Sega 3D Classics Collection

A collection of classic Sega games, this compilation has nine iconic titles from the '80s and '90s that were originally made for arcades and Sega's mid-'80s console the Sega Master System. Not surprisingly, it's a mixed bag, in more ways than one. While a bunch of these games are side-scrolling shooters, this collection also includes the Tetris-esque puzzle game Puyo Puyo 2, the Pole Position-y racing game Power Drift, and the side-scrolling beat-'em-up Altered Beast. And let's not forget how Sonic the Hedgehog has you endlessly running through an obstacle course. But while all the games are spot-on recreations of the originals, not all have aged so well. Puyo Puyo 2 is only fun if you like your puzzler games to be time-driven and cutesy, Power Drift seems quaint next to such more evolved but similar races as Mario Kart 7, and Maze Walker is rather dull.

On the flip side, Thunder Blade is still a fun shooter, especially in how it switches from an aerial perspective to more of a 3-D one; Galaxy Force II will challenge your ability to fly and shoot lasers at the same time; while the two Fantasy Zone II games are engaging if you've ever wondered what Defender would be like if its art director previously made Super Mario Bros. Of course, being such old games, some will find them to be too retro, too simple, or visually dated, while younger games might find them rather difficult. Also, the 3DS' 3-D effect works better in the games that aren't inherently 2-D. But if appreciate old games, there's undoubtedly a bunch of fun to be found in this compilation.