As a technologically advanced handheld that rivaled the game Boy, the Sega Game Gear was a haven for spectacular 2D platformers. Though it failed commercially, the Game Gear amassed a stunning library of games that took advantage of its processing muscle, brilliant color graphics, and controls well-suited for platformers.
Let‘s rediscover 7 of the greatest platformers ever released on this underappreciated gem of a console.
#7 Mega Man
Part mash-up, part original entry, Mega Man showcased the Blue Bomber at his best on Game Gear. The gameplay sticks to the classic formula – run, shoot, and jump through stages to steal powers from robot masters. Graphics pop thanks to color use tying in to boss elements like Bubble Man‘s water theme.
Experts at GameSpot called it "a quality action game" offering a fun new challenge for fans. Adjustments like tighter enemy patterns amped up difficulty, but the core is peak Mega Man.
Mega Man enters the Game Gear battlefield. Credit: Capcom
#6 Tails Adventure
Sega took a gamble with this slow-paced, exploration-centric platformer starring Sonic‘s trusty sidekick. Instead of speed, levels encourage you to wander through environs and utilize tools like RC vehicles to uncover secrets and items. these are leveraged to access new areas or defeat enemies like the sword-wielding birds.
Critics adored how it deviated from Sonic norms, with Nintendo Life calling it "fresh and very entertaining." It remains an intriguing outlier among platformers.
Tails strikes out on his own. Credit: Sega
#5 Gunstar Heroes
This run-and-gun shoot ‘em up gave Game Gear owners a chance to enjoy Treasure‘s 1993 classic masterpiece. Choose a weapon like lightning or flamethrower and blast through inventive levels and freakish bosses. Weapons combine for added chaos, and two can play simultaneously.
Eurogamer dubbed it Treasure‘s "finest game", a frantic test of reflexes and memorization across stages fusing industrial, military, and alien vibes. Gunstar Heroes still awes today, on Game Gear or otherwise.
The heroes arrive on Game Gear. Credit: Sega
#4 Ristar
Ristar‘s debut proved underrated games could become beloved classics. Our peculiar hero, a grinning star, navigates planetoids using stretchable arms to grab objects, swing across gaps, and bash baddies. Grab enough stars and chests open, awarding bonuses like temporary invincibility.
While easier than its Genesis counterpart, Ristar on Game Gear shines via ingenious level themes and smooth animation as Ristar clings, pulls, and stretches through obstacles. Both challenging and charming, Ristar is a platformer of the highest caliber.
Ristar reaches for Game Gear greatness. Credit: Sega
#3 Shinobi II: The Silent Fury
Shinobi Joe Musashi‘s second Game Gear crusade bested the original with breakneck stages tuned for nonstop ninja action. Four heroes with unique moves stand ready, adding replayability. Conquer levels in any order, then access new areas once fellow ninjas with key talents like wall-crawling unlock.
Gaming publication Retro Gamer applauded the sequel‘s "faster gameplay and tighter level design than the first game." Pick a ninja, grab some shuriken, and witness Shinobi II‘s silent fury firsthand.
Shinobi prepares for his silent fury. Credit: Sega
#2 Sonic Triple Trouble
Sonic‘s second Game Gear exclusive expanded his handheld resume with a classic-feeling platformer sporting excellent sprite art. Added replay value comes from playing as Sonic or Tails, each boasting exclusive skills, across trap and robot-filled zones. Grab rings and enter special stages to nab chaos emeralds and unlock the best ending.
Reviewers praised how Triple Trouble excelled at recreating signature Sonic gameplay in portable form. Fan-pleasing additions like new foe Nack the Weasel boost the fun, proving Sonic was a perfect fit for Game Gear.
Sonic brings triple trouble. Credit: Sega
#1 Land of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
While Castle of Illusion popularized Mickey in games, this standalone quest surpassed its predecessor as a Game Gear platformer. Mickey journeys through 14 magical realms to retrieve a stolen crystal, whacking baddies with marbles or using a magic rope for added mobility. Item collection enables access to new areas and hidden triumphs in earlier levels.
Eurogamer‘s retro head Damien McFerran lauded how Land of Illusion achieved "an incredible amount of depth" thanks to quasi-RPG elements and Metroidvania-esque progression. For a game without marquee franchise ties, Land of Illusion remains the crowning Mickey Mouse platformer.
Mickey embarks on a handheld quest for crystal and country. Credit: Sega
Conclusion
While it failed to outshine the Game Boy commercially, the Game Gear boasted technical advantages that made it a superb vessel for brisk, vivid 2D platformers. As this list indicates, everything from Sonic to Shinobi saw stellar sequels or portable ports on Game Gear. And Sega wasn‘t afraid to take risks, blessing players with innovative original IP like Ristar.
For players and collectors, the Game Gear‘s platform fame means there are plenty of must-own titles to experience or acquire. Thanks to passionate retro gaming communities keeping buzz alive on hidden handheld gems, more fans continue uncovering acclaimed Game Gear platformers 20+ years later.
And with Sitting Bull releasing new reproduction Game Gear cartridges allowing you to play these classics on original hardware, there‘s never been a better time to revisit one of most platform-friendly consoles ever released.
Did I miss any stellar platformers in this list? Which Game Gear platformer do you have the fondest memories of? Let me know in the comments below!
