The Ultimate Sega Collection: Unveiling the Greatest Series of All Time

Sega stands as a globally recognized gaming company, renowned for its extensive repertoire of titles that has provided endless inspiration, amusement, and relaxation for countless individuals over several decades. Amidst its vast creative endeavors, few have achieved the same level of success as Sega's highly acclaimed franchises.

Ranging from side-scrolling platformers featuring speedy blue hedgehogs to turn-based RPGs centered around combating injustice, Sega's premier series excel by harnessing the distinct qualities of their respective genres. These captivating experiences offer players innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and distinctive challenges. Despite the absence of recent additions to certain fan-favorite franchises, their enduring popularity continues to thrive due to their influential impact and unyielding creativity.

8 Jet Set Radio

In Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future, players assume the role of the GGs, a group of graffiti artists on roller skates, as they tag the streets of Tokyo-to. The gameplay involves engaging in turf wars with rival gangs, evading the police, and creating art through spray-painting in a stylish manner. The Jet Set Radio games are highly memorable due to their distinctive aesthetic and unmatched soundtrack.

However, it's important to note that the series is not just about style; it also requires skill and commitment. Players must demonstrate their proficiency in grinding rails, competing against rival gangs, and traversing billboards, making the Jet Set Radio games widely regarded as one of the greatest platformer series of all time.

7 Crazy Taxi

The main objective in Crazy Taxi is to swiftly transport passengers to their desired locations. Prioritizing speed, this arcade game series even incentivizes players for utilizing ramps, executing tricks, and taking daring maneuvers.

Thanks to its straightforward controls, carefree vibe, and renowned soundtrack featuring tracks by The Offspring and Bad Religion, Crazy Taxi is widely regarded as one of the most distinct arcade racing games globally. Its popularity in arcades also led to its availability on consoles, allowing fans to indulge in the exhilarating racing experience from the comfort of their homes.

6 Phantasy Star

Phantasy Star is a captivating sci-fi/fantasy series that involves turn-based gameplay. Players are tasked with protecting the Algol Solar System from the clutches of evil, battling against injustice, destruction, and the formidable Dark Falz. By embarking on quests and working towards restoring peace, players have the opportunity to explore the captivating star system. Along the way, they encounter a diverse array of intriguing characters, each with an unwavering determination to survive.

While Phantasy Star initially followed a traditional role-playing game format with four mainline installments and a few sequels, its latest entries have transitioned into welcoming MMORPGs. These new additions seamlessly cater to both new players and longtime fans of the series.

5 Shenmue

Following the journey of Ryo Hazuki, a martial artist in his teenage years, the Shenmue series revolves around his relentless pursuit of vengeance for his father's murder. Along the way, as he seeks justice, the enigmatic elements of the world slowly unravel, injecting an intricate depth and captivating inquisitiveness into his quest.

Despite initially failing commercially, Shenmue has achieved acclaim for its diverse gameplay, realistic open world, and gripping narrative. It endured as a cult classic until the subsequent releases of its sequels brought well-deserved acknowledgment to the series.

4 Super Monkey Ball

Assisting AiAi and the rest of the Super Monkey Ball characters as they navigate treacherous platforms and gather bundles of bananas, players can manipulate the map's rotation to manipulate gravity and speed, propelling the monkeys towards their objectives.

Despite the straightforward concept and user-friendly instructions of the Super Monkey Ball series, the maps progressively escalate in difficulty as players venture into new territories. Thanks to its charming artwork and deceptively simple gameplay, the series not only ranks among Sega's finest, but also presents a formidable challenge.

3 Yakuza/Like A Dragon

The Yakuza series, also known as the Like a Dragon series, predominantly centers around Kiryu Kazuma, a determined individual with a strong sense of righteousness and affiliations with the Yakuza clans in the bustling Kamurocho nightlife district.

Although the Yakuza games explore numerous serious moments, themes, and underlying meanings, the series effectively employs humor and enjoyment to counterbalance its darker atmosphere in a truly distinctive, captivating, and charismatic manner. For example, the franchise's comprehensive collection of minigames allows players to witness their beloved characters momentarily escape the street violence through activities such as singing karaoke, racing model cars, and dancing.

2 Persona

The Persona games have gained worldwide recognition for their unforgettable characters, inventive gameplay, and thought-provoking themes of destiny and ethics. They have become some of the most popular contemporary JRPGs, outshining even their parent series, Shin Megami Tensei.

Each installment of the Persona series follows a young, silent protagonist as they embark on a journey to unravel the mysterious events happening around them, all while striving for individual autonomy and a more peaceful world. With its remarkable ingenuity and distinct visual style, the Persona series continues to triumph, establishing itself as one of Sega's greatest franchises ever.

1 Sonic The Hedgehog

Sega's most famous series requires no introduction. For many, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is closely associated with the company's name, serving as both its mascot and most popular series.

Although the quality of the Sonic the Hedgehog games can be inconsistent, Sonic's fast-paced platforming adventures have garnered a loyal fan base that appreciates its charming characters, energetic soundtracks, and creatively designed levels. The series' success in other forms of media further demonstrates its enduring popularity among Sega fans.