Sega Genesis Hidden Gems - 11 Games!

John Hancock owns every single Sega Genesis game released in North America complete in box and today he's shows us some of his favorite Hidden Gems for the console.
Games Shown:
Ex-Mutants
Jewel Master
Blades of Vengeance
Final Zone
Mazin Saga Mutant Fighter
Sub-Terrania
Mystical Fighter
Atomic Runner
Phantom 2040
Wardner
Crue Ball
The Immortal John Hancock: / swlovinist
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[@BobaVette]

I wouldn't say "Motley Crue was added at the last minute", the game was called Twisted Flipper when I first got on it, halfway through development, then we secured the license and cooperation of Crue, but thanks for the coverage of Crue Ball (and laterally Subterrania and Blades of Vengeance). Those were fun times, back in the early Genesis days.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

+Boba Vette Thanks for adding your development insight! :)

[@warhawk7]

When I was a kid I used to occasionally focus test games at the EA headquarters. One of the games they had us test was Subterrania. It later came out under a different publisher. Wondering if the reason they had us test it was because EA was considering publishing it but eventually decided not to?

[@puertoriconnect4611]

Boba Vette How does this not have more upvotes?

[@JadedJester739]

I just bought SubTerrania today and it says 94, early days of Genesis? It's super fun. Reminds me of Solar Jetman.

[@tonybarnes2920]

@@warhawk7 We were going to publish it at EA but then the developer was doing things that were considered "illegal" by Sega's standards. Instead of trying to haggle and work out exceptions with Sega, we just walked away and let Sega publish it.

[@retrogameraaron4778]

The Sega Genesis probably has more hidden gems than any other system. The library is definitely overlooked by many gamers and collectors.

[@petirgarda1005]

+RetroGamerAaron YES! i believe that also, the number of hidden amazing games in Sega Genesis/Mega Drive is sometimes beyond comprehension, it felt like treasure hunting, there's always something new!

[@tom11zz884]

Agreed...everyone always talking about the Saturn, but the Genesis is where it is at.

[@TaskMaster5]

Preach it. I get so fed up with people dismissing the system. I suppose in the end it's good for me. Less competition for the good shit and bad for them to miss out on great titles due to a narrow mind.

[@eben3357]

It is the dismissive MD wasn't as good and SNES that I dislike. The MD and SNES were both great for different reasons. MD innovated genres like RTS and action arcade games while the SNES perfected some of the NES platformers and the JRPG. While the MD had some problems with colour and sound quality, the SNES simply could not emulate the many genres available on the MD, which blows SNES away for 2 player simultaneous and even raw graphics Virtua Racing > Star Fox in terms of visuals and FPS. Chrono Trigger however would be horrid running on Mega Drive LOL, but everyone knows this I would say.

[@christopherfilth9577]

It would only have more hidden gems if it was a POS that was discarded by many gamers clearly looking for something good to play. So yeah, it was clearly set up to have "more hidden gems".

[@NightOfTheLiving8bit]

John is always so jolly and knowledgable about the games he owns, which is friggin awesome.

[@NightOfTheLiving8bit]

To add, but really what games on the Genesis aren't hidden gems when you really think about it? It only seems like people know of a select group well know. of titles, in what is such a diverse library of games. I can always watch a video about the Genesis and hear of a game I've never seen, or played. Where as the SNES has a predictable library. (Though the SNES is my favorite of the two). But in terms of diversity, and being able to find hidden gems, the Genesis is the system without a doubt. It's a system where there is almost certainly someone for everyone.

[@donstarlancer]

Yea he seems like cool guy

[@bloodstormpro1]

The answer to underrated Genesis games is always General Chaos. Me and my friends used to play it for hours, and it still holds up pretty well.

[@diegocrusius]

great pic eric

[@txretrogaming]

I used to Rent the hell out of it at blockbuster, now I own it

[@richarddick1980]

eric pavlacka though game itself was very short

[@shawdawg3675]

@@richarddick1980 it really is, good for small does of fun. Mine for longplay is still Shadowrun

[@richarddick1980]

Shaw Dawg every game was a long play when school was missed 😅

[@ThinkBeforeYouSleepYT]

Holy crap! I think this is the first time I have seen John Hancock without his hat on. I didn't recognize him.

