Music from Landstalker, Gunstar Heroes, Phantasy Star 2 & 4, Shining Force 2 and OutRun were some of my favorites. My childhood was blessed by Megadrive games and music.

I think the Genesis played a major part in me liking industrial music.

Ristar is my personal favorite. The music really showed off what the Genesis could sound like at the end of it's lifespan.

Something about the Genesis' grungy sound made me like it best. It brought out the best in developers / composers for the system.

The Streets of Rage 1 soundtrack defines the 16-bit era generation sound for me. I often play the game just to enjoy the Original soundtrack.

Writing a bad check to get a game early is hardcore! Some of my favorites: Streets of Rage 1 and 2, Revenge of Shinobi, Thunderforce 3, and Sonic 1.

Contra Hard corps is one of the best ost I heard from genesis.

The Sega Genesis sound chip, when used correctly, made some of the best video game music of all time.

I love the “sega sound”! There’s nothing else like it. Especially the bgm and sound on the phantasy star games. Phantasy star ii’s music is so meaningful and bittersweet to me for reasons I can’t really articulate fully. It’s almost like a kind of nostalgia for the civilization in the game world that’s about to collapse. There’s just something very special and moving about it. And Phantasy star iv, when the title screen music comes up over the SEGA logo, you know this is going to be some far out stuff 🙇‍♂️

I love that gritty sounding Genesis sound chip. Sword of Vermillion and Decap Attack are among my favorite OSTs for sure.

I'd consider Mortal Kombat to be my favorite example of great Genesis music. I feel that the developers came up with an incredible alternative to the arcade version's music that put the Genesis' audio capabilities to excellent use.

Shining Force 1 and 2, Rolling Thunder 2 and 3, Vapor Trail All amazing music

Rob Hubbard is a game soundtrack legend. He's from my home city of Hull and they had an orchestra perform some of his classics as a celebration of his career a few years ago.

Alisia Dragoon's opening/intro track is to me the single most memorable track of the Genesis era, I still listen to it regularly and it still gives me chills to this day. Phantasy Star II's into track is also super memorable and iconic.

Man, is incredible how you almost always have a personal story related to each game. It's probably my favourite thing about this channel, listening someone who actually lived and enjoyed SEGA's prime at its fullest. Now regarding soundtracks, my personal favourites are Sonic 3 and Streets of Rage 2.

Lol at the "bad check" story. You've lived a life, my friend.

Tiny Toon Adventures has one of my faves. Konami pulled off catchy videogame-friendly renditions of the songs that felt perfect to me. Solid game too.

Revenge of Shinobi and Streets of Rage 2 are hands down my favorite genesis soundtracks and favorite soundtracks ever

My personal favorites; 1. Streets of Rage 3 This soundtrack is hardcore and robotic in ways that are really unique even outside of the context of Genesis music. It has industrial techno and gabber vibes, but it still very much has its own personality. Almost every track sounds like a boss battle, it's relentless. This game's cold and abrasive tones perfectly fit the grittier, darker story about robotic duplicates and futuristic terrorism. 2. Bio-Hazard Battle This soundtrack is straight up haunting. You start out with ominous drums and eerie, dissonant chords on the title screen and first level before hearing the intense second level theme. There's repeated motifs here and there across the soundtrack, making the whole thing feel cohesive. The way the mood shifts from creepy to aggressive is like an action-horror movie. 3. Dynamite Headdy One of the most eccentric soundtracks on the system. It shifts from bouncy and goofy, to intense rock, and back to cheerful and calm. I can't not smile at how unserious this game's tone can be. 4. The ToeJam & Earl games These games are just pure funk. This is possibly my favorite usage of the GEMS driver. 5. The Vectorman games Vectorman's music is energetic, but not too aggressive. The futuristic trance vibe is something I can't imagine other consoles doing as well as it's done here.The options music from the first game is especially catchy.

