This is a review coupled with a supplemental video review. You can watch the video review above, or read the full review of the game below.
SEGA 3D Classics Collection
Developer: SEGA
Publisher: SEGA
Platform: 3DS (04/26/2016)
Players: 1-2
MSRP: $29.99
As someone who grew up with every game in this collection and had most of them, I tend to be more critical than most when it comes to porting retro games onto a new system. This is especially worrisome when you throw the term “3D” into the mix, but I have to say, I left the game pleasantly surprised.
(Editor’s note: You will not be able to see how well the images are done on a PC screen)
Obviously, this game has a heavy focus on 3D and to that end, SEGA made the right choice in redeveloping these games from the ground up with 3D in mind and it shows. It’s actually really cool to see these games done so well, as previous goes with 3D have not yielded the best results. In fact most the time I opt to play games with the 3D off, but in this case I was actually happy to play the game with 3D.
All 9 of the games in this collection have been painstakingly recreated, giving players familiar with the titles a nostalgic blast. People who never played these games before and want to get into retro gaming will be treated to sprite graphics that actually pop with vibrant colors and styles that indie retro games could only dream of achieving.
The variety is great to and encompasses almost every major art style from the early 80’s, which will be exciting for people who are just getting into that era of gaming.
When it comes down to gameplay, SEGA 3D Classics Collection has taken the time to improve and fine tune many of the games in its collection. While I love the feel of a SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive, SEGA Master System and the arcade, this release just plays better.
Titles in this collection include: Altered Beast (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive), Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa (Sega Master System), Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa (2008 Arcade Remake), Fantasy Zone: Opa-Opa Brothers (Sega Master System), Galaxy Force II (Arcade), Maze Hunter 3-D (Sega Master System), Power Drift (Arcade), Puyo Puyo 2 (Arcade), Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive), and Thunder Blade (Arcade).
One major thing to note, it’s not like these rebuilds mean they are remakes, and the source material is still the source material. Coming from this, the originals might not be for everyone.
SEGA went through some real work to smooth out the music and sound for this collection. Many might not know this but the pre SEGA CD systems left much to be desired when it came to sound effects and music. With the games being rebuilt from the ground up, its nice to see that they did not only focus on the visuals but the audio as well. This helps to round out the collection, putting it far and above any emulation.
Simply put this is a perfect set of rebuilds bundled together at an extremely affordable price, that will give you hours upon hours of entertainment. If you are a retro game fan, you could not really ask for more.
Visuals, sounds, and gameplay are perfect and lend themselves well to the 3DS in ways that many “ports” and eShop titles just plain fail at. I highly recommend this as a purchase instead of an eShop purchase if you are ever thinking of buying any of these titles.
SEGA 3D Classics Collection was reviewed on the Nintendo 3DS using a digital copy provided by Sega. You can find additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy here.
The Verdict: 8.5
The Good:
- An amazing remake for new and old fans.
- Shockingly good 3D.
- Great audio conversion.
- MOTHERFUCKING 3D ALTERED BEAST SON!
The Bad:
- SEGA marketing, why did I not hear about this before release.