[@RGT85]

Gotta have Haunted: Starring Polterguy in the next one for sure. Great vid guys.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

What Sega Genesis / MegaDrive hidden gems should be in parts 2 & 3?

[@lunchbxv2]

Genesis RPGs!

[@Shoobybuhdooby]

shows great

[@snatch1466]

Maybe a little obvious to collectors, but Kid Chameleon. Mario on steroids

[@Mystemo]

+MetalJesusRocks Some Mega Drive/Genesis games I think deserve more attention are: Alien Soldier, Gynoug, Herzog Zwei, General Chaos, Landstalker, Warsong, Chakan the Forever Man, Rolling Thunder 3 Also if you want something that's just weird and super 90's why not give Normy's Beach Babe-O-Rama a try

[@michaelhall736]

I never owned a Genesis, so I don't know, but I will be buying one soon. I've got my eye on one they're selling at a retro game store for $40.

[@chrispacheco8590]

Wardner is an absolute hidden gem, I use to love this in arcades, and prior to being able to emulate it on MAME for many years I was so appreciative for the Sega Genesis port for letting me have this at home.

[@Old_Man_Jay]

Man, I can't believe he showcased Mazin Saga Mutant Fighter. Bought back so many memories. I played the hell out of that game as a kid and learned how to easily destroy every boss. I tried to play it again recently and man, that shit is so fucking hard!

[@TheChaosDragoness]

Dude, I remember I had Blades of Vengeance when I was a kid and I loved it! Thanks for bringing that back to my mind X3

[@SuperMarioMan1234]

"ahh" "hmmm" "uh huh" "that's awesome" "huh" "hmm" ""mm!" -Metal Jesus, every metal jesus video

[@MetalJesusRocks]

+Jonny Suzuka You forgot to include "ooooh!" "hold on" "oh yes!" and "right there..."

[@SuperMarioMan1234]

+MetalJesusRocks Ahh hmm i forget! Great video as usual btw :D

[@meggriffin3766]

you forgot: That's cool. 😃

[@diskkun4120]

Also: Dude! That's awesome. There really needs to be a compilation.

[@ryanbates362]

General Chaos, Midnight Resistance, Chakan, Predator 2

[@briantaylor1918]

Ryan Bates * one of my favorite games of all-time, Midnight Resistance! the soundtrack had been embedded forever into my soul 🎶

[@maxpower10k]

General Chaos is one of my all time favorites! 🍻

[@newfriikki577]

Not too expensive, well they will be after this video.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

+newfriikki577 Which is why I release them EARLY on Patreon. It gives people a chance to get a jump on resellers.

[@SeGa32xXx1]

+MetalJesusRocks John's naked face simply looks wrong Jason...

[@SpeedySPCFan]

+newfriikki577 I would hope not! I don't think there's many people that can influence the prices of retro games. You'd have to be crazy popular to increase the price.

[@newfriikki577]

+SpeedySPCFan I think if someone can do that, it is these guys. KZbinrs who have hundreds K follower can make hidden gems well known and increased demand raises prices

[@Figgy]

+newfriikki577 The trick is you gotta get MetalJesus to snub a game you want for cheap and then he makes a video taking back his criticisms after you bought it so the price goes back up.

[@Centerstrain01]

Brings me way back to my past I grew up with the best generation of consoles!

[@Shady00018]

Mystical fighters! also, Ex-mutants.. I remember me and my brother as kids and we only bought the game because we thought it was related to X-Men LOL! the game is good tho.

[@Gambit771]

+Shady00018 That was why I almost bought it

[@kingbeef5076]

Anyone playing Atomic Runner should go into the options screen and change the controls to: A: shoot left B: jump C: shoot right The standard setup is too awkward.