Hearing you talking about your mom reminded me of my parents and how hard they have worked to take care of 3 kids, my dad saved so much to get us a game or another, damn it was so hard back then and still so good, my parents are everything to me and the Genesis my best childhood memories, just got a new Sega Mega Drive from Tectoy here in Brazil. Man how I miss the 80s and the 90s

Some personal favorites of my not listed here are Rocket Knight Adventures, Tiny Toon Adventures, and especially Crusader of Centy!

Listening to this video with a good pair of headphones is a must. The music on the Genesis is outstanding.

Thunder Force IV is my favourite game ever made. Masterpiece in every way. Sound efects, music, gameplay, grafics... Its incredible.. glad its in the list.

I'm partial to the SNES soundchip, but damn do I enjoy the funk and twang that the Genesis can put out.

I've always absolutely adored Castlevania: Bloodlines soundtrack. So amazing.

I have to give a shout out the the Phantasy Star games on the Genesis. Loved those sounds tracks!

For me one of my top genesis soundtrack is Outrun 2019 so underrated !!!!

China town from revenge of shinobi is just too damn good.

I am VERY surprised that MUSHA didn't even get an honorable mention.

The only TRUE Genesis debate is if SoR1 or SoR2 has the better music 😉

The BEST soundtracks from my youth! Love each tune from those games and I own the Batman and Streets of Rage 2 game soundtracks on my phone to listening every day. Thanks for the memories and the video!

Midnight Resistance! I gave an audible "HELL YEAH!" for that one!

Yuzo Koshiro is a goddamn legend

I love your content, your channel is great!!

Shout outs to Suncoast Motion Pictures. I used to get VHS anime videos there all the time back when everyone was calling it "Japanimation". Side shout outs to Babbage's too.

All Jesper Kyd stuff is of course amazing (The Adventures of Batman and Robin, Sub-terrania, Red Zone), and i would add Probotector, Zero Wing and Bio Hazard Battle.

This was an awesome list! THE ONLY thing missing from this was Gunstar Heroes.

Shopping for Genisis @ KB so many shared memories!! Love the content SLX, please keep the memories rolling!!

Gotta love Yamaha! Such a distinctive sound, you can tell within seconds that you're listening to a mega drive/genesis game

I LOVE the entire soundtrack of Dynamite Headdy, seriously there's like no bad song whatsoever in that game

Sonic 3 & Knuckles, best music

Vectorman had incredible music. Miss that game.

Valis III has one of my favorite soundtracks...it's definitely underrated...and the fact that you put Midnight Resistance on your list I was blown away ( I was like nobody is going to think about putting this on their favorite soundtrack list) you are the man!

Dude.... you just gave a shout out to your mother. Man... not of lot of yous around anymore. I do the same though. The memories of our parent (s) and what they've done is quite the rush when we think of the times they took us out, spent time with us, and gave us that love we needed. Dude.... Rock on, man.

As a composer, I have found myself listening to a lot of video game soundtracks over the years: especially 16-bit games and music for the Sega CD. In terms of the Genesis/Mega Drive, Yuzo Koshiro's work with Streets of Rage 2 is one of the best soundtracks because of the polished and balanced stereophonic mix of synthesized instruments. It's been 29 years since its release, and it still holds up. I would put the soundtrack to Rocket Knight Adventures as a close second because it is a game that is near and dear to my heart: especially due to the memorable music (like the first stage and boss levels). If you listen closely, most of the stage music function as variations on the music for the first stage.

ESWAT has such an underrated soundtrack. Game could really use a remake.

When comes to orchestal music, the SNES was the best. But the electronic soundtracks where better suitable for the Sega Genesis. In the right hands, the Genesis was capable of doing some very impressive stuff than no other console of the time can replicate.

Some amazing tunes I just discovered through this video. I was a Nintendo owner during my childhood so rarely experienced much the Mega Drive had to offer. I do hope you’ll consider doing your Top 10 SNES soundtracks in the future, and hoping UN Squadron gets a mention as it was the game that actually made me perk up for the first time and listen to the music on its own.

the Mega Turrican soundtrack is amazing. I love listening with earphones

The Adventures of Batman and Robin > Batman the Video Game. You're in Batman denial! 😂

Always loved Shining Force 2 music, especially after the first one... the leap in quality was greatly appreciated!

