SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection
This takes ages.
In-game the emulation is good rather than great; better than some of Backbone's previous Mega Drive output, but far worse than the Japanese-only (and far more expensive) SEGA Ages releases. Many fans will be disappointed that there is no online multiplay, but thinking about the logistics of implementing such a feature, and the number of players who would likely want to take advantage of it, we don't think it's an unreasonable omission. However, the lack of any leaderboards is harder to swallow, as this feature would have added some useful longevity to the package.
One of the most compelling reasons for making it through every game included on the disc (including the terrible duds, such as Alex Kidd and Altered Beast) are the Trophies and Achievements on offer. Almost all of the games have their own bespoke Achievement, which is, in the main, by no means tricky. Sometimes you'll be required to pass a certain score threshold on the first level of a game, or to make it through a level section without dying. While some gamers would no doubt have relished more challenging goals, the fact that they are so attainable will count as a positive for the majority. In those older titles in particular, a meta-challenge is welcome, adding a much-needed layer of complexity and focus to the straightforward in-game goals.
The game's bonuses are broad if not particularly deep. There's a short description of each game, and high-resolution image of its (American) box art and a number of rare but pedestrian Japanese developer interviews. The inclusion of some arcade game unlocks such as Shinobi, Space Harrier and Fantasy Zone are welcome but the overwhelming feeling is one of quantity over quality of execution. Indeed, viewed ungenerously, it's a collection just one or two steps up from the bumper game compilations you might find in a garage bargain bin for a few pounds.
For many players this will be more than enough: the chance to buy and play a large chunk of the Mega Drive library for a fraction of what it would cost on eBay (the Phantasy Star and Shining Force games alone still fetch top prices) or, indeed, on XBLA. But for the Mega Drive aficionado hoping for a Criterion Collection-style presentation of the system's highlights, Mega Drive Ultimate Collection will no doubt be a grave disappointment.
It is, by definition, trying to serve both two audiences: the casual fan who wants low price and high content, and the hardcore enthusiast, who wants polish, precision and concentrated fan service. It serves the former group very well, but the latter group less so. As a cheap and cheerful overview of many of the system's treasures it offers far better value for money than the download services, each title costing well under a pound. But it lacks the reverence and polish that would make it essential buying for the SEGA devotee. Perhaps, though, this is the best we can ask for while we still have 'retrogames'.