[@EastCoastKody]

2 of my favorite Genesis games were "Beyond Oasis" and "Soldiers of Fortune"

[@MrDenzel20]

Not sure if it counts as a hidden gem but Gynoug (Wings of Wor in NA apparently) was a fantastic shooter

[@FeelingShred]

Wow we keep finding games. Thanks!

[@matfejpatrusin4550]

One of my fav shooters. Great soundtrack too.

[@todesziege]

So trippy and so fun.

[@andrewstephens4492]

Thanks for listing the games shown in the notes.... so much easier than stopping and starting the episode.. whilst I try to take notes. Keep up the good work guys :)

[@purpelfais]

Starflight is a great hidden gem for the genesis.

[@timking3587]

I can agree with that.

[@JohnRiggs]

Love all those games!

[@spunkylovechild]

Loooooove Mazin Saga! I'm so glad somebody brought that game up.

[@1goshortplay]

Awesome video! I keep my Megadrive/Genesis collection limited to 50 games, but blades of vengeance gets pride of place. was great to see it included in the hidden gems. Keep up the awesome work. I'll be watching! :D

[@Jahz188]

Great videos man, keep the good job!

[@NetworkEngr]

Gain Ground and Alien Storm.

[@Ok-tv7du]

So true

[@paulolameiras861]

Goos list, i had the luck to play some of those! The Story of Thor (Beyond Oasis) and Kid Chameleon are two masterpieces and no one seems to talk about them!

[@Mr.Truxton]

Paulo Lameiras I've heard many people talk about them....

[@lewjones3]

I was gone mention Kid Chameleon.. it was tight

[@louiskeiflin5858]

That's the video that I am looking for. After having played a lot of hidden gems in the snes, I am looking for some genesis hidden gems, and I am glad to find this video! Good job!

[@nintenjoel]

Hell yes, I didn't know about most of these. Awesome! More please!

[@tonyfava2944]

blades of vengence, my friend owned it and we played it almost as much as golden axe

[@Antiprogressivepraxis]

They switched facial hair.

[@krikbre]

Awesome recs. Thanks John!

[@sideswipe1261]

Great Video to both of you! I’ve got a pile of catching up to do!

[@Chris-sm9ep]

Haunting staring Polterguy, General Choas, Pigskin Footbrawl

[@SpiderKnives]

Demolition Man. I know it's a very familiar movie, but it's also an unexpectedly awesome Genesis game.

[@jeffersoncarvalho82]

SpiderKnives yes, and it has two different playstyles. I like Judge Dred too.

[@Melf00]

Thank you for covering the Genesis! Those are all great games (I'm a big fan of Jewel Master too!). I'd like to see a few others mentioned in future videos, like Chiki Chiki Boys, Tiny Toons: ACME All-Stars, Crackdown, and Saint Sword. Great video!

[@otakudesuka7376]

I have played to almost all those games back in a days. Thank you for this video !

[@TheMultiGunMan]

Rambo 3.....ABSOLUTE BEST SEGA GENESIS GAME EVER. PERIOD!

[@TheTopLoader82]

Sonic, he had hidden Gems in his games

[@Peppiinait]

Thanks for mentioning Mazin Saga: Mutant Wars! It's my fave Sega Genesis game of all time. I've been searching the webs for it, which has been unsuccessful, since I had forgotten what it was called. So, thank you.

[@jook13]

great video! so much stuff i haven't heard of

[@KacyDaGameNerd]

Im buying a couple of these. I haven't even heard of mazin saga mutant fighter!

[@Wolfdragon92584]

+Kacy DaGameNerd Mazin Saga is AMAZING. The boss fights look like something from the NEO GEO.

[@squills1]

Kacy DaGameNerd great game! It's called Mazin Wars in Europe. loved it as a kid.

[@ConsoleWars]

Mazin Saga Mutant Fighter? Why haven't I heard of this game before. The name alone makes me want to give away my money.

