Games

Sega Mega Drive: Ultimate Collection

Title: Sega Mega Drive: Ultimate Collection

Release date: February 20 2008

Publisher: Sega

Format reviewed: PS3 (available on Xbox 360)

RRP: £29.99

Rating: 4/10

It's seemingly any gamer's dream, one title that bundles together a bunch of the Sega Mega Drive's retro titles and presenting them with high-resolution artwork

And the initial reaction to such is "wow, I can play all the games I loved when I was little"; (personally upon knowing that 'Golden Axe' was featured). However, with a handful of the 40-odd games represented from the Mega Drive's far bigger library, this package deal is far from an ultimate collection.

In brief

Gamers will be eager to at least have a bash at 'Sega Mega Drive: Ultimate Collection' if only for it's nostalgic value. And to begin with, the game opens with an impressive title screen to get excited about which clearly displays what's on offer - from 'Streets of Rage' to 'Ecco the Dolphin'.

But unfortunately there are more lesser known titles than there are ones which players truly loved. For example, the likes of 'Cool Spot', 'Aladdin', 'Revenge of Shinobi' and 'California Games' are no where to be seen.

Pictured: 'Sonic The Hedghog 2'

The promise of 'now in HD' is clearly not fulfilled either. In fact playing the title on a 42inch TV screen displays more pixels than imaginable and almost causes a headache. And many fans will be disappointed that there is no online multiplayer leader boards to be involved in.

What does shine in this title is a reminder that there was a time when games were simple and players really had to work hard to achieve. There is none of this dominant 'Prince of Persia' feature where you are automatically bought back to life whenever you die to the exact same spot to try again.

In these games from yesteryear players really have got to earn their credits, continues and extra lives to avoid the inevitable 'Game Over' (if you are not using cheats that is).

Pictured: 'Streets of Rage'

One highly entertaining featured title is 'Altered Beast', which undoubtedly is a truly god awful game, yet it's amazing to play for that factor alone, but for no longer than 10 minutes.

Top five best featured titles

1. Golden Axe I
2. Streets of Rage
3. Phantasy Star II
4. Shining force
5. Sonic the Hedgehog I

The top five worst featured titles

1. Sonic Spinball
2. Altered Beast
3. Super Thunder Blade
4. Ecco The Dolphin
5. Columns

What's the score?

In terms of value, it's not bad as one or two of the featured titles can still earn a bob or two on eBay (A copy of 'Phantasy Star 2' for the Mega Drive sold for more than £30!) and if you're one of the people who fear the big wide gaming world of today, where you have a world to explore rather then part one of a level, act or zone, then you may well enjoy it.

There is plenty in here to keep gamers amused including extra trivia and unlockable features as you go, and of course earning lots of achievements and trophies. As a whole package, the game is a nicely polished collection that will trigger some happy gaming memories (hearing the music in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' taking you back to your youth being one of them).

But ultimately if you are under the age of 25, you may not fully appreciate what 'Sega Mega Drive: Ultimate Collection' has to offer.