I absolutely love the content you make. One of the top video game channels on KZfaq IMO

If Japanese games were included, I'd add the first Puyo Puyo. It had only about 3 or 4 tracks, but they're impossible to get outta your head.

Thunder Force IV should be #1. It has the GOAT soundtrack.

Another great one, Sega Lord X. I was listening to this as I worked, and it easily got me in the zone. For my personal history, it was Sonic 1 and Streets of Rage 1. I love those soundtracks, and can pop them in at any time. Thanks for another great video!

Also, I finally found out what song you use at the end of most videos! Thanks!

Best music ever!! Love me some proper Genesis tunes!

Mega turrican I always forget how awesome that game is!!!

Tus videos me dan mucha nostalgia, los 90 fueron la mejor época de mi vida, y disfrutar mi infancia del sega Genesis fue de lo mejor.

How cool it is to see a Midnight Resistance mention, this is such an underrated game!

I love the sound of the genesis!

Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sun, while not my favorite it's a great and over looked soundtrack.

When I saw number 1, I instantly thought "man I hope he shows 'Moon Beach', because that track is what comes to mind when I remember this game" Fantastic picks.

SLX, I love your content, and I think my personal favorite parts are your personal anecdotes of life on the periphery of games, like that bit with your mother. You're a great content creator, man.

No wonder I love your channel. I graduated high school in 97. I figured we were almost the same age, but I guess I am a pipsqueak compared to you. 😂

X-men 2 clones wars always had good soundtrack no ones mentions

Streets of Rage 1 is also my #1 favorite Genesis soundtrack. Particularly Stage 4 "Keep the Groovin'" The music as whole resonates so well with contemporary house and electronic music of the late 80s and early 90s. The fact that I recognize so many influences to groups I already enjoy (Black Box, Soul II Soul, etc.) makes it that much more awesome.

My pick's: Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck Rock & Vectorman. I like how you kept the 4:3 aspect ratio in your video.

+ MUSHA ALESTE, THE IMMORTAL, THUNDER FORCE 3, HELLFIRE, and many more!

I prefer the Japanese produced tracks as well. Have you ever played Gaiares? Awesome soundtrack, highly recommended.

Rocket knight adventures is still an UFO to me everytime I listen to it. Really is a one of a kind. The more I discover the Mega drive / Genesis library, the more I'm impressed by its soundtracks.

Thank you for sharing your top 10 best ost on the genesis :) I really enjoyed the reason and story behind your choices. My number 1 is out of Dynamite Headdy, Animaniacs and Ristar. Animaniacs is probably number 1 because it the only full price game I got for my birthday present from my mother (RIP). The music is very similar to the cartoon music of the 90s. Other great osts: Castle of Illusion, Stryder, Atomic Runner.

ps I totally agree, the Gen/MD sound chip had a broad range of quality. compared to the SNES it could make some really really awful sound tracks as well as much superior clearer sounding ones.

I do a very immature chant like gesture when the seeeeeeegggaaaaaa intro comes on. Each and every time. Keep up the good work

There's absolutely nothing like the Shinobi III soundtrack. Top Jazz Fusion, complex and melodic at the same time.It's not even about "taste" but knowing that the composers have got a solid Jazz Fusion background, which was successfully applied on the music...

Sega Lord, I have to say, even though I still have my Genesis sitting on my shelf waiting for me to turn on, your videos still truly give me a sense of nostalgia like no other and I can totally relate to alot of your past experiences and some of mine were a bit similar in some way. I even feel inspired to make some videos of my own sharing my experiences with the genesis. I love your channel so damn much I'm willing to offer you a donation. Do you have a Patreon or something we can donate to? I don't have much, but the quality and hardwork you put into your video deserves compensation.

To be honest, there are not that many games that didn't have a great soundtrack one way or another. Listing them all would be like listing almost all games ever made for the system.

One of the most brilliant soundtracks for Genesis is Shining Force II. If you don't know it, check it out. Another really brilliant one is Ristar. Great list, but I was hoping to at least see Shining Force II. Really incredible one.