[@jmyers1385]

+Console Wars It's pretty solid, the 1v1 fighting game style boss fights get kinda unfairly ridiculous farther into the game. There are some easy patterns to pick up for the first 3 or 4 bosses, then they pretty much read your mind and perfectly counter everything after that. Maybe I missed something, but it's rough, also no gamefaq to bail you out or anything, just gotta git gud.

[@GOGOAKUMAN]

and the Hero is Mazinger-Z , what do you want more :)

[@jay694ever]

Thanks so much for doing Sega again! My first console and I love it! I can't believe other people know about Crue Ball. Since the Immortal John Hancock is so into robots and fighting, he should do Cyborg Justice. It's awesome and you can attach pieces of battle robot that you cut from the other robots you fight. Awesome side scroller!

[@Jaopazo]

Excelent video as always! Thanks!

[@walox5319]

mutant league hockey. amazing game

[@turtleanton6539]

Yeeeeeeees

[@PMar797]

I'll definitely be part of the minority by saying this, but to me, Genesis > SNES.

[@kropking]

+PMar797 Yep, you're definitely in the minority. Ha ha...

[@Ilovegirlotsandlots]

PMar797 I don’t mean to be a fence sitter, but I had a mate who had both systems and so much of my teenage years were spent playing and appreciating both consoles. As such I have great memories of both. I only wish Sega had gone the distance. Nintendo was always a little too cocky for my liking.

[@JacaboBlanco]

For me, I only had the Genesis. So I'm biased. But man, shining force and phantasy star alone make it a pretty friggin tigjt race. Then games like headdy, vectorman, and the countless other bad ass games. Definitely not as controversial to say as most make it seem

[@GranMaese]

Don't let the internet ruin you. Genesis > SNES any day, and many millions of people think that way. Both were great consoles, though.

[@soakedbearrd]

Well heres the thing, usually you had one or the other. Peeps were poor back in the days, so I happened to have genesis and I loved it. I use to go over my cousins house to play his snes as well, which had some awesome RPGS like Secret of mana and FF3. So I like both, but genesis is where my heart is (plus it had shining force 1 and 2).

[@Ponaru]

You had me at the thumbnail. Blades of Vengeance was one of my favorites as a kid, and no one ever seems to remember it.

[@pigs18]

Wow! I had no idea that Wardner was ever released on the Genesis. I dropped so many quarters into that machine at the local 7-11. Thanks for including it!

[@gillythekid]

i must admit, john without a beard was jarring at first

[@MistahBroccoli]

That's his brother Herbbie Hancock

[@JReed7560]

lmao!

[@charsquatch600]

+MistahBroccoli chameleon?

[@revolution606]

+charles sickles not a hidden gem is on sega collection

[@Lord_of_the_Pies]

You guys have a super positive vibe! Great work dudes

[@Jinx_Skeel]

Dude thank you so much, I used to play Wardner A LOT back in the day but i completely forgot about it! It was completely erased from my mind and then suddenly you got them back to me, i can't describe this feeling

[@RetroR0bbie]

Its not a hidden gem as most people know about it. But Shining Force is probably my fave genesis game

[@CanadianRetro]

+RetroR0bbie I am with you on that

[@chigimonky]

Shining Force is garbage. Literal trash.

[@RetroR0bbie]

I really enjoyed it but I guess its not for everyone

[@CanadianRetro]

+RetroR0bbie yup that is the truth if we all loved the same stuff then it would be a boring world.

[@tonyhopper5023]

Shining Force 1&2 are both awesome.

[@latinsizer]

is this video the reason why blades of vengance went from a 30-40 dollar game to a 100 dollar game?

[@cpu64]

ridiculous, isn't it?

[@Ninjamohawk]

Monster World IV, Zero Wing, El Viento, Rockman Megaworld, The Steel Empire, Twinkle Tale, Wiz n Liz, oh man the list goes on and on

[@PointReflex]

+Ninjamohawk Oh El Viento... that game is the SHIT! lml

[@jasonlanz3999]

Awesome!! Love me some Sega Genesis!! Glad to see this one. Thanks guys!

