Sega Genesis Sees Three New Games Incoming

Sega, forever the second to Nintendo, had one success story against their former rival. That being the Sega Genesis, especially with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog. While it is hard to quantify if this is the reason gamers today still have a fondness for Sega’s 16-bit entry or not, it is easy to see those fans are there and they want new games, even today. That is a major feat considering the Sega Genesis was first released in Japan in late 1988 (late 1989 in North America). Piko Interactive is one such company helping keep the Sega Genesis candle burning. They have three new games coming to the 16-bitter later this year, shipping starts in April 2019.

This is a continuation from my recent article detailing new games Piko is releasing for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This Texas based game developer/publisher is certainly staying busy.

The three Sega Genesis releases that Piko is bringing out cover side scrolling action adventure, overhead scrolling shooter, and turn based strategy role-playing. Quite a range of new game genres.

First up is Thunderbolt II which continues Piko’s attempts to bring former exclusives from other countries over. Originally a Taiwan exclusive, this overhead scrolling shooter comes with improvements such as better compatibility with Genesis hardware, difficulty levels and other improvements over the original.

Why it rocks
While I personally suck at scrolling shooters today, in my younger days I would rock titles like Thunderbolt II, no problem. I still get enjoyment out of them. Being a former exclusive means we finally get to enjoy this title that was forbidden from our shores in the past.

Next up is Switchblade a game originally created by Core Design and published by Gremlin on the Commodore Amiga computer. Fans of 2D side scrolling action games will be right at home here. Fans may remember Switchblade II saw release on the Atari Lynx hand held back in the 1990’s (why they didn’t port the original is beyond me).

Why it rocks
Huge sprawling levels, puzzles breaking up the action, and brand new cover art by the original creator of Switchblade, Simon Phipps, are just a few reasons to be excited over this release. It is also the first release in the franchise to see release on the Sega Genesis.

Finally we have Canon - The Legends of the New Gods, another former Taiwan exclusive. Turn based strategy based role-playing awaits those that take on the challenge in this title. Graphically, Canon is an impressive title that gives similar titles a run for their money - shoot, it gives most Sega Genesis games a run for their money. Outside of a Psygnosis release, I am hard pressed to find titles that share this level of color use in shading that adds awesome depth. The story rocks as well.

Why it rocks
If you miss 16-bit turn based strategy gaming, those that do know what I mean, then put Canon on your pre-order list right now. Shining Force fans looking for more turn based fun will do well for their collections to add Canon.

Piko Interactive are working around the clock to make new releases like this available. If you want to see more titles released then support them by buying the ones you like. That helps them know which direction to take in the future when preparing new releases.

Which of these Piko titles are you most interested in? All three are interesting in their own rights but I have to give the nod to Canon myself.