Such a solid list! That FM chip just has so much damn drive. And I love that you were so candid with your choices. A ton of Genesis game soundtracks influenced what I would go on to do with my own music so it's awesome to hear someone else's list and see what other people in the comments had for their own choices. My top Genesis soundtracks are definitely: Outrun 2019 (a.k.a. Junker's Run), Contra: Hard Corps, Dinosaurs For Hire, Jurassic Park, Streets of Rage 2, X-Men, Sonic 2, Revenge of Shinobi

The quality of your videos has really taken off. I’m always so happy when I see a new video from you in my feed! Great job. Greetings from Malta

Some of my personal favorites are Splatterhouse 2, Earthworm Jim, The Ooze, Sonic 3&K, Mega Man - The Wily Wars, and Contra Hard Corps., but I absolutely cannot disagree with any of your picks. In my opinion, when used properly, the Genesis could sing better tunes than a lot of SNES games. Its just unfortunate that many developers were too lazy to learn how to properly compose for the hardware, so it now has a reputation in the retro community for having crappy music

Best soundtrack Games: Herzog Zwei, Ranger X, Contra HC, Thunder Force IV, Street of Rage 2, Sub-Terrania, GunStars Heroes, Splatterhouse 3, Comix Zone, Castlevania Bloodlines, Phantasy Star 4, Shinning Force 2, Beyond Oasis, Mega Turrican, Alien Soldier, *Paprium (New Game 2020). *** TRUE BEST: Adventure Batman and Robin!

This channel is amazing man. I love hearing about your memories and experience with these great games.

Thanks for sharing this as many of the games mentioned here weren’t ones that I had ever got to play. Some of my own favorite Genesis soundtracks (besides a few that you had already mentioned) include those from Comix Zone, Wolfchild, and Viewpoint. If you haven’t already, I implore you to give these a listen as I think they still hold up pretty well even today.

I'd say shining force used the genesis in ways the SNES was unable to. As a SNES JRPG fan I would say that shining force (the games and sound track) were the only things that made me super jealous

just gonna throw out Gauntlet IV, Phantasy star IV, Shining Force 2 and whatever @LegendofRenegade makes

The soundtrack specifies "Dance of Flame" from "Elemental Master" is a giant hyper bass monster hidden in the sound of the Sega Genesis. Wonderful.

Haven't played in most of these, but your selection is so awesome!!! The most importantly your passion for this 16bit marvel clearly show here, which is why I Subscribed. Awesome work.

No Elemental Master mentions? C'mon man...

Comix Zone has the best soundtrack on the Genesis

Izayoi from Super Shinobi 2 aka Shinobi 3 is also truly a beautiful piece of music!

Castlevania: Bloodlines might be my favorite, but Elemental Master is definitely an underrated gem worth checking out.

What about MUSHA? Best Genesis sound track ever.

There are a few composers that created some fantastic tunes on the MD/Genesis...but for the most part I hated the Genesis sound chip. Likely an issue with my own hearing, but most Genesis music was ear-screeching to me. Synth and me never got along, and it was the songs that sounded less synth-y that were tolerable to me.

If I had to absolutely pick a favorite, it's for sure Rocket Knight Adventures. Absolutely fantastic soundtrack with an unbelievable amount of variety. Even had a few songs that could sync up with the stage if you were playing it right. Well RKA in general is an extremely amazing game too. Sparkster also comes up when I talk about favorites, not as good as RKA's soundtrack, but still excellent. I liked your selection and the personal attachments to the games as well. Seeing what you picked at number 1 was no surprise given your last video on it.

The musics of Sonic 3 and Earthworm Jim are among my favorites.

You should do top 10 worst genesis soundtracks

I think that the mega drive has a much more crisp sound on the super Nintendo which often sounds flat I don’t care if it play samples it just does not sound as good in a lot of cases

Your #1 is my personal favorite. Hearing that Streets of Rage music makes the hair on my neck stand straight up. Great video 👍

Ecco Tides of Time is one of my favorite soundtracks. Good call there.