[@SegaCDUniverse]

I'm not sure about hidden, but my God is Shadowrun good on both the Snes and Genesis. And both very very different than one another.

[@stashmerkin9576]

+SegaCDUniverse I was just about to recommend Shadowrun myself! I liked both but slightly preferred the Sega version. You're right, very different games! Adventures of Batman & Robin was the same if memory serves.

[@SegaCDUniverse]

+Stash Merkin haha awesome, and yeah I believe so. I know the Sega CD one is different. =)

[@Riverhill]

Chiki Chiki Boys!

[@Riverhill]

***** That's a damn shame too, such a fun little game. Odd it's so unknown for a Capcom platformer.

[@BobbyBaudoin]

Awwww yeah, these are my favorite kind of videos from your channel, love to know if there's any titles I missed out on. Especially considering Genesis collecting has been cheap in my area (Quebec).

[@donstarlancer]

Wow I only recognized one of these games. Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely going to look up 4 of these

[@thenostalgiafactor5023]

Games jump in price almost immediately after they are showcased on prominent KZbin shows...

[@MetalJesusRocks]

+The Nostalgia Factor Which is why I release them EARLY on Patreon. It gives people a chance to get a jump on resellers.

[@thenostalgiafactor5023]

+MetalJesusRocks Oh I'm not faulting you...we all know you snatch up multiple copies online before the videos release and then reap the profits! ;)

[@MoejiiOsmanTV]

The Nostalgia Factor but how do these games go up almost 300% over one video? This is sickening

[@xTHETRAINx]

they fucked up the prices

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

It's a basic market aspect called supply and demand, if a lot of people are looking for something those who are selling will increase the prices to take advantage, sadly. If very few were looking for something sellers will decrease the price because they want to get rid of the product asap. The only antidote to this bemand/price fluctuation technically is competition between sellers

[@madmax2069]

is it expensive ? nope npt yet, but will be after the video.

[@madmax2069]

*not

[@timmurren838]

I put Tiny Toon Adventures into my NES when you started talking about it. I'm glad I was still playing it when you started playing your song at the end!

[@georgeblack2749]

My mother got me Sub Terania for Christmas one year! So good!

[@rodrigomolinsky]

Did you two switch the beards?

[@MetalJesusRocks]

+Rodrigo Horta I was hoping that by growing a beard I could then acquire his amazing collection.

[@lohst1672]

+MetalJesusRocks pretty sure that's how it works!

[@sammy61187]

I stupidly sold my copy of Gunstar Heros for like $5 years ago so bumed :(

[@SlyBeast]

+DarkSpawn Dude, I have so many regret stories like that.

[@IndyF1FanMarquis]

I'll third that. Biggest regret, getting rid of Mega Man X4 for Sega Saturn. Biggest Genesis regret has to be Hyperstone Heist. WTF was I thinking...

[@SlyBeast]

Marquis M. I might have that beat - you be the judge. In my early 20s, I pawned my entire NES collection which included (complete in box, mind you) Mega Man 1-6, Battletoads & Double Dragon, TMNT Tournament Fighters, and last but not least...get ready...Little (fucking) Samson. Yep.

[@IndyF1FanMarquis]

SlyBeast (Street Fighter 2 announcer voice) You Win!

[@MetalJesusRocks]

+DarkSpawn Have you played the GBA version of Gunstar Heroes?! We're going to cover that soon actually...

[@finalzgames]

Waking up to a new metal Jesus rocks vid that's the stuff right there lol

[@mediaguy6271]

Love these guy’s videos

[@emptysaint]

"best thing about it. Not that expensive"... oh it will be now after people buy all the cheap copies off ebay, causing these games to artificially inflate in price. Miss the days before KZbin, when you buy games at reasonable prices.

[@Macvez]

That ex mutants game is abysmal. How can you recommend that trash? First game ive ever seen on this channel I know is trash.

[@TaskMaster5]

I mean it's just like, his opinion, man.

