of the retro gaming world. There are only a few games available for the system, so it’s not impossible to collect and get a full collection, but games are getting pretty expensive for the console. Here’s hoping Sega release a Sega Mega Drive Mini 3 and like how they included Sega CD games in the Mega Drive Mini 2, they include 32X games in the 3rd one.
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