When people talk about the Master System, everyone knows that despite being a great console, it is quite limited when it comes to games that can be enjoyed in multiplayer. Unfortunately, few titles in its library catered to players who like to enjoy a video game with company beside them on the couch. With that in mind, I created this list of 10 good games for the console, aimed at those who want a good gaming session with a girlfriend or boyfriend, their children, or friends. I hope you enjoy it.
10) Ms. Pac-Man
Originally released in arcades in 1981, it received this Master System conversion in 1991, developed and published by Tengen.
For those unfamiliar with Ms. Pac-Man, it is an expanded version of Pac-Man, with larger mazes, the ability to give the protagonist a "boost" during a match, and moving fruit. I know this game is quite old, but it is addictive and appears to have aged wonderfully. The two-player mode is highly entertaining and can be played alternately, competitively, or cooperatively. A great conversion of a timeless classic.
If you want a similar but slightly more original experience, Fantasy Zone: The Maze is also a good choice.
9) Time Soldiers
Released in 1989, this shoot 'em up was developed by Alpha Denshi and published by SEGA.
Curiously, the only shoot 'em up on this list does not follow the "little spaceship" style. Its stages use both vertical and horizontal layouts. Here, the heroes travel through time to rescue their companions. One of the title's greatest highlights is its setting, since we pass through several periods in our planet's history, including the age of dinosaurs, Ancient Rome, and even the world wars.
If you would like another recommendation in this style, Rambo: First Blood Part II is another possibility.
8) Double Dragon
Released in 1988, this conversion of the classic arcade beat 'em up was developed and published by SEGA.
Extremely popular in Brazil, here it is practically synonymous with Master System. Although it has many technical flaws, it remains the console's main reference for street-fighting games that two players can enjoy simultaneously. Positive highlights include the ability to use weapons found in the environment and the classic post-final-boss fight between the two players for the love of the kidnapped maiden. A classic.
7) Gauntlet
Released in 1990, this is a conversion of the arcade classic. It was developed by Atari Games and distributed by Tengen/U.S. Gold.
A great game to play with a friend and a very well-made arcade conversion. Here we choose from four character classes—Warrior, Elf, Valkyrie, and Wizard—and travel through countless mazes filled with hordes of different enemy types. Unfortunately, this Master System version has one flaw: unlike the Mega Drive edition, there is no soundtrack during the stages. Had it included music, it would rank several places higher in this top 10.
6) Masters of Combat
Released in 1993, it was developed and published by SEGA. It is a fighting game made exclusively for Master System.
The only fighting game in this ranking is a console exclusive. This classic competitive genre was refined during the fourth console generation, which generally resulted in terrible conversions for 8-bit systems. Fortunately, SEGA created this title with its console's limitations in mind and managed to give us a quality game. Masters of Combat is clearly inspired by Street Fighter, with similarities among its selectable characters, settings, moves, and even the bonus stage, in which we must destroy a vehicle. It is unquestionably worth playing a few versus matches with friends.
If you want to play another fighting game on Master System, we recommend Mortal Kombat, the first version.
5) Olympic Gold: Barcelona '92
Released in 1992, it was developed by U.S. Gold and published by SEGA.
Certainly the best Olympics game on Master System. It is the official game of the Barcelona Olympics and includes the following events: 100-meter sprint, shot put, archery, 110-meter hurdles, pole vault, diving, and swimming. Gameplay involves rhythm, speed, and even reasoning in archery, where we must calculate both strength and wind intensity in addition to aiming. A great title that up to four players can play in turns.
If you still want to discover another good game along the same lines, we recommend Winter Olympics: Lillehammer '94.
4) Dragon Maze (Bubble Bobble)
Released in 1988, it was developed by Taito Corporation and published by SEGA. Known worldwide as Bubble Bobble, it was released in Brazil by Tec Toy as Dragon Maze, for reasons unknown.
A game with simple graphics that is nonetheless highly addictive. We control a dragon that spits bubbles to defeat enemies and reach higher places. After defeating the opponents on the screen, we move on to the next one. Made up of countless stages, it has considerable replay value. It is worth playing cooperatively, as that makes it much more entertaining.
3) Columns (Shapes and Columns)
Released in 1990, it was developed and published by SEGA.
This is unquestionably the multiplayer game I played most on my Master System. In its two-player mode, combos cause the opponent's screen to rise and shrink, making matches quite tense. SEGA originally acquired the rights to the Columns franchise with the intention of challenging Tetris, which was very popular on competitors' consoles. Personally, I regard Columns as far superior, especially because of this versus mode, which becomes excellent once players begin thinking quickly.
If you want to discover another Master System game in this style, we recommend Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine.
2) California Games (Jogos de Verão)
Released in 1989, it was developed by Epyx, reprogrammed by SEGA, and published by Sega. The title was very popular in Brazil because it accompanied the console in some bundles.
Probably the most popular title in this ranking. Up to eight players can play in turns across six sports: half-pipe skateboarding, footbag, roller skating, surfing, BMX cycling, and flying disc. Highlights include the ability to choose sponsors for our athletes and highly varied gameplay that does not depend solely on pressing controller buttons quickly. Anyone who starts playing today will take some time to develop a taste for the title, since learning to perform well in the events takes a while, but believe me: the effort is worthwhile, especially if you have a group of friends willing to become masters of this classic game. It will probably receive a very complete review on Epic Play in the future.
If you enjoy these unusual sports and want to discover other titles on the platform, we also recommend California Games 2 (Jogos de Verão 2) and World Games.
1) Gain Ground
Released in 1990, it was developed and published by SEGA.
Just as SEGA developed a Sonic game with the same care given to its Mega Drive version, the same happened with this edition of Gain Ground. The Master System version is incredible, with characters, stages, and bosses different from those in the 16-bit version. This game can be considered essential not only for those who want to play cooperatively, but for everyone who appreciates a good action, adventure, and strategy title.
For those unfamiliar with it, we begin the game with only three characters and must progress through the levels while acquiring others. There are several classes with different types of weapons and abilities, which must be chosen wisely according to the obstacles and enemies present at a given moment. This is unquestionably my leading recommendation for anyone who wants to play a Master System title in multiplayer.
We hope you enjoyed the list. Remember that tastes and preferences vary among players and that this is merely the opinion of a longtime fan of this classic SEGA console. If you believe a good Master System game to play with a friend is missing, please leave it in the comments.