[@Macvez]

like totes mcgoats

[@illithidlore]

I've been trying to find the name of Mazin Saga for so long! Thank you!

[@rentarthekiller]

Sub Terrania IS alot of fun. Also reminds me of a suped-up version Solar Jetman on the NES, another underrated game that dosen't get enough love. Great Video keep'em comin'!

[@Wobbey363]

Atomic Runner was one of my favorite games as a kid! Just recently rediscovered it after months of trying to think of it.

[@gamesessions]

I love these hidden gems videos - only thing I'd like to see too is a bit of gameplay of you both playing so that HMJ can give his opinions on the games too - other than that - keep em coming :)

[@zacv1288]

Top video! Makes me think I’ll start collecting for the game collection one day 🧐

[@MentalPolution]

great video guys. im goanna dig these games up and give them a try!

[@WizardSpectrum]

Amazing selection of games ... I'm looking forward to trying these roms on my Megadrive !!!! Excellent contribution friends!

[@overal20000]

Fiquei emocionado com o Video!! Parabens Super!!! :D)))))))

[@EionBlue]

Beyond Oasis was one of my favorites on the Genesis. Then there's, of course, Vectorman 1 and 2..

[@trentboyd1259]

Great video keep up the variety in content, would defiantly like to see Best Sega sports games eg. Flight sims, or racing

[@deckofcards87]

Kudos for including Crue Ball on your list, that game deserves more love!

[@handznet]

Great vid. I never heard about those games. Happy genesis is in the spotlight

[@sidneyd.dacosta4361]

Nice! Some I didnt ever heard about. thanx

[@ookami571]

Can't wait for more, the Sega Genesis is one of the only systems I still have from childhood, the nostalgia runs deep

[@thebes83]

Awesome video guys, I've got to play some of those games.

[@wickersham123]

played or heard of all of these. Final Zone was my jam! sadly many people never played it. I ABSOLUTELY loved that game!

[@Gxpblog]

Obviously as I love the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, I was excited to see this! Great video guys!!! :-)

[@obthree2830]

I didn’t discover jewel master until much later in life and honestly idk how in the world no one talks about this game more often. Great shout out!

[@ilj1259]

Some other Great Must Own Hidden Gems Sega Genesis:Space Invader 91 - an upgrade of the classic game lot of great power up weapons when you shoot the ufo.Shadow of the beast - very challenging side scroller with amazing graphics of the timeVirtual Pinball - create your own pinball machine lots of options to choose fromDeath Of Superman - Great Graphics fun beat em upPunisher - same as above

[@nekomasteryoutube3232]

God Damn! Thats what it was, Blades of Vengeance! Well thanks to this I think I just found out a game I had when I was a kid but totally forgot its name and what not. Just something about those graphics plus the music instantly reminded me of that game. Thanks Metal Jesus!

[@darktetsuya]

shout-out for including wardner! I've actually wanted that one forever, only recently managed to add it to my modest collection!

[@xx_cinico_xx]

Hi buddies, i apreciate very much your efforts and your love to video games and megadrive.

[@youisiaint]

I loved Mazin Saga as a kid. That combination of beat em up and fighting game with some Power Rangers thrown in was a surefire formula for a 90s classic but it was somehow overlooked.

[@RanyBx]

This has to be one my favorite MJR videos ever!

[@dellagustin]

the 3d immitation effect at 1:12 when the ship gets near the water was a nice touch.

[@jneto8794]

Awesome video as always, when are you guys making a Sega Genesis buying guide, awesome memories from this system, it was a huge success back in Brazil along with Master System.

[@Bl4ckH4nd]

I was going through my old Sega games last week and actually found Blades of Vengeance, fun game.

[@Matthew7772005]

I hope you do more. Love John Hancock. Thanks.

[@shittavert]

love your stuff

[@MarioNintendoh]

OMG YOU GUYS MENTIONNED ATOMIC RUNNER. YES. FINALLY THIS GAME IS SHOWING UP. This is my favorite game of all time, with Rocket Knight Adventures.